30th Annual Alan Hutchcroft Alternative Spring Break
01/12/2026 4:22 pm
Saturday, March 7-Saturday, March 14.
You’re invited to the 30th annual Alan Hutchcroft Alternative Spring Break!
Rockford University students and alumni will travel to Starksville, Mississippi, to build a home for a family in need. Fill out the form linked below to confirm your interest and stay up to date with the latest AHAASB news.
Seaver Swish
01/12/2026 3:50 pm
Saturday, January 17, at 1:00 p.m. in the Seaver Center.
Alumni are encouraged to join us for Seaver Swish, a special Regents Basketball game day hosted by the Campus Activities Board. In addition to the women’s and men’s games, Seaver Swish features family-friendly activities, mini-games, prizes, and giveaways throughout the afternoon!
Women’s Basketball begins at 1:00 PM, followed by Men’s Basketball at 3:15 PM in the Seaver Gymnasium. No RSVP is needed for this event.
Take a look at the full Rockford Regents athletic schedule at rockfordregents.com.
Rockford University Kinesiology Senior Seminar Students to Host Free Baseball/Softball Camp for Rockford Community
10/22/2025 12:03 pm
On Saturday, October 25, students from Rockford University’s Kinesiology Senior Seminar class will host a free youth baseball/softball camp on RU’s new turf baseball and softball fields.
Beginning at 9:30 a.m., the camp will focus on skills such as throwing, fielding, hitting, and baserunning–all taught by RU students and baseball players.
Lunch from Buffalo Wild Wings will be provided, and attendees will be sent home not just with a new set of skills, but goody bags as well.
In the case of inclement weather, the camp will be moved indoors.
Register today at using this link.
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Media are invited to attend and should RSVP. For further information and to RSVP, please contact Kayla Eddy, Rockford University Digital Content and Web Marketing Coordinator, at keddy@rockford.edu.
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This press release was created by students in Dr. Cathy Headley’s Senior Seminar course.
Surf, Set, Save: Kinesiology Senior Seminar to Host Sports Equipment Drive at Hawaiian Themed Volleyball Game
10/22/2025 12:02 pm
Students from Rockford University are excited to announce their senior seminar project, Surf, Set, Save, a community-driven sports equipment donation event taking place on Friday, October 24th, during the Hawaiian Themed volleyball game.
The initiative encourages community members and RU students, staff, and faculty to donate gently used sports equipment to support athletes and families in need. By repurposing equipment such as shoes, uniforms, bats, rackets, and more, Surf, Set, Save, aims to reduce waste and provide opportunities for others to enjoy the sports they love.
“This event is a great way to clear out unused gear while giving back to those who need it most,” said Kyla Wilkerson, one of the 3 seniors in the project. We hope to inspire the community to come together for a fun and meaningful cause.”
Join us for a day of sport, celebration, and generosity at the Hawaiian Themed volleyball game and help make a difference, one piece of equipment at a time!
The donation drive and volleyball game will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Seaver gym.
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Media are invited to attend and should RSVP. For further information and to RSVP, please contact Kayla Eddy, Rockford University Digital Content and Web Marketing Coordinator, at keddy@rockford.edu.
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This press release was created by students in Dr. Cathy Headley’s Senior Seminar course.
Rockford University Kinesiology Senior Seminar Partners with Rockford Rescue Mission for Month-Long Winter Clothing Drive and Costume “Knockout” Tournament
10/22/2025 12:02 pm
Rockford University’s Kinesiology Senior Seminar class is proud to announce a month-long Winter Clothing Drive in partnership with the Rockford Rescue Mission, designed to support local individuals and families in need as the cold season approaches. The event will run throughout the month of October, with donation bins located across campus.
The month-long clothing drive will culminate in the Halloween Costume Knockout Tournament. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes, and all proceeds and items collected during the tournament will directly benefit the Rockford Rescue Mission.
Students who participate in the Knockout Tournament will have a chance to win prizes donated by local sponsors and Rockford University departments. The Rockford community is invited to attend, donate, and cheer on participants.
The Kinsiology Senior Seminar course emphasizes civic engagement and community partnership, and this collaboration with Rockford Rescue Mission highlights the university’s ongoing commitment to service learning.
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Donation Period: October 1st- November 3rd, 2025
Event: Costume Knockout Tournament
Date: Sunday, November 2nd, 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: Rockford University Seaver Center
Entry Fee: One winter clothing donation (coat, gloves, scarf, hat, or boots)
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Media are invited to attend and should RSVP. For further information and to RSVP, please contact Kayla Eddy, Rockford University Digital Content and Web Marketing Coordinator, at keddy@rockford.edu.
