ROCKFORD, Ill. (September 22, 2020) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year institution, today announced it has hired Bridget Jennison as Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications. Jennison is responsible for leading Rockford University’s external communications, including media relations, reputation management, marketing, social media, and crisis communications.

“We are thrilled to have Bridget join our team,” said Stephen Kull, Vice President for Advancement of Rockford University. “We’re excited that she’ll be bringing her years of communications experience to help strengthen our brand and support the school’s enrollment and advancement efforts.”

Jennison has nearly 12 years of experience in marketing and public relations. Prior to joining Rockford University, she spent two years at Boylan Catholic High School where she led communications, public relations, brand and marketing efforts for the school. Prior to that, she was with Chicago-based PR firm, Public Communications Inc., where she led integrated communications campaigns for clients across the healthcare, technology, nonprofit and cultural sectors. Her first experience in the field was when she served as the marketing coordinator for the Downtown Highland Park Alliance, a public-private partnership in Highland Park. Illinois.

“I am so excited to join the Rockford University team,” said Jennison. “I look forward to helping tell the stories of the incredible faculty and students that make the University a top choice for students from not only the Rockford region, but national and internationally.”

Jennison holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Marquette University. She previously served on the board of the Rockford Network of Professional Women.

ABOUT ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY

Rockford University is a private four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers more than 80 majors, minors and concentrations, including the bachelor’s degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies department, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Education in Urban Education, (M.Ed.). Rockford University is home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and is a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.

For more information: Bridget Jennison, Rockford University, 312-213-6242/bjennison@rockford.edu; or Rebecca Epperson/Emily Hartzog, Chartwell Agency, 815.282.9976/RU@chartwell-agency.com.

# # #

Guest Lecturers Include Four Ambassadors, Advisor to the President, Security, International Trade and Business Experts

ROCKFORD, Ill. (September 3, 2020) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year institution, today announced it will offer sessions from its course, “Current Issues in American Foreign Policy,” free and virtually to the public. Guest lecturers include four ambassadors, members of the National Security Council, advisors to Secretaries of State Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice, special advisor to President George H.W. Bush, among others.

Rockford University Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Ron Lee and former Congressman Don Manzullo, co-instructors of the class, have led the effort to identify specific leaders with a variety of backgrounds to provide insight to, and engagement with, current students and the public.

“These guest lecturers include some of the most prominent experts in international trade, business, diplomacy, media, and national security,” said Dr. Lee.

Sessions will run from September 16-November 20, and individuals can view the sessions through this special link https://alumlc.org/rockford/archive.

“This unprecedented array of talented guest lecturers reflects Rockford University’s commitment to provide our students with outstanding resources to enhance their educational experience,” said Dr. Eric Fulcomer, President, Rockford University. “We are thrilled to invite alumni and the community at-large to sit in on these classes.”

With more than 110 international students from 18 countries, the class focuses on all aspects of American foreign policy – trade, business, diplomacy, and security – and further enhances Rockford University’s commitment to educating its students and the general public on these issues.

Sessions Overview

The following sessions will be available starting at 9 a.m. CT on the following dates at https://alumlc.org/rockford/archive.

Wednesday, September 16:  Ambassador Peter Hoekstra, US Ambassador to the Netherlands; former Member of Congress and Chairman of House Intelligence Committee; former VP for Marketing, Herman Miller, Inc.; Netherlands, the largest Foreign Direct Investor in US; lecturing on The Intelligence Community and Foreign Policy and US-EU business climate.

Friday, September 18: Jason Mazzone, U of IL Professor of Constitutional Law, Director of Illinois Program on Constitutional Theory, lecturing on Constitutional Issues and Crises in Foreign Policy.

Wednesday, September 23: Troy Stangarone, writer, commentator, and authority on US international trade; Fellow and Senior Advisor to Korea Economic Institute of America, lecturing on Trade and Trade Sanctions as Tools of US Foreign Policy and Upcoming Challenges in US Trade.

