By Sara Myers, Digital Media & Communications Specialist 

Rockford University hosted Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, the President’s Opening Convocation in the Maddox Theatre in the Clark Arts building.

Opening Convocation is a longstanding tradition at Rockford University. The ceremony was initiated in 1851, four years after RU’s founding, and is attended by faculty, staff and students. 

The ceremony is the symbolic beginning of another school year and a tradition that reinforces our identity as a University. 

The first principal of Rockford Female Seminary, Anna Peck Sill (1852-1884), would ring her “bell” at the start of each school day. This tradition carries on at convocation where the bell is run by our president. This year President Patricia Lynott rang the 171- year-old bell.

This event on Friday included a Prelude and Academic Procession by Pianist Lisa Miller followed by an Invocation by Elaine M. Sharpe ‘75, Associate Professor of Psychology and Faculty Chair. The Rockford University Board of Trustees Chair, Rebecca Epperson, gave the Welcome. 

President Lynott gave the Address on “Unlocking Futures: The Enduring Value of a College Education.” Students who attended Friday’s President’s Opening Convocation had a chance to win free books for a semester (up to $500) sponsored by President Lynott. The two book scholarship winners are Owen Dunseth and Katelyn Paredes.

By Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist   

First day of classes at Rockford University start Wednesday, Aug. 23. To help make sure new first-year students are prepared, we gathered some quick tips and advice to ensure you start the new school year right.

Big thanks to staff from Admissions, Housing and Student Life. If we have missed anything, please comment below! 

Katie Wolfgram, RU Assistant Director of Admissions:  

#1. Send your final high school transcript to admissions.  

• Make sure your high school transcript is sent directly to the Admissions Office (anytime during the fall semester is acceptable, but late transcripts will affect your financial aid so don’t delay!)

#2. Chat with Student Administrative Services ASAP.  

• Make time to chat with Student Administrative Services (SAS) as early as possible. They can address financial aid questions and determine if you need to fill out any forms.

#3. Sign up for the Spring semester in October!  

• October may seem early to plan for spring, but that’s when class registration opens up. Before you can register you will need to make sure your transcripts are submitted to SAS by the first half of the Fall semester. You can check the Portal for updates. 

Director of Student Life Alex Johnson Recommends Upcoming Events 

Orientation was the first opportunity to learn more about Rockford University. If you attended, you were able to meet your entire first-year class and get to know your first-year advisor.

Throughout your time at Rockford University, you will have other opportunities to get involved and meet people.

“There are a lot of things happening in August,” said Alex Johnson, Director of Student Life. 

“You may be nervous about just attending college and not knowing anyone. These events are a perfect time for anyone to attend to get connected to all the students on campus. If I had to emphasize two things it would be the fall kickoff and the activities fair to attend.”  

Make sure to check announcements and social media for updates on events. Here is a list of upcoming Student Life Events:

Fall Kick Off  

• When: Friday, Aug. 25  
• Time: 5 to 8 p.m.  
• Where: Burpee Commons  

• What: Enjoy inflatables, games, make-and-take items, and great food. This event is open to Rockford University Students, Staff, Faculty, and their families. Make sure you stay till 8 p.m. when we end the night with fireworks!  

Caffeine Cart  

• When: Monday, Aug. 28  
• Time: 9 to 11:30 a.m.  
• Where: Around campus  

• What: Join the Commuter Council as they help you wake up. Make sure you flag down the purple golf cart on your way to class to snag a caffeinated beverage!  

Activities Fair  

• When: Wednesday, Aug. 30  
• Time: 2 to 4 p.m.  
• Where: Library Patio  

• What: Want to get involved on campus? Stop by the activities fair and meet all the clubs that Rockford University has to offer.  

Water Festival  

• When: Thursday, Aug. 31  
• Time: Tentatively 3-6 pm  
• What: Burpee Commons  

• Info: Join CAB as they throw the first-ever water festival. Join us for tons of water-inspired games including slide-and-slide kickball, a water balloon fight, and more!  

College Success from Scott Mitchell, Assistant Dean and Director of Residence Life:  

#1. Sit in the “T” zone one class. The front rows and down the center aisles are important to maintain contact with faculty and be notified to participate in class discussions.  

 #2. Although new to campus, set up a routine for hours of sleep and study. Maintain a schedule for success. It is easy to get distracted and setting a routine right away helps maintain focus on academic goals.  

We wish everyone a safe and happy semester! Students can find major university news here at rockford.edu. 

A Thrilling Recap of Unforgettable Performances

by Lindsey Giardino 

It’s always an exciting time within Rockford University’s performing arts program.

