For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Rita Elliott, Director of Communication, 815-226-3374

Rockford, Ill., – The new Education Pathway partnership between Rockford University and RPS 205 was unanimously approved by the RPS 205 Board this evening (4/25/16). RPS 205 released the following information immediately upon board approval and can also be found on the RPS 205 website.

4/26/16

The Rockford School Board tonight approved an innovative plan with Rockford University to recruit teachers and build a workforce from our own student body. Ensuring RPS 205 has outstanding teachers in every classroom is a key to success, but attracting and retaining talented teachers is a challenge. This partnership is designed to attract RPS 205 students to the teaching profession specifically to work in RPS 205.

The program begins in the middle school with seventh and eighth graders discussing a teaching career. It continues in high school with an education pathway, then transitions into a college degree program through Rockford University.

“We’re fortunate to have a great partner in Rockford University that sees the value in our students,” said Superintendent Ehren Jarrett. The hope is to continue the program through teacher certification and employment with RPS 205. Then graduates can continue as RPS 205 teachers in a graduate program through Rockford University.

“This long-term investment in our students is the best way to ensure a consistent talent pipeline, made up of our own best and brightest students,” Jarrett said.

It’s an investment in the district’s workforce and a step toward creating a workforce that reflects the community’s diversity. From a student perspective, it makes a challenging profession like teaching look more appealing. The partnership could be a model for other high school pathway initiatives.

More about the partnership: The plan has been in the works for more than a year with support from RPS 205 administrators, School Board members, Rockford University and the Rockford Education Association. Officials are still working out details; the intent is to be fully operational by the 2018-19 school year. The program includes four phases:

Middle School: RPS 205 will work with seventh and eighth graders to develop their interest in working in the education field. High School: RPS 205 will create a three-year teaching pathway for 80-100 students that complements the high school academy model and pathways. Students can participate in one course each year in grades 10, 11 and 12. This pathway includes a senior Capstone course for dual credit – high school and college credit – taught by both Rockford University and RPS 205 staff.

College: RPS 205 graduates of the Education Pathway who meet admission criteria can enroll at Rockford University and receive a special financial aid package that allows for discounted tuition toward a four-year teaching degree, making it accessible to more RPS 205 students. For students with high financial need (determined through the FAFSA), the cost would be $5,000 a year; students with no financial need would pay $10,000 a year. Officials estimate about 20 students will participate in this plan. While attending Rockford University, students will be able to work with RPS 205 for summer school or extracurricular activities to help pay for tuition. After completing the required coursework, participants would student-teach at an RPS 205 school. When they complete their degree, these 20 alumni would be among the strongest candidates for teaching positions in RPS 205.

Graduate Program: If hired in RPS 205, program graduates could receive a master’s degree in urban education cost-free from Rockford University. They could enroll as early as the following spring. The program includes an agreement for teachers in the program to continue working for RPS 205 for a specific amount of time; possibly as long as four years.

This partnership is a strong, long-term commitment from RPS 205 and Rockford University to students and the Rockford community.
“I can hardly think of anything that would be more exciting as an educator than seeing someone that you have taught and mentored come up to join the profession in your own institution,” REA Vice President Paul Goddard told the School Board. “It gives me goose bumps. This opportunity is really thrilling for me as an educator in the district. … This is the way to do it right.”

The opportunity to receive both a graduate degree and an undergraduate degree at a total cost of $20,000 – receiving, in essence, a $142,000 value for $20,000 – is a powerful incentive for students to consider staying in Rockford.

“Rockford University and RPS 205 have partnered on a number of items over recent years that logically pool our collective resources to strengthen Rockford’s educational foundation for the benefit of all citizens,” said Rockford University President Dr. Robert Head. “The Education Pathway is a continuation of those efforts with the goal to provide RPS 205 a pipeline of teachers who are naturally invested in this community and thus, more likely to remain. This is a powerful initiative that reinforces Rockford University’s commitment to providing greater access to high-quality affordable education, and one that I am proud to see come to fruition.”

Tentative timeline of events:

• Fall 2017: RPS 205 graduates will fill 20 seats in the bachelor program at Rockford University.
• Spring 2017: First class of 20 RPS 205 employees sign up for graduate work in urban education through Rockford University.
• Fall 2017: High school students enroll in the Education Pathway.

Media Contact: Rockford University Communications Office: 815-226-3374

Rockford University’s 162nd Commencement Ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 15, at 2:00 p.m., at the Coronado Performing Arts Center in downtown Rockford. Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Management Studies, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Business Administration degrees will be awarded to approximately 336 students. The 2016 graduates are from 16 states and 14 countries, including Bosnia, China, France, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey and Yemen.

‌Rockford University is pleased to welcome U.S. Surgeon General, Vice Admiral (VADM) Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., M.B.A., to speak to the 2016 graduates. Dr. Murthy was appointed as America’s Doctor on December 15, 2014 and serves as the nation’s 19th United States Surgeon General. Dr. Murthy is responsible for communicating the best available scientific information to the public regarding ways to improve personal health and the health of the nation. He oversees the operations of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, comprised of approximately 6,700 uniformed health officers who serve in locations around the world to promote, protect and advance the health and safety of our nation.

