03/28/2025 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.
…
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.
…
This story was originally published in the 2023-2024 Annual Report under Sara Myers-Hogshead’s byline.
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.
10/04/2023 4:25 pm
First observed in October 1981, the national “Day of Unity” set a goal of raising awareness for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Since then, it has grown into an entire month (October) dedicated to bringing attention to this critical issue. In 1989, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) began with education and support from friends, family, and organizations.
Rockford University is proud to recognize and support DVAM and the Domestic Violence National Day of Unity, which will be observed this year on October 19th. Throughout October, the Rockford University Department of Public Safety, with the help of volunteer RU students, will be sponsoring events to bring attention to Domestic Violence. Events include ribbon awareness, bracelet awareness, and speaking with domestic violence professionals, among other events.
Because Thursday, October 19th, falls during Fall Break, we will commemorate Domestic Violence Day of Unity on Thursday, October 26th. We ask that all campus community members show support by wearing purple.
03/16/2023 1:12 pm
Rockford University is accepting applications for the position of Graduate Assistant for Men’s Soccer to begin August 1, 2023. The selected candidate will receive up to 21 hours of tuition remission per academic year, room and board and a monthly stipend. Requirements include working a minimum of 30 hours per week over 12 months.
SUMMARY:
1. To foster, mold, guide, lead, and direct student-athletes towards a quality educational experience in order to obtain the ultimate goal of a degree.
2. To develop a successful collegiate women’s soccer program and individual coaching philosophy through recruiting, off-season programs, practice planning, and in-season execution.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
• Recruiting phone calls, off-campus visits, setting up on-campus visits.
• High School visits, both in and out of state.
• Setting up and executing practices.
• Game and practice coaching.
• Individual student-athlete meetings.
• Weekly study table sessions.
• Set up individual tutoring and learning sessions through the usage of Rockford University programs.
• Classroom attendance and grade checks.
• Strength and conditioning supervision.
• Film breakdown of both practice and game film.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and list of three professional references to Human Resources@rockford.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and be accepted until the position is filled.
EOE
02/18/2023 1:00 pm
by Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist
The Rockford University Performing Arts department will kick of its season Feb. 23 with “The Importance of Being Earnest” — an Oscar Wilde classic directed by RU’s Deborah Mogford.
The production will start at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, in the Maddox Theatre at the Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St., Rockford. There will be additional showings at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26 at the Maddox Theatre. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone at (815) 226-4100 or through email: boxoffice@rockford.edu.
Oscar Wilde was an Irish author, poet and playwright. His play, “The Importance of Being Earnest” was released in 1895 and is his most popular comedy that is still being performed.
“It is a classic of 1895,” Mogford said. “It continues to be going around the world even today. We chose it because it’s a comedy of manners and it’s a good thing for students to have that particular genre.”
The main cast includes: Josh Ponsones, Andrew Ashley, Jake Rogers, Jessica Rathbun, Emmarie Wilson, and Kade De Angioletti.
Many of the actors traveled far from home to attend RU’s Performing Arts program. Ponsones is from San Diego, California; Wilson is from Fort Worth, Texas; De Angioletti from Leesburg, Virginia; and both Rogers and Rathbun are from Aurora, Colorado.
The actors, most who are seniors this year, said they’ve had fun learning the material, as well as getting to know each other.
For both Wilson and Ashley, performing with a smaller cast has been very impactful. They’re bonding and have a greater appreciation for the characters’ individual stories.
For Rathbun, the smaller cast allows everyone more room since they take up the space with their “characterizations and presence.”
Wilde’s writing is still relevant today, De Angioletti said.
“That humor still transcends and people still find the jokes funny,” De Angioletti said, adding that the cast laughed during the read through.
Rathbun, who plays Miss Prism, has enjoyed the balancing act of doing a small show but also looks forward to their next production of Urinetown, a larger musical production.
For Ponsones, one thing he said he took away from his character, and the production in general, was to not let so much of his own personality into the character.
“As somebody who is very into large gestures and always uses their hands a lot,” Ponsones said, “I have to keep my hands completely in place, all the time. I’ve learned you don’t need to use your hands so much when you talk.”
