08/02/2023 1:14 pm
By Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist
Rockford University Alum and Rockford Artist Sarah Reed-McNamara has been the owner of the art/print shop GEM (Gather, Engage, Make), located in downtown Rockford, since its inception in 2019.
Some may know her as the mayor’s wife, but Sarah wears multiple hats —wife, mother, and owner of GEM, which was recently renamed to SRM (her initials) Prints. The soft opening was Tuesday, Aug. 1, but the grand opening is set for Saturday, this Aug. 5.
Reed-McNamara is now the only owner of GEM, and started a new chapter on Tuesday, she moves her shop location down the street and will change her shop name to her business name: “SRM Prints.”
Reed-McNamara said she fell in love with printmaking while studying at RU. That interest was sparked early in life, which led to an art career that started online, later becoming brick-and-mortar, she said.
When one walks inside the printmaking studio and storefront, you can see the variety of art, prints, gifts, stationery items and more from Reed-McNamara and other artists alike.
Some of the art is specifically made by Reed-McNamara who found her artistic voice and developed a love of printmaking during her time at Rockford College (now University).
THE MOVE
Reed-McNamara first landed in the Rockford area during her high school years after growing up in Fox River Grove, Illinois, about 61 miles west of Rockford. After high school she moved around to Chicago, Madison, Wisconsin, and Montana before returning to Rockford in her mid-20s, she said. Reed-McNamara started attending Rockford College when she was around 27 years-old and decided on Art History as her major, she said.
“I never thought that’s what I would end up doing, but it’s what I loved,” she said. “I’ve always been pretty creative but never did studio art. But, I was determined.”
When she started studying art history, Reed-McNamara said she decided to take her printmaking as an elective course. She was influenced by her friend and then art mentor Dave Menard and his wife Molly who suggested she take the course. When she started studying printmaking she started to form favorite artists like German expressionists and learned linoleum block printing, she said.
“Which is kind of funny because so many people think printmaking is scary,” she said. “But it just seemed like such an enjoyable elective to take. I just loved the process and making the prints and carving.”
“Dave (Menard) in his classes talked a lot about preparing yourself as an artist for the outside work and don’t think you’re too good for anything when you first get going,” she said. “Which was huge for me just between humbleness and feeling secure in what you’re doing.”
Reed-McNamara also credits RU’s Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities Jennifer Langworthy for preparing her for a career in arts.
After graduating in 2012, Reed-McNamara said she worked in the service industry full time at Rockford restaurant Octane, and did her art on the side at different pop-up events in town. She said she needed a name to put on her business cards so she called it “SRM Prints.”
It was during this time that she met her husband Tom McNamara, the mayor of Rockford, at the downtown Rockford art event Greenwich Village Market.
The couple married in 2011 and have two children together, who will often be present with Reed-McNamara at her store. Right after Reed-McNamara had her first child, her art career started to take off online, she said.
“I decided I wanted to keep moving forward with the storefront and go into this new space,” she said. “The layout works out much better for what I want to do long term, which is to have my studio inside of a storefront and have it blocked off by my checkout counter and have a really fun, happy, and inviting retail environment.”
SRM Prints is now open and located at 330 E. State St. in downtown Rockford. For more on SRM Prints, you can find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Etsy.
08/02/2023 1:01 pm
ROCKFORD, Ill., [August 02, 2023] – Rockford University is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Elizabeth W. Davies as the new Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, effective September 5, 2023. Dr. Davies joins the Rockford University community having previously served as the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Chicago State University. She brings with her a wealth of experience and a distinguished record of academic leadership.
Dr. Davies will serve as the chief academic officer of Rockford University, a one-hundred-seventy-six year old, career-focused institution built on a solid foundation in the liberal arts. She will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction, and will continue to help RU expand access to education, and address the systemic barriers that hinder student progress. Her responsibilities will encompass overseeing curriculum development, faculty recruitment and professional development, accreditation processes, and fostering a culture of innovative teaching and learning. Her dedication to student-centered education and her passion for cultivating an inclusive learning environment align seamlessly with the values of Rockford University.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Elizabeth Davies to our Rockford University community,” said President Patricia Lynott. “Her impressive background and demonstrated commitment to student success make her a perfect fit for the role of Provost. We look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly make on our institution as we continue to provide a transformative education for our students.”
