Innovation, Dean of the College of Professional & Extended Learning, and Professor of Physics
Deepshikha Shukla, Ph.D., ‘22
Chief Strategy and Research Officer
Elizabeth Nardi ‘20
Chief of Staff
Jen Cunningham
ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Marci Taets ’92, Chair
Gregory Allen ’98, Vice Chair
Aaron Potter ’98, MBA ’09, Treasurer
Jeffry Potter ’98, Secretary
Ashley Harkey, Student Trustee
Mary Ann Laudicina ’91, Alumni Trustee
Tammy Schiek, Ph.D., ’87, Faculty Trustee
Keith Akre
Wendy Alsteen
Charles Box, J.D.
Chad Brigham ’98
Edward Caceres
Lesly Couper
Anisha Grimmett
Elizabeth Hegel, J.D., ’81
Michael Iasparro, J.D., ’98
Joel Moore ’00
Anthony Scandroli ’02
Elaine Sharpe ’75
Kristin Smith
Patricia Tumilowicz ’87
Frank Walter
Alumni benefits
MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER
All alumni with an up-to-date email address on file with Rockford University’s Alumni Office receive a monthly “Around the Corner” e-newsletter with the latest news and events on campus. Email alumni@rockford.edu to update your contact information with us and stay connected!
DISCOUNTS
Clark Arts Performances
Rockford University alumni receive a discount on all Rockford University Performing Arts events that take place in Clark Arts. Alumni receive a special ticket rate of $9 ($3 off the regular $12 rate).
Athletics Games
Rockford University alumni receive a discount on all Rockford University Home Athletics Games. Alumni receive a special ticket rate of $3 ($2 off the regular $5 rate).
ALUMNI BENEFITS CARD
Rockford University alumni are invited to visit campus to obtain a Rockford University Alumni Benefits Card. Obtaining this card gives alumni access to several benefits on campus, including the discounts listed here, as well as access to Howard Colman Library.
To obtain an Alumni ID card, visit the Office of Advancement and Alumni during regular business hours (M-F, 9am-5pm), located on the second floor of Nelson Hall.
HOWARD COLMAN LIBRARY ACCESS
With access to over 97,000 electronic serial titles, over 500,000 e-books, a physical collection of over 100,000 volumes, and access to materials of other academic and public libraries, the Howard Colman Library supports the curriculum and students of Rockford University by providing information in a variety of formats. After obtaining an Alumni ID card, alumni must visit the Howard Colman Library during regular business hours (M-F, 9am-5pm) to have their card activated in the system. Once activated within the system, alumni have borrowing privileges at the library, and access to online resources when in the building.
AUDITING CLASSES ON CAMPUS
Alumni may audit any course with the approval of the course instructor, provided that they, as auditors, do not displace students enrolled for credit. The auditing fee is $50 per class. This fee covers the proper electronic accounts for you to be able to log into the digital blackboard (Canvas) software needed to successfully participate in a course.
To sign up to audit a class, contact the SAS office (Student Administrative Services) at 815-394-3700 or sas@rockford.edu, or visit the office during regular business hours (M-F, 9am-5pm). SAS is located on the first floor of Nelson Hall.
As I reflect on the past year at Rockford University, I am so proud of what we have accomplished together. Wherever life and career have taken you since your time on campus, you remain an important part of this institution’s story.
Across the country, higher education continues to navigate significant changes and evolving expectations. In a time when colleges and universities are frequently asked to demonstrate their value, this year brought powerful affirmation of the impact a mission-driven institution can have on its students, its community, and the public good.
Among our most significant accomplishments this year was a successful Higher Learning Commission site visit as part of the University’s accreditation reaffirmation process. Following a year of devoted preparation and collaboration across campus, the visit provided an opportunity to showcase the dedication of our faculty, staff, and leadership, as well the quality and integrity of the educational experience we provide.
We were also honored to receive the renewal of our Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, a national recognition of the University’s commitment to community partnership and civic engagement. Rockford University is among only nine institutions in Illinois to earn this distinction.
At the same time, we continue to invest in opportunities that meet the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce. In 2025, we welcomed the first cohort of students participating
in a new social work opportunity track with the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford and launched an innovative partnership with the University of Illinois Chicago Retzky College of Pharmacy. These are the kinds of initiatives that create new pathways for students to pursue in-demand careers while expanding access to higher education in the region.
However, these milestones represent only a fraction of the progress taking place at Rockford University. Throughout this issue, you will read about the many ways our students, alumni, faculty, and staff continue to make a difference—through service, leadership, creativity, community engagement, and so much more. Together, these efforts reflect a university that is focused on growth and the success of those we serve.
Thank you for your continued support and connection to Rockford University, whether you’re celebrating your fiftieth year as an alum or your first. It is your engagement that enriches our institution and helps ensure that future students can benefit from the same transformative power of higher education that you experienced. As we look ahead, I am optimistic about the future we are building together.
With appreciation,
Patricia A. Lynott, Ph.D. President
Regents Roundup
RU and UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy
Announce 3+4 Two-Degree Pathway to Pharmacy Program
This new partnership creates an accelerated pathway for students to earn both a Bachelor of Science degree from RU and a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from UIC in just seven years. The program helps students save time and tuition while preparing the next generation of pharmacists to meet growing workforce needs.
RU Celebrates the Launch of The Rockford Anthology
The Rockford Anthology is a collection of essays, photos, and poetry exploring the question, “What defines Rockford today?” RU celebrated the alumni, students, and faculty who contributed to the publication, highlighting the University’s longstanding commitment to the city and its stories.
RU Welcomes First Cohort of Social Work Students
RU welcomed its first cohort of social work students through a partnership designed to address the growing need for mental health professionals in the Rockford region. Graduates are eligible for financial support and assistance to complete an online Master of Social Work degree through the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford.
Inaugural Members Inducted Into RU Chapter of Tri-Alpha Honor Society
RU celebrated the induction of its first Tri-Alpha Honor Society members, recognizing first-generation students, alumni, faculty, and staff. The chapter highlights the University’s commitment to supporting and celebrating the success of first-generation scholars and professionals.
Regents Roundup
13 11
President Patricia Lynott Honored with Excellence in Leadership Award
Presented at the Greater Rockford Chamber’s Pow(H)er Conference, the Excellence in Leadership Award recognized Dr. Lynott’s distinguished career of service, leadership, and community impact, including her transformative leadership at Rockford University.
26 4
Study Abroad Trip to England and Ireland
Students majoring in English, theatre, and psychology traveled to Ireland and England, exploring the art and science of storytelling through literature, performance, culture, and history. The immersive experience connected classroom learning with firsthand exploration of the places and stories that shaped these disciplines.
14 1
RU Awarded Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement
One of only 237 institutions nationwide—and one of just nine in Illinois—Rockford University earned the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement in 2026, a national recognition of its commitment to civic engagement.
The Regents of Today, Shaping Tomorrow
WORDS Stephanie Prchal ’23, Communications & Data Specialist
For Rockford University students, their stories are just beginning. They come here from across the nation—even across the globe—to pursue the educational programming, opportunities, and connections that will equip them for lifelong success. However, this support can only take them so far.
It is up to each student to take what they’ve learned and build a future uniquely their own. Our students continue to do just that, bringing remarkable initiative to everything they do. Below is a glimpse of just a few students who are already shaping their careers and communities. Whether they recently crossed the stage at Commencement or are preparing for another semester, the next chapter is already underway.
JOCELYN SOLIS ’26
Jocelyn Solis graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minors in English and lifespan development. During her time at RU, she was a proud first-generation student and Jane Addams Fellow who played an active role in promoting literacy efforts, amplifying student voices, and leading service initiatives.
Beyond campus, she worked with the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, where in the past two years she guided more than 30 teen leaders through the “In Youth We Trust” youth philanthropy program, which has helped distribute over $80,000 across four counties.
In recognition of her leadership and community impact, Jocelyn was named the 2025 Illinois Secretary of State’s recipient of the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award.
Dr. Chelsea Minor, Assistant Dean of Student Life and Director of Career Development at Rockford University, remarked on Jocelyn’s success, saying, “This is an exceptional honor and a powerful reflection of Jocelyn’s leadership, service, and commitment to civic engagement, both as a Jane Addams Fellow and as an intern and volunteer at the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.”
SYDNEY “NINI” PARKER ’28
Sydney “Nini” Parker traveled from California to pursue her passions at Rockford University. As she prepares to begin her junior year, Nini is pursuing a major in psychology with minors in lifespan development and musical theatre, blending academic curiosity with creative expression.
Through the Performing Arts program, Nini has been a part of productions that include The Prom and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and recently starred as “Ocean” in the Spring 2026 musical Ride the Cyclone.
Nini’s strong, positive presence is recognized well beyond the stage. As a Regent Experience Guide, she mentors first-year students and encourages them to take advantage of campus support resources. She is also a CRLA-certified Peer Academic Coach and founded the student organization PSYCHed to promote wellness and mental health education on campus.
“I owe my experiences to the opportunities given to me,” Nini shares.
Looking ahead, she plans to study abroad for a full semester at Regent’s University in London, another example of how opportunities at Rockford University fuel student growth and leadership.
KADEN FINNESTAD ’26
Kaden Finnestad graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (exercise science track) and a minor in health. While at RU, he distinguished himself as a leader in the classroom, on the field, and across campus.
He was named a 2025 Lincoln Laureate—one of Illinois’ most distinguished student honors—recognizing excellence in both academics and co-curricular activities. In addition to delivering an address at the 2026 Commencement ceremony, Kaden was also chosen to speak on behalf of the 2025 Lincoln Laureate honorees at the statewide ceremony in Chicago.
He competed on the Rockford University Football team for over four years, serving as both Kicker and Punter, earning NACC Second Team All-Conference honors and multiple Academic All-District recognitions.
A two-year Resident Assistant and member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Kaden invested deeply in campus life— guiding students in the residence halls and advocating for fellow student-athletes.
A native of Belvidere, Illinois, Kaden represents the strength and promise of students from our own region.
Reflecting on his time at Rockford University, Kaden shares, “RU has provided me with invaluable hands-on experiences and mentorship. I am deeply grateful to the donors whose generosity makes these opportunities possible.”
SAIDI ISHMAIL ’27
Saidi Ishmail will be entering his senior year as a double major in financial economics and accounting. Saidi is a proud first-generation student whose journey to Rockford University spans continents.
Originally from Lusaka, Zambia, Saidi moved to the United States with his family in 2015 before eventually relocating to Rockford. Adapting to new communities while forging his own path through college required both initiative and determination.
“My experiences have taught me resilience, purpose, and the value of community,” Saidi reflects.
That resilience now fuels his leadership and entrepreneurial mindset. As Treasurer of the Student Government Association, Saidi helps oversee funding that supports student organizations and campus initiatives—applying the skills and knowledge he studies in the classroom to real-world decision-making.
He also participated in the BravenX Fellowship, a competitive careerreadiness program that equips students with the skills, confidence, and professional networks needed to launch strong careers.
How We Met
WORDS Stephanie Prchal ’23, Communications & Data Specialist
The moments and connections made at Rockford University often last long after graduation day. When many of our alumni first arrived on campus as students, they never could have imagined the impact their time here would have on the course of their lives. For some, those connections became lifelong friendships. For others, they became something more.
When the Alumni Office put out a call for stories from alumni couples who met at Rockford University, we received several wonderful responses. Below, hear directly from two alumni couples whose paths first crossed right here on campus, and whose stories are still being written today.
DARLENE AND KERRY KRENZKE,
Class of 1972
Kerry I first noticed Darlene, seated several rows ahead of me, in a sociology class. Soon we were dining together at meals in the Dining Room. Our first date was in the winter of our freshman year— tray-sledding on old cafeteria trays from the dining room on a hill at the end of the campus. It was scary, but fun.
For Darlene’s birthday party in January, her roommate invited me to the party, as she needed more money for her birthday present. Since Darlene was from Hawaii and couldn’t afford to go home for holidays and vacations, she spent them with her roommate, and was then invited to my family’s home in Indiana after our second
year. After junior year, I spent the summer with Darlene and her family in Honolulu.
We got married in LaPorte, Indiana, a month after graduation, with roommates in the wedding party and friends from Rockford College on the guest list. We moved to Hawaii a day later, where we found jobs soon thereafter.
After retiring, we moved to Seattle, but returned to Hawaii after seven years, due to all the wildfire smoke and pollen. We have now been happily married for 54 years.
ALEGRIA MATEUS ‘96, MBA ‘01 AND SANTIAGO REYES MBA ’02
Alegria My name is Alegria Mateus, and I graduated from Rockford College in 1996. I was an international student from Ecuador. After moving back to Ecuador for 3 years, I went back to Rockford to get an MBA and graduated in 2001.
I met my husband Santiago Reyes at Rockford College in 2000. He was an international student from Colombia. He first studied in the ELS (English as a Second Language) program for a few months before enrolling in the MBA program at Rockford College. He graduated in 2002.
The international student group at Rockford College was awesome and did many activities together, and it’s thanks to them that we met. After a few months of spending time together, studying, going to parties, and even going on a trip to Niagara Falls, we started dating.
After graduating from Rockford College, we were both able to find jobs and stayed in Rockford for some time. In 2003, we got engaged and decided to move from Rockford to Quito, Ecuador. We got married in April 2004 and lived there for 13 years. We have three beautiful daughters between the ages of 19 and 13. Santi had been working at Intel Corp. for a few years when, in 2017, he was relocated to Portland, Oregon, where we have lived for the past eight years.
Both of us are still in touch with many friends we made at Rockford University and have been back a couple of times to visit and drive around campus so that our kids can see where we studied. We have wonderful memories from our time there, and the education we received at Rockford University has helped us be successful in our careers.
ANDY POLLOCK ’11
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre
Reprinted from the Performing Arts Newsletter (April 2026 Issue)
For Andy, the stage didn’t disappear after Rockford University… it simply changed form.
After graduating in 2011 with a degree in Musical Theatre, he began his professional career performing with Festival 56, Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, and The Great American Melodrama, among others. The discipline of rehearsal, collaboration, and live performance shaped his early professional identity.
After moving to New York City, he stepped into the restaurant world between auditions, but what began as practical work quickly became a calling. He found himself captivated by the craft of cooking. Andy often says he knew his path had shifted when he stayed home to perfect a classic French omelette instead of heading to an audition.
Andy later moved to Los Angeles where he combined his theatre training with culinary storytelling, working with Tastemade, Buzzfeed Tasty, and Giada De Laurentiis at the Food Network. On camera and behind the scenes, he realized the skills developed at Rockford (presence, timing, adaptability, and audience connection) translated seamlessly into food media.
Today, Andy serves as Corporate Chef for Mezzetta, a familyfounded specialty food company known for olives, peppers, sauces, and Mediterranean-inspired pantry staples found in grocery stores nationwide. (If the name doesn’t sound familiar, check your pantry or refrigerator … there’s likely a jar inside.)
He leads culinary innovation, recipe development, experiential presentations, and brand content creation, bringing together performance and craft in every project.
Now based in beautiful Sonoma County in Northern California, Andy lives with his wife, Claire, and their two children, Oliver (3) and Penelope (9 months). At home and at work, he’s reminded that creativity rarely follows a straight line.
Andy credits Rockford University not only for artistic training, but for teaching him something larger: that confidence, discipline, empathy, and adaptability are transferable in ways you may not see yet. For current students, his journey is a reminder that your degree does not define your destination. Sometimes the curtain closes so another stage can open and you may discover that the spotlight was simply waiting somewhere new.
RAHAF TOLLAH ’25
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Reprinted from the Global Connections Newsletter (Fall 2025 Issue)
What are you doing now in your career or studies?
After graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rockford University, I am back at home in Saudi Arabia, and have obtained my Saudi nursing license. So, I am officially RN, Rahaf Tollah! I have been doing things I truly love, such as volunteering with Saudi Red Crescent, and also completed several professional courses in quality of healthcare and infection control to support my nursing clinical knowledge and skills. I’m currently focusing on developing myself more, gaining experience, and preparing to pursue a master’s degree in nursing in the near future to continue my dream. My goal is to keep growing as a nurse and continue making a difference in people’s lives.
What about your current job or program makes you feel successful, accomplished, or proud?
What makes me feel truly proud and accomplished is when I face real situations and instantly remember what my nursing professors taught me at RU. Their lessons and words always stay with me, guiding me through every challenge. For me, that’s the real meaning of success: seeing how what I learned has become part of who I am as a nurse. Even after graduating, I did go through moments of uncertainty and boredom, but my determination to keep learning and improving myself made me proud of how far I have come. And I know this is just the beginning, and I believe the best is yet to come.
Looking back, how did RU help you on your journey?
As I read this question and start answering, I am taking a deep breath and remembering every moment from my very first day at Rockford University. Through the hard days and happy ones, I was never alone. The Office of Global Affairs was honestly my second home. I loved to spend time there: studying, eating, talking, and laughing with everyone. It’s felt like being with my family back home in Saudi Arabia. And as I mentioned before, I feel proud that I learned from nursing professors who always keep their doors and hearts open–they answered every question with patience and care, and their passion for nursing inspires me deeply.
What is a favorite memory or something that you remember about your time at RU?
Every moment at RU has been special in its own way. Of course, my graduation day was a mix of happiness and pride, but also a little sadness as I said goodbye to RU, my professors, and Global Affairs. One of my favorite moments was the first time I gave a speech in front of everyone during the 93rd Saudi National Day. It was so special to see everyone I love and respect, supporting me and proud of my work. Also, another special moment was being honored with the Global Affairs “Global Spotlight Award.” I was so happy seeing my photo in the library and was so proud. Every single moment I spent at RU has been unforgettable. I will always be proud as an alum of Rockford University.
The Official Opening of the Turf Field
The women’s soccer team had the honor of playing the first game on RU’s brand new turf field during the Fall 2025 semester. Men’s and women’s soccer, flag football, and football all benefit from the new field. Kaden Finnestad, kicker on the football team, said, “The new turf field has brought a ton of energy to our team and completely transformed our game experience. It’s an incredible feeling to practice and compete on such a comfortable, high-quality surface, and it’s made a huge difference in how we play and prepare each week. The field doesn’t just benefit our team but has brought the whole campus community together. Seeing students, families, and fans out there supporting us on such a great field has been amazing. It’s something the whole team takes pride in, and it really shows the school’s commitment to supporting its athletes. Every practice and game feels more exciting, and it’s given us a real home-field advantage.”
The 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame
The Return of Track and Field
With the start of the 2025-2026 school year came the return of men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field to Rockford University. Rockford University head cross country coach Kevin Niles was chosen to lead the program.
Since the announcement of the return in April 2025, Coach Niles has been busy rebuilding and reestablishing the rich tradition of the RU track and field programs. Rockford had 30 All-NACC performers in a total of 15 events over the time that the Regents previously competed in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference. Additionally, the Regents had multiple individuals combine to win a total of 16 NACC titles and one person qualified to compete at the NCAA Division III Championships.
On Saturday, October 11, 2025, Rockford University inducted four members of the Regent community into the Charles M. DeWild Athletic Hall of Fame:
Bob Amsberry, Women’s Basketball Coach (1997-2006)
John Kleinhubert ‘83, Baseball (1980-1983)
Matt Lindgren ‘10, Men’s Cross Country and Track and Field (2006-2010) Jessica (Zammuto) Garcia ‘06, Softball (2005-2006)
The 25th Anniversary of Football at RU
On November 8, 2025, members of the inaugural football team at Rockford University returned to campus for a celebration of the milestone anniversary. Before the Regents took on Wisconsin Lutheran College and celebrated their own milestone–2025 Senior Day–team alums had the opportunity to meet with current players and coaches, to reminisce, and to honor the impact they continue to have on the university. During a special halftime ceremony, Athletic Director Jess Stanek invited the 2000 team onto the field and presented them with a commemorative pin.
Installation of the Baseball and Softball Scoreboards
Following several seasons of facility improvements, Rockford University’s baseball and softball programs debuted new scoreboards during the 2026 season. The scoreboards were installed on fields that had been converted to turf the previous season, with additional upgrades, including new press boxes, planned for the future. The project was made possible through support from alumni and donors who contributed to the Grounds for Greatness campaign.
May Day Through the Years
See how the celebration of May Day has progressed and transformed over the lifetime of Rockford University.
WORDS Stephanie Prchal ’23, Communications & Data Specialist
Honoring tradition while evolving to meet future needs has long been a hallmark of Rockford University’s identity. Few examples illustrate that balance more clearly than May Day, a celebration enjoyed by generations of students and alumni since 1894.
For much of its history on campus, May Day was marked by an elaborate procession, a maypole dance, and a reception. In 1897, it expanded to include the crowning of a senior student as May Queen and the presentation of her court.
As student life and the University itself evolved over the decades, so too did the observance of May Day. Following the transition to a fully coeducational institution in 1958, traditions gradually shifted, with May Kings being added for a time in the 1970s and 1980s, and the final May Queen being elected in the late 1990s.
Today, while the form has changed, the heart of May Day endures. The University continues to honor its roots through a classic tea ceremony that balances the aesthetics of the season with the fast-paced demands of modern life. Beloved by alumni and friends, the May Day Tea is a gentle reminder of the sense of community that connects generations of Regents.
The faces and moments in these photographs span well over a hundred years, yet they share a common value: that the time spent celebrating the renewal, blossoming, and promise of life is never time wasted.
What May Day will look like a century from now remains to be seen, but one thing is sure: the spirit and ideals that define it are here to stay.
In Memoriam
Nancy Tucker O’Shea ‘64, January 14, 2025
Kent Lowman ‘66, March 16, 2025
Stephen Spudich ‘59, April 21, 2025
Elaine “Ellie” Braun Stroker ‘66, May 11, 2025
Victoria “Vicki” Kirby Collazos ‘75, May 30, 2025
Richard “Dick” Livengood ‘74, June 1, 2025
Michael Gul ‘19, June 14, 2025
Flynn Fox ‘85, June 27, 2025
Lois Larson Kollar ‘51, July 5, 2025
Georgia Hill Walter ‘81, July 6, 2025
Linda Goldstein ‘70, July 25, 2025
Jane Dagit Buxton ‘66, August 14, 2025
Phyllis Aavang ‘86, August 16, 2025
Robert Onken ‘81, August 16, 2025
Susan Bates ‘68, August 18, 2025
Lynne Walther ‘63, September 19, 2025
Melanie Fazio ‘95, September 26, 2025
Thomas Lee ‘13, October 3, 2025
Werner Hein ‘81, October 8, 2025
Cheryl Novak Storms ‘92, October 12, 2025
George Sell ‘69, October 24, 2025
Emily Kehoe Johnson ‘74, October 27, 2025
Calvin Albee ‘75, November 29, 2025
Robert July ‘64, November 30, 2025
Richard “Dick” Eckburg ‘63, November 30, 2025
Don Olsen ‘10, December 26, 2025
Schelley Severson Moran ‘88, January 13, 2026
Michael Saxton ‘06, February 14, 2026
Peter Holm ‘82, January 25, 2026
Jane Aude Hines ‘80, January 31, 2026
Joann Stern Tarbis ‘56, February 24, 2026
Gary Phelps ‘64, March 1, 2026
Carol Studer Guschl ‘86, March 3, 2026
Sunil Puri ‘82, ‘13H, March 8, 2026
Cynthia Weber ‘86, March 11, 2026
Susan Johnson ‘88, March 22, 2026
Patricia Farrant Gartland ‘65, March 25, 2026
John Shick Jr. ‘03, April 4, 2026
Michael Winter ‘99, April 5, 2026
Kelley Thrun ‘66, April 9, 2026
Barbara Girling Muccianti ‘80, April 13, 2026
Mark Zelman ‘85, April 21, 2026
Jeannine Graham Hugill ‘68, April 22, 2026
Gary Belter ‘83, April 28, 2026
Mary Welsh Ingrassia ‘66, May 1, 2026
Patricia Rasmussen Hoffman ‘57, May 7, 2026
Christopher Sims II ‘06, May 9, 2026
Sheila Bach Hooper ‘71, MAT ‘74, May 22, 2026
Dennis Palmini ‘65, May 25, 2026
Steven Zarembski ‘77, May 25, 2026
Faculty Notes
Marissa Barnathan, Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre, presented at The International Drama in Education Research Institute (IDIERI) conference in Vancouver, Canada in June 2025. As part of the conference, the “Global Voices” podcast featured Professor Barnathan where she discussed her research on socially conscious musicals.
Christopher Sisson, Chair of the Department of Art and Art History and Associate Professor of Art-Graphic Design, was awarded an American Inhouse Design Award for his poster design for the Performing Arts Department’s The Game’s Afoot, held in Maddox Theatre in April 2024.
Dr. Catherine Forslund, Chair of the Department of History and International Studies and Isabel Ross Abbott, Professor of History and Women’s Studies, spoke at the 5th anniversary of the Rockford Women’s Suffrage Plaza event held in the YMCA’s Log Lodge in Sinnissippi Park, focusing on the historical significance of women gaining the right to vote. Recently, Dr. Forslund was also elected president of the board of Womanspace in Rockford.
Malina Campos, Chair of the Department of Nursing and Assistant Professor of Nursing, and Ellie Edwards visited Roosevelt Community Education Center on October 30, 2025, to present the nursing profession and recruit students to the program.
Tina Cantrell, Lecturer of Marketing and Digital Marketing, published “Teaching on the Edge: Neurodivergence, Grit, and Reclaiming Space in Higher Education” in the October issue of ADVANCE
Timm Adams, Associate Professor of Music, led his inaugural concert as the Artistic Director of Camerata Emanon, a local community choir with a rich 25+ year history in Rockford, on Saturday, November 16. Photo C
Drs. Viktoriia Dobriak, Mehmet Dik and Filiz Dik hosted the NIATM (Northern Illinois Association of Teachers of Mathematics) meeting at Rockford University on November 19. Math educators and pre-service teachers from NIU, Rock Valley College, College of DuPage, Kishwaukee College, Hononegah HS, Harlem HS, and Belvidere HS came together for a presentation titled “Goodbye Dear Aunt Sally, Hello Student Thinking” by the Illinois State University Professors Tami Martin and Oscar Chavez.
Dr. Yoandy Cabrera Ortega, Chair of the Department of Languages, Philosophy, Religion, and Cultures and Associate Professor of Spanish and Classics, accepted the position as the new editor of The Classical Outlook, the leading publication for classroom teachers of Latin, Greek, and Classical Humanities in schools, colleges, and universities. It is the official journal of The American Classical League.
Dr. Bethany Twitty, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, participated in a public forum in downtown Rockford on the history of immigration enforcement. The event, cosponsored by the League of Women Voters, the American Association of University Women, and the Rockford Public Library, was entitled “How Did We Get Here?” Dr. Twitty also submitted her paper “Jane Addams & Pedagogy in the Social Sciences” for inclusion in the conference book: In the Spirit of Jane Addams: Global Dialogue, Social Change, and Community Engagement in the 21st Century, University of Warsaw Press.
Stephanie Nissen, Director of the Howard Colman Library and Assistant Professor of Library and Information Science, attended the American Library Association’s 50th National Library Legislative Day in Washington, DC, in late February. The first day included workshops and preparation, and the second day included meetings with legislators on Capitol Hill. This opportunity allowed her to expand her advocacy network and gain experience in talking to legislators about pro-library legislation. Photo B
Drs. Amy Martin, Lisa Mehlig, and Shannon Wachter attended the 34th Annual Tri-State Psychology Undergraduate Conference hosted at Coe College with eight RU psychology students. Two pairs (Jocelyn Solis and Nelson Hernandez; Scarlet Torrisi and Samantha Schroeder) and one individual student (Sonia Almwalad) presented research posters at the conference. Photo A
Dr. Deepshikha Shukla, Associate Vice President of Business Innovation and Professor of Physics, has completed the training to become a Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP). She was also invited by Region 1 Planning Council to serve on the “Innovation & Industry” working group for the 2026 – 2030 Regional Economic Development Plan.
Dr. Kyle Stedman, Chair of the Department of English and Professor of English, with Benjamin Lauren, co-edited a digital edited collection called Can I Ask a Question? A Dialog about Sonic Rhetoric, Professional Writing, CreativeCritical Scholarship, and Process. Beyond editing, his main contribution to the collection was a 19-minute audio essay titled “Then Again Begin: Dirty Records, Clean Audio, and Professional Communication.”
Dr. Deborah Breiter, Chair of the Chemical and Biological Sciences Department and Bergmann Professor of Chemistry, served as an event supervisor at the Regional Illinois Science Olympiad competition held at Rock Valley College on March 14. She set up, proctored, and graded the Division B event “Potions and Poisons.”
Dr. Alice Boateng, Assistant Professor of Social Work, coauthored an article entitled “Impact of COVID-19 on Social Support among Caregivers: A Qualitative Study,” published in Global Social Welfare, a journal in the fields of global social work, social development, and social welfare policy and practice.
815-226-3370 • alumni@rockford.edu
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To learn more about the many ways to support Rockford University, visit www.rockford.edu/ways-to-give or contact the Office of Advancement at advancement@rockford.edu. Thank you for helping us continue to grow what matters. The
