Campus News

Rockford University is proud to celebrate our 2025 All-Alumni Award Winners! These outstanding alumni were honored at the annual All-Alumni Awards Dinner during Homecoming Week on Friday, September 26.

Each of these alumni continues to carry on the mission of Rockford University after graduation, serving the Rockford community and beyond in their careers, volunteer work, and leadership.

The Talcott Cross-Elizabeth “Beth” Donovan ’20H

The oldest Rockford University award, the Talcott Cross is awarded to an alumna for her constancy, devotion, and a long history of meritorious service to Rockford University. 

Donovan, a Rockford native and honorary alumni of Rockford University, earned a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and completed the Executive Education Program at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. She spent more than 30 years with Ford Motor Company in global leadership roles, including Vice President of Ford of Australia and U.S. Director of Ford Variable Marketing. She later served as Vice President of AutoAlert LLC. A Rockford University Trustee since 2013, Beth held leadership roles as Board Chair, Secretary, and Governance Committee Chair, helping modernize governance, strengthen communications, and re-energize the University’s brand. Now living in Naples, Florida, she continues her community service on the board of The TwinEagles Club and through volunteer work with numerous organizations.

The Karl C. Williams Award-Michael Schablaske ’87

The Karl C. Williams Award is presented to an alumnus for his constancy, devotion, and a long history of meritorious service to Rockford University. 

Schablaske, a graduate of Rockford University with a B.S. in Accounting, also earned a Master of Science in Taxation from DePaul University. His career included tax, treasury, and investor relations roles at Sundstrand Corporation (now Collins Aerospace), RSM McGladrey, IMC Global, Inc. (now Mosaic), and Woodward, Inc. He also served as Executive Director of Transform Rockford before retiring. Deeply committed to his community, Michael currently serves on the boards of the Greater Rockford Airport Authority, Woodward Charitable Trust, Northern Illinois Development Authority, and Rockford Maker Center. He and his wife, Karin, have made Rockford their lifelong home, prioritizing faith, family, and community.

Outstanding Young Alumni Award-Ciara Stahly ’17

The Outstanding Young Alumni award is given to an alumna/us who has finished her/his Rockford University tenure within the last 15 years. This alumna/us will have fulfilled the ideals of Rockford University by vision, dedication, and initiative in a purposeful endeavor, or through responsible and sustained efforts in the improvements of a community, or a notable achievement in a profession, thus having brought honor and esteem to Rockford University.

Ciara Stahly, a 2017 graduate of Rockford University with a B.S. in Psychology and minors in History and Human Development, currently serves as Director of Fund Development at Rockford Promise. She previously spent seven years at the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, where she advanced from Program Officer to Assistant Development Director, overseeing donor engagement, scholarships, and large-scale community events. Recognized as a Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 honoree in 2025, Ciara is an active community leader, serving with the Rotary Club of Loves Park, Rotary Youth Exchange District 6420, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Rockford Chapter. She lives in Rockford with her husband, Noah, and their two cats, Aslan and Freja.

Award of Distinction-Joshua Patterson ’17

The Award of Distinction is given to alumni for fulfilling the ideals of Rockford University and bringing honor and esteem to the University in one or more of the following ways: through their vision, dedication, and initiative in a purposeful endeavor; by their responsive and sustained efforts in community improvements; or by their notable achievements in a profession. Up to three awards may be given each year.

Joshua Patterson earned his MBA from Rockford University after completing a B.S. in Communication Studies at Luther College. He is currently a Partner at Eight Fifteen Capital, General Manager of Wired Cafe, and Master Roaster at Gretaira Coffee, with experience in leadership roles at Comprehensive Community Solutions and the Rockford Park District. Deeply engaged in the Rockford community, Joshua serves as Board President of the Wabongo Leadership Council and is a member of Master Builders Masonic Lodge #33 and New Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Recognized as one of “25 Leaders to Watch” in 2015 and a 2025 40 Under 40 honoree, Joshua is also a proud father of two, Alan and Aneela.

Award of Distinction-Kelli Ritschel Boehle ’97/’01

Kelli Ritschel Boehle, a graduate of Rockford University with a B.S. in Mathematics and minors in Computer Science and Economics, also earned her MBA from RU. Currently Vice President of Customer Experience at RS Hughes, she has held leadership roles at Ingersoll International, Kerry Inc., and Mérieux NutriSciences. In 2012, Kelli founded the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation (Nik’s Wish), a nonprofit that has raised more than $3.8 million and granted over 400 wishes to young adults across 39 states. Recognized as a 2023 CNN Hero, she continues to dedicate her time as Chief Joy Officer of the Foundation while remaining deeply connected to the Rockford community and Rockford University.

Read more about Kelli and Nic’s Wish in the 2024-2025 Catalyst.

On Wednesday, we officially broke ground on our brand new, multipurpose, turf athletic field!

“This new field is more than just a place to play,” said Rockford University president Dr. Patricia Lynott at the official groundbreaking. “It’s a place where leadership is going to be developed, perseverance is going to be tested, and pride is going to be shared.” 

Funding for the turf field will come from the State of Illinois’s Independent Colleges Capital Investment Grant, the same grant that funded construction of our new baseball and softball fields. Byrne and Jones Sports Construction will lead the project.

Thank you to all of the donors, trustees, alums, staff, faculty, students, friends, family, and Rockford community members who braved the heat to celebrate this new beginning with us!

Watch the full press conference–featuring words of support from Mayor Tom NcNamara alongside President Patricia Lynott, Associate Director of Athletics Jess Stanek, and VP of Advancement Katherine Trotter–on the official RU YouTube channel. 

VP of Advancement Katherine Trotter and President Lynott catch up with Sunil Puri, wearing a classic RU jersey!

On June 12, 2025, Rockford University hosted our annual Golf Play Day at the beautiful Aldeen Golf Club in Rockford, IL. This signature event raises critical funds to support our Athletics programs, which serve more than 30% of our student body.

This year’s event was a tremendous success, with over 100 golfers and more than 30 generous sponsors coming together to raise just over $24,000 in support of our Regents.

We are deeply grateful for the continued support of the Rockford community. Your generosity helps fuel our student-athletes’ success—on the field, in the classroom, and beyond.

Click here to view photos from the event and visit RockfordRegents.com to stay up-to-date on all things Rockford University Athletics!

The Office of Advancement and Alumni is thrilled to announce that the Slavens Ware Scholarship Endowment has reached its funding goal and is now officially an endowed scholarship here at RU! The first awards will be given out in the 2026-2027 academic year. Below, learn more about the Slavens Ware Scholarship Endowment, and the impact both Professor Slavens and Professor Ware had and continue to have on their students. 

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I didn’t think they did anything like that until after you died,” said Dr. Marjorie Slavens, former professor at Rockford University, when asked how she feels about having an endowed scholarship made in her name. Her former students, now friends, who sat next to her, laughed at this response.

Dr. Slavens, and former Professor Sally Lo Ware, are both being honored with an endowed scholarship put together by many of their former students. Alumni Dave & Paula Hougan ‘72, along with alumna Mary Parisoe ‘75, came together at the Rockford University Reunion in September 2024 with Dr. Slavens to talk about why and how they decided to put together this scholarship to honor their two professors.

“This is an absolute way for us to pay tribute to these two professors that were so meaningful in terms of our careers, and to all our experiences at Rockford College,” Dave Hougan said. “It’s unfortunate we didn’t do this earlier when Ms. Ware was around. (Ware passed in 1990). But we now can do this, and we probably weren’t in the place to do it at that time.”

Dave and Paula Hougan, who first met at Rockford College and later married, both studied language in school. Paula was a French and Spanish major, while Dave studied Spanish. Parisoe was a French major.

Ware taught at Rockford College from 1960 until her passing in 1990. She was the first faculty member hired by then-President Dr. John Howard. During Ware’s tenure, she was the chair of the French department and the director of the Language Lab.

When Ware passed suddenly in 1990, it was Parisoe who took her place after Dr. Slavens called her and asked.

Dr. Slavens worked at Rockford College from 1965 to 1998. During her 33 years, she was chair of the Spanish department, chair of the Languages department, and chair of the Language and Literature division.

Parisoe said it was Slavens’ and Ware’s teaching that gave her the career she did not have.

“People say, ‘Oh, the computers do that,’” Parisoe said. “But they don’t know. You would need a meeting of the minds, not a meeting of machines. I think it’s important (the study of language) and it also teaches you about your language in learning a second language.”

Alumna Paula Hougan agrees.

“I’m from a small town in Illinois, and when I checked recently on the demographics of my school district, it continues to be a hundred percent white,” Paula Hougan said.

Through her experience at Rockford College, and her time with Professor Slavens and Ware, Hougan had the opportunity to travel to different countries, and not just as a tourist. Through this endowment fund, she hopes to highlight the importance of people connecting through language.

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This story was originally published in the 2023-2024 Annual Report under Sara Myers-Hogshead’s byline. 

Rockford University is pleased to announce that Katherine Trotter has joined the University’s leadership team as the new Vice President for Advancement. A proud alumna of Rockford University (then Rockford College), Class of 2011, Katherine brings with her more than 15 years of experience in education, partnership-building, and leadership development.

Throughout her career, Katherine has been committed to shaping and enhancing learning experiences, with a strong background in curriculum development and student-centered growth. Her passion for education and community is matched by her dedication to fostering meaningful relationships—values that align deeply with Rockford University’s mission.

As Vice President for Advancement, Katherine will lead efforts to engage alumni, secure philanthropic support, and strengthen the University’s role within the broader Rockford region. Her collaborative leadership style, combined with a deep understanding of what makes communities thrive, will be instrumental in furthering Rockford University’s impact and reach.

Katherine is a passionate advocate for both her alma mater and the Rockford community. She believes in the transformative power of education and is committed to using her role to build lasting partnerships, support student success, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the institution.

Outside of her professional work, Katherine enjoys life with her husband, Jake, and their young daughter, Judy. Their strong family dynamic reflects the same values of connection and care that Katherine brings to her work every day.

Please join us in welcoming Katherine back to Rockford University. We are excited to have her leadership, energy, and vision guiding our advancement efforts into the future.