The Rockford University Forum Series presents speakers and performances that are concerned with intellectual, social, and cultural matters of general interest to deepen and broaden students’ education at Rockford University. All Forums are open to the public and, with the exception of Performing Arts events, are free of charge. Lectures and performances will take place on the Rockford University campus, 5050 East State Street, Rockford. Tickets are required and can be obtained at the Clark Arts Center Box Office during regular hours of operation— Monday through Friday, 1- 5 p.m., as well as one hour before event at location of event. Contact the Box Office at 815-226-4100 or boxoffice@rockford.edu.

Spring 2019 Lineup

Why I Stayed- The Complexity of Domestic Violence: Beverly Gooden

Monday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m.

Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center

In this revolutionary speech by Beverly Gooden, renowned social activist and creator of the #WhyIStayed hashtag and global movement, she discusses her personal domestic violence story, reveals the most important questions to ask victims, and outlines how we all can help.

State and Faith in Iran: Jamsheed Choksy

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 4 p.m.

Fisher Memorial Chapel

In this Phi Beta Kappa lecture, Dr. Choksy will discuss how the country’s geography, natural resources, international relations, and domestic changes combined with foreign influences and interventions to produce a political system in which the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government—not dissimilar to those of the US—become subordinate to a theocratic establishment.

Techies the Musical

Thursday- Saturday, Feb. 21- 23, 7:30 p.m.

Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center

Experience this workshop of a brand new musical in this fourth-wall shattering pop-rock musical comedy about being weird and fighting for respect in one of the most judgmental places on earth: high school.

A Life of Ulysses S. Grant: Ronald C. White

Sunday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m.

Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center

Presidential scholar Dr. White (Fellow at the Huntington Library) will speak on his recent biography of President Grant, of which General David H. Petraeus (Ret.) wrote, “Certain to be recognized as the classic work on Ulysses S. Grant.”

Act of Self-Care: Katherine Silvan

Monday, March 4, 12 p.m.

Fisher Memorial Chapel

Rev. Silvan, an ordained Interfaith Minister and licensed Master of Social Work, will introduce and explore short and simple techniques for creating skills in self-care that help navigate a diverse world. Strategies include: mindfulness, breath work, grounding techniques and engaging the senses for the purpose of maintaining optimal well-being in body, mind and spirit.

Charter Day

Monday, March 4, 4 p.m.

Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center

This year’s Charter Day commemorates the 172nd anniversary of the signing of the charter for Rockford University. The annual event will include special speaker and Board of Trustee member Jonathan Whitlock, and an academic procession of faculty in traditional robes depicting their rank, with stoles representing their respective alma maters and degrees.

Holding Culture in the Body: Evie Ladin and Keith Terry

Tuesday, March 26, 7 p.m.

Fisher Memorial Chapel

In this hands-on seminar, Ladin (percussive-dancer, choreographer, singer, songwriter, banjo player and square-dance caller) and Terry (percussionist/rhythm-dancer/educator) will introduce you to the sonic exploration of the instrument we all share (the body), with skilled performances by the duo, and discussion of how the human arts shift and change with the political landscape.

Page.Stage.Engage: Kyle “Guante” Tran Myhre

Wednesday, April 3, 7 p.m.

Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center

Guante is an MC, two-time National Poetry Slam champion, activist and educator. He will discuss how across the globe, the spoken word movement has reignited poetry as a force for artistic expression, critical dialogue, and community-building.

Last Lecture

Tuesday, April 16, 4 p.m.

Fisher Memorial Chapel

The Last Lecture is meant as an honor to recognize a professor who is greatly admired by the campus community. By being honored, the professor is asked to give the lecture he or she would give if they knew it would be their last

Denim Day

Wednesday, April 24, 7 p.m.

Regents Hall, Burpee Student Center

The Denim Day movement is a sexual violence prevention and education campaign. A panel of speakers from the Rockford area will discuss and answer questions focusing on sexual violence and college students.

Musical: All Shook Up

Thursday- Saturday, April 25- 27, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 28, 2 p.m.

Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center

This happy musical is inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley. It’s 1955, and into a “square” little town in a “square” little state rides a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets in this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy that’ll have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes.

Rockford University welcomes Beverly Gooden on Monday, February 11, 7 p.m., Maddox Theatre, as part of the University’s Spring Forum Series. Beverly Gooden is an African American writer and renowned social activist known for her groundbreaking work on domestic violence, victimology, and women’s health. Beverly is also the creator of the #WhyIStayed hashtag and global movement created in 2014. The Why I Stayed movement was listed by Forbes as one of the top social change hashtags of 2014, and in 2015 was recognized as one of the eight hashtags that changed the world. Beverly has also been featured on Good Morning America. CNN, Time, The Washington Post, HLN, Inside Edition, NBC Nightly News, and more.

In this radical talk, Gooden challenges the question “Why did he/she stay?” and reveals how the current way we interact with survivors is a house of cards. From faulty blame attribution, to designating only men as abusers, it is easy to overlook the sheer volume of domestic violence when the issue has historically been framed as “them” and not “us”. That is why, as Beverly argues, domestic violence is a community issue. Victims of violence can be women and men, LGBTQ and heterosexual, or even children. Victims of violence may have fought back, or remained silent. There is no perfect victim and no specific type of abuser. Beverly discusses her personal domestic violence story, reveals the most important questions to ask victims, and outlines how we all can help.

Maddox Theatre is located in the Clark Arts Center on the University’s campus, 5050 East State Street, Rockford. Clark Arts is accessible. For a complete list of the 2019 Spring Forum Series events, visit Rockford.edu/ Arts & Lectures/ Forum Series.

Due to the extreme and dangerous weather conditions the Rockford region will experience over the next 48 hours, Rockford University will close the campus at 5 pm on Tuesday, January 29 through 5 p.m., Thursday, January 31.

• Tuesday evening classes are cancelled.
• No classes will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 30.
• Classes will resume on Thursday evening as scheduled.
• Offices will be closed both Wednesday and Thursday.

All campus facilities will be closed during this time with exception of the residence halls and the University Police & Department of Public Safety. Dining Services will operate on a modified schedule. Students should refer to my.rockford.edu for complete details. 

Students are encouraged to reach out to their faculty to manage class assignments and responsibilities during this time.

Essential personnel should check with their supervisor for specific instructions.

Conditions will cause frostbite in a matter of minutes. Students, please take this seriously and do not plan on being out in the snow or leaving campus unnecessarily. It is highly recommended that students stay inside their residences and venture out only if absolutely necessary.

Please refer to these important safety tips from the national weather service to protect yourself, your pets and your property.

• Do not go outside unless you must.
• Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Try to seek shelter from the wind as much as possible while outside. Once inside again, change into dry clothing immediately if you are wet.
• Understand and watch for frostbite and hypothermia. Areas most prone to frostbite are uncovered skin and the extremities, such as hands and feet. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce.
• If you have pets, make sure they have plenty of food and water, and are not overly exposed to extreme cold.
• Take precautions to ensure your water pipes do not freeze.  Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes and opening cabinet doors will help.
• Get any necessary groceries ahead of time.
• Fill up the tank: Make sure your car or vehicle has at least a half a tank of gas during extreme cold situations so that you can stay warm if you become stranded.

Rockford Park District and Rockford University announced plans for an expanded partnership today, January 17, 2019, at a joint press conference that will provide even more opportunities for area collegiate athletes. Rockford University Athletics, an NCAA Division III institution, will call Mercyhealth Sportscore Two campus, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, home for all its field sports, practices, and local competitions. Collegiate athletes were already utilizing Mercyhealth Sportscore Two to play soccer, but now all men’s and women’s soccer games will also be played at the facility.  Softball, baseball, and indoor football will also be played at the venue. “Rockford University is excited to be able to build an even stronger relationship with the Park District. The Mercyhealth Sportscore Two campus is exceptional and provides our student-athletes access to world-class practice and competition space. I look forward to cheering on our teams here and to welcoming families and fans from near and far to experience all that these facilities have to offer,” said Eric Fulcomer, Ph.D., Rockford University President.

Throughout 2018 community engagement sessions, the Rockford Park District heard from taxpayers about how important it is to align with organizations that share the vision, mission, and values of the Park District, and to make sure partnerships are mutually beneficial. “We are very excited to expand our relationship with such an outstanding organization, and support the success of area collegiate athletes.  This is an example of how District assets and resources can be leveraged to enhance and strengthen achievement of District priorities. Equal efforts and outcomes will have a positive impact on our community,” said Rockford Park District Executive Director Jay Sandine.

Photos from the announcement made at the Mercyhealth Sportscore Two facility are posted on the University’s Facebook page.

About Rockford University
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 approximately 80 majors, minors, and concentrations, including the adult accelerated 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) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). 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. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and as a US News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University. Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,200 full-and part-time students.

About Rockford Park District

The Rockford Park District was proudly citizen-created in 1909, and is the third largest park and recreation system in Illinois, with more than 180 parks and facilities.  The Rockford Park District improves the quality of life for citizens by providing a vibrant and relevant park system that increases property values, stimulates economic development, decreases juvenile crime, and improves our community’s health. A vibrant and relevant park system also protects the environment, employs hundreds of area teens, and brings our diverse community together in unity through the common love of play.

Rockford University President Eric W. Fulcomer, Ph.D., announces the appointment of Lisa Custardo, CPA, CGMA, MBA, CC-SEI, as Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Custardo brings more than 20-years of finance and management experience within the health and education services and non-profit industries.

A native of Illinois, Ms. Custardo currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of Alliance for a Healthier Generation headquartered in New York, NY. She has also served as Vice President, Finance and Operations at Greenheart International in Chicago, Ill., as well as in increasing leadership roles including Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director for Marklund, a non-profit organization headquarter in Geneva, Ill., that serves infants, children, teens and adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities and special healthcare needs.

Ms. Custardo earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics from Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Ill., and a master’s in business administration from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Ill. Additionally, she is credentialed as a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) and holds certificates as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Coach (CC-SEI), Trainer & Facilitator – Social + Emotional Intelligence focused for business leaders, and as a Certified Mentor Coach (CC).

President Fulcomer notes, “I’m excited to welcome Lisa to our campus and to the community. Lisa is a seasoned and proven leader who is well-versed in managing the complex financial needs specific to non-profit organizations. Her expertise will serve Rockford University well in our efforts to grow all aspects the University while maintaining strong fiscal disciplines and practices.”

Ms. Custardo adds, “These are such extraordinary times in higher education. We are presented with a very challenging landscape which consistently calls for more innovative business approaches, unique leveraging of resources and creative student engagement, while continuing to hold strong demand for traditional offerings and programs. I’m deeply inspired by that call to action. When I couple that with the chance to join Rockford University – an institution rich in history and steeped in academic excellence, honor and value – I see that I have been given a very special opportunity. Even further, after meeting Dr. Fulcomer and the talented group of professionals that I will have the distinct pleasure of collaborating with, I know I’ve also found my new home. This is a profound moment in my career, and I look forward to the future with excitement about our work together and the impact we’ll make on the field of higher education.”

Ms. Custardo was part of a nation-wide search to replace Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Tina Anderson who transitioned to full-time teaching at the University for the spring 2019 semester. Anderson is now Assistant Professor of Accounting in the Puri School of Business. Campus visits for finalists were conducted in December 2018. Custardo will officially begin her duties with Rockford University on February 4, 2019.

Rockford University is hosting two upcoming events for students interested in attending college and learning more about the University. For students who are ready to enroll, a daylong Admit-a-Thon will be held on Thursday, January 3 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. On Saturday, February 23, prospective students and their families are invited to the Future Regent Visit Day held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

During the Admit-a-Thon on Thursday, January 3, 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. Additional scholarship opportunities are available. This walk-in event requires no preregistration.

The Future Regent Visit Day on Saturday, February 23, will provide interested students and their families an in-depth look at Rockford University, including visits with admission representatives, financial aid staff, faculty, and current students. The day also includes a tour of the campus, located in the heart of Rockford on 150 wooded acres, and an academic fair where visitors can talk one-on-one with faculty from various departments to learn more about academic programs. A complimentary lunch in the University’s dining hall will be provided. Check-in begins at 10 a.m. on Rockford University’s campus, located at 5050 East State Street in Rockford. To learn more about Future Regent Visit Day and to register, call 815-226-4050 or visit www.rockford.edu/admission/visit. 

