Rockford University is proud to celebrate our 2025 All-Alumni Award Winners! These outstanding alumni were honored at the annual All-Alumni Awards Dinner during Homecoming Week on Friday, September 26.

Each of these alumni continues to carry on the mission of Rockford University after graduation, serving the Rockford community and beyond in their careers, volunteer work, and leadership.

The Talcott Cross-Elizabeth “Beth” Donovan ’20H

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. 

Donovan, a Rockford native and honorary alumni of Rockford University, earned a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and completed the Executive Education Program at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. She spent more than 30 years with Ford Motor Company in global leadership roles, including Vice President of Ford of Australia and U.S. Director of Ford Variable Marketing. She later served as Vice President of AutoAlert LLC. A Rockford University Trustee since 2013, Beth held leadership roles as Board Chair, Secretary, and Governance Committee Chair, helping modernize governance, strengthen communications, and re-energize the University’s brand. Now living in Naples, Florida, she continues her community service on the board of The TwinEagles Club and through volunteer work with numerous organizations.

The Karl C. Williams Award-Michael Schablaske ’87

The Karl C. Williams Award is presented to an alumnus for his constancy, devotion, and a long history of meritorious service to Rockford University. 

Schablaske, a graduate of Rockford University with a B.S. in Accounting, also earned a Master of Science in Taxation from DePaul University. His career included tax, treasury, and investor relations roles at Sundstrand Corporation (now Collins Aerospace), RSM McGladrey, IMC Global, Inc. (now Mosaic), and Woodward, Inc. He also served as Executive Director of Transform Rockford before retiring. Deeply committed to his community, Michael currently serves on the boards of the Greater Rockford Airport Authority, Woodward Charitable Trust, Northern Illinois Development Authority, and Rockford Maker Center. He and his wife, Karin, have made Rockford their lifelong home, prioritizing faith, family, and community.

Outstanding Young Alumni Award-Ciara Stahly ’17

The Outstanding Young Alumni award is 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.

Ciara Stahly, a 2017 graduate of Rockford University with a B.S. in Psychology and minors in History and Human Development, currently serves as Director of Fund Development at Rockford Promise. She previously spent seven years at the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, where she advanced from Program Officer to Assistant Development Director, overseeing donor engagement, scholarships, and large-scale community events. Recognized as a Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 honoree in 2025, Ciara is an active community leader, serving with the Rotary Club of Loves Park, Rotary Youth Exchange District 6420, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Rockford Chapter. She lives in Rockford with her husband, Noah, and their two cats, Aslan and Freja.

Award of Distinction-Joshua Patterson ’17

The Award of Distinction is 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.

Joshua Patterson earned his MBA from Rockford University after completing a B.S. in Communication Studies at Luther College. He is currently a Partner at Eight Fifteen Capital, General Manager of Wired Cafe, and Master Roaster at Gretaira Coffee, with experience in leadership roles at Comprehensive Community Solutions and the Rockford Park District. Deeply engaged in the Rockford community, Joshua serves as Board President of the Wabongo Leadership Council and is a member of Master Builders Masonic Lodge #33 and New Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Recognized as one of “25 Leaders to Watch” in 2015 and a 2025 40 Under 40 honoree, Joshua is also a proud father of two, Alan and Aneela.

Award of Distinction-Kelli Ritschel Boehle ’97/’01

Kelli Ritschel Boehle, a graduate of Rockford University with a B.S. in Mathematics and minors in Computer Science and Economics, also earned her MBA from RU. Currently Vice President of Customer Experience at RS Hughes, she has held leadership roles at Ingersoll International, Kerry Inc., and Mérieux NutriSciences. In 2012, Kelli founded the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation (Nik’s Wish), a nonprofit that has raised more than $3.8 million and granted over 400 wishes to young adults across 39 states. Recognized as a 2023 CNN Hero, she continues to dedicate her time as Chief Joy Officer of the Foundation while remaining deeply connected to the Rockford community and Rockford University.

Read more about Kelli and Nic’s Wish in the 2024-2025 Catalyst.

Rockford University and the University of Illinois Chicago Retzky College of Pharmacy are proud to announce an innovative partnership that creates a streamlined, accelerated pathway for aspiring pharmacists. The new 3+4 program allows students to earn both their Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees in just seven years—saving time and tuition while positioning them for early career success.

Students in the 3+4 pathway will complete three years at Rockford University before transitioning to UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy on either their Rockford or Chicago campus. After their first year at UIC, they’ll earn a Bachelor of Science from Rockford University, and after three more years, a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). This accelerated program saves students a year of tuition, allows them to begin their pharmacy careers sooner, and connects them to two strong alumni networks. They’ll also benefit from early mentorship with UIC pharmacy students, faculty, and staff while completing their studies at Rockford University.

“One of the great things about having a campus in Rockford is getting to partner with exceptional institutions like Rockford University, helping students from northern Illinois on their path to becoming pharmacists and serving the community, pharmacists are among the most trusted healthcare professionals.” said Dr. Kevin Rynn, Vice Dean of the UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy in Rockford.

This collaboration addresses a pressing workforce challenge. In the United States, pharmacy job postings reached 16,537 in the fourth quarter of 2024, reflecting sustained demand amid a persistent pharmacist shortage (Pharmacy Demand Report, 2025). Illinois faces a particularly acute situation—many pharmacies, especially in central and southern regions, have reduced hours or closed, despite offering starting salaries up to $125,000 plus $75,000 signing bonuses (Reeder, 2024). By developing this accelerated 3+4 pathway, Rockford University and UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy are offering an innovative solution to strengthen the future pharmacy workforce—helping fill these critical roles more swiftly, improving patient access, and supporting healthcare across Illinois and beyond.

“This innovative partnership gives our students a clear, supportive path to achieving their dreams of becoming pharmacists,” said Dr. Patty Lynott, President of Rockford University. “By streamlining the journey to a PharmD, we’re helping them save time and tuition, and launch their careers with the confidence and preparation that comes from two outstanding institutions.”

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For further information, please contact Kayla Eddy, Rockford University Marketing Coordinator, at keddy@rockford.edu. 

This summer, Rockford University will welcome a group of incoming, first-generation, freshmen students to campus for the Rockford University Regents First Summer 2025 Retreat.

The retreat runs from Sunday, July 27, 2025 through Friday, August 1, 2025. It kicks off at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday in the Burpee Student Center. 

“It’s a residential camp and students will live on campus,” Dr. Walker said about the retreat.

“The purpose is to saturate them in the college experience and equip them for a successful launch into their college journey.”

Walker adds that the retreat will cover many topics including time management, effective communication strategies, finding a job on campus, developing a growth mindset, and much more. The week will be filled with opportunities for students to connect with campus resources to assist them with their transition. 

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For further information, please contact Kayla Eddy, Rockford University Marketing Coordinator, at keddy@rockford.edu. 

On Wednesday, we officially broke ground on our brand new, multipurpose, turf athletic field!

“This new field is more than just a place to play,” said Rockford University president Dr. Patricia Lynott at the official groundbreaking. “It’s a place where leadership is going to be developed, perseverance is going to be tested, and pride is going to be shared.” 

Funding for the turf field will come from the State of Illinois’s Independent Colleges Capital Investment Grant, the same grant that funded construction of our new baseball and softball fields. Byrne and Jones Sports Construction will lead the project.

Thank you to all of the donors, trustees, alums, staff, faculty, students, friends, family, and Rockford community members who braved the heat to celebrate this new beginning with us!

Watch the full press conference–featuring words of support from Mayor Tom NcNamara alongside President Patricia Lynott, Associate Director of Athletics Jess Stanek, and VP of Advancement Katherine Trotter–on the official RU YouTube channel. 

VP of Advancement Katherine Trotter and President Lynott catch up with Sunil Puri, wearing a classic RU jersey!

On June 12, 2025, Rockford University hosted our annual Golf Play Day at the beautiful Aldeen Golf Club in Rockford, IL. This signature event raises critical funds to support our Athletics programs, which serve more than 30% of our student body.

This year’s event was a tremendous success, with over 100 golfers and more than 30 generous sponsors coming together to raise just over $24,000 in support of our Regents.

We are deeply grateful for the continued support of the Rockford community. Your generosity helps fuel our student-athletes’ success—on the field, in the classroom, and beyond.

Click here to view photos from the event and visit RockfordRegents.com to stay up-to-date on all things Rockford University Athletics!