Rockford University

December Recognition 2024
2024-12-07 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Maddox Theatre – Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Important Event Information:

Parking is available in Lots A, C and D.
Academic Regalia is not required for December Recognition.
Please wear professional business attire.
A seat will be reserved for you and the rest of the graduates.
Doors open to guests at 10:15 a.m.
Seats are available on a first-come-first-serve basis for your guests.
Guests will not be allowed to save seats. If you have a group attending who wishes to sit together, please have them arrive together or plan to sit in separate areas.
Seating in Maddox Theatre is limited.
Please check in no later than 10:30 a.m. in the Lower Level of Clark Arts.
Enter the main entrance of Clark Arts, and head down the stairs to the left of the main lobby.
Do not bring any personal belongings. You will not be able to leave your items behind while you participate in the ceremony.
Line up alphabetically as instructed by the event volunteers.
The procession line-up will move upstairs promptly at 10:55 a.m.

When you get to your seats, REMAIN STANDING until all graduates have entered the theatre and Emeriti Professor Sharpe has concluded the Invocation.
PROCESSION AND STAGE ROUTE:

You will enter through Door 2 and fill in the section of reserved seats alphabetically.
When you go on stage, you will follow the front row, exit out of door 3, enter again through door 4, and proceed to the stage.
Once on stage, you will hand your card to the Provost, who will announce your name and degree.

If you need additional attention to your name pronunciation – please email Sarah Spires at sspires@rockford.edu.
You will receive a gift from President Lynott and will be greeted by our Board of Trustees chair, Marci Taets.
When you exit the stage, you will proceed to the door 1 exit and re-enter through door 2 to return to your original seat.
The ceremony will be recorded (but not live-streamed). The recording will be posted to the website several days after the ceremony.
You and your guests are invited to attend a reception in the lobby of Clark Arts, where punch and cookies will be served.
We look forward to celebrating with you! Congratulations on your achievement.

Puzzle Competition
2025-01-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Burpee Regents, 5050 East State Street, Burpee, ROCKFORD, 61108-2311
The CARE committee invites our Staff, Faculty, and Alumni (and the general public) to our 1st Annual Puzzle Competition.
A maximum of 15 teams (2-4 people) will have two hours to complete a puzzle. The first team to complete their puzzle wins a prize basket!
Creative team names and team costumes are encouraged but not required!
Must register to participate! Use this link to sign up: https://rockford2.jotform.com/tvandenbranden/puzzle-competition-sign-up-form

Cartoon & Crafts
2025-01-27 15:00 - 17:00 | Rockford University Burpee
Nostalgic Cartoons
Coloring Pages
Scrapbook Making

Gala 2025
2025-02-08 18:00 - 23:30 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Join us for an evening of cocktails and food stations at the Pathways to Possibility Gala. This unique event is an opportunity to invest in the bright futures of our students while enjoying an elegant night filled with engaging stories, fine dining, and entertainment.

Faculty Workshop: Equity Literacy Foundations, pt. 2
2025-02-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Map Room – Howard Colman Library
Dr. Annie Baddoo will lead a discussion on equity literacy foundations as a follow-up to her Fall 2024 discussion. This event will be held in the Howard Colman Library Map Room. Please feel free to bring your lunch.

Technology & Entrepreneurship
2025-02-17 17:30 - 19:30 | Puri School of Business, 5100 East State St, Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Rockford University kicks off the Greater Rockford Entrepreneurship And Training (GREAT) week on Monday, 2/17. Join the RU College of Professional & Extended Learning and 14 Rockford area organizations for various events every day of the week at various locations around Rockford! This week’s celebration follows the National Entrepreneurship Week, which is a nonpartisan, congressionally chartered initiative founded in 2006. It occurs during the third week of February each year.
✔️ What: Greater Rockford Entrepreneurship And Training (GREAT) week
📅 When: Every day of the week from February 17 to 22
🌎 Where: All around the Greater Rockford Area
✍ RSVP: https://bit.ly/greatweek25
💲 Cost: FREE

Prep Smarter, Not Harder: Mid-Term Success Tools
2025-02-19 12:00 - 12:50 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Mid-terms are coming. Start preparing now with this quick Success Workshop.

Charter Day Convocation Ceremony
2025-02-24 16:00 - 17:00 | Maddox Theatre – Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
The Charter Day Convocation Ceremony presents: We Are A College At War, featuring a dramatic reading from the chapter entitled, “Rescue Stories.”

Ramadan Iftar Dinner - Breaking the Fast
2025-03-06 17:30 - 19:00 | Regents Hall – Burpee Student Center, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Rockford University Arabs United and the Saudi Club invite the RU community to a special Ramadan Iftar Dinner on March 6 at 5:30 PM in Regents Hall.
Iftar is the evening meal where Muslims break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan, a time of spiritual reflection, fasting, and community. This free event will feature a delicious buffet of authentic Middle Eastern dishes, offering a chance to experience the traditions of Ramadan together.
We hope you’ll join us for an evening of good food, cultural exchange, and community!

Faculty Workshop: Social Emotional Learning
2025-03-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Map Room – Howard Colman Library
Calling all faculty: join us on Wednesday, March 19th at 12pm in the Howard Colman Library Map Room as Dr. Mallori Sage hosts a workshop on Social Emotional Learning.

