Alumni Awards

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS

Each year the Alumni Association Board gives several awards to alumni at Reunion / Homecoming. These awards will be given out during our Alumni Awards Celebration, on September 26, 2025.

If you know an alumnus/a who has done exceptional work in their field or for the University or would like to self-nominate, please submit a letter/nomination. Thank you!

Alumni Award Nominations are open now and will remain open for an extended period of time! The Alumni Association Board decides on winners, and the awards are presented at the All-Alumni Awards Dinner during Reunion / Homecoming weekend, on September 26, 2025. We hope you’ll join us next year for the opportunity to celebrate!

Our 2024 Award Recipients

Alumna/Alumnus of the Year Award – Honors an alumna and/or alumnus for invaluable service to the Alumni Association and Rockford University during the past year. One of each award may be given each year.

            2024 Alumnus of the Year: David Hougan ’72

Award of Distinction – Given to Alumni for fulfilling the ideals of Rockford University and bringing honor and esteem to the University in one or more of the following ways; through their vision, dedication, and initiative in a purposeful endeavor; by their responsive and sustained efforts in community improvements; or by their notable achievements in a profession. Up to three awards may be given each year.

            2024 Award of Distinction: Dr. Kaitlin Engelke ’20
            2024 Award of Distinction: Captain Robert Matthews ’74
            2024 Award of Distinction: Natali Monaghan ’23

Karl C. Williams Award– Presented to an Alumnus for his constancy, devotion and a long history of meritorious service to Rockford University. One award may be given each year.

           2024 Karl C. Williams Award: Dr. Barry Smith ’73

Outstanding Young Alumni Award – Given to an alumna/us who has finished her/his Rockford University tenure within the last 15 years. This alumna/us will have fulfilled the ideals of Rockford University by vision, dedication, and initiative in a purposeful endeavor, or through responsible and sustained efforts in the improvements of a community, or a notable achievement in a profession, thus having brought honor and esteem to Rockford University. One award may be given each year.

           2024 Outstanding Young Alumni Award: Lisa Blakeley-Snyder ’17 / ’20

Talcott Cross Award– The oldest Rockford University award, the Talcott Cross is awarded to an Alumna for her constancy, devotion and a long history of meritorious service to Rockford University. One award may be given each year.

          2024 Talcott Cross Award: Emily Wallen ’08 / ’10

Past Award Winners

Talcott Cross Award

Karl C Williams Award