2024 –25 President’s
Annual Report
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP
Rebecca Epperson
Patricia A. Lynott, Ph.D. President
Keith Akre
Teresa Beach-Shelow Charles Box, J.D.
Chad Brigham ‘98 Lesly Couper
Elizabeth Donovan ‘20H Tammy Schiek ‘87 Anisha Grimmett
Elizabeth Hegel, J.D., ‘81
James Keeling, J.D., ‘18H Mary Ann Laudicina ‘91 Joel Moore ‘00
Aaron Potter ‘98/MBA ‘09 Kristin Smith
Marci Taets ‘92
Patricia Tumilowicz ‘87 Frank E. Walter
Randy Worden, D.Min. Senior Vice President for Student Life and Operations Elizabeth Davies, Ph.D. Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs John DiRaimondo Vice President for Finance & Chief Financial Officer
Megan Frankfother ‘24 Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Katherine Trotter ‘11 Vice President for Advancement
Deepshikha Shukla ‘22, Ph.D. A ssociate Vice President of Business
Innovations, and Professor of Physics
Elizabeth Nardi C hief Strategy and Research Officer Jen Cunningham Chief of Staff
From the Desk of the President Dear Rockford University Community, It is with deep appreciation and renewed optimism that I share this year’s Annual Report, highlighting the
accomplishments and collective progress of the 2024–2025 fiscal year. As you turn through these pages,
you will see a portrait of a university propelled forward by the dedication of our donors, alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends. Together, we continue to honor Rockford University’s enduring legacy while boldly shaping its future.
This year brought meaningful strides that strengthen our mission and reinforce our role as a vital educational
anchor in the region. We continued to see strong enrollment trends, building on last year’s historic momentum and welcoming another vibrant and engaged class of students. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment remind us daily of why our work matters and how profoundly education can transform lives.
Our academic programs advanced in significant ways, with enhanced curricular offerings, expanded
experiential learning, and new community and industry partnerships designed to equip students with the
knowledge and skills required in a rapidly evolving world. These initiatives, supported by the generosity of our
community, help ensure that Rockford University remains a place where opportunity thrives and excellence is nurtured.
This year’s financial overview reflects our responsible stewardship and our continued focus on long-term
sustainability. Through disciplined planning and the unwavering support of our donors, we strengthened the
University’s financial position, enabling strategic investments in student support services, campus facilities,
and the faculty and staff who carry out our mission each day. These investments allow us to stay rooted in our core values while adapting to meet the needs of tomorrow’s learners.
As you review this report, I hope you feel the same pride I do in what we have
accomplished together. Every milestone we celebrate is made possible by your
belief in Rockford University and your commitment to its success. Thank you for the many ways you lift our institution and the countless students whose futures
are shaped here.
With gratitude and confidence in the year ahead,
Patricia A. Lynott, Ph.D. President
Our mission is to educate people to lead responsible lives by means of a curriculum grounded in liberal arts learning and complemented and extended by professional and practical experience. Through the total academic and co-curricular experience, Rockford University strives to prepare students for fulfilling lives, careers, and participation in a modern and changing global society.
1,241 328
TOTAL ENROLLMENT
NEW GRADUATES
2024-25 PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT
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2024-25 PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT
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Highlights from the Year 10|8|24
Largest freshman class
In the fall of 2024, Rockford University proudly welcomed its
largest incoming freshman class on record. The 215 new students represent a historic milestone for the University that reflects its
commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement.
11|24
qPCR Machine
In November of 2024, Rockford University was awarded a grant
by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois to purchase a
quantitative PCR (qPCR) machine for the Chemical and Biological Sciences Department. This highly advanced piece of equipment
has strengthened RU’s ability to prepare biology students for their future careers.
2|8|25
SOF Gala
Held on February 8, 2025, Rockford University’s annual gala
raised more than $44,000 for the Student Opportunity Fund, a resource that provides financial support for curricular and co-curricular activities with an academic component, such as conferences, research projects, and international trips. Attendees heard from Dr. James Marshall and students
Karina Campos Alva and Emmarie Wilson, who spoke about their personal experiences supported by the Student Opportunity Fund.
