Catalyst THE MAGAZINE OF ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY ALUMNI
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Catalyst The Magazine of Rockford University Alumni
IN THIS ISSUE PREPARED WITH PRIDE: REGENTS FIRST HELPS FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS SUCCEED........................................1 WELCOME NEW STUDENTS!.........................................................................................................................................................................3 CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2021..............................................................................................................................................................5 RU ADDS FIVE NEW MEMBERS TO THE CHARLES M. DEWILD HALL OF FAME....................................................................................7 CELEBRATING 175 YEARS..............................................................................................................................................................................9 DYNAMIC ROCKFORD EXPERIENCE LEADS ALUMNA TO EMPOWER WOMEN TO TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR FINANCES............10 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS HONOREES...........................................................................................................................................11 RU CALLING....................................................................................................................................................................................................16 FACULTY NOTES.............................................................................................................................................................................................17 CLASS NOTES.................................................................................................................................................................................................19 IN MEMORIAM.................................................................................................................................................................................................21 SPECIAL TRIBUTE: GEORGANNE HINCHLIFF EGGERS.............................................................................................................................22 HISTORY: RU THROWBACK..........................................................................................................................................................................23
Catalyst is published by Rockford University’s Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement. Contact us at 815.394.5111 or alumni@rockford.edu.
Greetings from President Fulcomer Not every institution makes it to its demisemiseptcentennial. As we prepare to mark the 175th anniversary of the founding of Rockford Female Seminary, we also celebrate the robust life of this institution. Over the last year and a half, I have often thought about the many challenges this university has faced throughout its long history – a civil war, two world wars, two global pandemics, the Great Depression, and multiple recessions, among many others. Through it all, our commitment to educate students ready to take on the world’s challenges has remained at the forefront. We have faced the trials of COVID-19 with the same resilience and tenacity as those who went before us, tackling the problems of their day. We have much to celebrate this year, and many more students to educate. We have a committee that is working on developing a variety of ways to recognize this milestone anniversary, including activities and events, community engagement, and even a celebratory logo (which you can preview on pg. 9). So far, despite the challenges that COVID-19 presents, including having to adjust plans on the fly time and again, we have had a successful fall semester. Our new student orientation was fun and energetic. As you will read in the pages that follow, we launched a new program for firstgeneration students – Regents First. This initiative helps students get a leg up before their peers arrive to begin the orientation process. Future research will tell us what this generation of high school students lost in terms of educational content, but early indications are that, for some students, it was more than a year of learning. The quick transition to remote learning and the lack of access
to electronic devices and internet caused many to fall behind. Regents First is our attempt to help the students most impacted by these challenges transition successfully to college. Early signs are promising – these students are engaged and have a wealth of resources available to help them throughout their collegiate experience. Our kick off to the fall semester for faculty and staff – the University Opening Conference – focused on helping all of us better understand our student body. It is important to educate the students who come to us – to meet them where they are. We are committed to working with our students to help them reach their full potential – as we have done for the generations of students who came before them. As I meet with alumni and hear their stories, it inspires me to remind our faculty and staff that we are making a difference. The students we are impacting today are the alumni with whom future Rockford University presidents will meet. What will they have to say about the education they received and the people who poured into them? We are grateful for the many ways that our alumni and friends support Rockford University. Please spread the word about the good things happening here as we mark this special anniversary and boldly move forward to build upon our strong foundation.
Eric W. Fulcomer, Ph.D. President
Prepared with Pride: Regents First Helps First-Generation College Students Succeed This semester, Rockford University proudly unveiled its Regents First program, a new initiative to recruit, support, and retain first-generation college students.
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Strategies. Regents First participants receive a stipend to support the purchase of course materials both semesters of their first year.
... the ultimate goal is to see them become the first in their family to obtain a bachelor’s degree – and not only start it but finish it. Open to incoming freshmen, Regents First takes what can be a challenging experience for anyone – enrolling in a four-year university – and boosts support for students who are working to become the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree. Eight students make up the first cohort — all of them having been selected after applying and interviewing in order to understand the program’s requirements. They’re paired with a designated financial aid coach, as well as a college life skills coach who will meet with them regularly throughout the academic year, according to Dr. Karen Walker, dean of academic support at the Center for Learning
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They’re also paired with a peer mentor — another first-generation college student who can be a motivating force and help build resilience during the first year of school through weekly check-ins and study group sessions.
While the program is designed to ensure and increase student retention for first-generation college students at Rockford University, the ultimate goal is college completion. “I have emphasized for these eight folks that I will have a tissue box with me at commencement while I watch as each one walks across the stage,” Dr. Walker explained. “They may change jobs or majors over the course of four years or so. But the ultimate goal is to see them become the first in their family to obtain a bachelor’s degree – and not only start it but finish it.”
Learning Campus Life The Regents First participants got their first taste of campus life July 25-30 during a residential summer retreat before classes kicked off Aug. 18.
Miami Roby, 17, said nerves caused her to lose some sleep that first night, but playing games and doing icebreakers with students and staff helped make her feel more comfortable.
For some, it was their first or longest time away from home. “It was good, my first live-away-from-home experience,” said 18-year-old Briana Flores, a nursing major. “The first night was nerve-wracking, but then I started getting to know my roommate and started to feel calmer and more at peace.” 1 CATALYST
“The retreat as a whole taught me a lot about myself,” Roby said. “It taught me how to be more open and put myself out there. There were personal moments where we shared things about ourselves and learned a lot about each other and how we’re really not that different. We learned that we’re not alone and the whole group is really here for support.”
Support from All Sides Support is exactly what Regents First aims to provide, as well as the common thread of what it’s like to be a first-generation college student. Roby’s family moved from the south to Rockford several years back, and she struggled during high school. Her mother cried when she found out Roby had been accepted to RU. “She’s extremely supportive and she’s told me how glad she is that I have support and how much easier it will be to navigate not only the schoolwork but having help on campus and the emotional support,” said Roby, who’s majoring in musical theater. Flores, who was raised in California and moved to Rockford about two years ago with her family, said her mom tagged along when she bought her books, and she enjoys including her parents on her journey. Jenny Pina, 18, also came to Rockford by way of California about five years ago with her family. She feels the pressure to succeed as the oldest sibling with two younger brothers.
support from my parents. I worked all summer to pay for tuition, but my parents offered to help me in whatever way they could because they’re so proud of me.” Support also comes from Regents First peer mentors such as Jaedyn Brannon-Davis, a 19-yearold sophomore, and 22-year-old senior Kassandra Campos. Both are also first-generation college students and use that shared experience to connect with Regents First students. Brannon-Davis, a sports management major, was recommended by his basketball coach to become a mentor. He sees a lot of mentees in his classes and is looking forward to being there for each other and bonding. “I want them to never underestimate what they can do,” he said. Campos, a biomedical sciences major, also wanted to help people through becoming a mentor. “I know the struggle of finding your way around campus and studying for classes and not having family members who’ve been through it. I wanted to help others because I know what it’s like.”
“I am the example,” said Pina, an education major who wants to teach third grade. “I’ve felt nothing but
Looking Ahead Flores, Roby, and Pina shared what they’re most looking forward to at RU as they embarked on their first semester. “I’m really looking forward to meeting new people and experiencing new things in my major,” Roby said. “In middle school and high school, I never felt like I was part of things or fit in. After coming here and meeting my advisor, I already feel like I belong, like I’m actually going to grow here. I’m excited for that.” “The class size ratio is small, so I can get to know the other students and we can reach out to our mentors and other students if we need them,” Flores explained. “I think the biggest thing is mostly the growth I’ll get from here,” Pina said. “Making connections and meeting people, becoming part of and having a sense of community. I’ve never found something where I said, ‘this is my passion and I belong here.’ I’m hopeful college will give me a sense of direction to find out what I’m made for.” FALL 2021 2
Welcome New Students! Each fall, Rockford University’s Office of Student Life welcomes first-year students to campus with a high-energy orientation program. Over the course of three days, students learn the ins and outs of RU and get to know their fellow classmates. This year’s events kicked off with move-in day on August 14, followed by a jam-packed schedule of activities, including the traditional Opening Ceremony featuring an address by President Fulcomer, the signing of the class ledger, and the ringing of Anna Peck Sill’s bell. An ice cream
social at Dr. Fulcomer’s house; a movie night; and a cardboard boat race on the Rock River rounded out the activities. In addition to larger events, new students benefited from small group activities guided by Regent Experience Guides “Reggies” (returning undergraduate students) and faculty members. Freshmen will have the opportunity to continue working with their small groups throughout the semester as they partner together during their freshman seminar program.
LAUREN ZIELINSKI WAUKESHA, WIS. MAJOR: EDUCATION “My favorite thing about RU's freshman orientation was getting the opportunity to hear about what kind of life stories led them (other students) to the same place as me.”
MIAMI ROBY ROCKFORD, ILL. MAJOR: MUSICAL THEATRE “The best part about orientation was meeting new people and creating amazing memories that I know are going to be with me for a lifetime.”
ALEX JOHNSON ROCKFORD, ILL. DIRECTOR OF STUDENT LIFE AND ORIENTATION “This year’s orientation was successful as you could tell students wanted the opportunity to connect with people after isolating for so long due to COVID. Students were able to learn about university resources and participate in several social bonding experiences with faculty, staff, and their fellow classmates during the three days.” 3 CATALYST
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MOLLY BARKER, FOUNDER OF GIRLS ON THE RUN, delivers the commencement address titled “Be the Change.”
Celebrating the
TANNER ELLIOTT, STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT, shares a reflection with fellow students, friends, family, faculty, and staff. 5 CATALYST
ISA ASKARBEK UULU, MBA STUDENT, listens as President Fulcomer reflects on the past academic year.
CLASS OF 2021 After a difficult 2020 in which graduates had to be celebrated virtually, Rockford University was thrilled to hold an in-person commencement ceremony for our 2021 degree candidates. On May 15, approximately 370 undergraduate and graduate students had the opportunity to cross a stage erected in the middle of our football field and receive their diploma in front of friends and family. Held over two back-to-back ceremonies to allow for adequate social distancing, the 167th Commencement was the first time in the university’s history that the event was held at RU’s Sam Greeley Field. Despite on-again off-again drizzle, spirits remained high as graduates – representing 15 states and 13 countries – and their families took in words of wisdom from President Eric Fulcomer, Student Government Association President Tanner Elliott ’21, and special guest, Molly Barker, founder of Girls on the Run. Capping an unforgettable academic year – the 2021 commencement will go down in Rockford University’s history as a once-in-alifetime experience.
ERIC FULCOMER, PH.D., PRESIDENT OF ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY, welcomes students, friends, and family to our 167th Commencement celebration. FALL 2021 6
ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY ADDS CHARLES M. DEWILD HALL OF FAME NICK COLON ’07
Nick Colon becomes just the second Rockford University football player, and the first defensive player, to be enshrined in the hall of fame. Colon was not only one of the best defensive players in program history, but he also was one of the best and most reliable linebackers in both the conference and region. He never missed a game in his four-year (2003-06) career as a Regent and compiled an impressive list of postseason awards. Colon was selected First Team All-UMAC (Upper Midwest Athletic Conference) South Division as both a sophomore and junior. He was also named Honorable Mention All-Region by Don Hansen’s Football Gazette during his junior year. Colon’s most decorated season came during his senior year where he earned an impressive six postseason
SHAUN DASCHER ’09/’12
Shaun Dascher enters the hall of fame following a highly decorated three-year career as a member of the Rockford University baseball team.
Dascher was one of the top outfielders in the conference and in the region, earning postseason recognition in each of his three years at Rockford. At the national level, Dascher was ranked in the top 30 in six statistical categories combined as a junior and a senior. As a sophomore, he was named Northern Athletics Conference (NAC) Honorable Mention and Third Team All-Region by the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA). Dascher then earned First Paula Jones Zigler enters the hall of fame as one of the best three-sport athletes in Rockford University history. Zigler was a four-year member of the Rockford University women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and softball programs, each of which saw unprecedented success with her on the team.
PAULA JONES ZIGLER ’06/’09
Zigler was a key component to the most successful four-year span in the history of the Rockford University women’s basketball program. She played in all 111 games over her four years. Zigler was named First Team All-Northern Illinois Iowa Conference (NIIC) three times (2002-03, 2003-04, 2005-06) and NIIC Honorable Mention for the 2004-05 season. She finished her career with 1,172 points, 471 rebounds, 235 assists, and 202 steals. Zigler is currently the ninth leading scorer in program history and is one of only 11 players to score 1,000 points in a career at Rockford. Tim Rowe enters the hall of fame following an incredible four-year career on the Rockford University baseball team. He was a central piece to the turnaround of the program in the mid-2000s.
TIM ROWE ’08
Rowe was one of the best outfielders in the conference and region throughout his career and would eventually become one of the top outfielders in the country as a senior. As a freshman, Rowe was named First Team All-Northern Illinois Iowa Conference (NIIC) and Third Team All-Region by the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA). He was subsequently named NIIC Honorable Mention in 2005, before having perhaps one of the best offensive seasons in program history as a senior. During his senior season, Rowe had a .400 batting average, a .503 on-base percentage and a .750 slugging percentage. He
Kristi Strunz Elgersma enters the hall of fame following one of the most remarkable two-year careers in the history of the Rockford University women’s basketball program. Elgersma transferred to Rockford after two decorated years at Clarke University where she was both a two-time First Team All-Northern Illinois Iowa Conference (NIIC) selection and a two-time D3hoops.com Third Team All-Region selection. Upon her arrival at Rockford for the 2004-05 season, Elgersma helped lead the Regents to consecutive NIIC Championships, NIIC Tournament Titles, and back-to-back NCAA Division III Tournament appearances for the first time in program history.
KRISTI STRUNZ ELGERSMA ’08
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FIVE NEW MEMBERS TO THE In October the Rockford University athletic department inducted five new members into the Charles M. DeWild Athletic Hall of Fame. Established in 1980, the hall of fame currently includes 57 members representing Rockford University’s men’s and women’s athletic teams.
accolades. He was named First Team All-UMAC South Division for the third consecutive season, selected as both the UMAC South Division Defensive MVP and the overall UMAC Defensive MVP, voted Third Team All-Region by D3football.com, selected Honorable Mention All-Region by Don Hansen’s Football Gazette for the second straight year, and named UMAC Academic AllConference. He also helped lead the Regents to both their first UMAC South Division Title and a berth in the UMAC Championship Game. Colon finished his career with 213 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, six forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and two interceptions.
Team All-NAC honors in each of his final two years and was once again selected Third Team All-Region by the ABCA during his senior season. Despite only spending three seasons in a Regent uniform, Dascher still holds multiple school records and is ranked in the top-15 in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) in several career categories. He holds the Rockford University hit-by-pitch records for a single-game (3), a single-season (20), and a career (49). Dascher is also second all-time in the NACC in career on-base percentage (.494) and hit-by-pitches and fourteenth in runs scored (150) and triples (8).
Zigler was also a central piece to the success of the women’s volleyball program in the early 2000s. She played in 113 of the team’s 116 matches. Zigler was selected NIIC Honorable mention as a freshman in 2002, before being voted First Team All-NIIC her final three seasons. She still holds the Rockford University school records for assists in a match (58), assists in a season (1,296), assists in a career (2,877), assists per set in a season (11.27), assists per set in a career (7.12), and digs per set in a career (4.04). Zigler was also an integral part of the softball team when it had its winningest four-year stretch in program history. The Regents won 87 games from 2003-06, including a school record 28 wins in 2006. Zigler played in 143 of the team’s 156 games, helped lead Rockford to a second place finish in both the regular season and the NIIC Tournament during her senior season, and was named NIIC Honorable Mention in 2006.
finished the year with 56 hits, 16 doubles, 11 home runs, 105 total bases, 52 runs batted in, 31 walks and was a perfect 6-for-6 in stolen base attempts. Additionally, he was nationally ranked in six offensive categories. Rowe’s incredible numbers led to him being the only player in the conference to be named the Northern Athletics Conference (NAC) Position Player of the Week twice during that year. He was also named First Team All-NAC and First Team All-Region by the ABCA. Rowe capped off his season by being selected an Honorable Mention All-American by D3baseball.com.
The awards and accolades continued to roll in for Elgersma over her illustrious career as a Regent. She was named First Team All-NIIC for the third time in her career and was selected Second Team All-Region by D3hoops.com. Elgersma capped off her career with an incredible senior season. She scored a career-high 459 points on a career-best 50.7 percent shooting, grabbed 130 rebounds, dished out 69 assists, and had 63 steals. She was rewarded with her fourth First Team All-NIIC selection and was named the NIIC Player of the Year. Elgersma was then named all-region for the fourth consecutive year, this time garnering Third Team All-Region status from D3hoops.com. FALL 2021 8
Celebrating 175 Years On February 25, 1847, the charter was signed for Rockford Female Seminary, the predecessor to Rockford College, and today’s Rockford University. A women-only institution, Rockford Female Seminary was the companion school to Beloit College, which had been established for men in 1846. Fast forward to February 25, 2022, and Rockford University will commemorate 175 years of educational excellence, influencing the lives of tens of thousands of both men and women. Beginning in January, we will kick off a year-long celebration of all things RU. Watch our website, social media channels, and newsletters for announcements over the coming months for how you can get involved and join the festivities. First up — we need your help nominating outstanding Regents for our 175 Faces of Rockford University campaign. This project will honor 175 people who have had a meaningful influence on the university, the community, and the world. Visit Rockford.edu/175faces to nominate men and women who you think should be recognized as notable alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of RU. Explain why you think they are important to the history of Rockford University and help us celebrate their achievements. Questions? Contact Linda Ploenzke Sandquist ’85 at lsandquist@rockford.edu or 815.394.3756.
