Rockford University to Host Denim Day Event
04/23/2025 1:25 pm
Each year, Rockford University recognizes Denim Day to raise awareness about sexual assault and advocate for survivors. This year, Denim Day is being hosted by Lang Health and the Jane Addams Center, in collaboration with students for a class project.
On Wednesday, students will host a celebration for the University’s Flag Football team and will have game-like drills for attendees to participate in. By uplifting women athletes in a traditionally male-dominated sport, the event highlights the importance of empowerment, bodily autonomy, and creating spaces where all people, especially women and gender-diverse individuals, feel safe and supported.
Community partners will host tables to share resources with students and the larger campus community. There will be two clothesline installations to exhibit personal stories and messages of resilience, healing, and hope. Additionally, an art exhibit in Fisher Chapel with prints, poems, and personal stories will be displayed.
The event will take place on Wednesday, April 30, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Sam Greeley Field.
Learn more about Denim Day at denimday.org.
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For more information and to RSVP, please contact the Rockford University Marketing and Communications department, communications@rockford.edu.
Rockford University to Hold Annual Internship and Career Fair
04/15/2025 1:28 pm
On Tuesday, April 22, Rockford University will hold its annual Internship and Career Fair. The event will take place from 1:00-4:00 p.m. in Regents Hall in the Burpee Student Center.
The fair gives students the opportunity to connect with 40+ companies and explore diverse career paths. While networking with potential employers, students will also have the chance to get a professional headshot taken and learn about on-campus job opportunities.
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For more information and to RSVP, please contact the Rockford University Marketing and Communications department, communications@rockford.edu.
Rockford University to Honor the Graduation of the Inaugural Regents First Cohort
04/10/2025 1:31 pm
On Sunday, April 13th, Rockford University will honor first-generation college students graduating from the inaugural Regents First cohort at a special celebration.
In Fall 2021 the Regents First Program was launched to recruit, support, and retain first-generation college students at Rockford University. To assist students through their four years at RU, the program pairs each student with a financial aid coach and college life skills coach who meet with them regularly throughout the academic year. Additionally, Regents First students are paired with another first-generation college student, to help guide and motivate them during their first year on campus.
Open to incoming freshmen, Regents First takes what can be a challenging experience for anyone – enrolling in a four-year university – and boosts support for students who are working to become the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Dr. Michael Perry, Professor of English, will deliver the keynote address at the event. Socorro Valenzuela-Veloz will speak on behalf of the graduating students. Additionally, President Patricia Lynott and Provost Elizabeth Davies will speak to students.
The celebration will take place on Sunday, April 13, from 1:00-3:00 pm in Regents Hall.
Rockford University to Host 11th Annual Day of Giving in Support of Scarborough Hall: Give, Grow, Scarborough!
04/09/2025 1:35 pm
On Wednesday, April 16th, Rockford University will hold its 11th Annual Day of Giving.
The 2025 Day of Giving seeks to raise funds for renovations to a fixture of Rockford University’s past and present: Scarborough Hall.
The entire Rockford community is invited to join Rockford University in celebrating the legacy of Scarborough Hall while raising funds for its future. The in-person portion of the fundraiser will take place from 10:00-5:00 p.m. in the lobby of Scarborough Hall, with cake and a Reggie photo-op taking place at 1:00 p.m. Throughout the day, there will be prizes, raffles, therapy dogs from 10:30-11:30 a.m., and more.
Donations can be made in-person on April 16th or online at any time by visiting https://tinyurl.com/GiveScar.
Rockford University To Host 3-Part International Food Festival on Saturday, April 5th, 2025.
03/28/2025 1:37 pm
On Saturday, April 5, the Office of Global Affairs and the Multicultural Club at Rockford University invite the Rockford community to attend the annual International Food Festival.
The International Food Festival is divided into three parts:
- Around the World, 3:00-5:00 p.m. in the lower level of the Burpee Student Center.
- This free event allows guests to learn about historical events in, and different eras of, 28 different countries. Students will share snacks, drinks, games, stories, and more.
- International Dinner, 4:30-6:00 p.m. in the Dining Hall
- This ticketed dinner invites guests to share in the local cuisine from our students’ countries. The meal is prepared by Executive Chef David Carandang of FreshIdeas.
