25-26 Student Support Programming Newsletter

STUDENT SUPPORT

PROGRAMMING

NEWSLETTER

2025-2026 ACADEMIC YEAR

Dedicated to Supporting Students at Rockford University @RegentsFirst

@RU_paws

@RU_MCM

Regents P.A.W.S

Student Support Programming In the Fall 2025 semester, the Regents P.A.W.S. (Prepare, Adapt, Win, Succeed) program launched with its inaugural cohort. The program is designed to provide student athletes with wrap-around support to increase retention and graduation rates. As they transition to Rockford University, SSP provides support to Regent P.A.W.S. participants with a dedicated Student Support Coach, access to a Peer Assisted Student Support (PASS) team, and student-athlete leaders in SSP. This year program participants were primarily from the Regents Football and Flag Football teams.

While the inaugural cohort was mostly comprised of two of our athletic teams, our goal is to include additional sports which will allow us to provide a more robust experience for participants. This is a phenomenal opportunity for student athletes to develop and experience academic success, develop leadership abilities, and strengthen their understanding and daily routines to ensure college completion.

Divina Bowditch

Lashala Davis

Fabeous Dowd Jr.

Brandon Edwards Jr.

Jason Finley

Jaidyn Jackson

Jasmin James

Christopher Johnson

Kezia Jolicoeur

Jamirh Jolly

Destin Kee

Augie Kulman

Quentasia Mills

Mya Page

Ethan Rager

Arshawn Rupert

Byreyon Smith

Koby Thornton

Darrien Williams

Lybertee Wilson

A Year In Review

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MEN OF CONFIDENCE MENTORSHIP Student Support Programming

The Men of Confidence Mentorship (MCM) program welcomed in another Cohort at Rockford University, supporting 10 first year males as they transition from high school to college! Each year, the MCM program follows a theme, the 2025-26 MCM program theme was 'Building a Confident Community' to build on last years theme of 'Stepping out of the Comfort Zone.'

Students participated in weekly study sessions, success workshops that enhanced college success skills, a financial literacy seminar, and meaningful discussions on becoming confident leaders!

Throughout the academic year, MCM had the privilege of hosting guest speakers to speak at six engaging “Chop It Up” sessions. The MCM Mentors kicked off the series sharing their unique journeys through college and showcasing their own paths to success. The mentors were followed by Motivational Coach Antwon Harris who shared the power of overcoming adversity and how it helps develop leadership. To end the fall semester, Maria Diemer, Director of the Office of Global Affairs, explained the benefits of obtaining a passport and the life-changing effects of studying abroad.

The spring semester started with Rockford Promise Scholar Support Coordinator and MCM alum, Jesse Campos ‘22 who led a discussion on how to achieve success through adversity. In March, Edgar Lopez, an Engagement Specialist at UPS, taught mentees the importance of staying true to your values and daring to live. MCM concluded the 2025-26 ‘Chop It Up’ Series with Freeport Police Officer Miguel Delvalle ‘23 who provided insight on his post-graduation success and how MCM participants can do the same.

“MCM has had such a great impact on me in college. MCM showed and explained how accountability and responsibility can take you a long way in life”

A Year In Review

~Tevin Tennial Fall‘25 Cohort

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MEN OF CONFIDENCE MENTORSHIP

Student Support Programming ROCK SOLID STUDENT SUCCESS

Student Success Workshops MCM participants attended three success workshops each semester hosted by Student Support Programming. These workshops focused on time management, taking care of your mental health, final exam study tips, note taking strategies, maintaining a growth & grit mindset, and financial literacy.

Professionalism Seminar A Professionalism seminar hosted by Student Support Programming, Career Development, and JACCE brought Regents First and MCM together for this annual event. Held at the Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, this event helped prepare MCM participants for career success by focusing on professional skills to achieve their goals. The MCM participants learned how to create an effective resume, leave a lasting impression on potential employers, and communicate with confidence in professional environments.

Lastly, participants had the opportunity to walk through and enjoy the beautiful gardens at the conservatory.

MCM Leadership Presentations During the Spring 2026 semester, MCM extended their study sessions by 30 minutes and implemented participant-led presentations on topics realted to leadership. These presentations were introduced to build the confidence and communication skills of the presenter while also providing a meaningful discussion about leadership amongst participants.

A Year In Review

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MEN OF CONFIDENCE MENTORSHIP Student Support Programming

MCM Podcast

The second season of the MCM Podcast series, Empowering Voices: Breaking Barriers with MCM, continued on the 25-26 MCM theme of developing confident leaders. MCM participants interviewed guest community leaders and asked questions that explored their guests' individual leadership journeys with the goal of further developing their own communication skills. There were several leaders interviewed, including Motivational Coach Antwon Harris, Rockford University Head Football Coach Calvin Toliver, Rockford IceHogs Vice President of Marketing Mike Peck, and State Representative Maurice West. The podcast series has become a favored experience among participants, with MCM mentees looking forward to participating in future seasons of the podcast!

MCM Hosts: Whitney Harris III Guest: Motivational Coach Antwon Harris Release Date: 12-19-2025 MCM Hosts: Derrick Hozey Guest: RU Head Football Coach Calvin Toliver Release Date: 2-27-2026 MCM Hosts: Klownui Pler Guest: Rockford IceHogs V.P. of Marketing Mike Peck Release Date: 3-30-2026 MCM Hosts: Leonel Bautista Guest: State Representative Maurice West Release Date: 4-24-2026

A Year In Review

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MEN OF CONFIDENCE MENTORSHIP Student Support Programming

25-26 MCM MENTORS

Whitney Harris III

Derrick Hozey

Junior

Junior

Major: Criminal Justice

Major: Criminal Justice

2025-26 MCM GRADUATES

Curtis Hosea Fall ‘25 BS Computer Science

A Year In Review

Djimon Jefferson Spring ‘26 BS Kinesiology

Renee Martinez Fall ‘25 BS Kinesiology

Claude Williams

Napoleon Williams

Spring ‘26

Spring ‘26

BS Kinesiology

BS Kinesiology

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REGENTS FIRST

Student Support Programming

Regents First Retreat Sets Students Up For Success!

During the 25–26 academic year, Regents First welcomed its fifth cohort, obtaining 31 students.

Participants attended either a summer or fall retreat, where they had the opportunity to connect with fellow students and peer mentors while learning about campus resources. Throughout the retreat, students were introduced to important tools and opportunities that support their success.

They received guidance on applying for campusfriendly jobs, learned effective time-management strategies to balance their responsibilities, and began to see themselves as confident college students. The retreats have become a memorable part of Regents First, providing a welcoming and supportive environment during what can often feel like an overwhelming transition. After the retreat, many students reflect that they feel more prepared, supported, and confident as they begin their college journey.

“When I first got to RU, I felt nervous about managing the workload and meeting new people. Regents First has helped push me out of my comfort zone by connecting with new people, guiding me to new internship opportunities, and developing academic skills through the different workshops and seminars. Regents First really helped me improve my time management skills which has helped me be better prepared for classes.”

A Year In Review

~Keyon Floyd Fall‘25 Cohort

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REGENTS FIRST

Student Support Programming ROCK SOLID STUDENT SUCCESS Leadership and Professional Development During the fall semester, Regents First hosted our annual Leadership Seminar featuring President Lynott.

This event gave participants the opportunity to learn from and ask questions directly to Rockford University’s leader. Later in the semester, Regents First and MCM partnered with MembersAlliance Credit Union to host a Financial Literacy Seminar, where students learned about the importance of building strong credit and making smart financial decisions. We concluded the seminar with a group dinner at Lino’s restaurant!

