Campus News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dec. 2, 2024

Rockford, Illinois- Rockford University is thrilled to announce its upcoming December Recognition Ceremony, a momentous occasion to honor the achievements of our dedicated students. The ceremony will commence at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Rockford University in the Clark Arts Theatre located at 5050 E State St., Rockford, Illinois, 61108. This event promises to be a celebration of academic excellence and a culmination of hard work and commitment.

This year’s ceremony will include a keynote address from English Professor Dr. William Gahan, and speeches from University President Dr. Patricia Lynott, and Chair of the Board of Trustees Marci Taets. 

As part of the day’s festivities, the university will host a nurse pinning ceremony, recognizing the accomplishments of our nursing graduates. The nurse pinning ceremony is set to take place at 9:00 a.m., preceding the main recognition event. This special occasion highlights the dedication and expertise of our nursing students as they embark on their professional journeys.

Rockford University warmly invites families, friends, faculty, and the community to join us in celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of our graduates. The December Recognition Ceremony is a time-honored tradition, and we look forward to sharing this occasion with everyone.

For further information, please contact Rockford University Marketing/Communications at communications@rockford.edu or Sara Myers-Hogshead at SHogshead@rockford.edu. 

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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.

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

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.

By Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist 

Rockford University MBA (Master of Business Administration) Alumnus Quentin Hernandez came to the U.S. to get his bachelor’s degree first in 2018.

Hernandez was recruited to attend RU by a former basketball coach. The opportunity was very appealing to him because, in his home country of France, he could not attend college and play basketball simultaneously. Hernandez studied Computer Science Management with a minor in Business Administration 

“I really got to experience the honeymoon phase when I first came in 2018,” he said. “Everything is amazing, you love the food and it’s a dream coming true. A few months later, you get to notice the differences and you get to see that it’s not as perfect as you wish it was.”

He adds that he was able to make great friends and get lots of support through this time. He ended up sticking it out, and realizing that there are a lot of differences but that they aren’t good or bad, he said. 

After graduating with his bachelor’s in fall 2021, Hernandez returned home to France and worked briefly with Airbus Helicopter as a data analyst. In the fall of 2022, he returned to RU to get his MBA in Finance.

“I came back for my master’s for multiple reasons. I was working in France after graduating with my bachelor’s degree. I moved back and found a job. I wanted to get a master’s degree, and I liked my experience of moving to a new country. I got the chance when I was contacted by the Office of Global Affairs. RU offered me a graduate assistantship.”

When Hernandez came back to RU to get his MBA, he learned about the complex admission process for international students as he worked alongside Executive Director of Global Affairs Maria Diemer, Associate Director of Global Affairs Julie Griffith, Coordinator of Global Affairs/ English as a Second Language Maggie Kasicki and more. 

“Global Affairs was an amazing experience,” he said. “First of all, it’s an amazing team. Maria Diemer is a great leader, and working with Maggie, Julie, and Fred was amazing. It was an amazing thing to go to every day. It was a positive office where things were getting done and we were all helping each other out.”

One of the most memorable events for Hernandez that he helped put together was Saudi National Day. He said it was great to see Saudi students getting more involved after the COVID-19 crisis, and he loved getting to dress in traditional Saudi Arabian clothes with his friends from Saudi Arabia and the whole Global Affairs office. 

During his time studying for his MBA, Hernandez had a great time getting to know his professors like Dr. Luis Romero, Chair of the PURI School of Business, Associate Professor of Economics, Business, and Accounting; and Director of the MBA Program; and Professor of Economics, Business & Accounting, and Ludwig Von Mises Chair of Economics, Masoud Moallem. 

“I feel like we have such diversity among the teachers that you can more or less connect with all of them as long as you’re interested in what they teach,” he said. 

Hernandez’s favorite class was the MBA capstone class, the final class he took to get his MBA. 

“It was a group project and I got to have amazing people on my team, who were all from different backgrounds,” he said. “One person had experience teaching in college when he worked as an accountant. Another was an international student like me.”

His favorite moment at RU was when he graduated alongside his MBA classmates. For Hernandez, walking on the stage to receive his diploma was the final check in the box for him. Hernandez’s family came to Rockford from overseas to see him graduate which meant a lot for him, he said.

