Rockford University

DECEMBER RECOGNITION 2023
2023-12-09 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Maddox Theatre – Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Celebrate the achievements of our Fall Graduates.
Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. in Maddox Theatre
Reception to follow in Clark Arts Lobby
Academic regalia is not required for December Recognition. Business professional is encouraged.
Faculty, Trustees, and Executive Council are invited and encouraged to attend.
Students must check in by 10:00 a.m. and be ready to line up by 10:45 a.m. (Lower Level Clark Arts)
Seating is on a first come – first serve basis. Seating is limited.
RSVP to participate in the ceremony is REQUIRED. Students must notify the Director of University Events (graduation@rockford.edu) if they plan to participate in the ceremony – more information to come.

Virtual Transfer Admission Event
2023-12-18 09:00 - 18:00 | Zoom, IL, United States
Please join us for Rockford University’s VIRTUAL Transfer Admission Event on December 18th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Our Admissions Team will personally guide you through the transfer admission process, help you learn more about RU, answer your questions, and provide same-day acceptance for Spring or Fall 2024! Register for a 30 minute meeting at a time convenient for you on December 18th.

Gala 2024 Cocktails & Compositions
2024-02-10 18:00 - 22:00 | Howard Colman Library, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Join us as we celebrate our students and turn the page on the Howard Colman Library. Enjoy a wide variety of food at stations throughout the library inspired by literary classics from J.R.R. Tolkien, the Brothers Grimm, and more! Experience student and faculty performances of poetry, plays, and performance pieces and engage with our living library of extraordinary people.
See the attached invitation for more details.
Special $50 price for Rockford University faculty and staff. Contact Lauren Prchal at LPrchal@rockford.edu with questions.

Songs for a New World
2024-02-22 19:30 - 2024-02-25 14:00 | Cheek Theatre – Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
February 22-25, 2024 (Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 pm; Sunday 2 pm)
Cheek Theatre, Clark Arts Center
Director, Stephen Schellhardt
Writer and composer Jason Robert Brown transports his audience from the deck of a 1492 Spanish sailing ship to a ledge, 57 stories above Fifth Avenue, to meet a startling array of characters that range from a young man who has determined that basketball is his ticket out of the ghetto to a woman whose dream of marrying rich nabs her the man of her dreams… and a soulless marriage.

Charter Day Convocation Ceremony
2024-02-26 16:00 - 17:00 | Maddox Theatre – Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
The Charter Day Convocation Ceremony will be held Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 from 4 to 5 p.m. at Maddox Theatre in the Clark Arts Center.
The ceremony is part of the Forum Series and is also a formal academic event. A keynote speaker will be announced at a later date.

Spring Career and Internship Fair
2024-03-27 13:00 - 16:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
We’re excited to welcome you to the upcoming Rockford University Spring 2024 Career and Internship Fair! Whether you’re seeking internships, full-time positions, or simply exploring your options, this event promises to be a valuable opportunity to connect with potential employers and make meaningful strides in your career journey. Over 50 employers will be present!
Date: March 27th, 2024
Time: 1:00-4:00
Location: Regents Hall, Burpee Student Center, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61108
Additional Offerings:
Free Headshot Station: Make sure to look your best for professional profiles and applications by stopping by our free headshot station.
Career Closet: Need attire for the fair? The Career Closet will be open, offering professional clothing options at no cost to you.
Raffles and Giveaways: Don’t miss out on the chance to win exciting prizes and giveaways throughout the event.
Prepare your resumes, practice your elevator pitch, and dress to impress! This is your opportunity to network with potential employers and take proactive steps toward your future career.
We look forward to seeing you at the Spring 2024 Career and Internship Fair!

Diversity and Disability Awareness Day
2024-03-28 13:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Join us for our Disability Awareness Event, where inclusivity takes center stage on our campus! Engage in interactive activities designed to grow understanding and empathy, while celebrating diversity. Explore different perspectives, learn from one another, and embrace the richness of diversity as we come together to create an environment where everyone feels valued and included. Candy and prizes await those who attend, so come be a part of creating a more inclusive community for all!

Rockford University Open House
2024-03-29 10:00 - 14:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Explore RU and discover for yourself what makes the RU community so special. Tour campus, meet professors, explore student life, and learn about financial aid and scholarships!

International Food Festival
2024-04-13 15:30 - 20:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Celebrate the World as you travel the globe through Burpee and visit favorite holidays from many countries. The “Around the World” portion of the event will be followed by an international dinner in the dining hall, flag parade and performances in Regents.

Last Lecture of Dr. Edward Mathieu
2024-04-15 16:00 - 17:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
From 1972 until 1986, Father Verstynen was involved in Campus Ministry at Rockford College and Rock Valley College serving also as an Adjunct Professor at both schools. Funds to support The Last Lecture program were given by a generous donor in Fr. Verstynen’s memory to promote the value of sharing lifelong experiences with students and the local community.
Since his arrival in 2017, Dr. Mathieu has been a vital pillar in the Historical and International Studies Department. Before he retires, share the wisdom of his experiences as he explores his encounters with the discipline of history throughout his career. He will discuss his sense of the evolving nature of the discipline and how that has related to his sense of self and his teaching over the years in Fisher Chapel.

Ken Ludwig's The Game's Afoot
2024-04-18 19:30 - 2024-04-21 14:00 | Maddox Theatre – Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
April 18-21, 2024 (Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 pm; Sunday 2 pm)
Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center
Director, Prof. Deborah Mogford
It is December 1936, and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his leading role in the play Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous.

Blood Drive
2024-04-22 10:00 - 14:00 | Blanche Walker Burpee Student Center, 5050 East State St., Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Please come out and donate a pint of blood on April 22nd from 10am to 2pm. The Rock River Valley Blood Center Bus will be in the Burpee Drive Circle.

Final Exam Study Tips
2024-04-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Finish Strong!
A 50 minute workshop for students. Presented by CLS Peer Tutors. Best practices to do well in your final exams.
Colman Library, Main Floor, Map Room

Day of Giving
2024-04-25 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Rockford University’s 10th Day of Giving is happening today! Our goal this year is to have 425 donors donate to our Howard Colman Library Renovations.
Each gift will make a difference and has the potential to go even further through match and challenge opportunities.
We will have ice cream, therapy dogs and giveaways from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Library.

THE END: Apocalyptic Thought in Culture. 4th Annual Humanities Conference
2024-04-26 09:00 - 21:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Students and scholars will present research papers investigating aspects of the apocalyptic and/or apocalyptic rhetoric within their respective fields.
Other events included as part of the conference:
– Camerata Emanon Choir. Holocaust Cantata
– MOVIE SHOWING: The Road (2009)
Directed by John Hillcoat, written by Joe Penhall, starring Viggo Mortensen
The Road is an American post-apocalyptic survival film based on the 2006 novel The Road written by Cormac McCarthy.
– City of Rockford Poet Laureate
Dr. Jenna Goldsmith, Rockford University
Poetry at the End, and After
– A Conversation with the Cuban Poet Lleny Díaz Valdivia
Presentation of her book of poems Líquida published in the Spanish Edition Series by the Rockford University Department of Languages, Philosophy, Religion, and Cultures.
– APOCALYPSE ON STAGE: A Cuban Medea in Translation: Dramatic Reading and Conversation with the Public
An adaptation of Medea titled Medea Unfinished by Iran Capote (Cuban poet and playwright) translated into English by Rockford University student Angela Perez Dominguez.
AND MORE!!!
For more information, visit https://deinospoesia.com/v-conference/

A Celebration of 41 Years of Costume Design
2024-04-28 14:00 - 17:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Join us for a costume-style show spotlighting the designs of Jeff Hendry, award-winning costume designer and former professor at Rockford University. All proceeds from the show will benefit Rockford University’s performing arts students during their performances during the International Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, in August 2024. Brought to you by Friends of the Performing Arts.

Choir Concert
2024-05-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Maddox Theatre – Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Choir Concert
May 3, 2024 (Friday, 7:30 pm)
Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center
Director, Prof. Timm Adams
A performance featuring Rockford University choirs.

Nurse Pinning Ceremony
2024-05-04 09:00 - 10:00 | Maddox Theatre – Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Nurse Pinning Ceremony
Maddox Theatre
9:00 a.m.

PBK Induction Ceremony
2024-05-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Fisher Memorial Chapel – Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
PBK Induction Ceremony
Fisher Chapel
Saturday, May 4, 2024
11:00 a.m.
Refreshments to follow

2024 Commencement Ceremony
2024-05-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main Street, Rockford, 61101, United States
Spring Commencement
Coronado Performing Arts
Saturday, May 11, 2024
10:00 a.m.

Rockford Dance Company 50th Anniversary
2024-05-18 15:00 - 21:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Recital in Maddox Theatre
Reception in Regents Hall

Good Neighbors Tea: A Celebration of Scotland
2024-06-02 14:00 - 16:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Good Neighbors Tea
A Celebration of Scotland
Sunday, June 2nd, 2-4:00pm
Clark Arts Center
Featuring Rockford’s Clan MacAlpine Bagpipe Band, The Music Academy, RU Performing Arts Students, and tasty treats in the flavor of Scotland.
Proceeds to benefit Rockford University performing arts students for their performances during the International Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland in August 2024. edfringe.com

Regents Golf Playday 2024
2024-06-06 12:00 - 19:00 | Aldeen Golf Club, 1902 Reid Farm Rd, Rockford, IL, 61107, United States
Playing in the Regents Golf Playday supports the overall experience of Rockford University’s student-athletes.
2024 Regents Golf Playday
Thursday, June 6, 2024
Aldeen Golf Club
1902 Reid Farm Road
Rockford, IL 61107
Registration opens with buffet lunch service: 12:00 p.m.
Shotgun start: 12:45 p.m.
Dinner & awards program: 5:30 p.m.

Business Summit
2024-06-13 07:30 - 11:00 | Regents Hall – Burpee Student Center, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Rockford University is thrilled to host the 2024 Annual Business Summit on Thursday, June 13th from 7:30 am – 11:00 am. This year’s focus is on “Education and Industry” and their partnership. The free event includes breakfast and an invigorating agenda with featured speakers such as Dr. Ehren Jarrett, Dr. Howard Spearman, Dr. Alex Stagnaro-Green, Mr. Travis Andersen, Dr. Gina Caronna, and Mayor Tom McNamara. Participants will also have the opportunity to break out into smaller groups led by subject matter experts to engage in topics such as AI, Data Analytics, and Entrepreneurship Breakout session leaders include Prof. Jeff Karlberg, Mr. Ron Clewer, Dr. Sheila Hill, and Mr. Spitty Tata. Lunch (for purchase) with optional networking is scheduled after the event at 11:30 am.

Much Ado About Nothing
2024-07-26 08:00 - 17:00 | Maddox Theatre – Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Much Ado About Nothing
November 21-24, 2024 (Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 pm; Sunday 2 pm)
Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center
Director, Prof. Deborah Mogford
Love, deceit, and misunderstandings abound in this witty and charming comedy by William Shakespeare. Beatrice and Benedick, two strong-willed and witty friends, must confront the complexities of relationships as they face the blurred lines between truth and deception. Meanwhile, Claudio and Hero’s budding love is put to the test as rumors and lies threaten to destroy their bond. Will love prevail, or will the whispers and rumors of the day destroy the bonds of affection? Dive into this timeless tale of romance, humor, and drama to find out.

Blithe Spirit
2024-07-26 08:00 - 17:00 | Cheek Theatre – Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Blithe Spirit
February 20-23, 2025 (Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 pm; Sunday 2 pm)
Cheek Theatre, Clark Arts Center
Director, Prof. Deborah Mogford
A smash comedy hit in London and New York, this much-revived classic from the playwright of Private Lives concerns fussy, cantankerous novelist Charles Condomine, who has remarried but finds himself haunted (literally) by the ghost of his late first wife, Elvira. Clever, insistent and well aware of Charles’ shortcomings, Elvira is called up by a visiting “happy medium,” the eccentric and flighty Madame Arcati. As everyone’s personalities clash, Charles’ current wife, Ruth, is accidentally killed. She “passes over” and joins Elvira, allowing the two “blithe spirits” to haunt the hapless Charles into perpetuity. “Blithe Spirit” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

The Prom
2024-07-26 08:00 - 17:00 | Maddox Theatre – Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
The Prom
April 10-13, 2025 (Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 pm; Sunday 2 pm)
Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center
Director, Prof. Marissa Barnathan
Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. So when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue…and themselves. The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow—but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens and the result is love that brings them all together. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, THE PROM expertly captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever.THE PROM is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com

Dog Days of Summer
2024-07-27 08:30 - 10:30 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
On Saturday, July 27th, the Advancement & Alumni Office will be hosting The Dog Days of Summer. This free event will run from 8:30-10:30 AM in the Nelson Parking Lot. All are encouraged to bring their dogs to campus for the opportunity to enjoy the summer weather, take a lovely stroll, and pick up some fun freebies from the Alumni Team.
The Canine Crunchery, Inc. will also be there as a vendor, if you’re interested in treating your furry friend to some delicious, fresh baked goodies. Don’t have a dog? No worries! Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate the summer! We look forward to seeing you all there!
If you have any questions, please email alumni@rockford.edu or call (815) 226-4007.

The Theory of Relativity
2024-07-27 16:00 - 2024-07-28 16:00 | Cheek Theatre – Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
On July 27th and 28th at 4pm, RU Performing Arts Students will be performing two stateside showings of the Theory of Relativity! These two showings will take place in Cheek Theatre, and are free to attend. Seating will be limited. Then, it’s off to perform the show in Scotland at the Festival Fringe!
From Drama Desk Award nominees Neil Bartram and Brian Hill (The Story of My Life), The Theory of Relativity is a joyous and moving look about our surprisingly interconnected lives. Whether you’re allergic to cats, in love for the first or tenth time, a child of divorce, a germaphobe or simply a unique individual, audience members and actors alike are sure to find themselves in this fresh new musical.
Through a seemingly unrelated collection of songs, scenes and monologues, The Theory of Relativity introduces a compelling array of characters experiencing the joys and heartbreaks, the liaisons and losses, the inevitability and the wonder of human connection
