Catalyst 2025-2026 Edition

ROCKFOR D

UNI VER S I T Y

ALU MN I

MAGA ZIN E

2025-2026 Issue

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How We Met

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Regents Roundup: Stories from Current Regents

Alumni Spotlight: Andy Pollock & Rahaf Tollah

A Year of Triumphant Returns

May Day Through the Years

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RO C KFO RD

U N I VERS I T Y

A LU M N I

M AG A ZI NE

2025-2026 Issue

Rockford University

5050 E. State Street Rockford, IL 61108

alumni@rockford.edu

PUBLICATION’S STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS: Margo Stedman Director of Advancement & Alumni

Stephanie Prchal Communications & Data Specialist The Office of Global Affairs

Rockford University Performing Arts Ian Voigts Owner of Neighbor Branding

ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION

ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

President

VP for Finance & CFO

Marci Taets ’92, Chair

Edward Caceres

Provost & VP for

Associate VP for Business

Aaron Potter ’98, MBA ’09, Treasurer

Anisha Grimmett

Elizabeth Davies, Ph.D.

College of Professional &

Patricia A. Lynott, Ph.D.

Academic Affairs

Senior VP for Student Life and Operations

Randy Worden, D.Min VP for Enrollment Management

Megan Frankfother ‘24 VP for Advancement Katherine Trotter ‘11 2

John DiRaimondo

Innovation, Dean of the

Extended Learning, and Professor of Physics

Deepshikha Shukla, Ph.D., ‘22 Chief Strategy and Research Officer Elizabeth Nardi ‘20 Chief of Staff

Jen Cunningham

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Gregory Allen ’98, Vice Chair Jeffry Potter ’98, Secretary Ashley Harkey, Student Trustee

Mary Ann Laudicina ’91, Alumni Trustee

Tammy Schiek, Ph.D., ’87, Faculty Trustee Keith Akre

Wendy Alsteen

Charles Box, J.D.

Chad Brigham ’98

Lesly Couper

Elizabeth Hegel, J.D., ’81

Michael Iasparro, J.D., ’98 Joel Moore ’00

Anthony Scandroli ’02 Elaine Sharpe ’75 Kristin Smith

Patricia Tumilowicz ’87 Frank Walter

In this Issue

Alumni Benefits ....................................................................................................................................................4 President’s Letter................................................................................................................................................5 Regents Roundup................................................................................................................................................6 The Regents of Today, Shaping Tomorrow..........................................................................................8 How We Met......................................................................................................................................................... 10 Alumni Spotlight................................................................................................................................................ 12 A Year of Triumphant Returns.................................................................................................................... 14 May Day Through the Years....................................................................................................................... 16 In Memoriam........................................................................................................................................................ 17

This publication may be accessed at www.rockford.edu/alumni/catalyst.

Faculty Notes...................................................................................................................................................... 18

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Alumni benefits MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER All alumni with an up-to-date email address on file with Rockford University’s Alumni Office receive a monthly

“Around the Corner” e-newsletter with the latest news and

events on campus. Email alumni@rockford.edu to update your contact information with us and stay connected!

DISCOUNTS

ALUMNI BENEFITS CARD

Clark Arts Performances

Rockford University alumni are invited to visit campus

Rockford University Performing Arts events that take place

Obtaining this card gives alumni access to several benefits

Rockford University alumni receive a discount on all

in Clark Arts. Alumni receive a special ticket rate of $9 ($3 off the regular $12 rate).

Athletics Games

Rockford University alumni receive a discount on all

Rockford University Home Athletics Games. Alumni receive a special ticket rate of $3 ($2 off the regular $5 rate).

to obtain a Rockford University Alumni Benefits Card.

on campus, including the discounts listed here, as well as access to Howard Colman Library.

To obtain an Alumni ID card, visit the Office of

Advancement and Alumni during regular business

hours (M-F, 9am-5pm), located on the second floor of Nelson Hall.

HOWARD COLMAN LIBRARY ACCESS With access to over 97,000 electronic serial titles, over 500,000 e-books, a physical collection of over 100,000 volumes, and

access to materials of other academic and public libraries, the Howard Colman Library supports the curriculum and students of Rockford University by providing information in a variety of formats. After obtaining an Alumni ID card, alumni must visit the Howard Colman Library during regular business hours (M-F, 9am-5pm) to have their card activated in the system. Once

activated within the system, alumni have borrowing privileges at the library, and access to online resources when in the building.

AUDITING CLASSES ON CAMPUS Alumni may audit any course with the approval of the course

To sign up to audit a class, contact the SAS office (Student

students enrolled for credit. The auditing fee is $50 per

or visit the office during regular business hours (M-F, 9am-5pm).

instructor, provided that they, as auditors, do not displace class. This fee covers the proper electronic accounts for you to be able to log into the digital blackboard (Canvas)

software needed to successfully participate in a course.

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Administrative Services) at 815-394-3700 or sas@rockford.edu, SAS is located on the first floor of Nelson Hall.

PRE S I DE NT ’S LET TE R As I reflect on the past year at Rockford University, I am so proud

in a new social work opportunity track with the University of

career have taken you since your time on campus, you remain an

partnership with the University of Illinois Chicago Retzky College

of what we have accomplished together. Wherever life and important part of this institution’s story.

Across the country, higher education continues to navigate

significant changes and evolving expectations. In a time when

Illinois College of Medicine Rockford and launched an innovative of Pharmacy. These are the kinds of initiatives that create new pathways for students to pursue in-demand careers while expanding access to higher education in the region.

colleges and universities are frequently asked to demonstrate

However, these milestones represent only a fraction of the

a mission-driven institution can have on its students, its

issue, you will read about the many ways our students, alumni,

their value, this year brought powerful affirmation of the impact community, and the public good.

Among our most significant accomplishments this year was a

successful Higher Learning Commission site visit as part of the

University’s accreditation reaffirmation process. Following a year

progress taking place at Rockford University. Throughout this faculty, and staff continue to make a difference—through

service, leadership, creativity, community engagement, and so much more. Together, these efforts reflect a university that is focused on growth and the success of those we serve.

of devoted preparation and collaboration across campus, the

Thank you for your continued support and connection to

faculty, staff, and leadership, as well the quality and integrity of

as an alum or your first. It is your engagement that enriches our

visit provided an opportunity to showcase the dedication of our the educational experience we provide.

We were also honored to receive the renewal of our Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, a national

recognition of the University’s commitment to community

partnership and civic engagement. Rockford University is among only nine institutions in Illinois to earn this distinction.

Rockford University, whether you’re celebrating your fiftieth year institution and helps ensure that future students can benefit from the same transformative power of higher education that you

experienced. As we look ahead, I am optimistic about the future we are building together.

With appreciation,

At the same time, we continue to invest in opportunities that

meet the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce.

In 2025, we welcomed the first cohort of students participating

Patricia A. Lynott, Ph.D. President

Regents Roundup 7 30

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RU and UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy Announce 3+4 Two-Degree Pathway to Pharmacy Program

RU Welcomes First Cohort of Social Work Students

students to earn both a Bachelor of Science degree from RU

through a partnership designed to address the growing

This new partnership creates an accelerated pathway for

RU welcomed its first cohort of social work students

and a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from UIC in just seven

need for mental health professionals in the Rockford region.

years. The program helps students save time and tuition

while preparing the next generation of pharmacists to meet growing workforce needs.

Graduates are eligible for financial support and assistance

to complete an online Master of Social Work degree through the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford.

11 03 Inaugural Members Inducted Into RU Chapter of Tri-Alpha Honor Society RU celebrated the induction of its first Tri-Alpha Honor

Society members, recognizing first-generation students, alumni, faculty, and staff. The chapter highlights the

University’s commitment to supporting and celebrating the success of first-generation scholars and professionals.

10 27 RU Celebrates the Launch of The Rockford Anthology

The Rockford Anthology is a collection of essays, photos,

and poetry exploring the question, “What defines Rockford

today?” RU celebrated the alumni, students, and faculty who contributed to the publication, highlighting the University’s longstanding commitment to the city and its stories.

