By Sara Myers, Digital Media & Communications Specialist 

Former U.S. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor died this past Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, according to CNN. 

O’Connor was the first woman to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court. According to CNN, the former U.S. Justice died from “complications related to advanced dementia.” She was 93. 

According to the Rockford Register Star, the Hon. Sandra Day O’Connor delivered the commencement address at Rockford University on May 14, 1989. O’Conner was also a recipient of the Jane Addams Medal in 1987. 

In the CNN article, President Joe Biden called her “an American icon” and also said, “I did not agree with all of her opinions, but I admired her decency and unwavering devotion to the facts, to our country, to active citizenship and the common good.”

ROCKFORD, IL.- Rockford University is thrilled to announce its upcoming December Recognition Ceremony, a momentous occasion to honor the achievements of our dedicated students. The ceremony is scheduled to commence at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 9th at Rockford University in the Clark Arts building at Maddox Theatre located at 5050 E. State St., Rockford, IL, 61108. This event promises to be a celebration of academic excellence and a culmination of hard work and commitment.

The ceremony will include remarks from Rockford University President Patricia Lynott, the Board of Trustees Chair Rebecca Epperson, Provost Dr. Elizabeth Davies, Trustee Kristin Smith, and student speaker Cecilia Hartstock.

As part of the day’s festivities, the university will host a nurse pinning ceremony, recognizing the accomplishments of our nursing graduates. The nurse pinning ceremony is set to take place at 9:00 a.m., preceding the main recognition event. This special occasion highlights the dedication and expertise of our nursing students as they embark on their professional journeys.

Rockford University extends a warm invitation to families, friends, faculty, and the community to join us in celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of our graduates. The December Recognition Day is a time-honored tradition, and we look forward to sharing this momentous occasion with everyone.

As this is not an official commencement event, faculty members will not enter in procession or wear academic dress. We will have a reserved seating section for faculty and staff members. 

The ceremony starts at 11 a.m. in Maddox. Rockford University is located at 5050 E. State St. in Rockford, Illinois. 

Media is invited to attend the ceremony and take pictures or film B-roll. Please come at 10:45 a.m. before the start of the commencement ceremony. 

About Rockford University:

Rockford University, a private four-year institution in Rockford, Illinois, is dedicated to providing a quality education rooted in liberal arts and professional studies. With a rich history dating back to 1847, RU is committed to preparing students for rewarding careers, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning. To learn more about Rockford University, visit our website at www.rockford.edu.

Contact:

RU Marketing & Communications

communications@rockford.edu 

ROCKFORD, Ill. – [Nov. 28, 2023] – Rockford University hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 28, for its much-anticipated baseball and softball fields, made possible by a significant $3.58 million investment from the state of Illinois. 

The groundbreaking ceremony featured key speakers, including Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara, alumni, Athletic Director Jason Mulligan, President Patricia Lynott, and VP of Advancement Linda Sandquist.

“This $3.5 million investment is amazing and is huge for Rockford University,” expressed Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. “We couldn’t be more proud of Rockford University, and this is yet another reason for all of us to celebrate the tremendous traditions that have taken place here at the university.”

The new facilities, funded by Illinois’s Independent Colleges Capital Investment Grant, signify a significant advancement for Rockford University’s athletic programs. The project aligns with the university’s commitment to providing a world-class experience for its students, athletes, and the broader campus community.

Rockford University Athletic Director Jason Mulligan emphasized the impact of the project on the university’s competitiveness and overall campus experience. 

“We often speak of the need for our facilities to have a ‘wow’ factor for our recruits and prospective athletes and their families,” said Mulligan. 

“Along with recent renovations to the Seaver Center, this addition will indeed have a ‘wow’ factor. This allows us to be more competitive within the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference and helps provide a first-class experience for our students. This project also benefits the entire campus community. Students, faculty, and staff can now come over and watch the team play. This is the first baseball and softball dedicated turf field in the area. We look forward to hosting local teams and tournaments throughout the year.”

For media inquiries, please contact Communications@rockford.edu.

Photos from the event can be viewed here. 

By Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist

Learning about an institution’s history often requires research. To make Rockford University’s history more engaging without reading a book or two, RU’s Performing Arts professor Deborah Mogford decided to produce a dramatization of its most famous class, just in time for one of the University’s busiest weekends. 

During homecoming weekend, Oct. 13, 2023, Rockford University’s Performing Arts department performed Mogford’s production, “The Addams Thread,” focusing on the university’s most well-known classes.

“It’s lovely to read a novel, I’m a big reader, but people remember stories they see visually,” Mogford said. “That’s the beauty of drama.”

Mogford wrote and directed the play as a dedication to the “Glorious Seventeen,” the seventeen women who graduated from Rockford Female Seminary in 1881, which includes notable Alumni Jane Addams, a Nobel Peace Prize Winner and the founder of Chicago’s Hull House. Mogford added that she also dedicates this play to all RU alumni. 

“Graduates of this university can attest to RU’s dedication to advancing knowledge for the students while fostering life-long intellectual curiosity,” Mogford said in the director’s note in the production’s program. “They can also speak to the school’s commitment to instilling in the student population a desire to seek a life of purpose, service, and leadership to the community they choose to inhabit.”

To create this production, Mogford said she researched Jane Addams’s valedictorian speech where she discovered Addams’s nickname for her graduating class. This led Mogford to create a show that touched on how the “Glorious Seventeen” were always bonded and how Jane attending Rockford had the impact it did.

“I got to thinking that’s lovely and it’s 1893, four lovely women, all white,” Mogford said. “The school doesn’t look like that anymore. So, what is that legacy, and how does it look in 2023? So, I thought, I’ll then jump ahead 100 years.”

The play is split into two scenes at different times and places.

Scene I is set in the summertime in 1893 at Rockford College alumna Mrs. Jonathan McKnight or Aunt Katherine’s house. There, Aunt Katherine is joined by her niece Arabella Amato, her niece’s friend Cora Edwards, and her good friend and classmate from Rockford, Martha Gail. The scene is placed 12 years after graduation and four years after the Addams formed Hull House. 

The second scene is set in the Spring of 2023 at Maddox Theatre, where five students are talking about going for a coffee run together when they run into a potential RU student.

“I want to be able to have this piece ready to go at any time,” Mogford said. “So, as students graduate then that part goes to someone else. It’s a piece that’s always ready to go whenever the school needs it for recruitment or historical reference.”

After taking the summer of 2023 to write the play, Mogford was ready in August for prep. Mogford put together the cast and crew and held a complete read-through of the production. She would meet periodically with the groups from both scenes. She added that the cast would rehearse on and off but the final push came 10 days before the show went on. 

“I hope they bring it back for Charter Day or orientation,” she said. “And, when we have groups on campus who are looking at the school we can also do it then if we have plenty of notice.”

THE ADDAMS THREAD 

Performed Oct. 13, 2023 

Written and Directed by Deborah Mogford

Lighting Designer: Eric Brockmeier

Costume Designer: Ryan Moller

Stage Manager: Jeremy Rogers

Technical Director: Beth Drog

SCENE I

TIME: Mid-June on a perfect summer afternoon, 1883

Place: The lush garden of Aunt Catherine’s House on Harlem Blvd. in Rockford, IL

CAST, in order of appearance

Martha Gail: Aubry Musfelt

Arabella (Bella) Amato: Lindsay Johnson

Aunt Catherine (Mrs. Jonathan McKnight): Emmarie Wilson

Cora Edwards (Mrs. George Edwards): Lucy Parlapiano

SCENE II

TIME: Late April on a perfect spring day, 2023

Place: Maddox Theatre

CAST, in order of appearance

Marie: Adara Barrera Medina

Jake: Robbie Strader

James: Carter Coryell

Allison: Keira Alejandro

Samantha: Kaleigh Ferguson

Will: Elijah Lowry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Nov. 3, 2023

University officials hosted a press conference on campus 

Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, held a press conference Friday, Nov. 3, to officially announce the news that new students who enroll at Rockford University for the 2024-2025 academic year will lock in their tuition for four years at a rate of $37,230.

The press conference featured two speakers: Rebecca Epperson, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Rockford University; and Megan Frankfother, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management at Rockford University.

