Homecoming and Reunion Weekend is Oct. 13 – 14, 2023! Check back often. More details to come as they are finalized!
We can’t wait to celebrate Reunion with you!
As an important part of our history, we hope you will join us for Homecoming & Reunion Weekend to see your friends and relive your days on campus. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate what your experience means to you while creating new memories!
We are so excited for the opportunity to come together this fall for our 2023 Reunion. We look forward to a fun weekend celebrating you and your classmates!
Registration is now live! Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you are interested in helping plan events for your class or helping with outreach to encourage classmates to attend. This weekend is all about you and your classmates, and we want to make it one to remember!
- Reunion Schedule
- Registration
- Hotels/Accommodations
- Transportation
- Reunion Class Giving
- FAQ's
- Contact Us
- Tailgating Policy
Reunion Schedule
*Please note the below schedule is subject to change. Please continue to check back for updates and further information!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13
8:30am-4:00pm CHECK-IN & HOSPITALITY CENTER. A great spot to meet your friends and grab your registration packet while enjoying free swag, snacks, and refreshments. Nelson Hall, 2nd Floor
9:00am-4:00pm: CLASSES OPEN. Grab your notebook and head back to class! Looking for a specific class? Please contact us at alumni@rockford.edu. *Availability of classes is not guaranteed. Please see schedule included in registration materials.
9:00am-6:00pm: SELF-GUIDED TOUR: ESAU MCGHEE’S “LONG TIME NO SEE.” Enjoy a tour of Clark Arts’ newest display. Clark Arts Gallery
11:30am-12:30pm: GUIDED HISTORY WALKING CAMPUS TOUR. See how much campus has changed or stayed the same! Leaving from Burpee Student Center Main Entrance, 1st floor *Golf cart ride available as needed
11:30am-12:00pm STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY Q & A SESSION. Have your questions about the state of the university answered by President Lynott! Fisher Chapel
12:00pm-2:00pm: GOLDEN GRAD LUNCHEON. A special luncheon for alumni who have celebrated their 50th reunion. We welcome the Class of 1973 to their ranks as Golden Grads! Lunch is complementary to all Golden Grads, current or previous years. Regents Hall, Burpee Student Center
1:30pm-2:00pm: JANE ADDAMS LIFE AT ROCKFORD FEMALE SEMINARY PLAY. Enjoy learning about RFS’ esteemed alumna! Written by RU’s own Professor of Performing Arts, Deborah Mogford. Maddox Theatre
2:00pm-3:00pm: MIXER WITH THE OFFICE OF GLOBAL AFFAIRS. A chance to meet our Office of Global Affairs team and current international students! OGA Office, Blanche Walker Burpee Student Center, 2nd floor
3:30pm-5:00pm: ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEETING. Join us for our Annual Alumni Association Meeting and a chance to meet current board members. Fisher Chapel **OPEN TO ALL ALUMNI**
5:00pm-6:00pm: COCKTAIL HOUR – HOSTED BY THE ADDAMS CIRCLE & FRIENDS OF THE PERFORMING ARTS. Alumni, faculty, staff, and friends are invited to kick-off the night with drinks, snacks, and conversation before dinner! Cash bar (soft drinks free). Grace Roper Lounge, Blanche Walker Burpee Student Center, 1st floor
6:00pm-8:00pm: ALUMNI AWARDS & HALL OF FAME DINNER. Join us to celebrate our 2023 Alumni Award winners and Athletic Hall of Fame inductees. Regents Hall, Blanche Walker Burpee Student Center
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14
8:00am-12:00pm: CHECK-IN & HOSPITALITY CENTER. Just arriving today? Pick up your registration packet, register, find more info, or leave a note for a friend! Nelson Hall, 2nd floor
8:00am-5:00pm: DISC GOLF COURSE OPEN. Enjoy a game of disc golf on our award-winning course!
