Campus News

Rockford, Illinois — Rockford Promise is thrilled to announce an exciting expansion of its scholarship program in collaboration with Rockford University and the City of Rockford. This new partnership will provide eligible students with a fully-funded tuition opportunity to attend Rockford University, enhancing access to higher education for local high school graduates. This initiative is designed to support students living in the City of Rockford, offering them a pathway to a debt-free college education and empowering the next generation of local leaders.

The Rockford Promise-Rockford University Scholarship Program will begin in the 2025 academic year, allowing graduates from public or private Rockford Promise partner schools within Rockford city limits, who meet specific academic and financial qualifications, to attend Rockford University tuition-free. With annual support from the City of Rockford, Rockford Promise will administer the program to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities, aiming to increase educational attainment and foster economic growth throughout the region.

The City of Rockford has committed $500,000 annually towards the tuition of eligible students. This is funded through the casino tax from the Rockford Hard Rock Casino and is part of the Casino Tax Revenue Investment Plan.

“This collaboration is a profound investment in Rockford’s future,” said Mayor Thomas McNamara. “By enabling our students to achieve their educational goals without the burden of tuition, we are not only supporting individual success but also strengthening our community’s workforce and economic growth.”

Meanwhile, Rockford University has pledged to cover any additional tuition costs that exceed this contribution, guaranteeing that all qualifying students can benefit from this opportunity.

“This partnership with Rockford University and the City of Rockford marks a transformative milestone in Rockford Promise’s journey to making higher education accessible to all students within our community,” said Kaylene Groh, Executive Director of Rockford Promise. “Together, we are building a future where financial barriers do not stand in the way of academic and professional success for Rockford’s youth.”

The Rockford Promise-Rockford University Scholarship is aligned with Rockford Promise’s mission of supporting local students through scholarships, mentorships, and community engagement. The program reflects the City of Rockford’s commitment to strengthening its workforce and encouraging economic development. With the addition of this program, Rockford Promise, Rockford University, and the City of Rockford collectively work to inspire youth to pursue higher education and contribute to the city’s growth.

“This partnership with Rockford Promise and the City of Rockford marks a historic moment for our institution,” said Dr. Patricia Lynott, President of Rockford University. “Since 2016, we have
welcomed Rockford Promise Scholars, who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and academic success, reflected in their 92% graduation rate. Last year alone, we received over 90 applications from local students eager to pursue their studies at Rockford University through Rockford Promise. We are proud to deepen this relationship and look forward to seeing our community grow stronger through this initiative.”

How to apply:

Eligible students should complete their FAFSA and Rockford University admission applications by February 1 of their graduating year. They must apply through the Rockford Promise website application. Rockford Promise and Rockford University will coordinate to confirm student eligibility and manage the enrollment process. The City of Rockford will confirm address requirements.

To qualify, students must:

● Be a resident of the City of Rockford.
● Graduate from a public or private high school located within the city limits.
● Achieve a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
● Qualify for Federal Pell Grants and Illinois MAP Grants.

About Rockford Promise:

Rockford Promise is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and location-based scholarship program that enhances the economic vitality in the Rockford region by providing access to post-secondary
education for local students.

The organization removes financial barriers by offering full-tuition scholarships and providing support to enhance student success to degree or program completion.

Rockford Promise is based on Promise programs throughout the nation, most notably the Kalamazoo Promise in Kalamazoo, Michigan. One of the longest-running Promise programs, Kalamazoo Promise has positively impacted high school graduation, college attendance, property values and public-school enrollment. Local leaders seek to replicate the initiative in Rockford. Through Rockford Promise scholarships, financial aid, and partnerships with Rock Valley College, Rockford University, Saint Anthony College of Nursing and Northern Illinois University, Rockford Promise Scholars attend college tuition-free.

About Rockford University:

Rockford University, formerly Rockford College, is a four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional
fields. The undergraduate program offers approximately 80 majors, minors and concentrations, including three 100% online majors through the RU Online program. Five master’s degrees are
offered through the graduate program, including: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Arts in Sport Management & Leadership (MASM), and Masters of Science in Exercise Physiology (MSEP).

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. Rockford University is proud to hold the prestigious Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, an elective classification that highlights our dedication to meaningful and impactful partnerships within our local and regional communities. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,200 full- and part-time students.

For more information please contact:

Cole Bathje
cole.bathje@rockfordpromise.org

Laura Maher
Laura.Maher@rockfordil.gov

Sara Myers-Hogshead
shogshead@rockford.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ROCKFORD, IL. – Rockford University proudly congratulates senior Julisa Gutierrez on being named a 2024 Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.

