Campus News

MEDIA ADVISORY

For April 19, 2024

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Rockford University’s Performing Arts department (RUPA), in partnership with the Friends of the Performing Arts, will host “A Celebration of 41 Years of Costume Design,” on April 28 to raise funds for the department’s trip overseas to perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Rockford University received one of the seven invitations extended to colleges and universities to perform at the festival.  The department received their first invitation to the festival in 2016.

While traveling abroad, RUPA students will perform on a world stage, representing not only Rockford University, but the City of Rockford, the State of Illinois, and the United States. Please join us in supporting the RUPA students as they embark on this incredible journey.

The Costume Design fashion show will be held Sunday, April 28 from 2 to 5 p.m. in Maddox Theatre in Clark Arts Center on Rockford University’s campus, located at 5050 E. State St. in Rockford.

The fundraising event will highlight the designs of retired RU Professor/Costume Designer Jeff Hendry. Master of Ceremonies Mike Garrigan (Evening Anchor of 23 WIFR) will walk through each design as models from all areas of the community, including the City of Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara, State Senator Steve Stadelman, and State Representative Dave Vella, strut their stuff!

The show will also include performances from the Groove Hotel Trio and words of support from State Representative Maurice West.

Tickets are on sale now for $30.00 and may be purchased by visiting rockford.edu/alumni/friends-of-the-performing-arts.

Media are invited to come and attend the show, and shoot b-roll. They may arrive early at 1:30 p.m. to interview university staff involved in the event. 

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Please RSVP to Sara Myers at SMyers@rockford.edu by April 26 at 4 p.m. to confirm your attendance.

Contact:

Sara Myers

Rockford University Marketing & Communications 

SMyers@rockford.edu

815.394.5052