Alex Johnson Assistant Dean of Student Involvement & Orientation
Brendan McGonigal Freelance Graphic Designer
Sara Myers Digital Media & Communications Specialist
Deepshikha Shukla, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Professional & Extended Learning
Ian Voigts Owner of Neighbor Branding Office of Advancement & Alumni
ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION
President
Patricia A. Lynott, Ph.D.
Provost & VP of Academic Affairs
Elizabeth Davies, Ph.D.
Senior VP for Student Life
Randy Worden, D.Min
VP for Enrollment Management
Megan Frankfother ‘24
VP for Finance & CFO
John DiRaimondo
Associate VP of Business Innovations & Professor of Physics
Deepshikha Shukla, Ph.D.
Special Assistant to the President & Senior Director of Institutional Research and Analytics
Elizabeth Nardi ‘20
Chief of Staff
Jen Cunningham
ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Rebecca Epperson, Chair
L. Tom Heiser ‘84, Vice Chair
Jeffry Potter ‘98, Secretary
Greg Allen ‘98, Treasurer
Nor Alamery, Student Trustee
Mary Ann Laudicina, Alumni Trustee
Deborah Breiter, Ph.D., Faculty Trustee
Keith Akre
Teresa Beach-Shelow
Charles Box, J.D.
Chad Brigham ‘98
Lesly Couper
Elizabeth Donovan ‘20H
Anisha Grimmett
Elizabeth Hegel, J.D., ‘81
James W. Keeling, J.D., ‘18H
Joel Moore ‘00
Aaron Potter ‘98/MBA ‘09
Kristin Smith
Marci K. Taets ‘92
Patricia Tumilowicz ‘87
Frank E. Walter
As we gather for another edition of the Rockford University “Catalyst,” I am filled with a profound sense of pride and gratitude for the incredible strides we continue to make together as a community dedicated to academic achievement and social responsibility.
Despite the myriad challenges facing higher education today, I am delighted to report that our university is maintaining robust enrollment numbers.
This accomplishment speaks volumes about the resilience and determination of our students, faculty, and staff, as well as the unwavering dedication of our Enrollment Management team. It is a testament to our collective commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience that transforms lives and empowers individuals to make a positive impact in the world.
One of the most exciting developments on our campus is the launch of several new academic programs designed to meet the evolving needs of our students and the demands of a rapidly changing global landscape. These programs embody our university’s spirit of innovation, equipping our graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in today’s dynamic society.
In addition to our academic endeavors, I am delighted to report an increased investment in Athletics, reflecting our dedication to fostering holistic development and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle among our students. The addition of flag football, bowling, and esports not only enhances the vibrancy of campus life but also provides new opportunities for our students to showcase their talents and passion for sportsmanship.
Furthermore, we can take great pride in the growing number of grants being pursued by our faculty and students, a clear indication of our university’s commitment to scholarly excellence. These grants will help enrich the educational experience of our students, enabling them to actively contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields. As we look ahead to the remainder of the academic year, let us continue to uphold the values of academic excellence, social responsibility, and community engagement that define Rockford University.
Together, we will overcome any challenges that come our way and continue to build a brighter future for generations to come.
Patricia A. Lynott, Ph.D. President
In the News
01
DR. PATRICIA LYNOTT OFFICIALLLY NAMED 19TH PRESIDENT
After serving as Interim President since December 2022, Rockford University announced that Dr. Patricia Lynott would become the 19th President in Rockford University’s history. “We are thrilled to appoint Dr. Lynott as the official President of Rockford University,” said Rebecca Epperson, Chair of the Rockford University Board of Trustees. “Throughout her tenure as Interim President, she has proven to be an outstanding leader, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity.”
02
2024 DAY OF GIVING
On the 2024 Day of Giving, Rockford University students, staff, faculty, and community members came together and raised more than $137,000 for the Howard Colman Library renovations.
03
NEW LOCKED-IN TUITION
In October of 2023, Rockford University announced a new locked-in tuition rate for students applying for the 2024-25 school year. Tuition will be locked-in at a rate of $37,230 for four years for the students starting their academic journey in the Fall 2024 semester.
04 NEW PARTNERSHIPS
Rockford University announced two exciting partnerships with nearby community colleges during the 2023-24 school year. Upon achieving an associate’s degree, Harper College and Elgin Community College students will be able to easily transfer to RU to complete a bachelor’s degree in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity.
Celebrating 41 Years of Costume Design
WORDS Kayla Eddy, Social Media & Web Coordinator
On Saturday, April 28th, the Rockford University Performing Arts Department and Friends of the Performing Arts (FOPA) hosted A Celebration of 41 Years of Costume Design. The fashion show honored former RU professor and designer, Jeff Hendry, showcasing 41 of the costumes he designed for shows on campus and beyond.
The show also served as a fundraiser for the performing arts trip to Scotland in which students performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August. While FOPA set a goal of $5,000 for the event, the Rockford community came together and raised $7,500!
Notable models included Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara, State Representative Dave Vella, and State Senator Steve Stadelman, who walked the runway alongside students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members!
Forum Series
DR. JULIA CLARKE
Rockford University hosted Dr. Julia Clarke, the John A. Wilson Professor in Vertebrate Paleontology and Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Clarke presented “The Secret Lives of Dinosaurs” as a Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar for a Forum Marquee event. Her research has long centered on evolutionary innovation— how key traits and behaviors of living organisms are assembled in deep time.
PROFESSOR EDWARD MATHIEU
2023 Faculty of the Year Dr. Edward Mathieu presented “Reflections of History,” his contribution to the Last Lecture series honoring Fr. Robert J. Verstynen. Before retiring at the end of the 2023-2024 school year, Dr. Mathieu shared the wisdom of his experiences as he explored his encounters with the discipline of history throughout his career. He discussed his sense of the evolving nature of the discipline and how that has related to his sense of self and his teaching over the years.
REVEREND NAOMI TUTU
In celebration of the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2023, Rockford University welcomed Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu to present “Striving for Justice: Searching for Common Ground.” Rockford University also hosted the Declarations of Interdependence–Rockford Series created by Roland Poska. These declarations are signed by thousands who “agree to end violence, end prejudice, and achieve justice for all” (peacebuildingconnections.org).
MLK STATE OF THE MIND ADDRESS
On January 13, 2024, community leaders and distinguished partners gathered together at Rockford University to discuss mental health and trauma at the first annual MLK State of the Mind Address. The event, a collaboration between Rockford University and State Representative Maurice West, was an open, honest, and safe discussion about what the Rockford area has done and can do to support all of its community members in their mental and physical health.