The University also broadcasted the press conference live on their Facebook. 

Epperson spoke about higher education costs being a concern to families across the U.S. 

“Rockford University is taking a proactive approach to make the college experience more affordable and more transparent,” Epperson said, during the press conference. “The decision to lock in tuition for Fall 2024 for incoming students means that students and their families and the parents who stand alongside them can plan their educational experience with much greater confidence than they had in the past.”

Frankfother spoke next and added more details and context to how the University can grant students financial aid, and more.

“Rockford University has put in countless hours, crunching numbers and budgeting so that we can ensure that we are able to offer that locked-in tuition rate of 37,230 for our incoming fall 2024 class,” Frankfother said, during the press conference. “In addition to locking in that rate and creating that sense of financial security, the university offers significant institutional aid. Students can be recipients of federal and state grants to also assist in helping that education be more affordable.”

Frankfother added: “We are on track currently to be able to award $14 million dollars in institutional aid for the current year. We are also on track to award $6.5 million in federal grants as well as $4.8 million in state grants.”

For more information on this new locked-in tuition, please feel free to reach out to RU’s Admission Department by calling 815-226-4050 or by emailing admissions@rockford.edu.

More information on how to apply to RU can be found here: rockford.edu/admission. 

Contact:

Sara Myers

RU Marketing/Communications

smyers@rockford.edu

communications@rockford.edu 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 30, 2023

New students enrolling in the 2024-2025 school year will keep the same tuition rate for four years. 

ROCKFORD, Ill. (October 30, 2023) Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, is proud to announce that new students who enroll at Rockford University for the 2024-2025 academic year will lock in their tuition for four years at a rate of $37,230.

Rockford University understands that the cost of education is a significant consideration for students and their families. Locking your tuition rate allows students to safeguard their financial future while investing in their education.

For over a century, Rockford University has been dedicated to nurturing academic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement. Our commitment to student’s success goes beyond the classroom.

With over 80 majors, minors, and concentrations and individualized attention from faculty and staff, Rockford University gives students the tools to develop the knowledge, values, and skills that impact their lives and our world. As you delve into your academic career, you’ll enjoy a range of stirring topics and thought-provoking experiences in your hands-on liberal arts curriculum.

RU offers:

Exceptional Faculty: RU’s distinguished professors are passionate about student success and will mentor students throughout their academic journey.

Diverse Programs: Choose from a wide range of programs to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in their field.

Supportive Community: Experience a tight-knit community where you can grow personally and professionally.

Endless Opportunities: Engage in internships, research, and study abroad experiences that will broaden your horizons.

RU is eager to provide students with a secure foundation for their future, both academically and financially. 

Rockford University’s admissions office can be reached by calling 815-226-4050 or by emailing admissions@rockford.edu.

More information can be found here: rockford.edu/admission. 

About Rockford University:

Rockford University, a private four-year institution in Rockford, Illinois, is dedicated to providing a quality education rooted in liberal arts and professional studies. With a rich history dating back to 1847, RU is committed to preparing students for rewarding careers, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning. To learn more about Rockford University, visit our website at www.rockford.edu.

Contact:

Sara Myers

RU Marketing & Communications

smyers@rockford.edu

communications@rockford.edu 

ROCKFORD, Ill. (October 27, 2023) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, is proud to announce that Student Government President Nor Alamery will be honored in the 49th Annual Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Program. 

The Lincoln Academy seeks to honor students who have exhibited outstanding curricular and extracurricular involvement at their college or university. 

At the November 4th ceremony, Nor will be presented with the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award, as well as a Lincoln medallion, challenge coin, and $1,000 check from the Lincoln Academy. 

Alex Johnson, Director of Student Involvement and Orientation, says “Nor has truly exemplified the essence of an exceptional student and leader, infusing the student experience at Rockford University with her unwavering dedication and passion. Her ability to excel academically while enriching the lives of her peers is a testament to her remarkable commitment to both her studies and the Rockford University Community.”

About Rockford University:

Rockford University, a private four-year institution in Rockford, Illinois, is dedicated to providing a quality education rooted in liberal arts and professional studies. With a rich history dating back to 1847, RU is committed to preparing students for rewarding careers, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning. To learn more about Rockford University, visit our website at www.rockford.edu.

