JOLIET – On Nov. 12, 2016 the University of St. Francis (USF) in Joliet, Ill. honored six talented alumni for their professional achievements. Nominations were received from family members, coworkers, fellow alumni and others who could testify to the nominees’ achievements.

The recipients were selected by the association’s executive board of directors, based on outstanding professional and personal successes as well as involvement in civic, cultural or charitable activities.

The most prestigious award, the Presidential Award, is awarded by the university president. In addition, one alumnus from each of the university’s four colleges is honored each year, highlighting the diverse disciplines of a comprehensive university.

2016 Presidential Award Winner: Jessica (Saraga) ‘05 & Brendan Walsh ’05 (Joliet)

Brendan and Jessica (Saraga) Walsh both graduated from the University of St. Francis with degrees in mass communication. Brendan concentrated on broadcasting and Jessica in media arts and advertising/public relations. Each were very involved in clubs, helping to launch Exploring Joliet and The Encounter online, respectively.

After graduation Brendan began working in the Chicago film industry, working on several movies and TV shows that would air on channels such as CNBC, A&E, and Discovery. In 2006 he decided to open his own video production company, Great Lakes Media.

Jessica began her career in community journalism after graduating, working her way up to managing editor for nine weekly Chicago newspapers and working part time for Great Lakes Media. In 2010 Jessica decided to work full time for Great Lakes.

At USF the Walshes are known for their work producing, filming and editing video for many university departments. Their work also includes several productions in the Chicagoland area.

Their love for the natural world led them to the creation of “Making Waves: Battle for the Great Lakes.” This two-hour series about aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes premiered on PBS throughout Illinois, New York and Michigan. Chicago news legend Bill Kurtis narrated the documentary while the couple wrote, edit and produced the film.

The Walshes plan to continue to pursue their passion and to educate, engage and inspire people to meet the environmental challenges of the day.

2016 College of Arts & Sciences Alumni Award: Robert Zak ’83 (Plainfield)

Robert Zak aspired to be in radio from an early age. After graduating from JJC and USF with degrees in journalism and communications, Zak began his career in radio as a news writer and gradually worked his way up to morning drive host.

He worked with a host of radio stations in the 80s and 90s in the Chicagoland area, including 98.3 WCCQ, WCFL, WCKG and WYSY. Zak also returned to teach broadcasting at USF and helped to launch the very popular Spirit of Christmas radio program that is still played today.

In the new millennium Zak has a dual career in radio and marketing. He leads marketing efforts for a group of clients and hosts a nightly classic radio show on WERV-The River, for the last 13 years.

In his free time Zak dedicates his talent to numerous organizations such as Big Brothers, Easter Seals, Groundwork, American Legion, the Rialto Square Theatre and many more. Zak enjoys playing drums in his oldies and classic rock bands and still loves to be behind the microphone after 30-plus years.

2016 College of Business & Health Administration: Lisa Nichols ’07, ’09 (Pell City, Alabama)

For the last 27 years, Lisa Nichols has worked in health care in a variety of rolls. She has her bachelor's and master's degrees in health care administration, both from USF. Nichols has worked as a certified nurse assistant, licensed practical nurse, registered nurse charge nurse, manager and administrative director.

She is currently the administrator of St. Vincent’s St. Clair Hospital in Pell City, Alabama. As a community leader, Nichols makes time for various fundraising events such as the Heart Walk, Light the Night, and guest speaking for the mayor’s breakfast and Chamber of Commerce.

Nichols enjoys spending time with her family and enjoys outdoor activities such as kayaking, waterskiing and spending time on the beach.

2016 College of Education Alumni Award: Suzanne Knoelk ’05, ’10 (New Lenox)

After earning her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from USF in 2005, Suzanne Knoelk entered the New Lenox school district to begin her career in education. Shortly after, she realized she had a burning desire to help students who have Dyslexia and returned to USF to obtain her master’s degree in reading, and achieved her goal in 2010.

Knoelk became a certified Orton Gillingham tutor and nationally-certified academic language therapy practitioner. Knoelk has also developed two courses on dyslexia and multi-sensory structured language education, which are taught at USF through the Regional Educational Academy for Leadership (REAL) office.

In addition, Knoelk serves on an academic accreditation review team, offers courses for teachers in the school district, presents at literacy conferences and speaks at parent support groups.

Knoelk also serves as president of the Education Alumni Network and has turned the group into a thriving alumni group that provides support and professional development for educators.

2016 Leach College of Nursing Alumni Award: Sheri (Peterson) Pieroni ’08 (Joliet)

Sheri (Peterson) Pieroni graduated with her bachelor's in 2008 and immediately began her nursing career in the intensive care unit at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center. Pieroni remained in the ICU for six years, honing her critical thinking skills and her ability to act quickly and decisively when lives were at stake.

In 2014, Pierson accepted a position as a vascular access nurse specialist. Pieroni specializes in using central venous catheters (CVC) to provide patients their medication safely while critically ill. Pieroni is the fourth nurse in the state to use this technology and Presence St. Joseph is the first hospital that has a nurse-driven program of this nature.

Pieroni is board certified in vascular access and contributed to writing the national certification exam. She has also traveled around the country to train providers how to insert ultrasound guided CVCs. When she is not working, Pieroni and her family spend time outdoors and play sports together.