Friday, September 25: Nien Su and Phil Eskeland, lecturing on Congress and the Politics of U.S. Foreign Policy and US-Asia Business Climate. Nien Su, international trade and business consultant with Artemis ESG, Inc; staff director of Asia and Pacific Subcommittee on House Foreign Affairs Committee; Walmart innovation director, China; served in State Department. 

Phil Eskeland, business consultant, international trade and economics, Gammon & Grange, PC; Exec. Director of Operations and Policy, Korea Economic Inst of America (2013-2019); Twenty plus year professional executive level staff member for Congress (foreign affairs, international trade and economics) and Small Business Committee.

Wednesday, September 30:  Mark Tokola, VP Korea Economic Inst of America, retired from US Foreign Service (2014) after 38-year career, including postings in Iceland, Mongolia, South Korea, The Hague, U.K, and US Mission to the EU in Brussels; Director of Iraq Transition Office in Baghdad, 2007-2008; received State Department’s Superior Honor Award for help in implementing Dayton Peace Accords while serving as Political Counselor in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina from 1997-1999, lecturing on The State Department and The Politics of Foreign and Trade Policy.

Friday, October 2: Sheikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Ambassador from Bahrain to US, Canada, Mexico and Argentina, lecturing on US Foreign Policy from a Foreign Perspective. 

Wednesday, October 7: John Gizzi, Newsmax, reporter, news writer, radio and TV commentator, covering Capitol Hill and the White House for over 40 years, awarded William A. Rusher Award for Journalistic Excellence, lecturing on Media Influence on US Foreign Policy.

Friday, October 9: Ambassador Robert King, Sr., Advisor, Center for Strategic and International Affairs (CSIS); Special Envoy for Human Rights in North Korea, with rank of Ambassador; over thirty-year Congressional professional staff on international issues, lecturing on Human Rights and US Foreign Policy.                               

Friday, October 23: Noam Chomsky, professor, MIT and University of Arizona; world-renowned linguist, historian, cognitive scientist, political activist, and critic on foreign affairs issues, and author of over 100 books, lecturing on his text for this course, Who Rules the World?

Friday, November 6: Eliot Cohen, Dean of School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Johns Hopkins University; Counselor to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice; inter-agency coordinator with National Security Council, Department of Defense, and Intelligence community; lecturing on his text for this course, The Big Stick: The Limits of Soft Power and the Necessity of Military Force.

Friday, November 20: Ambassador Richard Haass, President, Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), author of new book, The World: A Brief Introduction, written over concern of lack of higher education sufficiently teaching history and world affairs;  Director of Policy Planning for State Department; Principal Advisor to Secretary of State Colin Powell; Special Assistant to President George H.W. Bush; member of National Security Council; lecturing on his text for this course, A World in Disarray: American Foreign Policy and the Crisis of the Old Order.

In an effort to further enhance campus safety, we have made some adjustments.  This past weekend, we closed the disc golf course to limit off campus guests.  In addition, we are adjusting our mask expectations to have masks worn at most times; we encourage everyone within the campus community to remind others to put on their masks when you see students, faculty, or staff not complying with these expectations.  We must work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Beginning Wednesday, September 9^th, mask usage will be required indoors and outdoors while on the Rockford University campus.  The exceptions to mask usage on campus are as follows:

Residential Students:

• When in your own room within the Residence Halls if no guests are present.  If guests (people not assigned to the room) are present, masks must be worn.

Faculty and Staff:

• When in your own office or in a meeting room where social distancing can be maintained.  If social distancing cannot be maintained while meeting, masks must be worn.  (Note – the expectation that masks must be worn in classrooms at all times has not changed.)

For Everyone:

• While seated and eating or drinking.
• While exercising/training outdoors if social distancing can be maintained.  If social distancing cannot be maintained while exercising/training outdoors, then mask must be worn.

This adjustment to our mask policy is necessary going forward and is now part of Rockford University’s Covid-19 Community Expectations.  Thank you for your help and cooperation concerning this important change.     

Dr. Randy Worden
Vice President for Student Life
Title IX Coordinator
Rockford University
rworden@rockford.edu

Quarantine and isolation help protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have or may have a contagious disease.

