Campus News

Rockford, Ill. (Sept. 11, 2023)- The students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Rockford University — the region’s leading private four-year institution — will spend Wednesday, September 13, 2023, giving back to the Rockford community during its annual Day of Service.

In celebration of Rockford University’s most famous alumna, Jane Addams — and her September birthday — the campus is joining together as a community to celebrate her legacy and our institutional commitment to her values. 

“Jane Addams Day of Service recognizes the birthday and the enduring legacy of Addams and her commitment to working for the common good,” said Mary Weaks-Baxter, Ph.D., Director of the Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement at Rockford University. “Our hope is that this Day of Service can be an opportunity for us to consider ways we can reach out to communities in need and recognize how community engagement and activism can unite us in the common goal of working for the betterment of our society and world.”  

The 2023 Day of Service will benefit local organizations, including Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter, Kids Around the World, Miss Carly’s, the Discovery Center, Tinker Swiss Cottage, Burpee Museum of Natural History, Veterans Drop-In  Center, and more.

Students, faculty and staff will also include on-campus projects to improve Clark Arts Center, Starr Science Center, Lang Wellness Center for Health and Wellness, and Seaver Physical Education Center. 

Students, faculty, and staff will be spending the day volunteering not only on campus, but across the city of Rockford.

Photo and B-roll Opportunities:

• Students, staff and faculty will be working on projects at Clark Arts Center, Starr Science Center and Lang Wellness Center for Wellness on the RU Campus. Media can come to any of these buildings at 10 a.m. to noon to take photos and/or b-roll and chat with Weaks-Baxter about the event.
• Media can also go to Miss Carly’s, located at 1125 5th Ave. in Rockford at 10 a.m. to noon to meet with RU Marketing/Communications to take b-roll, as well.

RSVP to RU Marketing/Communications by emailing us at communications@rockford.edu by 8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13.

ABOUT ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY

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 bachelor’s 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.

Congrats to Staff/Faculty Emily Webb and Ian Seivert who won the Rockford University President’s Opening Convocation 2023 drawing!

Emily Webb (Assistant Professor of Biology) won a $50 Starbucks gift card. Ian Seivert (Assistant Director of Information Technology) won the 10 free meals in the Rockford University dining hall. Staff and/or faculty who attended the Friday, Aug. 25, event were eligible for the prizes. 

Director of University Events Tara Vanden Branden can be seen in the below video picking the winners.

By Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist   

First day of classes at Rockford University start Wednesday, Aug. 23. To help make sure new first-year students are prepared, we gathered some quick tips and advice to ensure you start the new school year right.

Big thanks to staff from Admissions, Housing and Student Life. If we have missed anything, please comment below! 

Katie Wolfgram, RU Assistant Director of Admissions:  

#1. Send your final high school transcript to admissions.  

• Make sure your high school transcript is sent directly to the Admissions Office (anytime during the fall semester is acceptable, but late transcripts will affect your financial aid so don’t delay!)

#2. Chat with Student Administrative Services ASAP.  

• Make time to chat with Student Administrative Services (SAS) as early as possible. They can address financial aid questions and determine if you need to fill out any forms.

#3. Sign up for the Spring semester in October!  

• October may seem early to plan for spring, but that’s when class registration opens up. Before you can register you will need to make sure your transcripts are submitted to SAS by the first half of the Fall semester. You can check the Portal for updates. 

Director of Student Life Alex Johnson Recommends Upcoming Events 

Orientation was the first opportunity to learn more about Rockford University. If you attended, you were able to meet your entire first-year class and get to know your first-year advisor.

Throughout your time at Rockford University, you will have other opportunities to get involved and meet people.

“There are a lot of things happening in August,” said Alex Johnson, Director of Student Life. 

“You may be nervous about just attending college and not knowing anyone. These events are a perfect time for anyone to attend to get connected to all the students on campus. If I had to emphasize two things it would be the fall kickoff and the activities fair to attend.”  

Make sure to check announcements and social media for updates on events. Here is a list of upcoming Student Life Events:

Fall Kick Off  

• When: Friday, Aug. 25  
• Time: 5 to 8 p.m.  
• Where: Burpee Commons  

• What: Enjoy inflatables, games, make-and-take items, and great food. This event is open to Rockford University Students, Staff, Faculty, and their families. Make sure you stay till 8 p.m. when we end the night with fireworks!  

Caffeine Cart  

• When: Monday, Aug. 28  
• Time: 9 to 11:30 a.m.  
• Where: Around campus  

• What: Join the Commuter Council as they help you wake up. Make sure you flag down the purple golf cart on your way to class to snag a caffeinated beverage!  

Activities Fair  

• When: Wednesday, Aug. 30  
• Time: 2 to 4 p.m.  
• Where: Library Patio  

• What: Want to get involved on campus? Stop by the activities fair and meet all the clubs that Rockford University has to offer.  

Water Festival  

• When: Thursday, Aug. 31  
• Time: Tentatively 3-6 pm  
• What: Burpee Commons  

• Info: Join CAB as they throw the first-ever water festival. Join us for tons of water-inspired games including slide-and-slide kickball, a water balloon fight, and more!  

College Success from Scott Mitchell, Assistant Dean and Director of Residence Life:  

#1. Sit in the “T” zone one class. The front rows and down the center aisles are important to maintain contact with faculty and be notified to participate in class discussions.  

 #2. Although new to campus, set up a routine for hours of sleep and study. Maintain a schedule for success. It is easy to get distracted and setting a routine right away helps maintain focus on academic goals.  

We wish everyone a safe and happy semester! Students can find major university news here at rockford.edu. 

A Thrilling Recap of Unforgettable Performances

by Lindsey Giardino 

It’s always an exciting time within Rockford University’s performing arts program.

Each academic year, the department produces a collection of theater productions open to the campus community and general public. This past fall, those productions included a 1960s themed cabaret show directed by RU Performing Arts Professor Timm Adams entitled, “Good Vibrations: Songs of the 60s!”

Complementary tickets were sent to Rockford University alumni who graduated in the 1960s and 1970s, and many attended a performance.

Another performance, “These Shining Lives,” was directed by Professor Deborah Mogford in November 2022. The heart-wrenching play is based on the true story of Catherine Donahue and her friends who worked for the Radium Dial Company and how women’s lives were changed between 1922 and 1938 by the right to vote and new job opportunities.

In addition, Rockford University’s choirs and special guest Camerata Emanon put on a choral concert in November, performing “And the Angels Sang.” 

The fall season came to a close with a dance performance, “Orchesis: New Beginnings,” co-directed by Performing Arts Department Chair and Technical Director Beth Drog and graduating senior Marissa Ott. Not only did this feature Rockford University dancers, but it also  featured dancers from Rockford Dance Company, Evolve Dance Company, Auburn High School and South Beloit High School.

“Rockford University Performing Arts truly produces excellence in the realm of performing arts here in Rockford,” said Margaret McGraw, administrative and marketing assistant for the visual and performing arts program at RU. “The rigorous program provided by our hardworking faculty produces in our students the skills they need to progress in their artistic career.”

Although guided by faculty, each show is the collective hard work of every student in the program, McGraw said.

While there are many highlights of the overall program to call out, one pressing event is the retirement of Professor Jeff Hendry, who retired at the end of the spring semester after 41 years. He created the majority of the costumes seen on stage at Rockford University.

To purchase tickets to a future Rockford University production or to learn more about all the happenings, call 815-226-4100 or visit ticketor.com/rockforduniversity.

This story was originally published in the Spring/Summer 2023 issue of Catalyst. 

Thriving on the Digital Battlefield

by Lindsey Giardino 

When Rockford Female Seminary was chartered on February 25, 1847, playing games on a computer was not imaginable. It did not exist.

Fast forward 176 years later, and Rockford University’s Esports program is growing and thriving as another attraction for new students. The Esports program, formally called Regent’s Esports, formed in the fall of 2019.

