Alumni Awards

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS

Each year the Alumni Association Board gives several awards to alumni at Reunion / Homecoming. These awards will be given out during our Alumni Awards Celebration, on September 26, 2025.

If you know an alumnus/a who has done exceptional work in their field or for the University or would like to self-nominate, please submit a letter/nomination. Thank you!

Alumni Award Nominations have closed and have been sent on for voting. The Alumni Association Board decides on winners, and the awards are presented at the All-Alumni Awards Dinner during Reunion / Homecoming weekend, on September 26, 2025. We hope you’ll join us next year for the opportunity to celebrate!

Our 2024 Award Recipients

Alumna/Alumnus of the Year Award – Honors an alumna and/or alumnus for invaluable service to the Alumni Association and Rockford University during the past year. One of each award may be given each year.

            2024 Alumnus of the Year: David Hougan ’72

Award of Distinction – Given to Alumni for fulfilling the ideals of Rockford University and bringing honor and esteem to the University in one or more of the following ways; through their vision, dedication, and initiative in a purposeful endeavor; by their responsive and sustained efforts in community improvements; or by their notable achievements in a profession. Up to three awards may be given each year.

            2024 Award of Distinction: Dr. Kaitlin Engelke ’20
2024 Award of Distinction: Captain Robert Matthews ’74
2024 Award of Distinction: Natali Monaghan ’23

Karl C. Williams Award– Presented to an Alumnus for his constancy, devotion and a long history of meritorious service to Rockford University. One award may be given each year.

           2024 Karl C. Williams Award: Dr. Barry Smith ’73

Outstanding Young Alumni Award – Given to an alumna/us who has finished her/his Rockford University tenure within the last 15 years. This alumna/us will have fulfilled the ideals of Rockford University by vision, dedication, and initiative in a purposeful endeavor, or through responsible and sustained efforts in the improvements of a community, or a notable achievement in a profession, thus having brought honor and esteem to Rockford University. One award may be given each year.

           2024 Outstanding Young Alumni Award: Lisa Blakeley-Snyder ’17 / ’20

Talcott Cross Award– The oldest Rockford University award, the Talcott Cross is awarded to an Alumna for her constancy, devotion and a long history of meritorious service to Rockford University. One award may be given each year.

         2024 Talcott Cross Award: Emily Wallen ’08 / ’10

Past Award Winners

Talcott Cross Award

Karl C Williams Award