- Tickets will be available at the door for $12, or in advance for $10.
- This ticketed dinner invites guests to share in the local cuisine from our students’ countries. The meal is prepared by Executive Chef David Carandang of FreshIdeas.
- Flag Ceremony and Performances, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Regents Hall
- This free event includes the presentation of RU students’ flags and national anthems.
Julie Griffith, Associate Director of Global Affairs and one of the organizers of the event, invites the Rockford community to celebrate with RU. “Take a stroll through historical events and eras as you visit tables hosted by 28 Rockford University students and faculty. Enjoy delectable cuisine from all over the world, and share the pride of 37 countries at the flag ceremony. Prizes include free t-shirts, Asian snacks, a raffle for canvas prints and more!”
Last year, more than 400 students, staff, faculty, and Rockford community members attended the event.
A Professor’s Influence: An Update on the Slavens Ware Scholarship Endowment
03/28/2025 12:47 pm
The Office of Advancement and Alumni is thrilled to announce that the Slavens Ware Scholarship Endowment has reached its funding goal and is now officially an endowed scholarship here at RU! The first awards will be given out in the 2026-2027 academic year. Below, learn more about the Slavens Ware Scholarship Endowment, and the impact both Professor Slavens and Professor Ware had and continue to have on their students.
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I didn’t think they did anything like that until after you died,” said Dr. Marjorie Slavens, former professor at Rockford University, when asked how she feels about having an endowed scholarship made in her name. Her former students, now friends, who sat next to her, laughed at this response.
Dr. Slavens, and former Professor Sally Lo Ware, are both being honored with an endowed scholarship put together by many of their former students. Alumni Dave & Paula Hougan ‘72, along with alumna Mary Parisoe ‘75, came together at the Rockford University Reunion in September 2024 with Dr. Slavens to talk about why and how they decided to put together this scholarship to honor their two professors.
“This is an absolute way for us to pay tribute to these two professors that were so meaningful in terms of our careers, and to all our experiences at Rockford College,” Dave Hougan said. “It’s unfortunate we didn’t do this earlier when Ms. Ware was around. (Ware passed in 1990). But we now can do this, and we probably weren’t in the place to do it at that time.”
Dave and Paula Hougan, who first met at Rockford College and later married, both studied language in school. Paula was a French and Spanish major, while Dave studied Spanish. Parisoe was a French major.
Ware taught at Rockford College from 1960 until her passing in 1990. She was the first faculty member hired by then-President Dr. John Howard. During Ware’s tenure, she was the chair of the French department and the director of the Language Lab.
When Ware passed suddenly in 1990, it was Parisoe who took her place after Dr. Slavens called her and asked.
Dr. Slavens worked at Rockford College from 1965 to 1998. During her 33 years, she was chair of the Spanish department, chair of the Languages department, and chair of the Language and Literature division.
Parisoe said it was Slavens’ and Ware’s teaching that gave her the career she did not have.
“People say, ‘Oh, the computers do that,’” Parisoe said. “But they don’t know. You would need a meeting of the minds, not a meeting of machines. I think it’s important (the study of language) and it also teaches you about your language in learning a second language.”
Alumna Paula Hougan agrees.
“I’m from a small town in Illinois, and when I checked recently on the demographics of my school district, it continues to be a hundred percent white,” Paula Hougan said.
Through her experience at Rockford College, and her time with Professor Slavens and Ware, Hougan had the opportunity to travel to different countries, and not just as a tourist. Through this endowment fund, she hopes to highlight the importance of people connecting through language.
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This story was originally published in the 2023-2024 Annual Report under Sara Myers-Hogshead’s byline.
Rockford University Welcomes Katherine Trotter as Vice President for Advancement
Rockford University is pleased to announce that Katherine Trotter has joined the University’s leadership team as the new Vice President for Advancement. A proud alumna of Rockford University (then Rockford College), Class of 2011, Katherine brings with her more than 15 years of experience in education, partnership-building, and leadership development.
Throughout her career, Katherine has been committed to shaping and enhancing learning experiences, with a strong background in curriculum development and student-centered growth. Her passion for education and community is matched by her dedication to fostering meaningful relationships—values that align deeply with Rockford University’s mission.
