While officially now ended, the long-term positive outcomes of the Rock Solid & Ready Capital Campaign are far from over. The campaign successfully closed on June 30, 2019, with $18.4 million raised against an original $17.3 million goal.

As a result of the Rock Solid & Ready Campaign, the University has been able to make substantial improvements in academic areas, the overall student experience, and learning spaces.  Highlights of the campaign include $1 million invested in modernizations to the Starr Science Building including the purchase of new scientific equipment; naming of the Puri School of Business and the installation of the Bloomberg Business Lab trading floor; and the creation of the Student Opportunity Fund which allows for supportive funding for students to further engage in research experiences with faculty and in unique learning opportunities. Finally, the strengthening of the University’s annual fund has allowed for extensive capital investments to take place throughout campus. More than $15 million has been invested over the past six years, resulting in noticeable improvements to our infrastructure and physical plant. 

President Fulcomer shares, “As Rockford University’s 18th president, it has been my privilege to continue working toward the successful completion of the elements outlined in the Rock Solid & Ready Campaign. As the vision for this important work began to take shape, I was fortunate in my previous role as Vice President of Enrollment Management to have served alongside President Emeritus Robert L. Head. Ultimately, thanks to the buy-in and support of more than 2,500 donors, we were successful in a campaign that allowed for a strengthening of the Rockford University experience for students, faculty, alumni, and friends. I am grateful to everyone for their remarkable support which has had a direct impact on the University’s ability to provide transformational experiences for our students.”

Campaign Chair and Board of Trustee member Jim Keeling adds, “The generosity of the Rockford University community has been incredible. We can directly see how the monies raised have had an immediate and positive impact. I am so proud of this institution. A flourishing Rockford University translates directly to a stronger Rockford community; something of which we can and should all be proud.”

Happening concurrently with efforts to raise funds to support specific campaign elements, several additional donors came forward to support students through the creation of endowed scholarships and bequest intentions. Additional gifts made to endowed scholarships during the life of the campaign amounted to more than $8.7 million, including planned gifts and bequest intentions valued at approximately $875,000. In all, during the period of the campaign, gifts and pledges to the University totaled more than $27.8 million.

Breaking Ground

The campus will undergo a significant physical change with a more than 3,800 square foot addition to the Seaver Physical Education Center. The $3 million project is expected to break ground before the end of the 2019. The new space will include an enhanced weight and fitness space and will add more classroom space for the rapidly growing physical education and exercise science programs. Also included in the renovation and addition is redesigned heating and cooling system that will provide for the entire building to be fully air-conditioned along with a more energy-efficient heating system. Designed by local architecture firm Larson & Darby Group, this vital expansion will be an essential venue for student learning and further support enrollment growth.

President Fulcomer concludes, “We have much to celebrate and much for which to look forward. It will be exciting to watch the Seaver transformation, knowing that when complete, the space will better serve all of our students. I am grateful to all who have helped us realize our goals.