Campus News

Rockford University is pleased to announce a $7,500 contribution by Midland States Bank. The grant, provided by the Midland States Bank Foundation, will support Rockford University’s new Community CPR and First Aid Certification Program.

“Rockford University is thrilled to partner with Midland States Bank to offer free CPR certification classes to nonprofit employees in our community in the coming year,” said Katherine Trotter, Vice President for Advancement at Rockford University. “As we sought certification opportunities for our own staff, we recognized a broader need for accessible training across the region. With Midland States Bank’s generous support, we will be able to provide potentially life-saving education to those who serve our community every day.”

“Together with our Community Impact Investment Statement, the Midland States Bank Foundation is a powerful way for us to give back to our communities,” commented Jeffrey G. Ludwig, President and CEO of Midland States Bancorp, Inc. “The funds we set aside from the Bank’s profits help us put our company’s culture in action to benefit the communities we serve.”

The Midland States Bank Foundation supports the general welfare, education and health of the communities where the Bank operates. Since its creation in 2011, the Foundation has contributed more than $1,900,000 to non-profit organizations throughout Midland’s footprint.

Dear Members of the Rockford University Community,

Due to the anticipated severe cold weather on Friday, January 23, 2026, Rockford University will be closed. All classes, including evening classes, will transition to virtual learning.

Academic Instruction

• Faculty are encouraged to communicate with their students in advance to ensure a smooth transition to remote instruction.
• Students should look for communication from their professors regarding virtual class expectations.

Employee Work Arrangements

• Staff Employees: Those who are able to work remotely are expected to do so and should coordinate with their supervisors as needed. Supervisors with concerns regarding remote work arrangements should contact Human Resources.
• Essential Employees: Public Safety, Fresh Ideas (Dining Services), and Team National (Maintenance and Facilities) are required to report to work as scheduled.

Campus Services

• Residence Halls: Remain open
• Dining Services: Remain open
• Public Safety: Available 24/7 at (815) 226-4060

Employees are encouraged to make any necessary preparations before leaving campus on Thursday.

Thank you for your cooperation. Please stay safe and warm.

Rockford University is thrilled to announce that the Rockford University Performing Arts department has been awarded a grant in the amount of $1,807 from the Rockford Area Arts Council.

The grant will be used to host a free and open to the public workshop with world-renowned artist David Prete.

On Sunday, February 1, Prete will bring his Plastiques workshop to the Rockford community, offering attendees the opportunity to explore movement, expression, and embodied creativity.

From Prete’s website: “Prete founded The Plastiques Project, where he offers workshops based on the physical work of Jerzy Grotowski called plastiques, which is used to help actors create a relationship to their impulsive bodies and voices.”

The workshop will take place on Sunday February 1, in the Clark Arts Center dance studio from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. with a break in between. Those interested in attending can email performingarts@rockford.edu to RSVP.

Rockford University is one of 237 institutions that have been awarded the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, announced in a press release from the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education (ACE) on Monday, January 12.

Elective Classifications are awarded to institutions “that have made extraordinary commitments to their public purpose,” according to carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu. In being awarded the Community Engagement elective, Rockford University has proven to be committed to a “partnership of college and university knowledge and resources with those of the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching, and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good” (carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/elective-classifications).

“Enriching our students’ educations and lives by engaging them with the community is a vital part of our institutional identity and rooted in the enduring legacy of alumna Jane Addams, founder of Hull-House and Nobel Peace Prize winner,” said Dr. Mary Weaks-Baxter, professor and Director of the Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement at Rockford University. “We are honored to have received the Classification for Community Engagement from the Carnegie Foundation and the recognition that it brings to Rockford University’s commitment to community and civic engagement.”

The Rockford University community is thrilled to celebrate the achievements of senior Jocelyn Solis, 2025 Illinois Secretary of State’s Recipient of the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award.

The John Lewis Youth Leadership Award honors “the late Congressman John Lewis, his impact and extraordinary accomplishments throughout his career. The award celebrates the efforts of young Illinoisians between the ages of 18 and 25 who, like Lewis, have made exceptional civic contributions to their communities.” Learn more at ilsos.gov.

During her time at Rockford University, Jocelyn has not only excelled in her coursework, studying psychology and human development, but outside of the classroom as well. She serves as a Jane Addams Fellow at the Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement on campus, focusing on spreading literacy, uplifting student voices, and implementing service projects. She is a proud first-generation student and a member of the Regents First program. Off campus, Jocelyn works with the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, leading their “In Youth We Trust” philanthropy program.

“This is an exceptional honor and a powerful reflection of Jocelyn’s leadership, service, and commitment to civic engagement, both as a Jane Addams Fellow and as an intern and volunteer at the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois,” said Dr. Chelsea Minor, Assistant Dean of Student Life and Director of Career Development, who nominated Jocelyn for the award.

On Saturday, October 25, students from Rockford University’s Kinesiology Senior Seminar class will host a free youth baseball/softball camp on RU’s new turf baseball and softball fields.

Beginning at 9:30 a.m., the camp will focus on skills such as throwing, fielding, hitting, and baserunning–all taught by RU students and baseball players.

Lunch from Buffalo Wild Wings will be provided, and attendees will be sent home not just with a new set of skills, but goody bags as well.

In the case of inclement weather, the camp will be moved indoors.

Register today at using this link.

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Media are invited to attend and should RSVP. For further information and to RSVP, please contact Kayla Eddy, Rockford University Digital Content and Web Marketing Coordinator, at keddy@rockford.edu.

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This press release was created by students in Dr. Cathy Headley’s Senior Seminar course. 

Students from Rockford University are excited to announce their senior seminar project, Surf, Set, Save, a community-driven sports equipment donation event taking place on Friday, October 24th, during the Hawaiian Themed volleyball game.

The initiative encourages community members and RU students, staff, and faculty to donate gently used sports equipment to support athletes and families in need. By repurposing equipment such as shoes, uniforms, bats, rackets, and more, Surf, Set, Save, aims to reduce waste and provide opportunities for others to enjoy the sports they love.

“This event is a great way to clear out unused gear while giving back to those who need it most,” said Kyla Wilkerson, one of the 3 seniors in the project. We hope to inspire the community to come together for a fun and meaningful cause.”

Join us for a day of sport, celebration, and generosity at the Hawaiian Themed volleyball game and help make a difference, one piece of equipment at a time!

The donation drive and volleyball game will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Seaver gym.

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Media are invited to attend and should RSVP. For further information and to RSVP, please contact Kayla Eddy, Rockford University Digital Content and Web Marketing Coordinator, at keddy@rockford.edu.

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This press release was created by students in Dr. Cathy Headley’s Senior Seminar course. 

Rockford University’s Kinesiology Senior Seminar class is proud to announce a month-long Winter Clothing Drive in partnership with the Rockford Rescue Mission, designed to support local individuals and families in need as the cold season approaches. The event will run throughout the month of October, with donation bins located across campus.

The month-long clothing drive will culminate in the Halloween Costume Knockout Tournament. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes, and all proceeds and items collected during the tournament will directly benefit the Rockford Rescue Mission.

Students who participate in the Knockout Tournament will have a chance to win prizes donated by local sponsors and Rockford University departments. The Rockford community is invited to attend, donate, and cheer on participants.

The Kinsiology Senior Seminar course emphasizes civic engagement and community partnership, and this collaboration with Rockford Rescue Mission highlights the university’s ongoing commitment to service learning.

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Donation Period: October 1st- November 3rd, 2025

Event: Costume Knockout Tournament

Date: Sunday, November 2nd, 2025

Time: 4:00 p.m.

Location: Rockford University Seaver Center

Entry Fee: One winter clothing donation (coat, gloves, scarf, hat, or boots)

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Media are invited to attend and should RSVP. For further information and to RSVP, please contact Kayla Eddy, Rockford University Digital Content and Web Marketing Coordinator, at keddy@rockford.edu.

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This press release was created by students in Dr. Cathy Headley’s Senior Seminar course. 

Rockford University proudly congratulates senior Kaden Finnestad on being named a 2025 Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.

This prestigious honor is awarded to outstanding seniors who “are honored for their leadership and service in the pursuit of the betterment of humanity and for overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities,” according to the Lincoln Academy.

“Kaden’s impact on the Rockford University campus and the local community through volunteering is tremendous.  He possesses a strong academic focus, and leadership skills as a Resident Assistant for his floor, as well as being a member of the Rockford University Football Team.  Kaden’s role modeling, ability to provide out of the classroom educational activities, and providing guidance with an empathetic response for campus referrals and interventions is important for our students’ development,” said Scott Mitchell, Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Residence Life, who nominated Kaden for the honor.

The Lincoln Academy honored top students from colleges and universities across Illinois during a ceremony held on Oct. 18 in Chicago. Each student laureate received the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award certificate, a Lincoln medallion, a challenge coin, and a $1,000 check from The Lincoln Academy.

Congratulations to Kaden for this remarkable achievement!

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For further information, please contact Kayla Eddy, Rockford University Digital Content and Web Marketing Coordinator, at keddy@rockford.edu. Photos can be found here.

On Monday, October 27, Rockford University will host a launch party and reading of The Rockford Anthology, a new book by and for the Rockford community.

The anthology is filled with short pieces about the city, including many written by current and former students and faculty at Rockford University.

Join us in the Howard Colman Library to share light snacks and hear authors read their work, with an opportunity to purchase the book and get it signed. Mingle with students, alumni, and faculty at 4:30 p.m., with the reading beginning at 5:00 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public, with no RSVP required.

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Media should RSVP by Friday, October 24. For further information and to RSVP, please contact Kayla Eddy, Rockford University Digital Content and Web Marketing Coordinator, at keddy@rockford.edu.