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!
Chicago Bears to Host Rockford Regents for the First Collegiate Women’s Flag Football Game in Illinois
03/08/2025 1:47 pm
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 Awarded $464,450 Illinois Youth Investment Program Grant
03/03/2025 1:40 pm
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.
The Art of Silence by Felicity L.
01/17/2025 8:47 am
Rockford Promise Expands Scholarship Opportunities Through New Partnership with Rockford University and the City of Rockford
11/13/2024 9:01 am
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
An Update on FAFSA
02/05/2024 2:33 pm
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.
