Celebrating Our 2025 Alumni Award Winners

The Talcott Cross-Elizabeth "Beth" Donovan '20H

The oldest Rockford University award, the Talcott Cross is awarded to an alumna for her constancy, devotion, and a long history of meritorious service to Rockford University.

Donovan, a Rockford native and honorary alumni of Rockford University, earned a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and completed the Executive Education Program at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. She spent more than 30 years with Ford Motor Company in global leadership roles, including Vice President of Ford of Australia and U.S. Director of Ford Variable Marketing. She later served as Vice President of AutoAlert LLC. A Rockford University Trustee since 2013, Beth held leadership roles as Board Chair, Secretary, and Governance Committee Chair, helping modernize governance, strengthen communications, and re-energize the University's brand. Now living in Naples, Florida, she continues her community service on the board of The TwinEagles Club and through volunteer work with numerous organizations.

The Karl C. Williams Award-Michael Schablaske '87

The Karl C. Williams Award is presented to an alumnus for his constancy, devotion, and a long history of meritorious service to Rockford University.

Schablaske, a graduate of Rockford University with a B.S. in Accounting, also earned a Master of Science in Taxation from DePaul University. His career included tax, treasury, and investor relations roles at Sundstrand Corporation (now Collins Aerospace), RSM McGladrey, IMC Global, Inc. (now Mosaic), and Woodward, Inc. He also served as Executive Director of Transform Rockford before retiring. Deeply committed to his community, Michael currently serves on the boards of the Greater Rockford Airport Authority, Woodward Charitable Trust, Northern Illinois Development Authority, and Rockford Maker Center. He and his wife, Karin, have made Rockford their lifelong home, prioritizing faith, family, and community.

Outstanding Young Alumni Award-Ciara Stahly '17

The Outstanding Young Alumni award is given to an alumna/us who has finished her/his Rockford University tenure within the last 15 years. This alumna/us will have fulfilled the ideals of Rockford University by vision, dedication, and initiative in a purposeful endeavor, or through responsible and sustained efforts in the improvements of a community, or a notable achievement in a profession, thus having brought honor and esteem to Rockford University.

Ciara Stahly, a 2017 graduate of Rockford University with a B.S. in Psychology and minors in History and Human Development, currently serves as Director of Fund Development at Rockford Promise. She previously spent seven years at the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, where she advanced from Program Officer to Assistant Development Director, overseeing donor engagement, scholarships, and large-scale community events. Recognized as a Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 honoree in 2025, Ciara is an active community leader, serving with the Rotary Club of Loves Park, Rotary Youth Exchange District 6420, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals - Rockford Chapter. She lives in Rockford with her husband, Noah, and their two cats, Aslan and Freja.

Award of Distinction-Joshua Patterson '17

The Award of Distinction is given to alumni for fulfilling the ideals of Rockford University and bringing honor and esteem to the University in one or more of the following ways: through their vision, dedication, and initiative in a purposeful endeavor; by their responsive and sustained efforts in community improvements; or by their notable achievements in a profession. Up to three awards may be given each year.

Joshua Patterson earned his MBA from Rockford University after completing a B.S. in Communication Studies at Luther College. He is currently a Partner at Eight Fifteen Capital, General Manager of Wired Cafe, and Master Roaster at Gretaira Coffee, with experience in leadership roles at Comprehensive Community Solutions and the Rockford Park District. Deeply engaged in the Rockford community, Joshua serves as Board President of the Wabongo Leadership Council and is a member of Master Builders Masonic Lodge #33 and New Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Recognized as one of "25 Leaders to Watch" in 2015 and a 2025 40 Under 40 honoree, Joshua is also a proud father of two, Alan and Aneela.

Kelli Ritschel Boehle, a graduate of Rockford University with a B.S. in Mathematics and minors in Computer Science and Economics, also earned her MBA from RU. Currently Vice President of Customer Experience at RS Hughes, she has held leadership roles at Ingersoll International, Kerry Inc., and Mérieux NutriSciences. In 2012, Kelli founded the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation (Nik's Wish), a nonprofit that has raised more than $3.8 million and granted over 400 wishes to young adults across 39 states. Recognized as a 2023 CNN Hero, she continues to dedicate her time as Chief Joy Officer of the Foundation while remaining deeply connected to the Rockford community and Rockford University.

Read more about Kelli and Nic's Wish in the 2024-2025 Catalyst.