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday February 12 2022 Rockford University | Regents Hall
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DYNAMIC ROCKFORD EXPERIENCE LEADS ALUMNA TO EMPOWER WOMEN TO TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR FINANCES Although Mary Ann Cascio Laudicina ’91 was born and raised in Rockford, she chose to attend Rockford University for more reasons than the simple fact that it was located in her hometown. Budget-conscious, Laudicina figured she could save money by working and living at home while pursuing her bachelor’s degree. But the ultimate push for her to enroll at Rockford was when she attended a presentation during high school in which she learned about the college’s study abroad opportunity at Regent's College in London. From that moment on, she knew where she wanted to be. At Rockford, Laudicina majored in business with an emphasis in finance. During her semester abroad, she took only 13 credits so that she would have time to travel. She toured London, explored castles throughout England, saw many musicals and theater productions – including the Phantom of the Opera in Scotland – and much more. The defining point of the trip, though, was the opportunity it afforded Laudicina to meet students from all around the world and learn about their cultures, languages, and perspectives. “You’re just a better person after that experience, because you’re more accepting of others who think differently than you or have a different background,” she said. “I’ll never forget it.” Now Laudicina applies the lessons she learned abroad to her career, currently as a financial advisor associate at the Baird office in Rockford. “I think that affects your career and life in general just to be more accepting of people and open-minded and not judgmental,” she said. Laudicina is also passionate about empowering women to take an interest in or control of their finances. She pointed out that according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 34 percent of financial advisors are women. Laudicina hopes to see an uptick in that number. She likens it to her preference for female doctors, as they seem to understand her better and have had similar experiences. “I feel like I can make more of an impact in my role as a female advisor to help women, and I’m very passionate about that – helping women be involved in their finances and take responsibility and charge if necessary,” she said. Laudicina added that throughout her 30 years in the financial industry, she’s often seen where the male in a relationship has more communication with the financial advisor. And because men have a shorter life expectancy than women, she’s frequently met with grieving women who come to see her after their spouse passes, not knowing anything about their financial situation. “I want to be the advisor that encourages them to be involved before all that happens,” Laudicina said. That drive for providing encouragement stemmed from Laudicina’s experience with one of her former professors, Jeff Fahrenwald. She recalled being fairly reserved in class except for one day when she decided to contribute to a discussion. When she did, Fahrenwald said, “Mary Ann, you need to speak up more, because you have a lot of value to add.” “He really inspired me to speak up and gave me the courage to do it,” Laudicina said. Now she uses that voice every day, encouraging other women to use theirs and take charge of their finances. Laudicina at commencement in May 1991 FALL 2021 10
Alumni Association Awards Honorees Each year the Alumni Association Board bestows awards of recognition to alumni and long-time university supporters. The following individuals were honored at the All-Alumni Dinner on Friday, October 8, 2021, during the university’s Reunion weekend. Each award recipient embodies the mission and values of Rockford University through their talents, contributions, and successes, both professionally and personally.
Congratulations to our 2021 Alumni Award recipients
Outstanding Young Alumni Award – Given to an alumna/us who has finished her/his Rockford University tenure within the last 15 years. This alumna/us will have fulfilled the ideals of Rockford University by vision, dedication, and initiative in a purposeful endeavor, or through responsible and sustained efforts in the improvements of a community, or a notable achievement in a profession, thus having brought honor and esteem to Rockford University.
K RYSTA “ KI KA” YOUNG RI SA ’08/’09 Krysta Young Risa, more commonly known by friends and family as Kika, has worked at Forest City Gear — which has been owned by her family for three generations — since high school. She worked her way through the organization, starting with administrative and maintenance duties, and now serves as the director of corporate management. In this role, Risa oversees everything from compliance and export control to human resources and facilities management. Rockford University purple runs deep through Risa’s veins. Not only did she receive both her bachelor’s degree and MBA from the university, her parents — Fred ’65 and Wendy ’82 Young — are also graduates. Risa is also married to a fellow Regent, Anthony Risa ’06/’09, and together they are raising three children — Adelynn, AJ, and Evelyn. When she’s not working or taking her kids to athletic practices, Risa enjoys homesteading. The family has a dozen chickens and a garden at their Roscoe, Ill., home. Risa’s community involvement is lengthy. She has been on the board of the Employers’ Coalition on Health (ECOH) since 2017 and currently serves as the vice chair. Her work with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce is extensive, and in 2019 she was honored as one of the Chamber’s 40 Leaders Under 40.
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Award of Distinction – Given to alumni for fulfilling the ideals of Rockford University and bringing honor and esteem to the university in one or more of the following ways: through their vision, dedication, and initiative in a purposeful endeavor; by their responsive and sustained efforts in community improvements; or by their notable achievements in a profession.
