Campus News

Rockford University welcomes Mary Rose Filip on Tuesday, October 22, 3 p.m., in Fisher Memorial Chapel as part of the University’s Fall Forum Series. Filip, a volunteer at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall and Museum, will present “Rockford, World War II, and the Women’s Ambulance Safety Patrol.”

On April 3, 1940, the women of Rockford founded Women’s Ambulance Safety Patrol (W.A.S.P.). Within months this effort swept nationwide and was the first Women’s Ambulance program in the country. Veteran’s Memorial Hall and Museum opened a scrapbook in their archives to unearth this part of Rockford’s history. There has been nothing about these women online, but after several months of intense research, their story and pictures are ready to be showcased. This story is a living legacy and is expected to grow as more information comes to light. Join Mary Rose Filip and take a step back into a 1940’s time capsule of Rockford’s history as she unveils the living legacy of the more than 200 women of Rockford who founded W.A.S.P.

There is no charge to attend, but tickets are required. This event will take place in Fisher Memorial Chapel located at 5050 East State Street, Rockford. For tickets, contact the Rockford University Box Office at 815-226-4100 or boxoffice@rockford.edu.

This semester’s Forum Series continues through late November. View the full lineup at https://www.rockford.edu/artslectures/forum/.