Campus News

By Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist 

Rockford University kicked off its 2023 Homecoming week earlier this week. Expect jampacked events for students, staff, faculty, and alumni from now until Saturday!

Rockford University is transforming into a time machine, taking you on a journey through the decades with the theme “The RU Times: Rockford University Throughout the Years.”

Each day of the week is dedicated to a different decade, and it’s not just a theme; it’s a full-on dress-up party! Monday is all about the funky 1970s, Tuesday takes us back to the neon-filled 1980s, Wednesday embraces the grunge and flannel of the 1990s, Thursday throws it back to the early 2000s, and Friday brings us into the 2010s. So, dust off your bell bottoms, leg warmers, flannel shirts, and skinny jeans, and prepare to turn back time.

Don’t forget to grab your exclusive Homecoming 2023 shirts, designed by our very own RU student, Rayan Alharbi, available for just $10 at Reggie’s Corner, located on the first floor of Burpee in the Den. Show your RU pride in style!

But that’s not all. Homecoming week is jam-packed with exciting events for students, staff, faculty, and alumni alike. Let’s break it down day by day:

Wednesday, October 11

• Men’s Soccer Game: Watch the RU Men’s Soccer team take on the Milwaukee School of Engineering at 2 p.m. at 8800 East Riverside Blvd. in Loves Park (Mercyhealth Sportscore Two).
• Roller Rave: CAB presents the Roller Rave in Regents Hall from 7 to 9 p.m. It’s time to roller skate and dance the night away.

Thursday, October 12

• Paint the Paws: At noon, join CAB for the “Paint the Paws” event where students will gather at the main entrance of the campus to paint lion paws. (Update: This event has unfortunately been canceled.)
• Women’s Volleyball Game: Don’t miss the Women’s Volleyball team’s second game of the week at 7 p.m. as they face off against Benedictine University at the Seaver.

Friday, October 13

• Art Gallery in Clark Arts: The RU Art Gallery will be open all day, featuring “Long Time No See” (Exhibit A) by Esau McGhee, a 10-year retrospective exhibition exploring McGhee’s career.
• Golden Grads Lunch: The Class of 1973 celebrates its 50th anniversary with a Golden Grads lunch in Regents Hall at noon.
• The Addams Thread: At 1:30 p.m. in Maddox Theatre, witness a play dedicated to RU’s most notable alumna, Jane Addams, called “The Addams Thread,” written and directed by Prof. Deborah Mogford.
• Alumni & Awards Hall of Fame Dinner: The Alumni & Awards Hall of Fame Dinner will be held at 6 p.m. in Regents Hall.
• Hypnotist and Mentalist Show: Get ready to be amazed at 7 p.m. in Scar Auditorium as hypnotist and mentalist Christopher Carter takes the stage.

Saturday, October 14

• Esports Information Event: Learn all about Esports at RU at 10 a.m. in the Esports Lounge in the Burpee Den.
• Homecoming Tailgate: From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., join the Homecoming Tailgate in Parking Lot A before the Homecoming Football game. Enjoy food, music, drinks, and games!
• Women’s Soccer Team Game: At 11 a.m., catch the Women’s Soccer Team as they take on Alverno College at Sportscore Two in Loves Park.
• Homecoming Football Game: The Homecoming Football game kicks off at 1 p.m. at Sam Greeley Field, with the Regents facing off against the Benedictine University Eagles.
• RU Performing Arts Cabaret: At 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., RU Performing Arts presents “All Around the World and Back Again: A Travel-Themed Cabaret” at the Cheek Theatre in Clark Arts Center.
• Club Kent Dance: The students-only Club Kent Dance starts at 10 p.m. in Kent Hall, so come dressed in style from one of the decades.

Don’t miss out on the excitement and nostalgia of Rockford University’s Homecoming 2023. 

Follow RU on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to stay updated on all the latest Homecoming news. It’s going to be a week filled with fun, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime. Get ready to rock through time!