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Regents Roundup

Cont’d

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President Patricia Lynott Honored with Excellence in Leadership Award

RU Awarded Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement

Conference, the Excellence in Leadership Award recognized

nine in Illinois—Rockford University earned the Carnegie

Presented at the Greater Rockford Chamber’s Pow(H)er

Dr. Lynott’s distinguished career of service, leadership, and

community impact, including her transformative leadership at Rockford University.

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Study Abroad Trip to England and Ireland

Students majoring in English, theatre, and psychology traveled to Ireland and England, exploring the art and

science of storytelling through literature, performance,

culture, and history. The immersive experience connected

classroom learning with firsthand exploration of the places and stories that shaped these disciplines.

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One of only 237 institutions nationwide—and one of just Classification for Community Engagement in 2026, a

national recognition of its commitment to civic engagement.

STU DE NT STORI E S

The Regents of Today, Shaping Tomorrow W O R D S Stephanie Prchal ’23, Communications & Data Specialist

For Rockford University students, their stories are just beginning. They come here from across the nation—even across the globe—to pursue the

educational programming, opportunities, and connections that will equip them for lifelong success. However, this support can only take them so far.

It is up to each student to take what they’ve learned and build a future uniquely their own. Our students continue to do just that, bringing remarkable initiative to everything they do. Below is a glimpse of just a few students who are already shaping their careers and communities. Whether they recently crossed the stage at Commencement or are preparing for another semester, the next chapter is already underway.

JOCELYN SOLIS ’26

SYDNEY “NINI” PARKER ’28

Jocelyn Solis graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minors in English and lifespan development. During her time at RU, she was a proud first-generation student and Jane Addams Fellow who played an active role in promoting literacy efforts, amplifying student voices, and leading service initiatives.

Sydney “Nini” Parker traveled from California to pursue her passions at Rockford University. As she prepares to begin her junior year, Nini is pursuing a major in psychology with minors in lifespan development and musical theatre, blending academic curiosity with creative expression.

Beyond campus, she worked with the Community Foundation of

productions that include The Prom and The 25th Annual Putnam

teen leaders through the “In Youth We Trust” youth philanthropy program,

2026 musical Ride the Cyclone.

Northern Illinois, where in the past two years she guided more than 30 which has helped distribute over $80,000 across four counties.

Through the Performing Arts program, Nini has been a part of

County Spelling Bee, and recently starred as “Ocean” in the Spring

Nini’s strong, positive presence is recognized well beyond the stage.

In recognition of her leadership and community impact, Jocelyn was

As a Regent Experience Guide, she mentors first-year students and

Youth Leadership Award.

She is also a CRLA-certified Peer Academic Coach and founded

Dr. Chelsea Minor, Assistant Dean of Student Life and Director of Career

health education on campus.

named the 2025 Illinois Secretary of State’s recipient of the John Lewis

Development at Rockford University, remarked on Jocelyn’s success, saying, “This is an exceptional honor and a powerful reflection of

Jocelyn’s leadership, service, and commitment to civic engagement, both as a Jane Addams Fellow and as an intern and volunteer at the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.”

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encourages them to take advantage of campus support resources.

the student organization PSYCHed to promote wellness and mental

“I owe my experiences to the opportunities given to me,” Nini shares.

Looking ahead, she plans to study abroad for a full semester at

Regent’s University in London, another example of how opportunities at Rockford University fuel student growth and leadership.

STU DE NT STORI E S

KADEN FINNESTAD ’26

SAIDI ISHMAIL ’27

He was named a 2025 Lincoln Laureate—one of Illinois’ most

Originally from Lusaka, Zambia, Saidi moved to the United States

academics and co-curricular activities. In addition to delivering an

Adapting to new communities while forging his own path through

Kaden Finnestad graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (exercise science track) and a minor in health. While at RU, he distinguished himself as a leader in the classroom, on the field, and across campus. distinguished student honors—recognizing excellence in both

address at the 2026 Commencement ceremony, Kaden was also

chosen to speak on behalf of the 2025 Lincoln Laureate honorees at the statewide ceremony in Chicago.

He competed on the Rockford University Football team for over four

Saidi Ishmail will be entering his senior year as a double major in financial economics and accounting. Saidi is a proud first-generation student whose journey to Rockford University spans continents. with his family in 2015 before eventually relocating to Rockford. college required both initiative and determination.

“My experiences have taught me resilience, purpose, and the value of community,” Saidi reflects.

years, serving as both Kicker and Punter, earning NACC Second

That resilience now fuels his leadership and entrepreneurial mindset.

recognitions.

oversee funding that supports student organizations and campus

A two-year Resident Assistant and member of the Student Athlete

classroom to real-world decision-making.

Team All-Conference honors and multiple Academic All-District

Advisory Committee, Kaden invested deeply in campus life—

guiding students in the residence halls and advocating for fellow student-athletes.

A native of Belvidere, Illinois, Kaden represents the strength and

As Treasurer of the Student Government Association, Saidi helps initiatives—applying the skills and knowledge he studies in the

He also participated in the BravenX Fellowship, a competitive careerreadiness program that equips students with the skills, confidence, and professional networks needed to launch strong careers.

promise of students from our own region.

Reflecting on his time at Rockford University, Kaden shares, “RU has

provided me with invaluable hands-on experiences and mentorship.

I am deeply grateful to the donors whose generosity makes these opportunities possible.”

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ALU M N I STORI E S

How We Met

W O R D S Stephanie Prchal ’23, Communications & Data Specialist

The moments and connections made at

When the Alumni Office put out a call for

graduation day. When many of our alumni

Rockford University, we received several

Rockford University often last long after

first arrived on campus as students, they never could have imagined the impact

their time here would have on the course

of their lives. For some, those connections became lifelong friendships. For others, they became something more.

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stories from alumni couples who met at

wonderful responses. Below, hear directly

from two alumni couples whose paths first crossed right here on campus, and whose stories are still being written today.

DARLENE AND KERRY KRENZKE, Class of 1972 Kerry I first noticed Darlene, seated several rows ahead of me, in a sociology class. Soon we were dining together at meals in

the Dining Room. Our first date was in the winter of our freshman

year— tray-sledding on old cafeteria trays from the dining room on a hill at the end of the campus. It was scary, but fun.

For Darlene’s birthday party in January, her roommate invited me

to the party, as she needed more money for her birthday present.

year. After junior year, I spent the summer with Darlene and her family in Honolulu.

We got married in LaPorte, Indiana, a month after graduation,

with roommates in the wedding party and friends from Rockford

College on the guest list. We moved to Hawaii a day later, where we found jobs soon thereafter.

Since Darlene was from Hawaii and couldn’t afford to go home for

After retiring, we moved to Seattle, but returned to Hawaii after

was then invited to my family’s home in Indiana after our second

been happily married for 54 years.

holidays and vacations, she spent them with her roommate, and

seven years, due to all the wildfire smoke and pollen. We have now

ALEGRIA MATEUS ‘96, MBA ‘01 AND SANTIAGO REYES MBA ’02 Alegria My name is Alegria Mateus, and I graduated from

After graduating from Rockford College, we were both able to

Ecuador. After moving back to Ecuador for 3 years, I went back

got engaged and decided to move from Rockford to Quito,

Rockford College in 1996. I was an international student from to Rockford to get an MBA and graduated in 2001.

I met my husband Santiago Reyes at Rockford College in

2000. He was an international student from Colombia. He first studied in the ELS (English as a Second Language) program for a few months before enrolling in the MBA program at

find jobs and stayed in Rockford for some time. In 2003, we

Ecuador. We got married in April 2004 and lived there for 13

years. We have three beautiful daughters between the ages of

19 and 13. Santi had been working at Intel Corp. for a few years when, in 2017, he was relocated to Portland, Oregon, where we have lived for the past eight years.

Rockford College. He graduated in 2002.

Both of us are still in touch with many friends we made at

The international student group at Rockford College was

visit and drive around campus so that our kids can see where

awesome and did many activities together, and it’s thanks to them that we met. After a few months of spending time

together, studying, going to parties, and even going on a trip to Niagara Falls, we started dating.

Rockford University and have been back a couple of times to

we studied. We have wonderful memories from our time there, and the education we received at Rockford University has helped us be successful in our careers.

