FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The University of Saint Francis will honor outstanding alumni and honorary alumni during its Alumni Awards Celebration.
The public is invited to the free event, which will be held on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. in the San Damiano Hall auditorium (formerly North Campus auditorium), 2702 Spring Street.
The award recipients are:
Distinguished Alumna Award: Dr. Brooke Chambers (BS ’14), honored posthumously
After earning a biology degree at Saint Francis, Dr. Brooke Chambers pursued her doctorate in biological sciences at the University of Notre Dame, establishing herself as an accomplished scientist in the fields of genetics and kidney biology. Her research resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications and continues to contribute to scientific understanding today. She took her scientific expertise to Stryker, where she quickly became recognized as a high-performing medical affairs professional. Those who knew her remember her kindness and how much she invested in others, making them feel valued and encouraged.
Distinguished Young Alumna Award: Tyra Grischke (BA ’22)
Tyra Grischke is a medical student at Indiana University School of Medicine and currently applying to pediatric residency programs. Throughout medical school, Tyra has combined leadership, research and service in pursuit of improving the lives of children and families. She has served in student leadership roles at the local and regional levels, mentors learners from high school through medical school, and volunteers as a grief facilitator at Erin’s House for Grieving Children.
Distinguished Service Award: Dr. Jeanne Zehr (BSE ’75)
As Director of Feuerstein Programs of North America, Dr. Jeanne Zehr is the first American appointed to this prestigious position for a large nonprofit in Israel, The Feuerstein Institute. She serves as an international trainer to schools and organizations in the Feuerstein method, a cognitive skills program. Dr. Zehr served public schools for 35 years in classroom and administrative roles. She serves on two nonprofit boards: Genesis Outreach for Housing and Jennifer’s Harbor (victims of domestic violence).
Distinguished Honorary Alumnus Award: Richard Poinsatte
Richard Poinsatte was appointed Steel Dynamics Senior Vice President and Treasurer in October 2023 and is responsible for the areas of treasury, legal, business development and risk. He has been with Steel Dynamics for more than 15 years, serving in various roles. He is the chairman of the Saint Francis Board of Trustees and has been involved on boards and committees on various nonprofit organizations during his professional career.
Cougar Spirit Award: Jim Breiner (BA ’74) and Nancy Breiner (BA ’63)
Jim Breiner spent many years as a computer programmer with Lincoln Life and later worked for CMI in Wabash, Indiana. After his programming career, he built a workshop and dedicated many hours to constructing large playhouses and entertainment centers, in addition to helping with his family’s farm.
Nancy Breiner spent most of a 30-year teaching career at Northfield Jr.-Sr. High School and later taught as an adjunct at Indiana Institute of Technology. Since retirement, she has served on the Huntington County Foundation Board of Directors and has participated in numerous foundation committees.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. The academic structure at Saint Francis offers seven pathways: Humanities, Faith and Liberal Arts; Allied Health; Business and Leadership; Creative Arts and Digital Media; Education, Human Services and Community Care; Nursing; and Sciences and Medical Studies. In addition to its traditional programs, Saint Francis delivers workforce development healthcare programs in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Gas City, Indianapolis, Lafayette and online. Saint Francis Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. A National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Five-Star Champion of Character institution, Saint Francis has 17 athletic programs boasting three individual and four team NAIA national championships. More than 2,100 students from a broad geographic region attend Saint Francis.