Commencement
Rockford University’s December Recognition Ceremony to Celebrate Student Achievements
12/02/2024 9:17 am
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 2, 2024
Rockford, Illinois- Rockford University is thrilled to announce its upcoming December Recognition Ceremony, a momentous occasion to honor the achievements of our dedicated students. The ceremony will commence at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Rockford University in the Clark Arts Theatre located at 5050 E State St., Rockford, Illinois, 61108. This event promises to be a celebration of academic excellence and a culmination of hard work and commitment.
This year’s ceremony will include a keynote address from English Professor Dr. William Gahan, and speeches from University President Dr. Patricia Lynott, and Chair of the Board of Trustees Marci Taets.
As part of the day’s festivities, the university will host a nurse pinning ceremony, recognizing the accomplishments of our nursing graduates. The nurse pinning ceremony is set to take place at 9:00 a.m., preceding the main recognition event. This special occasion highlights the dedication and expertise of our nursing students as they embark on their professional journeys.
Rockford University warmly invites families, friends, faculty, and the community to join us in celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of our graduates. The December Recognition Ceremony is a time-honored tradition, and we look forward to sharing this occasion with everyone.
For further information, please contact Rockford University Marketing/Communications at communications@rockford.edu or Sara Myers-Hogshead at SHogshead@rockford.edu.
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About Rockford University:
Rockford University, formerly Rockford College, is a four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The undergraduate program offers approximately 80 majors, minors, and concentrations, including three 100% online majors through the RU Online program. Five master’s degrees are offered through the graduate program, including Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Arts in Sport Management & Leadership (MASM), and Masters of Science in Exercise Physiology (MSEP).
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. Rockford University is proud to hold the prestigious Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, an elective classification that highlights our dedication to meaningful and impactful partnerships within our local and regional communities. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,200 full- and part-time students.
Photo Submission
10/30/2020 12:13 pm
Photo Submission for December Recognition Ceremony
State of the University
10/12/2017 10:27 am
Photo Gallery
05/18/2017 9:29 am
Watch the Ceremony Live
05/12/2017 10:47 am
Strategic Planning
01/19/2017 4:31 pm
Rockford University Strategic Plan 2025-2029
The Rockford University Strategic Plan for 2025–2029 sets a bold course for the institution’s continued evolution and long-term success. Developed through a collaborative and data-informed process, the plan aligns with our mission and values, with key priorities shaped by feedback from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners.
Organized around six core areas—Revenue Growth, Physical Plant, Talent Development, Student Success, Community Involvement, and Continuous Improvement—the plan builds on the University’s liberal arts foundation while embracing innovation. From expanding enrollment and strengthening donor support, to enhancing campus infrastructure, investing in employee development, and deepening community engagement, the plan aims to position Rockford University as a thriving, student-centered institution.
Success will be measured through clear benchmarks, including enrollment growth, student retention and graduation rates, philanthropic giving, and enhanced academic and career readiness outcomes. Through annual assessments and a commitment to transparency and accountability, Rockford University will remain agile and responsive as we work to become a leading model of private higher education in Illinois and beyond.
Alumni Graduate Form
12/12/2016 2:29 pm
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! We look forward to welcoming you to the Rockford University Alumni Association. Whether you are completing your bachelor’s or master’s degree, please know we have a special place in our association just for you!
Here in the Alumni Office, our job is to connect you – be it to job opportunities through alumni, ways to volunteer on campus, old friends you may have lost touch with or to other alums in your area – we are here to help. To ensure we can assist to the best of our abilities, we need a little help from you, our alum.
Please take a moment to complete this graduate information form. The information provided will help us keep you updated on what’s happening on campus and upcoming events and activities you may be interested in! As your information changes through the years, please remember to keep us updated. Contact us whenever your address changes, you get married, change jobs or have other great news to share.
We look forward to working with you as a proud Rockford University Alumnus/a! If you have any questions or need anything at all, please feel free to contact me.
Congratulations!
Lauren Prchal
Stewardship and Project Manager
(815) 394-5190 or LPrchal@rockfod.edu
Alumni Graduate Information Form
President’s Office
11/08/2016 1:38 pm
Dr. Patricia Lynott is Rockford University’s 19th president, having officially assumed the role following her tenure as interim president beginning on December 12, 2022, after the departure of the university’s 18th president, Dr. Eric Fulcomer. Prior to joining Rockford University, Dr. Lynott played a critical leadership role at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), where she helped transition a small regional business college into a national, multi-faceted university. Over the course of her career at SNHU, she served in several key leadership positions, including vice president of academic affairs, provost, and president of SNHU’s University College.
President’s Annual Reports
Affiliations
Rockford University is proud to be affiliated with the following associations:
- The Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities
- Association of American Colleges and Universities
- Illinois Campus Compact
- Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges
- Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference
Commencement
11/03/2016 1:32 pm
Commencement
Rockford University
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4039
Rockford University December Recognition Ceremony
Congratulations to our Rockford University December Graduates! Please use this link to view and download photos from the Saturday, December 10, 2022, ceremony.
12/10/2022 December Recognition Ceremony Photo Gallery
Rockford University 169th Commencement Ceremony
Rockford University’s 169th Commencement is scheduled to be celebrated on Saturday, May 13, 2023, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Coronado Performing Arts Center.
Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in the 2023 Commencement ceremony, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- All degree requirements completed Summer 2022
- All degree requirements completed Fall 2022
- All degree requirements completed Spring 2023
- All degree requirements completed Summer 2023
In order to graduate, you must complete a graduation application using the links below.
- Graduation Application – UNDERGRADUATE (Jotform)
- Graduation Application – GRADUATE (Jotform)
For all Jotforms to be processed, students MUST create an account using their Rockford University email address. (@rockford.edu)
A graduation fee is required, which will be added to your account. Please contact Student Administrative Services (SAS) at 815.394.3700 with any questions regarding the application fee.
Students planning to graduate at the end of the Summer 2022 term may petition to participate in the May 2023 Commencement ceremony. In order to be considered, students must:
- Submit an application for graduation;
- Be registered for summer classes;
- Be certified to complete degree requirements by the end of the Summer 2023 term.
Students who meet these requirements may request permission to participate in the May ceremony by sending an email to the Registrar, Cory Espensen at cespensen@rockord.edu. Please do not petition before you have submitted your application to graduate and registered for your summer classes or your petition will not be considered. You should note that participation in the ceremony does not constitute actual graduation. You must complete all of your Rockford University requirements in order to receive a diploma and be entitled to a transcript that indicates graduation.
December Recognition
10/18/2016 1:30 pm
Rockford University December Recognition Ceremony
2021 December Recognition Video
Congratulations Graduates!
Commencement
Rockford University
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4039Tara Vanden Branden
Graduation@rockford.edu