“I was working within our Office of Global Affairs, doing a good job, getting my MBA with a 4.0,” he said. “I had expected myself to accomplish all these things. Doing it with my close family and friends was something I cherish forever.”

Hernandez now works as a Data Governance Manager at Airbus Helicopter in Grand Prairie, Texas.

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This article is part of the 2023-2024 issue of Catalyst. 

By Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist 

Some may say that Ari Norris was born to be an artist, having been raised by two artists. Norris’ parents taught art classes at Muskegon Community College in Muskegon, Michigan, where he grew up. 

However, Norris differentiates from his parents regarding medium. His parents are painters, whereas Norris found his love of sculpting during his first year at Muskegon Community College. 

That’s where Norris took a class on the history of the Civil War, which included a field trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

“I just thought it was a trip to Gettysburg for a weekend,” Norris said. “I just thought it was a great way to see something new. I met Gary there, and I wrote (to) him later. That was just an attempt at finding an opportunity.”

Gary Casteel is a nationally recognized sculptor and the last living artist to produce a monument in the Gettysburg National Military Park. Casteel presented his sculpture of General James Longstreet during Norris’ class trip. 

Norris was inspired by Casteel’s work and wrote to him to ask if he needed an apprentice. Casteel agreed, and Norris spent two summers in Pennsylvania working with him. Toward the end of his second summer, Norris started to work on his sculpture “The Doris Rucks Memorial Sculpture,” located at Muskegon Community College.

“He instructed me through it and showed me not just the sculpting process but also how to invoice a client, and manage those tasks as a 21-year-old.”

Norris’ piece was sculpted in clay during the summer of 2017 and dedicated in 2018 once the bronze cast was done. 

He met Professor Frank Trankina at a portfolio review day at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. That interaction convinced him to attend Northern Illinois University. In 2018, he transferred to NIU in DeKalb, where he received a BFA in sculpture and an MA in metalwork, jewelry design, and digital fabrication. 

Once he graduated with his master’s, Norris became an artist-in-residence for 18 months at the Art Casting of Illinois, Inc. in Oregon, Illinois. He used the foundry to cast his sculptures. 

It was in August 2022, when he had a conversation with a friend who was leaving their job as Art Gallery Director at Rockford University. Norris’ friend asked him if he would be interested in the job. It was part-time, which was perfect for Norris as he wanted to spend the rest of his time working on another sculpture of his that would eventually become “Band Together” at Rowan Park in Muskegon Heights, Michigan. 

Norris took the job and has been Art Gallery Director at RU ever since. As the director, his main job is to curate shows. He searches for two artists that work well together and asks the artists around 6 to 12 months in advance if they would be interested, and if they say yes, that gives them enough time to start planning. Norris will often travel and meet artists in their studios. Sometimes he will book solo shows for just one artist. 

For example, a recent show by artist Esau McGhee examined the 10 years after he completed his MFA at Northwestern University in 2013. The retrospective survey show was called: “Long Time No See (Exhibit A).” 

When he’s not working on his duties as gallery director or working on his art, Norris has recently started teaching drawing classes at RU.

“I’m really glad I got my MA from NIU, otherwise, I would not be able to do that,” he said. “It’s been a blast learning, and learning through teaching.”

Norris’ last sculpture, “Band Together,” took about 22 months to complete. He worked out of his parents’ studio in Muskegon to create the piece. 

“The studio was my parents’ studio, but they don’t work on that scale anymore,” he said. “They made a series of collaborative paintings for about 15 years that are in the 12-foot range. I just started moving more things (in the studio). As long as I was getting commissions (they said) they can justify holding on to it for me.”

He adds that most of his sculpture work has been commissioned by Michigan groups, so it made sense to keep his “statue studio.”

When it comes to balancing his artwork and working as a gallery director, Norris is still trying to achieve that balance.

“Gary always stressed the idea of rotating in threes,” he said. “You have one piece at a Foundry being made, one piece that you’re sculpting, and back at the studio, the third piece is in the works. I just haven’t gotten to that rotation yet. Right now after this large piece (has been completed), I can enjoy a little bit of a breather.”

You can see all of Norris’ work on his two websites: arinorris.us and norrisstatues.com.

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This article is part of the 2023-2024 issue of Catalyst. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, at noon.

WHERE: Maddox Theatre in Clark Arts Center at Rockford University. Rockford University is located at 5050 E. State St. in Rockford, Illinois.

WHAT: Rockford University will hold its annual President’s Opening Convocation Ceremony on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. 

Opening Convocation is a longstanding tradition at Rockford University. Initiated in 1851 (four short years after our founding), the ceremony is attended by faculty, staff, and new and returning students and is the symbolic beginning of another school year.

WHO: The ceremony will also include remarks from President Patricia Lynott, Provost Elizabeth Davies, and Board of Trustees Chair Marci Taets.

Media interested in attending the event should RSVP to communications@rockford.edu or shogshead@rockford.edu no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22. 

Contact:

Sara Myers-Hogshead

Rockford University Marketing & Communications

shogshead@rockford.edu 

815-394-5052

ROCKFORD, Ill. (July 23, 2024) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, will welcome a group of incoming freshmen students this Sunday, July 28, for the Rockford University’s Regents First Summer 2024 Retreat.

The retreat runs from Sunday, July 28 through Friday, Aug. 2. 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 Student Support Programming, Dr. Karen Walker, 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, and time management skills,” said Mya Barrett, Regents First Mentor and incoming junior 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 in 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.   

For more information or to RSVP to the event, the media can email RU Marketing/Communications at communications@rockford.edu by Friday, July 26  at 3 p.m. Media are encouraged to come out and meet the students.

Contact:

Sara Myers-Hogshead

RU Marketing & Communications

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

Rockford University is hosting its second annual Dog 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’s Dog Days of Summer event 

When: Saturday, July 27, 2024, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Where: RU Nelson Alumni Center Parking Lot, 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 host its second annual Dog Days of Summer event on Saturday, July 27. 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 Nelson Alumni Center, 5050 E. State St. in Rockford, where they can pick up some goodies, pick up a campus map, and stroll around our scenic campus.

We’re excited to announce that The Canine Crunchery, Inc. will join us as a vendor this year. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to spoil your pup with wholesome treats and delights!

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. 

 For more information: Email alumni@rockford.edu or call 815-226-4007.

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Media-related questions or interview requests can be sent to Communications@Rockford.edu. We ask the media to RSVP by emailing us by 8:30 a.m. on July 26, 2024. 

Press Contact: 

Sara Myers-Hogshead

Rockford University Marketing & Communications

SHogshead@rockford.edu

815.394.5052

ROCKFORD, Ill. – (June 11, 2024) – Rockford University is thrilled to announce the launch of two new professional certificate programs: Women in Leadership and Customer Experience.

The Women in Leadership program will help women develop strategies and interpersonal skills for greater success. Industry experts design the program for professionals seeking expert advice, strategies, and practical tools. Students will learn how to navigate the nuances of thought leadership, barrier destruction, and organizational influence. This program serves as a platform for women to engage and uplift each other by inspiring positive change.

The Customer Experience program will teach you to make customer experience your differentiator. Students will learn the art of customer experience to drive loyalty and increase revenue. You will gain practical templates and discover best practices as you build your portfolio and strategic plan. Industry experts design the program for professionals seeking practical tools for this fast-growing discipline. 

Both programs are part of RU’s newest college: the College of Professional & Extended Learning. Both programs can be completed online in 8 weeks or less.

For more information on these two programs and to register, visit execed.rockford.edu.

Contact:

Sara Myers-Hogshead

Rockford University Marketing & Communications 

SHogshead@rockford.edu

815.394.5052

Rockford University’s Dr. Karen Walker received the Racial Justice Award at the YWCA Leader Luncheon XLIV and 2024 Women of Achievement Awards on Monday, March 4. 

Dr. Walker is the Dean of Student Support Programming, Dean of the Center for Learning Strategies, the Coordinator for the Men of Color Mentorship Program, and the founder of Regents First.

“As the Dean of the Center for Learning Strategies at Rockford University, Dr. Walker launched the Regents First program to support first-generation college students. She consistently aligns these students with local programs and opportunities (such as Patriots Gateway and United Way) to support them and their community with their talent and skills,” said the YWCA.

“One of her favorite quotes is ‘Literacy is the tool we use as humans to find one another, so it must belong to everyone,’ from author Pam Allyn.

Believing this strongly, Dr. Walker also works with the United for Literacy movement to ensure any child, regardless of race, can read to succeed.”