M A RYANN JONES HAYSLI P ’93 Following graduation from Rockford College with a double major in Spanish and child development, Maryann Jones Hayslip went on to receive two master’s degrees, one in Spanish literature and one in school leadership and administration. She put her degrees to good use while creating Spanish programs at multiple private schools throughout Illinois and Kentucky. After a fulfilling teaching and administrative career, Hayslip decided to retire as a school principal in 2021 to pursue personal interests and travel. She is currently publishing a children’s book, serves as a creative consultant for a paper-crafting company, and has a popup bakery in the works for this fall and into the holiday season. Hayslip met her late husband, Donovan, at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He was working on a master’s degree in French while she pursued the same in Spanish. Hayslip and her husband took the “romance” languages very seriously and were married in 1996. Together they had three boys who kept them busy over the years. Hayslip is thankful for the solid foundation she received during her years as a liberal arts student at Rockford University and credits it for much of her success. She was among the few child development majors who was able to conduct her student teaching in a bilingual classroom. She also had the opportunity to learn administrative tasks while forming a campus chapter of a foreign language honor society. Her diverse experiences continued with the chance to study abroad in southern Mexico and serve as the university’s newspaper editor. These opportunities helped her excel in her job search and eventually allowed her to combine her passions for teaching and Spanish into a rewarding profession. Hayslip received many awards throughout her career. Most recently, she was presented the Terrell H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership, Top 10 Principal in the Nation in 2020.
CA ROL HEMPEL HUNTER ’71 Carol Hempel Hunter is a life-long educator with a passion for both excellence and equity. She has experience as both teacher and administrator in every grade level from preschool through higher education. Hunter graduated from Rockford College in 1971 with a Bachelor of Art in humanities and went on to get her Master in Education from the University of Virginia. Just after completing her master’s, she helped start a cooperative preschool, and went on to teach at Woodberry Forest School and Orange County Public Schools in Virginia for over 30 years, finishing off as an adjunct instructor at the University of Mary Washington. In every school setting she worked, Hunter focused on helping all students reach their full academic potential. She was fortunate to be able to collaborate with community members and educators to promote equity in education and to implement programs that helped gifted learners develop their talents. Hunter worked with teams of teachers, community members, and administrators to establish an Academic Scholars Institute for young Black men. In addition, her work with English Language Learners supported equity and excellence in the classroom for many non-English speakers and their families. Hunter has received various awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Orange County Education Foundation and the Outstanding Educator Award (Region 5) from the Northern Virginia Council for Gifted Education. Hunter and her husband, Ross, whom she met during freshman orientation, dated throughout their time at Rockford College. They were married on January 1, 1972 and raised two successful daughters in Orange, Virginia. Hunter now lives in South Carolina where she serves as a docent at the Columbia Art Museum. In her free time, Hunter counts learning as a hobby. Teaching was the perfect profession for her because there was always something new to learn along with her students. She loved putting together units of study and gathering information and resources to bring ideas and concepts to life. Hunter also enjoys traveling; she loved studying in Japan on the Fulbright Memorial Fellowship in 2005 and hopes to continue international travels soon.
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Alumna/Alumnus of the Year Award – Honors an alumna/us for invaluable service to the Alumni Association and Rockford University during the past year.
THOMAS GENDRON ’88 Thomas Gendron completed an MBA from Rockford College in 1988. In 1990, he was hired at Woodward, Inc., working in both the aerospace and industrial businesses. During 30 years with the company, Gendron has provided leadership in sales, marketing, business development, and product support management. Currently serving as chairman of the board and president and chief executive officer of the company, Gendron previously held the roles of chief operating officer, vice president and general manager of industrial controls, vice president of industrial controls, and director of global marketing and industrial controls’ business development. Gendron’s experience with and knowledge of Woodward’s businesses and the industries in which they operate has enabled him to lead the company’s growth. He has brought significant insight due to his comprehensive understanding of Woodward and its operations at multiple levels, including the company’s strategic vision, products, suppliers, customers, and markets. In addition to his work at Woodward, Gendron also serves on the board at Hexcel Corp. and was on the Rockford University Board of Trustees from 2013 to 2018.
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Mary Ashby Cheek Award – Given to a past or present non-alumni member of the Rockford University community for enriching the university experience of many by exemplifying the ideals of the university.
LI SA AND STEVE CARTER Lisa and Steve Carter, while not alumni of Rockford University, are avid supporters of the institution and understand its immense value. Their interest sparked when Lisa started taking art classes part time at the university after her youngest child began school. In 2015, Lisa and Steve created the Carter Family Scholarship to encourage diversity at Rockford University. The intent is to ensure that the RU experience continues to be enriched by the diverse backgrounds, interests, and talents of students across all race, gender, socio-economic status, and thought. Lisa has served as a board member for the Crusader Community Health Foundation, the Rockford Area Arts Council, and Spectrum Progressive School. She also lends her hand to the community through volunteer work with local organizations. Steve is the retired CFO of Woodward, Inc. and now serves as President of Ingenium Aerospace. He also serves on several corporate boards, lending his expertise to Blackhawk Bank, Appvion Inc. (formerly Appleton Papers), and Hollister, Inc. among others. When they aren’t helping various organizations in the community, Lisa and Steve love traveling, spending time at their home in northern Wisconsin, and enjoying the company of their two children and two grandchildren.
Karl C. Williams Award – Presented to an alumnus for his constancy, devotion, and a long history of meritorious service to Rockford University.
JI M KEELI NG ’18H Jim Keeling, a Rockford native, has been a longtime advocate for our city and for Rockford University. While not a traditional alumnus, he was awarded an honorary degree in 2018 for his extensive service to the university. In addition, Keeling served as the chair of the Rock Solid and Ready Capital Campaign — the largest in the university's history — and has served on the Board of Trustees since 2008, including as chairman from 2016 through 2018. Keeling is an active supporter and advocate for Rockford University’s Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement (JACCE). He is currently helping to facilitate JACCE’s active role in the Rockford community celebration of the International Day of Peace at the Keeling-Puri Peace Plaza, of which he is co-founder and co-chair. Jim and his wife, Pam, are also active supporters of the Rockford University Forum Series and have been responsible for attracting some award-winning speakers throughout the years in coordination with the International Day of Peace activities. In 2014, Keeling received Rockford University’s Mary Ashby Cheek Award. Keeling is also active in the Rockford community and his service hasn’t gone unnoticed. He has received many honors for his work with the city, including Rockford Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2011, Rockford Housing Authority “Janes Addams Peace Award” in 2014, and the Turkish American Society of Rockford Humanitarian Award in 2015.
