Reprinted article by Jennifer Stark, with permission from the Golden Apple Foundation.

The Golden Apple Foundation of Rockford (goldenappleofrockford.com) announced the very first recipient of its Don Zimmerman Golden Apple Scholarship to the Master of Education program at Rockford University. Each candidate for the scholarship was required to first gain acceptance into RU’s program, then submit letters of recommendation and an application including an essay to Golden Apple. A committee including Golden Apple Academy members reviewed the documents, then virtually interviewed finalists before reaching their decision.

We congratulate Meghan Baylor of Rockford, who has been teaching for eight years, the last four as a French teacher at Boylan High School. Meghan may teach language courses, but she is also known in the Rockford arts community as a teaching artist with Rockford Area Arts Council and as faculty with Rockford Dance Company. Each fall, she directs a children’s production of “The Polar Express,” presented as a field trip performance for area schools. As a lower-income student whose life was shaped by excellent educators in RPS205’s CAPA program, Meghan takes seriously her role as a teacher to continue developing students’ minds and characters. She connects with Boylan’s low-income students, spends time in the Academic Support Center and hopes to effect change in policies concerning diversity and low-income students. As Boylan’s only French teacher, she knows the department is only as strong as she is. But with the salary offered those with just a bachelor’s degree, she has struggled to afford pursuing a master’s degree. And by supplementing her income with outside teaching activities, her time to devote to master’s courses has been limited She shared in her application that achieving her MAT from R.U. would strengthen the power of knowledge “on both the giving and receiving end.” She is eager to pursue this advanced degree which would most certainly “bolster the credentials, stability and expertise to secure [her] career for decades to come.”

Don Zimmerman was a longtime Rockford educator who helped co-found the Golden Apple Foundation here. His family, the Foundation and Rockford University, seeking another way to honor his passion of encouraging excellence in local education, united to offer this scholarship for fully paid tuition to an area teacher to earn his/her first master’s degree in Rockford University’s program.

We are pleased to offer Meghan the funds she has needed to advance her teaching skills. Congratulations!

Golden Apple Foundation is a volunteer-driven organization that celebrates, inspires and supports educational excellence in our community through programs as teacher recognition awards, classroom project grants and mentorship from Golden Apple Academy members.

Jefferson High School teacher Allyson Utech (left), her former student Antonio Ramirez (middle), and Rockford University President Eric Fulcomer (right) celebrate Allyson’s master’s degree in the RPS 205-Rockford University Education Pathway program.

Reprinted article “Jefferson Teacher, Former Student Walk the Same Path” by Mary Kaull with permission from Rockford Public School 205 VIBE™.

The story of a teacher helping a student is commonplace. But the story of Jefferson High School teacher Allyson Utech and her former student Antonio Ramirez is different: It’s a story of mutual help, growth and respect.

Their strong relationship, started seven years ago, continues through the current challenges of remote learning. They are adapting in large part because of what they learned in the Education Pathway program, a collaboration between Rockford University and Rockford Public Schools.

Utech, an English teacher, received her master’s degree in urban education from RU in 2018. Ramirez is scheduled to graduate in 2022 as part of the pathway undergraduate program. He plans to be an elementary teacher.

In a recognition ceremony marking Utech’s graduation from RU, Ramirez handed her the certificate. It was a poignant moment neither of them will forget. But their transformative relationship began long before that.

In 2012, Utech was in her first year of teaching at Jefferson. The school’s administrative assistant, Araceli Villegas, became her lifeboat while she was swimming in all the new challenges. “I would go to the office every day and say, ‘Araceli, I’m dying. Just dying.’ She would say, ‘You’re fine. You’re going to make it. Just take some deep breaths, and you’re going to get through this year.'”

Then Villegas needed a favor from Utech. She asked her to keep an eye out for her son, Antonio Ramirez, who would be a freshman at Jefferson the next year. And sure enough, when she got the class list for Introduction to Desktop Publishing, there was Ramirez’ name.

It was the first time Utech taught the course.

“I was like, all right guys, I’m going to apologize right from the top. This is going to be a rough class,” she said. “But it turned out OK, I think. And that’s how I met Tony.”

Ramirez said he enjoyed watching his teacher grow, and he found her honesty refreshing.