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Contact: 

Kayla Eddy

RU Marketing and Communications

keddy@rockford.edu

communications@rockford.edu 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

Oct. 18, 2023 

Media statement from Rockford University’s Head Football Coach Regarding Freshman Joey Alvarez being Named NACC ‘Football Defensive Player of the Week’ 

I am thrilled to announce that Joey Alvarez, one of our outstanding linebackers, has been named the NACC Football Defensive Player of the Week by the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference. This recognition is a testament to Joey’s dedication, hard work, and incredible performance on the field.

Joey’s achievement holds special significance for our team, as he is the first Rockford University football player to receive an award from the conference this season. Moreover, his selection as the Defensive Player of the Week is the first time a defensive player has earned this prestigious NACC weekly award since 2021. It speaks to the tremendous impact he has had on our defense. 

During our game against Benedictine, Joey had a remarkable career day, tallying a game and career-high 18 tackles, including a half tackle for loss. His 18 tackles are tied for the fifth most in a single game in our program’s history, coming just one tackle shy of the school record. Joey’s exceptional performance is not only his individual skills but also the teamwork, determination, and resilience that define our Rockford University football program.

We are incredibly proud of Joey Alvarez and his accomplishments. His dedication and leadership serve as an inspiration to our entire team, and we look forward to seeing his continued success both on and off the field. We congratulate Joey on this well-deserved recognition and applaud his commitment to excellence.

As a coach, I am excited about the future, and I believe that with talents like Joey Alvarez, we are poised for even greater achievements. We thank the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference for recognizing Joey’s outstanding contributions, and we are proud to have him represent Rockford University. 

Go, Regents! 

Calvin Toliver 

Head Football Coach 

Rockford University

STATEMENT FROM STUDENT JOEY ALVAREZ

“I wasn’t really expecting that,” said freshman defensive player Joey Alvarez on the recognition. “I know I had a good game. But I was actually really excited. I’ve been putting in a lot of work with my teammates.” 

He credits the support of the entire team.

“If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have been able to get those tackles.”

“This has given me a bit more of a boost on the field,” he said, adding that family and friends are extremely excited and proud of his success.“

Alvarez attended Jefferson High School in Rockford during his junior and senior high school years, before starting at RU in the Fall 2023 semester. He said that he is still undecided on his major, but has taken some courses in the Puri School of Business. He is considering a career in the business field after graduation, he said. 

“My goals for the future are just me being able to beat the record for tackles in a game,” Alvarez said. 

Media Contact: Andrea V. Watson awatson@rockford.edu

By Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist 

Rockford University kicked off its 2023 Homecoming week earlier this week. Expect jampacked events for students, staff, faculty, and alumni from now until Saturday!

Rockford University is transforming into a time machine, taking you on a journey through the decades with the theme “The RU Times: Rockford University Throughout the Years.”

Each day of the week is dedicated to a different decade, and it’s not just a theme; it’s a full-on dress-up party! Monday is all about the funky 1970s, Tuesday takes us back to the neon-filled 1980s, Wednesday embraces the grunge and flannel of the 1990s, Thursday throws it back to the early 2000s, and Friday brings us into the 2010s. So, dust off your bell bottoms, leg warmers, flannel shirts, and skinny jeans, and prepare to turn back time.

Don’t forget to grab your exclusive Homecoming 2023 shirts, designed by our very own RU student, Rayan Alharbi, available for just $10 at Reggie’s Corner, located on the first floor of Burpee in the Den. Show your RU pride in style!

But that’s not all. Homecoming week is jam-packed with exciting events for students, staff, faculty, and alumni alike. Let’s break it down day by day:

Wednesday, October 11

• Men’s Soccer Game: Watch the RU Men’s Soccer team take on the Milwaukee School of Engineering at 2 p.m. at 8800 East Riverside Blvd. in Loves Park (Mercyhealth Sportscore Two).
• Roller Rave: CAB presents the Roller Rave in Regents Hall from 7 to 9 p.m. It’s time to roller skate and dance the night away.

