FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The University of Saint Francis is proud to announce the Class of 2021 valedictorian and salutatorians. All nine students finished with 4.0 GPAs in earning baccalaureate degrees. These outstanding students achieved academic excellence and exemplify the university’s mission and values, with the valedictorian recognized for exceptional character, leadership and service beyond the classroom.
2021 Valedictorian
Tommi Andersen of Convoy, Ohio is a May 2021 graduate earning a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physician Assistant Studies with a minor in psychology. She pursued her degree as part of the dual acceptance program, which guaranteed her a spot in the USF Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program. She will begin the master’s program in May.
2021 Salutatorians
Nathan Conder of Goshen, Indiana earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in cognitive neuroscience and criminal justice in December 2020. He intends to continue studies at Belmont University College of Law and aspires to become an attorney.
Bridget Eichman of Fort Wayne earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration along with the Experiential Program with Integrated Cooperatives (EPIC) in December 2020. She is employed as an associate underwriter for MedPro Group, Inc.
Rita Eichman of Fort Wayne earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration along with the Experiential Program with Integrated Cooperatives (EPIC) in December 2020. She is employed as a special risks associate underwriter for MedPro Group, Inc.
Austin Fisher of Fort Wayne is a May 2021 graduate earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in biology. He will pursue graduate education at IUPUI for the degree of Master of Science in Applied Statistics.
Clista Hellwarth of Celina, Ohio is a May 2021 graduate earning a Bachelor of Science in Education in elementary education with a minor in health. She plans to become a teacher.
Bailey Matthias of Fairport, New York is a May 2021 graduate earning a Bachelor of Science in Education in elementary education with a concentration in mild intervention and a minor in applied mathematics. She has also completed the John Dun Scotus Honors program. She plans to become a teacher.
Samantha Rohloff of Fort Wayne earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in theology in December 2020. She writes for a local newspaper, does contract work as a copy editor and has started writing a few books with the goal to become a published author.
Jordan Wells of Woodburn, Indiana is a May 2021 graduate earning a Bachelor of Arts in English with an education minor. She has also completed the John Duns Scotus Honors Program. She is currently enrolled in a graduate level teaching licensure program.
The 2021 USF Commencement will be held at 2 p.m. on May 1 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 400 Parnell Ave. A Baccalaureate Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. on May 1 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 1122 S. Clinton St.
For more information, contact Trina Herber, Coordinator for Academic Affairs, at 260-399-7700, ext. 6000 or therber@sf.edu.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences, College of Arts, Sciences, and Business and College of Adult and Distance Education. In addition to its traditional programs, USF designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. USF Downtown houses the university’s business and music technology programs while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The University of Saint Francis campus experience includes 18 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships and is recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution. Approximately 2,200 students from a broad geographic region attend USF.