“Whether or not she felt overwhelmed or kind of like she was drowning, she left that out the door – out the classroom door. She really came in every day with such great energy and loved what she was doing, regardless of whether it was hard or not.”

Their bond deepened during Ramirez’ sophomore year, when he auditioned for a theatre production at Jefferson and Utech was a director. He remembered her getting on her hands and knees and rolling on the floor to demonstrate how to act out the part of Snoopy in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

Over time, Utech noticed another talent Ramirez had.

Whether it was reading his classmates’ first drafts of papers or helping them practice their lines in theater productions, Ramirez’ leadership skill with students was obvious. “I was blown away by how much they listened to him, how much they respected him,” Utech said.

She helped him realize how those talents could translate to teaching.

Later, he helped her with research for her master’s degree. Her thesis was on restorative practice, which helps students release tension or cope with personal struggles before they come to learn. The class was her laboratory, and Ramirez did his part by being vulnerable and open.

The technique ended up being wildly successful in her classroom. Her Pathway studies also helped her during this period of remote learning, she said. She understands her students and her teaching practice in a different, more forgiving, way. Restorative practices allowed her to stop being so hard on herself and expecting results immediately.

“The program did help me just breathe,” she said, “in a positive way and not a condemning way.”

Ramirez says he will never forget the lessons his former teacher taught him about making connections and opening up to others. “She was human. That was impactful,” he said.

Just this month, he reached out to her for help with a college essay. He’s confident she will continue to be there for him. “She’s going to have the right strategies, the right advice that I need,” he said.

Mary Kaull

Mary Kaull has worked in communications for the Rockford Public Schools since 2012. She has lived in near northwest Rockford for more than 30 years and has two adult children. In her spare time, she exercises, reads, cooks, sews and contemplates her growing pile of craft materials. She has inherited her son’s hunting dog, Seamus.

As I write this, we are beginning the second half of the fall semester. It has been a good semester in many ways. We welcomed 300 new students to our traditional program and dozens more in our adult and graduate programs. Overall, our enrollment stands at 1225 students this fall, up from 1211 last fall. Our students come from 32 states and 20 countries – we are truly a global campus community.

In May, our Board of Trustees approved a new strategic plan that will map our course for the next five years, extending beyond our 175th anniversary. The plan is structured around four thematic elements and has its roots in Liberal Arts learning. Through robust external relations that leverage the support of an engaged community of partners, we will build a thriving campus that puts students first by providing a distinct student experience in and out of the classroom. Utilizing cutting-edge instruction, and with a commitment to instructional support, the university will conduct an unceasing and ongoing assessment of all practices that will create a vibrant sense of place for all.

Already this fall, we have begun to implement the strategic plan, particularly in the areas of student engagement and the development of partnerships with regional community colleges and businesses. We also have broken ground on the 3,800 square foot addition to the Seaver Physical Education Center, which you’ll note is featured on this issue’s cover. This $3.5 million project, funded by alumni and friends through the Rock Solid and Ready Campaign, will include an enhanced weight and fitness space and will add more classroom space for the rapidly growing physical education and exercise science programs. More details about the conclusion of our capital campaign and Seaver addition can be found on pg. 5.   

All in all, we have had a great start to the academic year. If you haven’t been back to campus recently, I encourage you to make a trip to see all of the exciting things happening at Rockford University.

Sincerely,

Eric W. Fulcomer, Ph.D.

While officially now ended, the long-term positive outcomes of the Rock Solid & Ready Capital Campaign are far from over. The campaign successfully closed on June 30, 2019, with $18.4 million raised against an original $17.3 million goal.

As a result of the Rock Solid & Ready Campaign, the University has been able to make substantial improvements in academic areas, the overall student experience, and learning spaces.  Highlights of the campaign include $1 million invested in modernizations to the Starr Science Building including the purchase of new scientific equipment; naming of the Puri School of Business and the installation of the Bloomberg Business Lab trading floor; and the creation of the Student Opportunity Fund which allows for supportive funding for students to further engage in research experiences with faculty and in unique learning opportunities. Finally, the strengthening of the University’s annual fund has allowed for extensive capital investments to take place throughout campus. More than $15 million has been invested over the past six years, resulting in noticeable improvements to our infrastructure and physical plant. 

