Campus News

Rockford, Ill., – Rockford University is pleased to announce that it is the recipient of a $200,000 pledge from Woodward, Inc.’s Charitable Trust in support of the University’s plans to modernize the Starr Science Building. The modernization project has a $1.2 million price tag and is part of the $17.3 million Rock Solid and Ready comprehensive campaign to enhance the student experience through programmatic and capital improvements.

Rockford University President Dr. Eric Fulcomer explains, “Enrollments and interest in the Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Psychology, Mathematics and Nursing programs at Rockford University are growing and nationally these fields are projected to continue this trajectory. At the same time, the needs of students and faculty in these fields are continually evolving as technology changes. In order to meet this demand and better complement the excellent instruction provided by our faculty, modernization to our teaching spaces are increasingly needed. We are extremely grateful for this generous gift from the Woodward Charitable Trust; it will help us to improve our students’ learning environment as we prepare them for careers in these important and dynamic disciplines.”

The Starr Science Building, constructed in 1967, consists of several teaching and research laboratories, large and small lecture halls, and a suite of five primary classrooms, with each of those primary classrooms seating up to 30 students. Monies from the Woodward Charitable Trust pledge will subsidize enhancements to integrate technology that is responsive and supports current industry standards into these spaces, as well as help to acquire select scientific equipment for laboratories.

“Woodward is committed to educating our future science and technology workforce right here in the Rockford region,” says Sagar Patel, President of Aircraft Turbine Systems for Woodward. “Ensuring that students have a state-of-the-art learning environment to support this effort is essential to remain competitive in the growing science, math, and technology field.”

Along with $1.2 million in modernizations to Starr Science Center, The $17. 3 million Rock Solid and Ready capital campaign includes $6 million for an Athletic and Event Center to be built adjacent to the existing Seaver Physical Education Center; $6.1 million dedicated to enhancing the student experience through academic program enhancements and the support of a dedicated Student Opportunity Fund; and $4 million to support current needs through the University’s annual fund. To date, the University has raised $13 million against the $17.3 million goal. Rock Solid and Ready – The Campaign for Rockford University concludes in 2018.

Rockford University is a four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers approximately 80 majors, minors and concentrations, including the adult accelerated 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), Master of Urban Education. 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 also named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College. Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,300 full-and part-time students.

Woodward is an independent designer, manufacturer, and service provider of control system solutions and components for the aerospace and industrial markets. The company’s innovative fluid, combustion, electrical, and motion control systems help customers offer cleaner, more reliable, and more efficient equipment. Our customers include leading original equipment manufacturers and end users of their products. Woodward is a global company headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. Visit our website at www.woodward.com, and connect with us at www.facebook.com/woodwardinc.

Contact: Rita Elliott, Director of Communications, 815-226-3374