Additionally, Regents First hosted the spring semester Leadership Seminar featuring a panel of inspiring first-generation graduates: Mary Ann Laudicina of Baird Financial, Edgar Lopez of UPS, and Janai Crumbley from Kelly & Bracey Law Offices. The semester concluded with the Regents First and MCM Professionalism Seminar facilitated by Career Development and JACCE at Rockford’s beautiful Nicholas Conservatory. During this seminar, students received valuable guidance on building strong resumes and developing career readiness skills through volunteerism.

A Year In Review

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REGENTS FIRST

Student Support Programming REGENTS FIRST PARTNERSHIPS Rockford Network of Professional Women

Eight Regents First participants had the opportunity to be paired with a professional mentor from the Rockford Network of Professional Women (RNPW). Each participant was paired in September, allowing them to build meaningful relationships throughout the academic year. As part of the mentorship experience, students attended monthly luncheons hosted on campus and participated in cultural excursions at Hidden Creek Estate and Prairie Street Brewing Company. Through these experiences, participants were able to strengthen their professional networks while gaining valuable advice and guidance on navigating the professional world.

"In my short time with the RNPW, I was taken aback with how inspiring ~Rubi Cordova the members can be. Having the opportunity to connect with so many incredible women has been both an honor and a powerful motivation to Summer‘25 Cohort continue pursuing my education."

BRAVENX This year 3 of our Regents First participants were able to join with Braven X, for a 14-week virtual fellowship where college students gain the skills, confidence, networks, and experiences needed to launch a strong career. BravenX works with higher education and employer partners to offer a life-changing experience that begins with a semester-long fellowship. Support will last through graduation and prepare participants for a strong career launch.

“BravenX has provided me with the structure and support to actively work toward my career goals with confidence.”

A Year In Review

-Victor Omari Fall‘24 Cohort

“I would recommend this program because it aims to prepare you to enter the work force. All the assignments are meant to help you, whether that is learning how to write a cover letter or learning how to tell your story. These tools can be accessed even after completing the course, and it isn't a strain to commit 4 to 5 hours a week to help yourself become a professional. The experience was invaluable, and I believe that it is important to recognize that not everyone has the opportunity to receive help on career development. My advice would be to go for it.

~Jocelyn Solis Fall‘22 Cohort

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REGENTS FIRST

Student Support Programming 25-26 REGENTS FIRST PEER MENTORS

Leonel Bautista

Arwen Guzman-Servin

Saidi Ishmail

Sophomore

Senior

Junior

Major: Spanish and Education

Major: Elementary Education

Major: Accounting

Ny’kia McFadden

Dylan Nunez

Dayanara Sandoval

Sophomore

Junior

Sophomore

Major: Social Work

Major: Marketing

Major: Social Work

REGENTS FIRST PEER MENTOR GRADUATES

Kassandra Campos

Miguel Delvalle Jr.

Jaedyn Brannon-Davis

Daryan Donadio

Briana Flores

Julisa Guitierez

Spring ‘22 Degree:

Fall ‘23 Degree:

Spring 24' Degree:

Spring 25' Degree:

Fall ‘24 Degree:

Spring ‘25 Degree:

Biochemistry

Criminal Justice

Kinesiology

Mentor ‘22-’23

Mentor ‘21-24

Kinesiology

Nursing

Mentor ‘21 - ‘22

Elementary Education

Mentor ‘25

Mentor ‘22-’24

Mentor ‘22 - ‘24

A Year In Review

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REGENTS FIRST

Student Support Programming

25-26 REGENTS FIRST GRADUATES

Jenesis Burris

Mya Barrett

Kelcey Dodd

Spring ‘26 Degree:

Spring ‘26 Degree:

Middle Grades Science

Science,Math and Health

Spring ‘26 Degree: Elementary Education

Nicole Facer

Kiarra Myrick

Spring ‘26 Degree:

Spring ‘26 Degree:

Yael Maya

Mathematics

Nursing

Spring ‘26 Degree: Elementary Education

Jocelyn Solis Spring ‘26 Degree: Psychology

Scarlet Torrisi Spring ‘26 Degree: Psychology

Congratulations!!

A Year In Review

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REGENTS FIRST

Student Support Programming REGENTS FIRST STUDY ABROAD TRIP & SPRING BREAK TRIP Twelve of our Regents First participants will attend a two-week study abroad trip to either Ireland, England, Costa Rica, Rome, or Utah there adventures will begin after the Spring semester.

Jenesis Burris Leslie Garcia Ireland & England Ireland & England

Dylan Nunez Ireland & England

Ireland

Hailee Goodall Costa Rica

Lezly

Klownui Pler Costa Rica

Rivera-Vasquez Rome

England

Arwen Guzman-Servin Richard Hart Rome Ireland & England

Jalyn Rhodes Utah

Costa Rica

Veronica McLean Ireland& England

Daniela Dayanara Sandoval Torres Mandujuano Costa Rica Costa Rica

Rome

Utah

Alternative Spring Break!

From March 7 to March 14, four of our Regents First participants went on the Alternative Spring Break trip to Starkville, MS. This is an amazing opportunity offered every year where students get to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity to help build homes to increase affordable housing options.

Dylan Nunez

A Year In Review

Klownui Pler

Lezly Rivera

Dayanara Sandoval

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REGENTS FIRST

Student Support Programming AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS Jocelyn Solis 2025 Illinois John Lewis Youth Leadership Award Recipient

Regents First participant Jocelyn Solis was awarded the 2025 Illinois John Lewis Youth Leadership Award. Jocelyn was a part of the second cohort for Regents First and also has served as a Peer Assisted Student Support (PASS) worker for the past 3 years.

She has not only excelled in her coursework, studying psychology and human development, but outside of the classroom as well. Off campus, Jocelyn works with the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, leading their “In Youth We Trust” philanthropy program.

The John Lewis Youth Leadership Award honors “the late Congressman John Lewis, his impact and extraordinary accomplishments throughout his career. The award celebrates the efforts of young Illinoisians between the ages of 18 and 25 who, like Lewis, have made exceptional civic contributions to their communities.” Learn more at ilsos.gov

Scholarship and Award Recipients in Regents First

Abagail Cannon Golden Apple

Arwen Guzman-Servin Global Spotlight Dr. Marjorie Slavens Award for Global Services

Tabu Kiza Community Foundation of Northern Illinois Scholarship

Richard Hart Poetry Prize Honorable Mention

Juana Marquez Golden Apple

NyKia McFadden Social Work on Track

Daniela TorresMandujano Alpha Delta Kappa

Jacob Johnson Poetry Prize Honorable Mention

A Year In Review

Leonel Bautista Golden Apple and Sally Lo Ware Prizes in Modern Foreign Language Dr. Marjorie Slavens Award for Global Services

Jocelyn Solis Phi Beta Kappa Good Citizenship Harriet Rheingold Outstanding Major in Psychology

