By Sara Myers, Digital Media & Communications Specialist

Learning about an institution’s history often requires research. To make Rockford University’s history more engaging without reading a book or two, RU’s Performing Arts professor Deborah Mogford decided to produce a dramatization on its most famous class, just in time for one of the University’s busiest weekends. 

During homecoming weekend, Oct. 13, 2023, Rockford University’s Performing Arts department performed Mogford’s production, “The Addams Thread,” focusing on the university’s most well-known classes.

“It’s lovely to read a novel, I’m a big reader, but people remember stories they see visually,” Mogford said. “That’s the beauty of drama.”

Mogford wrote and directed the play as a dedication to the “Glorious Seventeen,” the seventeen women who graduated from Rockford Female Seminary in 1881, which includes notable Alumni Jane Addams, a Nobel Peace Prize Winner and the founder of Chicago’s Hull House. Mogford added that she also dedicates this play to all RU alumni. 

“Graduates of this university can attest to RU’s dedication to advancing knowledge for the students while fostering life-long intellectual curiosity,” Mogford said in the director’s note in the production’s program. “They can also speak to the school’s commitment to instilling in the student population a desire to seek a life of purpose, service, and leadership to the community they choose to inhabit.”

To create this production, Mogford said she researched Jane Addams’s valedictorian speech where she discovered Addams’s nickname for her graduating class. This led Mogford to create a show that touched on how the “Glorious Seventeen” were always bonded and how Jane attending Rockford had the impact it did.

“I got to thinking that’s lovely and it’s 1893, four lovely women, all white,” Mogford said. “The school doesn’t look like that anymore. So, what is that legacy, and how does it look in 2023? So, I thought, I’ll then jump ahead 100 years.”

The play is split into two scenes at different times and places.

Scene I is set in the summertime in 1893 at Rockford College alumna Mrs. Jonathan McKnight or Aunt Katherine’s house. There, Aunt Katherine is joined by her niece Arabella Amato, her niece’s friend Cora Edwards, and her good friend and classmate from Rockford, Martha Gail. The scene is placed 12 years after graduation and four years after the Addams formed Hull House. 

The second scene is set in the Spring of 2023 at Maddox Theatre, where five students are talking about going for a coffee run together when they run into a potential RU student.

“I want to be able to have this piece ready to go at any time,” Mogford said. “So, as students graduate then that part goes to someone else. It’s a piece that’s always ready to go whenever the school needs it for recruitment or historical reference.”

After taking the summer of 2023 to write the play, Mogford was ready in August for prep. Mogford put together the cast and crew and held a complete read-through of the production. She would meet periodically with the groups from both scenes. She added that the cast would rehearse on and off but the final push came 10 days before the show went on. 

“I hope they bring it back for Charter Day or orientation,” she said. “And, when we have groups on campus who are looking at the school we can also do it then if we have plenty of notice.”

THE ADDAMS THREAD 

Performed Oct. 13, 2023 

Written and Directed by Deborah Mogford

Lighting Designer: Eric Brockmeier

Costume Designer: Ryan Moller

Stage Manager: Jeremy Rogers

Technical Director: Beth Drog

SCENE I

TIME: Mid-June on a perfect summer afternoon, 1883

Place: The lush garden of Aunt Catherine’s House on Harlem Blvd. in Rockford, IL

CAST, in order of appearance

Martha Gail: Aubry Musfelt

Arabella (Bella) Amato: Lindsay Johnson

Aunt Catherine (Mrs. Jonathan McKnight): Emmarie Wilson

Cora Edwards (Mrs. George Edwards): Lucy Parlapiano

SCENE II

TIME: Late April on a perfect spring day, 2023

Place: Maddox Theatre

CAST, in order of appearance

Marie: Adara Barrera Medina

Jake: Robbie Strader

James: Carter Coryell

Allison: Keira Alejandro

Samantha: Kaleigh Ferguson

Will: Elijah Lowry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Nov. 3, 2023

University officials hosted a press conference on campus 

Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, held a press conference Friday, Nov. 3, to officially announce the news that new students who enroll at Rockford University for the 2024-2025 academic year will lock in their tuition for four years at a rate of $37,230.