Dr. Davies joins Rockford University with a stellar academic background holding an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Psychology, Human Development and Mental Health Research from the University of Chicago. Dr. Davies received her B.A. with High Honors in Sociology and Anthropology from Swarthmore College. Dr. Davies’ background encompasses leadership, program innovation, strategic planning, accreditation, and more.
“I am honored to be joining Rockford University, an institution dedicated to empowering students to achieve their full potential,” said Dr. Davies. “I am committed to the transformation and lasting impact that a college education can provide and am eager to champion that cause by serving as Provost. I welcome the opportunity to serve the institution as it responds dynamically and nimbly to the challenges facing higher education.”
Dr. Davies’ leadership is poised to be a catalyst for continued growth and progress at Rockford University. Her expertise will further reinforce the institution’s commitment to preparing graduates who are well-equipped to address real-world challenges and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
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 our newest major in Supply Chain Management. Graduate degree programs are offered through evening and online coursework, plus three Bachelor’s Degree Completion programs are offered fully online.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Andrea V. Watson
Senior Director of Marketing & Communications
Awatson@rockford.edu
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Note: For any further updates or additional information, please refer to the university’s official website at www.rockford.edu.
07/18/2023 10:24 am
ROCKFORD, Ill. (July 13, 2023) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, will welcome a group of incoming freshmen students this Sunday, July 16, for the Rockford University’s Regents First Summer 2023 Retreat.
The retreat runs from Sunday, July 16 to Friday, July 21. The event kicks off at 1 p.m. Sunday. Incoming freshmen students will arrive and check in on campus at the Burpee Student Center at 5050 E State St. in Rockford.
Check-in will be followed by a welcome session and introductions from the Rockford University Dean of Academic Support, Dr. Karen Walker, Dean of Academic Support, Center for Learning Strategies, and other RU staff members.
“It’s a residential camp and students will live on campus,” Dr. Walker said about the program. “The purpose is to saturate them in the college experience and equip them for a successful launch into their college journey.”
Walker adds that throughout the week the retreat will cover many topics including time-management for successful college students; effective communication strategies for successful college students; finding a job on campus; developing a growth mindset; and much more.
The Regents First program aims to recruit, support, and retain first-generation college students.
The Regents First program 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.
Individuals are paired with a peer mentor during the retreat – someone who also is a first-generation college student who can be a motivating force and help build resilience during the retreat and continuing into the first year of school. The mentors will provide weekly check-ins and study group sessions to the students.
“The mentees (incoming freshmen attending the retreat) will be able to learn about navigating through college, time management skills,” said Mya Barrett, Regents First Mentor and incoming sophomore studying education at RU. “All the good nitty-gritty stuff that you need to be able to be a good, successful college student.”
The students are also 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.
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.
Contact:
Sara Myers
RU Marketing & Communications
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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06/27/2023 10:05 am
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 27, 2023
Rockford University is hosting its first Dogs Days of Summer event. RU Alumni and the general public are invited to pack up their pup and join us for a walk around RU’s beautiful campus.
What: Rockford University
When: Saturday, July 1, 2023, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: RU Johnson Alumni Center, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St, Rockford, IL, 61108
Who: Rockford University Alumni and the general public.
ROCKFORD, Ill. —Rockford University’s Advancement Office will be hosting its first Dog Days of Summer event on Saturday, July 1. RU Alumni and the general public are invited to bring their dog and guests for a walk around our beautiful campus.
Attendees will check in at the RU Johnson Alumni Center, 5050 E. State St. in Rockford, where they will be served light refreshments. Free gifts will be distributed while supplies last.
Those wanting to attend are encouraged to contact RU’s Assistant Director of Philanthropy- Alumni & Affinity Groups Natali Monaghan at nmonaghan@rockford.edu with any questions. Registration is not required.
All dogs must be leashed and be updated on all vaccines. Don’t have a dog? All are still welcome to join us and enjoy a walk around campus.
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Media related questions or interview requests can be sent to Communications@Rockford.edu. We ask the media to please RSVP by emailing us by 8:30 a.m. July 1, 2023.
Contact:
Sara Myers
RU Marketing & Communications
815.394.5052
06/27/2023 9:32 am
ROCKFORD, Ill. – (June 27, 2023) – Rockford University is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated inaugural Business Summit, set to take place on June 29, 2023. The event will bring together Rockford industry leaders to engage in a day of insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and knowledge sharing.
This year’s summit will take place at Rockford University and feature an impressive lineup of accomplished speakers, interactive workshops, and valuable takeaways. Panelists include:
“We will be asking area business leaders to share how we can better support their needs,” said Dr. Patricia Lynott, Rockford University President. “We want to ensure that our programming aligns with the skills and knowledge required for their industries, and we want to be certain they have a clear understanding of all that RU can offer.”
Rockford business leaders will have the opportunity to hear from distinguished local keynote speakers who are at the forefront of their industries. The engaging sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship, and emerging trends.
“The Rockford University Business Summit serves as a platform to bridge the gap between academia and industry,” said Jake Hardesty, Rockford University Dean of the College of Social Science, Commerce, and Education, and Associate Professor of Education. “This is about how we can partner with local business leaders so that as the business world evolves, we will evolve too.”
This is a closed event to the media, but advanced interviews can be scheduled.
About Rockford University:
Rockford University is a private university located in Rockford, Illinois. With a rich history dating back to 1847, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines. Known for its commitment to academic excellence, Rockford University is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers and lives of purpose.
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Media Contact: Andrea V. Watson, awatson@rockford.edu
06/07/2023 3:32 pm
By Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist
Rockford University Associate Professor of Art David Menard said he never thought he would become as ingrained in the Rockford Community as he has, but his work — particularly with art collective Fatherless Print Posse — has made him a staple in the Rockford art scene, and globally.
When Menard is not teaching Rockford University art classes, he spends some of his leisure time working with the local art collaboration group. Fatherless Print Posse is known for its live printmaking shows and exhibits.
He’s currently preparing for Friday’s free show and opening night for Fatherless’ newest exhibit titled, “Constant Pressure,” which will take place from 5- 8 p.m. at the Rockford Art Museum, located at 711 N. Main St. in Rockford.
“We’re calling it a visual exploration of identity activism and collaboration because all of us use printmaking in some way to talk about social issues or whatever the situation,” Menard said.
The artist and educator didn’t know that he would end up in Rockford, but the one thing that has always been certain is his passion for art. The Arlington Heights, Ill. native said he quickly realized his love of drawing at a young age. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Kansas City Art Institute and Master’s of Fine Arts from University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“I came here and became part of the community, which I didn’t really see happening,” Menard said, adding that now everyone is connected.
“Some of the people (his former students) that were in my classes are now teaching my kids. The math teacher at Guilford was one of my former students and now he’s teaching my kids.”
Prior to joining the Rockford University Art Department, Menard worked mainly in the Chicagoland area, although he had opportunities across the country. He said he chose to stay in the Midwest.
It was at a teaching conference in New York City where Menard said he met former RU Art professor Bob McCauley. That’s when he learned about a temporary job opening that needed to be filled for one year.
The opportunity became his and he accepted. After the year, Menard returned back to the Chicago printmaking industry. A few years later he was hired back at RU when McCauley told Menard he was retiring. Since 2006, Menard has taught classes on painting, drawing, and printmaking at RU.
In 2012, Menard was invited to give a talk on his experience in printmaking at the Rockford Art Museum. After his lecture, he was approached by three local artists Greg Lang, Javier Jimenez, and Jarrod Hennis. The three men told Menard they were into printmaking and had their own studio they worked at, where they invited him to stop by.
“I came by their shop and they were t-shirt guys who used screen printing to make t-shirts,” Menard said. “They were doing these one offs where they would all get together and they would print on fallen wood or paper or one guy jumped up and took his shirt off and they printed on his belly.”
The guys asked him to do a “guest spot” at the shop and he quickly became part of the group, Menard said.
The name Fatherless comes from a quote from American rapper Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and was the other members’ idea before Menard joined, he said.
“It doesn’t come from one single source,” Menard said, about the art the group makes. “The style doesn’t have a father. It was born in the street, and when I’m gone it will still be on the street. There’s no father on my side of the street. When we do it all together, it’s like a band.”
He adds that the shows are now one after another. Fatherless has been to Chicago, Milwaukee, Miami, Los Angeles and also to London, where they met now-member Ben Rider. Hennis is no longer part of the group now.
Fatherless’ art can be seen on the streets of London and in downtown Rockford in murals.
“Javier has been screen printing since he was a teenager on his mother’s kitchen table,” he said. “Greg has his degree in Graphic Design. My degree is in printing. The three of us together, formed this team. We take on these ambitious projects that none of us by ourselves could do.”
