Contact Rita Elliott, Director of Communications, 815.226.3374

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce has selected Assistant Professor of Accounting Brian Huels, MAcc, MST, CPA, as one of the community’s 40 Leaders Under 40. Nominations called for candidates who have distinguished themselves in their professional fields or organization, are engaged citizens, and provide leadership by volunteering their time and talents to community groups and causes.

Huels is known in the classroom for his enthusiasm, thoughtfulness and dedication to his students. As such, he was honored by Rockford University students with the 2015 Excellence in Teaching Award. Prof. Huels serves in many roles within the University community, including as an academic advisor, co-advisor to the Business Club, advisor to the Spirit Squad and member of several academic committees.

He also serves the Rockford region through is work to help provide consultation to female business owners as a panel member of ATHENAPowerLink, as the diving coach at Mauh-nah-tee-see Country Club and as one of the driving forces behind the growing popularity and attendance at MeltFest, a festival held annually on the first Saturday of March. Drawing 5,000 people that included 400 runners in the event’s 5K race, MeltFest proceeds benefit a different nonprofit organization each year. In addition, Huels also volunteers for Transform Rockford, Patriots Gateway Community Center and River Valley Community Church.

More about the 40 Under 40 leaders is included in the November 17, 2016 Rockford Register Star article Rockford Chamber recognizes 40 leaders younger than 40.

Rockford University professors Matthew Bork, Ph.D., (Assistant Professor of Chemistry) and Troy Skwor, Ph.D., (Associate Professor of Biology), along with alumnae Stephanie Klemm ’16, Brianna Schardt ’14, and Stephanie Blaszczyk ’13 have collaborated on several years of research that focuses on alternative treatments against multiple drug-resistant strains of bacteria. Klemm, Schardt and Blaszczyk also co-authored the study. The group’s findings have been published in the ‘Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology, B’ in the research articles titled: “Photodynamic inactivation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli: A metalloporphyrin comparison.”

Considering the exponential rise in antibiotic resistance amongst bacteria, this study identifies a novel way to kill antibiotic resistant bacteria using chemicals excited by light as an alternative treatment. Dr. Troy Skwor adds, “Bacteria are continuing to demonstrate antibiotic resistance at a speed that has physicians and the science community seriously worried. With more than 2 million infections a year in the United States demonstrating antibiotic resistance an alternative treatment is critical. Our research demonstrated the use of LED lights with a slightly modified natural chemical could kill over a million MRSA bacteria in less than 15 seconds. This type of treatment would be localized so minimal side effects unlike other antibiotics.”

According to the study, antibiotic resistant bacterial infections result in 23,000 and carries with it an economic burden of $20 billion  in healthcare-associated costs annually. Additionally, $35 billion is lost due to decreased productivity. The last half century has seen an alarming increase of anti-microbial resistance in both humans and animals. It’s believed the rise in resistantance can be traced back to inappropriate use, closer proximity of human and animals, and the improper disposal of antibacterial drugs.

Klemm, Schardt and Blawzczyk continue to pursue careers in the scientific community. Stephanie Klemm, RN, BSN is currently applying for to the doctorate nursing programs; Brianna Schardt is pursing options for graduate programs in opthamology; and Stephanie Blaszczyk is a pharmacy doctoral student at the University of Wisconsin- Madison.

The Rockford University Performing Arts department is pleased to bring two hit musicals to the Cheek Theatre stage. Presented in repertory style, the first show opens with the 7:30 p.m. show on Thursday, Nov. 17. Cheek Theatre is located in the Clark Arts Center on the Rockford Univerisity campus, 5050 East State Street. Clark Arts is accessible.

For tickets, contact the Box Office at boxoffice@rockford.edu or 815-226-4100. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday, 1 – 5 pm. In addition, the Box Office window opens one hour prior to curtain for all events.

Forever Plaid

Thu, Nov.17, 2016, at 7:30 pm
Sat, Nov. 19, 2016, at 7:30 pm
Sun, Nov. 20, 2016, 2:00 pm
Cheek Theatre, Clark Arts Center
$12 adults, $9 students and seniors
Directed by Kyle Donahue (2003 alumus)

Singing in close harmony, squabbling boyishly over the smallest intonations, and executing their charmingly outlandish choreography with over-zealous precision, the “Plaids” are a guaranteed smash, with a program of beloved songs and delightful patter that keeps audiences rolling in the aisles when they’re not humming along to some of the great nostalgic pop hits of the 1950s.

Nunsense

Fri, Nov.18, 2016, at 7:30 pm
Sat, Nov. 19, 2016, at 4:00 pm
Sun, Nov. 20, 2016, 7:30 pm
Cheek Theatre, Clark Arts Center
$12 adults, $9 students and seniors
Directed by Prof. Timm Adams

The Little Sisters of Hoboken are raising money to bury their sisters accidentally poisoned by the convent cook, Sister Julia (Child of God). These nuns know how to have fun, as will you when you attend our limited run of this wildly popular show.

Contact- Director of Communications, Rita Elliott, 815-226-3374

The Lincoln Academy of Illinois will honor the top college and university students in the state during a ceremony on Saturday, November 12 in Springfield. Ivy Hood, from Roscoe, Ill., will receive this year’s honor for Rockford University. President Eric Fulcomer, Ph.D., has been invited to provide the invocation for the ceremony.

Seniors from each four-year, degree-granting institution in the state are granted the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement award for excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities. The Lincoln Academy has been granting the award for 41 years. Students honored receive a Student Laureate Medallion and a $1,000 education grant and certificate of achievement.