12|3|24
Esports dedication
On December 3, 2024, Rockford University officially dedicated the “Zelenka Family Esports Center,” a state-of-the-art facility made possible by the generosity of Janet Zelenka ‘80 and her family.
The Zelenka Family Esports Center boasts cutting-edge gaming equipment, dedicated spaces for training and competitions,
and resources designed to support students’ academic and extracurricular pursuits.
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3|8|25
Flag Football
4|13|25
1st Regents First cohort graduation
On March 8, 2025, Rockford University made history.
In April of 2025, Rockford University celebrated the
Flag Football team at the Walter Payton Center for the first-ever
members of the cohort were honored in a celebration
The Chicago Bears hosted the Rockford University Women’s women’s collegiate flag football game in the state of Illinois. Rockford took home the win against Benedictine in a 32-0 shutout.
3|26|25
1st games on baseball/softball turf
In March of 2025, the Regents baseball and softball teams kicked off their home seasons with the first games played on the brandnew turf baseball and softball fields. The construction of the new fields was made possible by a $3.58 million investment from the State of Illinois.
2024-25 PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT
graduation of the inaugural Regents First cohort. All 10 surrounded by family, friends, faculty, and staff before their official graduation on May 10, 2025.
6|6|25
Turf groundbreaking
On June 6, 2025, Rockford University officially broke
ground on its new multipurpose turf athletic field. The
project was made possible through the State of Illinois’
Independent Colleges Capital Investment Grant–the same
grant that helped fund the construction of the new baseball and softball fields.
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The Class of 1951’s Lasting Impact on the Jane Addams Peace Garden or another, found their roots in this plot of land. In 2002, a
new centerpiece was added to the heart of the space: Peace Through Knowledge, a manmade work of art that has since
become one of RU’s most beloved and recognizable images. Many members of the RU (and RC) community have played
invaluable roles in keeping the Garden’s legacy alive—from
donating Stella D’Oro daylilies to meticulously mapping each flower bed. Yet its continued beauty would not be possible
without the generosity and vision of the Class of 1951, lead
by alumna Dorothy Baits ‘51. Their commitment established the Rockford College Class of 1951 Endowed Fund for the
Jane Addams Peace Garden, ensuring that this beloved space would always have resources dedicated to its maintenance and renewal.
Thanks to the endowment, this elegant piece of campus
continues to undergo routine upkeep and advancements. Most recently, RU’s Jane Addams Medal of Distinguished
Service—awarded to extraordinary women who have made
The Jane Addams International Peace Garden, located just outside of Fisher Memorial Chapel, has stood on RU’s campus since 1987. First created by the former Rockford College Peace Studies Group, the Garden has seen many seasons of change over the years. Beds of tranquil mums, daffodils, daisies, crab
apple trees, and countless other plantings have, at one point
2024-25 PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT
significant contributions to the arts, sciences, and society—
was added to the Peace Garden’s entrance sign. Additionally, in 2025, the artist Eric Blome, who partnered with alumna
Ruth Eck ’51 to create Peace Through Knowledge, returned to campus to polish and restore the sculpture.
At the Garden’s 2002 dedication, the College shared a hope, “that while in this garden you take the time to reflect on our
collective responsibilities to each other—and the world—as we work for the common good.” Today, the Peace Garden
stands as a living testament to that vision, a reminder of how
shared love, effort, and stewardship can allow beautiful things to both endure, and grow.
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A Much-needed Renovation Scarborough Hall (Scar) stands as one of Rockford
tiles and purchase modern furniture, along with other
of Henry Scarborough, the building primarily houses
space of intellectual contemplation, scholarship, and
University’s core academic buildings. Named in honor the Humanities but has long fulfilled many roles across
campus—serving as a hub for club meetings, a quiet study refuge, and a gathering place for students.
improvements. “These changes have created an academic community for everyone on this campus,” said Dr. Jennifer Rea, Associate Professor of English. However, it is not only faculty who recognize and appreciate Scar’s refresh.
Located toward the back of campus, Scar was one of the
Ethan Sullivan ’26, an Acting/Directing major, shared,
relocated to its current site. Nearly every Rockford
my Scar classes where I can be with friends or chat to
original buildings constructed when Rockford College
University student will pass through its halls at some point
to fulfill degree requirements that align with RU’s liberal arts tradition and its emphasis on a well-rounded education.
