Congratulations Class of 2026!
05/16/2026 3:40 pm
On Saturday, May 9, Rockford University celebrated its 172nd Commencement Ceremony at the Coronado Performing Arts Center. A recording of the livestream is available here.
Dr. Kristoffer J. Tumilowicz provided this year’s Commencement Address. Dr. Tumilowicz is a longtime Rockford-area dentist and community leader with a distinguished career spanning more than four decades. Born in London, England in 1953 and naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 1971, he grew up in the Chicago suburbs and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from MacMurray College in 1975, followed by his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1977. Dr. Tumilowicz began his career as an associate dentist in DeKalb, Illinois, before establishing his own practice in Rockford, where he served the community from 1980 to 2023.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Tumilowicz has been deeply engaged in community and civic leadership. He has served on the Board of the American Red Cross, and as President of both the Cosmopolitan Club of Rockford and Rotary Club, where he is also a Paul Harris Fellow. He has been selected to serve as District Governor for Rotary International (2027-2028), representing Northwest Illinois. Dr. Tumilowicz is an Eagle Scout and is a Board Member and Past-President of the Blackhawk Area Council of Scouting America.
He has been married to Rockford University trustee and alumna Patricia Tumilowicz ’87 for 43 years.
To our most recent graduates: commencement is not the end of your Rockford University story. It’s the beginning of your next chapter as a member of our alumni community. We hope you’ll stay connected, return to campus often, and continue to celebrate the friendships, traditions, and experiences that make Rockford University special.
Congratulations on this incredible achievement. We’re proud to call you alumni.
Day of Giving 2026: Rockford University Surpasses Goal for Clark Arts Center
04/23/2026 4:17 pm
Each year, the Rockford University community comes together for Day of Giving, a special 24-hour event dedicated to raising funds for the spaces that shape life on campus.
This year’s Day of Giving focused on the Clark Arts Center, home to the arts programming—a defining part of the University’s academic tradition.
The Clark Arts Center serves as both an educational hub—where students expand their knowledge across visual, performing, and interdisciplinary arts—and a gathering place for our broader community.
Individuals and families from across the Rockford region come to the Clark Arts Center to attend ceremonies, performances, exhibitions, and so many other memorable experiences.
In honor of Clark Arts’ role in bringing together the Rockford community, the University set an ambitious goal: to raise $40,000 in just 24 hours.
What followed was an incredible outpouring of support. From early donors and matching gifts to every individual who joined in their own way, the response was immediate and inspiring.
By midnight, $49,332 had been raised—exceeding the goal by 123%.
Gifts have continued to come in following Day of Giving, bringing the total to more than $51,000 raised for the Clark Arts Center.
A Special Thank You to Our Students
This year’s Day of Giving wouldn’t have been possible without the help of a few talented students who were willing to share their time and creative energy to support Rockford University.
- Anya Batbayar (Graphic Design major) was our talented graphic designer, dedicating many hours outside of her studies to create the vibrant visuals and branding for Day of Giving, as seen at the top of this post.
- Ethan Sullivan (Acting/Directing major) captured the energy of Clark Arts as our videographer, combining candid footage with inspiring storytelling. Click here to view Ethan’s story.
- Richard Hart, President of the Art Club at Rockford University, also contributed in a special way. His artwork, Spillway, PA (2025) was featured on a commemorative magnet for Day of Giving. Anyone who donated had the opportunity to receive this piece of custom artwork, a reminder of the creativity and possibility that the Clark Arts Center helps foster every day.
As we reflect on this incredible show of generosity, our President, Dr. Patricia Lynott, has a message she would like to share with the community:
