Campus News

The Rockford University Forum Series presents speakers and performances that are concerned with intellectual, social, and cultural matters of general interest to deepen and broaden students’ education at Rockford University. All Forums are open to the public and, with the exception of Performing Arts events, are free of charge. Lectures and performances will take place on the Rockford University campus, 5050 East State Street, Rockford. Tickets are required and can be obtained at the Clark Arts Center Box Office during regular hours of operation— Monday through Friday, 1- 5 p.m., as well as one hour before event at location of event. Contact the Box Office at 815-226-4100 or boxoffice@rockford.edu.

Spring 2019 Lineup

Why I Stayed- The Complexity of Domestic Violence: Beverly Gooden

Monday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m.

Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center

In this revolutionary speech by Beverly Gooden, renowned social activist and creator of the #WhyIStayed hashtag and global movement, she discusses her personal domestic violence story, reveals the most important questions to ask victims, and outlines how we all can help.

State and Faith in Iran: Jamsheed Choksy

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 4 p.m.

Fisher Memorial Chapel

In this Phi Beta Kappa lecture, Dr. Choksy will discuss how the country’s geography, natural resources, international relations, and domestic changes combined with foreign influences and interventions to produce a political system in which the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government—not dissimilar to those of the US—become subordinate to a theocratic establishment.

Techies the Musical

Thursday- Saturday, Feb. 21- 23, 7:30 p.m.

Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center

Experience this workshop of a brand new musical in this fourth-wall shattering pop-rock musical comedy about being weird and fighting for respect in one of the most judgmental places on earth: high school.

A Life of Ulysses S. Grant: Ronald C. White

Sunday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m.

Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center

Presidential scholar Dr. White (Fellow at the Huntington Library) will speak on his recent biography of President Grant, of which General David H. Petraeus (Ret.) wrote, “Certain to be recognized as the classic work on Ulysses S. Grant.”

Act of Self-Care: Katherine Silvan

Monday, March 4, 12 p.m.

Fisher Memorial Chapel

Rev. Silvan, an ordained Interfaith Minister and licensed Master of Social Work, will introduce and explore short and simple techniques for creating skills in self-care that help navigate a diverse world. Strategies include: mindfulness, breath work, grounding techniques and engaging the senses for the purpose of maintaining optimal well-being in body, mind and spirit.

Charter Day

Monday, March 4, 4 p.m.

Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center

This year’s Charter Day commemorates the 172nd anniversary of the signing of the charter for Rockford University. The annual event will include special speaker and Board of Trustee member Jonathan Whitlock, and an academic procession of faculty in traditional robes depicting their rank, with stoles representing their respective alma maters and degrees.

Holding Culture in the Body: Evie Ladin and Keith Terry

Tuesday, March 26, 7 p.m.

Fisher Memorial Chapel

In this hands-on seminar, Ladin (percussive-dancer, choreographer, singer, songwriter, banjo player and square-dance caller) and Terry (percussionist/rhythm-dancer/educator) will introduce you to the sonic exploration of the instrument we all share (the body), with skilled performances by the duo, and discussion of how the human arts shift and change with the political landscape.

Page.Stage.Engage: Kyle “Guante” Tran Myhre

Wednesday, April 3, 7 p.m.

Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center

Guante is an MC, two-time National Poetry Slam champion, activist and educator. He will discuss how across the globe, the spoken word movement has reignited poetry as a force for artistic expression, critical dialogue, and community-building.

Last Lecture

Tuesday, April 16, 4 p.m.

Fisher Memorial Chapel

The Last Lecture is meant as an honor to recognize a professor who is greatly admired by the campus community. By being honored, the professor is asked to give the lecture he or she would give if they knew it would be their last

Denim Day

Wednesday, April 24, 7 p.m.

Regents Hall, Burpee Student Center

The Denim Day movement is a sexual violence prevention and education campaign. A panel of speakers from the Rockford area will discuss and answer questions focusing on sexual violence and college students.

Musical: All Shook Up

Thursday- Saturday, April 25- 27, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 28, 2 p.m.

Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center

This happy musical is inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley. It’s 1955, and into a “square” little town in a “square” little state rides a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets in this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy that’ll have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes.