The Chicago Bears will host the Rockford Regents and the Benedictine Eagles for the first-ever collegiate women’s flag football game in the state of Illinois. 

The game will take place tonight, March 8, beginning at 6:15 p.m. at the Walter Payton Center.

“This is a tremendous honor that has been bestowed upon us as a team,” Head Coach Tim Trevier said. “It is not often in our lifetimes when we can say we are making history, but we, as a team, have now accomplished this twice. We were the first college/university at any level to start a women’s flag football program in Illinois, and now we are making history again when we will be playing in the first collegiate women’s flag football game ever in Illinois.”

Players, Head Coach Tim Trevier, and Director of Athletics Jason Mulligan are available for comment. 

The game will be streamed live on rockfordregents.com. 

Rockford University has been awarded $464,450 through the Illinois Youth Investment Program, a program of the Office of Community and Positive Youth Development at the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). 

“The Illinois Youth Investment Program (IYIP) was established to provide Illinois’ at-risk youth ages 16-24, with the opportunity to participate in the employment recovery of the State following the COVID-19 pandemic,” explained Dr. Deepshikha Shukla, Dean of the College of Professional and Extended Learning. “This iteration of the IYIP program is being offered to build upon those successes by offering short-term, long-term, and career development employment programming in certain Illinois counties including Winnebago county. Rockford University will receive $464,450 for a 12-month project period to serve its students with comprehensive career guidance from readiness skills to job experience.”

Throughout the 12-month project period, the College of Professional and Extended Learning will lead the comprehensive career guidance program, while also assisting students in finding internship placements throughout both Rockford University and local organizations. 

Several local businesses have pledged their support to the program, including the Youth Services Network, Gigi’s Playhouse, Patriots Gateway Community Center, the Winnebago County Court Services Department, the Rockford Park District, UW Health, the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office, and Rosecrance.

Due to the anticipated severe weather on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Rockford University will be closed. All classes, including night classes, will transition to virtual learning. Students should anticipate communication from their professors in regards to remote learning.  

Public Safety, Fresh Ideas (food service), and Team National (maintenance and facilities) will be on campus

Please make necessary preparations before leaving campus today. Thank you for your cooperation and stay safe.

Rockford, Illinois — Rockford Promise is thrilled to announce an exciting expansion of its scholarship program in collaboration with Rockford University and the City of Rockford. This new partnership will provide eligible students with a fully-funded tuition opportunity to attend Rockford University, enhancing access to higher education for local high school graduates. This initiative is designed to support students living in the City of Rockford, offering them a pathway to a debt-free college education and empowering the next generation of local leaders.

The Rockford Promise-Rockford University Scholarship Program will begin in the 2025 academic year, allowing graduates from public or private Rockford Promise partner schools within Rockford city limits, who meet specific academic and financial qualifications, to attend Rockford University tuition-free. With annual support from the City of Rockford, Rockford Promise will administer the program to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities, aiming to increase educational attainment and foster economic growth throughout the region.

The City of Rockford has committed $500,000 annually towards the tuition of eligible students. This is funded through the casino tax from the Rockford Hard Rock Casino and is part of the Casino Tax Revenue Investment Plan.

“This collaboration is a profound investment in Rockford’s future,” said Mayor Thomas McNamara. “By enabling our students to achieve their educational goals without the burden of tuition, we are not only supporting individual success but also strengthening our community’s workforce and economic growth.”

Meanwhile, Rockford University has pledged to cover any additional tuition costs that exceed this contribution, guaranteeing that all qualifying students can benefit from this opportunity.

“This partnership with Rockford University and the City of Rockford marks a transformative milestone in Rockford Promise’s journey to making higher education accessible to all students within our community,” said Kaylene Groh, Executive Director of Rockford Promise. “Together, we are building a future where financial barriers do not stand in the way of academic and professional success for Rockford’s youth.”

The Rockford Promise-Rockford University Scholarship is aligned with Rockford Promise’s mission of supporting local students through scholarships, mentorships, and community engagement. The program reflects the City of Rockford’s commitment to strengthening its workforce and encouraging economic development. With the addition of this program, Rockford Promise, Rockford University, and the City of Rockford collectively work to inspire youth to pursue higher education and contribute to the city’s growth.

