Campus News

Rockford University is pleased to announce the appointment of Raymond J. McNulty, Debra L. Leahy, Ed.D., and Ashwin Puri to its Board of Trustees, bringing three recognized leaders with extensive experience in higher education, educational innovation, international engagement, investment, philanthropy, and community development to the University’s governing board.

The appointments come at an important time for Rockford University and for higher education nationally. Together, McNulty, Leahy, and Puri bring complementary perspectives that will strengthen the Board as the University continues to adapt to a rapidly changing higher education environment while remaining firmly grounded in its mission and its longstanding commitment to the Rockford region.

Rockford University President, Patricia Lynott, Ph.D. said, “These three accomplished leaders understand education, innovation, investment, community, and the changing needs of students and employers. Their addition to our Board strengthens our ability to think boldly about Rockford University’s future while remaining true to the institution we have been for nearly 180 years.”

Raymond J. McNulty has spent more than five decades helping shape the future of education, with leadership experience spanning early childhood, K–12 and higher education, state education policy, philanthropy, technology-enabled learning, and student success. An early national voice on the importance of early-childhood education, McNulty went on to serve as Vermont Commissioner of Education before being selected by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as a program director in its education program, where he worked with states and school districts to improve high schools, increase graduation and college-going rates, and create more personalized learning environments.

McNulty later served as Chief Learning Officer for Penn Foster Education and Dean of the School of Education at Southern New Hampshire University, experiences that expanded his work in online and competency-based education, adult learning, and flexible pathways connecting education with employment. As President of the Successful Practices Network and National Dropout Prevention Center, McNulty also helped advance national work addressing student disengagement, resilience, attendance, trauma-skilled schools, and the needs of vulnerable students. He currently serves as Senior Fellow for Thought Leadership at the Successful Practices Network and National Dropout Prevention Center.

McNulty’s latest book, “America’s Next Dream: Preparing Students for a World Where the Old Rules No Longer Apply” explores the critical role of mentorship, exposure to real-world opportunities, resilience, essential workplace skills, and hope in creating equitable pathways to success.

Debra L. Leahy, Ed.D., is a nationally recognized higher education leader with more than three decades of experience in academic leadership, international education, global partnerships, accreditation, enrollment strategy, and workforce-responsive programming. Her leadership experience includes positions at California State University, Fullerton; Southern New Hampshire University; Cambridge College Global; and the New England Institute of Art.

At Southern New Hampshire University, Leahy led more than 70 international partnerships and provided strategic leadership for overseas educational sites in Vietnam and Malaysia. As Provost and Chief Accreditation Officer at Cambridge College Global, she helped grow the institution’s academic portfolio by 75 percent, using workforce and market intelligence to develop programs responsive to emerging employer needs. She is also a frequent presenter at national and international higher education conferences on transnational education, global partnerships, internationalization, and student mobility.

Leahy currently serves as Interim Provost, Vice President for Global Affairs, Dean of the Tangier Campus, and Professor of Global Management at the University of New England, where she provides senior academic leadership while advancing the University’s global strategy and overseeing its campus in Tangier, Morocco.

Ashwin Puri is a Rockford native and investment executive whose appointment represents a convergence of Rockford’s past and its future. The oldest son of the late Sunil Puri, one of the most consequential civic leaders and philanthropists in Rockford’s history, Puri carries forward a family legacy of investment in the community while bringing to the Board a distinctly new generation of experience and perspective.

Puri’s career spans global investing, venture capital, emerging markets, entrepreneurship, and investment governance. His experience includes more than 100 investments across the United States, Africa, Southeast Asia, India, and Latin America, as well as previous leadership roles in venture capital in New York and Michigan. A graduate of Rockford’s Auburn High School and Georgetown University, Puri also gained early public-service experience with the Obama White House and the U.S. Department of State, including at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing.

Puri currently serves as Chief Investment Officer of First Midwest Group, President of FMG Capital, and President of the Puri Foundation, where he leads investment strategy and capital allocation across a global portfolio and oversees philanthropic grantmaking and partnerships supporting economic mobility, community development, poverty alleviation, and expanded opportunities for women and children.

Rockford University, Rock Valley College (RVC), and Rockford Promise announce an expanded partnership creating more opportunities for local students to earn a bachelor’s degree in the Rockford region.

The three organizations signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 24, 2026, establishing a transfer pathway that supports Rockford Promise Scholars as they continue their education from RVC to Rockford University.

Beginning with students enrolling at Rockford University in Fall 2026, eligible Rockford Promise Scholars who earn an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from Rock Valley College with at least a 2.3 cumulative GPA will receive a scholarship covering their remaining tuition and security fee for up to two years while completing a bachelor’s degree at Rockford University.

The agreement reflects a shared commitment to increasing educational attainment, strengthening the regional workforce, and creating opportunities for students to achieve their academic goals without leaving the community. Students will also benefit from coordinated advising, dedicated transfer support, and collaborative student success initiatives designed to help them progress from their first college course through bachelor’s degree completion.

At Rockford University, we believe higher education should be both accessible and transformational. This partnership creates a seamless pathway for local students to earn a bachelor’s degree while remaining rooted in the Rockford region. By working together with Rockford Promise and Rock Valley College, we are expanding educational opportunity, strengthening our local workforce, and investing in the long-term success of the students and communities we proudly serve.

-Dr. Patricia Lynott, President of Rockford University 

The signing ceremony also featured remarks from Miles Lang, a Rockford Promise Scholar and alumnus of both Rock Valley College and Rockford University. Lang shared how Rockford Promise allowed him to explore academic interests without the burden of financial debt before transferring to Rockford University to complete his bachelor’s degree. Lang is thrilled for the opportunity future students will have to continue receiving the Rockford Promise mentorship and financial support after transferring from RVC to Rockford University.

For the inaugural Fall 2026 implementation, the organizations have extended application and financial aid deadlines to August 1, 2026, giving eligible students additional time to participate in the new transfer pathway during its first year.

By aligning scholarship support with a clear transfer pathway, Rockford Promise, Rock Valley College, and Rockford University are expanding opportunities for local students to earn both associate and bachelor’s degrees while investing in the long-term educational and economic vitality of the Rockford region.

Students interested in learning more about transferring to Rockford University can visit rockford.edu/admission/rockford-promise or contact the Office of Admission at admissions@rockford.edu or 815-226-4050.

Each year, the Rockford University community comes together for Day of Giving, a special 24-hour event dedicated to raising funds for the spaces that shape life on campus.

This year’s Day of Giving focused on the Clark Arts Center, home to the arts programming—a defining part of the University’s academic tradition.

The Clark Arts Center serves as both an educational hub—where students expand their knowledge across visual, performing, and interdisciplinary arts—and a gathering place for our broader community.

Individuals and families from across the Rockford region come to the Clark Arts Center to attend ceremonies, performances, exhibitions, and so many other memorable experiences.

In honor of Clark Arts’ role in bringing together the Rockford community, the University set an ambitious goal: to raise $40,000 in just 24 hours.

What followed was an incredible outpouring of support. From early donors and matching gifts to every individual who joined in their own way, the response was immediate and inspiring.

By midnight, $49,332 had been raised—exceeding the goal by 123%.

Gifts have continued to come in following Day of Giving, bringing the total to more than $51,000 raised for the Clark Arts Center.

A Special Thank You to Our Students

This year’s Day of Giving wouldn’t have been possible without the help of a few talented students who were willing to share their time and creative energy to support Rockford University.

• Anya Batbayar (Graphic Design major) was our talented graphic designer, dedicating many hours outside of her studies to create the vibrant visuals and branding for Day of Giving, as seen at the top of this post.
• Ethan Sullivan (Acting/Directing major) captured the energy of Clark Arts as our videographer, combining candid footage with inspiring storytelling. Click here to view Ethan’s story.
• Richard Hart, President of the Art Club at Rockford University, also contributed in a special way. His artwork, Spillway, PA (2025) was featured on a commemorative magnet for Day of Giving. Anyone who donated had the opportunity to receive this piece of custom artwork, a reminder of the creativity and possibility that the Clark Arts Center helps foster every day.

As we reflect on this incredible show of generosity, our President, Dr. Patricia Lynott, has a message she would like to share with the community:

Dear Members of the Rockford University Community,

Due to the anticipated severe cold weather on Monday, March 16, 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.

While I never had the privilege of working directly with Sunil at Rockford University, he was always a presence on campus. Sunil believed deeply in the power of education to transform lives, and his vision and commitment played an important role in helping guide Rockford University through challenging times. We likely would not be here today without Sunil’s vision and support. His belief in us and in the potential of our students leaves a lasting impact, and our institution owes him a great deal.

Sunil’s life was a true American success story. Through hard work and determination, he built a legacy that touched countless people across our region, even those that might not have known him personally. 

We are profoundly grateful for Sunil’s friendship. His legacy will continue to inspire our university and our community for years to come.

-Dr. Patricia Lynott

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 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.