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REGENTS FIRST

Student Support Programming CONNECTIONS ON CAMPUS! 2022 Cohort

2023 Cohort

Mya Barrett: RF First Peer Mentor, REGGIE, First Gen Norma Campos: First Gen Forward Club Forward Club President, BSU Secretary, Leading Ed, Study Jayda Delvalle: Regents Singers, Clark Arts Archivist Abroad Tri-Alpha Jacob Harker: REGGIE, Leading Ed Jenesis Burris: CAB, BSU President, Burpee Front Desk Richard Hart: Art Gallery Attendant, Art Club President, Camila Contreras: Commuter CouncilTri-Alpha, Leading Ed, Leading Ed, SAGA First Gen Forward Hae Htoo: Tri-Alpha, Soccer Kelcey Dodd: Resident Assistant, Leading Ed, Study Abroad, Saidi Ishmail: RF Peer Mentor, MCM, Seaver Front Desk, President Tri-Alpha FGF, Founder Toastmasters, SGA Treasurer, Tri-Alpha Nicole Facer: Leading Ed, Inspiring Leader, First Gen Forawrd, Amahirany Lopez: Leading Ed Study Abroad Veronica McLean: Leading Ed, Tri-Alpha Secretary, Alternative Arwen Guzman-Servin: RF Peer Mentor, Leading Ed, Study Spring Break Abroad, REGGIE, Hispanic Cultural Club Vice President, Tri- Jamera Morris: Library Attendant, Leading Ed, Tri-Alpha Alpha Dylan Nunez: Commuter Council, Vice President of First Gen Jacob Johnson: Multi Cultural Club Forward Club, Circulation Desk Assistant at Howard Colman Yael Maya: REGGIE, Leading Ed, Study Abroad Library, RF Peer Mentor, Study Abroad, Alternative Spring Break, Kiarra Myrick: Peer Tutor, Peer Assisted Student Support, Tri-Alpha PAC Bodee Redieske: Tri-Alpha Jocelyn Solis: Peer Tutor, Peer Assisted Student Support, Book Lezly Rivera: CAB, Women’s Soccer, Burpee Front Desk, Alternative Club, Jane Addams Fellow, PAC, Tri-Alpha, First Gen Spring Break, Rockford Network for Professional Women Forward Yareli Salazar-Carillo: Leading Ed Scarlet Torrisi: Peer Tutor, PAC Hannah Smith: Leading Ed, PASS Daniela Torres: First Gen Forward Club, ASL Club, RF Peer Mentor, Leading Ed, Study Abroad PASS, Toastmasters Alexandra Toro: Leading Ed Daelyn Villanueva: Leading Ed, Tri-Alpha

A Year In Review

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REGENTS FIRST

Student Support Programming CONNECTIONS ON CAMPUS! 2024 Cohort

Leonel Bautista: RF Peer Mentor 26-27, REGGIE, MCM, Toastmasters, Treasurer Multicultural Club, Leading Ed, Hispanic Cultural Club, Study Abroad, Tri-Alpha, First Gen Forward Abby Cannon: Leading Ed, Library Attendant, Alternative Spring Break Kenia Castaneda Benavides: Interested in NSO Reyli Castillo: ESports, Toastmasters, Art Club Da’mon Dantzler: Burpee Attendant, Co President Black Student Union, MCM, Basketball, SGA Freshman Senator JoJo Dixon: Volleyball, SAAC, Black Student Union Josh Golden: Football, Regent P.A.W.S Hailee Goodall: Softball, Leading Ed Maddyson Halpin: Burpee Attendant, Computer Lab Attendant, SAGA, Leading Ed, Madison King: Rockford Network for Professional Women Tabu Kiza: Library Attendant, Interested in NSO, TriAlpha RYCE Lucie Mapendano: Women’s Soccer, Flag Football, Alpha Helix, Library Attendant Rose Mary: Multicultural Club, Tri-Alpha, Toastmasters Ny’kia McFadden: RF Peer Mentor 26-27, Secretary Black Student Union, Secretary First Gen Forward, Library Attendant, Leading Ed Victor Omari: REGGIE, MCM Podcast, Toastmasters, FCA Kandy Pompa-Vazquez: Interested in NSO Samantha Ramirez: Commuter Council, Leading Ed, Hispanic Cultural Club Jalyn Rhodes: REGGIE, Rockford Network for Professional Woman, Alpha Helix Leadership Role, Women’s Volleyball Dayanara Sandoval: RF Peer Mentor, Commuter Council, Treasurer Hispanic Cultural Club Emma Valenzuela: Career Connection Student Worker, RYCE Hlu Yaw: Multicultural Club