Volleyball Tournament presented by Fellowship of Christian Athletes
2025-03-30 19:00 - 22:00 | Seaver Physical Education Center, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
FCA will be hosting our volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 30 from 7-10 pm in Seaver Gym. Each team will be guaranteed two games in a double elimination bracket style competition. Teams will need minimum of 2 women and no more than 3 RU volleyball players. Sign up for teams will be done using the QR code on our Instagram (link will also be in our bio) or the TVs around campus. You can also show up and be put on a team. We will be printing posters out for around campus. We will also have pizza, chips, and water. There will be random raffles at the end of the night with gift cards worth a total of $1000. All are welcome to join us for some fun!!!

International Food Festival
2025-04-05 15:00 - 19:00 | Rockford University Burpee
This annual and signatory event will feature over twenty countries represented by RU students, staff and faculty. Visitors will celebrate the Historical Events and Eras of each country in Around the World. Enjoy cuisine from many countries around the globe prepared by RU’s very own Chef David at the international dinner. Participate in the joy of the flag parade as each country representative waves their flag to the sounds of their national anthem.

Brown Bag Presentation: Cybersecurity for Everyone
2025-04-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Map Room – Howard Colman Library
Cybersecurity is no longer just a concern for IT professionals; it’s a personal responsibility for anyone using digital tools and platforms. 95% of cybersecurity incidents are primarily due to human error. Attacks include phishing scams, weak passwords, or sending sensitive data to the wrong person. This training will provide practical strategies to identify and effectively respond to common online threats. The primary objective is to equip you with the knowledge and skills to protect yourself in the digital environment.

Finishing Strong - Final Exam Success Tools
2025-04-09 12:00 - 12:50 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
50 minute Success Workshop to help students begin their preparation for their final exams, papers and projects. Hosted in The HUB (library) – Map Room.

Honors Day
2025-04-28 16:00 - 17:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States

Choir Concert
2025-05-02 19:30 - 21:30 | Maddox Theatre – Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Choir Concert
May 2, 2025 (Friday, 7:30 pm)
Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center
Director, Prof. Timm Adams
More details to be announced! These once-a-semester concerts feature Rockford University choirs.

2025 Commencement
2025-05-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main Street, Rockford, 61101, United States
Congratulations to our 2025 Graduates!
Rockford University’s Graduation Ceremony will occur on Saturday, May 10, at the Coronado Performing Arts Center.
The ceremony will be live-streamed and will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Graduates confirmed to walk in the ceremony should visit Reggie’s Corner to obtain their regalia.
Ticket pick up for confirmed walkers will be available beginning April 30 in Nelson Hall.
Please see the commencement website for more specific details.

Master of Science in Data Science Information Session
2025-06-04 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-07-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
During this virtual information session learn about the new Master of Science in Data Science and your next steps to earn it.
Use the link below to register. You will receive an email the day of the session with the log-in information.

Graduate Programs in Education Information Session
2025-06-17 17:30 - 18:30 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
During this virtual information you will learn about how to become a teacher if you already have a Bachelor’s degree or if you are already a licensed teacher learn about earning a Master’s degree or an additional Endorsement.
Use the link below to register. You will receive an email the day of the session with the log-in information.

Groundbreaking Press Conference
2025-06-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Join us for a press conference to officially break ground on our new multipurpose turf athletic field! The press conference will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Sam Greeley Field.

RU Online Information Session
2025-06-25 17:30 - 18:30 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
During this virtual information session learn about how to complete your Bachelor’s degree with our 100% online degree programs.
Use the link below to register. You will receive an email the day of the session with the log-in information.

MBA Virtual Information Session
2025-07-01 17:30 - 18:30 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
During this virtual information session learn about how to earn a Master of Business Administration degree at Rockford University.
Use the link below to register. You will receive an email the day of the session with the log-in information.

Graduate Programs in Kinesiology Information Session
2025-07-16 17:30 - 18:30 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
During this virtual information session learn about the new Master of Science in Exercise Physiology and the new Master of Arts in Sports Management and Leadership. Then learn about your next steps to earn it.
Use the link below to register. You will receive an email the day of the session with the log-in information.

UNIVERSITY OPENING CONFERENCE (STAFF AND FACULTY)
2025-08-15 08:00 - 13:00 | Regents Hall – Burpee Student Center, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Save the date!
More information to come.

President's Opening Convocation 2025
2025-08-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Maddox Theatre – Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
The 2025-26 Rockford University academic year begins with a formal convocation and remarks by president Dr. Patricia Lynott. Held since 1851, this longtime tradition includes a faculty procession in full academic regalia.

Success Workshop: College 101 - Academic and Personal Success
2025-08-25 12:00 - 13:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Hosted in The HUB (library), main floor, The Map Room
50-minute workshops to provide RU students with the skills they need for success in college and the world.

Comprehensive Career Development Info Session
2025-08-28 08:00 - 17:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
This opportunity includes PAID 3-CREDIT TUITION FOR COURSE CDEV 276 & PAID SHORT-TERM WORK EXPERIENCE@$16.00/HOUR
( Virtual event )
If you have any questions, please contact Ora Palmer: opalmer@rockford.edu

Success Workshop: Effective Note Taking
2025-09-02 14:00 - 15:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
50-minute success workshop focused on skills to build your academic and world success.
Hosted in The Map Room.

Battle of the Rock River
2025-09-06 13:00 - 15:00 | Football Field, IL, United States
The Rockford University Regents defend their title in the “Battle of the Rock River” against the Beloit Buccaneers. Students, Staff, and Faculty get in free!