The press conference featured two speakers: Rebecca Epperson, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Rockford University; and Megan Frankfother, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management at Rockford University.

The University also broadcasted the press conference live on their Facebook. 

Epperson spoke about higher education costs being a concern to families across the U.S. 

“Rockford University is taking a proactive approach to make the college experience more affordable and more transparent,” Epperson said, during the press conference. “The decision to lock in tuition for Fall 2024 for incoming students means that students and their families and the parents who stand alongside them can plan their educational experience with much greater confidence than they had in the past.”

Frankfother spoke next and added more details and context to how the University can grant students financial aid, and more.

“Rockford University has put in countless hours, crunching numbers and budgeting so that we can ensure that we are able to offer that locked-in tuition rate of 37,230 for our incoming fall 2024 class,” Frankfother said, during the press conference. “In addition to locking in that rate and creating that sense of financial security, the university offers significant institutional aid. Students can be recipients of federal and state grants to also assist in helping that education be more affordable.”

Frankfother added: “We are on track currently to be able to award $14 million dollars in institutional aid for the current year. We are also on track to award $6.5 million in federal grants as well as $4.8 million in state grants.”

For more information on this new locked-in tuition, please feel free to reach out to RU’s Admission Department by calling 815-226-4050 or by emailing admissions@rockford.edu.

More information on how to apply to RU can be found here: rockford.edu/admission. 

Contact:

Sara Myers

RU Marketing/Communications

smyers@rockford.edu

communications@rockford.edu 

First observed in October 1981, the national “Day of Unity” set a goal of raising awareness for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Since then, it has grown into an entire month (October) dedicated to bringing attention to this critical issue. In 1989, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) began with education and support from friends, family, and organizations.

Rockford University is proud to recognize and support DVAM and the Domestic Violence National Day of Unity, which will be observed this year on October 19^th. Throughout October, the Rockford University Department of Public Safety, with the help of volunteer RU students, will be sponsoring events to bring attention to Domestic Violence. Events include ribbon awareness, bracelet awareness, and speaking with domestic violence professionals, among other events.

Because Thursday, October 19^th, falls during Fall Break, we will commemorate Domestic Violence Day of Unity on Thursday, October 26^th. We ask that all campus community members show support by wearing purple.

Domestic Violence Stats

A Thrilling Recap of Unforgettable Performances

by Lindsey Giardino 

It’s always an exciting time within Rockford University’s performing arts program.

Each academic year, the department produces a collection of theater productions open to the campus community and general public. This past fall, those productions included a 1960s themed cabaret show directed by RU Performing Arts Professor Timm Adams entitled, “Good Vibrations: Songs of the 60s!”

Complementary tickets were sent to Rockford University alumni who graduated in the 1960s and 1970s, and many attended a performance.

Another performance, “These Shining Lives,” was directed by Professor Deborah Mogford in November 2022. The heart-wrenching play is based on the true story of Catherine Donahue and her friends who worked for the Radium Dial Company and how women’s lives were changed between 1922 and 1938 by the right to vote and new job opportunities.

In addition, Rockford University’s choirs and special guest Camerata Emanon put on a choral concert in November, performing “And the Angels Sang.” 

The fall season came to a close with a dance performance, “Orchesis: New Beginnings,” co-directed by Performing Arts Department Chair and Technical Director Beth Drog and graduating senior Marissa Ott. Not only did this feature Rockford University dancers, but it also  featured dancers from Rockford Dance Company, Evolve Dance Company, Auburn High School and South Beloit High School.