The Lincoln Academy, unique among the 50 states, was established more than 50 years ago to honor distinguished citizens with the state’s highest award, the Order of Lincoln. The 53rd Annual Convocation and Investiture of Laureates of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois will take place Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the Chicago History Museum.

Read more about this year’s Lincoln Laureate awards here:  ‌Governor’s Office Press Release – 2016 Lincoln Laureate

Rockford University professors and authors Mary Weaks-Baxter, Christine Bruun, and Catherine Forslund will lead a special discussion for Veterans Day of “We Are a College at War: Women Working for Victory in World War II” on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 6:30 – 8 p.m., Nordlof Center, 2nd Floor – 118 N. Main Street. The book “weaves together the World War II experiences of students and faculty at Rockford College” during those years, both in the home-front and at war.

There is not charge to attend. To register call 815-965-7606 or visit www.rockfordpubliclibrary.org/.

Robert L. Head, Ph.D., will serve his last day as the University’s 17th president today, June 30, 2016. Dr. Head joined the University in June 2008. In recognition of Dr. Head’s outstanding service to the institution, the Rockford University Board of Trustees bestowed President Emeritus status upon Dr. Head during the University’s commencement ceremonies on May 15, 2016. Dr. Head announced his intention to retire in February 2015, allowing the University ample time to conduct a nation-wide search for his successor. Eric Fulcomer, Ph.D., was named as the 18th President of Rockford University and will begin his official duties on July 1, 2016.

Dr. Head shares, “It is a great privilege to serve as the President of Rockford University. As I have often said, I cannot imagine a more meaningful life’s work. My love and work for Rockford University will continue for a lifetime – well beyond this 8th and final year at the helm. Today, I know I am a part of all that I have met and Rockford University – this place, this institution, this community – is a part of me.”

Board of Trustees Chair Thomas A. Muldowney ’74 notes, “Rockford University has experienced tremendous and transformative success under Dr. Head’s leadership. Along with the monumental transition from Rockford College to Rockford University in 2013, the numbers alone speak volumes; total net assets are at their highest levels since 1990, our endowment has enjoyed steady growth, we have concluded nine consecutive years with positive operating income, enrollments are all-time highs. Moreover, these are just a few remarkable examples of what has been achieved during Dr. Head’s tenure. His commitment to improving every facet of our students’ experience has resulted in an irrefutable legacy of progress for this proud institution and its mission.”

Dr. Head has served 15 years as president of a liberal arts university, the last eight with Rockford University. He was previously president at Urbana University in Ohio. Dr. Head is on the boards of SwedishAmerican Health System, Keith Country Day School, the Golden Apple Foundation, the Rockford Rotary Club, Alignment Rockford, Blackhawk Area Council Boy Scouts of America, The Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Kobe College Corporation, the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities, and the Associated Colleges of Illinois. He also serves as Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 9 and is a member of the Steering Committee for Transform Rockford. Dr. Head and his wife, Sheryl, have three adult children.

*Photo – President Head acknowledges the audience’s standing ovation in reaction to being bestowed President Emeritus status during the May 2016 Commencement ceremonies. 

Media Contact: Rita Elliott, Director of Communications 815-226-3374

Rockford, Ill. – Ronnie Robertson has joined Rockford University as the Director of the Burpee Student Center and Student Activities. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Western Illinois University and a master’s degree in college student personnel administration from Illinois State University. Since his initial involvement in collegiate event programming while earning his undergraduate degree, he has continue to grow his passion for student activities. While obtaining his master’s degree he held a graduate assistanship at Heartland Community College in their Student Engagement Office.

Originally from Chicago, Ill., Ronnie is excited about the opportunity to move to Rockford. He currently resides in Rockford with his wife, Andrea.

For immediate release – 10/21/15
Media Contact: Office of Admission, 815-226-4050

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Rockford, Ill. – The Office of Admission is hosting a Campus Takeover Visit Day on Friday, June 3. This new visit day is geared toward students in high school and those just finishing their senior year. The day will allow prospective students and their families the opportunity to gain an in-depth look at Rockford University’s campus, rock solid programming, and much more. Admission counselors will be available throughout the day to assist with answering questions and the application process. The application fee will be waived for students applying this day.

To register for Campus Takeover Day, or to view a schedule of upcoming admission events, visit www.rockford.edu/admission/visit/day/. The next admission event, SOAR (Student Orientation Advising), will be held Saturday, June 10 and is by appointment only. Call the Office of Admission at 815-226-4050 or 800-892-2984 with any questions.

Media Contact: Director of Communications, Rita Elliott, 815-226-3374

Rockford, Ill. – Wednesday, April 27 marked Rockford University’s second annual Day of Giving. Students, alumni, employees, and friends of the University were asked to accept the challenge of helping to raise money to aid in changing the lives of students through scholarship and the University’s Charter Fund.

The day was driven across the University’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages with several live video streams throughout the day. Participants on campus were able to celebrate the day by creating short video capsules and signing a thank you banner.

This year’s donations for the day were $12,632 and included 36 first time donors. This exceeded last year’s total of just over $11,000. The University looks forward to continuing its online giving efforts through annual Day of Giving events.

Thank you to all alumni, friends, students, employees and generous donors for making the second Day of Giving Rock Solid!‌

For more information about the Rockford University Day of Giving, or to support the University, visit www.rockford.edu/give/dayofgiving/‌.