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ALU M N I S POTLIG HT

ANDY POLLOCK Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre

’11

Reprinted from the Performing Arts Newsletter (April 2026 Issue)

For Andy, the stage didn’t disappear after

Rockford University… it simply changed form.

After graduating in 2011 with a degree in Musical Theatre,

Today, Andy serves as Corporate Chef for Mezzetta, a family-

56, Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, and The Great American

sauces, and Mediterranean-inspired pantry staples found in

he began his professional career performing with Festival Melodrama, among others. The discipline of rehearsal, collaboration, and live performance shaped his early professional identity.

After moving to New York City, he stepped into the restaurant world between auditions, but what began as practical work

founded specialty food company known for olives, peppers,

grocery stores nationwide. (If the name doesn’t sound familiar, check your pantry or refrigerator … there’s likely a jar inside.)

He leads culinary innovation, recipe development, experiential presentations, and brand content creation, bringing together performance and craft in every project.

quickly became a calling. He found himself captivated by the

Now based in beautiful Sonoma County in Northern California,

when he stayed home to perfect a classic French omelette

and Penelope (9 months). At home and at work, he’s reminded

craft of cooking. Andy often says he knew his path had shifted instead of heading to an audition.

Andy lives with his wife, Claire, and their two children, Oliver (3) that creativity rarely follows a straight line.

Andy later moved to Los Angeles where he combined his

Andy credits Rockford University not only for artistic training,

Tastemade, Buzzfeed Tasty, and Giada De Laurentiis at

discipline, empathy, and adaptability are transferable in ways

theatre training with culinary storytelling, working with

the Food Network. On camera and behind the scenes, he

realized the skills developed at Rockford (presence, timing,

adaptability, and audience connection) translated seamlessly into food media.

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but for teaching him something larger: that confidence,

you may not see yet. For current students, his journey is a

reminder that your degree does not define your destination.

Sometimes the curtain closes so another stage can open

and you may discover that the spotlight was simply waiting somewhere new.

ALU M N I S POTLIG HT

RAHAF TOLLAH Bachelor of Science in Nursing

’25

Reprinted from the Global Connections Newsletter (Fall 2025 Issue)

What are you doing now in your career or studies?

Looking back, how did RU help you on your journey?

Rockford University, I am back at home in Saudi Arabia, and

deep breath and remembering every moment from my very

After graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from have obtained my Saudi nursing license. So, I am officially RN, Rahaf Tollah! I have been doing things I truly love, such

as volunteering with Saudi Red Crescent, and also completed several professional courses in quality of healthcare and

infection control to support my nursing clinical knowledge

and skills. I’m currently focusing on developing myself more, gaining experience, and preparing to pursue a master’s

degree in nursing in the near future to continue my dream.

My goal is to keep growing as a nurse and continue making a difference in people’s lives.

What about your current job or program makes you feel successful, accomplished, or proud?

What makes me feel truly proud and accomplished is when I

face real situations and instantly remember what my nursing professors taught me at RU. Their lessons and words always stay with me, guiding me through every challenge. For me,

that’s the real meaning of success: seeing how what I learned

has become part of who I am as a nurse. Even after graduating, I did go through moments of uncertainty and boredom, but my determination to keep learning and improving myself made me proud of how far I have come. And I know this is just the beginning, and I believe the best is yet to come.

As I read this question and start answering, I am taking a

first day at Rockford University. Through the hard days and happy ones, I was never alone. The Office of Global Affairs

was honestly my second home. I loved to spend time there:

studying, eating, talking, and laughing with everyone. It’s felt like being with my family back home in Saudi Arabia. And as I mentioned before, I feel proud that I learned from nursing

professors who always keep their doors and hearts open–they answered every question with patience and care, and their passion for nursing inspires me deeply.

What is a favorite memory or something that you remember about your time at RU?

Every moment at RU has been special in its own way. Of course, my graduation day was a mix of happiness and

pride, but also a little sadness as I said goodbye to RU, my

professors, and Global Affairs. One of my favorite moments

was the first time I gave a speech in front of everyone during

the 93rd Saudi National Day. It was so special to see everyone I love and respect, supporting me and proud of my work. Also, another special moment was being honored with the Global Affairs “Global Spotlight Award.” I was so happy seeing my

photo in the library and was so proud. Every single moment I

spent at RU has been unforgettable. I will always be proud as an alum of Rockford University.

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A YEAR OF TRI U M PHANT RETU RNS

The Return of Track and Field

With the start of the 2025-2026 school year

came the return of men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field to Rockford University.

Rockford University head cross country coach Kevin Niles was chosen to lead the program.

Since the announcement of the return in April

2025, Coach Niles has been busy rebuilding and reestablishing the rich tradition of the RU track and field programs. Rockford had 30 All-NACC

performers in a total of 15 events over the time that

The Official Opening of the Turf Field

The women’s soccer team had the honor of playing the first game on RU’s brand new turf field during

the Fall 2025 semester. Men’s and women’s soccer,

the Regents previously competed in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference. Additionally, the

Regents had multiple individuals combine to win a

total of 16 NACC titles and one person qualified to compete at the NCAA Division III Championships.

flag football, and football all benefit from the new

field. Kaden Finnestad, kicker on the football team,

said, “The new turf field has brought a ton of energy to our team and completely transformed our game experience. It’s an incredible feeling to practice

and compete on such a comfortable, high-quality surface, and it’s made a huge difference in how

we play and prepare each week. The field doesn’t just benefit our team but has brought the whole campus community together. Seeing students,

families, and fans out there supporting us on such a great field has been amazing. It’s something the whole team takes pride in, and it really shows the school’s commitment to supporting its athletes.

Every practice and game feels more exciting, and it’s given us a real home-field advantage.”

The 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame

On Saturday, October 11, 2025, Rockford University inducted four members of the Regent community into the Charles M. DeWild Athletic Hall of Fame: Bob Amsberry, Women’s Basketball Coach (1997-2006) John Kleinhubert ‘83, Baseball (1980-1983)

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Matt Lindgren ‘10, Men’s Cross Country and Track and Field (2006-2010) Jessica (Zammuto) Garcia ‘06, Softball (2005-2006)

The 25th Anniversary of Football at RU

On November 8, 2025, members of the inaugural

Installation of the Baseball and Softball Scoreboards

to campus for a celebration of the milestone

improvements, Rockford University’s baseball

Lutheran College and celebrated their own

during the 2026 season. The scoreboards were

the opportunity to meet with current players and

the previous season, with additional upgrades,

they continue to have on the university. During a

The project was made possible through support

Stanek invited the 2000 team onto the field and

Grounds for Greatness campaign.

football team at Rockford University returned

Following several seasons of facility

anniversary. Before the Regents took on Wisconsin

and softball programs debuted new scoreboards

milestone–2025 Senior Day–team alums had

installed on fields that had been converted to turf

coaches, to reminisce, and to honor the impact

including new press boxes, planned for the future.

special halftime ceremony, Athletic Director Jess

from alumni and donors who contributed to the

presented them with a commemorative pin.

May Day Through the Years See how the celebration of May Day has progressed and transformed over the lifetime of Rockford University.

W O R D S Stephanie Prchal ’23, Communications & Data Specialist

Honoring tradition while evolving to meet future needs has

Today, while the form has changed, the heart of May Day

examples illustrate that balance more clearly than May Day,

a classic tea ceremony that balances the aesthetics of the

long been a hallmark of Rockford University’s identity. Few

a celebration enjoyed by generations of students and alumni since 1894.

For much of its history on campus, May Day was marked by

an elaborate procession, a maypole dance, and a reception. In 1897, it expanded to include the crowning of a senior student as May Queen and the presentation of her court.

As student life and the University itself evolved over the

decades, so too did the observance of May Day. Following the

endures. The University continues to honor its roots through season with the fast-paced demands of modern life. Beloved by alumni and friends, the May Day Tea is a gentle reminder of the sense of community that connects generations of Regents.

The faces and moments in these photographs span well over

a hundred years, yet they share a common value: that the time

spent celebrating the renewal, blossoming, and promise of life is never time wasted.

transition to a fully coeducational institution in 1958, traditions

What May Day will look like a century from now remains to be

1970s and 1980s, and the final May Queen being elected in

are here to stay.

gradually shifted, with May Kings being added for a time in the the late 1990s.