This prestigious honor is awarded to outstanding seniors who “are honored for their leadership and service in the pursuit of the betterment of humanity and for overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities,” according to the Lincoln Academy.

“Julisa has been an outstanding student leader and role model on campus, especially through her dedication as a Regent Experience Guide and Regents First Mentor, where she has helped countless students navigate their university journey with confidence and care,” said Chelsea Minor, Director of Career Development & First Year Programs, who attended the ceremony on Oct. 26.

The Lincoln Academy honored top students from colleges and universities across Illinois during a ceremony held on Oct. 26 at the University of Illinois Springfield’s Performing Arts Center.

Each student laureate received the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award certificate signed by the Academy Chancellor, the Honorable Ron Spears; the President of The Lincoln Academy; and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, as well as a Lincoln medallion; a challenge coin; and a $1,000 check from The Lincoln Academy.

Congratulations to Julisa for this remarkable achievement!

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Contact:

Rockford University Marketing & Communications

communications@rockford.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 24, 2024

ROCKFORD, ILL.- Rockford University’s First Gen Forward Club in collaboration with the University’s Regents First program will hold a special dinner celebration in honor of National First Generation College Celebration Day. The dinner will be held Nov. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. in Regents Hall.

Regents Hall is located in the Burpee Student Center. Burpee Student Center is located on Rockford University’s campus, located at 5050 E. State St. in Rockford, Illinois. 

The event will include professional headshots, musical performances, and a keynote speech from RU alumna, Board of Trustees member, and first-generation graduate Mary Ann Laudicina. She will also participate in a first-generation panel discussion during the event. 

All RU faculty, staff, students and their families are welcome to this event. We do ask students, faculty, and staff to register for the event by Thursday, Oct. 31. Please register here. 

About First-Generation College Celebration

On November 8, to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, institutions nationwide are invited to celebrate the presence and experiences of first-generation college students, faculty, and staff within their communities. The HEA created federal programs that promote postsecondary access, retention, and completion for limited-income, first-generation college students. 

RU’s campus efforts will be part of a national advocacy campaign focused on promoting systemic social change by dismantling barriers to first-generation student success on both a local and national level. 

More information on this nationwide celebration can be found at firstgen.naspa.org/engagement/first-generation-college-celebration/first-generation-college-celebration. 

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This event is open to the RU community (students and their families, staff, and faculty). Local media is invited to the Rockford University campus to cover this event.

We kindly ask the media to RSVP to this event. To RSVP, please contact Sara Myers-Hogshead at SHogshead@rockford.edu by Nov. 7 at 5 p.m. to let her know you plan to attend. 

Contact:

Sara Myers-Hogshead

RU Marketing & Communications

shogshead@rockford.edu 

815.394.5052 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 17, 2024 

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

WHERE: Starr Science Center at Rockford University. Rockford University is located at 5050 E. State St. in Rockford, Illinois.

WHAT: Rockford University’s Science, Math, and Nursing College will hold the InnnovateHER STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) camp for sixth-grade female students from two area middle schools: Galapagos Rockford Charter School and the Gifted Academy at Thurgood Marshall Middle School. 

Each school will be sending about 40 students and a handful of chaperones to participate in hands-on activity sessions in the areas of Science, Healthcare, Technology, Engineering, and Math. 

All sessions will be led by female STEM students and facilitated by female faculty/staff mentors. Each session emphasizes potential career paths in STEM fields that relate to the activity chosen and will consist of groups of about 8 middle school students. 

This event is funded by an In Youth We Trust grant through the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois that May 2024 Biochemistry graduate Faith Gomez received before graduating. Melisa Kraus is the student who is taking over in Gomez’s place. Kraus is a Biochemistry and Psychology double major.

WHO: Rockford University faculty and staff involved in the event include Dean of College of Science, Math and Nursing Filiz Dik, Associate Professor Kari Severson, Lab Manager and Administrative Assistant Anya McIntyre, Lecturer Viktoriia Dobriak, Assistant Professor Melissa Korkmaz-Vaisys, Lecturer of Physics Susan Sorensen, Assistant Professor of Biology Emily Webb, and Beth Lipton. 

Media interested in attending the event should RSVP to communications@rockford.edu no later than on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 4:30 p.m. 

