The History of Rockford University

Rockford University was an educational pioneer from its very beginning. In the early-1800s, America largely doubted the value of educating women beyond basic reading, writing, and arithmetic. By mid-century, Rockford, Illinois, was just a village. But its 2,500 residents believed strongly in the need to educate the area’s young women – so strongly, in fact, that they pledged $3,500 toward the first building and insisted that the school’s curriculum be as demanding as that of a men’s college.

The Illinois legislature chartered Rockford Female Seminary in 1847, and Anna Peck Sill became its first principal, taking the post “on her own responsibility” – that is, without wages or promise of students. The first classes were held in the city’s downtown courthouse. Enrollment grew quickly, and soon the seminary moved to its own campus between the Rock River and Seminary Street.

In 1882, Rockford Female Seminary granted its first bachelor’s degrees. Today, the University is perhaps best known for one of those first degree recipients: Jane Addams, Class of 1881. As a Rockford student, Addams was elected president of her class and was chosen to deliver the 1881 valedictory address. In 1882, she returned to campus and was awarded the first bachelor’s degree. Fifty years later, in 1931, the reformer, humanitarian, suffragist, and peace activist received the Nobel Peace Prize.

Over the years, Rockford continued to display its pioneering spirit. In 1892, the Seminary became Rockford College and by 1919, the institution was on the forefront in offering adult education. In 1952, the college opened its Learning Resources Center to help young people and adults improve their academic skills. During World War II, men were admitted to classes, and in 1958 Rockford College became fully coeducational. In the mid-1960s, the college moved to its current location about three miles east of downtown.

Today, from our beautiful, park-like 150-acre campus, Rockford University offers a liberal arts education centered on civic engagement and aimed at preparing future graduates to change the world.