Campus News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2024

Rockford, IL – Rockford University is proud to announce the formal dedication of the “Zelenka Family Esports Center,” a state-of-the-art facility made possible by the generosity of the Janet Zelenka Family. This groundbreaking addition to campus solidifies the university’s commitment to fostering innovation, student engagement, and forward-thinking initiatives.

Esports is no longer a niche activity; it is a billion-dollar global industry transforming the landscape of entertainment, technology, and education. Competitive gaming has become an integral part of student culture across the country, and Rockford University is seizing the opportunity to embrace this dynamic trend.

“By investing in Esports, we are preparing our students for a growing market, fostering their success, and ensuring our university remains competitive in an ever-changing educational landscape,” said President Patricia Lynott. “This facility positions us as a leader in this space, attracting a new demographic of students who are passionate about gaming and eager to find a community where they can thrive.”

The Zelenka Family Esports Center boasts cutting-edge gaming equipment, dedicated spaces for training and competitions, and resources designed to support students’ academic and extracurricular pursuits. It is a hub for collaboration, creativity, and community, offering a unique space for students to excel both in and out of the virtual arena.

Ribbon-Cutting Event Highlights

The dedication ceremony, held on Tuesday. December 3rd, marked a historic moment for the university. The event featured a ribbon-cutting led by Janet Zelenka alongside university leaders and students. Attendees toured the impressive facility and met with members of the Esports team.

The Zelenka Family Esports Center is now officially open, welcoming students, faculty, and community members to experience firsthand the exciting potential of Esports at Rockford University.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Rockford University Marketing and Communications

communications@rockford.edu

Photos of the center and the dedication ceremony can be found here. 

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.