A Year In Review

2025 Cohort Kassandra Aguilar: Interested in Library and Computer Lab Attendant, PASS Alex Aldama: Spirit Shop Attendant, PsychEd Jasmin Ceniceros: Commuter Council, PASS, Hispanic Cultural Club, PsychEd Malaika Chambers: Flag Football Rubi Cordova: Art Club, RU Fit, Rockford Network for Professional Women Raevyn Craig: Royal Regents Choreographer, BSU Jadeamarie Crawford: Interested in NSO Andi Elder: Interested in Esports Keyon Floyd: Football, MCM, RYCE, Black Student Union Darlena Flores: Tri-Alpha, Women’s Soccer, Interested in NSO Aurelio Huerta: RU Fit President Mu Lar Hser Htoo: Interested in Soccer Amanda Horton: Royal Regents Antoine Jackson: Freshman Senator, Burpee Front Desk Attendant, RU Fit, MCM, ASL, SGA Secretary 26-27, Black Student Union Jourdain Jimenez: Soccer, Hispanic Cultural Club, PASS Zoe Lopez: V.P. Regents Players, Regents Singers, Art Club Emil Luchesse: OGA Intern Audriana Mahlum: Writing Center, Regents Singer, Royal Regents, Regents First Peer Mentor 26-27 Juana Marquez: Co-President RU Hearts, Secretary Multicultural Club, Treasurer Art Club, President Hispanic Cultural Club 26-27 Lorelei Monk: Softball, Hispanic Cultural Club, RU Fit Carter Moore: Volleyball, SGA, Public Affairs Officer, Leadership Council, MCM, First Gen Forward, Burpee Front Desk Attendant, Black Student Union Marisol Munoz-Mora: Hispanic Cultural Club, PASS EllaRay Nelson: Fresh Ideas, Treasurer RU Fit, RYCE Alondra Ortiz Najera: RYCE, Multi Cultural Club, Hispanic Cultural Club, Co-President RU Hearts, Regents First Peer Mentor 26-27 Romeo Perez: Football Klownui Pler: Tri-Alpha, Hispanic Cultural Club, RU Fit, RU Hearts, MCM Joel Sanchez: MCM, PsychEd, Hispanic Cultural Club, Treasurer Hearts in Action, PASS 26-27, RYCE Tevin Tennial: Football, MCM, Black Student Union McKenzie Widell: Leading Ed

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Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) Student Support Programming

What is Tri-Alpha?

Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) is a national honor society that recognizes the academic accomplishments of first-generation college students and whose mission is to celebrate their achievements, promote leadership development, and provide a network of support. Rockford University–alongside ten other colleges and universities in the state of Illinois–has the distinct honor of being home to a chapter of the Tri-Alpha Honor Society. Dr. Joel Lynch, Chair of the Psychology Dept. and Jessica Morris of SSP serve as the chapter advisors.

TRI-ALPHA INAGURAL COHORT INDUCTION CEREMONY On November 3, 2025, during National First-Generation College Celebration week, Rockford University proudly inducted its first class into the Nu Rho chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha. The ceremony, held in Maddox Theatre, welcomed a total of 60 members, including 33 students, 22 faculty and staff, 4 alumni and 1 honorary member. This milestone event celebrated the achievements and resilience of first-generation scholars at Rockford University. We are incredibly proud of the students who were inducted and honored for their dedication and academic success. The Spring induction welcomed an additional 43 students and 4 members of RU’s faculty and staff.