Each academic year, the department produces a collection of theater productions open to the campus community and general public. This past fall, those productions included a 1960s themed cabaret show directed by RU Performing Arts Professor Timm Adams entitled, “Good Vibrations: Songs of the 60s!”

Complementary tickets were sent to Rockford University alumni who graduated in the 1960s and 1970s, and many attended a performance.

Another performance, “These Shining Lives,” was directed by Professor Deborah Mogford in November 2022. The heart-wrenching play is based on the true story of Catherine Donahue and her friends who worked for the Radium Dial Company and how women’s lives were changed between 1922 and 1938 by the right to vote and new job opportunities.

In addition, Rockford University’s choirs and special guest Camerata Emanon put on a choral concert in November, performing “And the Angels Sang.” 

The fall season came to a close with a dance performance, “Orchesis: New Beginnings,” co-directed by Performing Arts Department Chair and Technical Director Beth Drog and graduating senior Marissa Ott. Not only did this feature Rockford University dancers, but it also  featured dancers from Rockford Dance Company, Evolve Dance Company, Auburn High School and South Beloit High School.

“Rockford University Performing Arts truly produces excellence in the realm of performing arts here in Rockford,” said Margaret McGraw, administrative and marketing assistant for the visual and performing arts program at RU. “The rigorous program provided by our hardworking faculty produces in our students the skills they need to progress in their artistic career.”

Although guided by faculty, each show is the collective hard work of every student in the program, McGraw said.

While there are many highlights of the overall program to call out, one pressing event is the retirement of Professor Jeff Hendry, who retired at the end of the spring semester after 41 years. He created the majority of the costumes seen on stage at Rockford University.

To purchase tickets to a future Rockford University production or to learn more about all the happenings, call 815-226-4100 or visit ticketor.com/rockforduniversity.

This story was originally published in the Spring/Summer 2023 issue of Catalyst. 

by Kyle Fritz, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications 

Rockford University’s junior and Men’s Basketball forward Kevin Diemer surpassed another career milestone this past season, when he scored his 1,000th career point in the Regents’ 74-64 win at Benedictine University. Kevin is no stranger to achieving career milestones however, as he is also in the men’s basketball record book for grabbing his 500th career rebound in the 2021 Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Tournament (NACC) Championship game at Wisconsin Lutheran College. 

Currently, Kevin is one of only 17 RU men’s basketball players with 500 career rebounds, one of only 26 players with 1,000 points and one of only 15 players in program history with both 1,000 points and 500 rebounds. All of these accomplishments put him among some of Rockford’s best players, as he currently sits 21st on the all-time scoring list with 1,081 points and 12th in the all-time rebounding list with 659 boards.

“It was a really awesome experience to be able to reach that milestone, and what made it even more special was that it came in the most important win of our season thus far,” Kevin said, when asked about reaching 1,000 points. “My teammates truly are the best, and I want to thank them for helping me along the way. They really made it a special night for me, and I could not be more grateful for them.”

Kevin is not the only Diemer to make both of these lists. His older brother Tony accomplished both of those feats just a few years prior. Tony joined the 1,000 point club with a 26-point effort at Edgewood College back on January 23, 2018. Tony then joined the 500 rebound club ten months later with 10 rebounds in the Regents’ opening game of the 2018-19 season at Carroll University. Both of these were special moments for the Diemer family, as Kevin played alongside his brother during each of those seasons and was able to watch him hit both career milestones.

Tony finished his career fourth on Rockford’s all-time scoring list with 1,650 points and tenth in program history with 679 rebounds. However, Kevin is close to surpassing both of Tony’s marks and still has another year of eligibility remaining. Kevin currently needs just 569 points and 21 rebounds to vault ahead of his older brother on Rockford’s career scoring and rebounding lists. No matter who ends up on top though, Kevin and Tony have already made history as the first pair of brothers to score 1,000 points and grab 500 rebounds at Rockford University.

“Our entire childhood we competed in any way we could, which really helped both of us get better in the long run,” Kevin said. “I know I would not be the competitor I am today without him.” 

The 2022-23 men’s basketball team qualified for the NACC Tournament by winning their final four NACC games of the regular season against Benedictine, Lakeland, Aurora and Illinois Tech. Those four wins sent the Regents to the conference tournament for the third straight year and for the fourth time in the last five years. 

The Regents entered the 2023 NACC Tournament as the number six seed, but unfortunately came up short in their first round game at third seed Marian University. Despite the postseason loss, Rockford still had an outstanding season. Rockford finished with a 13-11 overall record, marking the third straight year the Regents have posted a winning record, which is the longest such streak in 20 years. 

This story was originally published the Spring/Summer 2023 issue of Catalyst. 

Thriving on the Digital Battlefield

by Lindsey Giardino 

When Rockford Female Seminary was chartered on February 25, 1847, playing games on a computer was not imaginable. It did not exist.

Fast forward 176 years later, and Rockford University’s Esports program is growing and thriving as another attraction for new students. The Esports program, formally called Regent’s Esports, formed in the fall of 2019.

The 2022-23 season was especially exciting. The program received generous funding to purchase new gaming computers and launched scholarships specifically for students in Esports. Regent’s Esports also has its own state-of-the-art facility located in the heart of the Burpee Student Center, which features two dedicated streaming/content creation desktops, 16 MSI gaming stations, and top tier gaming peripherals.

“Students from all aspects of the university get involved with our program for the chance to compete in the games they are passionate about,” said Alex Johnson, director of student involvement and orientation and Esports coordinator. 

Esports students play on teams in competitive matches. 

Rockford University Esports Director and Graduate Hall Director, Tanner Elliott, has been with the program since 2019, but officially began his new role in 2023.

“This program has developed me professionally, socially, and academically just as much as my education has here at RU,” he said. 

“My goal is to make students on the teams feel like they found where they belong at RU and give them the best experience possible.”

This story was originally published in the Spring/Summer 2023 issue of Catalyst. 

Rockford University Costume Designer Takes Last Bow

By Aris Sherwood

Walk into the lobby of Maddox Theatre in the Clark Arts Center at Rockford University, and you will find mannequins dressed in costumes of shows past. Underneath them are the designers’ names on plaques. Newly retired professor of theater arts and costume designer, Jeff Hendry’s name is captured on many.

Hendry retired at the end of the 2023 spring semester after 41 years.  During his time here, Hendry has worn many different hats due to his diverse background. He has directed shows and has even taught Rockford University theater history and Shakespeare courses.

Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Hendry received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Production from the University of Arizona, and Master of Fine Arts in Costume Design from University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

When he left graduate school, Hendry said he was searching for jobs primarily in the Midwest. Rockford University was where he ended up and stayed.

“I kind of bounced around a lot,” he said.

Designer of Many Hats

“I have an odd skill set compared to most costume designers,” he said. “Most design people have a secondary emphasis in graduate school in another design area. I didn’t. I had directing as my secondary emphasis. I guess that’s always interested me.”

In the early 1990’s, the faculty from the theater department came together to create a musical theater major, Hendry said. Since then, Hendry has taught both performance and history/literature. He is now the only professor left of the program’s original creators.

“Professor Mogford likes to refer to me as a ‘Renaissance Man,’” he said. “I wear a lot of hats, and quite frankly, that’s part of the reason why I’ve stayed here for so long. If I had gone to a larger university, I’d end up in the costume shop and that’s all I’d be doing, because I wouldn’t have the opportunity to work in these other areas that I really enjoy.”  

Besides teaching, costume designing, and directing, on top of his extensive freelancing career, Hendry said Rockford University has given him opportunities beyond what he ever expected. Back when the university was connected to Regents College in London, England, Hendry said he was sent to London to oversee and operate the program.

“Living in London for a year and a half totally changed my outlook on life,” he said.

When Rockford University applied for and received a grant from the American and Japanese Foundation of Education, three professors were chosen to work on a communications effort with 9 other schools in the country and travel to Japan for research of their choosing. 

“I was researching Kabuki Theater and came back and produced a play in traditional Kabuki style, which was really exciting for me and the students. I could have never imagined doing that sort of thing when I came here”

For those future Rockford University students and next generation of costume designers who will not get to experience Jeff Hendry, the professor, he had one piece of advice:

“Don’t be afraid to take a risk. If any place, this is the place you can take a risk,” he said. “When I was starting here, my God, I made so many mistakes when I look back on it. But I learned from every single one of them, and it made me a better teacher and a better designer.”

This story was originally published in the Spring/Summer 2023 issue of Catalyst. 

By Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist

The year 2013 became the start of a new chapter for Rockford University. It was the year that the institution announced its name change from Rockford College to Rockford University. 

In honor of ten years since this milestone and their own graduation, multiple alumni from the class of 2013 shared their favorite college memories, and how RU prepared them for their careers. 

Joanna (Bares) Mladic

Joanna Bares (now Mladic) said she was originally drawn to Rockford College because of the vast volunteer opportunities available. Mladic studied history and secondary education during her time at RU, and initially aspired to be a history teacher, she said.