Participating in panels were several influential community members: Reverend Copeland, Prophet Minister Muhammad, First Lady Sharon Malone, Dr. Kevin Thomas, LCSW Ashton Lockhart, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara, Rockford Fire Chief Michele Pankow, Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd, and Dr. Theresa Barnes.
Faith Gomez ‘24 Awarded Grant
WORDS Sara Myers • Digital Media & Communications Specialist
Student Faith Gomez was mentored by Dr. Filiz Dik, Dr. Deepshikha Shukla, and others in the Science, Math & Nursing College were awarded a $2,500 grant to create a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) camp for middle school girls called “InnovateHer.”
The event will be held tentatively this fall in 2024 or during the fall of 2024 and include 30 girls from local middle schools.
Gomez said, “As a historically women’s college, I thought that it might be beneficial both for our history and for outreach purposes to create a more womencentric event, for STEM specifically.”
“ Despite coming in on a grant for women in STEM, I didn’t see a lot of outreach specifically for women in STEM even though we’re still underrepresented in the professional space...”
Gomez majored in Biochemistry with a minor in Gender Studies.
She had the idea for the camp for a while, but it finally came to fruition when she started looking for grants when she was working on her capstone project.
“I want the activities to be focused on what the mentor is doing with their career in STEM,” she said. “For example, there’s a student who wants to get a master’s in forensic chemistry and she got into chemistry programs. I want her to feel like she can do a fingerprinting experiment and she can talk about how she found chemistry as a viable career path and what they have in Rockford.”
Gomez graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Biochemistry in May 2024.
New Opportunities Offer a Brighter Future
WORDS Sara Myers • Digital Media & Communications Specialist
Rockford-born and raised graphic design graduate Geniss Scharnweber
‘24 was described by some as a “nontraditional student.”
Scharnweber did not decide to attend college until she was in her late 30s. She said she married young and had four children during her 20s.
Before attending Rock Valley College for her associate’s degree, Scharnweber worked as a chef for 8 years. During that time she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, psoriatic arthritis. She could not work long hours on her feet anymore and went to study at RVC.
She graduated with her associate’s in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She spent the next year and
“I decided to go back to school,” she said. “I wanted to do something with art, so I was trying to figure out the most marketable skill.”
a half homeschooling her children. She realized during that time that she wanted to continue her education and pursue a bachelor’s degree.
“I realized that I need to be able to do something more than just work in an office,” she said. “I looked at the opportunities around us, and RU was such a good fit, and it’s a great university.”
During her time at RU, she discovered she enjoys working with ink and can usually be found working on ink painting, printmaking, or sewing. During our interview, Scharnweber motioned to her purse, which had an original design she created on it. She adds that she enjoys multimedia projects and figuring out ways to make her art “useful.”
She also said she has not had a professor she did not love. Scharnweber has thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Bethany Twitty’s Abnormal Sociology, and art history classes taught by Dr. Jennifer Langworthy.
“Professor (Christopher) Sisson taught me so much about just hierarchy and how to lay my stuff out,” she said. “I had all the tools and ways to use them, but now he’s teaching me to make it the best I can with those tools. Professor (Dave) Menard is just great all the time; he’s hilarious. I love them; it’s been a really good experience.”
Scharnweber does not yet have a plan for after graduation, but she is hoping to find a remote job so she can work from home in a setup she’s comfortable in. Scharnweber graduated in May 2024 as a MacLeish Scholar with a BFA in Studio Art and Graphic Design.
Alumnus Quentin Hernandez ‘18, ‘24 Finds His Footing in the U.S.
WORDS Sara Myers, Digital Media & Communications Specialist
MBA (Master of Business Administration) Alumnus Quentin
Hernandez came to the U.S. to get his bachelor’s degree first in 2018.
Hernandez was recruited to attend Rockford University by a former basketball coach. The opportunity was very appealing to him because, in his home country of France, he could not attend college and play basketball simultaneously. Hernandez studied Computer Science Management with a minor in Business Administration.
“I really got to experience the honeymoon phase when I first came in 2018,” he said. “Everything is amazing, you love the food and it’s a dream coming true.”
He adds that he was able to make great friends and get lots of support through this time. He ended up sticking
it out, and realizing that there are a lot of differences but that they aren’t good or bad, he said.
After graduating with his bachelor’s in the fall of 2021, Hernandez returned home to France and worked briefly with Airbus Helicopter as a data analyst. In the fall of 2022, he returned to Rockford University to get his MBA in Finance.
“I came back for my master’s for multiple reasons. I was working in France after graduating with my bachelor’s degree. I moved back and found a job. I wanted to get a master’s degree, and I liked my experience of moving to a new country. I got the chance when I was contacted by the Office of Global Affairs. Rockford University offered me a graduate assistantship.”
When Hernandez came back to Rockford University to get his MBA, he learned about the complex admission process for international students as he worked
“ I feel like we have such diversity among the teachers that you can more or less connect with all of them as long as you’re interested in what they teach.”
alongside Executive Director of Global Affairs Maria Diemer, Associate Director of Global Affairs Julie Griffith, Coordinator of Global Affairs/English as a Second Language Maggie Kasicki ‘24, and more.
“Global Affairs was an amazing experience,” he said. “First of all, it’s an amazing team. Maria Diemer is a great leader, and working with Maggie, Julie, and Fred was amazing. It was an amazing thing to go to every day. It was a positive office where things were getting done and we were all helping each other out.”
One of the most memorable events for Hernandez that he helped put together was Saudi National Day. He said it was great to see Saudi students getting more involved after the COVID-19 crisis, and he loved getting to dress in traditional Saudi Arabian clothes with his friends from Saudi Arabia and the whole Global Affairs office.
During his time studying for his MBA, Hernandez had a great time getting to know his professors like Dr. Luis Romero, Chair of the PURI School of Business, Associate Professor of Economics, Business, and Accounting; and Director of the MBA Program; and Professor of Economics, Business & Accounting, and Ludwig Von Mises Chair of Economics, Dr. Masoud Moallem ‘04.
“I feel like we have such diversity among the teachers that you can more or less connect with all of them as long as you’re interested in what they teach,” he said.
Hernandez’s favorite class was the capstone class, the final class he took to get his MBA.
“It was a group project and I got to have amazing people on my team, who were all from different backgrounds,” he said. “One person had experience teaching in college when he worked as an accountant. Another was an international student like me.”
His favorite moment at Rockford University was when he graduated alongside his MBA classmates. For Hernandez, walking on the stage to receive his diploma was the final check in the box for him. His family came to Rockford from overseas to see him graduate, which meant a lot for him, he said.
“I was working within our Office of Global Affairs, doing a good job, getting my MBA with a 4.0,” he said. “I had expected myself to accomplish all these things. Doing it with my close family and friends was something I cherish forever.”
