I admit that when it comes to taking full advantage of all this community has to offer, I’m easily distracted and prone to use the excuse of, “I’m just too busy to keep up with all that stuff and there’s not that much to do anyway.” I am not alone. But, I would like to come clean with my confession, which may not be so wise given my job of helping the community know about all that is going on at Rockford College. We’re a busy bunch! And, thankfully, so is our community. That’s what makes our region a special place to live.
I spend a good deal of time sending out information to all kinds of people and places to share upcoming events at RC. And while I’m busy talking about speakers and performances and accomplishments and initiatives, so are my peers and that all translates into a lot to do, see and experience. We have so much to be excited about and proud of here.
If I set aside all of the College things that are filling my brain right now, what else can I come up with off the top of my head? Well – The Discovery Center and the Robotsexhibit looks really fun and I know my 6-year old would love it; it’s feeling more like spring is officially here and that means the Klehm Arboretum and Anderson Japanese Gardens will be shedding their winter coats and sprouting all sorts of beautiful green; The Nicholas Conservatory is also a unique and luscious attraction; the Ice Hogs are in full swing with the River Hawks starting their season soon; live music featuring local talent fills downtown establishments every weekend; professional theater is alive and well with Artists Ensemble’s Collected Stories performance opening March 16; and what a perfect time of year to hit our parks and miles of bike paths. Oh, and Magic Waters has some new attractions and will be open soon and then there the start of the summer’s Friday Night Flix.
On second thought, maybe it’s really not hard to think of more than just a few things to do.
That brings me back to the College and the many interesting options we also offer. I’ve written before about the College’s Forum Series. Each and every semester at Rockford College, the Forum Series presents speakers from a variety of disciplines and performers of stature in the arts. The series is designed to deepen and broaden students’ education at Rockford College, and to welcome the community to do the same. It’s a requirement for all full-time undergraduate students to attend a minimum of two series events each semester. For students and community alike, the series brings opportunity to attend lectures and performances that span a wide array of interests, topics, and cultures. Best of all, almost all of the events are free of charge!
Two events are happening this week: The Art of the Motorcycle, a lecture and visuals from Dr. Charles Falco who is both a distinguished physicist and motorcycle historian on Thursday, March 15; and “Top Secret Rosies: The Female Computers of World War II” on March 16. This documentary explores how an underestimated group of women mathematicians helped change the course of history. The film’s producer and director LeAnn Erickson will share more about the film and its topic.
If you take a look at the spring schedule, you may recognize a very timely and nationally covered topic that will be part of the series on March 26. The Invisible Children organization will be on campus and screening their Kony 2012 video about Ugandan war lord Joseph Kony. Joleena Ducett, a student from Rockton, Ill., first inquired about bringing this group to campus about a year ago because she was inspired by the group’s work and thought it would be a good fit with our Forum Seires. Because of Joleena’s interest, we ended up securing their visit here several months ago, but their appearance this month could not be more timely or relevant. There will certainly be more to come on this topic so stay tuned.
I’d say that we are all fortunate to be just too busy and have so little to do!
