Town Hall will Focus on Role of Congress During This Time of Deep Division in America

Rockford, Ill.: Two former U.S. representatives will participate in a town hall at Rockford University to discuss the role of Congress during difficult and divisive times in America.

The open-format dialog will feature special guests, including former Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa), and former Rep. Reid Ribble (R-WI).

The town hall is scheduled for 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 3^rd at Rockford University’s Fisher Chapel. The forum is free and open to the public and will help answer questions about Congress’ role in America, if and how it reflects the country’s divisions, and if Congress can help resolve those problems. The discussion also will include insight on whether citizens can do anything to mend America’s challenge while also reflecting on media’s role in these times.

The program is being co-hosted by Rockford University, the Institute of World Affairs and Trade at Rockford University (IWAT), Rockford Public Library, and Rockford Chamber of Commerce, and US Association of Former Members of Congress (Congress to Campus program).

Loebsack is a former political science professor at Cornell College in Iowa. He was elected in 2007 after unseating a 30-year incumbent. He served on the committee on armed forces, subcommittee on personnel and readiness, and the committee on education. He is professor emeritus at Cornell College and continues to lecture and write.

Ribble was employed at his family’s roofing business when he won a three-way primary and unseated an incumbent in the 2010 election. He served on the transportation and infrastructure committee, as well as the foreign affairs committee, serving on the subcommittees on emerging threats and terrorism, and non-proliferation. He is the president of the National Roofing Contractors Association. He teaches leadership to officers from all military branches at annual conferences at the Army War College.

Former Congressman Don Manzullo will moderate the event with Catherine Forslund, the chair of the Historical and International Studies Department and Director of the Institute of World Affairs and Trade at Rockford University.

“Our hope is that through healthy discussion and the sharing of ideas, all can play a small part in lowering the vitriol that is dividing America,” said Forslund.

“Attending this town hall is one step we can all take toward that common mission,” added Manzullo.

Sponsors of the event are Chartwell Agency; Bergstrom, Inc.; Bachrodt Auto Mall; Advanced Machine and Engineering Co.; Hennig, Inc.; Northwest Bank of Rockford; Rockford Linear Actuation, Inc.; Blackhawk Bank; Savant Wealth Management; and Illinois Bank and Trust.

About the Institute of World Affairs and Trade at Rockford University (IWAT)

The Institute of World Affairs and Trade at Rockford University is a non-partisan, public-policy organization dedicated to exploring domestic and international issues and their impact at a local level.

For more information, contact Dr. Catherine Forslund at cforslund@rockford.edu or Don Manzullo at donmanzullo@yahoo.com.

Rockford, Ill. – Rockford University is proud to announce that its Center for Learning Strategies (CLS) received the College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA) Level 1 certification for its Peer Tutoring Academic Support Program.  

CLS provides a range of academic support services to Rockford University students. It emphasizes quality teaching with a strong commitment to aid each student in attaining academic potential and motivating them toward independent learning and improved personal achievement.‌

CRLA-certified programs demonstrate high standards in the fields of tutoring and learning assistance. This certification provides recognition and positive reinforcement of the successful work completed by Rockford University tutors and peer educators and augments program credibility for its administrators and institutions. CRLA certification also sets professional standards of skill and training for tutors and peer educators.

“Receiving the College Reading & Learning Association Level 1 certification is a huge accomplishment for our department and our institution,” said Karen Walker, Ed.D., Dean of Academic Support. “Over the past two years, our team has worked hard to enhance our peer-facilitated academic support services. Our peer tutoring program is now aligned with internationally recognized best practices in higher education and our Peer Tutors can earn recognition for their efforts to help other students succeed in their coursework at RU.”

CRLA certification also creates added benefits for Rockford University such as improving career-readiness by providing high quality professional development for tutors, creating additional opportunities for students to connect to faculty, and strengthening the connection between class curriculums and academic support services.

Since 1989, more than 1,000 college tutor training programs around the globe have received CRLA certification at one or more levels. Rockford University’s certification is valid for two years.

ABOUT ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY

Rockford University is a private four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers more than 80 majors, minors, and concentrations, including the bachelor’s degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies department, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Education in Urban Education, (M.Ed.). 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. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and is a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.

During his time at Rockford University, Tony Capriotti ’11/’19 grew his passion for education and football.

Capriotti knew he wanted to stay involved with football after playing for the Regents for three years and for him, majoring in education opened that door.

“I was an average math student that had incredible support,” said Capriotti. “(Professors) Mehmet and Filiz Dik would work with me after class hours and were always available. I’ll never forget how much they cared.”

Having this support from faculty and staff on campus opened his eyes to the idea of being a teacher.

“It made me want to become an educator myself,” said Capriotti. “RU demonstrated how important the relationship aspect was to education. There were several times that I wanted to do well because I liked my professors. I didn’t want to let them down!”

Since graduating from RU, he has been teaching math at Guilford High School and serving as an assistant football coach.

“An average player makes the best coach,” said Capriotti. “I know how to explain the small details to others in a way that makes sense. It’s the same with math for me. I needed detailed explanations when learning and now I’m able to apply that in my teaching style.”

