- the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
- A tree that bears acorns as fruit, and typically has lobed deciduous leaves. Oaks are common in many north temperate forests and are an important source of hard and durable wood used chiefly in construction, furniture, and (formerly) shipbuilding
- A smoky flavor or aroma characteristic of wine aged in barrels made from this wood
- a deciduous tree of the genus Quercus; has acorns and lobed leaves; "great oaks grow from little acorns"
- An Oak is a tree or shrub in the genus Quercus (; Latin "oak tree"), of which about 600 species exist on earth. "Oak" may also appear in the names of species in related genera, notably Lithocarpus.
Located on the West side of Joliet, Illinois, this lovely old building long served the Catholic nuns of the order of Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, serving as their Motherhouse. Having three great aunts that were nuns in this order, I was fortunate to have visited this building in the past. It's good to see it renovated, and being used by the students of the University.
Motherhouse Renovation
The University of St. Francis purchased the historic Motherhouse, home to its founders the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, at 520 Plainfield Road in 2004. Built in 1881, the Motherhouse was the first home to the university and has again become a center of campus activity.
The first renovations, completed in fall 2005, created classroom and state-of-the-art laboratory space for the College of Nursing and Allied Health, along with conference space and student housing.
In fall 2007, student center spaces and additional student housing opened. The student center space includes a game room, Three Oaks Bistro sandwich/coffee shop, the Fireside Lounge and a cyber cafe.
The Three Oaks Bistro, named for the tree that greets visitors at the quad entry to the Motherhouse, is open to the community.
Students can study at tables, work on computers or gather in groups to watch television in the Fireside Lounge and cyber cafe.
The residence hall space is particularly exciting, with many rooms having uniquely shaped windows, some like the gothic-shaped window seen in the USF logo. Amenities include modern bathrooms, laundry facilities and study and lounge spaces on each floor. All rooms have wireless Internet connection. The residence hall space includes three apartments, nine single rooms, 15 double rooms, three suites and one triple room.
St. Joseph Chapel was updated with paint and air conditioning. It was rededicated on Founders’ Day Opening Mass, Sept. 5, 2007. A meditation space for multi-denominational use is located near the chapel along with University Ministry offices.
Work remains to be completed on the center of the second floor, which will house office space and a heritage room.
www.stfrancis.edu/visitors/campus-master-plan/phase-i/