Hernandez now works as a Data Governance Manager at Airbus Helicopter in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Hernandez and Julius Haynie, a former MBA student at Rockford University, both started working at Airubus Helicopter Inc. in Texas at the same time and took this photo together at employee orientation.”
Engineering a Sense of Style
WORDS
Sara Myers Digital Media & Communications Specialist
Rockford native and local business owner Anisha Grimmett is very involved in the community and has become a key player in the city through the connections she has made. She sits on many boards including Keith Country Day School (where her children attend) and Rockford University’s Board.
Grimmett was asked by former President Eric Fulcomer to be on the board in 2020. She knows Rockford University well, as it is both her brother’s and her mother’s alma mater. Her brother graduated from Rockford University with a business degree, and her mother graduated with a master’s in teaching.
Grimmett grew up in the Rockford area and went to Auburn High School.
Years before her brother’s college journey, Grimmett left home to attend the University of Illinois in Champaign. She discovered more about herself that first year and began finding her independence. However, Grimmett quickly discovered Champaign was much too big of a campus for her. She transferred to Devry University in Chicago, Illinois, and finished her bachelor’s degree in engineering there.
Grimmett discovered her love for “figuring out how things worked” early on.
“I was always the one taking things apart, looking at the insides of things, and putting things together,” she said. “Don’t give me instructions, I’ll figure it out.”
It was her uncle who told her that she should be an engineer because engineers do exactly that.
Before even attending college for engineering, Grimmett had a prestigious internship lined up at home. She received an internship at what was then called Sunstrand (now called Collins Aerospace).
After graduating from Devry, Grimmett came back to Rockford where she worked at Collins Aerospace. There, she met her husband, they got married and had two kids. “I was the person that wanted to leave Rockford and never come back, but all the great opportunities that Rockford had for me,” she said. “It was hard to leave that. I had a job that paid well, and this was in 1997. I’m an intern making 18 bucks an hour. I was learning so much and being able to apply what I had learned in the classroom to work and vice versa.”
Grimmett worked at Collins Aerospace for over 20 years. During her time at the engineering giant, she had multiple opportunities. She worked in different departments like components, systems engineering, test labs, customer service, cost account management, project management, and international trade compliance. At one point in time, Grimmett was an engineering manager.
Around 2011, her husband’s position took their family to China for three years.
“That was the best experience of my life,” she said. “Especially in terms of discovering who I was as an adult and a mom and wife. I had the opportunity to stay at home with the kids, which was a true blessing. My kids went to an international school. So many families were there, and we were exposed to many more cultures. Our potlucks together would just be amazing.”
Grimmett also learned a lot more about fashion and style during her time in China. She noticed how different those in China dressed than in the U.S. She described the style as more “fashion forward, eclectic and unique.”
“To me, it’s the look of luxury without having a lot of money,” she said. “That is a skill in itself. It was just heaven to me to explore and create and to use the landscape and different cultures to hone in my vibe and style. And then bringing all that back here (to America).”
Grimmett came back to work at Collins Aerospace after her time overseas. When she returned, her title was
Executive Assistant to the President. In this position, Grimmett had a hand in Collin’s operations, marketing, and more.
It was during this time that she realized how much she loved working with people.
After 20-plus years at Collins Aerospace, Grimmett went on to work with the Education nonprofit Alignment Rockford.
“There are so many levels of decision-making and politics here,” she said about Alignment Rockford. “I learned a lot and met a lot of great people who are now my clients today and created another level platform of public speaking.”
Grimmett added that the position helped her rediscover her passion for fashion and helping people. She had colleagues come up to her, compliment her fashion, and say how they wished they had Grimmett to go shopping for them.
After doing some research into how to become a personal stylist, she found a personal stylist based in Los Angeles who became her mentor. Grimmett officially started her style business, “A New Look by Nisha,” in January 2022.
Most of her clients currently are referrals and connections she has made through her network throughout the years.
Grimmett is now working on creating a social media presence for her business to help her attract more clients in the future.
“When I’m working with clients, it’s more of style therapy, even when going through their closets,” she said. “Because they discover things about themselves they never would have known. (For example) a client said I didn’t think I bought oversized clothes. That was 90% of my closet because I was too busy wanting to hide myself. It’s hard to achieve greatness when you’re hiding. So, the problem statement is, how can I now make myself more visible so I can achieve the greatness I want?”
If you’re interested in Grimmett’s style coaching business, you can reach out to her at anishagrimmett@outlook.com.
The fundraiser, held on February 10, 2024, was attended by over 150 people and raised a record-breaking $145,000 to support renovations of the Howard Colman Library.
The library was transformed into a sparkling venue with nods to literacy throughout. Students did poetry readings and treated the crowd to stunning vocal and musical performances. Chief Carla Redd, former Alderman Doug Mark, and Dr. Yoandy Cabrera Ortega told personal stories in the Human Library.
The Howard Colman Library was built in 1966 and is a wonderful example of mid-century modern architecture. Unfortunately, the library is not keeping up with the university’s modern students. Renovations for the library include new lighting, flooring, updated technology, and modular furniture. Donations are still being accepted by the Office of Advancement & Alumni.
Learn how you can still help improve our library!
Mitigating the Skills Gap
WORDS
Deepshikha Shukla, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President of Business Innovation
The rapid acceleration of technological advancements in the modern era fueled by internet-based technologies and unprecedented growth in semiconductor chip design has exposed a skills gap in today’s workforce.
Forbes magazine reports: “According to a McKinsey report, lack of career development and advancement is the top reason for leaving a job. 87% of organizations ‘know they have a skills gap or will have one within the next few years.’ However, in a study by PWC, only 40% of employees say their company is upskilling, and only 26% said their employer is automating or enhancing work through technology.”
The skills gap refers to the disparity between the skills employers need and job seekers’ skills. This can occur due to technological advancements, changes in industry requirements, and inadequacies in the education system to equip individuals with relevant skills, among other reasons. The higher education industry, which has traditionally prepared future job-seekers, is massive and therefore has substantial inertia that hinders agility.
This paved the way for companies like Google, IBM, Salesforce, etc. who developed in-house industry certifications to meet their needs through competency-based education – learning that focuses on demonstrating specific skills or competencies rather than the time spent in a classroom. Large companies such as these had the means and they adapted. However, the bulk of the small- and medium-sized businesses that make up a significant part of the United States (or global) economy and drive prosperity at the local and state level do not have the same means, resources, and access.
Suppose you add to that the challenge of digital transformation necessitated by generative AI and cybersecurity considerations. In that case, there continues to be a substantial demand for re-envisioning the current workforce development needs. Gradual changes to adapt are not enough to catch up. In a report called “How Skills Are Disrupting Work: The Transformational Power of Fast Growing, In-Demand Skills,” the Burning Glass Institute argues the need to differentiate between these disruptive skills. For example, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning-based skills have had a growth rate of over 370% over the five years preceding the report. This is the most aggressively growing skills sector.
