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. 

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 are now open! The Alumni Association Board decides on winners, and the awards are presented at the All-Alumni Awards Dinner during Reunion / Homecoming weekend. We hope you’ll join us for the opportunity to celebrate!

Nominations will close on Monday, April 20, 2026.

Our 2025 Award Recipients

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.

2025 Award of Distinction: Kelli Ritschel Boehle ’97 / ’01
2025 Award of Distinction: Joshua Patterson ’17

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.

2025 Karl C. Williams Award: Michael Schablaske ’87

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.

2025 Outstanding Young Alumni Award: Ciara Stahly ’17

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.

2025 Talcott Cross Award: Elizabeth “Beth” Donovan ’20H

Past Award Winners

Talcott Cross Award

Karl C Williams Award