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. 

[Show slideshow]

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.

# # #

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.

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

###

Note: For any further updates or additional information, please refer to the university’s official website at www.rockford.edu.

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

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.

# # #

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. 

###

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 

smyers@rockford.edu

815.394.5052

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:

• Geno Iafrate, President, Hard Rock Casino
• Paula Carynski, President, OSF St. Anthony Medical Center
• Kristin Smith, Vice President, Strategic Partners, Collins Aerospace

“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.

###

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

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.

Fatherless

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. 

[Show slideshow]

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.