“This partnership with Rockford Promise and the City of Rockford marks a historic moment for our institution,” said Dr. Patricia Lynott, President of Rockford University. “Since 2016, we have
welcomed Rockford Promise Scholars, who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and academic success, reflected in their 92% graduation rate. Last year alone, we received over 90 applications from local students eager to pursue their studies at Rockford University through Rockford Promise. We are proud to deepen this relationship and look forward to seeing our community grow stronger through this initiative.”

How to apply:

Eligible students should complete their FAFSA and Rockford University admission applications by February 1 of their graduating year. They must apply through the Rockford Promise website application. Rockford Promise and Rockford University will coordinate to confirm student eligibility and manage the enrollment process. The City of Rockford will confirm address requirements.

To qualify, students must:

● Be a resident of the City of Rockford.
● Graduate from a public or private high school located within the city limits.
● Achieve a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
● Qualify for Federal Pell Grants and Illinois MAP Grants.

About Rockford Promise:

Rockford Promise is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and location-based scholarship program that enhances the economic vitality in the Rockford region by providing access to post-secondary
education for local students.

The organization removes financial barriers by offering full-tuition scholarships and providing support to enhance student success to degree or program completion.

Rockford Promise is based on Promise programs throughout the nation, most notably the Kalamazoo Promise in Kalamazoo, Michigan. One of the longest-running Promise programs, Kalamazoo Promise has positively impacted high school graduation, college attendance, property values and public-school enrollment. Local leaders seek to replicate the initiative in Rockford. Through Rockford Promise scholarships, financial aid, and partnerships with Rock Valley College, Rockford University, Saint Anthony College of Nursing and Northern Illinois University, Rockford Promise Scholars attend college tuition-free.

About Rockford University:

Rockford University, formerly Rockford College, is a four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional
fields. The undergraduate program offers approximately 80 majors, minors and concentrations, including three 100% online majors through the RU Online program. Five master’s degrees are
offered through the graduate program, including: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Arts in Sport Management & Leadership (MASM), and Masters of Science in Exercise Physiology (MSEP).

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 is proud to hold the prestigious Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, an elective classification that highlights our dedication to meaningful and impactful partnerships within our local and regional communities. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,200 full- and part-time students.

For more information please contact:

Cole Bathje
cole.bathje@rockfordpromise.org

Laura Maher
Laura.Maher@rockfordil.gov

Sara Myers-Hogshead
shogshead@rockford.edu

The financial aid journey for students like you – those looking to enroll in college in Fall 2024 – has been one of the most unusual in recent memory.  Changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process have introduced considerable delays and technical glitches.

Earlier this week, we learned of new delays. The U.S. Department of Education announced they are delaying the release of FAFSA information to schools until mid-March. This additional delay is due to necessary updates to the FAFSA formula that will recognize important inflationary adjustments needed for FAFSA applicant financial data. The correction will result in more students getting aid, but it will take time to fix the Student Aid Index (SAI) formula. The Department of Education is committed to ensuring students and their families receive all the aid they are entitled to receive.

The Office of Student Administrative Services at Rockford University will work on getting financial aid offers to families as quickly as possible once FAFSA information is made available to schools. 

What does this mean for you?

• If you’ve already completed the 2024-2025 FAFSA- great! FAFSA information will be shared with schools starting mid-March 2024.
• If you haven’t applied- it’s not too late! Applying early allows you the best opportunity to be considered for the most types of financial aid possible. Rockford University’s school code is 001748.

What are some steps you can take in the meantime?

• Let us know when you filed the FAFSA (it will let us get a jump start on your financial aid offer when the FAFSAs start arriving)
• Use our Student Calculator at https://www.rockford.edu/admission/financialaid/. This will allow you to estimate what financial aid you may qualify for, and therefore what you and your family may be responsible for, out of pocket.
• Stay Connected! Your Admissions counselor is here to help, every step of the way! Got questions? Just ask! If you would like to schedule another campus visit please reach out. We would love to host you!

Rockford University understands that the cost of education is a significant consideration for students and their families. We know this delay is frustrating in your decision-making process. If you have any questions please contact your admission counselor.

On January 13, 2024, community leaders and distinguished partners gathered together at Rockford University to discuss mental health and trauma at the first annual MLK State of the Mind Address. 

The event, a collaboration between Rockford University and State Representative Maurice West, was an open, honest, and safe discussion about what the Rockford area has done and can do to support all of its community members in their mental and physical health. 

Rockford University President Dr. Patricia Lynott welcomed panelists, partners, and guests alike to the event, emphasizing the importance of being able to openly discuss mental health in the community. 