Rider recently came into town from the U.K. to help create work for their upcoming show at the Rockford Art Museum (RAM).
Fatherless has also invited other artists to be involved in the show as well. Artists include Aida Wilde, Atlan Arceo-Witzl, Chema Skandal!, Ganzeer, Jesse Shaw, Liz Born, and Nicole Marrozuin. The exhibit will end Sept. 24.
Learn more at RockfordArtMuseum.org.
05/09/2023 11:51 am
By Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist
As the summer of 2022 neared its end, one Rockford University marketing student said he wanted to do something that would benefit other RU students. Dominick Welte, a junior, decided to launch his podcast RU (Rockford University) on Air at the beginning of the Fall 2022 semester.
Everyday, dozens of people step foot on Rockford University, making it easy to stay within the shadows, Welte said. Through the university-centered podcast, Welte said he has been able to bring people into the spotlight.
“The goal of the podcast is just to try to highlight different people at school because I feel like Rockford University has so much talent,” Welte said. “This is a way to highlight some of our athletes, students and teachers and just help everyone get to know each other and build a little bit more community.”
Welte will start his senior year in Rockford University’s Business College this fall. He is a double major in marketing and economic finance, and said he plans on adding an accounting minor.
Director of Student Involvement and Orientation Alex Johnson has been helping Welte with the podcast by purchasing all the necessary podcast equipment and giving each unedited episode a first listen before it goes live, Welte said.
Talking to a variety of students, faculty and staff for the podcast has been one of the best parts since launching, Welte said. His guest list has included performing arts students, men’s basketball players, men’s volleyball players, football players, PURI School of Business faculty, and a Rockford University campus security officer, just to name a few.
“I’m always looking to get new people in,” he said. “It’s an application that you fill out. We try to randomly select someone from the application. Anyone who wants to go and sign up and we choose from there.”
The application link can be found in the bio of the podcast’s Instagram.
Make sure to check out RU On Air, which is available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and Buzzsprout.
A shortened version of this story can be found in the Spring 2023 Catalyst.
05/05/2023 11:05 am
By Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist
Rockford University alum and local Julia Schade spends the majority of her time in the Big Apple aka New York City these days, rather than in her hometown of Rockford. Schade, currently the musical director of Six, has recently been inducted in the Rockford Public Schools 205 Fine Arts Hall of Fame.
The district-wide event highlights individuals and groups each year as a way to celebrate the past and current successes of the fine arts in the district. Although Schade said she’s rarely in Rockford, she made a special trip home for the April 21 induction ceremony.
“I miss working at Rockford University, I miss working with Timm Adams and playing for the shows and working with students,” Schade said. “I really love working in education and Rockford University was a great fit for me.”
The event was held at The Standard, 214 East State St., in Rockford. Schade is an Auburn High School Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) alumna and graduated in 2006 from Rockford University’s Performing Arts program with a B.A. in Music.
Schade said that getting to see students come in as freshmen and then playing with them during their senior seminars has been rewarding.
“I feel really excited and proud,” Schade said about the recognition. “I’m proud to have come from Rockford and to have grown up in Rockford public schools.”
Schade said she remembers having talented music teachers growing up who could tell she really had a passion for music. Her teachers were very encouraging when she started to take piano lessons, she said.
Later, after Schade graduated from Rockford University, she did a patriotic themed recital and invited her elementary school music teacher Mrs. Simon to come and play the piccolo part on the song, “Stars and Stripes Forever,” and she did, Schade said.
Schade said she also remembers being involved in the music and art scene for years as an accompanist in both RPS choirs and musicals, and the musicals at RU.
“I liked giving back and being in an educational environment,” she said. ”I feel happy that I was always able to support myself as a musician in Rockford. There was always work for me to do there.”
She added that she wouldn’t be where she is today without her opportunities in Rockford, which was the catalyst to her moving to Chicago and meeting the team for Six the musical.
Though the musical Six was supposed to open in March 2020. The world had another plan and Broadway was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Schade came back to Rockford and worked in Rockford University’s Performing Arts department where she taught classes with friend and mentor Timm Adams, and worked as a co-music director on the production of “Legally Blonde.”
Finally in August of 2021, she returned to NYC and began work on Six again.
