FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The University of Saint Francis congratulates its 2022 valedictorians and is pleased to announce this year’s honorary degree recipient.
Rachel Anker, Victoria Fisher and Regan Peppler will be honored as valedictorians and Antoinette “Toni” Murray will receive an honorary degree at the 2022 Commencement at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
Photos: Rachel Anker; Victoria Fisher; Regan Peppler; Toni Murray
The outstanding valedictorians achieved academic excellence and exemplified the university’s mission and values. They are also recognized for exceptional character, leadership and service beyond the classroom:
Rachel Anker graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Arts in History. She is the daughter of Thom and Sherry Anker. While achieving academic excellence at USF, Anker served as a mentor in the education program. She teaches for Fort Wayne Community Schools. Anker, of Fort Wayne, graduated from Norwell High School.
Victoria Fisher graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in History. She is the daughter of Jason and Andrea Fisher. While achieving academic excellence at USF, Fisher worked full time at Nolts Marketplace and volunteered her time coaching basketball and high school softball. She teaches third grade at Most Precious Blood Catholic School. Fisher, of Leo, graduated from Bishop Dwenger High School.
Regan Peppler graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Bachelor of Arts in History, with a minor in Special Needs. She is the daughter of Gordy and Jamie Peppler. While achieving academic excellence at USF, Peppler was a member of the USF softball team and founded the USF’s Women’s Empowerment Club. She plans to become an elementary teacher in Fort Wayne. Peppler, of Angola, graduated from Angola High School.
USF is also pleased to award an honorary degree to alumna and longtime supporter Antoinette “Toni” Murray.
Murray earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from then-Saint Francis College. She has been a faithful supporter, including making significant contribution to the science building expansion, creating multiple scholarships, funding an education lab for teacher candidates, and sponsoring USF theatrical performances, in addition to giving time and resources to many other endeavors on campus.
For more information on USF Commencement, 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, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 18 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships. Approximately 2,200 students from a broad geographic region attend USF.