10:00am-11:00am: ESPORTS OPEN HOUSE. Come learn what ESports is all about, and meet current student team members! Esports Bay, Burpee Student Center, 1st floor
10:30am-11:30am: GUIDED HISTORY WALKING CAMPUS TOUR. See how much campus has changed or stayed the same! Leaving from Burpee Student Center Main Entrance, 1st floor *Golf cart ride available as needed
11:00am: TAILGATING. Grab your tents, grills, and friends – it’s tailgating time! Stop by the Alumni tent to catch up with friends and the happenings around the University! Family-friendly activities and entertainment for both kids and adults! Parking Lot A & grassy areas (See our Tailgating Policy)
1:00pm: FOOTBALL GAME. Regents vs. Benedictine University Illinois. Sam Greeley Field
Questions? Please contact the alumni office by email at alumni@rockford.edu or by calling 815-394-4365.
All weekend
Reggie’s Corner
Archive Display
Art Gallery
Sports Center
Click HERE to Register!
We look forward to a great weekend! Still interested in joining us? Walk-ins are welcome! Just be sure to stop by Nelson Hall, 2nd floor and we will get you your name badge and anything else you may need.
We look forward to welcoming you back for Reunion! If you plan to stay in town over the weekend, please see the list of local hotels below with room blocks and special rates.
**Hilton Garden Inn 7675 Walton St. Rockford 815.229.3322 For special block rate: Call the local Rockford number at 815.229.3322. Ask to be put under the RU Alumni Weekend Room Block.
**Radisson Hotel 200 S. Bell School Rd. Rockford 815.226.2100 For special block rate: Call the local Rockford number at 815.226.2100. Ask to be put under the Rockford University Homecoming Room Block.
Most of the hotels/motels listed below are located on or along East State Street and are 2 to 3 miles from the main entrance of Rockford University. Please be aware group rates have not been reserved at any of these locations.
*Embassy Suites 416 S. Main St. Rockford 815.668.7878
Comfort Inn 7392 Argus Dr. Rockford 815.398.7061
Holiday Inn 7550 E. State St. Rockford 815.398.2200
Courtyard by Marriott 7676 E. State St., Rockford 815-397-6222
**Fairfield Inn 7651 Walton St. Rockford 815.398.7400
*Located in Downtown Rockford
**Located near the Coach/Van Galder bus terminal from O’Hare/Midway
Bus Service to and from Chicago Airports
Van Galder/Coach USA offers round-trip service from O’Hare or Midway to Rockford. The bus makes one stop in the Rockford area. The bus will drop off and pick up passengers at the Van Galder Shuttle Center. To learn more about the bus schedule and for the lowest price available, you can purchase tickets on their website. Tickets can also be purchased at the Center from 5:30 am to 8:30 pm or from the bus driver.
Three hotels under the hotels/accommodations tab are located near the Van Galder Shuttle Center. They are marked with **.
Uber/Lyft
There are a number of Uber/Lyft options available in the Rockford Area. For more information, please download the apps or visit the Uber or Lyft websites.
If you need any assistance, please feel free to contact the Alumni office at 815.394.4365.
CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR CLASS GIFT
*Simply select Reunion Class Gift under “Designation”. You will then be prompted to add your class year. Thank you for supporting your Reunion Class Gift!
Giving in honor of your upcoming reunion is a meaningful way to support your alma mater. Your experience at Rockford University was shaped by alumni before you and you now have the opportunity to do the same for current and future students.
Gifts of any size matter and can be made as a one-time gift or multi-year pledge. We appreciate your commitment to Rockford University and our students! Thank you.
How can I get involved with my class reunion?
Please e-mail us at alumni@rockford.edu if you are interested in volunteering to help with your class reunion. We look forward to working with class volunteers to make Reunion an even more special weekend!
Who can I contact with additional questions?
Please email alumni@rockford.edu or visit the Contact Us tab for more information.
Have a question? Need directions? Contact us!
Office of Advancement & Alumni
Nelson Hall, 2nd Floor
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
toll free: 877-273-4368Hours:
Mon-Fri - 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Questions?
Contact us at alumni@rockford.edu or 815-394-4365