“The show felt different, same lyrics, same tech,” she said. There were many who had lost people in that time and gone through financial troubles. It was just so much trauma so the show felt different.”
The show centers around the six wives of Henry VIII and is presented like a pop music concert.
Despite the pandemic causing delays, the musical went on to achieve immense success, she said. Schade performed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America, and also the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live with the cast.
The musical was also nominated for multiple Tony Awards and Schade and the cast performed a musical number live at the Tony Awards on June 12, 2022, also her birthday, which she said was also a very big day for her.
“My 44th birthday (I was) performing at the Tony Awards,” she said. “I have to tell you the stage manager still managed to do a little birthday thing for me at the theater with treats, it was so cute.”
“Six” won two Tony awards that night for Best Costume Design and Best New Musical Score, she said.
Schade continues to perform on Broadway, as part of the backing band in Six, at least 5 to 6 times a week, and as musical director. Tickets are still available for the musical from now until September 2023, here.
Our last catch up with Schade in 2021 can be read here.
05/02/2023 1:35 pm
by Aris Sherwood
Meet Mack Freeze!
Freeze is a Rockford University Criminal Justice major, set to graduate in a couple of weeks (on May 13!). During her time here, Freeze was active with the Campus Activities Board (CAB), and was the SGA representative (Student Government Association) for CAB. She also helped start the Esports program, where she became the first women E-Sports captain as co-captain of the Overwatch team.
“Being a part of the Campus Activities Board and being a part of the Esports program, they gave me a family, and helped me be as successful as possible on campus,” Freeze said.
Knowing how important it is to join clubs and activities on campus, Freeze hopes to help encourage students to get involved on campus when she starts her new job as an Admissions Counselor here at RU, right after graduation.
“I’m going to be able to spread the joy that Rockford University has brought me,” she said. “I am going to be able to bring in incoming freshmen and help them understand the benefits of Campus Activities Board, and clubs like SAGA, and all that’s open to the campus to create a safe space for those who need a safe space to learn and further their education.”
04/25/2023 10:08 am
Students, faculty, staff, and alumni will participate in challenges and special activities to encourage engagement. This year, Day of Giving is seeking to specifically support Rockford Promise Scholars studying at Rockford University.
ROCKFORD, Ill. — Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, will hold its ninth annual Day of Giving on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Day of Giving is a 24-hour giving challenge that uses the power of social media to raise funds in support of Rockford University students. This year, Day of Giving is seeking to specifically support Rockford Promise Scholars studying at Rockford University.
Challenges, fun incentives, and special activities will be featured to encourage engagement and participation throughout the day. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends will celebrate on campus with fun activities planned from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. outside the Johnson Alumni Center, 5050 E. State Street. There will be FREE food, t-shirts for the first 50 guests, pictures with Reggie the Mascot, and time with RU’s therapy dogs.
Rockford University makes a profound difference in the lives of Rockford Promise scholars by supporting their dreams and graduating them in four years, tuition-free. In Fall 2023, the number of Rockford Promise scholars choosing to study at RU, Rockford’s local university, will TRIPLE and requires financial support.
Last year, Day of Giving raised over $120,000 from 375 donors. This year, the goal is to exceed last year’s totals and achieve a record 400 alumni and friends making their gift of any size to show their belief in these incredible students.
“Rockford Promise scholars contribute so much to our campus and community, and we are grateful for the opportunity to support additional scholars coming to our campus through this year’s Day of Giving. Having 400 donors join us in celebrating the success of these students will allow Rockford University to continue graduating even more Rockford Promise scholars tuition-free,” said Nicole Riley, Rockford University’s Director of Alumni Engagement & Philanthropic Strategies.
Event attendees who make a gift of any size are entered in a pick-a-prize opportunity and a pick-a-pie opportunity, where they can win a gift provided by a faculty or staff member, and pick who from leadership will get a good-hearted pie to the face during the End of Year Bash on April 28.
To participate or follow Rockford University’s progress during the 2023 Day of Giving, connect with the university’s primary social media channels and use hashtag #RUDayofGiving2023.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RockfordUniversity/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rockforduniversity/
Website: www.rockford.edu/give/dayofgiving/
Photo opportunities will be available from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. outside the Johnson Alumni Center during our Day of Giving Celebration.
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Please RSVP to Communications@rockford.edu by 9 a.m. on April 27, 2023, to confirm your attendance.
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