Contact:

Rockford University Marketing & Communications

communications@rockford.edu 

OR

Kayla Eddy

KEddy@rockford.edu

815.394.5041

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 16, 2024

ROCKFORD, ILL.- Author Barbara Gregorich will present “Design, Luck, and the Rockford Peaches: All Things Are Connected,” on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. in Fisher Chapel.

Fisher Chapel is located on Rockford University’s campus at 5050 E. State St. in Rockford, Illinois.

Gregorich is the author of the 1993 book, Women at Play: The Story of Women in Baseball.

Women at Play was published in 1993, receiving a boxed review in the Sunday New York Times. It was awarded the Society for American Baseball Research-MacMillan Award for best baseball research of the year. In 2017 Women at Play was brought back to popular attention when Francis Ford Coppola (in a NY Times Book Review), asked the question of which book readers would be surprised to find on his shelf, answered: “Women at Play: The Story of Women in Baseball, by Barbara Gregorich.” In September 2024 Gregorich was honored with the SABR Dorothy Seymour Mills Lifetime Achievement Award.

While writing baseball novels and nonfiction, Gregorich also worked as a freelance educational writer and editor, creating more than 100 activity books for various publishers; writing a series of Start to Read books; writing early readers (Waltur Buys a Pig in a Poke and Waltur Paints Himself into a Corner); and writing BrainQuest cards and workbooks.

In this presentation, Gregorich will speak about how and why she decided to research women baseball players and how her research for the historically significant, but always elusive, Maud Nelson led her across fifty years and half of the US—inevitably culminating with Rose Gacioch and the magnificent Rockford Peaches.

Forum Series

The Rockford University Forum Series presents speakers in a variety of disciplines who have achieved success both nationally and locally, and performers of stature in the arts. The Forum Series’ central programming focus is geared toward students, while also seeking to connect the campus to the local community. Lectures and performances are concerned with intellectual, social, and cultural matters of general interest to deepen and broaden students’ education at Rockford University and enhance the rich culture of Rockford.

Forum Series presenters and events cover a broad spectrum of scope and genre. Events have included the Tibetan lamas from Drepung Loseling Monastery and their creation of a mandala—a sacred sand painting; Holocaust survivor Zev Kedem, the compelling speaker who worked with Steven Spielberg on the movie Schindler’s List; Oscar Arias, former president of Costa Rica and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on a Central American Peace Plan; quadriplegic Olympic bronze medal rugby player Mark Zupan; film documentarian Barbara Martinez Jitner, who produced “La Frontera;” Davar Ardalan, author of “My Name is Iran;” and traditional University events like the President’s Opening Convocation, Charter Day Convocation, and theater productions.

International Women’s Baseball Center

At IWBC, education is the cornerstone of our mission to protect, preserve, and promote all aspects of women’s baseball, both on and off the field. IWBC’s administrative offices are located at Rockford University. For more information on events and programs, visit iwbc.org.

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This event is open to the general public and the RU community. Local media is invited to the Rockford University campus to cover this event.

We kindly ask the media to RSVP to this event. To RSVP, please contact Sara Myers at SMyers@rockford.edu by Oct. 22 at 5 p.m.

Contact:

Sara Myers

RU Marketing & Communications

smyers@rockford.edu

815.394.5052

Rockford University, the region’s premier private, four-year university, proudly announces the largest incoming freshmen class on record.

The fall 2024 freshman cohort comprises 215 new students, a historic milestone for the university that reflects its commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement.

“We are thrilled to welcome our largest incoming freshmen class on record to the university this fall,” said Rockford University president, Dr. Patricia Lynott. “This achievement speaks to the dedication of our faculty and staff and the growing appeal of Rockford University’s distinctive programs and vibrant campus life. We look forward to seeing these students thrive as they contribute to our campus community.”

The fall 2024 freshman class includes 214 full-time students and one part-time student, all representing diverse interests and backgrounds that enrich the Rockford University experience. Additionally, 126 of the incoming students are athletes, bringing a unique mix of talent, ambition, and engagement to campus life.

Rockford University’s consistent enrollment growth in recent years underscores the institution’s focus on providing a supportive and engaging academic environment. Fall 2023 saw 191 full-time freshmen join the university, fall 2022 brought in 168, and fall 2021 had 193 freshmen.

About Rockford University

Founded in 1847, Rockford University is a private, not-for-profit institution located in Rockford, Illinois, dedicated to providing high-quality education rooted in the liberal arts and professional studies. Rockford University prepares students for successful careers, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning. For more information, visit www.rockford.edu.