Rockford University (RU) recently launched the College of Professional and Extended Learning (CPEL) to provide programming to address and bridge the skills gap in the greater Rockford area by consolidating and/or enhancing existing programming. Annual business summits and networking opportunities intend to create a continued conversation between various stakeholders in the area. Competency-based education through credentialing, courses, workshops, and boot camps scaffold the traditional curriculum and offer options to current and future employees individually or through employers.
Companies can access custom programming to meet their specific needs. Focused partnerships with industries, K-12, and post-secondary organizations will shape pathways toward a common goal of economic prosperity in the region. Re-envisioned career preparation for RU students and alumni leveraging connections to local businesses promises to streamline the pipeline for a future workforce. We are Rockford’s University and we are excited about the future and invested in the growth of our region.
Q&A Session: Damian Evans
WORDS
Damian Evans, EdD Associate VP for Student Life/Diversity Officer
Q
• Can you describe the role of a Diversity Officer at Rockford University?
The role of the Diversity Officer at Rockford University is to champion goals and outcomes and create a climate that allows all members of the RU community to be authentic in their teaching and learning experience— creating a campus culture that is conducive for living, learning, leadership preparation and students, that will be positive contributors to society. These goals are accomplished through training, policy, practice and procedure assessment, and community connections. Therefore, the role is complex and addresses multiple intersections of teaching and learning, knowledge development, and gaining pre-professional and professional experience. Being the first person in the role means much assessment must be completed to determine where to begin adding value to the current practices. Then, there has to be a strategy and a strategic plan developed, as well as more tactical efforts. However, those are the primary steps to setting and achieving the goals identified by the campus, campus leadership, and the Diversity Officer.
Q
• What drew you to Rockford University?
I was drawn to RU because the role provides an opportunity to continue contributing to Student Success through the lens of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Furthermore, it is a small institution with the goal of student success, and to attain it, RU must be an inclusive environment. To attain that goal, it is necessary to have a diverse and inclusive culture, and its campus community feels they belong. The city of Rockford is moving in a direction that embraces Diversity and Belonging utilizing organizations like Eliminate Racism 815 and the Belonging Taskforce. In addition, I am a native of Beloit,
WI, and RU is also close to home.
Q
• What drew you to this specific role?
Malcolm X stated, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it
today.” This powerful quote guides my efforts to lead campus diversity and inclusion efforts. I am a lifelong learner who has found purpose in sharing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion spaces with additional educators. Therefore, when the opportunity was presented from RU for the Associate Vice President for Student Life and Diversity Officer, I decided to take the challenge because the role addresses two areas I value. Student Success and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are intrinsic to my purpose and passion. My role here at RU allows me to continue to impact the areas that are important to me.
Q
• What makes Rockford University so special?
RU is a special place because of its size and the campus community. The students, staff, and faculty contribute to the knowledge and growth of the campus and local community. It is a small community designed to significantly impact the production of knowledge and positive members of society.
Q • What impact do you hope you make in this role?
I plan to assist RU in becoming Rockford’s four-year institution of choice by developing a campus community where all members will feel they belong. Further, I want to increase the value placed on diverse experiences, ensure equitable practices, and pursue inclusivity for all while fostering an environment of belonging. These goals will be accomplished by assessment of current practices, modeling best practices, and having an open mind regarding cultural differences and lifestyle choices; lastly, implementing a plan that lends itself to the growth mindset and the growth of students, faculty, and staff.
Q&A Session: Elizabeth Davies, Ph.D.
WORDS
Eliabeth Davies, Ph.D.
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Q
• What drew you to Rockford University?
The opportunity to work on a gorgeous campus at an esteemed educational institution that is so committed to its students and community was irresistible! Rockford University has a terrific reputation, and is leading the way in demonstrating a nimble response to the challenges facing higher education; altogether, these factors made me thrilled to join the RU team. In addition, the fact that both RU and my alma mater, Swarthmore College, have a connection to Jane Addams, makes it feel especially like it was meant to be!
Q
• What drew you to this specific role?
The opportunity to serve as provost with such a dedicated faculty, president, deans, and colleagues, and to support an institution so committed to student success, particularly for first-generation college students, was deeply appealing.
Q
• What makes Rockford University so special?
Rockford University is a unique higher education institution in that it both embodies what is best about the liberal arts tradition a strong arts and humanities focus,
a vibrant intellectual life (as reflected in part by its Phi Beta Kappa chapter), and a wonderful tradition of theater, music, creative writing, and visual arts— coupled with an incredibly strong and successful career focus, as reflected by our education, nursing, business and science programs (among many others!). It really makes a powerful argument for the value of getting a bachelor’s degree. And of course, there are the wild turkeys!
Q
• What impact do you hope you make in this role?
If I can create more space for meaningful dialogue and communication between all the stakeholders of the university— faculty, students, staff, alumni, administrators, community members, and others- so that we can all collaborate for the betterment of each other and RU, I will feel like I have had a positive impact.
Student Life
Student Life at Rockford University kicked off the 2023 academic year with a spectacular Fall Kickoff featuring fireworks, great food, and fun activities that set an energetic tone for the months ahead. Our weeklong Homecoming celebration took a look back at “RU Through the Years” with our decade’s theme. The Campus Activities Board hosted their famous Harry Potter Thanksgiving. The Commuter Council played a pivotal role throughout the year, hosting numerous events tailored specifically for our commuter students.
This year, Rockford University saw a significant increase in student involvement in clubs and organizations, contributing to a vibrant campus life. As the year drew to a close, the End of the Year Bash brought everyone together for a day of festivities, complete with food trucks and various activities. It was a memorable year filled with excitement, community, and unforgettable moments.
Alex Johnson Assistant Dean of Student Involvement & Orientation
Alumna Emily Hartzog Rises to the Top
Though she grew up in San Diego, California, Alumna Emily Hartzog’s mother convinced her to look at a small, private school in Illinois when Hartzog was looking at colleges. Her mother grew up in Rockford and suggested she look at Rockford
University while Hartzog was originally looking at bigger schools in California to attend. Schools like the University of California San Diego (UCSD), the University of California, Los Angeles, and Pepperdine University were originally on her list.
“They (Rockford) were the only school that took the time for personal attention, and UCSD is not going to call you personally and say we hope you attend,” Hartzog said. “You’re one of 100,000 students.”
She said she remembers receiving the Rockford University viewbook and seeing the campus with its shades of green that she had never seen growing up on the West Coast.
“I started as an anthropology/sociology major,” she said. “I think I wanted to go into corporate mediation, which is pursuing a law degree. I think over time, I just found myself leaning toward business. It was unintentional.”