The 2022-23 season was especially exciting. The program received generous funding to purchase new gaming computers and launched scholarships specifically for students in Esports. Regent’s Esports also has its own state-of-the-art facility located in the heart of the Burpee Student Center, which features two dedicated streaming/content creation desktops, 16 MSI gaming stations, and top tier gaming peripherals.

“Students from all aspects of the university get involved with our program for the chance to compete in the games they are passionate about,” said Alex Johnson, director of student involvement and orientation and Esports coordinator. 

Esports students play on teams in competitive matches. 

Rockford University Esports Director and Graduate Hall Director, Tanner Elliott, has been with the program since 2019, but officially began his new role in 2023.

“This program has developed me professionally, socially, and academically just as much as my education has here at RU,” he said. 

“My goal is to make students on the teams feel like they found where they belong at RU and give them the best experience possible.”

This story was originally published in the Spring/Summer 2023 issue of Catalyst. 

Rockford University Costume Designer Takes Last Bow

By Aris Sherwood

Walk into the lobby of Maddox Theatre in the Clark Arts Center at Rockford University, and you will find mannequins dressed in costumes of shows past. Underneath them are the designers’ names on plaques. Newly retired professor of theater arts and costume designer, Jeff Hendry’s name is captured on many.

Hendry retired at the end of the 2023 spring semester after 41 years.  During his time here, Hendry has worn many different hats due to his diverse background. He has directed shows and has even taught Rockford University theater history and Shakespeare courses.

Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Hendry received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Production from the University of Arizona, and Master of Fine Arts in Costume Design from University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

When he left graduate school, Hendry said he was searching for jobs primarily in the Midwest. Rockford University was where he ended up and stayed.

“I kind of bounced around a lot,” he said.

Designer of Many Hats

“I have an odd skill set compared to most costume designers,” he said. “Most design people have a secondary emphasis in graduate school in another design area. I didn’t. I had directing as my secondary emphasis. I guess that’s always interested me.”

In the early 1990’s, the faculty from the theater department came together to create a musical theater major, Hendry said. Since then, Hendry has taught both performance and history/literature. He is now the only professor left of the program’s original creators.

“Professor Mogford likes to refer to me as a ‘Renaissance Man,’” he said. “I wear a lot of hats, and quite frankly, that’s part of the reason why I’ve stayed here for so long. If I had gone to a larger university, I’d end up in the costume shop and that’s all I’d be doing, because I wouldn’t have the opportunity to work in these other areas that I really enjoy.”  

Besides teaching, costume designing, and directing, on top of his extensive freelancing career, Hendry said Rockford University has given him opportunities beyond what he ever expected. Back when the university was connected to Regents College in London, England, Hendry said he was sent to London to oversee and operate the program.

“Living in London for a year and a half totally changed my outlook on life,” he said.

When Rockford University applied for and received a grant from the American and Japanese Foundation of Education, three professors were chosen to work on a communications effort with 9 other schools in the country and travel to Japan for research of their choosing. 

“I was researching Kabuki Theater and came back and produced a play in traditional Kabuki style, which was really exciting for me and the students. I could have never imagined doing that sort of thing when I came here”

For those future Rockford University students and next generation of costume designers who will not get to experience Jeff Hendry, the professor, he had one piece of advice:

“Don’t be afraid to take a risk. If any place, this is the place you can take a risk,” he said. “When I was starting here, my God, I made so many mistakes when I look back on it. But I learned from every single one of them, and it made me a better teacher and a better designer.”

This story was originally published in the Spring/Summer 2023 issue of Catalyst. 

By Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist

The year 2013 became the start of a new chapter for Rockford University. It was the year that the institution announced its name change from Rockford College to Rockford University. 

In honor of ten years since this milestone and their own graduation, multiple alumni from the class of 2013 shared their favorite college memories, and how RU prepared them for their careers. 

Joanna (Bares) Mladic

Joanna Bares (now Mladic) said she was originally drawn to Rockford College because of the vast volunteer opportunities available. Mladic studied history and secondary education during her time at RU, and initially aspired to be a history teacher, she said.

As a student she wrote for RU’s student newspaper the Recensio and participated in volunteer projects through Rotary International. She said her time in Dr. Catherine Forslund’s history classes were some of her fondest memories. That’s where she said she learned to analyze and interpret historical documents. 

“All my professors were wonderful,” Mladic said.

After graduating, Mladic decided that instead of pursuing a teaching career, she would use the skills she learned in Forslund’s history classes. In 2014, she worked at RU as a technical services assistant, serial manager and archivist. Later, she became RU’s Electronic Resources Librarian and Archivist. 

Today, Mladic works at the North Suburban Library District, located in both Loves Park and Roscoe, as the Global History Librarian.

Julia Halsted

By the time Julia Halsted began studying at RU, she already had a family and a home in Rockford. She said she needed a bachelor’s program with flexibility since her family was the first priority. She enrolled in the Rockford University Degree Completion Program.

“I ended up being a ‘comeback kid’ as they call it around here and relocated back to the (Rockford) area,” Halsted said. 

She said the program fit perfectly for her lifestyle. Halsted was able to finish her bachelor’s degree at her own pace. Halsted said she wanted to do something related to business so pursued the management studies degree. Since then, she has worked for RPS 205, the Rockford Park District, Winnebago County, and is now the Director of Operations of Administration and HR Finance at Region 1 Planning Council in Rockford.

When Halsted graduated from RU, she walked at commencement while pregnant with her second child, Anabel. 

“I chose to have Rockford University (instead of Rockford College) on my diploma,” Halsted said on her degree. “I think because I’m so forward looking, I was really excited to be among the first to have that distinction.”

Bill Newkirk

Alumnus Bill Newkirk was visiting friends who lived in the Rockford area when he heard about Rockford College for the first time. He said he was drawn onto the beautiful campus during that trip.

Newkirk received both his bachelor’s degree and MBA in accounting from RU, in 2012 and 2013, respectively. He credits his mother, who is a certified public accountant, for inspiring him to go into the accounting field. 

During his time at RU, he was involved in student government and was even a resident advisor, he said. He recalls having many professors who made an impact on him, such as Bob Evans, Bill Lewis and Hank Epstein. 

“It laid the foundation for my accounting knowledge,” Newkirk said.

Since graduating, he has taken over the family accounting firm, Newkirk and Associates, He said he has been able to use his foundation at RU in the real world and since 2016, has helped grow his family business.

Newkirk is now married to his wife Susie (previously Smith) who graduated RU in 2009. They have three children together.

This story was originally in the Spring/Summer 2023 issue of Catalyst. 

By Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist

The Rockford University Regents First program, which specifically supports first-generation college students, introduced its first pilot summer internship program at the beginning of the summer.

The seven student interns currently work as summer camp leaders/counselors at Patriots Gateway Center, located at 615 S. 5th St. in Rockford. Camp started June 20 and ends Friday, Aug. 18. Six of the seven students are studying education, and one is a nursing student. Julissa Gutierrez and Jennifer Pina are rising juniors at RU, while the rest of the students are rising sophomores.

The interns lead kindergarten through 8th graders, in a combination of group activities with topics in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).

To prepare for the summer internship, the Rockford University students participated in a  pre-internship program. They attended multiple seminars, including financial literacy, professionalism, and leadership seminars.

“We’ve spent our time investing in them prior to their arrival at the internship site,” said Dr. Karen Walker, RU Dean of Academic Support, Center for Learning Strategies. “They have learned about the professionalism that we want them to embrace and embody, and we’ve talked about the characteristics of effective leaders. And now that they’re at the internship site, we don’t just drop them off and walk away, we’re still there. We’re checking on them and checking in with their supervisors.”

RF Interns Julissa Gutierrez and Mya Barrett—both studying education —  spoke about how their summer internship is going and what they have learned.

“We get to do so many different types of activities with them,” Barrett said. “Last time I was there, we were doing math. But I like how they’re integrating the learning component into it and getting the kids to be able to do fun summer activity stuff.”

Barrett is majoring in Biology with a minor in Secondary Education, with endorsements in English as a Second Language (ESL) and Spanish.

Gutierrez is majoring in Elementary Education and minoring in Bilingual Education and Special Education.

“It’s been a very busy summer. I’m really enjoying it,” Gutierrez said. “I think I learn something new every time I go into Patriots. The kids are learning from me and I’m learning from them. It’s been a great growing experience I’d say.”

Another added benefit to the summer internship program is that it’s a paid internship. Barrett said that this definitely was helpful to her but thinks she would still volunteer at Patriots over the summer, but only once a week while she works at AMC Movie Theater.

“I definitely might not have been as able to just because it’s a full-time role,” Gutierrez said on the internship being paid. “I have been working with children and that was the goal. Last year, I did Discovery Center (as a paid job) for the summer, but I definitely know for me it helped a lot that it was paid, and I think that is definitely incentivizing.”

The seven RF students who participated included: Julissa Gutierrez, Mya Barrett, Arwen Johnson, Ana Contreras, Kiarra Myrick, Nicole Facer, and Jennifer Pina. 

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by Aris Sherwood

Meet Mack Freeze!

Freeze is a Rockford University Criminal Justice major, set to graduate in a couple of weeks (on May 13!). During her time here, Freeze was active with the Campus Activities Board (CAB), and was the SGA representative (Student Government Association) for CAB. She also helped start the Esports program, where she became the first women E-Sports captain as co-captain of the Overwatch team.  

“Being a part of the Campus Activities Board and being a part of the Esports program, they gave me a family, and helped me be as successful as possible on campus,” Freeze said.  

Knowing how important it is to join clubs and activities on campus, Freeze hopes to help encourage students to get involved on campus when she starts her new job as an Admissions Counselor here at RU, right after graduation.  

“I’m going to be able to spread the joy that Rockford University has brought me,” she said. “I am going to be able to bring in incoming freshmen and help them understand the benefits of Campus Activities Board, and clubs like SAGA, and all that’s open to the campus to create a safe space for those who need a safe space to learn and further their education.” 

For Women’s History Month, we wanted to chat with some women on Rockford University’s campus in leadership roles. We’re ending our series with our new Director of Marketing and Communications: Andrea V. Watson. 

How has your career brought you to your present-day Director of Marketing and Communications role at Rockford University?

High school junior Andrea never imagined she’d be the Director of Marketing and Communications at Rockford University — or any higher ed institution for that matter. Like many young people, I started out with tunnel vision, knowing exactly where I planned to go to college and where I’d end up working. I didn’t know then that my interests and passions would change as I grew older. 

I received my B.A. in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago and my M.A. in Journalism from Columbia College Chicago. Most of my career was spent in fast-paced work environments where I was able to focus on my love of storytelling, while always meeting new people. In addition to writing and editing, I enjoyed analyzing digital and social media metrics, developing strategic plans, and creating new user engagement opportunities.

I also knew that many of my digital and editing skills would be transferable, but I just didn’t know at which point I’d switch careers. Well shortly after one of my former Chicago newsrooms folded, I landed a job with Chicago Public Schools. The communications department had a new digital media manager role which I was offered. 

I quickly realized I could still use my writing and digital skills while amplifying the school district’s message through strategic planning. I think it was during that job that I truly began to see a different career path as a realistic possibility for myself. 

How do you think your background as a reporter and editor will help in your new role as Director of Marketing and Communications at RU?

I believe that my background will help me in my new role because many of my skills are transferable. In all of my previous journalism jobs, I’ve had to find ways to market our content. I had to build relationships with the community, elected officials, businesses, sponsors, and more. I’ve grown my digital and multimedia skills over the years. Also, having a journalism background gives me an advantage when it’s time to pitch stories about RU to the media. I’ve seen plenty of what doesn’t work.

Aside from my career background, I was once a college student. I enjoyed my college experience and made the conscious decision to stay in Illinois for my education. I remember what worked for me. I was also very involved on campus. I was a student and parent orientation leader. I helped spearhead UIC’s Transfer Student Advisory Council. I participated in three of our student support programs and actively mentored freshmen. 

How do you celebrate Women’s History Month?

I never stop celebrating, honoring and supporting women, but during Women’s History Month, I make a special effort to attend local events and exhibits.