Because of Scar’s academic and sentimental significance,
it was selected as the focus of the Office for Advancement and Alumni’s annual Day of Giving fundraiser in April
2025. The effort supported a much-needed rejuvenation, generating enough funding to replace aging ceiling
“Having a comfy space to hang out or study in-between professors passing by when I need a helping hand has been super helpful.”
As part of its ongoing commitment to educate people to lead responsible lives, Rockford University will proudly continue to invest in creating and preserving campus
spaces that will serve and inspire the next generation of scholars.
“ Having a comfy space to hang out or study in-between my Scar classes where I can be with friends or chat to professors passing by when I need a helping hand has been super helpful.” – Ethan Sullivan ’26
Providing Critical Bridges Internships provide a critical bridge between education
Services Network, Alignment Rockford, Gigi’s Playhouse,
and build confidence while exploring career paths. As part
County Court Services Department, the Rockford Park
and real-world experience, helping students practice skills of Rockford University’s mission to prepare students for fulfilling lives and careers, Dr. Deepshikha Shukla, Dean of the College of Professional and Extended Learning
Patriots Gateway Community Center, the Winnebago District, UW Health, the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office, and Rosecrance.
(CPEL), developed a program designed to expand access to
Dayanara and Daniela were just two of the many students
Rockford region.
program, interning at GiGi’s Playhouse.
internship opportunities for qualifying students across the
who supported their community last summer as part of this
That mission took a major step forward in March of 2025,
Kyra Casalena ‘24, Education Coordinator at GiGi’s
year grant through the Illinois Youth Investment Program,
said that Dayanara and Daniela put “in countless hours
when Rockford University was awarded a $464,450 multia program of the Office of Community and Positive
Youth Development at the Illinois Department of Human
Services (IDHS). Beginning this past summer, CPEL led the comprehensive career guidance program while assisting students in securing internship placements with local organizations and on campus.
In the first round of internships provided by the IYIP grant, students had the opportunity to serve both Rockford
University and the community at locations like the Youth
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Playhouse Inc.- Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, here at the Playhouse, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Not only do they jump right in and go the extra mile for our participants, but if they see a need, they fill it before we
can even ask them to. They have made a genuine effort to
understand the behind-the-scenes work of the Playhouse as well. Dayanara and Daniela have been outstanding
interns, and we thank RU for the partnership we have built that always provides us with stellar interns. We are so lucky!”
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Total Gifts & Commitments
$1,322,224
ENDOWMENT
$1,773,973
GIFTS
$247,672
GRANTS
$3,343,868 2024-25 PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT
TOTAL
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Revenue 2024-25
MISCELLANEOUS
$378,662
Miscellaneous Auxiliary Enterprises Gifts, Grants, Bequests Endowments/ Investments Income (Loss)
1%
AUXILIARY ENTERPRISES
$2,192,514
7%
GIFTS, GRANTS, BEQUESTS
$3,343,868
10%
ENDOWMENTS/ INVESTMENTS INCOME (LOSS) Tuition
$32,504,360 TOTAL REVENUE 2024-25 PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT
$3,602,434
11%
TUITION
$22,986,882 71% 14
Expenses 2024-25 Auxiliary Enterprises Institutional Support Student Service Academic Support
AUXILIARY ENTERPRISES
$2,849,299
9%
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT
$3,780,379
12%
STUDENT SERVICE
$5,583,207
19%
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Instruction
$30,125,690 TOTAL EXPENSES 2024-25 PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT
$6,599,970
22%
INSTRUCTION
$11,312,835 38% 15
Statement of activities ............................................................................. 2025............................... 2024 OPERATING REVENUES AND OTHER ADDITIONS Tuition and fee revenues.................................................................... $
22,986,882 ....................................$
22,986,590
Auxiliary enterprises...................................................................................... 2,192,514 ............................................ 2,022,012 Gifts, grants and bequests....................................................................... 3,343,868 ............................................. 4,775,241 Endowments/Investments income (loss)........................................... 3,602,434 ............................................ 3,688,167 Miscellaneous.................................................................................................... 378,662 ................................................ 467,436 Total operating revenues and other additions.................... 32,504,360 ......................................... 33,939,446
OPERATING EXPENSES Instruction....................................................................................................... 11,312,835 .......................................... 11,274,840 Academic support......................................................................................... 6,599,970 ............................................. 6,150,316 Student services........................................................................................... 5,583,207 ............................................. 5,176,102 Institutional support..................................................................................... 3,780,379 ............................................ 3,599,292 Auxiliary enterprises.................................................................................... 2,849,299 ............................................. 2,792,541 Total Expenses....................................................................................... 30,125,690 ......................................... 28,993,091 Change in net assets............................................................................. 2,378,670 ............................................ 4,946,355