Some of Hartzog’s favorite classes at Rockford University were with business professor Gary Lubbert. She said he brought in a lot of practical business knowledge and went beyond the textbook.
“It was fundamentals and you just have to have been in the business world, especially on the marketing side. He was just so passionate about it. His classes were so fun and engaging.”
Hartzog also enjoyed Jeff Fahrenwald’s classes, where the professor discussed leadership and the organizational side of business.
During her time at Rockford University, she was very involved as a member of the dance team, a student activities committee member, and a resident advisor. She said it was nice how quickly she was able to get involved on campus, and how you don’t have to be in a leadership position. She recalls going to a national conference with the student activities committee and winning an award.
After graduation in 1998, Hartzog was offered a full-time position in Rockford University’s Admissions Office. She had been working part-time in the office during her last semester in undergrad when her friend in the admissions office went on maternity leave and she was asked to help fill the gap in the intermission.
Once her friend came back from leave, Admissions asked if she was interested in taking on transfer recruitment and performing arts recruitment. She took the position and started to study for her MBA during night classes.
“It was a lot of fun and travel in admissions,” she said. “I was
still close to the college world. I could speak authentically to the experience and I got my MBA at the same time, so it was great.”
Hartzog went on to work at SupplyCore after meeting the HR director in her MBA classes. This position was a big learning curve and her first step into the business world. There, she wrote press releases, reviewed government contract proposals, and helped with training other employees.
She said it was not easy to leave SupplyCore and move on to the Rockford Public Library, she got to be a director, which ultimately solidified her decision to move into that role.
“ It was a step up in my career and being the one responsible for managing a budget and taking
on all sorts
of
projects,”
she said. “In my time at the library, we rebranded, which was huge. It’s a huge project. I integrated a whole new library system, which had a technical component but also had a communications component and a training
component.”
Since 2013, Hartzog has worked at Chartwell Agency, where she recently was promoted to President. She was initially recruited when the agency was a “traditional public relations agency.”
Since then, the agency has grown immensely. It has a fully in-house creative team that includes videography, photography, and web development. She adds that the agency’s roots are still in public relations and storytelling.
“I think our growth and my changing role are almost kind of symbolic of marketing as a whole and continue to evolve, the mediums we use continue to change the expectations of people receiving our messages, and how brands need to connect continues to change,” she said.
“It’s almost like a metaphor, how much we’ve grown, how much we’ve evolved, and how much you have to do as a marketing agency.”
Dominican Republic Serve & Study Abroad Trip
In May 2024, Rockford University students traveled to the Dominican Republic for an international service trip, spending eight days building a playground and working with local students in the classroom.
WORDS Dr. Kelly Monson • Dr. Danielle Klein • Dr. Beth Lipton
On May 14, 2024, sixteen students and three Rockford University faculty began a week-long transformational journey to serve a small rural community in the Dominican Republic. Participants were immersed in the culture of the community through service and teaching.
The team who led the students on this trip included Dr. Kelly Monson, Dr. Danielle Klein, Dr. Beth Lipton, and support on campus from Julie Griffith. Monsoon, Klein, and Lipton guided students through a cross-cultural experience that integrated their study abroad academic experience, combined with service.
Rockford University partnered with Kids Around the World, an outreach organization established in Rockford, to build a playground for a small community in the Dominican Republic. This was the second Serve and Study Abroad trip for Rockford University in partnership with Kids Around the World, the first in 2022 serving in Ecuador.
The team spent two rewarding and challenging days building a playground and one day teaching in a public school within the community.
“I am leaving feeling extremely grateful, grateful for the opportunity to have been able to go on such a remarkable trip,” student Daniella Torres Mandujano said. “Grateful isn’t enough to express how it feels to have been able to be part of building a playground where children will be able to make lots of memories and be allowed to play. I hope to return and see the children playing, the impact it’s made on me is just as big as the impact it will be making on the children. The children there were the most welcoming and accepting, arriving at the school and feeling so loved and appreciated by the children made me so grateful to be there.”
Spanish is the primary language in the Dominican Republic and five of the Rockford University students were excited to act as translators throughout the trip.
As student Naomi Cano Rodriguez shared, “To me the trip was astonishing. From seeing the kid’s faces light up, to the parachute, to having our final countdown as a team. Being able to speak Spanish was such an amazing possibility. I was able to make a deeper connection with the children and be able to help out the team by translating when it was needed. I was very excited to go out of the country for the first time because I knew that we were in good hands.”
Rockford University hopes to partner with Kids Around the World to create a third Serve and Learn opportunity in the future.
Regents Reign!
WORDS Kayla Eddy, Social Media & Web Coordinator
In the Fall 2023 semester, the Regents Esports Overwatch team won the conference championships, prevailing over Camden County College. In addition to their conference win, they finished the season undefeated (8-0).
In response to this exciting win, Tanner Elliott ‘23, Esports Director, said, “The Regents Esports team fought hard this semester with all three teams qualifying for playoffs. Each player put countless hours of time and dedication into their season and it showed, coming out on top over schools like Illinois State, John Brown University, North Dakota State, Nebraska University, and many others.
The Regents Rainbow Six Siege team finished in the top 16 in the Midwest after playing in the MidwestR6 league, the Regents Valorant team placed third overall in their conference (East 7), and the season ended with a conference title win as the Regents Overwatch team finished a flawless season (8-0) and took home the East 10 Conference title. I could not be more proud of the players; watching each of them grow into champions has been the highlight of my semester.”
Conference wins were not the only big things happening in the Esports Department. Early in the Spring 2024 semester, Regents Esports teamed up with Elgin High School Esports to release Game Changer: An Esports Story. In the social media video, students from Elgin and RU answered the question: “Why esports?”
Aside from a place to share their passion for video games, the Esports teams at RU and Elgin said that esports helps students learn about teamwork and digital literacy, allows them to push boundaries, and helps them build strong communities and friendships.
The team has also announced the availability of esports scholarships for both players and fans. Scholarships are available in two areas: Varsity Competition and Support. Competition scholarships are for students who would like to play Overwatch, Valorant, Rainbow 6 Siege, and Rocket League competitively. Support scholarships are for students who would like to assist with social media, production, shout-casting, and graphic design. So, what’s next for Regents Esports?
“Rockford University Esports is on the way to becoming a premier destination for college students with aspirations to be a collegiate esports player,” said Elliott.
“We are developing a program that we can be proud of, where athletes can be excited and motivated to compete, and where athletes can thrive academically and in competition. We are hoping to continue to grow our program, bring in new players, and show Rockford off.”
“ Rockford University Esports is on the way to becoming a premier destination for college students with aspirations to be a collegiate esports player.”
