Congratulations to our final ROCK SOLID REGENT for this semester, Faris Al-Yami. Faris is a freshmen nursing major from Najran, Saudi Arabia. He was nominated by Dr. Mehmet Dik, Chair, Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics. Dr. Dik shared that Faris has done a superior job in his Math courses. He is always prepared and a regular participant in class discussions. Faris is helpful to his classmates in many ways. He helps others with course work and he also assists domestic students with understanding his culture.

Faris has served as a Global Ambassador and international student orientation leader, welcoming new students to the RU campus. The Office of Global Affairs shared that he is “always willing to lend a helping hand.” Additionally, Faris is the Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Club, a member of the Multicultural Club and a member of the Saudi Arabian Soccer Club.

RU has been a great place for Faris to study. He is appreciative of the closeness of the campus community and how people get the opportunity to really know each other well. Faris desires to be a great nurse and eventually become a top healthcare provider. Congratulations to our ROCK SOLID Regent, Faris Al-Yami.

Joshua Davis from Chicago, Illinois is our ROCK SOLID REGENT for the week. Joshua is a freshman computer science major and was nominated by Dr. Mehmet Dik. He is an active participant on the football team as well as the Minority Male Mentoring Program. Dr. Dik describes Joshua as a “role model student in and outside of the classroom.” He is a servant to others which is displayed in his actions as he gladly helps many students on campus. His work in Math 224-Statistics has been exemplary and he currently holds the title “Statistics King.” This title is given to the most successful male student in the class.

Joshua appreciates the very close-knit community at RU. During his first year he has discovered that there are so many free resources available to students. He also is thankful that the faculty and staff are willing to help you in any way possible. After graduation from RU Joshua would like to pursue a career in the IT security field. Congratulations, Joshua, on being a ROCK SOLID REGENT!

Congratulations to our ROCK SOLID REGENT for the week, Alondra Torres from Rockford, IL. She is a freshman biochemistry major and was nominated by Dr. Mehmet Dik, Chair, Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics. Dr. Dik shared that Alondra has done an amazing job academically and socially as a first year college student. Throughout the semester Alondra has been an “exemplary student”. Her work has consistently exceeded course expectations. Additionally, she is involved in many campus activities and organizations including, CAB, Spanish Club, Multicultural Club and the soccer team. She also finds time to work as a part-time certified Nursing Assistant.
For Alondra RU has been a great place to study. She is thankful that she is able to attend college close to home. Alondra shared that “family is very important to me and being able to be here when they need me is crucial”. Additionally, she is thankful that RU offers her majors, Biochemistry as well as French. Alondra also likes the small campus because it has allowed her to develop strong relationships with faculty, staff, and students from all over the world. After graduation she plans to attend medical school to become a pediatrician or a family practitioner. Congratulations Alondra on being a ROCK SOLID REGENT!

Abigail Brandon from Rockford, Illinois is our ROCK SOLID REGENT for the week. She is a senior physical education major and was nominated by Associate Professor Tammy Schiek. Professor Schiek shared that Abigail is a dedicated and hardworking student who leads by example. She is respected by her professors and peers. She works diligently both in and out of the classroom. Abigail was recently spotted painting the Meltfest game board for her Senior Seminar class. This is just one example of her sense of responsibility, dedication, and leadership. She is not afraid to “step up to the plate”! She consistently exemplifies what it takes to be a successful student.
Abigail says that the “personal atmosphere” is why she enjoys studying at Rockford University. She feels that the professors try to get to know you as a student instead of a number. Faculty truly try to guide you through your experience and help in any way they can. Additionally, Abigail shares that the community on the RU campus is very friendly and welcoming. While walking from classes or entering the student center, “I am greeted or receive a smile”, which she knows is hard to find on other campuses. After graduation she plans to substitute teach and build relationships in the schools while she pursues additional endorsements on her teacher licensure. Eventually she would like to obtain a middle school physical education position in a Rockford Public School where she can spread her passion for living a healthy lifestyle. Congratulations Abigail Brandon, on being a ROCK SOLID REGENT!

Congratulations to our ROCK SOLID REGENT for the week, Lauren Johnson from Belvidere, IL. She is a senior biochemistry major and was nominated by Dr. Kyle Stedman and Dr. Gidget Tay. Dr. Stedman shared that Lauren is a master of perception. In class and in the Writing Center, she reads a piece of writing and instantly gets what’s going on, with an ability to suggest complex areas for growth in just the way the writer needs to hear it. Additionally, her own writing is powerful and starkly gorgeous.
According to Dr. Tay, Lauren has an amazing thirst for knowledge. She doesn’t just want to know the facts but also why they occur the way they do. The questions she asks in class are insightful and thought provoking. Lauren works in the organic synthesis research lab where she continues to learn new lab techniques and grow as a chemist and scientist.
In addition to serving in the research lab and as a Writing Center Consultant, Lauren also plays the ukulele and enjoys rowing as well as poetry. For Lauren RU has been a great place to study. She enjoys the beautiful landscape our campus offers with lots of old trees that remind her that someday she will be old and wise. Additionally, Lauren proudly shares, “the Starr Science building is my home”. Everyone struggling with material can gather and the professors are available to guide the students through the struggle that is real: the dissolution of ignorance and birth of knowledge. After graduation she plans to move on to graduate school. Congratulations Lauren on being a ROCK SOLID REGENT!

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Former FBI agent Robert Wittman will lead audiences through notorious art heists and incredibly daring undercover recoveries in “Priceless,” on Monday, March 20, at 7 p.m. at Clark Arts Center, Maddox Theatre.

The free event is part of Rockford University’s Spring 2017 Forum Series, which will also include a presentation from NASA Astrobiology Institute Director Penelope J. Boston on April 6, and farcical play A Flea in Her Ear from April 27-30.

Called “the most famous art detective in the world,” Robert Wittman founded the FBI’s National Art Crime Team and served for 20 years as the FBI’s investigative expert in this field. He is responsible for recovering more than $300 million in stolen art and cultural property around the world.

Since retiring from the FBI in 2008, he authored The New York Times best-seller “Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue The World’s Stolen Treasures.” 

The forum series is open to the public and, with the exception of plays, are free of charge. Lectures and performances will take place on the Rockford University campus, 5050 E. State St., Rockford. Tickets are required for all events and can be obtained by contacting the Box Office at 815-226-4100 or boxoffice@rockford.edu.