Orientation and Welcome Leaders

Meet Your Orientation and Welcome Leaders (OWLs)

These student leaders will be present at Orientation and Welcome Weekend events to assist you in your transition to life at Saint Francis.

Alessia

Hi! My name is Alessia Passoni. I am a senior majoring in Health and Exercise Science here at SF. I grew up in Fort Wayne with my twin sister, younger brother, parents, and our dog and cat. My favorite thing about SF is the supportive community—everyone is incredibly welcoming and kind.

Alexia

Hi! My name is Alexia Ramirez. I am a sophomore majoring in Nursing. My favorite thing at SF has been the friendships I have made. I have truly made lasting friends! A fun fact about me is I love eating hospital food. My parents are from Mexico City, and I have a younger sister.

Ana

Hi, I’m Ana! I’m a sophomore majoring in Music Technology. Music has always been a huge part of my life, and I love learning how to combine creativity with technology. I am originally from Honduras, and I love spending time with my family whenever I fly home for breaks. One of my favorite things about Saint Francis is the welcoming community. It’s been home away from home, and I feel lucky to be part of it!

Andrea

Hello! My name is Andrea Ballines. I am a dedicated junior majoring in Nursing. I have a passion for caring for others and making a difference in the healthcare field. My favorite part about the university is the strong sense of community and making new friendships. I credit my loved ones for inspiring my commitment and resilience. I am the first generation in my family. A fun fact is that I love to go to solo concerts and have front row view.

Audrie

Hi! My name is Audrie Bowman, and I am a senior Biology – Pre-Dental major at the University of Saint Francis. My favorite thing about SF is the Achatz building—everything from study spots to the professors to the community. It truly feels like my safe space and is my home away from home. Some fun facts about me: I am super close to my family and have two older siblings, and in my free time, I’m usually cooking or baking.

Emily

Hello! My name is Emily Rodriguez and I am a senior majoring in Nursing. A fun fact about me is that I have a twin sister and both of my parents were born in Mexico. I am a first-generation student and have a passion in translating for non-English speaking individuals. My favorite thing about Saint Francis is the community and close-knit group of friends that have become like family to me.

Laura

Hi! My name is Laura Thornell. I’m a junior majoring in Biology – Pre-Physician Assistant Studies here at Saint Francis. I grew up in a small Ohio town with my younger brother, parents, and two dogs. I love baking sourdough chocolate chip cookies in my free time and my favorite thing about Saint Francis is the positive, friendly community of people we have here!

Lillian

Hi! My name is Lillian Homison, and I am a sophomore studying Marketing. I grew up in a small town outside of Cincinnati, and I have eight siblings. I love baking while listening to music, and my favorite thing to bake is cinnamon rolls. My favorite thing about Saint Francis is the strong sense of community on campus!

Lucero

Hi! My name is Lucero Martinez. I am a sophomore majoring in Education. I grew up in a small town and I have three siblings. My favorite thing about Saint Francis is the Catholic community! Fun fact: I love Twilight (Team Edward)!

Madison

Hi! My name is Madison Gurney. I am a sophomore majoring in Biology – Pre-Medicine. My favorite thing about Saint Francis is the community. Because of the SF community, I have formed so many friendships. A fun fact about me is that I’m currently on the Saint Francis track and field team.

Max

I’m Max Mangis. I’m a sophomore at Saint Francis and my major is Music Technology. My favorite part about Saint Francis is the community on campus, the great friends I have been able to make, and how I have been able to grow in my faith.

Miriam

Hi! My name is Miriam Macias, a sophomore majoring in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. My family’s fun fact is that we’re from Aguascalientes and are huge fans of the Chivas soccer team! My favorite things about Saint Francis are the diverse and community-driven environment—it really feels like a family. A fun fact about me is that I can live sketch!

Nicolás

Hi! My name is Nicolás Balbín, and I am a senior majoring in Communication: Public Relations with a minor in Business Administration. My favorite thing about SF is Bishop D’Arcy Stadium because of the energy during games and the strong sense of community it creates for students and athletes. I’m from Peru, and I am also a student-athlete on the men’s soccer team. A fun fact about me is that I have lived in five different countries and speak both Spanish and English.

Paul

My name is Paul Scheifele. I am a sophomore in Sports Management. My favorite things about Saint Francis is the people and the campus. I love to play soccer and chess. I am a middle child. I have a younger brother and older brother.

Viola

Hi! I’m Viola Putnam. I am a sophomore majoring in Biology – Pre-Medicine! My favorite thing about Saint Francis is the sense of community. There are so many clubs and organizations to be a part of that it’s almost hard to feel left out! There are so many opportunities to get out and have fun, or even be the one to plan fun events! A fun fact about me is that I knit and crochet, so I can often be found in clothes that I have made myself.

Yadira

Hey! My name is Yadira Luna Diaz. I am a sophomore majoring in Elementary Education. One of my favorite things about Saint Francis is the strong sense of community and the meaningful friendships I’ve built on campus that make Saint Francis feel like home. I’m originally from a close-knit family of six. I have two brothers and one sister, and we enjoy spending quality time together during the summer. A fun fact about me is that I became a licensed cosmetologist at just 17 years old.