–Tanner Elliott
See Our Brand New Softball and Baseball Fields
Rockford University Athletics has had an outstanding year! With the introduction of flag football, two brandnew athletic fields, exciting seasons for many teams, and a winning Esports program, the future looks bright for the Regents! Longtime softball head coach, player, and administrator Kristyn King and baseball standout,
Tom Flood, entered the Charles M. DeWild Hall of Fame.
This spring saw longtime head coach, Bob Koopmann, take over the top spot as the all-time winningest coach in baseball program history, and the biggest development of the year was the announcement and construction of Phase I of our new athletic fields.
WORDS Kayla Eddy, Social Media & Web Coordinator
It was a memorable season for both men’s and women’s basketball. Both teams qualified for the NACC Tournament; the women’s team played a great, downto-the-wire game and the men’s team advanced to play in the NACC final round.
Soccer Basketball
“The fall season brought with it a first for our men’s soccer program,” said Jason Mulligan, Director of Athletics. “In a historic move, the team made their first ever trip to the NACC Tournament. Their five NACC wins throughout the season were the most in program history.“
“It’s hard to pick one moment,” student Quinn Vukovic said, when asked about a stand-out moment or game from the season. “The first one that comes to mind is when we beat CUC this year. After back to back close losses in previous years it was a great feeling to finally beat them and celebrate with the team. The guys worked hard all game and getting to share that moment with them was amazing.”
Flag Football
Rockford University is proud to be the first university in Illinois to have a women’s flag football program.
“Since our founding in 1847 as Rockford Female Seminary, Rockford University has been at the forefront of advancing educational opportunities for women,” Rockford University President Patricia Lynott said. “Now we can build upon that tradition with the introduction of women’s flag football.”
Head coach Tim Trevier has been busy recruiting for the inaugural Spring 2025 season. RU is proud to be a forerunner in the introduction of flag football to the collegiate level.
Our Story
Looking out the windows of the O’Hare/Rockford bus or from the comfort of our parents’ cars, we drove past endless cornfields as we made our way to a college campus many of us had not ever set foot on, in a city we hadn’t heard of before the first recruitment letter arrived.
Excited, curious, anxious, and hopeful, we arrived from large cities, small urban communities, and foreign countries, (from 32 states and 7 countries to be exact) to become the faces that would make up Rockford College’s Class of 1974.
We arrived in the summer of 1970 with the war in Vietnam still raging and the threat of being drafted, the Kent State (in Kent, Ohio) shootings still raw in our minds, and riots in East Los Angeles being front page news. Soon to be given the right to vote with the swipe of a pen by President Nixon, we would finally have a voice and we were ready to be heard.
Over the next four years, dressed in our bell-bottom, hip-hugger jeans with frayed hems, wide belts, and sandals, we fought for “freedoms” from the restrictive social rules left over from the 60’s and did not acquiesce to new rules without protest! Freshman women had curfews and did not receive key cards for their dorms until the second semester.
• Michael Anthony
• Pam Brueckner Tannura
• Emily Kehoe Johnson
• Robert Herdegen
• Nancy Magnuson Gough
• Robert “Huffer” Gough By the
There were strict visitation hours, and no alcohol was allowed. Change did not come as quickly on campus as it was coming on the news broadcasts. January 1973 saw the passage of Roe v. Wade; in October 1973, the legal age for beer and wine changed from 21 to 19 in Illinois.
Distrust of government officials and authority, in general, permeated much of our thinking at the time and affected our relationship with the College administration. Outrage over the required forum series and requisite punch cards to ensure attendance along with disbelief over a student being suspended for stealing toilet paper led to animated and often heated
meetings on campus. Our shared sense of righteous indignation brought us closer together!
Perhaps one of the most consequential choices we made 50 years ago was the decision to attend a small liberal arts college. Here we were taught to think critically and creatively. We were inspired by professors who cared about their students, were passionate about their disciplines, and challenged us. Who can forget the required reading our freshman year— African Genesis and The Medium is the Massage. Clark Arts Center was dedicated in the spring of 1970 and offered access to the studio arts to many of us for the first time.
In 1970, Rockford College sat at the edge of the city. One would pass it on the way in or out of town, but the beautiful new buildings and campus were self-contained. We ate, slept, and played there. And did we ever play!
The small, intimate classes made it easy to meet other students, and we soon felt like we knew everyone including the townies who were very much a part of campus life. Without cell phones, we had to venture out into the hallways, common areas, and other dorms to find out who was doing what and where the parties were on any given night.
We looked forward to October Day when classes were suddenly canceled, in the winter we “borrowed” trays from the cafeteria to go traying at the dam, went to “tape” dances, played tug-of-war in the mud, listened to music in our own “coffee house,” and cheered on the soccer, baseball, basketball, and IM (intramural sports) teams. We were especially proud of our champion swimmers!
“ I couldn’t have had a career in higher education if it wasn’t for my range of experiences and the people at Rockford College.“
– Bob Herdegen
We are the Golden Grads this year! In September (of 2024) we will come together again to laugh and share memories and see each other just as we were in 1970. It will be time to come clean—How often did you sneak out after curfew? How often did you stay in the wrong dorm?
Was a freshman men’s dorm a good idea? Did you ever return your trays after sledding on them? Do you remember that earthquake? Who got caught climbing out of a dorm room?
The story of our class is as unique as our classmates. Thanks for the friends and memories, RC. Looking forward to seeing you again in September!
“ It was a safe and welcoming place to come out of the closet!”
– Michael Anthony
“ At Rockford College, I had the opportunity to explore my creative life and it has served me since then in everything I have accomplished, personally and professionally.”
– Randi Williams
“ The art faculty gave me the skills I needed to get into my first choice graduate school and through to a 35year position in higher education.”
– Pam Brueckner Tannura
Class notes
1970s
Brent Johnson (‘74)
Johnson spoke to MyStateline.com about giving back to Rockford University and hiring intern Benjamin Turner, a senior at RU in August 2023.
1980s
Mary Sue Palmquist (‘82)
Watercolor artist Palmquist was the featured artist of the month at Sutter Creek Gallery in California. Palmquist graduated from RU with a degree in fine arts in April 2024.
Marianne Pelletier (‘84)
Pelletier was selected by Marquis Who’s Who for her work as the founder and managing director of Staupell Analytics Group in March 2024. Pelletier received her BA in English from RU.
1990s
Kenneth Davis (‘91)
Dr. Kenneth Davis has been named executive director for middle schools and K-8 schools for Springfield Public Schools in March 2024.
Lana Paris (‘95)
Paris was named the new executive director of the Discovery Center Museum in a story by the Rockford Register Star in January 2024. She has been with the museum for nearly six years working as director of development.