• Quarantine is for people who are not sick, but may have been exposed to a sick person
• Isolation is for people who are already sick

Dear RU Community,

This is a follow up to the email that I sent on Wednesday evening regarding the 31 students placed in quarantine.  The test results for the student with COVID-like symptoms have come back negative.  Those students who were part of the quarantine process will be moving back to their original rooms.  Those students who quarantined at home are able to return to campus. 

Through exercising an abundance of caution, we have been able to keep the Rockford University community safer and healthier.  Thank you to everyone who helped throughout this process.  Have a good weekend, and be safe.   

Kristen Clarke MSW, LCSW
Director of Lang Wellness Center

On Wednesday, August 19, a student presented with COVID-19-related symptoms. That student has taken a COVID-19 test, and we are awaiting the results. In the meantime and out of an abundance of caution, we quarantined 31 students who had close contact with this individual during a student-initiated pick-up basketball game.  This swift response demonstrates our commitment to the plans of action we have in place to respond quickly and effectively to any and all symptoms of COVID and ensure the safety of our campus community. We want to reiterate that the results of the test are pending and that there is currently no confirmation of COVID on our campus at this time.

It remains our top priority to deliver the Rockford University experience to students with all precautions and measures in place to keep our campus safe and healthy.  As stated in our fall opening plans, we promised to be transparent with communications and responsive to any changing circumstances.

To protect our campus community, most classes have been designed with a blended curriculum that allows both remote and face-to-face learning while adhering to social distancing guidelines (including proper distancing and masks). Coupled with this approach to learning, we have enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols in place, and will continue to enforce expectations for students, faculty, and staff to do their part to protect the health and safety of our Rockford University family.

Dear Students,

Before returning to campus, a ten minute online training through Safe Colleges will need to be completed about Covid-19.  In addition to the Safe Colleges on-line training, this post includes the RU community expectations(pdf) and the RU Covid-19 Decision Making Tree (pdf).  Please review both documents and be familiar with how they stress/address the importance of being responsible with your health and the health of the campus community. 

As you prepare to return to campus and to class, we are asking that students begin to decrease social interactions, limit unnecessary travel, and consistently wear a mask (where required).  These steps will help to lower the risk of Covid-19 transmission on campus as everyone returns. 

Make sure to check your RU email daily as updates are being sent from various areas of campus.  The Safe Colleges training mentioned earlier will be in your RU student e-mail.  The RU website and portal have also been updated with current Covid-19 information.  

We are very much looking forward to your return!  See you soon.

Lang Wellness Center
Kristen Clarke MSW, LCSW
Director of Lang Wellness Center

Lang Wellness Center echoes the sentiments of our colleagues when we say that the spring and summer of 2020 has been dedicated to developing policies and procedures to promote the health and well-being of the Rockford University Campus Community and prepare to welcome back students for the fall semester. It is vital that all members (students, faculty and staff) of our campus community act as respectful and responsible citizens and that we each do our part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 on the Rockford University campus and in the greater Rockford community.

If all community members consistently wear face coverings, practice social distancing, and complete a daily symptoms checklist, the likelihood that individuals will spread or contract COVID-19 will significantly decrease as well as decreasing the possibility that individuals may be asked to isolate or quarantine. If you do contract COVID-19, you are required to report this to Lang Wellness Center or to the Human Resources office.

We often hear that we are all in this together, we can all do our part to give ourselves and others the best possible chance of staying healthy. Please take the time to read through the following information that will help us have a successful year. 