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seen, but one thing is sure: the spirit and ideals that define it

In Memoriam Nancy Tucker O’Shea ‘64, January 14, 2025

Don Olsen ‘10, December 26, 2025

Kent Lowman ‘66, March 16, 2025

Schelley Severson Moran ‘88, January 13, 2026

Stephen Spudich ‘59, April 21, 2025

Michael Saxton ‘06, February 14, 2026

Elaine “Ellie” Braun Stroker ‘66, May 11, 2025

Peter Holm ‘82, January 25, 2026

Victoria “Vicki” Kirby Collazos ‘75, May 30, 2025

Jane Aude Hines ‘80, January 31, 2026

Richard “Dick” Livengood ‘74, June 1, 2025

Joann Stern Tarbis ‘56, February 24, 2026

Michael Gul ‘19, June 14, 2025

Gary Phelps ‘64, March 1, 2026

Flynn Fox ‘85, June 27, 2025

Carol Studer Guschl ‘86, March 3, 2026

Lois Larson Kollar ‘51, July 5, 2025

Sunil Puri ‘82, ‘13H, March 8, 2026

Georgia Hill Walter ‘81, July 6, 2025

Cynthia Weber ‘86, March 11, 2026

Linda Goldstein ‘70, July 25, 2025

Susan Johnson ‘88, March 22, 2026

Jane Dagit Buxton ‘66, August 14, 2025

Patricia Farrant Gartland ‘65, March 25, 2026

Phyllis Aavang ‘86, August 16, 2025

John Shick Jr. ‘03, April 4, 2026

Robert Onken ‘81, August 16, 2025

Michael Winter ‘99, April 5, 2026

Susan Bates ‘68, August 18, 2025

Kelley Thrun ‘66, April 9, 2026

Lynne Walther ‘63, September 19, 2025

Barbara Girling Muccianti ‘80, April 13, 2026

Melanie Fazio ‘95, September 26, 2025

Mark Zelman ‘85, April 21, 2026

Thomas Lee ‘13, October 3, 2025

Jeannine Graham Hugill ‘68, April 22, 2026

Werner Hein ‘81, October 8, 2025

Gary Belter ‘83, April 28, 2026

Cheryl Novak Storms ‘92, October 12, 2025

Mary Welsh Ingrassia ‘66, May 1, 2026

George Sell ‘69, October 24, 2025

Patricia Rasmussen Hoffman ‘57, May 7, 2026

Emily Kehoe Johnson ‘74, October 27, 2025

Christopher Sims II ‘06, May 9, 2026

Calvin Albee ‘75, November 29, 2025

Sheila Bach Hooper ‘71, MAT ‘74, May 22, 2026

Robert July ‘64, November 30, 2025

Dennis Palmini ‘65, May 25, 2026

Richard “Dick” Eckburg ‘63, November 30, 2025

Steven Zarembski ‘77, May 25, 2026 R O C K F O R D U N I V E R S I T Y • C at a l y s t

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Faculty Notes Marissa Barnathan, Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre,

Drs. Viktoriia Dobriak, Mehmet Dik and Filiz Dik hosted

Institute (IDIERI) conference in Vancouver, Canada in June

Mathematics) meeting at Rockford University on November

presented at The International Drama in Education Research

2025. As part of the conference, the “Global Voices” podcast featured Professor Barnathan where she discussed her research on socially conscious musicals.

Christopher Sisson, Chair of the Department of Art and Art History and Associate Professor of Art-Graphic Design, was awarded an American Inhouse Design Award for his poster design for the Performing Arts Department’s The Game’s Afoot, held in Maddox Theatre in April 2024.

Dr. Catherine Forslund, Chair of the Department of History and International Studies and Isabel Ross Abbott, Professor

of History and Women’s Studies, spoke at the 5th anniversary of the Rockford Women’s Suffrage Plaza event held in the YMCA’s Log Lodge in Sinnissippi Park, focusing on the

the NIATM (Northern Illinois Association of Teachers of

19. Math educators and pre-service teachers from NIU, Rock Valley College, College of DuPage, Kishwaukee College,

Hononegah HS, Harlem HS, and Belvidere HS came together for a presentation titled “Goodbye Dear Aunt Sally, Hello

Student Thinking” by the Illinois State University Professors Tami Martin and Oscar Chavez.