2000s
Dan Kennedy (‘01)
Kennedy joined the Beloit, Wis.-based First National Bank and Trust in November 2024. He is a senior credit analyst and officer and has two decades of credit experience.
Mike Naymola (‘04)
Mike Naymola and his wife Karen Naymola were featured in a story for MyHuntleyNews.com in August 2023.
Mike is the head football coach at Huntley High School and Karen is the head volleyball coach there. During his tenure at Rockford, Mike played on the first-ever Rockford College football team.
Heather Rapp (‘06)
Rapp is a program coordinator at the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. She led a scholarship and grant writing workshop on campus on November 1, 2023, in Scarborough Hall.
2010s
Andrea Eklund (‘10)
The Pontevedra Recorder newspaper reported that Eklund had joined Baptist Health of Northeast Florida in November 2023. Eklund received a Bachelor of Science in business management from Rockford College.
Zachary Draves (‘14)
Draves wrote a piece for SwishAppeal.com on how the Iowa Women’s basketball team and Caitlin Clark inspired him in April 2024. Draves has been a writer for Swish Appeal for the past three years.
Jessa Blackthorne (‘14)
Blackthorne was interviewed by Broadway World for her musical Disaster! The Musical! In May 2014, Blackthorne received a BFA in musical theatre from RU.
Judith Goudy (‘16)
Goudy was featured in a Rockford Register Star article in January 2024. She owns Juju Rey’s Art Clubhouse at 324 E. State St. in Rockford as her “side job,” and also works as a teacher.
Morgan Bell (‘17)
Bell was featured in a Rock River Current story on the opening of her coffee shop in Cherry Valley, Illinois, My Cafe Amore in August 2023.
2020s
Marianna Ruggerio (‘20)
Ruggerio wrote an op-ed for Rockford Register Star on how Rockford is a home for physics excellence and women in STEM in February 2024. The piece talks about Prof. Frances Johnson who taught for 34 years at Rockford starting in 1927; Alumni Dorothy Baits and her memories of her friend and mentor Johnson; and RU Professor Deepshikha Shukla, the Associate Vice president for Business Innovation, Dean for the College of Professional and Extended Learning, and Professor of Physics.
Ruggerio is an adjunct professor at RU, and a physics teacher at Auburn High School in Rockford.
Faculty Notes
Deepshikha Shukla, Ph.D.
Associate VP of Business Innovations, and Professor of Physics
In November 2023, Shukla received the 2022 Distinguished Service Citation from ISAAPT (Illinois Section of American Association of Physics Teachers) “for significant contributions to the teaching of Physics and dedicated and inspirational services to the Illinois Section of American Association of Physics Teachers.” In Dec. 2023, Shukla won the prestigious “Excellence in Leadership” award at the POW(H)ER conference, sponsored by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce
Karen Walker, Ed.D.
Dean of Student Support Programming
Walker received the Racial Justice Award at the YWCA Leader Luncheon XLIV and the 2024 Women of Achievement Awards. Walker is the Coordinator for the Men of Color Mentorship Program and the founder of Regents First.
Mehmet Dik, Ph.D.
Professor of Mathematics; Chair, Department of Mathematics, Computer Science & Physics
Dik reviewed a research paper for the National Academy Science Letters, Springer, in February 2024. He also has been invited by the Permanent Committee for Academic Promotion at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia, to evaluate the research work of one of their faculty members who has applied to the rank of Associate Professor.
Kari Severson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology
In January, she published a review article about the use of Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) for CRISPR-Cas9 delivery in JULS (Journal for Undergraduate Life Sciences). The work derives from Severson’s involvement with a women-in-STEM program called Talaria, where she worked with a high school student from Canada (now a sophomore at UCLA) on a research thesis regarding CRISPR.
Ron Lee, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Political Science; Chair, Department of Political Science, Sociology, and Criminal Justice; Director, First Year Seminar Program
Lee recently hosted two former members of the U.S. House of Representatives — John Cox (Dem.) and Donald Manzullo (Rep.) — in his History and Politics of the Middle East and Presidency courses. They spoke on a wide range of topics, including U.S. military involvement in the Middle East and the 2024 presidential election. He also spoke at a conference sponsored by the Department of Political Science at Boston College. The conference was held on March 14 and 15. The title of his talk was “The Study of Heroes in an Age without Heroes: Robert Faulkner’s Case for Greatness and Its Defense of a Certain Kind of Education.”
Filiz Dik, Ph.D.
Dean of the College of Science, Math, and Nursing and Professor of Mathematics
Bethany Twitty, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Dik participated in a new study about faculty teaching experiences and support needs. This study is being conducted by Ithaka S+R, a not-for-profit research organization.
Deb Breiter, Ph.D. Bergmann Professor of Chemistry
Breiter went to Holy Family school on January 30 (2024) and spoke with four classes (overall about 60 students from 4th –8th grade) about chemistry and STEM careers.
William Doria, Ph.D.
Chair, Chemical and Biological Sciences; Associate Professor of Chemistry
Doria led a webinar for the American Chemical Society on Feb 21. The webinar presented the ACS national outreach activities for Earth Week 2024, for which Dr. Doria is co-chair. The theme of this year’s Earth Week centers around batteries and ways to make them more efficient and environmentally friendly.
In December 2023, Twitty’s article “Migrant or Menace: Media Representations of the Migrant Caravan” is under review at Humanity & Society, a sociological journal. She is also working with RU Public Safety Officers to develop a Criminal Justice Club on campus.
Yoandy Cabrera Ortega, Ph.D.
Chair of the Department of Languages, Philosophy, Religion, and Cultures; Assistant Professor of Spanish and Classics Cabrera-Ortega was selected to participate in the CIC summer seminar on Medicine, Science, and Magic! He was one of only 20 faculty members across the country who was honored in this way. The Center for Hellenic Studies Seminar was held in Washington, DC. from July 29 to August 4, 2024.
170th Commencement Ceremony
RU held its 170th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the Coronado Performing Arts Center.
This year’s commencement speaker was retired Illinois State Certified administrator Angela Hite-Carter. Hite-Carter’s last role in her career was as Executive Director of Student Services and Alternative Learning at Rockford Public Schools District #205 from January 2012 to 2021, when she retired.
As Executive Director, Hite-Carter ensured communication and appropriate execution of support systems for Illinois policies governing public school students and parents. Her daughter, Anisha Grimmett, is on RU’s Board of Trustees.
December Recognition Ceremony
The celebration was held Saturday, December 9, 2023, at RU’s Clark Arts Building in Maddox Theatre. The event was a celebration of academic excellence and a culmination of hard work and commitment.