In December 2019, Capriotti returned to RU to obtain his Masters of Education with a Learning Behavior Specialist 1 endorsement, which has helped him better work with students of all skill levels.

In June 2021, Capriotti was named head football coach for Guilford and is one of the youngest NIC-10 football coaches in recent history.

“Teaching and coaching is a total blast,” said Capriotti. “It’s awesome to meet and work with so many different types of people. It’s also extremely humbling to be able to impact students and athletes. Whenever I see a former Guilford Viking and they are excited to see me…that is really one of the most dynamic feelings I’ve ever experienced.”

Capriotti is looking forward to continuing his work with students on and off the field saying, “I want our athletes to feel what it’s like to work hard, plan, improve, and accomplish their goals. Nothing is more rewarding than the feeling of earning something you’ve sacrificed for.”

Rockford, Ill. (Sept. 8, 2021) – The students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year institution, will spend Friday, September 10, 2021, giving back to the Rockford community during its annual Day of Service.

In celebration of Rockford University’s most famous alumna, Jane Addams — and her September birthday — the campus is joining together as a community to celebrate her legacy and our institutional commitment to her values. The 2021 Day of Service will benefit local organizations, including Kids Around the World, Miss Carly’s, Ellis Elementary School, the Rockford Rescue Mission, the Ethnic Heritage Museum, the Washington Park Community Center, the Discovery Center, and the Forrest Preserve of Winnebago County. Volunteer work will range from sorting donations and packaging food to landscaping and mentorship. Approximately 260 students, faculty, staff, and alumni will be working at 10 different locations around Rockford.

Regents can also get involved on campus. A group of volunteers will be embarking on a translation project for the International Women’s Baseball Center (IWBC), which is currently operating out of the university’s 5100 Building. By translating content from English to Spanish, volunteers will help IWBC reach a broader number of people, both in the local community and internationally. Current RU students will also have the opportunity to attend an on-campus volunteer fair to learn about opportunities to give back throughout the year.

 “Jane Addams Day of Service recognizes the birthday and the enduring legacy of Addams and her commitment to working for the common good,” said Mary Weaks-Baxter, Ph.D., Director of the Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement at Rockford University. “Our tagline for the day’s events is based on the words of Jane Addams – ‘we stand today united.’ With that focus, our hope is that this Day of Service can be an opportunity for us to consider ways we can reach out to communities in need and recognize how community engagement and activism can unite us in the common goal of working for the betterment of our society and world.”   

ABOUT ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY

Rockford University is a private four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers more than 80 majors, minors and concentrations, including the bachelor’s degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies department, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Education in Urban Education, (M.Ed.). 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. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and is a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.

ROCKFORD, Ill. (Sept. 1, 2021) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, welcomed its first cohort of students this fall in the new Regents First program, which aims to recruit, support, and retain first-generation college students.

Open to incoming freshmen, Regents First takes what can be a challenging experience for anyone – enrolling in a four-year university – and boosts support for students who are working to become the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree. Eight students are enrolled in the first cohort.

The students are paired with a designated financial aid coach, as well as a college life skills coach who will meet with them regularly throughout the academic year. Regents First participants receive a stipend to support the purchase of course materials both semesters of their first year.

Individuals also are paired with a peer mentor – someone who also is a first-generation college student who can be a motivating force and help build resilience during the first year of school through weekly check-ins and study group sessions.

While the program is designed to ensure and increase student retention for first-generation college students at Rockford University, the ultimate goal is college completion.

“I have emphasized for these eight folks that I will have a tissue box with me at commencement while I watch as each one walks across the stage,” said Dr. Karen Walker, dean of academic support at the Center for Learning Strategies. “They may change jobs or majors over the course of four years or so. But the ultimate goal is to see them become the first in their family to obtain a bachelor’s degree – and not only start it but finish it.”

The eight students come from diverse backgrounds. Many relocated to Rockford with their families in recent years and are eager to explore life on campus.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting new people and experiencing new things in my major,” said 17-year-old Miami Roby, a Rockford resident who’s majoring in musical theater. “In middle school and high school, I never felt like I was part of things or fit in. After coming here and meeting my adviser, I already feel like I belong, like I’m actually going to grow here. I’m excited for that.”

ABOUT ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY

Rockford University is a private four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers more than 80 majors, minors, and concentrations, including the bachelor’s degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies department, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Education in Urban Education, (M.Ed.). 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. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and is a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.

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Rockford University will continue to monitor guidance from the CDC, Illinois Department of Public Health, and Winnebago County Health Department and adjust practices on campus as needed based on the level of community transmission. Based on the latest guidance, all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear a mask indoors where social distancing cannot be maintained.  Social distancing is defined as being able to be at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people at all times.

Please note: An individual faculty or staff member may, within their classroom or office, request that others wear a mask regardless of vaccination status or ability to maintain social distancing.