Tri Alpha Officers

Carlie Buestch

Jovanni Alvarez

Veronica McLean

President

Vice President/Treasurer

Secretary/Historian

Major: Elementary Education

Major: Healthcare Administration

Major: English & Secondary Education

A Year In Review

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MEN OF CONFIDENCE MENTORSHIP Student Support Programming

MCM ALUMNI

Dominique Campbell Spring ‘17 BA in Physical Education, minor in Health Education Masters in Management Communications

Zachary

Cristan

Ajibola (Michael)

Justin

Cooper Spring ‘17

Newton Fall ‘18

Oke-Diran Spring ‘18

Ewing Spring ‘19

BS in Physical Education, minor in K-12 Education with

BS in Computer Science

BS in Business Administration and Marketing

BS in Physical Education

Teaching Licensure

Jared

Jamaal

Joshua

Jeremiah

Christopher

Johnson Spring ‘19

Ray Fall ‘19

Davis Spring ‘20

Camphor Spring ‘21

Hounnou Spring ‘21

BS in Physical Education with a

BS in Sports Management

BS in Computer Science

BS in Computer Science

BS in Biochemistry

concentration in Sports Management

with a concentration in Management Information Systems and minor in Business Administration

Edel Morales

Malik Johnson

Dallas Brown

Jesus Campos

Wesley Gray III

Spring ‘21

Spring ‘21

Spring ‘22

Spring ‘22

Spring ‘22

BS in Computer

BS in Exercise Science

BS in Kinesiology

BS in Kinesiology, minor in Business

BS in Psychology, minor in Human

Administration

Development

Science with a minor in Business Administration

A Year In Review

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MEN OF CONFIDENCE MENTORSHIP Student Support Programming

MCM ALUMNI

Mykal

Jamon

Emani

Samuel

Brown Spring ‘23

Carter-Grady Spring ‘23

Johnson Spring ‘23

Cade Spring ‘23

BA Business Administration Masters in Business Administration ‘24

BA in Kinesiology

BA in Kinesiology

BS Political Science

Dayshon Moore Spring ‘22 BS in Kinesiology - Exercise Science

Joey

Miguel

Owens

Delvalle

Spring ‘23 BS Kinesiology, minor in Physical Education

Elijah Aye Fall ‘24

Masters in Business Administration ‘24

Fall ‘23 BS in Criminal Justice

Timothy Bearden

BS Computer Science

Spring ‘25 BS Kinesiology

Jordan Lee Spring ‘25 BS Business Administration

A Year In Review

Baruani

Marc

Kamangila

Surpris

Santa

Spring ‘24

Fall ‘23 BS in Accounting

Fall ‘23 BS in Nursing

Michael Cordero Jr. Spring ‘25

Reginald Jones Jr Spring ‘25 BS Kinesiology

BS in Accounting

Felipe Bentes Spring ‘25 BS Business Administration

Taj Marshall Fall ‘24 BS Computer Science

Da’Quan McIntosh Spring ‘25 BS Accounting

Julian

BS Marketing

Jaiden Walker Spring ‘25 BS Human Development

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REGENTS FIRST

Student Support Programming

REGENTS FIRST ALUMNI- INAGURAL COHORT

Briana Flores Fall ‘24 Degree:

Ah Poe Fall ‘24 Degree:

Genell Butler-Jefferson

Daryan Donadio

Nursing

Nursing

Spring ‘25 Degree: Elementary Education

Spring ‘25 Degree:

Julisa Gutierrez

Da’Quan McIntosh

Spring ‘25 Degree:

Spring ‘25 Degree:

Jennifer Pina

Spring ‘25 Degree:

Elementary Education

Accounting

Spring ‘25 Degree:

Middle Grades

Elementary Education

Education

Kinesiology

Kyle Reed

Check out our Regents First Inagural Graduation video

Dyoceline Reyes-Maya Spring ‘25 Degree: Business Administration

A Year In Review

Miami Roby

Socorro Valenzuela-Veloz

Spring ‘25 Degree:

Spring ‘25 Degree:

Theatre

Nursing

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SSP Team

Student Support Programming Dr. Karen Walker, Dean of Student Support Programming MCM, Regents First, & Regents P.A.W.S Program Founder Our Student Support Programming options provide students with transformative knowledge and experiences critical to ensure college retention and completion. Our list of Men of Confidence Mentorship (MCM), Regents First, and Regents P.A.W.S. program participants and graduates continues to grow each year. Since its launch in 2016 the MCM Program has seen over 30 participants walk across the stage at graduation.