Roger plays John and has learned to tap into the duality of his character. He said he’s learned to let his guard down, while still keeping his composure.
“That has been a balance I haven’t really seen before,” he said.
The cast is ultimately looking forward to bringing their characters to life in front of a live audience.
“I’m sure since we’re having so much fun, it’ll be fun for the audience too,” Ashley said.
CAST:
CREW:
06/08/2022 11:20 am
ROCKFORD, Ill. (June 8, 2022) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, has announced the resignation of its president, Dr. Eric Fulcomer, who has accepted a position as the president of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU) in Madison, WI. He will remain at the university through mid-December 2022 to provide the Board of Trustees time to ensure a smooth transition.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Rockford University students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and community,” shared Fulcomer. “While I look forward to this new chapter, I will miss the people and organizations with whom I have had the pleasure to work and will continue to count as friends and colleagues.”
During his more than nine years at the institution, Fulcomer helped Rockford University solidify its financial footing, enhance its community presence and partnerships, realize consistently strong enrollment, and navigate the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are just a few of the university’s accomplishments under his leadership:
Perhaps most importantly, the Board of Trustees credits Fulcomer with creating a culture of strategic planning, sound governance, and a high-functioning executive leadership team. While his specific achievements are numerous, they felt this will be his legacy for years to come.
“A true measure of leadership is the success of an organization once you are no longer in that role,” said Joel Moore, president of Rockford University Board of Trustees. “Eric’s contributions have strengthened internal and external relationships and provided a stable and successful foundation upon which the university will continue to grow. He will be missed, and we wish him continued success in his next endeavor.”
During the next six months, Fulcomer will continue in his role and assist the Board of Trustees in preparing for and transitioning to his successor. A full search is slated to begin this summer.
As the incoming president of WAICU, Fulcomer will oversee the official organization of the 23 independent (or private) nonprofit institutions of higher learning in Wisconsin. Membership is limited to accredited, nonprofit institutions headquartered in Wisconsin. WAICU members collectively enroll 53,000 students and offer over 470 academic programs and produce 23 percent of all the bachelor’s degrees and 35 percent of all the advanced degrees awarded in the state.
ABOUT ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY
Rockford University is a private four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers more than 80 majors, minors, and concentrations, including the bachelor’s degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies department, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Education in Urban Education, (M.Ed.). Rockford University is home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and is a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.
07/02/2021 9:53 am
Nicole Robinson ’12 is a nursing supervisor at Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville, Ga., serving our U.S. veterans and thanks Rockford University for giving her the skills to help out during the COVID-19 pandemic.
07/02/2021 9:53 am
Durpee Powell ’09 started his own virtual tutoring service, DP’s Excellence Virtual Tutoring Service. The service focuses on math for grades 1-5 and writing/English class tutoring for grades 4-12. He is excited about helping the youth in the community achieve their goals.
08/18/2020 1:46 pm
Welcome to our new students and welcome back to our returning students. It’s so good to see you all bringing the campus alive.
I wanted to briefly write to you all to give you some updates regarding the classroom schedule as we prepare to start classes tomorrow. The schedule was finished last week and designed to make certain we have social distancing in classrooms. We are still registering students so there may continue to be shifts in room numbers to accommodate increased class sizes. Here are a few things to remember:
While we are hoping that changes will be minimal, we may have to move your class to be sure we can provide the safest classroom experience possible for all of you. If you have any questions regarding your classes, please be sure to email your professor who can answer specific questions about your classes. And please remember that your advisors can also be a useful source of information. Thank you all for your patience as we make necessary adjustments.
We are wishing you all a safe, healthy, and successful semester.
Sincerely,
Anna Jattkowski-Hudson
Registrar
Associate VP for Advising & Retention
07/14/2020 3:45 pm
Rockford, IL (July 14, 2020) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year institution, today unveiled the Charles Box Scholarships, a program that will enable 30 Black students to pursue a business degree at the PURI School of Business over five years.