As a student she wrote for RU’s student newspaper the Recensio and participated in volunteer projects through Rotary International. She said her time in Dr. Catherine Forslund’s history classes were some of her fondest memories. That’s where she said she learned to analyze and interpret historical documents. 

“All my professors were wonderful,” Mladic said.

After graduating, Mladic decided that instead of pursuing a teaching career, she would use the skills she learned in Forslund’s history classes. In 2014, she worked at RU as a technical services assistant, serial manager and archivist. Later, she became RU’s Electronic Resources Librarian and Archivist. 

Today, Mladic works at the North Suburban Library District, located in both Loves Park and Roscoe, as the Global History Librarian.

Julia Halsted

By the time Julia Halsted began studying at RU, she already had a family and a home in Rockford. She said she needed a bachelor’s program with flexibility since her family was the first priority. She enrolled in the Rockford University Degree Completion Program.

“I ended up being a ‘comeback kid’ as they call it around here and relocated back to the (Rockford) area,” Halsted said. 

She said the program fit perfectly for her lifestyle. Halsted was able to finish her bachelor’s degree at her own pace. Halsted said she wanted to do something related to business so pursued the management studies degree. Since then, she has worked for RPS 205, the Rockford Park District, Winnebago County, and is now the Director of Operations of Administration and HR Finance at Region 1 Planning Council in Rockford.

When Halsted graduated from RU, she walked at commencement while pregnant with her second child, Anabel. 

“I chose to have Rockford University (instead of Rockford College) on my diploma,” Halsted said on her degree. “I think because I’m so forward looking, I was really excited to be among the first to have that distinction.”

Bill Newkirk

Alumnus Bill Newkirk was visiting friends who lived in the Rockford area when he heard about Rockford College for the first time. He said he was drawn onto the beautiful campus during that trip.

Newkirk received both his bachelor’s degree and MBA in accounting from RU, in 2012 and 2013, respectively. He credits his mother, who is a certified public accountant, for inspiring him to go into the accounting field. 

During his time at RU, he was involved in student government and was even a resident advisor, he said. He recalls having many professors who made an impact on him, such as Bob Evans, Bill Lewis and Hank Epstein. 

“It laid the foundation for my accounting knowledge,” Newkirk said.

Since graduating, he has taken over the family accounting firm, Newkirk and Associates, He said he has been able to use his foundation at RU in the real world and since 2016, has helped grow his family business.

Newkirk is now married to his wife Susie (previously Smith) who graduated RU in 2009. They have three children together.

This story was originally in the Spring/Summer 2023 issue of Catalyst. 

By Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist 

This year celebrates fifty years since the class of 1973 graduated from Rockford College (now Rockford University). Graduates from this golden grad class shared stories with us on why they are proud to call Rockford their alma mater.

David & Barbara Tanaglia

High school sweethearts Dave Tanaglia and Barb Ragnar (now Tanaglia) met at Auburn High School in Rockford. For their first year of college, they chose separate schools.

Dave received an athletic scholarship for swimming at RC, which secured his decision to stay in Rockford, he said.

Barb originally went to Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois during her freshman year, but said she quickly realized a big campus was not for her. So, she decided to join her boyfriend —now husband — and other friends from Auburn at Rockford College.

“Besides David, there were a number of other people from our class in high school (at Rockford College),” Barb said. “It was almost like going to high school. It was a familiar environment.”

Aside from the social experience, Barb said she appreciated the visiting professors.

“As an economics major, I took a lot of history and English classes,” she said. “I remember one year we had one from France and he had lived through World War II. One of my economics professors was very bright, had a photographic memory.”

After getting her economics degree, Barb said she moved on to pursue a career in banking. Later she would get her Master of Library Science and switch careers.

While Barb progressed in her career, Dave used his Biology degree to become a veterinarian.

The couple later married after their time at Rockford College and eventually had two daughters.

Barb is currently on the RU Board of Trustees and is an active member of RU’s alumni association. 

“We both have had successful lives,” Barb said. “We want to give back to the university because we really feel that this is a place that has a lot to give people. We want to make sure that it stays successful in the future.”

Barry Smith

Barry Smith said he chose Rockford College after being influenced by his mother, an alumna from the class of 1939. 

Some of his fondest memories from the Rockford College days include special people like his academic advisor Dr. Victor Crawford. He said he also remembers the day he discovered that his sociology professor was actually his mother’s roommate during her time at RC. 

He even remembers getting to sing in the U.S. Presidential Inaugural Ball in Washington D.C. in January 1973 with RC’s Regent Singers.

Smith graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in Biology in 1973. He would later receive his doctoral degree in Plant Biology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Although he studied biology, Smith said he spent his entire career working in the Chicago advertising market through retirement. 