Regents First continues to achieve stellar retention rates and as the academic year comes to an end, the program has supported 111 students since Fall 2021. Our newest program, Regents P.A.W.S. is completing its inaugural year and on track to make a positive impact on student athlete retention and graduation rates. Our support team experiences great joy observing our program participants move closer to graduation. May we each continue to support our growing and diverse student population to increase college graduation rates for our young men, first-generation college students and athletes at Rockford University.

Damian Evans Associate Dean of Student Support Programming As I complete my first year in Student Support Programming, I have had a remarkable experience with the students participating in Regents First, Regents P.A.W.S., and the Men of Confidence mentoring program. Watching the participants of each program challenge themselves to do and be better students, athletes, and members of the Rockford University community has been and continues to be an incredible experience. Students have had some challenges, and their grit and resilience has shown that they are more than capable of academic and professional success. As a Proud First-Generation academician myself, I am elated to learn of each of their individual successes and their plans to be great in their personal and professional futures.

A Year In Review

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SSP Team

Student Support Programming Jessica Morris

Student Support Coach and Mentoring Coordinator As an RU alum, I love seeing the different ways that the campus has evolved since my Undergraduate years, particularily in first-gen support.

The growth of the Regents First program and the addition of the TriAlpha National Honor Society for first-generation college students proudly states that Rockford University is an institution that not only supports, but celebrates, its’ first-gen population.

As Regents First completes its fifth year, I can truly say that these students represent all of the best parts of RU. Watching the Regents First students step out of their comfort zones and take positions of leadership on campus, or learn how to advocate for themselves, or bounce back after a rough start to the semester, is a constant source of joy and pride to those of us who work with these students. My favorite moments of my day are when I walk into the Regents First Suite and see students from all cohorts gathering and enjoying the community that Regents First brings.

Fatima Mohamed Student Support Specialist & Event Coordinator Having earned both my bachelor's and master's degrees from Rockford University, my connection to this campus and its community is deeply personal. My professional path within the university began during a twoyear role as a Graduate Assistant for Student Support Programming, where I focused on guiding freshman cohorts through their critical first year of college. Today, I am honored to serve as a staff member in the roles of Student Support Specialist and Event Coordinator. It has been a profound privilege to remain a part of our students' collective journeys across all programs; transitioning from working closely with freshmen to now supporting our second through fourth-year students as they navigate their upperclassman years. Witnessing their growth and being a constant resource in their academic and personal success is truly an honor.

A Year In Review

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Graduate Assistants

Student Support Programming Kennedy Gaddis Graduate Assistant Serving as Graduate Assistant for Student Support Programming over the past two years has been an incredibly meaningful experience. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work closely with students across all programs, including witnessing and being inducted into the inaugural Tri Alpha cohort. I extend my sincere appreciation to the entire SSP team for the growth, support, and lasting memories I have gained. As I complete my MBA and move into the next stage of my professional journey, I will carry the lessons and experiences from SSP with me.

Daryan Donadio Graduate Assistant Being a Graduate Assistant for Student Support Programming this year has really been a full circle moment. I was a member of the inaugural Regents First Cohort and served as a peer mentor for the program before graduating with my Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology, concentrated in Sports Management. Now I’m pursuing my MBA while also being involved with the Men of Confidence Mentorship program and helping first year males develop confidence and leadership skills. The continuence of the ‘Chop It Up’ series and the MCM podcast, combined with the progress and successes of the first year participants have been a rewarding part of this journey.

A Year In Review

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Over The Years

Student Support Programming

A Year In Review

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STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAMMING Check out our portal page!

Student Support Programming is located in the lower level of Starr Science Suite Locations Regents First: Starr 108B Men of Confidence Mentorship: Starr 111

For more information please contact: Studentsupportprograms@rockford.edu