# # #

Contact:

Rockford University Marketing and Communications

communications@rockford.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 8, 2024

ROCKFORD, ILL.– Rockford University President Dr. Patricia Lynott will speak at the Rockford Network of Professional Women’s (RNPW) luncheon meeting this October at Rockford University. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Dr. Lynott will speak at 12:30 p.m. 

The event will be held in Regents Hall in the Blanche Walker Burpee Student Center on Rockford University’s campus. Rockford University is located at 5050 E. State St. in Rockford, Illinois. 

About Dr. Lynott 

Dr. Lynott began service as president of Rockford University on March 1, 2024, having served as the interim president since December 12, 2022.

In her 35+ years in higher education, Dr. Lynott has combined a successful teaching career with innovative academic leadership. She began her career as a communication professor, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in rhetoric, political communication, and public speaking. At Elmhurst College, Dr. Lynott served as Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education and became the founding director of Elmhurst Partners, the college’s corporate training division that provided custom programming to Chicago-area Fortune 500 companies.

About RNPW

RNPW began in March 1981 when four Rockford women met to discuss how women in the Rock River Region could come together to support other women. This first meeting evolved into weekly organizational meetings, and the RNPW became official in June 1981. 

Local media is invited to the Rockford University campus to cover this event.

We ask the media to please contact Rockford University’s Communications Department at Communications@Rockford.edu or Sara Myers at SMyers@rockford.edu by Oct. 14 at 5 p.m., to let us know that you are attending. 

Contact:

Sara Myers

RU Marketing & Communications

smyers@rockford.edu 

815.394.5052 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 4, 2024

ROCKFORD, ILL.- Physicist and Airworthiness Deputy at NASA K. Renee Horton, Ph.D., will present “The Intersection of Talent and Passion” on Friday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. as part of Rockford University’s Forum Series in collaboration with the Illinois Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT).

Rockford University is hosting the joint fall 2024 ISAAPT and WAPT (Wisconsin Area Physics Teachers) meeting entitled “Physics Without Boundaries.”

This public talk is part of the Forum Series and will also be the keynote speech for the AAPT conference.

The event will be held in Maddox Theatre in Clark Arts Center on Rockford University’s campus. Rockford University is located at 5050 E. State St. in Rockford, Illinois.

There will be several sessions that may be of interest to a wide range of audiences such as sessions on science communication, inclusivity in the classroom, contributed talks on the use of augmented and virtual reality, a presentation on the “Lost City,” and “Clipper” missions in an inflatable planetarium dome.

To register for the conference, use this link.

The public talk by Dr. Horton is free and open to anyone. We ask guests to RSVP to the event at this link here.

About K. Renee Horton, Ph.D.

Dr. Horton is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and works in the community for STEM education and STEM outreach. She believes in changing the face of STEM and is the founder of Unapologetically Being, Inc. a nonprofit for advocacy and mentoring in STEM.

In her lecture, Dr. Horton will explore the intersection of science research, life’s struggles, and a career in STEM, focusing on the theme of overcoming a disability. Through personal anecdotes and scientific accomplishments, we will delve into the challenges faced highlighting the power of determination and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. Join us as we discuss how resilience, innovation, and a passion for discovery can lead to success and inspire positive change in the world

Forum Series

The Rockford University Forum Series presents speakers in a variety of disciplines who have achieved success both nationally and locally, and performers of stature in the arts. The Forum Series’ central programming focus is geared toward students, while also seeking to connect the campus to the local community. Lectures and performances are concerned with intellectual, social, and cultural matters of general interest to deepen and broaden students’ education at Rockford University and enhance the rich culture of Rockford.

Forum Series presenters and events cover a broad spectrum of scope and genre. Events have included the Tibetan lamas from Drepung Loseling Monastery and their creation of a mandala—a sacred sand painting; Holocaust survivor Zev Kedem, the compelling speaker who worked with Steven Spielberg on the movie Schindler’s List; Oscar Arias, former president of Costa Rica and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on a Central American Peace Plan; quadriplegic Olympic bronze medal rugby player Mark Zupan; film documentarian Barbara Martinez Jitner, who produced “La Frontera;” Davar Ardalan, author of “My Name is Iran;” and traditional University events like the President’s Opening Convocation, Charter Day Convocation, and theater productions.

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Local media is invited to the Rockford University campus to cover this event. We ask the media to please email Sara Myers at SMyers@rockford.edu to let us know that you are coming.

Please email us by Oct. 10 at 5 p.m. to let us know you are attending.

