ROCKFORD

Transition at RU as Head steps down, Fulcomer take over    

Robert L. Head wrapped up an eight-year run as Rockford University president last week as he passed the leadership mantle to Eric Fulcomer as 18th present of Rockford University.

Head was given President Emeritus status at Rockford University’s commencement in May.

“It is a great privilege to serve as the President of Rockford University,” he said.  “As I have often said, I cannot imagine a more meaningful life’s work. My love and work for Rockford University will continue for a lifetime – well beyond this 8th and final year at the helm. Today, I know I am a part of all that I have met and Rockford University – this place, this institution, this community – is a part of me.”

Dr. Head has served 15 years as president of a liberal arts university, the last eight with Rockford University. He was previously president at Urbana University in Ohio.

He serves on the boards of SwedishAmerican Health System, Keith Country Day School, the Golden Apple Foundation, the Rockford Rotary Club, Alignment Rockford, Blackhawk Area Council Boy Scouts of America, The Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Kobe College Corporation, the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities, and the Associated Colleges of Illinois.

ROCKFORD

Innovation Meetup at NIU EIGERlab on July 12

Do you have a great idea for a new or improved product but are unsure where to start?

Whether your “next big thing” is currently at the “idea on a napkin” stage or beyond, join NIU EIGERlab to discuss moving it forward: The Innovation Tuesday Meetup for July 12 will cover “Commercializing Your Product: Where do You Start?”

NIU EIGERlab boasts more than a decade of experience assisting both inventors and entrepreneurs with all aspects of product development.

The July 12 discussion will focus on product development covering product design, design analysis, prototyping, reverse engineering, manufacturing, assembly, field testing and packaging. The presentation also will touch on the business side including market research, identifying similar products on the market, patents, copyrights, trademarks, business plans and more.

All are invited to attend from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at NIU-Rockford, 8500 E. State St. Registration is available online. The cost is $10; food and drink will be provided. For more information, call (815) 753-2192 or spritz@eigerlab.org.

ROCKFORD

Rockford Health System honored as ‘fit-friendly’

Rockford Health System recently received recognition from the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Fit-Friendly Worksites program. The award recognizes the organization’s efforts to encourage and support employees on their wellness journey. This is the second consecutive year Rockford Health System has received the platinum award. The organization has been recognized at the gold level for the three consecutive years prior to the 2015 Platinum designation.

According to the AHA, Americans spend a majority of their waking hours at work, and many are in sedentary careers. Studies have found that promoting a culture of wellness and implementing a physical activity program in the workplace provides many benefits, including: increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, lowered turnover and reduced health care costs.

For more information, visit AHA.org/fitfriendly.

ROCKFORD

Nicholas Conservatory to host Bruce Munro: LIGHT

Visitors will see the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens in a new light next year when the facility hosts a garden-wide sculpture exhibition called Bruce Munro: Light.

A British native, Munro is known for his large light-based sculpture installations. His sculptures have been featured in museums around the world as well as some premier U.S. public gardens such as Longwood Gardens, Atlanta Botanic Garden, Desert Botanic Garden, and Franklin Park Conservatory.

The Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens exhibition is Munro’s first exhibit in the Chicago region, and visitors are expected to travel from Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, Bloomington-Normal, Quad Cities, and beyond. Exhibit hours and costs are still being finalized.

Bruce Munro: LIGHT will run from June 3, 2017 through November 13, 2017.  A variety of sponsorship levels are available, and anyone interested should contact Nicole Engelbart, Rockford Park District Corporate Partnership Manager, at 815-969-4095 or nicoleengelbart@rockfordparkdistrict.org.

–Winnebago County News Briefs–