“Rockford University Performing Arts truly produces excellence in the realm of performing arts here in Rockford,” said Margaret McGraw, administrative and marketing assistant for the visual and performing arts program at RU. “The rigorous program provided by our hardworking faculty produces in our students the skills they need to progress in their artistic career.”

Although guided by faculty, each show is the collective hard work of every student in the program, McGraw said.

While there are many highlights of the overall program to call out, one pressing event is the retirement of Professor Jeff Hendry, who retired at the end of the spring semester after 41 years. He created the majority of the costumes seen on stage at Rockford University.

To purchase tickets to a future Rockford University production or to learn more about all the happenings, call 815-226-4100 or visit ticketor.com/rockforduniversity.

This story was originally published in the Spring/Summer 2023 issue of Catalyst. 

Rockford University Costume Designer Takes Last Bow

By Aris Sherwood

Walk into the lobby of Maddox Theatre in the Clark Arts Center at Rockford University, and you will find mannequins dressed in costumes of shows past. Underneath them are the designers’ names on plaques. Newly retired professor of theater arts and costume designer, Jeff Hendry’s name is captured on many.

Hendry retired at the end of the 2023 spring semester after 41 years.  During his time here, Hendry has worn many different hats due to his diverse background. He has directed shows and has even taught Rockford University theater history and Shakespeare courses.

Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Hendry received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Production from the University of Arizona, and Master of Fine Arts in Costume Design from University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

When he left graduate school, Hendry said he was searching for jobs primarily in the Midwest. Rockford University was where he ended up and stayed.

“I kind of bounced around a lot,” he said.

Designer of Many Hats

“I have an odd skill set compared to most costume designers,” he said. “Most design people have a secondary emphasis in graduate school in another design area. I didn’t. I had directing as my secondary emphasis. I guess that’s always interested me.”

In the early 1990’s, the faculty from the theater department came together to create a musical theater major, Hendry said. Since then, Hendry has taught both performance and history/literature. He is now the only professor left of the program’s original creators.

“Professor Mogford likes to refer to me as a ‘Renaissance Man,’” he said. “I wear a lot of hats, and quite frankly, that’s part of the reason why I’ve stayed here for so long. If I had gone to a larger university, I’d end up in the costume shop and that’s all I’d be doing, because I wouldn’t have the opportunity to work in these other areas that I really enjoy.”  

Besides teaching, costume designing, and directing, on top of his extensive freelancing career, Hendry said Rockford University has given him opportunities beyond what he ever expected. Back when the university was connected to Regents College in London, England, Hendry said he was sent to London to oversee and operate the program.

“Living in London for a year and a half totally changed my outlook on life,” he said.

When Rockford University applied for and received a grant from the American and Japanese Foundation of Education, three professors were chosen to work on a communications effort with 9 other schools in the country and travel to Japan for research of their choosing. 

“I was researching Kabuki Theater and came back and produced a play in traditional Kabuki style, which was really exciting for me and the students. I could have never imagined doing that sort of thing when I came here”

For those future Rockford University students and next generation of costume designers who will not get to experience Jeff Hendry, the professor, he had one piece of advice:

“Don’t be afraid to take a risk. If any place, this is the place you can take a risk,” he said. “When I was starting here, my God, I made so many mistakes when I look back on it. But I learned from every single one of them, and it made me a better teacher and a better designer.”

This story was originally published in the Spring/Summer 2023 issue of Catalyst. 

ALL campus community members must register any vehicle they plan to park on University property.

Parking violations have been a long-standing issue at Rockford University. The Department of Public Safety has made a concerted effort to address this ongoing problem over the past few years. Starting Fall 2023, ALL campus community members shall be required to provide a photo of the back of the vehicle you are registering to ensure accuracy and accountability. Students can do so exclusively via the Rockford University Public Safety App.

