Campus News

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.

Congratulations to RU’s own Timm Adams on being named the Artistic Director of Camerata Emanon! Timm will continue in his role of Associate Professor of Music at RU while leading the Camerata Emanon Singers. 

From Camerata Emanon on Facebook: The board of Camerata Emanon is pleased to announce the appointment of its new artistic director, following the outstanding ten-year leadership of Dr. Timothy Anderson. The new director will be Timm Adams, Associate Professor of Music at Rockford University.

Timm brings years of experience in theater, musical theater, vocal instruction, and choral conducting to his new role, having directed the renowned Chicago Chamber Choir from 2000-2015 as well as choirs at Rockford University and other institutions.

Since its founding in 1999, The Camerata Emanon Singers has brought together talented individuals from the greater Rockford region with a passion for singing. As a community chamber choir dedicated to singing choral compositions requiring little or no accompaniment, Camerata Emanon has presented music from a variety of styles and periods at its concerts. It has also been blessed with former artistic directors, founder Rulee Stallmann (1999-2015) and Tim Anderson (2015-2025).

“After singing with the fine musicians of Camerata Emanon for five years, I’m looking forward to continuing Tim Anderson’s excellent work,” said new artistic director Timm Adams. “I’m fascinated by the ability of the human voice to move an audience. I’m also interested in the storytelling of choral programming. And I’m committed to the community role of choirs, for both the singers and the community at large. I look forward to developing further the chorus’s beautiful sound and chamber repertoire to complement the already rich musical scene in Rockford. Thank you for this opportunity.”

Photo from the 2024 RUPA trip to perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland.