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was rewarded with a full accreditation of our Nursing program through 2019. We celebrated a first in our history with the naming of the Puri Business School (p4). Significant work was done by all on campus to establish the baselines of our evolving strategic plan that will help guide our priorities for the next five years. I look forward to sharing more on our progress within that plan in the coming months. Both in and out of the classroom, our

faculty maintain a hearty pace of research and activity that enhance the experiences of our students and further the University’s impact.

Throughout the semester, it’s a true pleasure to spend time with our students and learn more about their stories and how they

came to Rockford University. Along with getting to know our students, I enjoy opportunities to interact with our alumni. September’s Homecoming@Reunion (p6) along with a variety of gatherings throughout the semester in locations across the country afforded me the chance to hear the experiences of graduates, both during and after their collegiate years. A common theme in most alumni interactions is the significance of values embedded in a small school environment and a liberal arts education. As I say frequently, regardless as to whether the name of the institution is Rockford Female Seminary, Rockford College or Rockford University, the commitment to an education grounded in the liberal arts will never wane.

The solid foundation RU provides is evident in the countless successes of our alumni. Many outside of the academy criticize a liberal arts education and attack the value of associated degrees in leading to employment. However, those with full insight, particularly our graduates, know that a liberal arts education is actually a better preparation for a lifetime of employment than a more narrow education. Research published by the American Association of Colleges & Universities (How Liberal Arts and Sciences Majors Fare in Employment) shows that during the peak earnings years, liberal-arts graduates have higher earnings on average than people who pursued professional or pre-professional fields.

The reason liberal arts graduates fare well over a lifetime of employment is that they possess the skills employers want in college graduates. Generally, the skills in highest demand are the ability to communicate clearly and to solve complex problems. A liberal arts education is great preparation for employment as it embraces the mastery of speaking, writing and analysis. However, it is not designed for that purpose. Preparing graduates to live as free and productive citizens is the important objective. We proudly continue our mission to prepare our students well for a modern and changing global society, bolstered by the outstanding legacy of our alumni.

For all of this and more, I appreciate this opportunity to reflect on achievements big and small. The support of our alumni, students, employees and friends comes in many forms; all of which are invaluable. Thank you for all you do to strengthen and grow Rockford University.

Work on the new multi-purpose surface takes shape in Seaver (left) and the major transformation of the former Grace Roper Lounge space in Burpee (above) is well underway.

full accreditation of our Nursing program through 2019 and by the Higher Learning Commission’s approval for online programming for distance education courses and programs.

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The University was honored to formally acknowledge, recognize and celebrate the ongoing and significant contributions of one of our most passionate alumni, Mr. Sunil Puri ’82/’13H on October 3, 2014, at a special event to announce the establishment of the Puri Business School.

The Puri Business School was named in recognition of a $5 million contribution to the University by Mr. Puri, co-founder and President of First Midwest Group. The Puri Business School (PBS) commemorates Mr. Puri’s lifetime commitment to Rockford University. It is the first named school at the University and will include the Economics, Business and Accounting (EBA) programs, along with ancillary business-related activities of the University. Mr. Puri was also recognized for donating the 28,000 square foot building located just to the east of the main campus entrance (5100 East State Street) which will serve as the hub for all related PBS programming at both the undergraduate and graduate level. The Puri Business School will be housed under the University’s College of Social Sciences, Commerce and Education, led by Dean Debra Dew, Ph.D.; Associate Professor of Economics, Business and Accounting Bob Evans serves as Department Chair.

Mr. Puri was born in Bombay, India, and immigrated to the United States in 1979 to attend Rockford College, graduating in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. “From the minute he stepped on this campus as an undergrad more than 35 years ago, a fire sparked inside him that still burns bright,” stated President Robert L. Head. “As a dedicated Trustee and tireless advocate for Rockford University, he has had occasion to and has proudly promoted and protected the interests of our University; for that we are most grateful.” Those efforts also include the 2012 contribution of land along the University’s front drive that married the symbolic reconnection (after a 25 year separation) of the main campus to East State Street. Vice President of

Advancement Bern Sundstedt ’77 notes of that gesture, “More than just a parcel of land, the reuniting of the main campus to its original boundaries served as a lifting of our collective spirit along the way and providing for us land on which we can attend to the future needs of the university.”

Mr. Puri sees this as an effort that goes deeper than the act of a donation; it’s about creating a program for students in the region that goes above and beyond standard curriculum. President Head explains, “Sunil’s is a shared vision with the University to establish a school of business that will not only be envied but provide our students with a superior educational experience that prepares them for success.”

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) was able to make a special appearance for the formal announcement sharing, “I am pleased to honor my friend for his commitment to Rockford University. In 1979, Sunil came to Rockford University with virtually no money or proper transcripts, but he did come with hope and tenacity. Rockford University gave him a chance and today he’s made it clear that he hasn’t forgotten the role the school played in his success.”

“It is important to my family and me, that the School offers not only an exemplary space for the campus and community to interact and innovate, but also where significant programming and curricular advances can benefit both the University and its ability to partner in the economic revival of this region,” says Mr. Puri. He goes on to add, “The liberal arts education I received at Rockford significantly contributed to my success and supporting the Puri Business School is my way of paying it forward.”

RU Celebrates Establishment of its First Named school

Sunil Puri ’82/’13H, far right, with members of his family, Bharat ’96, Sonal ’06, Tanuj, Pravin and Suman Puri.

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Top. At Notre Dame: (front, l–r) Selby Boe, Ashley Johnson, Calla Rourke, Jeisel Aldrich, (back, l–r) Kirsti Mollway, Mary Anderson, Kelcy Ainsworth, and Danika Mollway.

Bottom. Ice cream on the Mediterranean Isle Frioul (Frioul Island) off the coast of Marseille: (front, l–r) Danika Mollway, Calla Rourke, Mary Anderson, (back, l–r) Jennifer Langworthy Kelcy Ainsworth, Sharon Bartlett, Kirsti Mollway, Selby Boe, Ashley Johnson, Jeisel Aldrich, and Andrea Johnson.

Jennifer Langworthy ’92, Ph.D., (Chair, Department of Art & Art History, Assistant Professor of Art) and Sharon Meilahn Bartlett, Ph.D., (Assistant Professor of French) led a group of primarily Studio Art, Art History and French students to France on a two-week trip this past May 19–June 4, splitting their time between Paris and Aix-en-Provence (in the south of France). The trip gave students the opportunity to become fully immersed in the French culture, benefiting from the experience of their professors. Dr. Bartlett notes, “Dr. Langworthy and I have traveled, lived and worked in France. We were eager to share our knowledge with our students through an exploration of French culture, art, cuisine, history, geography and language.” Each professor was excited to give students the chance to apply what they’ve learned and for them to be able to see original pieces in their cultural contexts.

Mary Anderson, who is planning to minor in French and who has visited France before explains, “The visits to the various cathedrals and museums were much

more appreciated by me on this trip because I understood more of the history behind what I was seeing. Having that background makes understanding the artwork, the period in which it was created, and what was happening in the world during that time so much more meaningful.”

The trip provided a true multi-disciplinary learning experience; the French students used their language skills to help the art history students interpret written and spoken information while the art history students helped the French students add to their cultural competence through art. The art history students were able to give presentations on specific works of art in front of the actual works themselves. The French students’ presentations helped orient the group to the culture and art of southern France.

Kirsti Mollway, an English major and secondary education minor, feels the trip was a unique chance to travel abroad with her sister and fellow RU student Danika, who is an art major. Kirsti shares, “I was able to visit a foreign country for the first time – France no less! I wouldn’t trade this opportunity for anything. I was able to experience a foreign country for the first time with my sister and gain more knowledge about its culture and art.”

To France we go for Culture, Cuisine and… Ice Cream

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More than 300 alumni and friends were welcomed back to campus on a beautiful September weekend for Reunion activities. A mix of alumni from 1945 to 2014 caught up with friends during activities on September 19 and 20.

A few of the weekend’s highlights include:

A tapas lunch on Friday with alumni, faculty, staff, students and RU President Robert L. Head;

The always popular Golden Grad Luncheon welcomed more than 40 guests with 15 alumni from the class of 1964 receiving their Golden Grad medals at the annual event;

The beautiful weather helped make student-lead tours even more enjoyable. The students enjoyed meeting and connecting with the many alumni who took part in the informative tours. For many, this was the first opportunity they had to explore the campus in depth as they were students at the old campus.

The Vocal Collective, made up of RU’s most talented singers, entertained guests at the All-Alumni Dinner and Golden Grad luncheon.

More than a dozen alumni learned more about Planned Giving strategies from TJ Leake, attorney with Hinshaw Culbertson, Rockford. Attendees realized the importance of having and executing an estate plan.

Eight Alumni and two Trustees were honored with awards from the Rockford University Alumni Association on Friday for their outstanding community work and commitment to the University;

One-half of the notable Lawrence & Arbuckle team, Don Arbuckle ‘74, treated us to a one-night-only mini performance during the Lion’s Den After-Party on Friday;

Golden Grads – Celebrating the Class of 1964

Marilyn Wersted Knorr was excited to travel back to Rockford from her current home in Citrus Heights, Calif., and looked forward to returning to campus so she could enjoy catching up with long-time college friends. Fellow classmate and

“THE GREATEST PLACE ON EARTH” Reunion @ Homecoming Highlights May Day dancing partner Jim Alverson also made it back for Homecoming@Reunion festivities, making his trip from Janesville, Wis. Both Marilyn and Jim took time to reminisce a bit with the Alumni Office and shared the following.

(from Marilyn Wersted Knorr) This was an eventful time in our history, 1960–64. We had the Civil Rights movement and I think a chapter of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) on campus, encouraged by Chip Wood ’64. Five of us broke curfew to attend a lecture by Malcolm X in Chicago. The student body waited with “baited breath” when we met for an anticipated reprimanding. Alas, we were not hung by our thumbs. Instead, we were asked, “How was the lecture?”

More snapshots of the times: experiencing the death of JFK; having Peace Corp founder, Sargent Shriver speak at Convocation; and attending a presentation by poet James Dickie. Our education could not have been better. It opened my mind to ideas I had never entertained before. One of our art tours by now deceased and dear Mr. Arthur Adair consisted of a trip to Chicago and Mies van der Rohe’s studio, where we actually saw the quite elderly architect walk past us and sit in one of his famously designed chairs. And of course to the Art Institute. A small group of art

Golden Grad Luncheon Class of 1964 50th Reunion (l–r): Susan Taylor Gustafson, Barbara Engbretson Johnson, Roger Cichorz, Sue Glickauf Laramore, Tom Little, Steve Marshall, Bonnie Seesland Tyler, Peter Sobel, Margaret Fisher Behles, Lynn Bogur TenKate, Kathleen Miles Henderson, Jim Alverson, Sue Tyler Gustafson, Karen Niemeier, and Marilyn Wersted Knorr.

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Rockford University has the opportunity to receive $50,000 from the Carroll H. Starr Endowment Challenge, a grant program administered by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL). Carroll H. Starr was the founder of the Rockford Community Trust – today known as CFNIL. Mr. Starr guided the Trust during its formative years.

In honor of Mr. Starr, CFNIL created the Carroll H. Starr Endowment Challenge. Through the Challenge, the

Community Foundation will match $1 for every $3 raised over a three-year term by selected non-profits to help build their endowments.

Rockford University has been selected to take part – using the $100,000 proceeds from the M. Jayne Poor Estate as seed

money. Jayne made an indelible mark in both the dance department and the community. In honor of Jayne’s legacy, it is now up to the University to raise an additional $50,000 in order to receive the $50,000 Foundation match – for a total of $200,000 to be held in perpetuity at CFNIL.

In the wake of Jayne’s passing last year, a group of alumni reignited the underutilized Friends of the

Performing Arts at Rockford University (FOPA). By doing so, we hope to honor Jayne while helping enhance the performing arts program and uplifting its reputation.

The Friends of the Performing Arts has taken on this challenge with a goal to engage donors in support of this cause while also building a base of support for the Performing Arts that will help complete other capital projects in the coming years.

Once successful, half of the endowment’s proceeds will be used to establish a master dance class series at Rockford University as prescribed in Jayne’s will. The other half of the endowment’s proceeds will be used to support unique opportunities for the personal growth and development of students of the performing arts.

Jayne Poor was the heart and soul of dance at Rockford College. Her generosity has given us an opportunity to ensure that her legacy will continue to inspire students of dance and the performing arts at Rockford University far into the future.

If you are interested in more information or would like to make a contribution to the Carroll H. Starr Endowment Challenge, please contact Bern Sundstedt ’77 at 815.226.3371 or BSundstedt@rockford.edu. Your generous gift will enhance the broad-based education of students that has been a hallmark of the Rockford University experience for more than 167 years.

When opportunity knocks, we open the door

A newly designed website was launched in mid-December. The new site allows the University to implement a fully customizable content management system that provides more flexibility, efficiency and better overall ability to keep content fresh and current for all areas of the institution.

The new site structure creates a fully responsive environment that adapts appropriately to desktop, mobile and tablet screens, and incorporates several new features. Users will notice a more simple design focused on content; prominent, bolder imagery including student testimonials; animation/movement of images and text; varied and styled typography; a fixed navigation bar

at the top of the screen to allow for more convenient navigation; and more content on one page – making the most of one page.

Additionally, the navigational structure has been streamlined and re-organized with the University’s diverse website audiences in mind.

Rockford.edu will continue to evolve with increased functionality being added to the site regularly. This is the first major rebuild of the University’s website since 2008.

Welcome to the new rockford.edu website

Jayne Poor, circa 1956

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, an estimated 3.7 million teachers work in American public and private schools. We know within those ranks are hundreds of Rockford University Master of Art in Teaching (MAT) graduates who have distinguished themselves as exemplary educators. Established in 1952, the program has graduated more than 1,560 teachers in the last decade alone.

One of those students, James E. Ford ’09 is a stellar example of someone who entered the program to advance his dream of teaching. Prior to starting at RU, James worked as a truancy intervention specialist in high schools and was also director of a teen center that provided educational and after-school activities for youth at risk of dropping out of school. He began his teaching career in the Rockford Public School district after earning his MAT. James is now a ninth-grade world history teacher at Garinger High School in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system, teaching there since 2010.

This native Rockfordian’s journey into education started with the simple desire to teach and mentor youth. He’s certainly succeeding in those efforts and the state of North Carolina is taking notice by naming him the 2014 North Carolina Teacher of the Year. He was first honored as the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Teacher of the Year in May of 2013, going on to be named the Southwest Regional Teacher of the Year in December. Now, as the state awardee, he will serve as an advisor to the State Board of Education for two years and as a board member for the NC Public School Forum for one year. In addition, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction will sponsor his enrollment and completion of the Education Policy Fellowship Program. He will also receive a trip to the National Teacher of the Year conference and International Space Camp.

Spotlight on MAT alumnus James E. Ford Just prior to publication, Catalyst learned that James had earned another exciting honor. The Charlotte Magazine named James as the “Charlottean of the Year 2014,” noting, “At a time when everybody—politicians, teachers, parents, students—points to what’s wrong with the education system, our Charlottean of the Year is determined to show us what’s right.”

Catalyst had the opportunity to catch up with James and ask him a few questions about his exciting year.

(Catalyst) You started out on a much different career path, graduating from Illinois State with a mass communication degree and designs on becoming a journalist. So what was the trigger point in deciding to change course and earn a teaching degree?

(James) I had a “light bulb” moment when I sat down to access my next career steps. As I reviewed my job and volunteer history, the trend became obvious…they all had to do with teaching. It hit me – I had been a teacher and didn’t know it. I immediately started to look into the options for certification which led me to Rockford University’s MAT program.

What stands out about your MAT experience?

I felt the program was excellent and rigorous. I had many great instructors who expected a lot of each student and didn’t accept sub-par work. Professors like JoEllen Voss and others set very high standards and made me a better candidate when I graduated. I affectionately call JoEllen my “mom in education.”

What lead you from journalism to teaching world history?

It was directly connected to my minor and the interests I had there. The bulk of my college credits outside of communications were in the social sciences. I’m now certified to teach civics, sociology and world history.

How do you make World History exciting to high school students?

Communicating the big picture is vital in helping the students understand how the subject is relevant to them in their worlds. I use a creative and

Rockford University Master of Art in Teaching (MAT) graduate James E. Ford ’09.

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(continued on p10)

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Being a student-athlete at Rockford University involves more than just participating in athletic competitions and practices. As a Division III University, RU’s Athletic Department is dedicated to developing responsible leaders and citizens, along with fostering healthy competition on fields, courts and courses. According to the NCAA, more than 170,000 student-athletes at 444 institutions make up Division III, the largest NCAA division both in number of participants and number of schools. The Division III experience offers participation in a competitive athletic environment that pushes student-athletes to excel on the field and build upon their potential by tackling new challenges across campus.

Rockford University Student-Athletes Give BackRU encourages its individual programs to do their part in order to help make a difference both on campus and in the community. Our Regents take part in several efforts throughout the year yielding impressive results that aren’t tallied in scores and stats. Catalyst editors asked our Sports Information Director Brian Vanden Acker to compile all of the athletic activities into one spot so we could get a better sense of what’s really going on.

We’re excited to share what Brian provided:

Each year the entire athletic department and Rockford University Student Athlete Advisory Committee join together to participate in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) Cans Across the Conference competition. Since the start of the competition in 2006, Rockford has won twice and brought home second-place honors once. In total, the Regents have donated nearly 20,000 cans to the Rockford Food Pantry, Rockford Rescue Mission and the Salvation Army.

There are many opportunities for RU student-athletes to join with other NAAC institutions to help raise funds and awareness for multiple organizations and causes. Each year the women’s basketball program hosts a Play 4 Kay game to help raise awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer in the memory of the legendary NC State Coach Kay Yow. The men’s basketball program also helps raise cancer awareness by participating in the Coaches vs.

Men’s basketball student-athletes with Hammy from the Ice Hogs.

dynamic approach that usually starts with telling them that this subject is often boring. I love to craft a creative narrative that uses history as a predictor of the future. I feel that history is not a straight line, but a circle.

Tell us about how the honor of Teacher of the Year came to be.

The multi-step process began when peer educators from my school in Charlotte-Mecklenburg nominated me for the school-level award. I then moved on to the zone of the district, district, state regionals, and finally the state award. I was very humbled to receive this original honor out of 95,000 district teachers.

I am now in the running for the National Teacher of the Year award. Fifty-three state and territory winners (K–12) will descend on Washington, D.C., in May 2015. We will meet with the President and be guests of the White House for the day which is incredibly exciting. The announcement will be made at that time.

What are you doing now?

As part of the honor of winning Teacher of the Year, I am on a one-year sabbatical from the classroom – on loan to the state so to speak. My responsibilities as an ambassador for education include touring the state, giving presentations and keynote speaking engagements,

(Ford, continued from p9)

mentoring, and doing workshops. I am also excited to have the opportunity to travel abroad to view other educational systems. I am also serving a two-year term on the NC State Board of Education.

I have an interest in big-picture policy that can make meaningful changes in the classrooms. To that end, I will be enrolling in the Education Policy Fellowship Program and have just received my credentials to be a principal. I’m not sure just yet where this incredible opportunity will take me, but I know I will be active in education for the rest of my life.

Final thoughts from James…

I was born and raised in Rockford and I am a proud product of the public education system. I want to be able to give back and share with Rockford in this honor.

James will be back in Rockford on January 17, 2015, as the Keynote Speaker for the Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc., of the Greater Rockford Area’s 11th Annual Martin Luther King Scholarship Breakfast. The annual event is hosted each year at Rockford University.

Cancer program. In past seasons the volleyball program has participated in the Dig for Life program which is another nationwide initiative that helps raise cancer awareness and money to fight for a cure. The Regents’ softball team joined the battle against cancer last season as well when it hosted a Strike Out Cancer doubleheader.

There is a concerted effort for RU athletes to make a difference in the community through volunteer work, community service activities and charitable fundraising efforts. The baseball program looks forward each year to assisting the Special Olympics with their volleyball and tennis activities. Baseball dedicates one of its home doubleheaders to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project and the National Pancreas Foundation. The men’s basketball program helps with basketball clinics at both the Silver Chalice Challenge Health Fair and the Rockford Boys and Girls Club. This season, the team also spent time as guest readers at West View Elementary. The men’s soccer team spent a day on its overnight road trip last year building houses for Habitat for Humanity.

Rockford University football players and coaches were a part of multiple community events last year. The Regents collected water for the Rockford Rescue Mission, helped run a football clinic with the Rockford Park District and assisted with Gregory School Family Fun Night. Rockford’s cross country and track and field teams routinely help local high schools organize, manage and run events. Last year the cross country program hosted several high school meets on campus for District 205 while the track and field program helped set-up and manage a track meet at Lincoln Middle School. Finally each year the women’s basketball program volunteers

Volunteers from the women’s basketball team participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.

at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. The ladies not only donate their time at the event but also cheer on the participants for a truly worthy cause.

Although the majority of the service projects are oriented towards outside organizations, RU student-athletes also pitch-in and volunteer at events on campus. Both the football and softball programs volunteered as servers at the annual Rockford University Gala. Last spring the men’s basketball, football, volleyball and softball programs volunteered in the JACCE campus-wide clean-up.

“Making a difference in the lives of others is what we are as an institution,” RU Director of Athletics Kristyn King stated. “Our student-athletes in our athletic programs are very involved with their studies, their teams, and their own personal lives, but are never too busy to serve others within our campus community and the Rockford community.”

Adult Accelerated Degree CompletionComplete your bachelor’s degree in business. The next cohort begins February 12. Call 815.226.4197.

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Classes start January 20. Call 815.226.4040.

Also at Rockford University

Department Chair and Assistant Professor of Nursing Nola Addante, B.S.N., M.S.N., C.N.E., along with several Rockford University nursing students from the “Community Health Nursing” course participated in a free flu shot clinic at Shelter Care Ministries in

Rockford on October 23. Professor Addante and students administered flu shots and blood pressure screenings. Additionally, Addante has earned the designation Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) after meeting strict eligibility criteria and successfully completing a rigorous certification examination developed and administered by the National League for Nursing.

Matthew Bork, Ph.D., assistant professor of Chemistry, recently published three peer-reviewed American Chemistry Society research journal articles. Two articles were based on his work with metallic porphyrins. Applications of this work could include DNA tagging and

photodynamic therapy and by producing a photovoltaic cell, we could reduce our need for non-renewable resources. The final paper focused on tuning the electrons of ruthenium polypyridines to optimize the photophysical properties.

Assistant Professor of Nursing Denise Boxleitner, M.S.N., R.N., O.C.N., C.N.E, has earned the designation Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) after meeting strict eligibility criteria and successfully completing a rigorous certification examination developed and administered

by the National League for Nursing.

Associate Professor of Philosophy Matthew Flamm, Ph.D., attended the annual meeting of the Society for Intellectual U.S. History from October 9–12 in Indianapolis, Ind.

Assistant Professor of Education Lydia Gertzel-Short, Ed.D., presented a

paper titled “Families Are Knocking at The Door, Will You Let Them In?” at the Leadership, Learning, and Practice: Educating Global Citizens international conference from October 2–4 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Assistant Professor of Education Jacob Hardesty, Ph.D., presented a paper titled “Learning To Listen: Conflicts Between Youth and Adults Regarding the Phonograph in the Early 20th

faculty notes Century” at the History of Education Society Conference from November 6–9 in Indianapolis, Ind.

Jason Hunter, Ph.D., assistant professor of Physical Education, presented a talk entitled “Marketing Implications of Playing Regular Season Games in International Markets” at the Sports Marketing National Conference from Oct. 22–24 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Assistant Professor of Economics, Business, and Accounting Stanley Klatka, Ph.D., attended the Marketing Management Association Educator’s conference September 17–19 in San Antonio, Texas.

Assistant Professor of Philosophy Shawn Klein, Ph.D., published a review of The Fantasy Sport Industry: Games within Games for the Nordic Sport Science Forum. The book is an in-depth study of the industry that has built up around fantasy sports. Professor Klein was also interviewed by Bloomberg News for the October 27 article “PGA

President Ouster in Growing Effort on Sexist Comments” and for its September 14 article “NFL Back as Abuse, Concussions Grab Top U.S. Sport Headlines” concerning recent domestic violence issues in the NFL.

Assistant Professor of Biology James Marshall, Ph.D., presented a paper “Role of Resident and Migrant Birds in the Spread of Invasive Honeysuckle” at the American Ornithologist’s Union Annual Meeting in Estes Park, Colo., from September 24–27.

Rockford University Associate Professor of English Michael A. Perry, Ph.D., and Patrick McAleer, Ph.D., (Inver Hills Community College) have published a new book titled Stephen King’s Modern Macabre: Essays on the Later Works that focuses on some of the recent works of writer Stephen King. The publication is currently available for purchase on Amazon.

Associate Professor of Art Chris Sisson, M.F.A., received the American Inhouse Design Award in May 2014. Professor

Sisson won this award for his 12

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original photo illustration and poster design for the play “Heartbreak House.” The American Inhouse Design Awards are the premiere showcase for outstanding work by inhouse designers.

Assistant Professor of Biology Troy Skwor, Ph.D., traveled over this past summer to Spain and France where he gave a seminar entitled, “Identifying and combating ‘superbugs’ in the Rock River and within human wastewater” at the University of Santiago de Compostela

in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. He also gave a talk on his ongoing noted research “Aeromonas veronii and A. hydrophila predominate among multi-drug resistant, cytotoxic isolates from human wastewater effluents and local riverine ecosystems” at the 11th International Symposium on Aeromonas and Plesiomonas in Montpellier, France, at the University of Montpellier School of Medicine.

Additionally, Dr. Skwor’s research continues to be recognized internationally in leading scientific journals, Applied and Environmental Microbiology Journal and in BioMed Central Microbiology. His most recent work, “Aeromonas hydrophila and Aeromonas veronii predominate among potentially pathogenic ciprofloxacin and tetracycline resistant isolates of Aeromonas in Lake Erie” has been published in the Applied and Environmental Microbiology journal. Dr. Skwor’s research focused on identifying different antibiotic resistant isolates of bacteria from recreational freshwater (Lake Erie) and determining if they secrete toxins capable of killing human cells, thus serving as potential human pathogen. This research was one of the first of its kind analyzing antibiotic resistance, determining if they are toxic to human cells and further identifying a list of genes capable of causing these phenotypes.

This research project continues locally with Rockford University students analyzing antibiotic resistance among bacterial populations in the Rock River and human wastewater. On November 7, 2014, four undergraduate and graduate students presented their cutting-edge research findings at the Sigma Xi International Research Conference in Glendale, Ariz. These students included RU undergraduates Stephanie Klemm and Abby Menke, RU graduate student Sarah Stringer, and Knox College student, Sarah Kobernat who worked with Dr. Skwor over the summer at RU.

Associate Professor of Education Lynn Stafford, M.S., presented “Reading Strategies in a Co-Teaching Model” at the Illinois Reading Council conference from October 2–4. Professor Stafford will also be giving two presentations at the Illinois Council for Exceptional Children, “Reading

Strategies in a Co-Teaching Model” and “Brain Research and How It Influences Learning” from November 7–9.

Assistant Professor of English Kyle Stedman, Ph.D., recently published two different projects, both of which involve sound (his disciplinary focus in the field of rhetoric and composition). First, in the online academic journal Composition Forum, he co-published

a review of the scholarly book “Ambient Rhetoric: The Attunements of Rhetorical Being.”

He also published the first episode of his new monthly podcast “Plugs, Play, Pedagogy.” Dr. Stedman also will be presenting a paper titled “Composing Audiences, Influences, and Classical Music,” at the Conference on College Composition and Communication in March 2015 in Tampa, Fla.

Assistant Professor of Education Karen P. Walker, Ed.D., attended the Illinois Reading Conference from October 1–3, 2014. Dr. Walker presented two sessions at the conference. Her first session, “WANTED: Effective Literacy Leadership to Support Independent

Student Reading Among Adolescents,” focused on her recent publication in the International Reading Association Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy. Additionally, Professor Walker co-presented a session titled “Great Literature for Struggling and Reluctant Adolescent Readers.”

Kimberlee Wagner, M.A.T., assistant professor of education, presented a talk entitled “Supporting Comprehension for ESL Students” at the Illinois Reading Council from Oct. 2–4.

Assistant Professor of English Tara Wood, Ph.D., will be presenting at the Conference on College Composition

and Communication Conference with her paper titled “Risk Management in the College Classroom: Student Strategies for Disclosing Disability” in March 2015.

Dr. Wood also has an essay published this fall in an edited collection titled

“Signature Wounds: Marking and Medicalizing Post 9/11 Veterans,” Generation Vet: Composition, Student-Veterans, and the Post 9/11 University.

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Mary Anne Saucier ’43 has been very busy with politics and other causes over the last few months. She is supporting Upper Arlington Councilman Mike Schadek (pictured with Mary Anne at left) in his election for Franklin County auditor. They have both also worked hard to get another

woman, Mary Egerton Miller, on the UA Wall of Honor, which is traditionally dominated by men.

The class of 1949 was represented at the September Reunion @ Homecoming by the following members celebrating their 65th reunion: Pat Potter Landstrom, Maryjo Domino Pritz, Barbara Skafgard Williams, Nancy Crumlish Brumner, Ruth Ross Ax, Margret ( Sug) Stanton Fairhead, and Joan Cimbalo Pulliam. A great time was had by all attending our 65th, with much reminiscing. We really just had plain old-fashioned fun! You who did not attend missed a good time!

Dottie McKnight Fredenburg ’50 lost her husband in late January. Her four children visited in July. She has 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild – four of them have graduated from college, five are in college, and one is in high school. Dottie is very proud of all of them.

Dolores Sheslo Delahanty ’50 is helping her daughter-in-law run for District Court Judge. Two years ago, Dolores was inducted into the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame because of her work on behalf of human rights, particularly on behalf of women. Dolores feels this high honor was because of the seeds that were planted way back at Rockford College.

Sad news from Terry Lai ’50 – her husband passed away last May and will be interred in Honolulu.

The art career of Ann Rutledge Eby ’50 continues to go well and she is still represented by Hang Art. Her son Jay and grandson Nigel visited last August. Jay has developed an online business buying and selling sound equipment and used Japanese Guitars. Son Jeff still runs computer-generated programs for trade shows and conferences and also has a free-lance business.

Engineer Kent Dickinson ’50 says he is not deceased as was reported. He has an MAT degree which was also not reported. Kent was 91 last December and had to give up golf about five years ago because of bad knees.

Cynthia Feldman ’50 is off again to explore the Southwest – visiting family and friends along the way. Cynthia is doing the same volunteer and work things. She moved in September to an apartment close to town.

Mary Morgan Leatherby ’50 and husband Dick celebrated their 68th anniversary last May. They have wintered in Florida for the last 14 years and were especially pleased to be away from Rockford during the 2013–14 winter. One of their daughters lives in Milwaukee and the other daughter lives in Tampa, Fla. Their son lives in Rockford and is a big help to his father.

Engineer Dick Bonaguro ’50 has moved to Minnesota to be closer to his daughter.

class notes Shirley Voss Henley Philon ’50, Mary Morgan Leatherby ’50, Lola Anderson Gustafson ’50, Dorothy Busacker Westcott ’50, Sally Voss Trefz ’50 and Dorothy Voss Baits ’51 continue to meet monthly. In the winter they will go back to meeting every other month. It’s good to be with these old friends.

Lee Krizka ’60 and wife Arlene Murin Krizka ’60 are enjoying their 14th year in retirement. “We get to visit the grandkids when they have athletic or musical activities. I just finished being part of a small Hoffman Estates Commission where we were responsible for a two-day German Fest for Village residents. I am also singing bass in a Hoffman Estates singing group called the Notables. We are now learning Christmas music, which is hard to do when it is so nice outside. Having been president of the alumni association in the ’70s, I felt it was time for me to come back home. In the four years that I have been back on the board, we have made some valuable and significant changes in how we operate. Along with the very positive changes the University has been making, the board is ready to help stimulate all the alumni into action.

Kathleen Stewart Henderson ’64 has returned to the U.S. after living in New Zealand for 40 years where she owned and operated a sheep farm at the far south of the country. She also grew export flowers for the U.S. and European market, was director of several companies and active in local government NGO operations, and was instrumental in getting modern product and marketing of N.Z. meats and flowers into the U.S. She received a diploma in graphic arts from an art institute in Switzerland after two years in the RC Fine Arts department under Mr. Dedrick. She worked as a graphic artist for 25 years and devoted another 15 years as professional director and sheep farmer.

Donald Faith ’68 lives in Portland, owns a photography studio, and is married to a woman from Perú. I would be happy to talk with anyone from the classes of ’65–’71. I’m including a pic my

wife took of me recently and my senior portrait at RC/RU. As you can see, I haven’t aged at all.

Dr. Thomas Lifvendahl ’70 teaches at both Cardinal Stritch University (master’s level business capstones) and Mount Mary University (undergraduate comparative justice). Recreation is painting, carpentry, hiking, bike riding, and being a Grampa to five lively granddaughters. I am on the alumni board because as an educator I am very aware of the values inherent in the liberal arts focus of Rockford University.

Irene Sedeora ’70 announces the publication of her first poetry collection, MINDFUL RHAPSODY, 54 accessible poems on various subjects such as travel, nature, family and relationships. The book, ISBN-13:978-0692315385, is available on amazon.com and special order from Barnes & Noble.

Fred Fuld III ’74 gave a speech at the Museum of American Finance in New Your City called “Stock Market Trivia: Who Says Wall Street is Boring?” and did a book signing there for his books, “Stock Market Trivia” and “Stock Market Trivia Volume 2.”

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(Name in orange indicates alumni association board member.)

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Thomas Muldowney ’74 of Savant Capital Management and Mike Webb ’79 from Rock Valley College were honored by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce for their contributions to the Rockford area. Several hundred people gathered inside Prairie Street Brewhouse for the Chamber’s annual “Twenty People You Should Know” reception. The event recognizes those that contribute to the civic, economic and cultural vitality of the Rockford area and are actively involved in moving the community forward.

After a long career in the travel industry, Susan Ouchterloney ’79 began work in the banking industry several years ago and currently works for Bank of America in the electronic payments area. She resides in Downers Grove, Ill. Although it’s a short season in Chicagoland, Susan loves to golf when she gets the chance. In addition, she’s been fortunate enough to combine her love of travel with golf and has gotten to play golf throughout England, Scotland and Ireland over the past few years. Susan joined the alumni board in 2013 as she wanted to get more involved with the University and keep up-to-date on the school and its happenings.

Dennis Bentley ’80 and his wife Judy live in Chicago’s Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood. They have three sons: Matt, Zack and Luke. Matt and Luke are teachers who live in Patagonia, Ariz. Zack is an occupational therapy graduate student at Shenandoah University in Virginia. Judy is an animal care worker at PAWS animal shelter and Dennis teaches at Frances Xavier Warde School.

Marty Maxwell Gylleck ’80 is still in Northern Illinois and currently working as Training Supervisor at Six Flags Great America. She has a very large roller coaster right outside the door of her office.

Bettyann Pappenfus ’81 bought a 1907 fixer-upper in St. Paul 28 years ago. “I’m still here and still fixing up. For the past 20 years, I’ve been working for a small telecommunications consulting company. I’m working on a Vietnam war-era novel. Since I graduated in 1981, I’ve done a lot of things to give back to RU: worked at national and high school college fairs, hosted dinners for incoming RU freshman and their parents in the Twin Cities, hosted a dinner for the Vocal Collective when they were here, sent boxes of treats to the theater department to help get them through the last rehearsals before a big musical, hosted alumni receptions in my home and other places, hosted a reception for Dr. Kreuter when she was named president, and the board is just one more way to stay engaged with RU and give back.

Tanya J. Tyler ’81 joined Lexington Theological Seminary in September as coordinator of the mentoring program. The Rev. Tyler brings to her role a variety of experiences. She is a former moderator of the Christian Church in Kentucky and has served on the steering committee for the process of discernment of racism in North America for the Christian Church in the United States and Canada; is a member of the board of directors for “Chalice Press” (currently VP), Christian Care Communities and the Christian Church Foundation; and also serves on the committee on ministry for the Christian Church in Kentucky. She previously worked for the “Lexington Herald-Leader” newspaper and is a freelance writer and editor whose articles have appeared in “Disciples World” and “Just Women” magazines, as well as “Chicken Soup for the Soul.” She was chosen as Kentucky’s delegate to the 2012 Women to Women Worldwide trip to China.

Danielle, daughter of Kris and Patti Carlini Tumilowicz ’87, was crowned the 2014 Winnebago County Queen in August.

Diane Kuehl MAT ’89 chairs the scholarship committee for the Rockford Area American Association of University Women, which encourages young women to pursue higher-level academic studies and STEM careers. “We have done really well in the liberal arts areas, but in science and technology, it’s still a challenge,” she said. “Women are still underrepresented in many science and engineering occupations.”

Joe Siok ’90, a seasoned veteran of the professional services business, joined Alpine in 1998 as the Chief Operating Officer. Much of his time is also spent in Alpine’s sales-related activities and business development. Prior to Alpine, he held the position of director at Intrepid Consulting, another IBM business partner and startup. Joe currently serves on the board of trustees for Multiple Sclerosis Chicago Chapter. Outside of Alpine, he is actively involved in Boy Scouts, is an Eagle Scout and enjoys participating in cycling and triathlons.

Carlos Fulcher ’96 is the executive director at the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) in San Francisco, Calif. IABC is a global membership association with 14,000 members and over 100 chapters around the globe. Carlos lives in Blue Bell, Pa., with his wife Kimberly Bigham-Fulcher ’91. They have two children. Carlos enjoys running, spending time with his family, traveling abroad and is honored to serve on the alumni board.

Lance Marshall ’96 is the Franklin College Head Baseball Coach and earned his 400th coaching victory in May. Marshall has a 400–290 overall record in 17 seasons leading the Grizzlies. He has led the baseball program to three Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) titles, and has been named the league’s coach of the year three times.

Edward Dzialo ’97 submitted a photo from his neighborhood. A Rainbow Honor Walk was unveiled in the Castro District in San Francisco in September. Twenty bronze plaques were embedded

in the sidewalks along Castro and Market streets to pay tribute to the achievements of LGBT heroes and heroines throughout history. One of the plaques is of Rockford University’s Jane Addams. Her plaque reads: “Pioneering social reformer, activist for

women’s rights and world peace, public philosopher, author, first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.”

Kristin Ketchum Tews ’97 moved back to the Rockford area in 2012 with her husband Jeremy. Kristin is a product manager for Rexnord Industries and a member of the Rockford Chapter of Women of Today’s Manufacturing. She joins the alumni board for a three-year term. “Rockford University is growing and thriving. I am excited to be a member of the board and look forward to promoting Rockford University to prospective students as well as encouraging other alumni to get involved.”

Therasa Zito ’97 is a new adjunct professor at Rockford University.

Emily Kicklighter Hartzog ’98/’99/’01 is a director at Chartwell Agency, a full-service communication firm in Rockford. She is

Share your GOOD NEWS with us! Please send updates to alumni@rockford.edu. Pictures also welcome!

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also active in Transform Rockford and is currently serving on the process/analysis committee.

Tom Massari ’98 lives in Rockford and has two children. “I am in my last semester of the Rockford University Puri Business School’s MBA program (graduating in December). I currently work in the marketing department at SwedishAmerican Health System as an internal marketing specialist. In my spare time, I enjoy playing the guitar in my local cover band, The Crave. I joined the alumni board because I am motivated by working for a cause. I have always been interested in public service because I am passionate about improving the lives of those around me and would like to support and promote the University.”

After teaching in the public school system for several years, Mandy Miller Becker ’99 decided to take the plunge and open her own private preschool in Roscoe, Ill., called Red Shed Preschool. “We have had tremendous success and I would love to give back to Rockford University in some way. I had such an amazing college experience there and I would love to extend my hand to any education major that would love to come visit and see our program. You can view our website at redshedpreschool.com. I’m very proud to say I graduated from Rockford University with some amazing professors guiding my path. Thanks so much!”

Joel Moore ’00 and his wife Brooke Larson Moore ’01 have lived in Chicago since 2006 and now have two daughters, Ava (7 years) and Londyn (7 months). “We enjoyed a summer full of neighborhood festivals, visiting family and time with our new baby. Brooke recently started a new position at Takeda and is attending graduate school at Northwestern University. I’m continuing work with Morgan Stanley, volunteering with the Sustainable Local Food Investment Group (SLoFIG), and excited to be the new alumni trustee on the RU board.”

Alissa Preucil-Althoff ’01 lives in Belvidere, Ill., with her husband and two boys. She is employed by Rockford University as an assistant professor of nursing, and is also taking classes at Northern Illinois University for her Ed.D in adult and continuing education.

Scott Stoll ’01 lives in Rushville, Ill., (small town near Macomb) where he is the director of operations for a chain of independent family pharmacies. “I have a wife of nine years and two daughters (8 and 5 years old) and a new one due in April 2015. I reside on the athletic boosters’ board and the Exercise Rushville board. I have also assisted on the Grow Rushville committees and the United Way board. I wanted to join the alumni board in part because as I have gotten older and accomplished milestones in my life, I realized I owe a great deal to what RU did to help me accomplish these goals. I want to help in reminding other alumni of this as well as help in passing this information along to the next generation.”

Courtney Geiger ’02 is the director of mission services at Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois. She is very involved in the community, including volunteer roles with the Girl Scouts, Junior League of Rockford, Transform Rockford, Circles of Learning Board of Directors, and the Rockford University Alumni Association Board. She stated that she joined the alumni board to give back to the institution that gave her a greater appreciation and multiple opportunities for public service. Courtney and her daughter Madeleine live in Rockford.

Dawn Niehaus Gile ’02 lives in Baltimore, Md., with her husband and daughter. She is an attorney at MacDonald Law Group, LLC,

practicing insurance defense, toxic torts, and general civil litigation. Her husband, MSG Daniel J. (“DJ”) Gile, a Rockford native, is currently serving in the U.S. Army and is stationed at Ft. Belvoir, Va. Dawn and DJ are proud parents of daughter Addison who is three years old. Dawn is a member of the Military Spouse JD Network, which, among other things, advocates for changes to state rules on bar admission for military spouse attorneys. She has also volunteered for her husband’s unit’s family readiness group, and has been the recipient of awards for that work, including Certificate of Appreciation for Patriotic Civilian Service, Commander’s Award for Public Service, and the Golden Rose Award. Rockford University will always have a special place in Dawn’s heart. Having been the recipient of the Presidential Scholarship during all four years at RU, she is proud to give back to the University by serving on the alumni board.

Kyle Donahue ’03 is directing the Fox Valley Repertory holiday music revue, Christmas on Broadway. Donahue of Geneva has directed, choreographed and performed around the world on regional theatre, theme park, and cruise ship stages. Favorite directing and choreographing credits include “The Secret Garden,” “42nd Street,” “Legally Blonde,” “Dames at Sea,” “Annie,” “Grease,” “Oklahoma!,” “The Sound of Music,” and “CATS.” He has studied dance in NYC at Alvin Ailey, Broadway Dance Center, and with Broadway veteran Billy Kersey Kupiak. He is an accomplished actor, dancer, vocal teacher and coach, and teaches dance at several private studios. He also serves as the performing arts manager at the Fox Valley Park District.

John LiCausi ’04 resides in Belvidere, Ill. John writes that he is happily engaged to be married and working full time for his company that he started in 2007 called Internet Marketing Helpline, Inc. One

outstanding opportunity offered to his company was the chance to work with Tony Brown, the civil rights celebrity and producer of a PBS TV program called “Tony Brown’s Journal.” Mr. Brown personally hired John’s company in 2013 to design a subscription based website on www.TonyBrownsJournal.com that streamed his expansive video collection to paid subscribers.

John is also serving his fourth yearly term as a board member for the Rockford Cosmopolitan Club, an organization which is responsible for donating approximately $50,000 annually to local not-for-profit organizations. He joined the Rockford University Alumni Association Board in 2010 because he wished to remain close to the University that has been so pivotal in his success.

Laura Wilhelmi ’04 lives in Rockford with her significant other, Dave Knight, and their four (yes, four!) dogs. “I am the vice president of commercial banking for Associated Bank and current president of the Alumni Association Board. In addition to my volunteer work on the alumni board, I am involved in Women of Today’s Manufacturing (board treasurer), Alignment Rockford Board (operating board member), YMCA Annual Campaign Chair, and Next Rockford (strategy team member). I obtained my MBA from NIU in 2012. I got involved on the RU alumni board in order to give back to an institution which gave me so much. I wouldn’t be where I am at today without the quality education I received from RU. As a board member, I’m excited to help engage current and future alumni for the advancement of the University through our work.

Jamie C. Jones ’05 is one of 12 nominees for Illinois Teacher of the Year. She teaches third grade at Gilson Brown Elementary School in Godfrey, Ill. Jamie was nominated last March in the “Those Who Excel in the Classroom” teacher category. The

in memoriam – alumni & friends Jean Elmers ’38, Oct. 11, 2014Mavis Peterson Gabrielson ’38, Oct. 3, 2014Virginia Morse Miller ’40, Feb. 12, 2014Helen Anderson Thorsen ’40 , Aug. 12, 2014Jean Fanshier Handberg ’41, June 28, 2014Kathryn Ryan Kronemyer ’42, Aug. 27, 2010Margaret Paulson Marvel ’44, July 30, 2014Gloria Carlson Baird ’45, Sept. 9, 2014Marjorie Smith Muth ’46, Feb. 4, 2014Miriam Nyman ’46, Aug. 13, 2014Polly Stone Gustafson ’47, July 21, 2014Carol Brinkman Carlson ’49, Feb. 4, 2014Shirley West Lightcap ’49, Aug. 24, 2014Carol Holcomb Dale ’51, Sept. 23, 2014Mona Williams Miller ’51, Jan. 25, 2014

Fanny Eddy Farha ’52, Aug. 25, 2014Colleen Donahue Leber ’53, March 15, 2014Patricia Burns Cross ’54, April 6, 2014Frank Paterik Jr. ’54, Aug. 10, 2014Susan Ott Rasmussen ’54, Oct. 11, 2014Loren Lund ’61, April 1, 2014Dorothy Schneider Lofgren ’62, Feb. 20, 2014Claude Mason ’62, June 13, 2014Marilyn Harter Valentine ’62, Aug. 17, 2014Edna Hermann ’63/’65, Aug. 15, 2014David Jones ’63, June 16, 2014Suzanne Mahalowitz Kaufman ’65, Sept. 1, 2014Lawrence Carlson ’69, Oct. 20, 2014Robert Fisher ’69, Feb. 5, 2014Wendy Booth Tuthill ’69, Aug. 20, 2014Herman Henke ’72, May 31, 2014Elizabeth Crain Peters ’75/’90, Aug. 18, 2014John E. Sype, Trustee Emeritus, May 22, 2014

winner of the Illinois Teacher of the Year will go on to compete for National Teacher of the Year.

Christopher LiCausi ’07 married Lauren Alfano July 26, 2014. Chris is an outside sales rep for Field Fastener, and Lauren is a speech pathologist for the North Boone School District.

Shannon Fullmer ’08 is in law school and in the middle of 1L classes (contracts, property, civil procedure, legal research, and legal writing) at the University of IL Urbana-Champaign campus. “I joined the business law club here which is incidentally just starting the stock market competition, using the same platform that we

used for my MBA investment management class at Rockford University. I am strongly interested in transactional business law, specifically mergers and acquisitions.

James E. Ford ’09 (pictured at left) was just named North Carolina Teacher of the Year. See article on p9.

Matt Lindgren ’10 ran in the Chicagoland Spring Marathon wearing the old purple stripe racing singlet. He ran a time of 3 hours, 2 minutes, and 43 seconds, winning his 25–29 age group, and placing 8th overall in the race. This was his first attempt at the

marathon distance and his time qualifies him for an opportunity to run in the prestigious Boston Marathon in 2015! Matt holds the indoor and outdoor records for the 800m and 1500m for Rockford University, was a part of the Conference Champion Cross Country Team in 2009 and was Male Athlete of the Year in 2010. Currently he resides

in Naperville, Ill., and is teaching science/technology director at Luther North College Prep HS in Chicago.

Damir Utržan ’11 is a couple/marriage and family therapist doctoral intern at the Center for Victims of Torture, a world renowned organization focused on treating survivors of war trauma and promoting international human rights through research, training and advocacy. He is currently pursuing doctoral training in family social science with a specialization in couple and family therapy and a concentration in human rights at the University of Minnesota.

As a Waller and Robert E. Keane Ambiguous Loss Fellow at the University of Minnesota, his clinical and research interests are on the impact of war on civilian family relationship dynamics, the parent-child relationship, and pediatric psychosocial development. Damir recently began an article reviewer apprenticeship with the “Journal of Marital and Family Therapy” (JMFT), one of the most influential and best known family therapy journals in the world. “I primarily joined the board to give back to an institution that was instrumental in both my personal and professional development.”

Nichole Robinson ’12 is currently an RN at Manor Court of Freeport Rehabilitation Center and Long-Term Facilities.

Kelsey Fay ’13 and Paul Beuth got married on October 18, 2014 in Winnebago, Ill. Paul is a fifth generation farmer with Beuth Farms, and Kelsey is a disability clinical QA coordinator.

Joanne Gustafson ’13 had the opportunity to display her ceramic and non-ceramic artwork in individual and group art shows. In March of this year she was also hired at Choices Natural Market and is now a designer and illustrator for their promotional signs.

Stan Hulsey ’13 works as a Research and Development Food Chemist at Tate & Lyle. He would like to thank Dr. Ward, Dr. Breiter, and Dr. Hadley “for the training, teaching and mentoring they gave him.”

Danielle Limberg ’13 is attending Marquette University as a full-time graduate student. She aspires to become a counselor to children and adolescents.

Mary Premo ’13 is working for Rockford Public School District #205 in an early childhood position at Trinity Day Care.

Natascha Rossato ’13 is an assistant coordinator for the Alternative Justice Program at the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Michelle Williams ’13 works for the Rockford Aviators Professional Baseball team as director of group sales and community relations.