USF spring commencement set for May 9

JOLIET — The University of St. Francis will confer degrees to more than 440 students from 24 different states in two ceremonies on Saturday, May 9.
USF President Michael Vinciguerra will present 169 master’s degrees and 275 bachelor’s degrees in ceremonies held on campus in the Recreation Center.
State Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) and Will County Executive Larry Walsh will be the commencement speakers.
Wilhelmi will address the graduate students in the morning ceremony and Walsh will speak to the undergraduates in the afternoon.
Wilhelmi was first appointed to represent the 43rd District, which includes Joliet and other communities in northwestern Will County, in 2005. He then was elected in 2006. He serves as the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and vice-chairman of the Agriculture & Conservation Committee.
Wilhelmi has a breadth of local community service experience in housing, economic development and education. An attorney, he works as a senior healthcare consultant for the Murer Group.
Walsh has served as Will County Executive since December 2004 and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the county.  In nearly 40 years of public service, he has served as an Elwood School board member, Jackson Township Supervisor, Will County Board member and Illinois State Senator for the 43rd District.
Walsh is a member of several Will County development boards, chambers of commerce and service organizations.