President Fulcomer shares, “As Rockford University’s 18th president, it has been my privilege to continue working toward the successful completion of the elements outlined in the Rock Solid & Ready Campaign. As the vision for this important work began to take shape, I was fortunate in my previous role as Vice President of Enrollment Management to have served alongside President Emeritus Robert L. Head. Ultimately, thanks to the buy-in and support of more than 2,500 donors, we were successful in a campaign that allowed for a strengthening of the Rockford University experience for students, faculty, alumni, and friends. I am grateful to everyone for their remarkable support which has had a direct impact on the University’s ability to provide transformational experiences for our students.”

Campaign Chair and Board of Trustee member Jim Keeling adds, “The generosity of the Rockford University community has been incredible. We can directly see how the monies raised have had an immediate and positive impact. I am so proud of this institution. A flourishing Rockford University translates directly to a stronger Rockford community; something of which we can and should all be proud.”

Happening concurrently with efforts to raise funds to support specific campaign elements, several additional donors came forward to support students through the creation of endowed scholarships and bequest intentions. Additional gifts made to endowed scholarships during the life of the campaign amounted to more than $8.7 million, including planned gifts and bequest intentions valued at approximately $875,000. In all, during the period of the campaign, gifts and pledges to the University totaled more than $27.8 million.

Breaking Ground

The campus will undergo a significant physical change with a more than 3,800 square foot addition to the Seaver Physical Education Center. The $3 million project is expected to break ground before the end of the 2019. The new space will include an enhanced weight and fitness space and will add more classroom space for the rapidly growing physical education and exercise science programs. Also included in the renovation and addition is redesigned heating and cooling system that will provide for the entire building to be fully air-conditioned along with a more energy-efficient heating system. Designed by local architecture firm Larson & Darby Group, this vital expansion will be an essential venue for student learning and further support enrollment growth.

President Fulcomer concludes, “We have much to celebrate and much for which to look forward. It will be exciting to watch the Seaver transformation, knowing that when complete, the space will better serve all of our students. I am grateful to all who have helped us realize our goals.

In May of 2020, the first two Rockford Promise Scholars to attend Rockford University will graduate. Jennifer Rosales (left) and Alondra Torres (right), both alumnae of Jefferson High School, are grateful and humbled by the unique experience they share as Rockford Promise Scholars.

Rockford University and Rock Valley College joined in a formal collaboration in 2015 with Rockford Promise, committing to provide tuition remission to selected area students. In 2016, Alondra and Jennifer received the first two full-time four-year scholarships, along with three other students who received scholarships to attend Rock Valley College.

Rockford Promise is a non-profit, location-based scholarship program that seeks to improve the local economy by offering full-tuition scholarships to deserving graduates of Rockford Public Schools in District 205. Modeled after other Promise programs around the nation, the organization seeks to increase educational attainment in the Rockford community while providing economic incentives for residents and businesses to locate in the Rockford region. In addition to full-tuition college scholarships, Rockford Promise also supports scholars with various community mentorship opportunities, academic advising, and meaningful social connections to ensure they not only earn their degrees but also gain a strong foundation toward a successful career.

When asked what it meant to her to have this opportunity, Jennifer stated, “Even though I knew I wanted to go to college, graduating high school was one of the highest goals I had for myself and look at where I am today, I am about to graduate from college in less than a year. I would not have been able to achieve this without the help of everyone that has been there for me, including the members of the Rockford Promise committee, Rockford University staff and faculty, and my family.”

Jennifer, a human development major, quickly learned the value of finding ways to engage outside of the classroom. She participated in the Alan Hutchcroft Alternative Spring Break, showcased her athletic talents on the Women’s Soccer Team, and served as a Welcome Week leader for incoming students. This all while maintaining excellent grades and being named to the Dean’s and Distinguished Scholars lists. Planning for her future after graduation, she is committed never to stop learning and hopes to stand out in her profession by attending a graduate school counseling program.

For Alondra, also an honor student with an outstanding academic record, who will graduate with a major in biochemistry and a minor in French, the significance of being able to attend college with the financial burdens lifted is evident.

She shares, “I am grateful that Rockford Promise gave me the chance to attend Rockford University. Thanks to this scholarship, I have been able to make the most out of my college career by searching for endless opportunities to grow as a student and a member of this community.”

