Parting words As I end my tenure as president of Rockford University, I continue to reflect on many of the experiences of the past eight years. At the pinnacle of the list are the many friends Sheryl and I have made throughout the Rockford University community. Having been affiliated with several institutions as a student, administrator, teacher and trustee, I’ve learned that each is truly defined by those who are most closely associated with it. Friends, donors, trustees, students, faculty and staff nurture a distinct identity and culture. Whether conversing with graduates from 60 years ago or more recent ones, there is a common theme of gratitude for the quality and personalization of the educational experience enjoyed at Rockford University. We have made great strides in student enrollment, our financial standing and community recognition. The good news is that we were able to do so because of the long-standing character and quality of our academic programs. It is the commitment within the community to maintain the character of an education grounded in the liberal arts and focused on the individual that is the foundation of Rockford’s unique culture. During my inauguration in 2008, I stated that significant financial challenges, low student enrollment, deferred maintenance and lagging technological capabilities must be overcome so that we could encourage an environment that allows members of the faculty to do what each does best – engage the intellectual curiosity of students, inspire artistic creativity, encourage the search for knowledge, and so much more. To a significant degree, we have made progress on those goals.
Challenges and opportunities will continue to present themselves in the future. I am confident that our community of learners, educators, fiduciaries and stewards will be equal to each challenge and respond to opportunities in ways that will continue to strengthen Rockford University. The phrase “What’s past is prologue” is contained in Shakespeare’s The Tempest. It has become popular to use the phrase to amplify the connection between the past and the present. Dr. Eric Fulcomer is now the 18th president of the University. The Board of Trustees and the faculty also begin the year with new officers. With change will come a new vision, new plans and new priorities. Nevertheless, I know that Rockford University will continue to enjoy a great academic character and positively impact many generations of future students. During my convocation speech last August, I shared a thought paraphrasing words from Alfred Lord Tennyson’s Ulysses and I’ll share the same now. My love and work for Rockford University will continue for a lifetime – well beyond my eighth and final year at the helm. Today, I know I am a part of all that I have met and Rockford University – this place, this institution, this community – is a part of me.
Pres. Robert L. and Sheryl Head are presented the Mary Ashby Cheek Award by Board of Trustee Chair Tom Muldowney ’74.
President Emeritus,
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