Tickets are required for attendance. Due to space constraints, tickets are limited to degree candidates and their guests. Tickets will not be available at the door of the Coronado Theatre.

Founded in 1847, Rockford University is a four-year, co-educational institution that provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers approximately 80 majors, minors and concentrations, including the adult accelerated degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies programs, degrees are extended to include the Master in Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). Rockford University is home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States. Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,280 full-and part-time students.

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

Rockford, Ill. – The Department of Anthropology and Sociology at Rockford University and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 984 will be hosting a town hall meeting addressing the birth defects, diseases, and learning disabilities affecting the children and grandchildren of our nation’s veterans on Saturday, April 23. Registration for the meeting will begin at 12 p.m., with the discussion taking place from 1 – 4 p.m. in Regents Hall, 2nd floor of the Burpee Center, Rockford University, 5050 E. State Street, Rockford.

Affected veterans from the Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, OIF, and OEF as well as military personnel who were at Camp LeJeune and Fort McClellan will be sharing their stories. Discussions will focus on health conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure, toxic substance exposure at Camp LeJeune and Fort McClellan, conditions associated with burning oil wells during the Gulf War, and more. Speakers will also be addressing the most recent medical research regarding exposure to toxic substances. A Veterans Service Officer will be on site to assist with any claim issues.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Professor Colleen Kennedy at ckennedy@rockford.edu or 815-226-4115.

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

Rockford, Ill., – Assistant Professor of Biology Sean Beckmann, Ph.D. will present the ‘Last Lecture’ on April 25, 3 p.m. in Fisher Memorial Chapel, 5050 E. State St., Rockford. The lecture is part of the spring Forum series at the University. This opportunity will give Professor Beckmann a chance to reflect on life as if this was going to be his last message before passing.

The Last Lecture is based on a concept developed by Carnegie Mellon University professor Randy Pausch who delivered the talk “The Last Lecture: A Celebration of Life” on facing terminal pancreatic cancer.

Professor Beckmann was chosen based on nominations from students. His talk is titled “Life Lessons: What studying biology can actually teach you about life”. Professor Beckmann joined the department of Chemical and Biological Sciences in 2011 as an Assistant Professor of Biology. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Stetson University (DeLand, FL). In the following years he received training in a number of areas of biological research, as well as veterinary medicine, before beginning graduate school. He holds a Ph.D. in biology from the University of Miami with focuses in molecular ecology, evolutionary biology, and population genetics.

The Last Lecture is sponsored by the University’s Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement (JACCE) and is free and open to the public, however, tickets are required. Please contact the Rockford University Box Office at 815-226-4100 or boxoffice@rockford.edu to reserve your tickets or for more information. Fisher Chapel is accessible.

Media Contact: Sports Information Director, Brian Vanden Acker, 815-394-5060

ROCKFORD, Ill. – The Rockford University baseball program will hold its annual fundraiser on Sunday, April 24 when the Regents host the University of Chicago Maroons at Rivets Stadium in Loves Park, Illinois. Admission to the doubleheader is just $5 with all proceeds going directly to the Boys & Girls Club of Rockford.

The entire day will be packed full of fun events for everyone to enjoy. The action begins at 10:00 AM when former Rockford greats take the field for the annual alumni game. Any interested alums who have not already signed up to participate should contact Chris Holke (cholke@rockford.edu) to register for the game. Directly following the alumni game at noon, members of the RU baseball team will be running various events inside the stadium. Some activities will include: a 50/50 raffle, a bags tournament and a station where kids can see how fast they throw. The pregame festivities will conclude just prior to the start of the doubleheader when representatives from the Boys & Girls Club throw out a ceremonial first pitch.

All of the day’s events lead up to an important nonconference doubleheader beginning at 2:00 PM against the University of Chicago. The Regents have won three straight against the Maroons including sweeping a road doubleheader last year, 5-4 and 12-5. The games come at a crucial point in the season as Rockford enters the home stretch of its schedule and looks to secure a spot in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Tournament for the eighth time in ten seasons.

Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting Chris Holke or at the gate. Your attendance at the games will not only help support the Regents baseball program, but will also help make a difference in the lives of local kids and in the Rockford Community.

The Boys & Girls Club of Rockford serves over 6,500 youths ages 6-18 at four local Units with extended learning opportunities and recreational programs throughout Winnebago County. These learning opportunities include after school programs. The focus of the Boys & Girls Club is a multifaceted approach to life-long learning. Their programs are diversified and provide their members with opportunities for growth through academic success, good character and leadership and healthy lifestyles.

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

Over the summer the US Treasury is soliciting input to help decide which American woman should be featured on the new $10 bill. Treasury ‌Secretary Jacob J. Lew has decided that the new $10 note should feature a woman who was a champion for our inclusive democracy and will announce his selection later this year. The new bill is expected to be unveiled in 2020, the 100th anniversary of the passage of the nineteenth amendment, which gave women the right to vote. The US Treasury has established the hashtag #TheNew10 for use in this effort.