“I have valued my original liberal arts education, it has allowed me to do different things without having to be specifically trained in something,” Smith said. 

Now, Smith lives with his husband John Hobbs in North Carolina, where they live close to Hobbs’ grandchildren.

—

This story was featured in the Spring/Summer 2023 issue of Catalyst. 

By Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist

The Rockford University Regents First program, which specifically supports first-generation college students, introduced its first pilot summer internship program at the beginning of the summer.

The seven student interns currently work as summer camp leaders/counselors at Patriots Gateway Center, located at 615 S. 5th St. in Rockford. Camp started June 20 and ends Friday, Aug. 18. Six of the seven students are studying education, and one is a nursing student. Julissa Gutierrez and Jennifer Pina are rising juniors at RU, while the rest of the students are rising sophomores.

The interns lead kindergarten through 8th graders, in a combination of group activities with topics in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).

To prepare for the summer internship, the Rockford University students participated in a  pre-internship program. They attended multiple seminars, including financial literacy, professionalism, and leadership seminars.

“We’ve spent our time investing in them prior to their arrival at the internship site,” said Dr. Karen Walker, RU Dean of Academic Support, Center for Learning Strategies. “They have learned about the professionalism that we want them to embrace and embody, and we’ve talked about the characteristics of effective leaders. And now that they’re at the internship site, we don’t just drop them off and walk away, we’re still there. We’re checking on them and checking in with their supervisors.”

RF Interns Julissa Gutierrez and Mya Barrett—both studying education —  spoke about how their summer internship is going and what they have learned.

“We get to do so many different types of activities with them,” Barrett said. “Last time I was there, we were doing math. But I like how they’re integrating the learning component into it and getting the kids to be able to do fun summer activity stuff.”

Barrett is majoring in Biology with a minor in Secondary Education, with endorsements in English as a Second Language (ESL) and Spanish.

Gutierrez is majoring in Elementary Education and minoring in Bilingual Education and Special Education.

“It’s been a very busy summer. I’m really enjoying it,” Gutierrez said. “I think I learn something new every time I go into Patriots. The kids are learning from me and I’m learning from them. It’s been a great growing experience I’d say.”

Another added benefit to the summer internship program is that it’s a paid internship. Barrett said that this definitely was helpful to her but thinks she would still volunteer at Patriots over the summer, but only once a week while she works at AMC Movie Theater.

“I definitely might not have been as able to just because it’s a full-time role,” Gutierrez said on the internship being paid. “I have been working with children and that was the goal. Last year, I did Discovery Center (as a paid job) for the summer, but I definitely know for me it helped a lot that it was paid, and I think that is definitely incentivizing.”

The seven RF students who participated included: Julissa Gutierrez, Mya Barrett, Arwen Johnson, Ana Contreras, Kiarra Myrick, Nicole Facer, and Jennifer Pina. 

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ROCKFORD, Ill. (Aug. 1, 2023) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, will hold its first virtual admission event on Wednesday, August 9 for students interested in transferring to Rockford University. 

When: Wednesday, August 9;  4 to 7 p.m.

Where: Zoom

Who: Prospective Transfer Students

How to attend:

1. Register for the event by going to this link: calendly.com/ru-admissions/ru-virtual-admission?month=2023-08, and picking a time on Wednesday, Aug. 9 between 4 and 7 p.m. 
2. After filling out the registration form, they will receive an automated email confirmation with the zoom link. 
3. RSVP to the Facebook event here: facebook.com/events/255638150600676?active_tab=about.
   1. Those who cannot make the event can schedule a custom meeting time by emailing admissions@rockford.edu or calling 815-226-4050.

This virtual event is for students interested in transferring to Rockford University to complete their bachelor’s degree. RU’s Admissions Team will guide you through the admission process, help you learn more about RU, and provide same day acceptance during this event!

The RU Admissions Team will help you complete your application, submit your transcripts, and get you accepted all within 15 minutes on this Zoom call. Take advantage of this concentrated time with our Admissions team and get accepted right away!

Same Day Acceptance:

To be eligible for same day acceptance, please have your official transcript(s) from each institution attended sent to admissions@rockford.edu before the event, or have your unofficial transcripts with you during the event.

How to have official transcripts submitted:

1. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the original institution to Rockford University. Some schools have electronic exchange, in which case you can select “Rockford University” as the recipient. Or you can manually enter admissions@rockford.edu for the recipient.
2. A conditional admission offer may be extended at the event, with further admission requirements required before enrolling (e.g. official transcripts).  

For questions and interviews please contact:

Sara Myers

RU Marketing & Communications

smyers@rockford.edu

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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