Campus News

Media Contact: Rockford University Communications Office: 815-226-3374

Rockford University’s 162nd Commencement Ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 15, at 2:00 p.m., at the Coronado Performing Arts Center in downtown Rockford. Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Management Studies, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Business Administration degrees will be awarded to approximately 336 students. The 2016 graduates are from 16 states and 14 countries, including Bosnia, China, France, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey and Yemen.

‌Rockford University is pleased to welcome U.S. Surgeon General, Vice Admiral (VADM) Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., M.B.A., to speak to the 2016 graduates. Dr. Murthy was appointed as America’s Doctor on December 15, 2014 and serves as the nation’s 19th United States Surgeon General. Dr. Murthy is responsible for communicating the best available scientific information to the public regarding ways to improve personal health and the health of the nation. He oversees the operations of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, comprised of approximately 6,700 uniformed health officers who serve in locations around the world to promote, protect and advance the health and safety of our nation.

Tickets are required for attendance. Due to space constraints, tickets are limited to degree candidates and their guests. Tickets will not be available at the door of the Coronado Theatre.

Founded in 1847, Rockford University is a four-year, co-educational institution that provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers approximately 80 majors, minors and concentrations, including the adult accelerated degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies programs, degrees are extended to include the Master in Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). Rockford University is home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States. Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,280 full-and part-time students.