• PLEASE MAKE SURE THE LICENSE PLATE IS LEGIBLE!
• AGAIN, THE ONLY WAY  FOR STUDENTS TO REGISTER THEIR VEHICLE IS THROUGH THE RUPS APP.
• FACULTY & STAFF, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO RECEIVE A LINK TO THE FACULTY/STAFF VEHICLE REGISTRATION FORM.
• FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE VALID, REQUIRED INFORMATION SHALL RESULT IN YOUR VEHICLE NOT BEING REGISTERED, AND NO PARKING PERMIT SHALL BE ISSUED.
• YOU MAY REGISTER MULTIPLE VEHICLES.
• PLEASE CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.

Thank you!

Please use the QR code to open the app on your smartphone or tablet and follow the instructions to install it on your smartphone or tablet. Click HERE to place a “shortcut” on your laptop or desktop computer.

By Sara Myers, Digital Media & Communications Specialist 

Rockford University Alum and Rockford Artist Sarah Reed-McNamara has been the owner of art/print shop GEM (Gather, Engage, Make), located in downtown Rockford, since its inception in 2019. 

Some may know her as the mayor’s wife, but Sarah wears multiple hats —wife, mother and owner of GEM, which was recently renamed to SRM (her initials) Prints. The soft opening was Tuesday, Aug. 1, but the grand opening is set for Saturday, this Aug. 5. 

Reed-McNamara is now the only owner of GEM, and started a new chapter on Tuesday, she moves her shop location down the street and will change her shop name to her business name: “SRM Prints.”

Reed-McNamara said she fell in love with printmaking while studying at RU. That interest was sparked early in life, which led to an art career that started online, later becoming brick-and-mortar, she said.

When one walks inside the printmaking studio and storefront, you can see the variety of art, prints, gifts, stationery items and more from Reed-McNamara and other artists alike.

Some of the art is specifically made by Reed-McNamara who found her artistic voice and developed a love of printmaking during her time at Rockford College (now University).

THE MOVE

Reed-McNamara first landed in the Rockford area during her high school years after growing up in Fox River Grove, Illinois, about 61 miles west of Rockford. After high school she moved around to Chicago, Madison, Wisconsin, and Montana before returning to Rockford in her mid-20s, she said. Reed-McNamara started attending Rockford College when she was around 27 years-old and decided on Art History as her major, she said.

“I never thought that’s what I would end up doing, but it’s what I loved,” she said. “I’ve always been pretty creative but never did studio art. But, I was determined.”

When she started studying art history, Reed-McNamara said she decided to take her printmaking as an elective course. She was influenced by her friend and then art mentor Dave Menard and his wife Molly who suggested she take the course. When she started studying printmaking she started to form favorite artists like German expressionists and learned linoleum block printing, she said.

“Which is kind of funny because so many people think printmaking is scary,” she said. “But it just seemed like such an enjoyable elective to take. I just loved the process and making the prints and carving.”

“Dave (Menard) in his classes talked a lot about preparing yourself as an artist for the outside work and don’t think you’re too good for anything when you first get going,” she said. “Which was huge for me just between humbleness and feeling secure in what you’re doing.”

Reed-McNamara also credits RU’s Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities Jennifer Langworthy for preparing her for a career in arts. 

After graduating in 2012, Reed-McNamara said she worked in the service industry full time at Rockford restaurant Octane, and did her art on the side at different pop-up events in town. She said she needed a name to put on her business cards so she called it “SRM Prints.” 

It was during this time that she met her husband Tom McNamara, the mayor of Rockford, at the downtown Rockford art event Greenwich Village Market. 

The couple married in 2011 and have two children together, who will often be present with Reed-McNamara at her store. Right after Reed-McNamara had her first child, her art career started to take off online, she said. 

“I decided I wanted to keep moving forward with the storefront and go into this new space,” she said. “The layout works out much better for what I want to do long term, which is to have my studio inside of a storefront and have it blocked off by my checkout counter and have a really fun, happy, and inviting retail environment.”

SRM Prints is now open and located at 330 E. State St. in downtown Rockford. For more on SRM Prints, you can find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Etsy.