ROCKFORD

RU hosts 11th annual
International Food fest

Despite colder weekend temperatures and high winds, spring has still definitely arrived as Rockford’s downtown St. Mary’s Shrine featured bright daffodils along the base of the brick structure last week. (Photo by Jack McCarthy / Chronicle Media)

International students at Rockford University will prepare a wide variety of international dishes for the University’s 11th annual International Food Festival, Saturday, April 16 from 5 to 8 p.m., doors will open at 4:30 p.m., in Regents Hall, 2nd floor, Burpee Center on the Rockford University Campus located at 5050 East State Street, Rockford.

Sponsored by Rockford University’s Multicultural Club and the Office of Global Affairs, the International Food Festival will feature authentic recipes from countries like Germany, Philippines, Japan, China, Sweden, Turkey, Syria, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Liberia, Mexico and Bosnia. Members from the Multicultural Club will prepare foods so that visitors can taste home cooked meals from their countries.

International entertainment is also planned so that guests can enjoy traditional song and dance while they eat. Rockford University is currently home to more than 85 international students representing 25 countries.

Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door for adults. Children are $5 in advance, $6 at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting globalaffaris@rockford.edu or call 815-394-5112.
RPS receives $400,000
Joyce Foundation grant

The Joyce Foundation has chosen Rockford as one of four communities for a new regional partnership aimed at expanding high-quality college and career pathways – a structured approach linking high school to postsecondary education and training to ensure that students are prepared for lasting success in education, career and life.

Alignment Rockford and Rockford Public Schools will be awarded $400,000 over two years. The grant includes hands-on technical support from national leaders in the field.
Rockford will become part of the Great Lakes College and Career Pathways Partnership.
Other communities in the partnership include Columbus, Ohio; Madison, Wis., and Districts 211 and 214 and Harper College in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
The communities were chosen for demonstrating committed leadership and strong connections across K-12 and postsecondary schools to support college and career readiness.

Other requirements included having a vision for expanding and improving college and career pathways, meeting the needs of students and having supportive, engaged local employers.