The Charles Box Scholarships will be awarded to an estimated 12 students per year for five years and are designated for Black students pursuing a degree in business through the degree completion programs at the PURI School of Business at Rockford University.
“There’s no better person for these scholarships to be named after than Charles Box. His influence in our community, his dedication to pursuing justice, and his unrelenting passion for enhancing our world is significant,” said Dr. Eric Fulcomer, President, Rockford University. “We are equally honored by the generous spirit that Sunil Puri continues to share with the community and our University. His inspirational contributions will make a lasting, positive impact on our students that will ripple for generations.”
In 1989, Box was elected as the first Black mayor in Rockford and was re-elected for two additional terms. At the time, Box won a greater percentage of votes than any Rockford mayor since the 1920s. He’s described as an active listener, a consensus builder, and an advocate for education, regional economic growth, and participation in critical issues.
“I’m humbled by this honor and so appreciative of Sunil and Rockford University for setting a precedent for our community – and perhaps our world – by providing the opportunities for Black students to a pursue higher education,” said Box. “This is not about me, but rather about those who will benefit from all that Rockford University has to offer in order to make their dreams a reality.”
The Charles Box Scholarships will allow students to complete their business degree at Rockford University debt-free and be well-positioned for careers in our world today.
“During this time of tremendous inequity in our country, the Puri Foundation believes it is especially important to provide opportunities for Black students to build generational wealth through a business education. A degree from Rockford University will empower these students to become employers and start their own businesses in our community,” said Puri. “The world-class education I received at Rockford University was about much more than the classes and grades. It prepared me to be flexible and adapt, even through circumstances as unprecedented as a pandemic. That’s the benefit of a liberal arts education.”
A native of Rockford, Charles Box graduated from Auburn Senior High School in 1969, from Dartmouth College, Magna Cum Laude in 1973; and from the University of Michigan Law School in 1976. Box practiced law in Rockford as a member of the firm of Connolly, Oliver, Goddard, Coplan and Close from 1976 to 1981. He served as Rockford’s Legal Director from 1981 to 1987, and as the City Administrator from 1987 to 1989.
Box made history in April 1989 when he became the first Black to be elected Mayor of Rockford, Illinois’ second largest city. He was re-elected in 1993 and again in 1997. During his terms as Mayor, he served on the Board of Trustees of the U. S. Conference of Mayors and served as the Vice President of the Illinois Municipal League.
During his three terms as Mayor, Box focused on housing, economic development, cultural and environmental issues. In 2006 he was nominated and confirmed as Chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission, an entity that regulates electric, gas and water rates for publicly owned utilities.
Since returning to Rockford in 1976, Box has also served on and contributed to numerous organizations for the betterment of the region, including serving as a member of Board of Trustees for Rockford University.
The Puri Foundation was established in 2014 by Sunil Puri, the founder of First Midwest Group and lifelong philanthropist in the Rockford-region. The organization’s core mission is to fund opportunities that empower underprivileged individuals. The Puri Foundation accomplishes this goal by contributing financial resources to foster educational, athletic, civil society, and other philanthropic initiatives led by high-impact organizations.
The Puri Foundation’s initial gift was a $5,000,000 monetary and building pledge to endow the Puri School of Business at Rockford University in 2014. Since then, the foundation has been active in the region with a $2,250,000 donation of the Puri Family YMCA building in 2015, the establishment of the Puri Residence Hall at Rockford Christian Schools in 2018, and continual support for the Golden Apple Foundation through the Puri Family Outstanding Principal Award, among others. The foundation is also active internationally, providing seed funding for Water for Dignity, a Non-Government Organization providing clean water and women’s empowerment initiatives to India’s most impoverished regions.
Rockford University is a private four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers more than 80 majors, minors and concentrations, including the bachelor’s degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies department, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Education in Urban Education, (M.Ed.). Rockford University is home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and is a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.
For more information: Rebecca Epperson, Chartwell Agency, 815.621.8295 or RU@chartwell-agency.com.
# # #
Copyright © 2025 Rockford University, all rights reserved