FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The University of Saint Francis congratulates its 2023 valedictorians and is pleased to announce this year’s honorary degree recipient.
Joseph Caffee, Isaiah Lacey, Emma Mantica, Daniel McKeeman and Timothy Tippmann will be honored as valedictorians, and Anne Koehl will receive an honorary degree at the 2023 Commencement on Saturday, May 6 at 2 p.m. at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
The outstanding valedictorians achieved academic excellence and exemplified the university’s mission and values. USF also honors them for exceptional character, leadership and service beyond the classroom.
Valedictorians
Joseph R. Caffee
Caffee is earning a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology. While at USF, Caffee managed the Hutzell Fitness Center and was a student tutor for five subjects including Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology and Biology. He also played for the USF esports Super Smash Bros. team. He works as a personal trainer for Catalyst Fitness and plans to pursue further education later in life. Caffee is the son of Todd and Caryn Caffee and was home schooled prior to attending USF.
Isaiah B. Lacey
Lacey is earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems. While at USF, Lacey played football, was an ROTC Cadet, was an Indiana National Guard soldier and held internships at Do it Best World Headquarters, Medical Protective Group and USF. He is currently seeking jobs in and around the Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky, areas as he accepted a position as a Cyber Warfare Officer in the Kentucky National Guard. Lacey is the son of Derrick and Shannon Lacey and a graduate of Indian Creek High School.
Emma Mantica
Mantica is a dual degree recipient, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology and an Associate of Science in Chemistry Pre-Pharmacy, with a minor in Chemistry and completion of the John Duns Scotus Honors program. While at USF, Mantica worked as an anatomy lab assistant, a simulation lab assistant and a pathophysiology tutor. She also volunteered at Matthew 25 Health and Dental Clinic. She will begin the Doctor of Pharmacy Program at Manchester University this fall. Mantica is the daughter of Peter and Shannon Mantica and a graduate of Homestead High School.
Daniel W. McKeeman
McKeeman is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a minor in the Experiential Program with Integrated Cooperatives (EPIC). While at USF, McKeeman played on the men’s basketball team, participated in internships for multiple companies and served as a member of the Student Athlete Leadership Team. He plans to pursue his Certified Financial Planner designation and become a Financial Advisor in the Fort Wayne area. McKeeman is the son of Dave and Marcia McKeeman and a graduate of Carroll High School.
Timothy J. Tippmann
Tippmann is earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology Pre-Medicine and an Associate of Science in Chemistry Pre-Pharmacy with a minor in Psychology. While at USF, Tippmann conducted research on Biofilms, volunteered at Matthew 25 Health and Dental Clinic and shadowed physicians. He is on the waiting list and anticipating interview invitations from medical schools; he is currently working in medical device sales in orthopedics. Tippmann is the son of Tim and Natalie Tippmann and a graduate of Bishop Dwenger High School.
Honorary Degree Recipient
Anne Marie Koehl
Koehl graduated from the St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in 1974 (prior to the program coming under the direction of USF). Knowing the important work of the Women’s Care Center in South Bend, Indiana, Anne worked to open a center in Fort Wayne and has served as director for the last 20 years. There are now three centers in Fort Wayne that help local mothers choose healthy pregnancies, bringing life to over 16,000 infants since the center’s opening in 2004.
For more information on USF’s 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 and the College of Arts, Sciences and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, USF designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. USF Downtown houses the music technology program 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 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend USF.