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Talcott Cross Award – The oldest Rockford University award, the Talcott Cross is awarded to an alumna for her constancy, devotion, and a long history of meritorious service to Rockford University.
LA ËL CRANMER GATEW OOD ’59 Laël Cranmer Gatewood, Ph.D., FACMI, has been a philanthropic supporter of Rockford University for over 40 years. Gatewood graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts in divisional science and went on to have a successful career in biomedical computing. She began at Mayo Clinic, where she worked until 1967, and then moved to the University of Minnesota, where she still serves as emerita professor, teaching pathology informatics. In 1984, she was named a founding fellow of the American College of Medical Informatics (ACMI). Gatewood was instrumental in establishing the University of Minnesota as a leader in health informatics. She was also key in establishing the National Micropopulation Simulation Resource, a pioneering individual-based modeling resource for epidemiology. Over the years she worked with informatics colleagues to develop simulation programs for modeling genetic, chronic and infectious diseases, neural nets, and social networks. As an educator, Gatewood was the longest-standing director — for 34 years — of a medical informatics training program funded by the National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health. She initiated the UMN professional degree of Master of Health Informatics. Additionally, she has authored over 200 publications in the field of biomedical computing and health informatics. As a Quaker, Gatewood was a board member of Friends School of Minnesota for four years and is now on the Scattergood Friends School Committee board. She is an active participant with Twin Cities Friends Meeting and served as their recorder/ archivist and newsletter editor for over 20 years. She also works within the organization Northern Yearly Meeting, where she began the communications committee and coordinates weekend hospitality for interim sessions and external Quaker organizations. In her free time, Gatewood enjoys reading biographies and family sagas, listening to classical music — she has played viola in four civic orchestras — beachcombing, and thrifting for home décor.
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RU Calling
PHONATHON PROGRAM BUILDS COMMUNITY AND RESOURCES
Phonathon is a long-standing RU tradition — beginning as early as the 1980s when students volunteered to call alumni with campus updates and opportunities to give back. Times have changed. Today, Phonathon is a great work-study opportunity for students to earn and learn from the experience. Phonathon students build their resumes with communication and teamwork skills as well as earn an inside sales certification that employers seek. For several weeks each semester, our Phonathon students call alumni in the hope of making genuine connections and inspiring gifts to the Charter Annual Fund. What hasn’t changed is how Phonathon builds our Rockford community. While the pandemic isolated people everywhere, a sense of belonging between students and alumni deepened. Reflecting on last spring, Elizabeth Dutch ’22 notes, “I really enjoyed hearing the amazing stories from older alum, especially women who graduated in the 1950s. They love to share their perspectives about men starting to attend Rockford and what life was like on the old campus.” For Dayshon Moore ’22, connecting with a video gaming executive was both unexpected and inspiring. “When I asked him where he worked, I realized I was talking with the person who created my favorite video game. It’s incredible that we also have Rockford University in common.” It’s that common bond that carries Phonathon students through challenging conversations. In one shift, Taylor Mundt ’22, connected with three alumni and their family members who were personally hit hard by the pandemic. Like many Regents, Mundt was resilient. “I took a step back and we talked through it as a team. It was hard and it made us stronger.” For many alumni, students’ professionalism is a bright light. “I was really impressed by the Phonathon callers during the pandemic. The student who I spoke with was incredibly professional, engaging, and friendly,” says Peter Brooks ’74. “I know from my own work, that people who can make connections through cold calls are impressive.”
MAKE A GREAT CONNECTION When you answer a Phonathon call, it’s about more than money. Students want to connect with alumni in meaningful ways now more than ever. Students learn from your Rockford experiences and get Rock Solid advice about everything from navigating campus opportunities to career insights. At the same time, you’ll learn the latest RU news, stir up fond memories, and have a chance to make a difference. So when you see a call from 815-226-2820, know that it’s RU calling. We hope you’ll answer and make a great connection. We look forward to talking with you! FALL 2021 16
FACULTY NOTES of outreach to the community and intended to help educators communicate science to both young people and adults.
Yoandy Cabrera Ortega, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Spanish and Classics, was invited by the Belvidere School District to give two talks on classical mythology to a group of 4th and 5th grade students during the 2020-21 academic year. Additionally, in summer 2021, he led two Texts-in-Translation Reading Groups — one in Spanish and one in English — about Oedipus in antiquity and today as part of the Save Ancient Studies Alliance (SASA).
Orhan Erdem, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Finance, served as a referee for several economics and finance journals, including “North American Journal of Economics and Finance,” “Spanish Journal of Finance and Accounting,” “PLOS ONE,” and “SAGE Open.”
William Doria, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Chemical & Biological Sciences and Associate Professor of Chemistry, was the lead presenter of an international webinar hosted by the American Chemical Society, titled "How to Maximize the Impact of Science Outreach" in July 2021. Doria’s webinar highlighted the importance
Matthew Flamm, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy, was featured on an episode of the podcast "We Didn't Start the Fire," which is framed around Billy Joel's 1989 hit song and references many historical figures. Flamm was invited to speak about the philosopher George Santayana during a July 2021 episode.
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Catherine Forslund, Ph.D., Isabel Ross Abbott Professor of History, presented a talk to the Luna Vista Rotary Club in Davis, Calif., via Zoom in March 2021. The talk was about Women in World War II and drew from a book Forslund co-authored with RU professor Mary Weaks-Baxter and RU professor emeritus Chris Bruun titled “We Are a College at War: Women Working for Victory in World War II.” In August 2021 Forslund, alongside five other scholars, participated in a panel at the Global Peace Convention titled “Tourism, Culture, and Sports Stimulating the Economic Integration and Development of a Free and Unified Korea.” Forslund has also been working on updating the benches at the Women’s Suffrage Plaza on the Rock River front in Rockford, Ill.
