Campus News

Q: What drew you to Rockford University?   A: The opportunity to work on a gorgeous campus at an esteemed educational institution that is so committed to its students and community was irresistible!  Rockford University has a terrific reputation, and is leading the way in demonstrating a nimble response to the challenges facing higher education; altogether,…

Q: Can you describe the role of a Diversity Officer at Rockford University?  A: The role of the Diversity Officer at Rockford University is to champion goals and outcomes and create a climate that allows all members of the RU community to be authentic in their teaching and learning experience—creating a campus culture that is…

By Deepshikha Shukla, Ph.D.  The rapid acceleration of technological advancements in the modern era fueled by internet-based technologies and unprecedented growth in semiconductor chip design has exposed a skills gap in today’s workforce. Forbes magazine reports: “According to a McKinsey report, lack of career development and advancement is the top reason for leaving a job.…

By the 1974 Golden Grads Reunion Committee Looking out the windows of the O’Hare/Rockford bus or from the comfort of our parents’ cars, we drove past endless cornfields as we made our way to a college campus many of us had not ever set foot on, in a city we hadn’t heard of before the…

By Sara Myers, Digital Media & Communications Specialist RU Student Faith Gomez was mentored by Dr. Filiz Dik, Dr. Deepshikha Shukla, and others in the SMN (Science, Math & Nursing) College and was awarded a $2,500 grant to create a STEM camp for middle school girls called “InnovateHer.”  The event will be held tentatively this…

By Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist  Though she grew up in San Diego, California, RU Alumni Emily Hartzog’s mother convinced her to look at a small, private school in Illinois when Hartzog was looking at colleges.  Her mother grew up in Rockford and suggested she look at Rockford University while Hartzog was originally…

By Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist  Rockford University MBA (Master of Business Administration) Alumnus Quentin Hernandez came to the U.S. to get his bachelor’s degree first in 2018. Hernandez was recruited to attend RU by a former basketball coach. The opportunity was very appealing to him because, in his home country of France,…

by Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist  Rockford-born and raised graphic design graduate Geniss Scharnweber ‘24 was described by some as a “nontraditional student.” Scharnweber did not decide to attend college until she was in her late 30s. She said she married young and had four children during her 20s. Before attending Rock Valley…

by Kayla Eddy, Social Media & Web Coordinator On Saturday, April 28th, the Rockford University Performing Arts Department and Friends of the Performing Arts (FOPA) hosted A Celebration of 41 Years of Costume Design. The fashion show honored former RU professor and designer, Jeff Hendry, showcasing 41 of the costumes he designed for shows on…

By Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist  Some may say that Ari Norris was born to be an artist, having been raised by two artists. Norris’ parents taught art classes at Muskegon Community College in Muskegon, Michigan, where he grew up.  However, Norris differentiates from his parents regarding medium. His parents are painters, whereas…