Alondra has demonstrated this gratitude by not hesitating to become involved in clubs and organizations on campus, including several Global Affairs events, serving as a Student Government Association representative and Welcome Week leader. Alondra has participated twice in the Alan Hutchcroft Alternative Spring Break, played all four years for the soccer team, and is a member of the Student Government Association. An experience Alondra cites as one of the most meaningful was being able to visit Paris, France in January of 2018, as part of her French Language and Culture Abroad course and with the help of the University’s Student Opportunity Fund. Alondra looks forward to continuing her education and hopes to one day work toward her Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.

Rockford University’s commitment to Rockford Promise has continued to increase since 2016, with an investment of more than $220,000. Four new Rockford Promise scholars came to Rockford University this fall, joining their eight counterparts. With growing community support, the program is living up to its moniker, truly providing great promise for area students and outstanding soon-to-be alumni in Jennifer and Alondra.

The 165^th Commencement ceremony was held on Sunday, May 19, at the Coronado Performing Arts Center located in downtown Rockford. 350 students from 22 states and 12 countries were awarded degrees in bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. This year’s graduate keynote address was presented by Bernard Sundstedt ’77. Bern officially retired on June 30, 2019, after more than 25 years of service. Through his more than four decades relationship with the University, Sundstedt has been an integral connector to individuals who represent 11 decades of University life, which became evident in his remarks.

Bern’s uniquely tailored address provided depth to the special bond Rockford University is fortunate to have with Eugene Braunwald, M.D. and alumni from the class of 1969, Drs. Marc and Janice Pfeffer. The University was honored to present Dr. Braunwald, a world-renowned cardiologist, a pioneer in the pathophysiology of heart failure, and special friend of the University with an Honorary Doctor of Science.

Dr. Braunwald is the distinguished Hersey Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and the founding Chair of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Study Group (TIMI) at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. He trained at New York University School of Medicine and at the age of 25, he had already gained recognition through his published works. Six years later, he was named Chief of Cardiology and Clinical Director of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Dr. Braunwald soon became the founding Chair of Medicine at the University of California, San Diego. From 1972 to 1996 he was Chairman of the Department of Medicine at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

As chairman of TIMI, Dr. Braunwald joined with Drs. Marc and Janice Pfeffer to provide significant insight into the treatment of patients who suffer from acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina. Their groundbreaking work changed the trajectory of cardiac medicine. President Fulcomer provided the following remarks about Dr. Braunwald during the ceremony.

Over the past 20 years, you have generously and graciously supported Rockford University in thought, word, and deed.  In addition, your lifetime of professional accomplishments are without compare; they serve as a compelling example of all that is possible in our world – an example our graduates in this and any year would do well to emulate. Your remarkable contributions to science and medicine have forever improved the human condition for people of every race, nation, creed, and ethnicity.

As a recipient of 22 honorary doctorates, we are honored and humbled that you have agreed to accept ours with pride while allowing us to join an impressive role of the most prestigious institutions around the world, whose degrees live on in your heart and adorn the walls of your office.

You are the epitome of liberal learning and embody an exemplary model of the power that exists in allowing oneself to fearlessly challenge the established construct while shattering perceived boundaries for the greater good. 

Your first major paper was published in Circulation Research in July 1954, establishing you as a major force in cardiology ever since. With more than fourteen hundred published articles to your credit, you are the most frequently cited author in cardiology by the journal ‘Science Watch.’

You have served as an editor of Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine for 12 editions, and as the founding editor of Heart Disease, now in its 11th Edition – the two most influential textbooks in cardiac medicine. Your contributions to cardiovascular research through your 60-year commitment to Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction studies are simply unparalleled, and your findings have resulted in multiple life-saving therapeutic approaches.

Your paradigm-defining discovery that the size of a myocardial infarction could be reduced by favorably altering the balance between oxygen supply and demand set the stage for modern coronary care management.

Your accomplishments are so significant; it is impossible to express in words here today the depth to which you have impacted our world. But of all your endeavors, we at Rockford University are most thankful for the serendipitous circumstances that some 40 years ago brought you into the lives of Rockford University Alumni Dr. Janice Sikorski Pfeffer, and her husband, Dr. Marc Pfeffer. The SAVE and CARE trials that you conducted with them are regarded as two of the most influential cardio/medical trials in the last century and have saved countless patients.