The ceremony included remarks from Rockford University President Patricia Lynott, the Board of Trustees Chair Rebecca Epperson, Provost Dr. Elizabeth Davies, Trustee Kristin Smith, and student speaker Cecilia Hartstock. The university also hosted a nurse pinning ceremony at Maddox, recognizing the accomplishments of nursing graduates, before the main recognition event.
Students, faculty, staff, and alumni at RU participated in Jane Addams Day of Service on Sept. 13, 2023, by giving back to the Rockford community.
“Jane Addams Day of Service recognizes the birthday and the enduring legacy of Addams and her commitment to working for the common good,” said Mary Weaks-Baxter, Ph.D., Director of the Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement at RU. “Our hope is that this Day of Service can be an opportunity for us to consider ways we can reach out to communities in need and recognize how community engagement and activism can unite us in the common goal of working for the betterment of our society and world.”
The 2023 Day of Service benefitted many local organizations, including Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter, Kids Around the World, Miss Carly’s, the Discovery Center, Tinker Swiss Cottage, Burpee Museum of Natural History, Veterans Drop-In Center, and more.
STEM DAY 2024 Day of service Jane Addams Day of Service
Students from Galapagos Charter School and Marshall Middle School engaged in interactive workshops and more with the assistance of RU students, staff, and faculty at this year’s STEM Day held on April 26, 2024. Rockford area High School students and employers also saw RU STEM Students’ research posters and interactive demonstrations during the RU Study Research Symposium and the Alpha Helix Bang! The Chemical Show.
In Memoriam
Virginia “Ginger” Smeltzer Gliddon ‘91, May 12, 2023
Sally Voss Trefz ‘50, May 17, 2023
Lawrence Forsell ‘60, May 3, 2023
Robert Guttke ‘76, May 24, 2023
Janet Procter Laureau ‘52, June 4, 2023
Lola Anderson Gustafson ‘50, June 10, 2023
Paula Fluaitt Schoeneweiss ‘00, June 13, 2023
Linda Vandergriff Baer ‘99, June 17, 2023
Nancy Danca Alt ‘98, June 22, 2023
James “Jim” Clarke ‘67, October 31, 2022
Robert Ingalls Carleton ‘62, July 20, 2023
Louise Nappi Kivlin ‘50, May 18, 2023
James Green ‘67, July 7, 2023
Irene Sedeora ‘70, July 10, 2023
Frederic “Fred” Young ‘65, July 17, 2023
Gretchen Askerberg Benscher ‘51, July 7, 2023
David Dettman, Sr. ‘65, March 5, 2023
Jeanette Kalous Daane ‘52, July 17, 2023
Lee Orendorff Farrar ‘58, July 20, 2023
Jean Anderson Kent ‘52, March 6, 2023
Karen Bruce ‘58, March 30, 2023
Anida Baxa Rose ‘57, February 25, 2022
Sona Arzoomanian ‘69, March 29, 2023
Donald Clock ‘76, July 28, 2023
Rebecca Rench ‘99, July 5, 2023
Christine Hall Ellison ‘00, August 1, 2023
Christine “Chrissy” Hermann ‘15, August 6, 2023
Kean Scott Monahan ‘73, September 2, 2022
William “Bill” Funk ‘60, August 19, 2023
Patrick Wikse ‘72, July 7, 2023
Judith Nave Butler ‘78, August 29, 2023
Richard Swanson ‘62, August 31, 2023
Vickie Glessner ‘95, August 29, 2023
Harry McPherson ‘76, June 19, 2023
Douglas Karr ‘79, October 9, 2021
Kathleen “Kathy” McGrew Villette ‘67, August 25, 2023
Margaret Brightman Whitmer ‘49, May 8, 2023
Wendy Blackburn-Willis ‘93, August 18, 2023
Harry Jefko ‘66, May 30, 2023
Lewis Harwood ‘70, August 22, 2023
Philip Alongi ‘51, June 1, 2018
Gaydeane Hale Feggestad ‘94, September 10, 2023
Bonnie Jorgensen Stone ‘53, September 18, 2023
Sandra Terranova Gutzwiller ‘73, September 19, 2021
Lawrence Rhoades ‘67, October 10, 2023
Susan Zammuto Gaziano ‘55, October 4, 2021
William McAuliffe ‘80, October 21, 2023
Marcia Gellert Veldhuis ‘71, October 8, 2023
Mary Heitz Wortman ‘76, October 23, 2023
Helen Mathre Anglemire ‘45, October 23, 2023
Mary Sowby Whipple ‘86, October 30, 2022
Dennis Person ‘64, August 10, 2023
Emily Brayton Stille ‘48, November 24, 2017
Gerald “Jerry” Kudzma ‘62, June 24, 2022
Nancy Buettell Waller ‘50, January 27, 2022
Linda Myers Cremeens ‘99, November 23, 2023
Gary Aronson ‘73, March 1, 2014
Mary Miller ‘50, December 1, 2022
Sibyl Strauss Saam ‘50, August 24, 2023
Dejan Kuljanin, October 1, 2023
Marjorie Olson Dome ‘45, November 26, 2023
Linda Carlstrom Peters ‘93, November 29, 2023
Joan Gushart McDermaid ‘61, November 16, 2023
Elaine Drobner Schwarz ‘52, November 18, 2023
Janet Franklin Haber ‘73, November 26, 2023
John “Jack” Benson ‘62, November 6, 2023
Janice Hanson Schmaeng ‘75, November 6, 2023
Patricia Breeding-Black ‘76, November 16, 2023
Lonna Leander Alcock ‘95, November 25, 2023
Scott Dimke ‘97, ‘12, December 8, 2023
Patrick Mallow ‘84, November 30, 2023
Agnes Leonard Mastrangeli ‘79, November 30, 2023
Hila Seideman Michaelsen ‘56, December 16, 2023
Curt Wahlmark ‘74, December 17, 2023
Thomas Sisley ‘72, January 12, 2024
Margret “Marge” Stanton Fairhead ‘49, December 23, 2023
Jane Winchell Graham ‘42, December 14, 2023
Nancy Leonard Weaver ‘87, January 12, 2024
Ronald Balsam ‘65, January 14, 2024
Shirley Megeath Hacker ‘54, January 16, 2024
Susan Mahoney ‘05, January 24, 2024
Pearline Potter Torrance ‘93, December 29, 2023
Lowell Carlson ‘60, January 31, 2024
Harriett Johns Hopkins ‘45, January 24, 2024
Donald Swanson ‘62, August 22, 2023
Margaret “Peggy” Edelman Corbett ‘73
February 26, 2024
Dr. Barbara Hillyer ‘56, March 1, 2024
Darlene “Dee Dee” Leonardson Soderberg ‘85, March 4, 2024
JoAnn Ball Griffin ‘60, March 18, 2024
Sandra “Sandy” Lindstedt Pearson ‘62, March 28, 2024