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This press release was created by students in Dr. Cathy Headley’s Senior Seminar course.
Rockford University Student Named 2025 Lincoln Academy Student Laureate
10/21/2025 1:51 pm
Rockford University proudly congratulates senior Kaden Finnestad on being named a 2025 Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.
This prestigious honor is awarded to outstanding seniors who “are honored for their leadership and service in the pursuit of the betterment of humanity and for overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities,” according to the Lincoln Academy.
“Kaden’s impact on the Rockford University campus and the local community through volunteering is tremendous. He possesses a strong academic focus, and leadership skills as a Resident Assistant for his floor, as well as being a member of the Rockford University Football Team. Kaden’s role modeling, ability to provide out of the classroom educational activities, and providing guidance with an empathetic response for campus referrals and interventions is important for our students’ development,” said Scott Mitchell, Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Residence Life, who nominated Kaden for the honor.
The Lincoln Academy honored top students from colleges and universities across Illinois during a ceremony held on Oct. 18 in Chicago. Each student laureate received the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award certificate, a Lincoln medallion, a challenge coin, and a $1,000 check from The Lincoln Academy.
Congratulations to Kaden for this remarkable achievement!
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For further information, please contact Kayla Eddy, Rockford University Digital Content and Web Marketing Coordinator, at keddy@rockford.edu. Photos can be found here.
The Rockford Anthology Release Party and Reading at Rockford University
10/20/2025 1:51 pm
On Monday, October 27, Rockford University will host a launch party and reading of The Rockford Anthology, a new book by and for the Rockford community.
The anthology is filled with short pieces about the city, including many written by current and former students and faculty at Rockford University.
Join us in the Howard Colman Library to share light snacks and hear authors read their work, with an opportunity to purchase the book and get it signed. Mingle with students, alumni, and faculty at 4:30 p.m., with the reading beginning at 5:00 p.m.
This event is free and open to the public, with no RSVP required.
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Media should RSVP by Friday, October 24. For further information and to RSVP, please contact Kayla Eddy, Rockford University Digital Content and Web Marketing Coordinator, at keddy@rockford.edu.
Rockford University Forum Series to Present “Voices: Men and Women of Africa and America”
10/15/2025 1:47 pm
On Wednesday, October 22, the Rockford University Forum Series will present “Voices: Men and Women of Africa and America.” Beginning at 7:00 p.m., the event will take place in Maddox Theatre.
African and American playwrights in the 20th and 21st century have shared stories of the black experience on two continents and found the binding connection to all of humanity seeking strength, dignity, and purpose. Under the direction of Dorothy Paige-Turner, the Rockford Reader’s Theatre will present selections from the works of August Wilson, Athol Fugard, Lynn Nottage, Efua Sutherland, and many others. Giving voice to these writers will be George Davis, Richard Meeks, Jacquelyn Rogers, Wendell Thompson, Carl L. Towns, Coleen Martin Williams, and Janet Wright, in addition to Dorothy Paige-Turner.
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Media are invited to attend and should RSVP. For further information and to RSVP, please contact Kayla Eddy, Rockford University Digital Content and Web Marketing Coordinator, at keddy@rockford.edu.
Celebrating Our 2025 Alumni Award Winners
10/07/2025 8:24 am
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 to Host Workshop with Dr. Danielle Lake in Celebration of the International Day of Peace
09/16/2025 1:06 pm
In honor of the 2025 International Day of Peace, the Rockford University Forum Series will host Dr. Danielle Lake, Associate Professor and Director of Design Thinking at Lake University, for a workshop called, “Prototyping Plural Pathways Towards Peace: Situating, Storying, and Slipping.”
Held in conjunction with “In the Spirit of Jane Addams: Global Dialogue, Social Change, and Community Engagement in the 21st Century,” an international conference at the University of Warsaw in Poland, this interactive workshop is an invitation to reimagine plural pathways towards peace. Dr. Lake will share research on effective social systems changemaking, highlighting powerful stories and promising strategies from visionary changemakers like Jane Addams, Grace Lee Boggs, and Arturo Escobar.
Join student participants across the Rockford University campus and around the globe as they come together to frame, explore, generate, prototype, and cultivate situated strategies that transform practices and policies, shift resource flows, reshape unjust structures, build relationships, and generate tipping points.
The workshop will take place on Monday, September 22, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in Rockford University’s Fisher Chapel.
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Media are invited to attend and must RSVP by Thursday, September 18. For further information and to RSVP, please contact Kayla Eddy, Rockford University Marketing Coordinator, at keddy@rockford.edu.
