Rockford University’s Dr. Karen Walker received the Racial Justice Award at the YWCA Leader Luncheon XLIV and 2024 Women of Achievement Awards on Monday, March 4. 

Dr. Walker is the Dean of Student Support Programming, Dean of the Center for Learning Strategies, the Coordinator for the Men of Color Mentorship Program, and the founder of Regents First.

“As the Dean of the Center for Learning Strategies at Rockford University, Dr. Walker launched the Regents First program to support first-generation college students. She consistently aligns these students with local programs and opportunities (such as Patriots Gateway and United Way) to support them and their community with their talent and skills,” said the YWCA.

“One of her favorite quotes is ‘Literacy is the tool we use as humans to find one another, so it must belong to everyone,’ from author Pam Allyn.

Believing this strongly, Dr. Walker also works with the United for Literacy movement to ensure any child, regardless of race, can read to succeed.” 

A Message from President Lynott on Women’s History Month: 

“As we embark on this month of March, I am compelled to reflect on the profound significance of Women’s History Month.  This is a time for us to honor the invaluable contributions of women throughout history and within our own university community. It is a moment to celebrate their achievements, acknowledge their struggles, and reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and inclusivity.

Women’s History Month serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by women around the world. In the spirit of Women’s History Month, I encourage each of us to learn, reflect, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the role of women in society and academia. Let us celebrate the achievements of women past and present, while rededicating ourselves to the pursuit of a more just and equitable future.”

Patricia A. Lynott, Ph.D.

President

RU Community–

The ongoing construction of our new baseball and softball fields is now being live-streamed on our YouTube.

The construction was made possible by a significant $3.58 million investment from the state of Illinois. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday, Nov. 28. The new facilities were funded by the Illinois’ Independent Colleges Capital Investment Grant.

By Sara Myers, Digital Media & Communications Specialist  

Rockford native and local business owner Anisha Grimmett is very involved in the community and has become a key player in the city through the connections she has made. She sits on many boards including Keith Country Day School (where her children attend) and Rockford University’s Board.

Grimmett was asked by former President Eric Fulcomer to be on the board in 2020. She knows RU well, as it is both her brother’s and her mother’s alma mater. Her brother graduated from RU with a Business degree, and her mother graduated with a master’s in teaching degree. 

 Grimmett grew up in the Rockford area and went to Auburn High School.  

Years before her brother’s college journey, Grimmett decided to leave home and attend the University of Illinois in Champaign. She discovered more about herself that first year and began finding her independence. However, Grimmett quickly discovered Champaign was much too big of a campus for her. She transferred to Devry University in Chicago, Illinois, and finished her bachelor’s degree in engineering there. 

 Grimmett discovered her love for “figuring out how things worked” early on. 

“I was always the one taking things apart looking at the insides of things and putting things together,” she said. “Don’t give me instructions, I’ll figure it out.” It was her uncle who told her that she should be an engineer because engineers do exactly that. 

Before even attending college for engineering, Grimmett had a prestigious internship lined up at home. She received an internship at what was then called Sunstrand (now called Collins Aerospace). 

After a few summers interning “They hired me because I was going to be moving back to Rockford and driving into Chicago for school, so I was part-time,” she said. “They paid for my college, and it was a huge blessing. I would go to school in the morning and then come straight to work and work into the evenings sometimes.”

 After graduating college at Devry, Grimmett came back to Rockford where she worked at Sundstrand. There, she met her husband, they got married and had 2 kids. 

 “I was the person that wanted to leave Rockford and never come back but all the great opportunities that Rockford had for me,” she said. “It was hard to leave that. I had a job that paid well, and this was in 1997. I’m an intern making 18 bucks an hour. I was learning so much and being able to apply what I had learned in the classroom to work and vice versa.”

 Grimmett worked at Sundstrand for over 20 years. 

 During her time at the engineering giant, she had multiple opportunities. She worked in different departments like components, systems engineering, test labs, customer service, cost account management, project management, and international trade compliance. At one point in time, Grimmett was an engineering manager. 

 Around 2011, Grimmett’s husband’s position took their family to China for 3 years. Grimmett brought her two kids, their cat and dog, and all their furniture overseas. 

“That was the best experience of my life,” she said. “Especially in terms of discovering who I was as an adult and a mom and wife. I had the opportunity to stay at home with the kids, which was a true blessing. My kids went to an international school. We learned Chinese and met people from Sweden, Australia, France, Canada, Korea, Japan, Germany and South Africa. So many families were there, and we were exposed to many more cultures. Our potlucks together would just be amazing.”

 Grimmett also learned a lot more about fashion and style during her time in China. She noticed how different those in China dressed than in the U.S. She described the style as more “fashion forward, eclectic and unique.” 

 “To me, it’s the look of luxury without having a lot of money,” she said. “That is a skill in itself. It was just heaven to me to explore and create and to use the landscape and different cultures to hone in my vibe and style. And then bringing all that back here (to America).”

Grimmett came back to UTC Aerospace (now called Collins Aerospace). When she returned, her title was Executive Assistant to the President. In this position, Grimmett had a hand in UTC’s operations, marketing, human resources, talent development, and more. 

 It was in this position that she realized how much she loved working with people. 

After 20-plus years at Sundstrand, Grimmett went on to work with the Education nonprofit Alignment Rockford. 

“There are so many levels of decision-making and politics here,” she said. “I learned a lot and met a lot of great people who are now my clients today and created another level platform of public speaking.”

Grimmett added that the position helped her rediscover her passion for fashion and helping people. She had colleagues come up to her, compliment her fashion, and say how they wished they had Grimmett to go shopping for them. 

After doing some research into how to become a personal stylist, she found a personal stylist based in Los Angeles who became her mentor. Grimmett officially started her style business, “CEO of A New Look by Nisha,” in January 2022. 

Most of her clients currently are referrals and connections she has made through her network throughout the years. When working at Alignment Rockford, her network expanded and she’s been able to grow her clientele through the connections she’s made. 

 Grimmett is now working on creating a social media presence for her business to help her attract more clients in the future. 

“When I’m working with clients, it’s more of style therapy, even when going through their closets,” she said. “Because they discover things about themselves they never would have known. (For example) a client said I didn’t think I bought oversized clothes. That was 90% of my closet because I was too busy wanting to hide myself. It’s hard to achieve greatness when you’re hiding. So the problem statement is, how can I now make myself more visible so I can achieve the greatness I want?”

 If you’re interested in Grimmett’s style coaching business, you can reach out to her at anishagrimmett@outlook.com. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 at 4 p.m.

WHERE: Maddox Theatre in Clark Arts Center at Rockford University. Rockford University is located at 5050 E. State St. in Rockford, Illinois.

WHAT: Rockford University will hold its annual Charter Day Convocation Ceremony this February 26, 2024. The ceremony will include a theatrical performance of the “The Addams Thread.” This play was written and directed by Rockford University Performing Arts Professor Deborah Mogford. The play was originally first performed on Oct. 13, 2023. The play centers around renowned alumnus Jane Adams and her college classmates whom she called, “The Glorious Seventeen.” 

WHO: The ceremony will also include remarks from President Patricia Lynott, Provost Elizabeth Davies, Board of Trustees Chair Rebecca Epperson, and VP for Advancement Linda Sandquist. 

Media interested in attending the event should RSVP to communications@rockford.edu or smyers@rockford.edu no later than 3 p.m. on Feb. 26. 

Contact

Sara Myers

Rockford University Marketing & Communications

smyers@rockford.edu 

815-394-5052

Upon achieving an associate degree, Harper and ECC students will be able to easily transfer to RU to complete a bachelor’s degree in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity.

Rockford, IL – February 21, 2024- Leaders at Harper College, Elgin Community College, and Rockford University recently signed a memorandum of understanding to make it easier for students to achieve a bachelor’s degree in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity. Rockford signed an agreement with both Harper and Elgin to help create this pathway. 

This two-plus-two agreement between both institutions is designed to streamline students’ education pathways, eliminating excess credit hours, degree costs, and time to completion. After two years at Harper and two years at RU, they will come away with a wealth of computer science expertise and a four-year degree centered on a growing industry.

“We are extremely proud to partner with Harper College and Elgin Community College in advancing education in the important and exciting field of cybersecurity,” said Dr. Patricia Lynott, president of Rockford University. “The signing of this memorandum of understanding for a two-plus-two program in cybersecurity leverages the academic rigor and expertise of Rockford University, with the practical focus and accessibility of Harper College – one of the country’s premier community colleges. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in this critical field.”

Here is how it works: Students take their first two years of courses at Harper College, earning an Associate of Science degree with an emphasis in Computer Science or an Associate in Applied Science degree in Information Systems. They can transfer to Rockford University if they have maintained a 2.0 GPA, provided official transcripts, and completed the RU application. Students will take their final two years of courses at the university, completing program requirements and the necessary credit hours from RU. After four years, they will earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with a concentration in Cybersecurity from RU.

To bolster this collaboration, Harper is providing advising services to help potential and current students transfer within this program and Rockford University representatives will come to the Palatine campus to recruit students interested in earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science and beginning a career in cybersecurity.

“We are delighted to partner with Rockford University and its excellent computer science program as a means to help Harper students achieve their bachelor’s degree goals and cybersecurity career aspirations,” said Dr. Avis Proctor, president of Harper College. “This agreement is just one example of how we are intentionally opening doors to programs in high-demand fields to provide our students with sustainable careers, ultimately transforming lives and communities in Northern Illinois.”

Similarly at Elgin, students complete their first two years of courses at Elgin Community College, earning an Associate in Applied Science degree in Computer Information Systems. After completing their degree at ECC, students can then apply to seamlessly transfer to Rockford University. Students will take their final two years of courses at RU, completing program requirements and the necessary credit hours. After four years, they will earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with a concentration in Cybersecurity from RU.

To assist students, Elgin Community College’s Transfer Advisors are available to help potential and current students transfer within this program. Rockford University representatives will visit ECC’s campus to recruit students interested in earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science and beginning a career in cybersecurity.

The career outlook for students who complete this collaborative pathway is bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 33% employment growth in cybersecurity careers during this decade. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 16,800 open cybersecurity jobs each year during this decade. According to ZipRecruiter, as of Jan 12, 2024, the average annual pay for a Cyber Security Analyst in Illinois is $87,149 a year. The equivalent of $1,675/week or $7,262/month. Leaders at Elgin Community College, Harper College, and Rockford University are excited about the recruitment and career opportunities that will result from this partnership.

For more information, visit harpercollege.edu, rockford.edu, and elgin.edu. 

Contact:

Sara Myers

RU Marketing & Communications

smyers@rockford.edu

815-394-5052

By Sara Myers, Digital Media & Communications Specialist 

As part of his internship at Midway Village Museum, Rockford University student Rudy Vazquez recently helped put together an exhibit just in time for Black History Month called “Breaking Barriers: the 1950s Strike for Equality in Rockford.”

Vazquez’s internship started in September 2023, and his main task was doing research through the newspaper database at the museum.

The exhibit is about an incident in the early 1950s in Rockford. An African-American worker, Charles Wortham, was involved in a racial incident and about 600 workers walked out with the employee at the business Gunite in 1957, Vazquez said.

Employees who walked out also signed a paper with their support for Wortham. One issue at the time was that many of the newspapers that covered the story did not tell the whole truth and were owned by White men. Vazquez was able to find a Black-owned newspaper called The Rockford Crusader that told this story of solidarity between the man and his employees who walked out with him.

The exhibit in the museum is on four large panels. It shows the different elements of the story and who was involved in this walkout through photos and newspaper clippings, he said.

Vazquez will be working on another exhibit for the museum next month for Women’s History Month which will feature RU Alum Julia Lathrop and more. His internship at the museum will end in early March. 

The Black History Month exhibit at the museum was featured on  MyStateline.com on Feb. 1. 

Vazquez is very involved on campus here at RU. He is the V.P. of the Rockford Chapter of PSI CHI, and is team captain of the Esports team Rainbow 6 Siege. He will be graduating this May with a B.S. in Psychology, a B.S. in Criminal Justice, and a B.A. in History with a minor in Ancient and Medieval Studies and a minor in Religious Studies. 

He plans to continue his studies further upon graduation and will study Religion in graduate school. 

Rockford University President Dr. Patricia Lynott has issued the following statement on Black History Month:

“At Rockford University, we recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in fostering a dynamic academic and intellectual community. As we commemorate Black History Month, we celebrate the significant impact of African American culture, resilience, and contributions to our society.

Black History Month serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice and provides us with an opportunity to honor the countless individuals who have shaped history through their courage, creativity, and leadership. As we observe Black History Month, let us not only celebrate the achievements of the past, but also recommit ourselves to the pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and social justice.”

Rockford, IL – February 14, 2024 – Rockford University is excited to announce the launch of the Burpee Mural Project. This project invited all Rockford University Studio Art majors and minors to showcase their creativity and talent by submitting a design of a mural for the central location of the Burpee Center. 

The idea for the project came from Rockford University President, Patricia Lynott. The competition offered a grand prize of $1,000, sponsored by Lynott herself. Additionally, Lynott, along with Rockford University Board Chair Rebecca Epperson and Board Trustee Joel Moore, have pledged $100 each to recognize the efforts of the other five students participating in the contest. 

The theme of the mural, “Rockford University Past, Present, & Future,” challenged participants to encapsulate the institution’s rich history, vibrant present, and promising future in their designs. From the origins of Rockford Female Seminary to the aspirations for the years ahead, the mural aims to inspire the entire Rockford University community. 

“The quality and thought process each student brought to their designs were incredible,” said Rebecca Epperson, Chair, of Rockford University Board of Trustees. “It was an honor to participate as a juror in this competition. Based on the designs created, the Studio Arts students at Rockford University have very bright futures ahead.” 

Rockford University Trustee, Joel Moore added “I’m so grateful these talented students took the time to share their impressive work.  We’re excited to present their Art for everyone to appreciate and enjoy.” 

Each student was required to present their design to the jury, consisting of President Lynott, two members of the Board of Trustees, and two faculty members from the Department of Art and Art History. The presentations coincided with the Rockford University Board of Trustees meeting held on February 9th and 10th. The winning entry was created by student Angelica Ramos Ortiz. Ortiz’s submission depicts the theme in a well-captured and exciting way.  

“We’re thrilled to see the creativity and passion our students brought to this project,” said Langworthy, organizer and facilitator of the competition and Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities at Rockford University. “This mural will not only beautify the Burpee Center but also serve as a source of inspiration for generations to come.” 

 In addition to the prize money, the costs of supplies for the mural will also be covered. 

Rockford University looks forward to witnessing the artistic endeavors of its talented students and the lasting impact of the Burpee Mural Project.

Contact:

Rockford University Marketing & Communications

communications@rockford.edu

Rockford, IL (February 8, 2024) – Rockford University is thrilled to announce Gala 2024 Cocktails & Compositions is set to take place on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. This interactive social event aims to raise funds for the campus library while providing guests with a memorable evening filled with literary-inspired delights.

Attendees can expect to embark on a journey through the world of literature as they indulge in literary-themed food stations spread across two floors. From vocal performances to poetry readings and human library presentations, there will be no shortage of engaging entertainment throughout the evening.

One of the highlights of the event is the signature cocktail, “The Page Turner,” a delicious bourbon lemonade. Guests purchasing this cocktail will receive a commemorative cup to remember the occasion. As they traverse the library, guests will have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of experiences and flavors.

In addition to the culinary delights and entertainment, the Gala will feature a 50/50 raffle and a Silent Auction boasting an array of beautiful baskets up for grabs.

Attendees are encouraged to embrace the theme by dressing as their favorite literary character or opting for cocktail attire.

We are excited to host an event that celebrates the magic of literature while supporting our campus library. The Gala promises to be an enchanting evening that guests won’t soon forget.

The media is invited to attend the Gala this Saturday at the Howard Colman Library at 6 p.m. and cover the event. The library is located on RU’s campus at 5050 E. State St. in Rockford.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Sara Myers

Digital Media & Communications Specialist 

Rockford University 

SMyers@rockford.edu

communications@rockford.edu

815-394-5052