The Rockford Urban Education Research Symposium will highlight the culminating work of the first cohort of teachers who are students in the Master’s in Education, Urban Education Pathways program at Rockford University, a partnership with Rockford Public School District 205. The public is welcome to attend the symposium on Thursday, December 6, 2018 from 6:00 P.M. – 8:15 P.M. at Rockford University’s Burpee Center in Regents Hall, 5050 East State Street, Rockford.

Research projects and poster presentations will be on display. RPS 205 Superintendent Ehren Jarrett, Ed.D., will provide a key note address. Dr. Jarrett and Rockford University President Eric Fulcomer will also recognize teacher leaders and special recognition will be awarded for Outstanding Action Research, Honorable Mention Action Research and People’s Choice Action Research.

For more information about the symposium, contact SWilliams@rockford.edu.

Rockford University senior Tracy Wang (Jiangsu, China) has been named as a 2018 Lincoln Laureate by The Lincoln Academy of Illinois. Each year, the annual Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Ceremony recognizes excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities by seniors from each of the state’s four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities, and one student from the community colleges in Illinois. This year’s ceremony took place Saturday, November 17, in Springfield. President Eric Fulcomer, Ph.D. accompanied Wang for the ceremony.

Tracy attended Pine City High School in Pine City, Minn., and will graduate from Rockford University in 2019 with a major in Political Science and a minor in Math. After completing her degree, she plans to attend law school to achieve her professional goals.  

When asked about this opportunity Tracy stated, “It is a great honor to be selected as Rockford University’s Lincoln Laureate. I feel very thankful that the institution has recognized all of my achievements. Four years ago I had the decision where to go to college, and I can proudly say that every day I am glad that I chose a university that values its students above all else, has supported me both in and out of the classroom, provided mentoring for my future career, and taught me lessons that have broadened my perspectives.”

Tracy has participated in the Washington Semester Program for Justice and Law at American University. She is currently serving as the President of the Rockford University Student Government Association. She has been named to both the Dean’s and Distinguished Scholar list. In addition to her work in Campus Activities and Student Government, Tracy has served as an Orientation Leader for Rockford University’s new student programs for the past two years, and through this has inspired new students to look for opportunities to become involved and encouraged them to consider serving as student leaders. As an active student leader, she has been a member of the Rockford University Facility Committee, the Multicultural Club, and the Student Athletic Advisory Committee. She is also currently serving as the student representative to the University’s Board of Trustees.  

Rockford University’s Performing Arts department presents “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” written by Academy Award winner Alan Ball and directed by Professor Deborah Mogford. The show runs Thursday, November 15- Saturday, November 17, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 18, 2 p.m. in Rockford University’s Clark Arts Center, Cheek Theatre. The Clark Arts Center is accessible.

This unique, six character cast, play first premiered 25 years ago at New York’s Manhattan Class Company. The comedy play provides an irreverent and funny look at the intricacies of friendship and the power of similar dressing. It is summer and five women wearing identical unique bridesmaids dresses have survived the elaborate wedding ceremony to find themselves at the ostentatious wedding reception being held on the estate of the bride. There is only so much they can take, so they seek sanctuary in an upstairs bedroom. Each woman has her own reason for avoiding the proceedings below. As the afternoon wears on these five very different women are surprised to discover a common bond. This wickedly funny and touching celebration of life explores the nature of sisterhood and the ever-present question about the behavior of men. You can’t live with them, but can you live without them?

This production is for mature audiences only. Tickets are required and seating is limited. To reserve tickets, contact the Box Office at boxoffice@rockford.edu. The complete list of this seasons productions is available on the University’s website at www.rockford.edu/artslectures/performingarts/. 

Rockford University will host a Future Regent Visit Day on Monday, November 12, 2018, beginning at 10 a.m. Future Regent Visit Day’s 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.The November 12 visit day also features a free lunch. The Visit day will conclude at approximately 2 p.m.

Check-in begins at 10 AM on Rockford University’s campus, located at 5050 East State Street, Rockford. To learn more about Future Regent Visit Day and to register, call 815-226-4050 or visit www.rockford.edu/admission/visit to reserve a spot today.