Learn about adult degree options within the bachelor’s and master’s programs at information sessions
10/10/2019 3:35 pm
Rockford University’s Puri School of Business is hosting two upcoming Adult and Graduate Education information sessions for individuals interested in learning more about adult degree options within the bachelor’s and master’s programs. The first session, focusing on bachelor’s degree completion, will take place at Rock Valley College’s Woodward Technology Center on Thursday, October 24. The second session, focusing on the Master’s in Business Administration program, will be held on Rockford University’s campus in the Puri School of Business on Thursday, November 7.
Degree Completion: Bachelor’s in Business Management Information Session
Thursday, October 24, 2019
5:30 – 7 p.m.
Woodward Technology Center Lobby
Rock Valley College’s campus
3301 Mulford Rd, Rockford
Anyone interested in learning more about earning a Business Management bachelor’s degree is encouraged to attend. This program provides a flexible option for individuals who may already have an A.A.S, A.A., or A.S. degree. Attendees will be provided an in-depth look at how the program helps advance career opportunities, including details on program and admission requirements. Hear from a panel of current and former students who will provide insight on their experiences with the program. Guests also will be able to speak one-on-one with program advisors and faculty. The $35 application fee will be waived for anyone who registers during the event.
There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested. To learn more about the Business Management information session and to register, call 815-226-4040 or visit www.rockford.edu/bsmsInfoSession/ to reserve a spot.
MBA Program Information Session
Thursday, November 7, 2019
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Puri School of Business (located near the East State Street entrance)
5050 E. State Street, Rockford
Anyone interested in learning more about Rockford University’s MBA program, which offers customized concentrations in Finance, Healthcare Administration, and Project Management is encouraged to attend. During the session, attendees will be provided an in-depth look at how the program helps develop critical management skills and a deeper understanding of the business field. A panel of current and former students will provide insight into their experiences with the program. Guests also will be able to speak one-on-one with program advisors and faculty, as well as review admission requirements. The $50 application fee will be waived for anyone who registers during the event.
There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested. To learn more about the MBA information session and to register, call 815-226-4040 or visit www.rockford.edu/MBAInfoSession/ to reserve a spot.
Walk-in enrollment day for interested students on October 14 at Rockford University
10/08/2019 3:39 pm
Rockford University will host an event for students who are ready to enroll during the daylong Admit-a-thon event on Monday, October 14 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Admit-a-thon day is intended to provide interested students and their families a convenient and individualized time to talk with an admission counselor as well as have access to current students, faculty and alumni, explore campus, and receive a same day admission decision.
During the Admit-a-thon, interested students are invited to come directly to the Admission offices located in Nelson Hall anytime between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. to complete a free application. An official transcript (first-year students must also bring ACT/SAT scores) will be needed. Admission counselors will be available to evaluate individuals’ files and provide an admission decision on the spot. Full-time, admitted students also will receive a scholarship.
Rockford University is a four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers more than 80 majors, minors and concentrations, including the adult degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies department, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Master of Education (M.Ed.). 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, and is consistently recognized as Best Midwest Regional University by US News & World Report. The University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.
Rockford University Announces Homecoming Decoration Contest Winners
10/07/2019 4:37 pm
The winners have been announced after an exciting week of pride and enthusiasm for Rockford University’s 2019 Homecoming decorating contest. Departments and offices competed last week in the contest with the theme of “our pride cannot be tamed”. Out of nine participating spaces, Rockford University’s Office of Student Life won first place and a trophy for their time, efforts and creativity.
The second and third place winners include:
Second Place: Office of Global Affairs
Third Place: Puri School of Business
Visit the Rockford University Facebook Page to view all of RU’s decked-out spaces!
Traveling to Madrid expands opportunities for Rockford University student
10/03/2019 3:44 pm
Rockford University scholar Omar Saulters, a Senior Finance major, took part in a unique business internship over last year’s winter break with Beacon Fellowship. He spent two weeks working with a unique group of ten international college students and five consultants in Madrid, Spain to conduct a business consulting project for a company called Glovo, a company adjacent to the American Uber Eats.
This chance started for Omar when his Professor Mandolen Mull, Ph.D., nominated him for the opportunity. She recommended him to one of the representatives of Beacon Fellowship as a candidate. When asked why she believed Omar would be a good candidate for this opportunity Dr. Mull declared, “Omar Saulters is the kind of student who brings insight into the classroom that thoughtfully benefits his peers. He contains a vast knowledge base, and remains intellectually curious, thereby setting the foundation of a life-long learner. I have no doubt of his capability and drive to make positive and sustainable impacts on the business realm in which he embarks”. Dr. Mull’s confidence in Omar and his capabilities is what set forth the opportunity for him to partake in this exceptional experience.
For Omar, the selection process consisted of several Skype interviews with company representatives from around the world including Italy, France, and Greece. Once he was selected for the opportunity he then had two weeks to complete an arrangement process that normally takes three to four months, including coming up with the funding to participate. Fortunately, the Rockford University Student Opportunity Fund (SOF) was able to provide Omar the funding to be able to take part in this incredible experience. In an interview with Omar, he stated “Without Rockford University I wouldn’t have been able to go. I don’t think a lot of other Universities would have helped me as much as Rockford did”.
Once in Madrid, Omar’s job as part of Glovo’s expansion team was to pinpoint countries around the world that the company could move into and operate successfully, while also managing his team during development. This process consisted of researching various countries for lawyers, accountants, bankers, etc. that Omar and his team could work alongside to help set up the groundwork that would then kick off the start of the business model for Glovo.
Reflecting back on his trip, Omar stated, “Something that I’ve learned during my time here at Rockford University, is that when compared to other universities, I believe Rockford University truly cares about wanting their students to do better, and the professors will go above and beyond for their students to see them succeed”. Currently, Omar is preparing for graduation at the end of this fall semester by participating in an internship with Northwestern Mutual, applying and interviewing with several companies, and enjoying time with his teammates playing football for Rockford University.
Michael A. Perry, Ph.D. appointed as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
10/03/2019 11:46 am
Rockford University President Eric W. Fulcomer, Ph.D., announces the appointment of Michael A. Perry, Ph.D., as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective immediately. Dr. Perry has served as interim provost and vice president since August 2018.
In this role, Dr. Perry is responsible for the integrity and implementation of all academic priorities for the University. Dr. Perry will also work closely with the University’s three college deans, department heads, faculty, and staff to ensure that the University’s educational programs align with the institutional mission and strategic priorities and are delivered with the highest possible quality.
Dr. Perry states, “I am excited to have the distinct honor to not only build upon the work done by my predecessors but also to continue work on initiatives started while serving as interim. I have been part of Rockford University for more than a decade, and I continue to be amazed at the good, hard work done by students, faculty, and staff. Moreover, I have grown to love Rockford and the greater Rockford area. I see the limitless possibilities and potential for the University as we seek more innovative and concrete ways to partner with our community and move forward together. We do this while at once honoring the legacy of alumna Jane Addams, as well as recognizing and supporting the talent and energy of our youth who are growing up in our region today.”
President Fulcomer adds, “It is clear to me that Michael has garnered much support over his decade-plus of service to Rockford University from faculty and staff, and the students to whom he is so dedicated. I appreciate the significant body of work he has undertaken as Interim Provost, including overseeing the restructuring of the Center for Learning strategies as well as laying the groundwork for a comprehensive academic assessment plan. Mike has similarly demonstrated valuable leadership in his work with the Executive Council. I look forward to having him continue to lead academic affairs as we implement the strategic plan and move Rockford University forward.”
Perry began his tenure at Rockford University in 2008 upon completing his Ph.D. at Arizona State University. He previously served as an Associate Professor of English; Chair of the English Department; Dean, College of Arts & Humanities; and as the NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative before beginning his appointment as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs in the fall of 2018. His interests in teaching and research include African American literature, popular culture, and creative writing. He spearheaded an annual “Read Aloud of Black American Voices” in honor of Black History Month. Michael regularly presents at the Popular Culture and American Culture Association National Conference. In addition to presenting in areas as wide-ranging as black culture, horror, and rhetoric, he also chaired a panel of three Rockford University undergraduate students who presented work that stemmed from his class in graphic novels and the literary tradition.
Before obtaining his doctorate of philosophy in English from Arizona State, where he also taught as a teaching associate for five years, Perry taught for two years in the Minnesota community college system in a variety of settings, including the prison system. Michael obtained his master of arts in English from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn., and his bachelor of arts in English with minors in math and classics from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. Perry lives in Loves Park with his wife, Karen, who is a registered nurse, and three children: Caleb, Julian, and Zoey.
Lt. Col. Olga Custodio shares her experience becoming the first Latina U.S. Military Pilot on October 7
10/02/2019 11:43 am
Rockford University welcomes Lieutenant Colonel Olga Custodio, the first Latina to complete USAF military pilot training on Monday, October 7, 7 p.m. as part of the University’s Fall Forum Series.
Olga Custodio, the daughter of a U.S. Army noncommissioned officer from Puerto Rico, graduated high school at the age of 16 and went on to attend the University of Puerto Rico. There she tried to join the colleges Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, but was turned down because the program did not accept women. Following graduation, her attempt to join the United States Air Force Officer Training school was also turned down. Pressing forward, at the age of 26 while working in Panama, she met with a recruiter and applied for the U.S. Air Force Officers Candidate School, and was officially accepted into the Flight Screening Pilot Officer Training school in January 1980. She eventually went on to attend Undergraduate Pilot Training at the Laughlin Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. The Air Force then assigned her as a pilot instructor at Laughlin AFB.
While initially turned away from flight school because she was a woman, Lt. Col. Olga Custodio went on to break barriers. She is the first Latina to complete USAF military pilot training, first to become a USAF pilot, and later, as the first Latina commercial pilot for American Airlines. Lt. Col. Custodio’s visit is in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and is also a part of Rockford University’s Rock Solid Success Seminar, an annual event designed to provide encouragement and motivation to all students as they pursue graduation from RU.
With the exception of Performing Arts events, the Forum Series is free of charge and all events are open to the public. This event will take place at Regents Hall, Burpee Student Center located on the Rockford University campus, 5050 East State Street, Rockford. Regents Hall is accessible. Tickets are required and can be obtained by contacting the Box Office at 815-226-4100 or boxoffice@rockford.edu. For a complete list of the 2019 Fall Forum Series events, visit Rockford.edu/ Arts & Lectures/ Forum Series.
Neil Simon’s tribute to Anton Chekhov in “The Good Doctor” takes the stage at Rockford University
09/26/2019 2:36 pm
Rockford University’s Performing Arts Department presents The Good Doctor written by Neil Simon and Anton Chekhov and directed by Professor Deborah Mogford. The show runs Thursday, October 3- Saturday, October 5, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 6, 2 p.m. in Rockford University’s Clark Arts Center, Cheek Theatre. The Clark Arts Center is accessible.
The Good Doctor is Neil Simon’s heartwarming and hilarious tribute to Anton Chekhov, the early twentieth-century playwright and short story writer. Simon, the popular Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright, has cleverly woven a selection of Chekhov short stories into a performance of unending fun, joy, infectious humor, and poignant sweetness. The title of the play refers to Chekhov’s profession in real life. It is the figure of Chekhov himself who introduces his wide array of characters. He brings to life an over-zealous young dentist, a madwoman with a nervous disorder, man who earns money by “drowning,” a blustering general, a “lady” of the night, a sneezing playgoer, the greatest seducer of women, a well-meaning father seeking to introduce his son to the wonders of sex, and many more. In this play, Neil Simon seeks to celebrate the folly and tenderness of what it is to be human.
Tickets are required, and seating is limited. Single ticket admission for adults $12, seniors age 55 and up, and students is $9 unless otherwise noted. To reserve tickets, contact the Box Office at boxoffice@rockford.edu. The complete list of this season’s productions is available on the University’s website at www.rockford.edu/artslectures/performingarts/.
Students and families invited to explore and learn more about Rockford University at Future Regent Visit Day on Saturday, October 5
09/26/2019 11:55 am
Rockford University’s next Future Regent Visit Day is on Saturday, October 5, beginning at 10 a.m. Future Regent Visit Days provide interested students and their families an in-depth look at the University, including visits with admission representatives, financial aid staff, faculty, and current students. Guests are invited to explore campus, meet with faculty, and interact with current students and returning alumni who will be on campus for Homecoming activities.
The October 5 Visit Day also features a complimentary lunch and admission to the Homecoming Regent’s Football game against Wisconsin Lutheran University. Check-in begins at 10 a.m. on Rockford University’s campus, located at 5050 East State Street, Rockford. The Visit Day will conclude at approximately 2:30 p.m. To learn more about Future Regent Visit Day and to register, call 815-226-4050 or visit www.rockford.edu/admission/visit to make a reservation spot today.
Rockford University Professors teach an interactive physics course to monks in India
09/20/2019 4:29 pm
Rockford University’s Associate Professor of Physics Deepshikha Shukla, Ph.D., along with adjunct instructor of physics and math Dr. Shaleen Shukla, had the honor of participating in the Emory Tibet Science Initiative this past summer. Through the program, they spent 10 days and six hours each day, teaching an interactive physics course at a Buddhist monastery in India. Dr. Shukla shared, “Teaching the monks was an awesome experience. Their eagerness to learn, debate and contribute was refreshing!”
According to Emory University, the ultimate goal of the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative is to build a bridge between two complementary systems of knowledge by educating future scientific collaborators who can contribute to new discoveries in the science of mind and body. ETSI is designed to give Tibetan monastics new tools for understanding the world, while also providing them with fresh perspectives on how to employ and adapt time-tested, Buddhist, contemplative methodologies for the relief of suffering in the contemporary world. Additionally, scientists and science educators are encouraged to learn more about the Buddhist science of mind and what it can contribute to the understanding of human emotions, the nature of consciousness, and integrative approaches to health and well-being.
Professor of Performing Arts Jeff Hendry Nominated for Chicagoland’s 2019 Jeff Awards
09/18/2019 1:48 pm
Professor of Performing Arts and Costume Designer, Jeff Hendry was nominated for the 2019 Equity Jeff Award for Midsize Costume Design. Hendry’s nomination recognizes his costume design talent for the musical comedy production of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder by Porchlight Music Theatre that took the stage in Chicago in January through March of 2019.
According the www.jeffawards.org, the Jeff Awards have been honoring local outstanding theatre artists for their theatre talent annually since they were established in 1968. The Jeff Awards is committed to celebrating the vitality of the Chicago area’s theatre scene by recognizing excellence through its recommendations, awards, and honors. Made up of approximately 55 members representing a variety of theatre backgrounds, the Jeff Committee
has always endeavored to respond to the needs of the Chicago theatre community and continues to strive to match the evolution to that of the theatres it serves. Each year the members of the Jeff Committee see the Jeff-eligible, locally produced shows. Once this is complete, they nominate and eventually select the recipients that are honored for their outstanding achievements. A few of the categories awarded include; Production, Director, Actor and Actress in Revue, and Cameo Performance, as well as Ensemble, Choreography, Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Costume Design, Original Music, Musical Direction, Sound Design, New Work and Adaption.
During the 2018-2019 theatre season, Jeff Awards committee members attended opening nights of 132 Equity productions offered by 43 producing organizations, among which 112 productions were “Jeff Recommended” and eligible for award nominations. This season, Porchlight Music Theatre took the lead with 17 nominations, including Hendry’s nomination for Midsize Costume Design. This year’s 
51st Annual Equity Jeff Awards ceremony will honor the greater Chicago area’s excellence in professional theartre on Monday, October 21 in Oakbrook Terrace.
For more information on Professor Hendry and his costume designs visit www.rockford.edu/campus-directory.
Update: Professor Jeff Hendry was announced as the winner for Midsize Costume Design at this years 51st Annual Equity Jeff Awards ceremony.