Ronald C. Lee, Jr., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science, wrote a chapter titled “Governance in an Age of Polarization” for an online symposium published by the University of Illinois Law Review titled “Examining Biden’s First 100 Days in Office.”
Mandolen Mull, Ph.D., Chair of the Puri School of Business and Assistant Professor of Leadership, along with Clayton Duffy ’18/’20 and Dr. Brad Shuck, published a chapter titled “Developing Talent Through Employee Engagement” in the book “Connecting and Relating: HRD Perspectives on Development Relationships.” Mull was also a guest on the podcast “Talent Optimization with Traci Scherck” where she discussed developing great talent within your organization.
Donna Ogle, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Computer Science, presented a paper at the 81st Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management in July 2021 and received the “Best Paper” designation for the ODC (Organization Development and Change) division. Her paper was also selected as a Rupert F. Chisholm Best Practical Theory Paper Finalist and was chosen to be published in the conference proceedings.
Kyle Stedman, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of English and Associate Professor of English, co-edited a book of essays titled “Tuning in to Soundwriting,” about what scholars of rhetoric and writing should pay attention to when thinking about communicating in sound. FALL 2021 18
Class notes Tom Moss ’68 retired after 45 years of dentistry. Barrie Carter Gibby ’70 recently moved to Atlanta, to be near her granddaughter after 11 years in Rockford, where her spouse, Alan, headed Keith County Day School. Before returning to Rockford, Barrie moved several times, adapting to new cities, teaching English, heading a theater department, directing plays and musicals for regional and civic theater, and founding a successful events business in South Carolina. She served on several boards — all arts and education-related — fondly remembering Rockford’s Golden Apple Foundation, Women’s Art Board, and Rockford Garden Club, where she served as president. Now, Barrie celebrates that creative edge between the branches of words and movement expression, combining her many loves by facilitating workshops and retreats throughout the country related to the labyrinth, a vehicle for walking meditation for deeper embodied spiritual experience. Barrie serves as faculty at Veriditas.org, a non-profit for the Worldwide Labyrinth Project, based in San Francisco, Calif.
David Benjamin ’71 wrote a novel, "They Shot Kennedy," that won the grand prize for fiction (literary/historical/ contemporary) in the Midwest Book Awards, sponsored by the Midwest Independent Publishers Association. "They Shot Kennedy," a coming-of-age novel set in Madison in November 1963, was published under the Last Kid Books imprint, which Benjamin founded in 2019. His books of essays and fiction have won recognition 13 times from award-granting independent press organizations. Jacquelyn Mitchard ’73 will have her newest novel, “The Good Son,” published in January 2022 by Mira/HarperCollins. It's the story of a woman struggling to help her college-age son re-enter the community after being in prison for three years for his part in a mysterious fatal incident that he does not remember. Mitchard is the author of 24 novels for adults, teenagers, and children, and she wrote the inaugural selection of the Oprah Winfrey Book Club, “The Deep End of the Ocean.” In addition to writing, she teaches creative writing at Western New England University and is a busy editor. 11 CATALYST 19 Campus
Jude Rittenhouse ’75 has a master’s degree in counseling and is in private practice in Rhode Island. In addition to counseling, Jude writes poetry and is delighted and grateful that three of her poems, “The Nature of Her Identity,” “The Sum of History,” and “We are the Ones,” were recently accepted for publication. Jude’s poems have twice been finalists for the Pablo Neruda Award.
Jean Schroeder Makin ’78 retired in 2016 after 32 years working in art museums. For the last 27 years she worked as the print collections manager/print curator at the ASU Art Museum in Tempe, Ariz. After trips to Ireland, Monument Valley, and New Mexico with her husband, Steven, COVID-19 canceled future travel plans. They became grandparents in October 2020 and Jean currently enjoys watching her granddaughter three days a week.
William Rider ’78 “retired” and moved to Breckenridge, Colo. William has been working as a realtor with Kelly Williams since moving.
Jennifer Barber Whiting ’79 is delighted to assume the position of director of the Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale. She and her husband, Robert, have recently moved to West Dundee, Ill. Lofi Alfe ’84 has retired, as of July 2021, after 33 years as a professor of English at Rock Valley College. She will now devote time to family, friends, organic gardening, wildlife preservation, and environmental advocacy, her primary passions. Wendy Boettner ’85 retired from NICAA Head Start in Freeport, Ill., this summer. She was first a teacher and then served as the disabilities and mental health manager for many
years. Wendy also had careers in human resources and benefits at several different companies. Her major of human relations (psychology and sociology) served her well throughout the years.
Delores Peyton Barlett ’87 is very pleased to announce that her granddaughter is attending RU this fall to also become a teacher.
Mary Kloska ’91 was promoted to senior HR generalist at Power Wellness Management, LLC. She also achieved the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) endorsement in July 2021.
Lisa Coen ’14 began a new job as the office administrator for Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rockford.
Jennifer Smith ’14 won Crusader Community Health’s 2021 Spirit of Caring Award in August 2021.
Mayra Rodriguez ’16 received the Crystal Apple from the Golden Apple for completing five years of teaching.
Virginia Reed ’19 is a behavior coach at Deveruex in Arizona and is getting her Master of Science in health administration to further her career.
Subm it a Cla ss N o te! The university welcomes news in the lives of our alumni. For submission consideration, please submit information and optional photo online at Rockford.edu/alumni/catalyst.
What Legacy Will You Leave? We all desire significance — to lead happy and fulfilled lives surrounded by family and friends. For many of us, there is a compelling need to make a difference — to leave a lasting impact on the people most dear to us and the world in which we live. The search for significance and desire to plan for the future leads many to ponder their legacy. What kind of legacy will you leave? Please contact us to learn how you can make a difference in the lives and causes you love.
