THE FUTURE OF ROCKFORD ATHLETICS
GROUNDS FOR GREATNESS
Rockford University's new baseball and softball fields are part of the ambitious Grounds for Greatness Campaign aimed at enhancing the athletic facilities for student-athletes. These fields represent a significant investment in the University's commitment to providing top-tier athletic experiences and opportunities for our students
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How does this impact Rockford University?
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Recruitment and Retention: The enhanced facilities are expected to boost recruitment and retention of top student-athletes by offering them superior training and playing conditions.
Athletic Excellence: The new fields support the University’s goal of achieving athletic excellence by providing the teams with the resources needed to train effectively and compete at the highest levels
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Community Pride: These fields are a source of pride for the University and its supporters, symbolizing the commitment to investing in the future of Rockford University's athletic programs
ELEVATING ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
The Grounds for Greatness Campaign is not just about upgrading our facilities; it's about creating a home for our baseball and softball teams that embodies the spirit of Rockford University. Our new field designs are a testament to this commitment, showcasing our dedication to excellence and our vision for the future of RU Athletics.
Bringing Teams Back: For too long, our teams have had to travel to other venues for their games, but with the completion of these fields, Rockford University will once again host competitions on campus This not only strengthens our home-field advantage but also builds a stronger connection between our athletes, students, faculty, and community We are excited to welcome other schools back to our campus and show them the pride and power of RU
Raising the Bar: These new facilities will place Rockford University on par with other schools within our conference, ensuring our teams have the resources they need to compete at the highest level The fields will meet and exceed NCAA standards, providing our student-athletes with a competitive edge and making RU a destination for top-tier athletic talent. By leveling the playing field, we are positioning Rockford University as a leader in collegiate athletics.
A Home for Our Teams: The new baseball and softball fields are more than just places to play they are a home where our student-athletes can train, compete, and thrive. These state-of-the-art fields will provide a welcoming environment for our teams, equipped with everything they need to perform at their best. From meticulously crafted playing surfaces to modern locker rooms, these facilities will foster team spirit and pride.
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
As Director of Athletics at Rockford University, it gives me immense pride to share with you that Rockford University Baseball and Softball players will once again play their home games on campus.
We were fortunate enough to receive grant funding from the Illinois Higher Education Center (IHEC) This allowed us to construct the new state-of-theart turf baseball and softball fields, giving us the opportunity to bring athletes back on campus from community fields they were previously playing on. Unfortunately, these funds did not cover the full costs of all the essential elements surrounding the fields that are necessary to host games and tournaments, including score boards, bleachers, storage buildings, and more
We have embarked on an ambitious project, the Grounds for Greatness Campaign, to raise over $250,000 to complete these additional elements With your support, we can complete these state-of-the-art fields that provide our athletes with the environment they need to train, compete, and excel These new fields will not only benefit our current students but will also serve as a beacon to prospective athletes, showcasing Rockford University as a place where they can achieve their goals both academically and athletically.
The completed fields will feature modern amenities, including improved playing surfaces, updated seating for fans, and better accessibility. These upgrades will ensure that our athletes can perform at their best while our supporters enjoy a first-class experience.
I invite you to join us in making this vision a reality. Your contribution, no matter the size, will play a crucial role in transforming our athletic facilities and enriching the lives of our student-athletes. Together, we can create a legacy that will inspire future generations of Regents.
Thank you once again for your continued support and belief in Rockford University. Your dedication makes a significant difference, and I am grateful to have you as a part of our community.
Jason Mulligan
Athletic Director Rockford University
R O C K F O R D R E G E N T S
VOICES OF OUR ATHLETES
Due to NCAA Division III rules, our athletes cannot accept scholarships, so they come here by choice, despite the financial challenges To truly capture the impact of the Grounds for Greatness Campaign, it's essential to hear directly from those who will benefit the most our student-athletes.
Blaise Mace
“It’s a surreal feeling to have a new turf field on campus. I cannot wait to see the success we will be able to have on this new field I cannot wait to have a new home field advantage!”
Jocelyn Callahan
“We can actually say that we have a home field and we are so beyond proud and thankful to be able to say that! Playing on our own field that’s just for us is an amazing feeling; we can’t wait to share that with our community and friends! I can’t wait to play our first game on it!”
Aaron Monti Junior Senior Senior
“I am so excited to see Regents Baseball back on campus. Being able to have my family come to games at RU means so much to me, and not only that but being able to play on our home field Your support to this project does not go unnoticed by our team!”
Makayla Howard
“A field on campus gives us the opportunity to have more support from other students and faculty members, which makes us feel more at home. This is an incredible opportunity for our team, and we cannot express our gratitude enough We can’t wait to play for our RU community!” Junior
CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISING GOALS
Concessions and Storage Building
$60,000
Bleachers and Accessible Seating
$45,000
Scoreboards
$40,000
Player Locker Rooms
$60,000
WHAT WE DO
Rockford University Athletics is dedicated to the holistic development of its student-athletes, ensuring they achieve success not only during their time at the University but also in their future endeavors.
Academic and Personal Development:
Rockford University Athletics prioritizes the holistic growth of student-athletes, ensuring they excel not only in their sports but also academically and personally. By offering academic support services, leadership training, and personal development workshops, the University helps students build a strong foundation for their future careers and personal lives
Competitive Athletic Experience:
Competing in the NCAA Division III level, Rockford University Athletics provides a high-quality, competitive sports environment This experience allows student-athletes to develop essential skills such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience, which are valuable both on and off the field. The commitment to athletic excellence also fosters school spirit and a sense of community among students, faculty, and alumni
Student Sucess is key. A successful athlete first starts with success in the classroom
At Rockford University, student success is at the core of our mission Our student-athletes embody the true spirit of dedication, excelling both on and off the field. Without the influence of sports scholarships, their achievements reflect a genuine commitment to academic, athletic, and personal growth
HEAR FROM THE STAFF
Read insights from the Rockford University Athletic staff regarding the significance of field development for Rockford University Athletics.
Jess Stanek
"The Grounds for Greatness campaign is a pivotal moment for our athletic program These new facilities will not only elevate the experience for our student-athletes but also foster a sense of pride and unity across our campus With over 40% of our students participating in athletics, we are excited about the opportunities this will create for our teams and the lasting impact it will have on our entire community "
Bob Koopmann
“This new facility will provide our students with a true home, fostering a sense of teamsmanship and pride. It will serve as a central gathering place where classmates, staff, and faculty members can come together to support our teams, developing community spirit and creating lasting memories "
Annaka Bartz Associate Director of Athletics Head Baseball Coach Head Softball Coach
"We are thrilled to officially bring softball back to campus! RU softball is deeply grateful for the unwavering support, generous donations, and hard work that have made these remarkable facilities possible. Our athletes now have a top-tier place they can forever call home, fostering pride and a sense of community
Justin Hallberg Director of Game Day Operations
"The improvements we're aiming for with the Grounds for Greatness Campaign will transform our game day environment. Our goal is to create a space where our fans, students, and alumni can rally around collective success These upgrades are not just about enhancing our fields they're about enhancing the entire experience for everyone involved."
O C K F O R D U N I V
FROM THE PRESIDENT
I am honored to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your generous support of the Grounds for Greatness Campaign Your commitment to refining our athletic facilities is a testament to the strong community that believes in the future of Rockford University and the potential of our studentathletes
Thanks to your contributions, we are embarking on an exciting journey to complete the transformation of our baseball and softball fields into state-of-the-art venues that will inspire excellence, foster school spirit, and build lasting memories for our students, faculty, alumni, and supporters These new facilities will not only enhance the athletic experience but will also play a pivotal role in the academic and personal development of our student-athletes.
Your support is more than just a financial investment; it is a vote of confidence in our mission to provide a holistic and enriching educational experience The improvements we make today will have a lasting impact on the lives of our students, empowering them to achieve greatness in their sports, academics, and future careers.
As we move forward with the Grounds for Greatness Campaign, I am continually inspired by the generosity and dedication of our Rockford University community Together, we are building a brighter future for our student-athletes and strengthening the bonds that make our university a special place
Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment We look forward to celebrating the successes and milestones that your contributions will make possible. Together, we are truly making a difference. With deepest gratitude,
Patricia A. Lynott
President Rockford University