It is a wonderful story of love, commitment, and compassion that will be given full treatment by our commencement speaker, Mr. Bern Sundstedt. Dr. Braunwald, you have done so much for Rockford University and the world of cardiac medicine; we thank you and would like at this time to appropriately recognize you. 

Rockford University announced a new partnership with Rock Valley College designed to provide a seamless path for adult students to complete a business management bachelor’s degree at Rockford University through its Puri School of Business. The Rockford Ready program enables anyone who has completed an Associate’s of Applied Science (A.A.S) to easily transfer their degree credentials for full-credit and earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Management Studies in as little as 24-months through a combination of online and hybrid courses.

Rockford University and Rock Valley College have long-standing transfer articulation agreements for students who begin their college studies at RVC to earn Associates of Art (A.A.) or Associates of Science (A.S.) degrees, which are degrees designed to prepare students for transfer into a four-year college. Rockford Ready differs in that it is customized more specifically for working individuals who have an A.A.S. degree. A.A.S. degrees are more career-focused programs that provide specific skill sets and certifications to go directly into the workforce.

“We are listening closely to what our area business and industry leaders are saying is needed to help their employees acquire the necessary skills and education they need for continued leadership and management growth,” said Rockford University President Dr. Eric Fulcomer. “Rockford Ready is an excellent example of how two organizations can come together to provide a creative and viable continuing education option to specifically addresses those needs. I’m impressed with our respective faculty and administrators who worked side-by-side to design this innovative bachelor’s completion curriculum. We are excited to launch the program here today with our RVC colleagues.”

Each year the Alumni Association Board gives several awards to alumni and long-time university supporters. These awards are presented annually during the All-Alumni Dinner at Homecoming and Reunion each fall, this year held on October 4.

Mary Ashby Cheek Award – Given to a past or present non-alumni member of the Rockford University community for enriching the university experience of many by exemplifying the ideals of the University. One award is given each year.

Dr. Kip Knight & Eileen V. Knight – Inspired by Kip’s mother, Maxine Rosella Burritt Knight, class of 1934, and her affinity for Rockford College, Dr. Kip Knight & Eileen V. Knight continually exemplify the ideals of Rockford University through their selfless support. Both Kip and Eileen are retired lifelong educators who value higher education. These values come to life through the endowed scholarship created in memory of Kip’s mother, their membership in the Mary Ashby Cheek Society, annual visits back to campus, and many other countless ways.

Talcott Cross Award– The oldest Rockford University award, the Talcott Cross is awarded to an Alumna for her constancy, devotion and a long history of meritorious service to Rockford University. One award is given each year.

Cindy Bugajski Sundstedt ’78– Cindy currently serves as Director of Trade Settlements and Receivables at Cimco Resources and has served as Secretary for the Roscoe Township Cemetery Board since 2000. Already an enthusiastic supporter and advocate for Rockford University, Cindy took on additional responsibilities for the better part of 25 years, standing by her husband’s side during his time as VP of Advancement for Rockford University. Through the countless events she has attended, many connections and positive relationships she maintains with alumni, and so much more, Cindy continues to display her constancy and devotion to Rockford University.

​Award of Distinction – Given to Alumni for fulfilling the ideals of Rockford University and bringing honor and esteem to the University in one or more of the following ways; through their vision, dedication, and initiative in a purposeful endeavor; by their responsive and sustained efforts in community improvements; or by their notable achievements in a profession. Up to three awards are given each year.

Tom Clinton ’70/’76 & Linda Clinton ’72/’75 – Tom and Linda Clinton founded First Love International Ministries In 2001. Tom serves as President/CEO and Linda as the Director of Children’s Ministries. In his role as President, Tom oversees First Love’s International headquarters as well as a full time staff comprised of over 300 USA and national staff workers residing in the countries of: the Philippines, Nepal, Indonesia, India, the Czech Republic, Taiwan, Ukraine, Malawi, Peru, Colombia, Kenya, and Peru.

Award of Distinction – Wester Wuori ’92 – Wester Wuori is Chief of Staff for the City of Rockford and has more than 24 years of experience in corporate and political communications, marketing and public relations and 17 years of staff supervisory experience. He has served with various community organizations in the area including Lifescape Community Services, Golden Apple Foundation, I Bike Rockford, Transform Rockford, Discovery Center Museum, The Rockford University Alumni Association, Westminster Presbyterian Church, and Next Rockford.