As Vice President for Advancement, Katherine will lead efforts to engage alumni, secure philanthropic support, and strengthen the University’s role within the broader Rockford region. Her collaborative leadership style, combined with a deep understanding of what makes communities thrive, will be instrumental in furthering Rockford University’s impact and reach.
Katherine is a passionate advocate for both her alma mater and the Rockford community. She believes in the transformative power of education and is committed to using her role to build lasting partnerships, support student success, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the institution.
Outside of her professional work, Katherine enjoys life with her husband, Jake, and their young daughter, Judy. Their strong family dynamic reflects the same values of connection and care that Katherine brings to her work every day.
Please join us in welcoming Katherine back to Rockford University. We are excited to have her leadership, energy, and vision guiding our advancement efforts into the future.
Don’t Let the Noise Distract You — Now More Than Ever Your Future Deserves a College Education
03/24/2025 8:35 am
Dear Students and Parents:
With so much attention on the Department of Education right now, it’s easy to get caught up in the headlines. But much of what you’re hearing is more white noise than fact. Don’t let it distract you from what really matters — your future. A college education remains the most reliable path to personal and professional success. And that is simply a fact.
Forbes, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
At Rockford University, we pride ourselves on keeping college affordable and accessible – no matter what is happening in Washington. Our commitment to supporting students is stronger than ever with our multiple scholarship opportunities, high-demand majors, strong career preparation and our dedicated faculty and advisors.
Investing in a college degree is an investment in your long-term success. It opens doors to better career prospects, higher earning potential, and a network that will support you for a lifetime. The world is changing, but the value of a college education remains constant.
We encourage you to explore all that Rockford University has to offer. Whether it’s through a campus visit, a conversation with our admissions team, or learning more about our numerous financial aid options, we’re here to help you secure the future you deserve.
Don’t let the noise drown out the facts — your future is worth it!
-Dr. Patricia A. Lynott, President
Rockford University Lang Wellness Center Offering New Physician Services in Partnership With the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
03/11/2025 1:45 pm
Rockford University and the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford have partnered to expand physician services available to students at the Rockford University Lang Wellness Center.
In November 2024, two resident physicians from the Family Medicine Residency Program at the University of Illinois College of Medicine began seeing Rockford University students at the Lang Wellness Center. The expanded services include women’s reproductive healthcare, psychiatric evaluations for psychotropic medications and follow up for medication management, and ongoing care for students who experience chronic health conditions. Existing services such as illness and injury assessments, concussion protocol evaluations, physicals, and immunization administration will continue to be offered.
“Having resident physicians providing student health services in the community is part of our mission in the Department of Family and Community Medicine,” said Rhonda Verzal, MD, residency program director at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford. “By providing health care at Rockford University through this partnership, their students benefit from having additional health services available and our residents gain clinical experience caring for a college-age population.”
The resident physicians see students at the Lang Wellness Center on Tuesdays each week, but are also available for appointments at the UI Health Mile Square Health Center-L.P. Johnson Rockford when needed. This partnership allows students at Rockford University to receive high-quality medical care at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, the residents help educate students about their health conditions and overall well-being, enhancing their health literacy.
Rockford Regents Win First Collegiate Women’s Flag Football Game In Illinois!First posted on rockfordregents.com.
The Rockford University women’s flag football team shut out Benedictine University 32-0 on a historic evening on Saturday night at Halas Hall. Saturday marked the first women’s collegiate flag football game in the state of Illinois, and the Regents were dominant from start to finish. Rockford scored in every quarter and held Benedictine to just 119 yards of total offense. RU quarterback Jennah Grice threw five touchdowns, including the first collegiate women’s flag football touchdown in the state of Illinois, when she found Clare Strong in the end zone and put Rockford out in front 6-0 late in the first quarter. The Regents tacked on two more touchdowns in the second, one in the third and one in the fourth to take a commanding lead. The defense then secured the shutout when Ava Divis intercepted a pass with 26 seconds left in the fourth quarter, as Rockford went on to win by a final score of 32-0.
Read the full recap on rockfordregents.com!
