Campus News

Rockford, Ill. (April 29, 2022) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution,  announced today that its eighth annual Day of Giving event raised more than $120,000 for student scholarships in just 24 hours by leveraging the power of social media. In 2021, the university raised more than $89,000 and successfully topped that goal in 2022.

This year’s campaign raised $120,300, a 34 percent increase over last year with a record number of donors – 375 – a six percent increase year over year. Donations from alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the university will go to support current and future student scholarships.

“Rockford University is in the middle of a year-long celebration of its 175^th anniversary as an academic institution,” said Stephen Kull, Vice President for Advancement at Rockford University. “After a record-breaking Day of Giving last year, and in celebration of our 175^th anniversary, we set an audacious goal to raise $100,000 in support of student scholarships. Not only did we exceed the goal, but we also achieved $120,300, which represents a 34 percent increase from our 2021 Day of Giving!”

The Day of Giving, held on April 28, fell on National Pay It Forward Day. In that spirit, our community came together to pay it forward for current and future students through their generous support. We take pride in offering students from all walks of life a college education and appreciate so many making this possible year to year.

“We always knew this institution, its community, and its alumni were extraordinary,” said Kull. “Yesterday that was again solidified. I would be remiss if I didn’t express our sincere gratitude to the Rockford University Board of Trustees, who again came through with 100 percent buy-in on a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $37,000! Special thanks also to our Alumni Board and other donors who encouraged contributions with matching dollars. I continue to be inspired by the generosity of our alumni and friends, who understand the value of investing in our students and programs.”

To make a gift and learn more about the generosity displayed on this record-breaking day, please click here.

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 offering a B.S. in management studies and accounting studies. Through its graduate programs, 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 ass 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: Emma Bergstrom, Rockford University, 815.394.5041, ebergstrom@rockford.edu.