USF Honors Alumni at Distinguished Alumni Awards Program

The University of St. Francis (USF) honored five outstanding alumni through the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards program in San Damiano Hall on Saturday, September 28, as part of the University’s 2024 homecoming festivities. Five awards were presented to USF alumni, including the Presidential Alumni Award, the most prestigious of the Distinguished Alumni Awards, and one award from each of the university’s four colleges in highlight of the diverse disciplines of a comprehensive university.

The 2024 USF Distinguished Alumni Award winners include: Presidential Alumni Award – Diane Habiger ‘77; College of Arts and Science Alumni Award – Charles Szoke ‘78; College of Education Alumni Award – Dr. John Greenan ’02, ’05, ‘18; and Leach College of Nursing Alumni Award – Cherlonda Howard ‘19.

Cherlonda Howard –Photo submitted.

Cherlonda Howard was born in Harvey and raised in University Park. From an early age, she had a deep passion for health care, driven by her desire to serve others and make a meaningful difference in her community. Guided by her faith, a cornerstone in her life, she pursued her undergraduate studies at Northern Illinois University (NIU) in Community Health, emphasizing health promotion. Her dedication was recognized when she was named NIU’s Outstanding Women Student in 2003.

Howard began her professional journey as an IT project manager for Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she mentored underserved high school graduates through the IC Stars program. This initiative aimed to empower talented graduates who couldn’t afford college by providing them with opportunities for career advancement. Despite her success in this role, Howard felt a calling toward nursing and serving people directly. She returned to school in 2012, earning her nursing degree from Prairie State College in 2014. She began her nursing career at Little Company of Mary on the Neuro and Stroke floor, earning the Daisy Nursing Award in 2014, 2015, and 2016.

In 2016, Howard decided to advance her career by enrolling in USF’s Nurse Practitioner program. However, just four months before completing the program, she suffered the heartbreaking loss of her mother – her biggest supporter and best friend. Despite this devastating blow, she remained steadfast in her commitment to her studies, honoring the promise she made to her mother and graduated in 2019 as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

She began her career as a Nurse Practitioner at Advocate Aurora Health Care in 2019 in the Immediate Care Clinic. She also started her DNP at USF but paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a front-line health care provider during this challenging time, Howard demonstrated unwavering resilience and commitment to her patients, later transitioning to Family Practice in 2021. In the summers, she volunteers at Advocate Wrigley First Aid.

Howard’s passion for teaching led her to start tutoring nursing students at her alma mater, Prairie State College, in 2021. She had the privilege of helping two nursing classes graduate and enter the profession. Additionally, she mentored Nurse Practitioner students from the University of St. Francis and was honored to celebrate their graduation in 2024.

Currently, Howard works full-time as a Family Nurse Practitioner as she completes her certification in obesity medicine. She is launching her Medical Weight Management Clinic with Advocate South Holland this month. She also serves on the Local Practice Management Committee (LPMC) with Advocate, where she collaborates on initiatives to improve safety, health outcomes, patient experience, and provider engagement.

Howard is dedicated to giving back. She volunteers by offering free physical exams and school supplies for her community. She is active in Advocate Aurora Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). She plays a vital role in the Advocate Gives campaign, which focuses on improving access to primary care, behavioral health, community safety, housing, food security, and workforce development.

Cherlonda aspires to finish what she started in 2019 by returning to the University of St. Francis and completing her Doctoral Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Cherlonda is married to her supportive husband, Gerry Howard, and together, they share one fantastic son, three bright and radiant daughters, and three lovable fur babies. Her family is her anchor, providing her with the love and support she needs to pursue her professional and personal goals.