Rockford University will monitor our community transmission level daily and will update the campus community per guidance from Winnebago County Health Department, Illinois Department of Public Health, and the CDC.  You can review the community transmission levels here:  https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view

In our COVID-19 policy update that you received earlier in the week, we note the following:  Rockford University will continue to monitor guidance from the CDC, Illinois Department of Public Health, and Winnebago County Health Department and adjust practices on campus as needed based on the level of community transmission.  While our general policy remains in place, requiring only those who are unvaccinated to wear a mask indoors, we are implementing a temporary addendum based on updated guidance from federal, state, and local health officials.

Starting Monday, August 2 and until Winnebago County’s level of community transmission falls to a moderate or low level. All individuals, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear a mask indoors where social distancing cannot be maintained.  Social distancing is defined as being able to be at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people at all times.

We will monitor our community transmission level daily and will update the campus community once Winnebago County’s level falls and/or the guidance from our health official’s changes.  You can review the community transmission levels here:  https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view

Guidelines for Employees:

• Employees are very strongly encouraged to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Employees should send proof of vaccination to Monique DiVenti by scanning and sending a copy of their vaccination record to mdiventi@rockford.edu. Human Resources will be sending employees an email if we have not received a copy of your vaccination record. If we do not receive a copy of your vaccination card, it will be assumed you have not been vaccinated.
• Human Resources will continue to require all employees who are sick, test positive for COVID-19, or are close contact with someone with symptoms of, or positive for, COVID-19 to call 815-394-4376 immediately. 
• Human Resources will continue to do contact tracing and will use the same process as before in order to determine if quarantine is necessary. Proof of vaccination will keep employees who are identified as close contacts from needing to
• If an employee has been vaccinated and is identified as close contact, but has not provided proof of vaccination to Human Resources, the employee will be required to quarantine until documentation of vaccination has been.

Guidelines for Students:

• Rockford University strongly recommends that students be vaccinated.
• Vaccinated students who are “close contacts” will not be subject to quarantine and isolation protocols.
• Vaccinated students are asked to submit proof of vaccination to Rockford University at:  https://rockford.jotform.com/211034954494053.
• Vaccinated students who have not submitted proof of vaccination will be subject to the same requirements/protocols as those who are unvaccinated.
• Unvaccinated students will be subject to all appropriate quarantine and isolation protocols should they become a “close contact.”
• Unvaccinated student-athletes will be subject to surveillance testing up to three times per week.
• Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Lang Wellness Center at (815) 226-4083

All Rockford University community members should continue to mitigate the spread of germs by:

• Monitoring for any signs of illness and staying home if feeling If sick, employees should contact Human Resources at 815-394-4376.
• Washing hands frequently for 20
• Cleaning frequently touched surfaces with cleaning products provided in classrooms and community

Rockford, IL (07/29/21) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year institution, today announced that students applying for the 2022-2023 academic year will have the ability to do so through Common App, an online college application platform that serves more than three million applicants, teachers, counselors, and advisors across all 50 states and around the world each year.

Beginning on August 1, 2021, first-year and transfer students can apply to Rockford University using Common App. Prospective students are encouraged to learn more about the university by visiting our website at Rockford.edu.

Common App is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process. By becoming a Common App member, Rockford University will streamline the application process and gain exposure to a broader range of new students. Common App also helps reduce common barriers to the college application process, including making the fee waiver process more efficient for students in need. Each year, more than one million applicants use the Common App. One-third of those applicants are the first in their family to pursue a college degree. 

“We joined Common App to help simplify the college application process for students and counselors,” said Michael J. Quinn, Ph.D., interim Vice President for Enrollment Management at Rockford University. “Our new partnership will enable us to share the value, relevance, and affordability of a Rockford University education with prospective students and families throughout the Midwest and nationally.”

“The diversity of our membership helps us forge a direct and unambiguous path to a viable future for all students,” said Jenny Rickard, President & CEO of The Common Application. “Through membership with The Common Application, Rockford University has demonstrated a shared commitment to pursuing access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process. Thanks to our members, all students, have the opportunity to easily apply to the college or university that will help them achieve their best future.”

In addition to accessing the online application system, by joining Common App, Rockford University is helping to make additional tools and services available to students and those who support students through Common App, including a mobile app, financial aid and scholarship information, virtual mentors, online portfolios, and a vast library of counselor resources available in English and Spanish. Common App also offers 24/7/365 technical support to all applicants and recommenders using the system.

Students can create a Common App account now because their account will roll over from year to year. Common App members can also use the Common App for transfer, a separate application designed exclusively to meet the needs of transfer and adult student populations. 

ABOUT ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY

Rockford University is a private four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers more than 80 majors, minors and concentrations, including the bachelor’s degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies department, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Education in Urban Education, (M.Ed.). 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. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and is a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.

For more information: Emma Bergstrom, Rockford University, 815.847.0472, ebergstrom@rockford.edu. 

ABOUT COMMON APP

Common App is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to students and those who support them as they make their way through the college selection and application process. Our mission began 40 years ago and today we provide a centralized way to apply to over 900 institutions around the world. We continue to be driven by the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process and we won’t stop until all students see college as a viable option and enjoy the opportunities it offers. To learn more, visit commonapp.org, and follow @CommonApp and #CommonApp on social media.

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