Campus News

Tessa is from, Belvidere, Illinois and was nominated by Dr. Tara Wood. She is a junior special education major, and this is her first semester at Rockford University. Tessa is excited that she has already made great connections with professors as well as other students. Prior to transferring to RU Tessa attended Rock Valley College.

Dr. Wood shared that Tessa is an absolutely wonderful student. Specifically, she is an active and engaged learner who often helps with creating lively classroom dialogue. Her insights into class readings are sharp, clever and keenly demonstrate her attentive and thorough engagement with course materials. Additionally, she is warmly receptive to the ideas of her peers in class. Dr. Wood stated that it is a privilege to teach Tessa and described her as precisely the kind of student we might hope for in every RU seat.

When she is not focused on her course work, Tessa enjoys spending time with family, her pets and playing the guitar and piano. She also helps operate her family business where she serves as a jewelry designer. She loves the smaller classes at RU which allow for more one-on-one time with teachers. Tessa stated, “I have never been to a school where the whole community was so helpful and involved”. After graduation from RU she plans to find a job in the field of special education and to focus on giving back to the community. Congratulations, Tessa!