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING............................................................................. 52,925,759 ......................................... 47,979,404 NET ASSETS, ENDING................................................................................$
2024-25 PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT
55,304,429 ....................................$
52,925,759
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Statement of financial position ............................................................................. 2025............................... 2024 ASSETS Cash and cash equivalent.................................................................... $
2,435,213........................................$
2,972,929
Student accounts receivable, net............................................................. 1,792,437................................................ 1,177,178 Other accounts receivable, net............................................................... 2,491,688................................................ 800,381 Promises to contribute, net....................................................................... 1,230,390................................................................. – Governmental loan receivables, net......................................................... 350,452.................................................. 383,174
Student loans and other grants receivables.......................................... 557,007................................................. 540,296 Other grants receivable..................................................................................... 98,121.............................................. 2,154,605
Inventories, prepaid expenses and other assets................................ 889,542 ................................................ 566,685
Interest rate swap asset.................................................................................................. –.................................................... 47,439 Irrevocable trust receivable, net................................................................ 662,328................................................. 653,430 Endowment investments.......................................................................... 17,164,464.......................................... 15,340,325
Property, plant and equipment, net..................................................... 24,526,809........................................... 25,646,919 Beneficial interest in trust held by others......................................... 15,718,883........................................... 14,926,726 Total assets......................................................................................$
67,917,334.................................... $
65,210,087
651,214 .................................. $
566,287
LIABILITIES Accounts payable................................................................................ $
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes........................................... 1,307,863 ............................................ 1,278,785
Other deferred income and liabilities.................................................... 1,235,492 ............................................ 1,058,909
Lease obligations.............................................................................................. 262,430 ................................................ 211,494 Asset retirement obligation........................................................................... 307,429 ................................................ 292,790
Bonds and notes payable........................................................................... 8,599,194 ............................................. 8,614,190
Government loans payable............................................................................ 248,158 ................................................ 261,873
Interest rate swap liability..................................................................................... 1,125................................................................. – Total assets.................................................................................... $
12,612,905 .................................. $
12,284,328
14,813,212 ........................... $
15,807,804
NET ASSETS Without restrictions..................................................................... $
With restrictions...................................................................................................... 40,491,217 ........................................... 37,117,955
Total net assets.................................................................................. 55,304,429 ......................................... 52,925,759
Total liabilities and net assets........................................................ 67,917,334 .......................................... 65,210,087 2024-25 PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT
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The Third Annual Rockford University Business Summit For the third year in a row, Rockford University offered our annual Business Summit free to the community on June 11, 2025. This year, members of the business community from a wide range of workplaces came together to discuss the “Workforce Ecosystem” through panel discussion and breakout sessions. Attendees heard from local leaders, touched base with colleagues, made new connections, and stopped by the business fair.
The Rockford University Athletics Golf Playday On June 12, 2025, the Rockford community showed up in support of Rockford University Athletics at the Regents 2025 Golf Playday. This year we had over 100 golfers participate, alongside over 30 sponsors, to raise just over $24,000 for our student athletes while enjoying the beautiful Aldeen Golf Club and catching up with old and new friends on the course.
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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.
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
Mail or Online.
You can also give by mail, phone, or securely online. Learn more at rockford.edu/ ways-to-give/
If you have questions or would like to learn more about giving at Rockford University, please contact the Advancement office. The Office of Advancement and Alumni Nelson Hall, 2nd Floor
5050 E. State Street, Rockford, IL 61108 815-226-3370 • rockford.edu 2024-25 PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT
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The Office of Advancement and Alumni Nelson Hall, 2nd Floor
5050 E. State Street, Rockford, IL 61108 815-226-3370 • rockford.edu