Campus News

Irene Richeson Helm Sedeora ’70 took up writing after her time at Rockford University and is a published writer. She is a member of the National League of American Pen Women.

James Tuthill ’69 and his partner, Helen, went to Australia and New Zealand on a cruise in March of 2020, and almost got stranded in New Zealand because of the virus. Jim’s initial trip to England in 1968 during the first RU January program led by Dr. Gordon Ross instilled in him the awe and splendor of travel, which is one of his and Helen’s main pursuits today.

Ted Sanford ’68 is a retired anesthesiologist and captain of the United States Navy living in Coronado, Calif. He taught anesthesiology at the University of Michigan. Ted has helped to get Californians vaccinated.

Jane Havlicek Roth ’68 retired in December 2020 as senior director of global real estate for Ellucian, Inc. and is currently focusing on being a caregiver for her mother with whom she shares a home. Her mother is a remarkable 103 years young.

Gerald Bargren ’61 celebrated 60 years of marriage with his partner, Jean. They have seven children, 22 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Arlene Murin Krizka ’60 welcomed her second great-granddaughter to the family.

Colleen Kitzmiller Holmbeck ’56 was named one of four finalists for the WIFR Eyewitness News Remarkable Woman Award. She has spent decades volunteering and activating positive change in the Rockford community.

Judy Symon Sophianopoulos ’53 retired in 2005 after 18 years as an environmental scientist with the EPA and 17 years as a lecturer and researcher in chemistry at Emory University. Now, Judy volunteers as a tutor at the afterschool program LaAmistad, a charitable organization that provides services to Hispanic families.

Erin McDonald ’19 is a medical/surgical nurse working with various medical problems and has seen all different types of patients including those with trauma, cardiac issues, withdrawal, and COVID-19.

Yvette Robinson ’18/’20 is excited to be serving her country as an AmeriCorps VISTA for Northern Illinois Regional Affordable Housing. She has had the pleasure of working with the Illinois National Guard and the Winnebago County Health Department during a vaccine clinic at Collier Gardens.