Annual Report 2023-2024

pRESIDENT’S

Annual REPORT Highlighting Student Opportunities 2023 - 2024

Board of Trustees

University Leadership

Rebecca Epperson, Chair L. Thomas Heiser ’84, Vice Chair Jeffry Potter ’98, Secretary Greg Allen ’98, Treasurer

Patricia A. Lynott, Ph.D. President

Keith Akre Teresa Beach-Shelow Charles Box, J.D. Chad Brigham ‘98 Lesly Couper Elizabeth Donovan ‘20H Anisha Grimmett Elizabeth Hegel ‘81 James W. Keeling ‘18H Joel Moore ‘00 Aaron Potter ‘98/‘09 Kristin Smith Marci Taets ‘92 Patricia Tumilowicz ‘87 Frank E. Walter

Jen Cunningham Chief of Staff Elizabeth Davies, Ph.D. Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs John DiRaimondo Vice President for Finance & Chief Financial Officer Megan Frankfother Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Elizabeth Nardi Special Assistant to the President; Senior Director of Institutional Research & Analytics Linda Sandquist Vice President for Advancement

Deepshikha Shukla, Ph.D. Associate Vice President, Business Innovation; Dean, College of Professional and Extended Learning; Mary Ann Laudicina ’91, Alumni Trustee Professor of Physics Deborah Breiter, Ph.D., Faculty Trustee Randy Worden, D.Min. Vice President for Student Life & Dean Nor Alamery, Student Trustee of Students Patricia A. Lynott, Ph.D., President

fROM THE DESK OF THE pRESIDENT

oUR MISSION

total enrollment

1,249

New Graduates

320

Endowment $80,071

Grants $338,649

Total Amount

Projects, Programs, etc.

$4,775,241

$2,588,342

Charter Fund $1,768,179

Building a Brighter Future for the Rockford University community.

By Tanner Elliott, '21, MBA '23, Senior Advancement Officer

With the support of a pivotal grant from the Illinois Board of Higher Education, Rockford University is thrilled to embark on the transformative Grounds for Greatness Campaign. This campaign is about more than just physical upgrades; it’s about creating an environment that celebrates the energy and dedication of our student body, enhancing spaces where students can thrive and feel a renewed sense of pride in their university.

For our students, this project represents an investment in their future and well-being. Athletics play a significant role at Rockford University, with over 30% of students participating in sports. Updated facilities are essential to supporting their growth, helping them develop teamwork, resilience, and leadership skills that will benefit them far beyond their years here. The new spaces will be places where students can train, compete, and create memories that last a lifetime.

Yet the Grounds for Greatness Campaign’s impact extends well beyond our athletic community, creating an atmosphere that benefits the entire campus.

The spirit fostered through this campaign enhances a sense of belonging and pride across our university. By elevating our facilities, we’re building a campus that brings students together and highlights the strength of our community.

Thanks to the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s grant, we have an incredible foundation to make Rockford University a more vibrant and unified space for all who call it home. The Grounds for Greatness Campaign represents a commitment to nurturing our students’ potential and creating spaces that inspire every member of our community to reach new heights.

We’re excited to witness this transformation unfold and to see the positive impact it will have on our students for years to come.

Bones of the Past, Minds of the Future

By Kayla Eddy, Social Media and Web Coordinator

Miscellaneous Expenses: 5.5%

Endowments/Investments Income (Loss)

Miscellaneous 1.4%

10.9%

Gifts Grants Bequests 14.1%

Total Revenue: $33,939,446

$22,986,590

Tuition Fees 67.6%

Auxiliary Expenses 9.6% Institutional Support 12.4% Instruction 38.9% Total Expenses: $28,993,091

Academic Support 21.2%

Student Service 17.9%

$11,274,840

By Tanner Elliott, '21, MBA '23, Senior Advancement Officer

For Janet Haass Zelenka ‘80, giving back to Rockford University is more than philanthropy—it's a heartfelt expression of gratitude and belief in the transformative power of education. As a Presidential Scholar at RU, Janet received a full-tuition scholarship that paved the way for her academic and professional success. "The scholarship was huge for me at the time, and I am forever thankful for the opportunity it provided," she reflects. That gratitude inspired her to give back to RU almost every year as an alumna, ensuring future students have access to the same life-changing opportunities she enjoyed.

Education is a cornerstone of Janet's personal and family values. Together with her husband, she has supported educational initiatives ranging from local school districts and community colleges to a school in Kenya, where they fund the education of several students. At Rockford University, her philanthropy has been instrumental in shaping student success and innovation, both inside and outside the classroom. "Philanthropy is critical to ensuring a healthy school that can build and retain faculty, staff, and student talent," Janet shares.

Among Janet's many contributions to RU, her role as a founding donor of the Esports team holds a special place in her heart. The experience has allowed her to meet team members and hear firsthand how the program has positively transformed their lives. Her connection to first-generation students resonates deeply as a first-generation American herself, reinforcing her belief in education as a pathway to personal and professional fulfillment.

Janet’s vision for Rockford University is clear: a thriving and growing center of excellence that adapts to the ever-changing needs of students while honoring its rich history. Her advice to others considering a gift to RU is simple yet profound: "Visit campus, meet the students, and see where your gifts can make the most impact while aligning with your values and goals."

For Janet, giving back isn’t just about the impact on students—it’s a source of personal enrichment. "When giving back is part of your value system, it expands your ways of thinking about the world and humbles you. It enriches your thinking about the decisions you make every day on where you put your time and treasure."

Janet Zelenka’s story exemplifies the spirit of generosity that sustains Rockford University. Her unwavering commitment is a testament to the power of giving and the extraordinary possibilities it unlocks for generations to come.

Janet Zelenka pictured at the ribbon cutting of the Zelenka Family Esports Center.

By Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist

“I didn’t think they did anything like that until after you died,” said Dr. Marjorie Slavens, former professor at Rockford University, when asked how she feels about having an endowed scholarship made in her name. Her former students, now friends, who sat next to her, laughed at this response.

Dr. Slavens, and former Professor Sally Lo Ware, are both being honored with an endowed scholarship put together by many of their former students.

Alumni Dave & Paula Hougan ‘72, along with alumna Mary Parisoe ‘75, came together at the Rockford University Reunion in September 2024 with Dr. Slavens to talk about why and how they decided to put together this scholarship to honor their two professors.

“This is an absolute way for us to pay tribute to these two professors that were so meaningful in terms of our careers, and to all our experiences at Rockford College,” Dave Hougan said. “It’s unfortunate we didn’t do this earlier when Ms. Ware was around. (Ware passed in 1990). But we now can do this, and we probably weren’t in the place to do it at that time.”

Dave and Paula Hougan, who first met at Rockford College and later married, both studied language in school. Paula was a French and Spanish major, while Dave studied Spanish. Parisoe was a French major.

Ware taught at Rockford College from 1960 until her passing in 1990. She was the first faculty member hired by then-President Dr. John Howard.

During Ware’s tenure, she was the chair of the French department and the director of the Language Lab. When Ware passed suddenly in 1990, it was Parisoe who took her place after Dr. Slavens called her and asked.

Dr. Slavens worked at Rockford College from 1965 to 1998. During her 33 years, she was chair of the Spanish department, chair of the Languages department, and chair of the Language and Literature division.

Parisoe said it was Slaven’s and Ware’s teaching that gave her the career she did not have.

“People say, ‘Oh, the computers do that,’” Parisoe said. “But they don’t know. You would need a meeting of the minds, not a meeting of machines. I think it's important (the study of language) and it also teaches you about your language in learning a second language.”

Alumna Paula Hougan agrees.

“I’m from a small town in Illinois, and when I checked recently on the demographics of my school district, it continues to be a hundred percent white,” Paula Hougan said.

Through her experience at Rockford College, and her time with Professor Slavens and Ware, Hougan had the opportunity to travel to different countries and not just as a tourist. Through this endowment fund, she hopes to highlight the importance of people connecting through language.

Dr. Marjorie Slavens and members of the Class of 1974 at the 2024 Rockford University Golden Grad Lunch.

By Stephanie Prchal `23, Engagement Specialist

Marshall & Dorothy Frederick Anderson Scholarship Recipient Socorro Valenzuela-Veloz

By Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist

Senior nursing major Socorro Valenzuela-Veloz considers Rockford her hometown. She initially grew up in Belvidere on a small farm until third grade when her family moved to the Rockford area where she attended Auburn High School.

Valenzuela-Veloz is a first-generation college student and a first-generation American.

“My mother was only able to finish high school while my father was an elementary school dropout due to having to financially provide for himself at a young age,” she said. “Scholarship support means just more than financial assistance to me and my family. Scholarship support has a sentimental value behind it.”

She is the recipient of the Marshall & Dorothy Frederick Anderson Scholarship. The scholarship was established by Marshall Anderson in honor of his wife Dorothy who graduated from Rockford University in 1935. This scholarship is presented to women concentrating their studies within the division of science and mathematics.

Valenzuela-Veloz was initially interested in RU because she wanted to stay local to her family while attending college. She is the oldest of three siblings and plans to work locally (in the Rockford area) after she graduates from RU. “I did not want to miss out on seeing my siblings growing up and I think it was also just going to save a lot more money staying locally because I do plan on working here in Rockford after I graduate,” she said.

Valenzuela-Veloz originally planned on studying education in college and becoming a teacher. But during high school, she was introduced to some health classes and a medical science program. She decided to give it a try and see if it sparked an interest. It was that program that took her down the path of nursing, and now she has a goal to be a nurse practitioner.

It was her time in the Regents First Program that really helped and supported her during her first year at RU. “They provided us with a retreat over the summer for a week here on campus,” Valenzuela-Veloz said. “We got to live here on campus for a week.

While they started hosting a small session with, for example, just tutoring the campus and getting familiar with the resources here on campus for SAS and who to contact.”

It was through this program that Student Support Life Skills Coach and Mentoring Supervisor Jessica Morris introduced her to peer academic coaching. She has been a coach now in study groups with freshmen since her sophomore year.

This Spring 2025 she will graduate with a nursing degree and a minor in Lifespan Development. She hopes to work in one of the local Rockford hospitals in their neonatal intensive care unit.

“I think it's a little bit bittersweet. I’m excited because I’ll be able to pursue the career that I’ve always wanted, but then also it's a little bittersweet because it feels like it's been a routine for the past four years,” she said.

“I’m excited to graduate.”

Congratulations to our 2024 Alumni Award Winners!

Talcott Cross: Emily Wallen ’08/‘10 Karl C. Williams: Dr. Barry Smith ‘73 Alumnus of the Year: David Hougan ‘72 Outstanding Young Alumni: Lisa Blakeley-Snyder ‘17/‘20 Award of Distinction: Dr. Kaitlin Engelke ‘20 Award of Distinction: Natali Monaghan ‘23 Award of Distinction: Captain Robert Matthews ‘74

Stay Involved We invite all alumni to remain engaged with Rockford University.

Whether through attending events, mentoring students, or contributing to campaigns, your involvement strengthens our community and legacy.

Visit www.rockford.edu/alumni to explore upcoming events and discover how you can make an impact.

2025 Alumni Award Nominations Are Open!

Take action today and nominate an exceptional graduate for a 2025 Alumni Award! Honorees will be celebrated during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend on September 26, 2025.

how to give back Every gift in support of current and future Regents has an incredible impact, and we thank you for your continued belief and investment in our mission.

Does your company offer matching gifts?

With matching gifts you may be able to double or even triple your gift! Find out if your company will match your gift to Rockford University.

A gift in your will.

A simple but meaningful way to give. Learn more at legacy.rockford.edu If you have questions or would like to learn more about giving at Rockford University, please contact the Advancement office.

You can also give by mail, phone, or securely online.

Learn more at rockford.edu/ways-to-give/

Rockford University Office of Advancement & Alumni 5050 E. State St. Rockford, IL 61108