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A Professor’s Influence: An Update on the Slavens Ware Scholarship Endowment
A Professor’s Influence: An Update on the Slavens Ware Scholarship Endowment03/28/2025 12:47 pm
The Office of Advancement and Alumni is thrilled to announce that the Slavens Ware Scholarship Endowment has reached its funding goal and is now officially an endowed scholarship here at RU! The first awards will be given out in the 2026-2027 academic year. Below, learn more about the Slavens Ware Scholarship Endowment, and the impact both Professor Slavens and Professor Ware had and continue to have on their students.
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I didn’t think they did anything like that until after you died,” said Dr. Marjorie Slavens, former professor at Rockford University, when asked how she feels about having an endowed scholarship made in her name. Her former students, now friends, who sat next to her, laughed at this response.
Dr. Slavens, and former Professor Sally Lo Ware, are both being honored with an endowed scholarship put together by many of their former students. Alumni Dave & Paula Hougan ‘72, along with alumna Mary Parisoe ‘75, came together at the Rockford University Reunion in September 2024 with Dr. Slavens to talk about why and how they decided to put together this scholarship to honor their two professors.
“This is an absolute way for us to pay tribute to these two professors that were so meaningful in terms of our careers, and to all our experiences at Rockford College,” Dave Hougan said. “It’s unfortunate we didn’t do this earlier when Ms. Ware was around. (Ware passed in 1990). But we now can do this, and we probably weren’t in the place to do it at that time.”
Dave and Paula Hougan, who first met at Rockford College and later married, both studied language in school. Paula was a French and Spanish major, while Dave studied Spanish. Parisoe was a French major.
Ware taught at Rockford College from 1960 until her passing in 1990. She was the first faculty member hired by then-President Dr. John Howard. During Ware’s tenure, she was the chair of the French department and the director of the Language Lab.
When Ware passed suddenly in 1990, it was Parisoe who took her place after Dr. Slavens called her and asked.
Dr. Slavens worked at Rockford College from 1965 to 1998. During her 33 years, she was chair of the Spanish department, chair of the Languages department, and chair of the Language and Literature division.
Parisoe said it was Slavens’ and Ware’s teaching that gave her the career she did not have.
“People say, ‘Oh, the computers do that,’” Parisoe said. “But they don’t know. You would need a meeting of the minds, not a meeting of machines. I think it’s important (the study of language) and it also teaches you about your language in learning a second language.”
Alumna Paula Hougan agrees.
“I’m from a small town in Illinois, and when I checked recently on the demographics of my school district, it continues to be a hundred percent white,” Paula Hougan said.
Through her experience at Rockford College, and her time with Professor Slavens and Ware, Hougan had the opportunity to travel to different countries, and not just as a tourist. Through this endowment fund, she hopes to highlight the importance of people connecting through language.
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This story was originally published in the 2023-2024 Annual Report under Sara Myers-Hogshead’s byline.
Rockford University Welcomes Katherine Trotter as Vice President for Advancement
Rockford University is pleased to announce that Katherine Trotter has joined the University’s leadership team as the new Vice President for Advancement. A proud alumna of Rockford University (then Rockford College), Class of 2011, Katherine brings with her more than 15 years of experience in education, partnership-building, and leadership development.
Throughout her career, Katherine has been committed to shaping and enhancing learning experiences, with a strong background in curriculum development and student-centered growth. Her passion for education and community is matched by her dedication to fostering meaningful relationships—values that align deeply with Rockford University’s mission.
As Vice President for Advancement, Katherine will lead efforts to engage alumni, secure philanthropic support, and strengthen the University’s role within the broader Rockford region. Her collaborative leadership style, combined with a deep understanding of what makes communities thrive, will be instrumental in furthering Rockford University’s impact and reach.
Katherine is a passionate advocate for both her alma mater and the Rockford community. She believes in the transformative power of education and is committed to using her role to build lasting partnerships, support student success, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the institution.
Outside of her professional work, Katherine enjoys life with her husband, Jake, and their young daughter, Judy. Their strong family dynamic reflects the same values of connection and care that Katherine brings to her work every day.
Please join us in welcoming Katherine back to Rockford University. We are excited to have her leadership, energy, and vision guiding our advancement efforts into the future.
Don’t Let the Noise Distract You — Now More Than Ever Your Future Deserves a College Education
Don’t Let the Noise Distract You — Now More Than Ever Your Future Deserves a College Education03/24/2025 8:35 am
Dear Students and Parents:
With so much attention on the Department of Education right now, it’s easy to get caught up in the headlines. But much of what you’re hearing is more white noise than fact. Don’t let it distract you from what really matters — your future. A college education remains the most reliable path to personal and professional success. And that is simply a fact.
Forbes, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
At Rockford University, we pride ourselves on keeping college affordable and accessible – no matter what is happening in Washington. Our commitment to supporting students is stronger than ever with our multiple scholarship opportunities, high-demand majors, strong career preparation and our dedicated faculty and advisors.
Investing in a college degree is an investment in your long-term success. It opens doors to better career prospects, higher earning potential, and a network that will support you for a lifetime. The world is changing, but the value of a college education remains constant.
We encourage you to explore all that Rockford University has to offer. Whether it’s through a campus visit, a conversation with our admissions team, or learning more about our numerous financial aid options, we’re here to help you secure the future you deserve.
Don’t let the noise drown out the facts — your future is worth it!
-Dr. Patricia A. Lynott, President
Rockford Regents Win First Collegiate Women’s Flag Football Game In Illinois!First posted on rockfordregents.com.
The Rockford University women’s flag football team shut out Benedictine University 32-0 on a historic evening on Saturday night at Halas Hall. Saturday marked the first women’s collegiate flag football game in the state of Illinois, and the Regents were dominant from start to finish. Rockford scored in every quarter and held Benedictine to just 119 yards of total offense. RU quarterback Jennah Grice threw five touchdowns, including the first collegiate women’s flag football touchdown in the state of Illinois, when she found Clare Strong in the end zone and put Rockford out in front 6-0 late in the first quarter. The Regents tacked on two more touchdowns in the second, one in the third and one in the fourth to take a commanding lead. The defense then secured the shutout when Ava Divis intercepted a pass with 26 seconds left in the fourth quarter, as Rockford went on to win by a final score of 32-0.
Read the full recap on rockfordregents.com!
RU Campus Closed – February 12, 2025
RU Campus Closed – February 12, 202502/11/2025 3:53 pm
Due to the anticipated severe weather on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Rockford University will be closed. All classes, including night classes, will transition to virtual learning. Students should anticipate communication from their professors in regards to remote learning.
Public Safety, Fresh Ideas (food service), and Team National (maintenance and facilities) will be on campus
Please make necessary preparations before leaving campus today. Thank you for your cooperation and stay safe.
Rockford University to Present Data Analytics Bootcamp
Rockford University to Present Data Analytics Bootcamp01/17/2025 9:10 am
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 17, 2025
WHEN: Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: PURI School of Business, Rockford University, 5100 E. State St., Rockford, Illinois 61108
WHAT: The Data Analytics Bootcamp will include multiple sessions on topics such as Data Approaches, including Survey Design and Theoretical Framework, Identifying Key Performance Indicators and creating Dashboards, how and where to Locate Data, Social Media Analytics, and more.
WHO: The event is sponsored by Rockford University, Regional 1 Planning Council, and Gorman & Company.
Facilitators include Ron Clewer of Gorman & Company; Seth Boswell, Steve Gregg, and Jacob Holcomb of Region 1 Planning Council; Jacob Bradt of Rockford Buzz, and Rockford University’s Elizabeth Nardi.
To register for the event head to this link.
Media interested in attending the event should RSVP to communications@rockford.edu by Monday, Feb. 10, at 5 p.m.
Contact:
Rockford University Marketing & Communications
OR
Sara Myers-Hogshead
Digital Media & Communications Specialist
815.394.5052
Regents Reign!
Regents Reign!09/12/2024 3:32 pm
By Kayla Eddy, Social Media & Web Coordinator
In the Fall 2023 semester, the Regents Esports Overwatch team won the conference championships, prevailing over Camden County College. In addition to their conference win, they finished the season undefeated (8-0).
In response to this exciting win, Tanner Elliott, Esports Director, said, “The Regents Esports team fought hard this semester with all three teams qualifying for playoffs. Each player put countless hours of time and dedication into their season and it showed, coming out on top over schools like Illinois State, John Brown University, North Dakota State, Nebraska University, and many others. The Regents Rainbow Six Siege team finished in the top 16 in the Midwest after playing in the MidwestR6 league, the Regents Valorant team placed third overall in their conference (East 7), and the season ended with a conference title win as the Regents Overwatch team finished a flawless season (8-0) and took home the East 10 Conference title. I could not be more proud of the players; watching each of them grow into champions has been the highlight of my semester.”
Conference wins were not the only big things happening in the Esports department. Early in the Spring 2024 semester, Regents Esports teamed up with Elgin High School Esports to release Game Changer: An Esports Story. In the social media video, students from Elgin and RU answered the question: “Why Esports?”
Aside from a place to share their passion for video games, the Esports teams at RU and Elgin said that Esports helps students learn about teamwork and digital literacy, allows them to push boundaries, and helps them build strong communities and friendships.
The team has also announced the availability of Esports scholarships for both players and fans. Scholarships are available in two areas: Varsity Competition and Support. Competition scholarships are for students who would like to play Overwatch, Valorant, Rainbow 6 Siege, and Rocket League competitively. Support scholarships are for students who would like to assist with social media, production, shout-casting, and graphic design.
So, what’s next for Regents Esports?
“Rockford University Esports is on the way to becoming a premier destination for college students with aspirations to be a Collegiate Esports Player,” said Tanner Elliot. “We are developing a program that we can be proud of, where athletes can be excited and motivated to compete, and where athletes can thrive academically and in competition. We are hoping to continue to grow our program, bring in new players, and show Rockford off.”
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This article is part of the 2023-2024 issue of Catalyst.