Thursday, October 12

• Paint the Paws: At noon, join CAB for the “Paint the Paws” event where students will gather at the main entrance of the campus to paint lion paws. (Update: This event has unfortunately been canceled.)
• Women’s Volleyball Game: Don’t miss the Women’s Volleyball team’s second game of the week at 7 p.m. as they face off against Benedictine University at the Seaver.

Friday, October 13

• Art Gallery in Clark Arts: The RU Art Gallery will be open all day, featuring “Long Time No See” (Exhibit A) by Esau McGhee, a 10-year retrospective exhibition exploring McGhee’s career.
• Golden Grads Lunch: The Class of 1973 celebrates its 50th anniversary with a Golden Grads lunch in Regents Hall at noon.
• The Addams Thread: At 1:30 p.m. in Maddox Theatre, witness a play dedicated to RU’s most notable alumna, Jane Addams, called “The Addams Thread,” written and directed by Prof. Deborah Mogford.
• Alumni & Awards Hall of Fame Dinner: The Alumni & Awards Hall of Fame Dinner will be held at 6 p.m. in Regents Hall.
• Hypnotist and Mentalist Show: Get ready to be amazed at 7 p.m. in Scar Auditorium as hypnotist and mentalist Christopher Carter takes the stage.

Saturday, October 14

• Esports Information Event: Learn all about Esports at RU at 10 a.m. in the Esports Lounge in the Burpee Den.
• Homecoming Tailgate: From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., join the Homecoming Tailgate in Parking Lot A before the Homecoming Football game. Enjoy food, music, drinks, and games!
• Women’s Soccer Team Game: At 11 a.m., catch the Women’s Soccer Team as they take on Alverno College at Sportscore Two in Loves Park.
• Homecoming Football Game: The Homecoming Football game kicks off at 1 p.m. at Sam Greeley Field, with the Regents facing off against the Benedictine University Eagles.
• RU Performing Arts Cabaret: At 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., RU Performing Arts presents “All Around the World and Back Again: A Travel-Themed Cabaret” at the Cheek Theatre in Clark Arts Center.
• Club Kent Dance: The students-only Club Kent Dance starts at 10 p.m. in Kent Hall, so come dressed in style from one of the decades.

Don’t miss out on the excitement and nostalgia of Rockford University’s Homecoming 2023. 

Follow RU on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to stay updated on all the latest Homecoming news. It’s going to be a week filled with fun, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime. Get ready to rock through time! 

ROCKFORD, Ill. (September 25, 2023) – After a successful inaugural business summit in June, Rockford University is delighted to announce its first post-Business Summit networking event, set to take place on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event, titled “Investing in Rockford’s Talent,” aims to foster meaningful discussions about the importance of nurturing local talent and the positive impact it has on the community, businesses, and individuals.

As showcased in the inspiring video “Rockford University Graduate Helping Students Get Ahead” (view HERE), Rockford University firmly believes that investing in the development of local talent creates a beneficial feedback loop for all stakeholders. By focusing on education, upskilling, internships, and placements, we can not only strengthen our workforce but also contribute to the overall prosperity of the region.

The event will feature a distinguished panel of local business executives who will share their insights and expertise on various topics related to talent development, including employee retention, upskilling initiatives, internship programs, and more. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage in open discussions, ask questions, and gain valuable perspectives from these industry leaders.

Event Details:

• Event: Investing in Rockford’s Talent, a Networking Conversation
• Date and Time: Tuesday, September 26, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Venue: Rockford University
• RSVP: Business leaders can RSVP for the event by visiting https://forms.gle/tQu7X9SqPd2Rqhgp7.

Rockford University is committed to strengthening the ties between education and industry, and this networking event serves as a testament to that commitment. We encourage business professionals, educators, students, and community members to join us in this pivotal conversation and help shape the future of talent development in Rockford.

About Rockford University:

Rockford University, a private four-year institution in Rockford, Illinois, is dedicated to providing a quality education rooted in liberal arts and professional studies. With a rich history dating back to 1847, RU is committed to preparing students for rewarding careers, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning. To learn more about Rockford University, visit our website at www.rockford.edu.

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Media should RSVP by 12 p.m. Tuesday, September 26, by email at Communications@Rockford.edu.