Eric W. Fulcomer, Ph.D., president of Rockford University, was named one of the 2018 People You Should Know by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce; one of 20 people recognized during a special reception held Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Tebala Event Center. The Chamber’s People You Should Know recognitions started in 2011 and has since honored 121 community leaders.

This latest group features eight women and 12 men representing a variety of industries, including health care, government, nonprofits, finance, education, manufacturing and professional services. Honorees are business leaders who impact their respective organizations and industries and who positively affect the local business environment. More about the entire 2018 class is featured in the Rockford Register Star’s November 1, 2018 story, “Rockford Chamber of Commerce names 20 People You Should Know.”

Dr. Fulcomer came to Rockford in 2013, first serving as Vice President for Enrollment Management for three years before being named as Rockford University’s 18th president in 2016. Under Dr. Fulcomer’s leadership the university has conducted more than $2 million in capital improvements to the science building and the residence halls, continuing to build on the $25 million in investments made to the campus since 2008. He has more than two decades of leadership experience in higher education.  Prior to his time at Rockford, Dr. Fulcomer served for 19 years at Bluffton University (Ohio), most recently as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Life.

In addition to his work in higher education, Dr. Fulcomer has been active in his communities. He is a board member for Rockford Christian Schools, the Golden Apple Foundation, SwedishAmerican Health Systems, Alignment Rockford Governing Board, Rockford International Education Center, Rockford Leaders, and Kobe College Corporation-Japan Education Exchange. He serves as a member of the Executive Committee for Rockford Christian Schools, Associated Colleges of Illinois and the Federation of Illinois Independent Colleges and Universities. He participated in the Chamber’s Leadership Rockford Program, and served as co-chair of the Funding and Alignment Spoke of Transform Rockford. Dr. Fulcomer is also a member of the Rockford Rotary Club.

Dr. Fulcomer shares, “It’s my privilege to be included as one of 2018’s People You Should Know. I have enjoyed getting to know and work alongside many of the recipients from this year’s class, as well as many previous PYSK honorees. The diversity of organizations and efforts represented by these individuals is truly impressive. Recognitions like these help provide proof that whatever challenges our community may face, the Rockford region is strong and filled with limitless potential for growth and prosperity.”

Dr. Ismail Mirici, Dean of the Ataturk Faculty of Education from Near East University in the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus, visited Rockford University in mid-October to meet with President Eric Fulcomer regarding a new partnership between the two universities. An initial memorandum of understanding was signed that allows for the continuing development of a program that will begin with Rockford University offering select classes to students at Near East University and eventually grow to provide a full joint degree program. 

Rockford University has experienced significant growth in its international programming over the course of the last decade, currently hosting more than 100 students from 17 countries. Fostering a robust international presence on campus further supports the University’s mission to prepare students for success in a modern and changing global society. Dr. Fulcomer adds, “We are excited about this new collaboration with Near East University and the opportunities it will bring to Rockford University, our students and the community. How fortunate we are to have a microcosm of the world here on our campus. Our international students enrich our experiences by sharing their unique cultures and languages and providing us a greater appreciation of both our differences and our similarities.”

The program will make it possible for students at Near East University to begin their education in North Cyprus and complete their degree at Rockford University. Rockford has more than 20 similar types of agreements with universities throughout China as well as study abroad opportunities for students in Sweden, Spain, Japan, England, France, Italy and Chile.

Dr. Ismail Mirici and President Eric Fulcomer meet at Rockford University on October 15, 2018 to sign a memorandum of understanding between Rockford University and Near East University.

Rockford University welcomes noted scholar and Professor Annie Storr, Ph.D., on Monday, October 29, 7 p.m., in the Fisher Memorial Chapel located on Rockford University’s Campus. The lecture is part of the University’s Fall Forum Series. Dr. Storr will present “Rockford’s Daughter: Reintegrating the life of Ellen Gates Starr as a social reformer, artist, activist, and religious seeker.”  Dr. Storr provides unique insight into the backstory and resulting in significant impact of this Rockford Seminary alumnae.

According to Dr. Storr, Ellen Gates Starr (1859-1940) may be one of America’s most important under-studied figures of the early 20th Century. Side by side with her lifelong friend, fellow Rockford alumna and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Jane Addams (1860-1935), she co-founded Chicago’s famous Hull-House. Part of this story is Starr’s role as an articulate conveyor of ideas, both directions, between the Progressive Midwest and the Britain of the Suffrage Movement, the Arts and Crafts Movement, the Social Gospel and Modern literary circles. The research and historical study of Ellen Gates Starr and Jane Addams continues to be one of Dr. Storr’s two long-term projects.

Dr. Annie Storr is a Resident Scholar at Brandeis University’s Women’s Research Study Center. She teaches both art history and education at Montserrat College of Art, having devoted her career to exploring the intersection of the two disciplines.

This event is free and the public is welcome to attend. Tickets are required and seating is limited. To reserve tickets, contact the Box Office at boxoffice@rockford.edu. The complete Fall 2018 Forum Series is available on the University’s website at www.rockford.edu/artslectures/forum/.

Rockford University welcomes Anna Rosling Rönnlund on Monday, October 15, 7 p.m., Maddox Theatre, as part of the University’s Fall Forum Series and presented with Rockford’s Connect2Peace organization. Rönnlund is co-founder and board member of the Gapminder Foundation, whose mission statement is to fight devastating ignorance with a fact-based worldview everyone can understand. Rönnlund is also co-author of the book Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World–and Why Things Are Better Than You Think with her father-in-law Hans Rosling and husband Ola Rosling. Following the event, the book will be available for purchase outside of the University Bookstore. Maddox Theatre is located in the Clark Arts Center on the University’s campus, 5050 East State Street, Rockford. Clark Arts is accessible.

The book caught the attention of Bill Gates who says that it is one of the most important books that he has ever read. In an April 2018 interview with Time Magazine, Gates goes on to say that, “Factfulness is his [Hans Rosling] final effort to help people identify areas where things are getting better and spread that improvement. It explains more clearly than almost anything else I’ve read why it’s so difficult for people to perceive progress. “Factfulness” is defined as the stress-reducing habit of only carrying opinions for which you have strong supporting facts. In this interactive conversation presented with Rockford’s Connect2Peace organization, you’ll hear 10 instincts that distort our understanding of the world and how the thinking habit of factfulness can help. You’ll also learn about Dollar Street, an innovative data visualization program devolved by Rönnlund that uses data to depict how people really live.

This event is free and the public is welcome to attend. Tickets are required and seating is limited. To reserve tickets, contact the Box Office at boxoffice@rockford.edu. The complete Fall 2018 Forum Series is available on the University’s website at www.rockford.edu/artslectures/forum/.

US News & World Report released its 2019 rankings and has again named Rockford University as a Best in the Midwest Regional University. According to US News & World Report, Regional Universities offer a full range of undergraduate programs and some master’s programs but few doctoral programs. These rankings are split into four regions: North, South, Midwest and West. The Midwest region consists of 12 states.

The 2019 U.S News ranking includes data on nearly 1,800 colleges and universities. Eligible schools are ranked on academic excellence, including assessment of excellence, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources and alumni giving. Unlike most other publication rankings, U.S. News doesn’t require institutions to complete a survey, invest in advertising or pay fees to be part of the listing.

Rockford University is a private 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 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), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Education in Urban 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. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and is a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.

Visit rockford.edu for more information about Rockford University.

Rockford University and Rock Valley College are hosting their bi-annual Career & Internship Fair this Wednesday, September 26, from 1-4 PM in the Rock Valley College Physical Education Canter (PEC). The Rockford University and Rock Valley College Career & Internship Fair is an opportunity for employers to recruit job and internship seekers. This event allows employers the opportunity to meet with current students, alumni, and other members of the community.

More than 92 employers will be in attendance looking to fill internships, full time, and part-time employment opportunities. Employers in the Banking/Finance, Business, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Staffing, and News/Media industries will all be present. For the most recent updates please review the event information here. All candidates should dress professionally, and bring copies of resumes to give to employers. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required. Walk-ins are welcome and registration at the door is free. This event is free to students, alumni, and the community.  

Rockford University’s next Future Regent Visit Day is on Saturday, October 6, 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 6 Visit day also features a free tailgate lunch and admission to the Homecoming Regent’s Football game against Benedictine University. Check-in begins at 10 a.m. 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 make a reservation spot today.

Rockford University President Eric W. Fulcomer, Ph.D., has announced the appointment of Michael Perry, Ph.D., as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and that of Gregory Cascione, Ph.D., as Interim Vice President for Advancement. Former Provost and Vice President Dr. Michael Mihalyo left the University in July to accept the presidency at Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, West Virginia. Dr. Cascione replaces Bernard Sundstedt, who retired as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at the end of June 2018.

President Fulcomer notes, “While we miss Michael’s and Bern’s leadership, we know that with change comes opportunity to learn from individuals who bring new perspective and energy to our work. We begin this academic year, our 172nd, with a keen focus on efforts that enhance our students’ academic and co-curricular experiences. I look forward to the passion and expertise Dr. Perry and Dr. Cascione bring to their respective leadership roles and I’m excited to work alongside of them this year.”

About Michael Perry, Ph.D.

Dr. Perry began his tenure at Rockford University in 2008 upon completing his Ph.D. at Arizona State University. Prior to his appointment as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Perry served as Dean, College of Arts & Humanities; and as the NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative. 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. Furthermore, Michael regularly presents at the Popular Culture and American Culture Association National Conference, where 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.

Prior to obtaining his doctorate of philosophy in English from Arizona State, Michael 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. Dr. Perry lives in Rockford with his wife, Karen, who is a registered nurse, and three children: Caleb, Julian and Zoey.

About Gregory Cascione, Ph.D.
Dr. Cascione has more than 30 years of professional and academic experience in advancing philanthropy and fund development for higher education and non-profit organizations. His extensive background includes experience in leading all aspects of advancement, development, alumni relations, development research, marketing and public relations.

Dr. Cascione earned his B.A. in Philosophy from Fordham University; a M.T.S. in Ethics from Harvard University; his M.B.A. from the University of Edinburgh; and his doctorate from the University of Michigan. Dr. Cascione has devoted his career to the discipline of Advancement and has a proven record in successful philanthropic work for several institutions that include University of Michigan, Minnesota State University, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Harvard Law School, University of Detroit Mercy, and Marygrove College.

Rockford University will conduct nation-wide searches to fill both the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Vice President for Advancement positions. Searches will begin in late fall.

Rockford University welcomes Timothy Alexander on Thursday, August 30, 7 p.m., Maddox Theatre, as part of the University’s Fall Forum Series and Rock Solid Success Seminar. The Rock Solid Success Seminars are designed to provide motivation and encouragement to all students as they pursue their path to graduation. Other seminar guests have included Mike Singletary, the family of Walter Payton (wife Connie and Son Jarrett), and Dr. Clarence Lee. Maddox Theatre is located in the Clark Arts Center on the University’s campus, 5050 East State Street, Rockford. Clark Arts is accessible.

Timothy Alexander is a faith-driven young man who has dedicated his life to motivating and inspiring others. A native of Birmingham Alabama, Timothy attended Erwin High School and was ranked the #8 high school football player in the state. Timothy had the opportunity to play for any college in the country; however, he was involved in a life changing car accident in 2006, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. From that point on, Timothy was left to find his purpose in life while paralyzed. Timothy will share his story of persistence to succeed after the accident that forever changed his life’s path. He has also authored a book, “Ever Faithful, Ever Loyal” which details his emotional and inspirational story. Learn more Timothy at www.inspiredbyta.com.

This event is free and the public is welcome to attend. Tickets are required and seating is limited. To reserve tickets, contact the Box Office at boxoffice@rockford.edu. The complete Fall 2018 Forum Series is available on the University’s website at www.rockford.edu/artslectures/forum/.

The President’s Opening Convocation at Rockford University is an annual tradition dating back to 1851 and formally celebrates the start of the new academic year. The President’s Opening Convocation will be held on Friday, August 24, at 12 p.m., Maddox Theatre, located in the Clark Arts Center.

The formal opening convocation includes an academic procession of faculty in traditional robes depicting their rank, with stoles representing their respective alma maters and degrees. Remarks will be given by President Eric W. Fulcomer, Ph.D. His address, “What’s Your Story?” will touch on how this particular time in the lives of students has enormous potential to shape and change not only their personal story for the better, but also the stories of those in their communities and beyond.

The President’s Opening Convocation also marks the start of the University’s Fall Forum Series, which includes a robust line-up of guest speakers and performances taking place throughout the fall semester. The President’s Opening Convocation is free and open to the public, however tickets are required. The Clark Arts Center is accessible. For more information, contact the Rockford University Box Office at 815-226-4100 or boxoffice@rockford.edu.