Rockford alumna and Nobel Laureate Jane Addams is a strong candidate whose name is already circulating for consideration. See the Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune. Jane Addams graduate from then Rockford Female Seminary in 1831 as the validicotrial and first bachelor’s degree recipient. She went on to found Hull-House in Chicago and became a tranfomative force for deomocarcy, social justice and welfare reform. An international voice for peace, Addams was a fouding member of the Women’s International League of Peace and Freedom and was the first American woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931.

Rockford University would like to encourage everyone to help to elevate Jane Addams for consideration on the new $10 by sharing the US Treasury hashtag #TheNew10, adding #JaneFitsTheBill and Jane Addams’ full name in posts.

RU will be helping promote #TheNew10 via our Facebook and Twitter pages. We encouraging everyone to participate and to feel free to share, like, and retweet our posts or create your own using hashtags #TheNew10 and #JaneFitsTheBill.

Rockford University Facebook

Rockford University Twitter

In 2013, the Treasury Department selected the $10 note for redesign based on a number of factors. The next generation of currency, starting with the new $10 note, will include various design features that celebrate democracy. Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew has decided that the new $10 note should feature a woman who was a champion for our inclusive democracy and will announce his selection later this year. We expect to unveil the new ten in 2020, the 100th anniversary of the passage of the nineteenth amendment, which gave women the right to vote. The passage of the nineteenth amendment granted women their right to fully participate in the system our country was founded on—a government by the people, a democracy.

Historically, the Secretary has relied on the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) to provide advice on themes, symbols and concepts to be used on currency. However, the Secretary is asking for the public’s views on what qualities best represent democracy to help guide the design process.

Over the summer, Secretary Lew, Deputy Secretary Sarah Bloom Raskin, Treasurer Rosie Rios, and other Administration officials will be conducting roundtables, town halls, and other meetings to collect input. Throughout the process, the Treasury team will be reviewing all the comments coming in to this website and content tagged with our “TheNew10” hashtag. Treasury staff will review the input received and provide information to Secretary Lew over the course of the discussion.

Media Contact – Rita Elliottt, Director of Communications, 815-226-3374

Rockford, Ill., – Belinda Wholeben, Ed.D., will serve as the interim vice president of academic affairs and provost at Rockford University,
filling the positionformerly held by Steven F. Siconolfi, Ph.D., FACSM who accepted a position with Mansfield College in Mansfield, Penn., in May. Dr. Siconolfi served as the head academic affairs officer and provost since joining the University in early 2012.

Dr. Wholeben earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from North Central College and her M.S. Ed. and Ed.D. in Educational Psychology from Northern Illinois University. Dr. Wholeben joined Rockford University in 1994 and has gone on to serve in a wide variety of teaching and leadership positions throughout the University including founding director of the Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement, project co-chair of the Rockford College Higher Learning Commission Self-Study for Accreditation, twice chair of the Psychology Department, faculty trustee,
and a member of numerous faculty and University committees.

Beyond the University, Dr. Wholeben remains active in the community and provides counsel to area institutions and organizations. She is currently a member of the Rock Valley College institutional review board, is secretary of the Shelter Care Ministries Board of Directors, serving as the organizations Vice President and chair of the Human Resources Committee from 2011-2015. Additionally, Dr. Wholeben is a member of several professional associations and remains active in research, presentations, grant reviews, and student research support.

Dr. Wholeben will oversee the Academic Affairs division of the University for the 2015-2016 academic year. A national search for the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost will begin in late 2015.

Rockford University is a four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers approximately 80 majors, minors and concentrations, including the adult accelerated degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies department, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). Rockford University is home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and as a Tier One Best Midwestern University by US News and World Report, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,280 full-and part-time students. The University is also noted as the alma mater of 1882 graduate and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Jane Addams.

Catalyst Spring 2015

‌

‌

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

Rockford, Ill., – There is still plenty of time to enroll for fall courses at Rockford University. Classes begin Wednesday, August 19. Rockford University is a four-year, co-educational institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers approximately 80 areas of study and provides diverse programming for students in all levels of education including undergraduate (bachelor degree), graduate (masters level), transfer students and adult accelerated degree completion in management studies (BSMS). Rockford University is also a participant in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program for veterans.

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs allow students to take up to four courses before formally enrolling in the program and offer flexible options for working adults. The MAT program offers several certifications and endorsements in areas like special education, reading specialist, instructional strategies and bi-lingual education. There is also a variety of options available to degreed professionals who may wish to enter the teaching profession. The MBA program covers a variety of functional areas including as accounting, economics, finance, management and marketing. Students can choose a concentration in disciplines such as MBA/CPA, public and not-for-profit management, entrepreneurship or management.

Contact the Rockford University Office of Admission at 815-226-4050 or 800-892-2984 for more information about applying for undergraduate classes. You may also apply online at www.rockford.edu/admission/apply/.

Contact the Rockford University Graduate Office at 815-226-4040 today if interested in MBA or MAT courses.

Visit rockford.edu for more information.