Contact:

Sara Myers

RU Marketing & Communications

smyers@rockford.edu

815.394.5052

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 12, 2024

ROCKFORD, ILL.- Native American activist, Harvard-educated economist, and author Winona LaDuke will visit Rockford University on Wednesday, September 18, to celebrate the International Day of Peace. 

The event will be held Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 7 p.m. in Fisher Chapel located on Rockford University’s campus. Rockford University is located at 5050 E. State St. in Rockford, Illinois. 

About Winona LaDuke 

LaDuke has devoted her life to advocating for indigenous people’s rights; environmental justice; women’s and children’s rights; rural development, and economic, food, and energy sovereignty.
In 1989, she founded the White Earth Land Recovery Project (WELRP), a reservation-based land acquisition, environmental advocacy, and cultural organization and one of the largest reservation-based nonprofits in the country.

In 1994, LaDuke was nominated by Time Magazine as one of America’s 50 most promising leaders under the age of 40. She was awarded The Thomas Merton Award in 1996, The Biha Community Service Award in 1997, The Ann Bancroft Award for Women’s Leadership Fellowship, and The Reebok Human Rights Award (which she used to begin the White Earth Land Recovery Project). 

LaDuke was a two-time Green Party running mate for Ralph Nader in 1996 and 2000, and she is an international thought leader and lecturer in climate justice, renewable energy, and environmental justice, plus an advocate for protecting Indigenous plants and heritage foods from patenting and genetic engineering.

Today, LaDuke lives and works on the White Earth reservation in northern Minnesota, and she is active with multiple organizations. Her latest effort is Winona’s Hemp and Heritage, a farm and nonprofit agency whose mission is to create an Indigenous women-led economy that is kind to the Earth.

Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement 

The Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement (JACCE) advances the ideals of Rockford University through the study and practice of citizenship, service, and lifelong learning. We work to connect the classroom to the community while emphasizing community building and lifetime partnerships.

JACCE is located in Fisher Chapel. Visit us during our open hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email us anytime at JACCE@rockford.edu.

Forum Series

The Rockford University Forum Series presents speakers in various disciplines who have achieved success nationally and locally, and performers of stature in the arts. The Forum Series’ central programming focus is geared toward students and seeks to connect the campus to the local community. Lectures and performances are concerned with intellectual, social, and cultural matters of general interest to deepen and broaden students’ education at Rockford University and enhance the rich culture of Rockford.

Local media is invited to the Rockford University campus to cover this event.

To RSVP, please contact Rockford University’s Communications Department at Communications@Rockford.edu by Sept. 17 at 5 p.m.

Contact:

Sara Myers

RU Marketing & Communications

smyers@rockford.edu 

communications@rockford.edu 

815.394.5052 

Rockford, Ill. (Sept. 4, 2024)– The students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Rockford University — the region’s leading private four-year institution — will spend Wednesday, September 11, 2024, giving back to the Rockford community during its annual Day of Service.

In celebration of Rockford University’s most famous alumna, Jane Addams — and her September birthday — the campus is joining as a community to celebrate her legacy and our institutional commitment to her values. 

“Jane Addams Day of Service recognizes the birthday and the enduring legacy of Addams and her commitment to working for the common good,” said Mary Weaks-Baxter, Ph.D., Director of the Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement at Rockford University. “Our hope is that this Day of Service can be an opportunity for us to consider ways we can reach out to communities in need and recognize how community engagement and activism can unite us in the common goal of working for the betterment of our society and world.”  

The 2024 Day of Service will benefit local organizations, including Burpee Natural Museum of History, Discovery Center, Rockford Rescue Mission, Beyer Stadium, Midway Village, and more. 

Students, faculty, and staff will also participate in on-campus projects to spruce up Scarborough Hall, create care bags for the Amberwood Nursing Home in Starr Science Center, and help renovate the Colman Library. 

Local media is invited to attend the event starting at 8:30 a.m. The volunteers, students, staff, and faculty will check in for the day in Lot A at Rockford University’s campus at 5050 E. State St. in Rockford. Media should meet RU Marketing/Communications at check-in.

Off-Campus Photo and B-roll Opportunity:

• Media can also go to the Discovery Center, 711 N. Main St. in Rockford from 10 to 11 a.m. to meet with RU Marketing/Communications to take b-roll, as well.

Please RSVP to the event by emailing Sara Myers at SMyers@rockford.edu or Communications@rockford.edu by 8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11.

CONTACT:

Sara Myers

RU Marketing & Communications

SMyers@rockford.edu

815.394.5052

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 a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full- and part-time students.