The University announced in June that competitive eSports would be added to its growing list of student activities, clubs, and NCAA sports. Excitement about the addition of eSports immediately followed the announcement. Play will take place in the new state-of-the-art eSports arena located in the Burpee Student Center. The arena features 16 new gaming PCs completely powered by MSI with easy access for any RU student to jump in and play a few games.

Why eSports? Vice President for Student Life, Dr. Randy Worden says, “Competitive eSports gaming is growing exponentially in our region and across the country. Many area high-schools have teams and the local school district is considering the creation of a joint gaming center where their students can train and compete. Prospective and current students have shown substantial interest in being able to compete at the collegiate level. We’re incredibly excited to add eSports to our campus and provide yet another way for students to have access to diverse opportunities that enhance their overall collegiate experience.”

Rockford University plans to establish and maintain collegiate level competitive teams across a variety of games and will initially compete in the CS Starleague, considered the premier platform for collegiate level League of Legends competition. As the program continues to take shape and evolve, Rockford University is committed to developing additional teams for other competitive eSports (i.e. Rocket League, Overwatch, Counter-Strike). Teams and players at Rockford University will have the opportunity to stream gameplay, compete inter-collegiately, and play against athletes from across the world, all under the official banner of the Rockford University eSports team. 

The eSports program at Rockford University will offer students several real-world advantages. In addition to competitive gaming, students will have opportunities to gain experience in graphic and media design, social media branding and marketing, event planning and management, and communications and broadcasting.

All eSports team members will have numerous opportunities to engage within the greater campus community in important ways that will be an asset to their futures. eSports Coordinator and Graduate Assistant Hall Director Clay Duffy ’17 adds, “While some people may think of eSports as only consisting of competitive video gaming, there is virtually limitless potential for students and athletes  to learn new skills, make new friends, and express themselves in creative ways that ultimately heighten their educational experience.”

To follow the first season of Regents eSports action on Twitter, go to @Regents_eSports.

Criminal Justice made its debut this fall as a new major degree offering. The degree is part of the University’s Sociology and Criminal Justice department, which is part of the College of Social Sciences, Commerce and Education. Criminal Justice previously was offered as a concentration within the Sociology major.

The Criminal Justice degree is designed to provide students with a wide range of opportunities including academic internships at local agencies or organizations within the Rockford community and beyond by preparing students for a variety of careers, such as law enforcement (local, state, and federal), probation and parole, pre-trial services, law, homeland security, forensic science, fish and game wardens, and detectives and criminal investigators.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of police and detectives is projected to grow seven percent from 2016 to 2026. The continued need for public safety is expected to lead to new openings for officers.

Chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Lynn Newhart, Ph.D. (pictured right), says, “In this program, the all-university and collegial requirements ensure a strong liberal arts foundation for a more specialized program of study. Our Criminal Justice curriculum takes an interdisciplinary approach to criminal justice incorporating courses from criminal justice, political science, and sociology.” She also notes that the interdisciplinary approach is important since it offers appeal to students who are interested in criminal justice careers other than law enforcement. A sampling of classes includes: Introduction to Criminal Justice, Transnational Organized Crime, Homeland Security, Terrorism, Law and Society, Constitutional Law: Rights of the Accused, Juvenile Delinquency, and Criminology. Dr. Newhart adds that students will gain knowledge and skills in research, writing, public policy, criminology, corrections, juvenile delinquency, terrorism, and transnational organized crime.

Rockford Police Department’s Assistant Deputy Chief Michael Dalke consulted with the University and Dr. Newhart to provide additional expertise and guidance on shaping the criminal justice program. “Having this program at Rockford University will benefit the institution, the students and community in many ways,” states Dalke. “Knowing the challenges that are presented in Rockford and having a deeper understanding of the community will set these students at an advantage. Building the relationships with the community and hands-on learning through local internships with RPD and others, along with a strong degree curriculum, will help prepare students for a successful career upon graduation.”

Students interested in the Criminal Justice Program at Rockford University are encouraged to contact Rockford University Admissions at 815-226-4050 or email Dr. Newhart at LNewhart@rockford.edu for more information.