Dr. Yoandy Cabrera Ortega, Chair of the Department of

Languages, Philosophy, Religion, and Cultures and Associate Professor of Spanish and Classics, accepted the position as the new editor of The Classical Outlook, the leading

publication for classroom teachers of Latin, Greek, and

Classical Humanities in schools, colleges, and universities. It is the official journal of The American Classical League.

historical significance of women gaining the right to vote.

Dr. Bethany Twitty, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice,

of Womanspace in Rockford.

the history of immigration enforcement. The event, co-

Recently, Dr. Forslund was also elected president of the board

Malina Campos, Chair of the Department of Nursing and

Assistant Professor of Nursing, and Ellie Edwards visited Roosevelt Community Education Center on October 30,

2025, to present the nursing profession and recruit students to the program.

Tina Cantrell, Lecturer of Marketing and Digital Marketing,

published “Teaching on the Edge: Neurodivergence, Grit, and Reclaiming Space in Higher Education” in the October issue of ADVANCE.

Timm Adams, Associate Professor of Music, led his inaugural concert as the Artistic Director of Camerata Emanon, a local community choir with a rich 25+ year history in Rockford, on Saturday, November 16. Photo C

participated in a public forum in downtown Rockford on

sponsored by the League of Women Voters, the American

Association of University Women, and the Rockford Public Library, was entitled “How Did We Get Here?” Dr. Twitty

also submitted her paper “Jane Addams & Pedagogy in the

Social Sciences” for inclusion in the conference book: In the Spirit of Jane Addams: Global Dialogue, Social Change, and Community Engagement in the 21st Century, University of Warsaw Press.

Stephanie Nissen, Director of the Howard Colman Library

and Assistant Professor of Library and Information Science, attended the American Library Association’s 50th National Library Legislative Day in Washington, DC, in late February.

The first day included workshops and preparation, and the second day included meetings with legislators on Capitol

Hill. This opportunity allowed her to expand her advocacy

network and gain experience in talking to legislators about pro-library legislation. Photo B

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R O C K F O R D U N I V E R S I T Y • C at a l y s t

Drs. Amy Martin, Lisa Mehlig, and Shannon Wachter attended the 34th Annual Tri-State Psychology

Undergraduate Conference hosted at Coe College with eight

A

RU psychology students. Two pairs (Jocelyn Solis and Nelson Hernandez; Scarlet Torrisi and Samantha Schroeder) and

one individual student (Sonia Almwalad) presented research posters at the conference. Photo A

Dr. Deepshikha Shukla, Associate Vice President of

Business Innovation and Professor of Physics, has completed the training to become a Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP). She was also invited by Region 1

Planning Council to serve on the “Innovation & Industry” working group for the 2026 – 2030 Regional Economic Development Plan.

B

Dr. Kyle Stedman, Chair of the Department of English and Professor of English, with Benjamin Lauren, co-edited

a digital edited collection called Can I Ask a Question? A

Dialog about Sonic Rhetoric, Professional Writing, CreativeCritical Scholarship, and Process. Beyond editing, his main

contribution to the collection was a 19-minute audio essay titled “Then Again Begin: Dirty Records, Clean Audio, and Professional Communication.”

Dr. Deborah Breiter, Chair of the Chemical and Biological

Sciences Department and Bergmann Professor of Chemistry, served as an event supervisor at the Regional Illinois Science

C

Olympiad competition held at Rock Valley College on March 14. She set up, proctored, and graded the Division B event “Potions and Poisons.”

Dr. Alice Boateng, Assistant Professor of Social Work, coauthored an article entitled “Impact of COVID-19 on Social

Support among Caregivers: A Qualitative Study,” published in Global Social Welfare, a journal in the fields of global

social work, social development, and social welfare policy and practice.

R O C K F O R D U N I V E R S I T Y • C at a l y s t

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