Lang Wellness Center Services

• Call First– Lang Wellness Center will no longer take walk in visits. All Rockford University students, faculty and staff will need to call 815-226-4083 or e-mail healthcenter@rockford.edu to schedule an appointment with the nurse, counselor, disability support services coordinator or office manager. Lang Wellness Center doors will be locked with signs posted directing visitors to schedule an appointment. 
• All documents (immunization records, health history forms, insurance waivers, medical documentation, etc.) should be turned in to Lang Wellness via US mail, inter-office mail, or fax.
• Office Visit Procedure- most visits will be conducted over the phone or via zoom. Visitors with an in person appointment will be expected to check their temperature and go through the COVID-19 symptom checklist before arriving for their appointment. Face coverings must be worn.  On arrival, temperatures will be checked.
• Transportation- if the individual needs to access off campus medical resources and does not have transportation, Lang Wellness Center will work with the student to address this situation.
• COVID-19 Testing- Lang Wellness Center will refer the student to local resources for testing. Local medical and testing facilities can be located at: https://www.rockford.edu/local-medical-testing-resources-covid-19/ .
• Contact tracing- Lang Wellness Center in conjunction with the Winnebago County Health Department has a system in place to identify contacts of a positive or suspected case of COVID-19 in the Rockford Campus Community.

Special Populations

• People of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. If you are unsure if you might be at higher risk of severe disease please click on the following link for more information https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-increased-risk.html
• Individuals with underlying medical conditions or who are immunocompromised should consult with their treating physician before returning to in person instruction or living in the residence halls. If there are concerns or there are specific recommendations for accommodations please contact Disability Support Services Coordinator, Kara Boldt, via phone (815) 226-4083 or e-mail- kboldt@rockford.edu to discuss the process and options that may be available to you.

If you are Ill or Have Symptoms Consistent with COVID-19

• Stay in your room/do not come to campus. Do not go to the dining hall or Den, arrangements will be made for food delivery.
• Avoid close contact with others- stay 6 feet apart.
• Contact Lang Wellness Center via phone (815) 226-4083 or e-mail healthcenter@rockford.edu during weekdays between 10AM and 4PM. Residential Students please call 815-226-4047 if outside of these hours.  Lang Wellness Center will provide you with instructions based on the individual circumstances.
• Call your medical provider to discuss treatment and testing options. Here is a list of local medical resources including testing sites:  https://www.rockford.edu/local-medical-testing-resources-covid-19/ .
• Communicate with professors and /or supervisor regarding absence from class or work.
• If you have severe symptoms such as persistent pain or pressure in the chest, difficulty breathing, bluish lips, confusion or have difficulty arousing seek care immediately at an emergency room or call 911.

COVID-19- the Basics

• Students will receive an e-mail from Safe Colleges asking you to complete a training on COVID-19, (faculty and staff of RU have already completed this) so that you understand the virus, how it is transmitted and steps you can take to protect yourself and others.

Protecting yourself and others (recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC)

• Face Coverings will be required in every public building (e.g. academic buildings, Burpee), and outdoors if unable to maintain social distancing (staying 6 feet apart) per the State of Illinois. Residential students will be informed of requirements for residential buildings.
• Practice Social Distancing. Maintain at least 6 feet distance between yourself and others. Classrooms, dining areas and public meeting areas have been modified to allow for social distancing.
• Perform daily temperature and symptoms check before coming to campus, going to class, work or activities. Rockford University is finalizing plans to implement a symptom checking app that will be available for all students, faculty, and staff. 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer that contains 60-95% alcohol to kill any virus that may be on your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands to prevent the transfer of potential virus.
• Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of droplets that may contain the virus.
• Clean commonly touched surfaces. Disinfectant spray has been provided to all areas of campus. 

Be Prepared

• Basic self-care items to have on hand- thermometer, fever reducing medications such as acetaminophen, throat lozenges, cough suppressant, nasal decongestant, Kleenex, clear liquids and 2 weeks supply of any chronic medications.
• Allergy sufferers- COVID-19 can present with symptoms similar to allergies. If you suffer from seasonal allergies make sure to start your allergy medicine (Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec or generic alternative) before symptoms appear.
• Copy of insurance card- know what physicians, hospitals and urgent care clinics are covered by your insurance. Please complete the insurance questionnaire for COVID-19 and have it available in case you become ill.
• Face masks are required- bring a sufficient number of masks, remember cloth masks will need to be laundered.

We are looking forward to having everyone back this fall. We are available to answer any questions or concerns that you may have, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. Go Regents!

Sincerely,

Lang Wellness Center Staff