Visit us online www.rulegacy.org or contact: Stephen Kull, Vice President for Advancement: 815.394.4365 skull@rockford.edu FALL 2021 SPRING 2018 20 12
IN MEMORIAM Betty Thompson Long ’42, January 11, 2018
John David Currier, Sr. ’61, May 17, 2021
Teresa G. Ealey ’95, July 04, 2021
Charlotte S. Watkins Bode ’42, May 12, 2021
Lucille P. Bruning ’63, April 21, 2021
Steven James Marcon ’96, July 06, 2021
Janet Ekstrom Weiland ’49, April 09, 2021
David R. Goodknecht ’65, March 29, 2021
Maryjoh Hughes ’00, July 14, 2021
Marion Carlson Tucker ’49, May 19, 2021
David E. Beckmann ’70, December 01, 2017
Lynn Hollow ’08, April 15, 2021
Georganne Hinchliff Eggers ’49, May 28, 2021
Delores "Dodie" Fiori Kuberka ’70, April 17, 2021
Robinette Keller Simerl ’50, October 13, 2018
Michael L. Willard ’73, April 06, 2021
Marshall William Nelson ’50, March 23, 2019
Ann P. Westerberg Dooley ’75, May 21, 2021
Mary A. Stephens Moore ’50, November 05, 2020
Arlyce K. Schultz Anderson ’76, October 18, 2012
Josephine L. Ainsworth Albrecht ’51, June 06, 2021
Ida M. Niesen ’76, May 11, 2021
Elisabeth "Tommy" Milton Patterson ’52, April 29, 2021
Rev. Kirk Allan Lee ’76, June 03, 2021
Marjorie Elizabeth "Jo" Needham Nash ’54, May 01, 2021
James "Coby" Neill ’78, April 15, 2021
Joan M. Norberg Willis ’54, June 25, 2021
Delores M. Pihl ’82, July 19, 2020
LaVonne Chrisinger Trahan '56 April 17, 2021
Betty M. Gengenbach Steiner ’83, June 25, 2021
Phoebe "Penny" Varvayn Kurzrock ’57, April 02, 2021
Teresa L. Apsey ’87, March 25, 2019
Wanda Harlowe Hammarstrom ’57, April 30, 2021
Debra Kay Cole ’88, June 08, 2021
Lucretia Jane Stephens Cregar ’59, June 18, 2021
Randall "Randy" J. Massino ’89, June 22, 2021
Harriet A. Carlson ’60, June 10, 2021
Peggy Heyman Peterson ’92, May 12, 2021
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Photo of Georganne courtesy of granddaughter Hillary Eggers Shedd
SPECIAL TRIBUTE: GEORGANNE HINCHLIFF EGGERS (1928 – 2021)
For the last 93 years, few people carried the torch for Rockford University and its city with as much fervor and with as much of a familial stake in their reciprocal success and growth than Georganne Hinchliff Eggers ’49, who passed away on May 28, 2021. Georganne’s great-granduncle, the Rev. Joseph Emerson, was key to ensuring that Rockford Female Seminary was located in Rockford. He was a primary author of the institution’s final Charter document and delivered its first commencement address. His brother, Ralph (Georganne’s great-grandfather), a then-emerging industrialist and friend of Abraham Lincoln, funded the seminary’s initial growth and led the board of trustees; he was also instrumental in founding Rockford’s Second Congregational Church. Wait Talcott, Georganne’s great-great-grandfather, served on the very first seminary board of trustees, and his daughter-in-law, Fanny Jones Talcott ’60, was a college trustee and namesake of the university’s esteemed Talcott Cross award. Including Georganne’s 25-year tenure as trustee, one or more of her family members has served on the board for 128 of the institution’s 175 years. But, life was more than just Rockford University for Georganne. She was a firebrand in the best sense of the word and threw herself headlong into any challenge or opportunity that allowed her to lead or contribute. As a toddler she accompanied her mother to volunteer at what is now the Goldie Floberg Center. It was there that she learned how to serve, extending that service into a decades-long board membership for the institution. Georganne never shied away from leveraging her education or her standing within the community to affect positive change. After one year at Rockford College, she went on to graduate from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. She married her childhood sweetheart, Gordon Garrett Eggers, and raised three accomplished children. Together Georganne and her adoring husband extended their benevolence in tandem throughout the region for 65 years, until Gordon’s death in 2016. Along the way, Georganne became the first woman to chair the United Way Fund of Rockford. She also chaired the Rockford Community Trust (known today as the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois) and served for decades on the board of Keith Country Day School (founded by her great-aunt, Charlotte Belle Emerson Keith). When the Second Congregational Church was nearly destroyed by fire in December of 1979, Georganne helped lead the fund-drive to rebuild what her great-grandfather had worked so hard to establish. Although Georganne was no stranger to public recognitions and awards, including the university’s Talcott Cross and the Rotary’s Service Above Self award, it was quiet affirmations in private conversation that she valued most. Georganne is survived by her children, Gordon Garrett Eggers, Jr. (Rose), Edward Hinchliff Eggers (Vicki), and Elizabeth Eggers Lind (Robert), eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
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This photograph was taken in 1905 in front of the Adams Hall Arch, constructed in 1891 from a matching gift of John Q. Adams of Wheaton, Ill. The photograph features the all-student, all-female cast of then-Rockford College’s production of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew.” The production was held on May 27, 1905, at the Grand Opera House. Shakespearean plays were often a part of the May Day celebrations, and this was no exception. Students spent months preparing and rehearsing for these productions that were attended by the Rockford College community and area residents. Photo Credit: “Taming of the Shrew” Cast Members, 1905, Photographs of Drama Plays 1880-1922 Collection, Rockford University Archives.
Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement 5050 E. State St. Rockford, IL 61108 815.394.5111 rockford.edu
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