Rockford University

Rockford University Crafts Fair
2026-02-13 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Rockford University Burpee
A fundraiser for students going on the study abroad trip to Ireland and England. Students will be selling various craft goods for the public to buy.

“815 Elevate: The Leadership Series” Operational Excellence Meets Human-Centered Culture
2026-02-17 16:00 - 18:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
This new and exciting year-long series of workshops brings a specialized focus on leadership, ranging from topics in effective communication and excel, to maximizing operational excellence and so much more! Register for three and get the fourth one on us!
Explore how leaders integrate lean/process improvement without losing employee engagement.
Hosted from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, in the Puri School of Business.
Learn more about the series and register by contacting: CPEL@Rockford.edu!

Elevating Your Elevator Pitch
2026-02-19 13:00 - 15:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Can you confidently explain who you are, what you do, and where you’re headed—fast?
Whether you’re heading to the career fair, an interview, or a networking event, your elevator pitch matters. Join the Department of Career Development for a hands-on workshop designed to help you stand out!
✔ Learn what makes an effective elevator pitch
✔ Build a clear, confident 30–60 second pitch
✔ Practice with peers and career professionals
✔ Get real-time feedback you can use immediately
1:00-3:00, Thursday, February 19th, Faculty Dining Room

Ride the Cyclone
2026-02-19 19:30 - 21:00 | Cheek Theatre – Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
February 19-22, 2026, and February 26-28 (Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 pm; Sunday 2 pm)
Cheek Theatre, Clark Arts Center
Director, Prof. Marrissa Barnathan
In this hilarious and outlandish musical, the lives of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. When they awake in limbo, a mechanical fortune teller invites each character to tell a story to win a prize like no other — the chance to return to life. With an eclectic score and witty dialogue, Ride the Cyclone is a funny, moving look at what makes a life well-lived. Ride the Cyclone is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC. (www.broadwaylicensing.com)

179th Charter Day Celebration
2026-02-25 11:00 - 13:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
February 25, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Dining Hall
Join us as Rockford University proudly celebrates its 179th Charter Day with cake and community in the Dining Hall on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This year’s celebration will replace our traditional Charter Day Convocation Ceremony, offering a relaxed and welcoming opportunity for faculty, staff, and students to come together and honor our shared history.
Charter Day marks a defining moment in our story. On February 25, 1847, the Illinois legislature signed the charter establishing Rockford Female Seminary, the institution that would evolve into Rockford College and, in 2013, Rockford University. From its founding, Rockford was a pioneer in higher education—created at a time when advanced education for women was rare and often discouraged.
Founded as the sister institution to Beloit College, Rockford Female Seminary was committed to providing women an education equal in rigor to that of men’s colleges. Under the leadership of its first principal, Anna Peck Sill, the seminary opened its doors in 1849 and quickly became known for its academic excellence and forward-thinking mission. Over time, the institution expanded its curriculum, became coeducational in the mid-20th century, and continued to adapt to meet the needs of new generations of learners.
Today, nearly two centuries later, Charter Day remains a time to reflect on Rockford University’s enduring legacy of access, innovation, and academic excellence, and to celebrate the people who continue to shape its future.
We invite you to stop by, enjoy a slice of cake, and help us celebrate 179 years of Rockford University—honoring our past and looking ahead together.

Brown Bag Presentation: Red Smoke Measuring the Impact of the Cuban Revolution on Greenhouse Emissions
2026-03-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Join RU Alum Carlos Martinez for a Brown Bag Presentation in the Howard Colman Library Map Room.

Beyond the Business Summit: From Insight to Action
2026-03-17 16:00 - 18:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
You gave feedback, we listended. Beyond the Business Summit brings you the follow up to our annual summer Business Summit to keep the action going! This “mini” summit details enhancing collaboration between industry sectors.

Mid-Semester Reset: Academic Reclamation Success Workshop
2026-03-18 15:00 - 16:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Academic Success Workshops focused on turning the semester around. 50-minute workshop specifically designed for students who may have struggled academically during the first half of the semester. The goal is to encourage students to begin creating positive habits to improve their academic standing.

Alan Hutchcroft Alternative Spring Break 30th Anniversary
2026-03-18 16:00 - 18:00 | Blanche Walker Burpee Student Center, 5050 East State St., Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
For three decades, participants have stepped beyond campus to engage in meaningful service that supports communities in need while participating in shared experiences that foster connection, collaboration, and personal growth.
We welcome you to join us as we celebrate this special anniversary. Alumni and current students are invited to gather for a special reception with light appetizers to reconnect, share stories, and honor the lasting impact of this transformative tradition.

Nursing Information Session
2026-03-18 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom, IL, United States
The Nursing Information Session (held via Zoom) is open to those who want to hear more about the program, application process, and have an opportunity to ask questions. Anyone interested in RU’s Nursing Program is encouraged to attend!
Please follow this link to sign up: https://rockford-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/Ex8AAzdLQpeaePp-ISRBeQ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Faculty Workshop: Give Me a Break: Creating a Kinesthetic Classroom Climate
2026-03-23 15:00 - 16:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Join Professor Tammy Schiek for an engaging workshop on Monday, March 23rd at 3pm in Seaver 213.

The Intersections of Mapping
2026-03-24 16:00 - 17:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Join Tommy Cruzer for a Brown Bag Presentation on his research on the Library’s Map Room Collection.

Alpha Alpha Alpha Induction Ceremony
2026-03-26 16:00 - 17:00 | Fisher Memorial Chapel – Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
The Alpha Alpha Alpha (or Tri-Alpha) will be holding its Spring 2026 induction. Tri-Alpha is a National Honor Society for first-generation college students.

Forum Marquee Event: See Her, Be Her Documentary Screening
2026-03-28 18:30 - 21:00 | Maddox Theatre – Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Join us on campus to kick off an amazing year of women’s baseball in Rockford and Illinois! We are hosting a FREE screening of the documentary film See Her Be Her that follows the lives of seven players during the 2024 Women’s Baseball World Cup competition cycle playing for their national teams “at the pinnacle of their game…forging a path forward for future generations of female athletes.”
To help celebrate the group stage coming to Rockford and RU this summer, there will be volunteer sign-up tables and information about the events and others hosted by community organizations sharing their work and opportunities to help and join. For more details on the film: https://www.seeherbeher.org/
Bring the girls and young women in your family to this FREE event so you all can get excited about women’s baseball as the world’s eyes start to look here for inspiration!

Day of Giving
2026-04-08 08:30 - 17:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Each year, the University comes together to support a selected cause that will benefit from all funds raised. This year’s funds will go towards refreshing Clark Arts, the home of RU’s Fine Arts programs.
The day will be filled with exciting giveaways and fun activities, all while raising funds for one of the cornerstones of campus creativity.

Finals Prep: Success Workshop
2026-04-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
50 minute workshop to help students begin to prepare for their finals – papers, presentations, tests – we cover it all!

“815 Elevate: The Leadership Series” TEAMS for Teams
2026-04-14 16:00 - 18:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
This new and exciting year-long series of workshops brings a specialized focus on leadership, ranging from topics in effective communication and excel, to maximizing operational excellence and so much more! Register for three and get the fourth one on us!
An interactive guide through TEAMS to improve efficiency, productivity and engagement.
Hosted from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, in the Puri School of Business.
Learn more about the series and register by contacting: CPEL@Rockford.edu!

May Day Tea
2026-05-01 11:30 - 13:00 | University Club of Rockford, 945 North Main Street, Rockford
Friday, May 1, 2026, 11:30 a.m., The University Club of Rockford
Celebrate the season and a beloved Rockford University tradition with warm conversation, tea sandwiches, scones, petite pastries, and a specially blended loose tea.
For generations, traditions like May Day have flourished at Rockford University, made possible by the lasting connections and generosity of alumni and friends.
Registration details are forthcoming.

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Choir Concert
2026-05-01 19:30 - 21:00 | Maddox Theatre – Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
May 1, 2026 (Friday, 7:30 pm)
Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center
Director, Prof. Timm Adams
Join Rockford University choirs and soloists for an enchanting evening of songs.

“815 Elevate: The Leadership Series” Persuade with Purpose: Communication, Marketing, and Influence Among Peers
2026-05-19 16:00 - 18:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
This new and exciting year-long series of workshops brings a specialized focus on leadership, ranging from topics in effective communication and excel, to maximizing operational excellence and so much more! Register for three and get the fourth one on us!
Explore how to craft clear, compelling messages that resonate. Understand your audience and build trust; apply marketing principles to real-life conversations and peer influence through engaging activities and real-world examples.
Hosted from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, in the Puri School of Business.
Learn more about the series and register by contacting: CPEL@Rockford.edu!

Gala
2026-06-05 17:00 - 22:00 | Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman Street, Rockford, 61101, United States
Friday, June 5, 2026 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Rockford Public Library
Rockford University’s signature Gala is our premier annual fundraising event, bringing together alumni, friends, and community partners in support of our mission.
This year, we are excited to reimagine the evening as an elevated Garden Party celebration. Held at the Rockford Public Library, we will celebrate the University’s roots while looking ahead and investing in future growth together.

Golf Playday
2026-08-06 13:00 - 17:00 | Aldeen Golf Club, 1902 Reid Farm Rd, Rockford, IL, 61107, United States
Thursday, August 6, 2026 1:00 p.m., Aldeen Golf Club
This annual outing brings alumni and friends together for a summer day outdoors while supporting RU Athletics and student-athletes. Proceeds from Golf Playday will benefit our NCAA Division III programs and the overall experience of our student-athletes.
Registration details are forthcoming.

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Homecoming
2026-10-01 09:00 - 17:00 | Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. , Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Thursday, October 1 – Sunday, October 4, 2026, Rockford University
Homecoming is for all of us! Whether you graduated five years ago or fifty, whether you walked these halls or cheered from the sidelines—Homecoming is your time to reconnect, celebrate, and rediscover the place that brought us all together.
This weekend isn’t just for Golden Grads or Reunion years. It’s for roommates who haven’t seen each other in too long. It’s for former teammates, professors, and mentors. It’s for new faces and old traditions.
Registration details are forthcoming.

Make a Class Gift