The first panel brought together religious leaders from all walks of life. Reverend Copeland, Prophet Minister Muhammad, and First Lady Sharon Malone represented different religious organizations in the area. The panel was moderated by Dr. Kevin Thomas, and LCSW Ashton Lockhart also contributed. 

Prophet Minister Muhammad emphasized the dangers related to the phrase, “Man up,” and touched on the need to both pray and process. He also spoke on Safe in my Brother’s Arms (SIMBA), a program located in Rockford that, according to rescuereleaserestore.org,  “offers African American young men (ages 8-17) a safe space to examine their lives, their choices, and their futures.”

Reverend Copeland discussed the importance of both prayer and therapy. “Prayer works,” he said, “But therapy does too. It’s not an either/or type of situation.” 

First Lady Sharon Malone explained the need for members of the church to be served in the church and the need for mental health professionals within the church. Dr. Kevin Thomas echoed this sentiment, agreeing that there should be a therapist in every house of worship. 

After hearing from these religious leaders, Ashton Lockhart urged the audience to begin reframing their thoughts around hopelessness, saying that “the hope is always there.” 

The second panel had community leaders outside of religious organizations come together and discuss what is happening and what has changed regarding mental health and trauma in the community. Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara, Rockford Fire Chief Michele Pankow, Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd, and Dr. Theresa Barnes sat on the panel moderated by Representative West.

In kicking off this next panel, Mayor Tom McNamara said, “Trauma is the most pressing issue our city faces.” He spoke on the importance of data-driven solutions and learning from people with lived experiences. McNamara also touched on several initiatives currently at work in Rockford, including the Barbershop Program, which provides barbers and stylists with information on community resources to share with their clients if needed. 

Fire Chief Michele Pankow said that “the goal is prevention.” She explained that all personnel have basic psychological first-aid skills, and they are working toward expanding these skills to be utilized on every call. 

Police Chief Carla Redd detailed something similar currently in effect within the police department. Their crisis response team–pairs of officers and clinicians–answered 416 calls in 2023, with more than 5,000 follow-ups. 

Dr. Barnes touched on the importance of prevention as well, discussing the need for trauma-informed schools and mentorship programs, especially for children of color. 

In closing, Representative West told audience and community members, “If you call, we’ll answer,” once again emphasizing the need to make space for mental health. 

Attendees also had the opportunity to ask questions of the panelists and meet with several vendors from within the Rockford community including A Nu-You, OSF Health, Covered Illinois, and the Citied Foundation. 

The MLK State of the Mind Address Committee is debriefing about the 2024 event and planning for next year!

To view photos from the event, click here!

Based on the weather forecast, Rockford University will be closed on Friday, January 12, 2024, including all campus offices. Remote office hours will be in effect, with employees working from home. All scheduled events on campus for Friday, Jan. 12 are cancelled.  Events on Saturday, Jan. 13 will proceed as scheduled unless otherwise notified.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Dec. 12, 2023

ROCKFORD, Ill. (December 12, 2023) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, is excited to announce the start of a women’s flag football program. 

On Monday, October 16, the International Olympic Committee announced the addition of men’s and women’s flag football to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Both the NAIA and NJCAA have officially recognized women’s flag football as a competitive women’s sport, and the NCAA is currently considering the proposition. Women’s flag football has seen remarkable growth over recent years, especially at the high school level. The sport has an inclusiveness that brings together young women from diverse backgrounds who possess all types of different skill sets.

On November 7^th, the IHSA announced that sanctioning girls flag football as an IHSA sport will be on the ballot. The Rockford area has already begun to see immense growth in the sport, with seven schools participating in 2023. Since 2021, the Chicago Bears have served as the organizing body and hosted the 2022 and 2023 state championships at Halas Hall. The league began with 22 teams in its inaugural season and has now expanded to 109 teams.

“Since our founding in 1847 as Rockford Female Seminary, Rockford University has been at the forefront of advancing educational opportunities for women,” Rockford University President Patricia Lynott stated. “Now we can build upon that tradition with the introduction of women’s flag football.”

“We want to get in at the ground floor, and we are thrilled to be the first college in the state of Illinois who has a competitive women’s flag football program,” Director of Athletics, Jason Mulligan said. “The response has been met with overwhelming approval, and Rockford University will become a leader with its flagship program.”

Since the NCAA has not officially recognized women’s flag football as a competitive sport, we will begin our program as a club on campus. As of now, the program will be built around a 7 vs. 7 format.

Please stay tuned for more information as plans progress.