The Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement (JACCE) advances the ideals of Rockford University through the practices of community engagement, citizenship, and peace. 

Our work at the Center is grounded in the ideals and life of Rockford University alumna Jane Addams, who believed in the importance of understanding and reaching out to people in need and taking action to help.

With those core values, the Jane Addams Center

  • Connects and supports students, faculty, and staff in forging community partnerships and pioneering projects.
  • Strengthens community partnerships by building mutually beneficial relationships as the center serves as a resource and platform for engagement.
  • Focuses on areas of need in the Rockford Community and works with Community Partners to help restore and enrich the lives of our fellow citizens.

Approaching civic engagement holistically, we at the Center see ourselves as not only working for the betterment of society but also empowering our students with the knowledge that they can use their college education for the public good and bring about positive change in the world.

JACCE Staff

Weaks-Baxter, MaryDr. Mary Weaks-Baxter is the Director of the Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement. She has over 30 years of experience teaching in higher education and in college administration, and has worked with students on civic engagement projects on issues ranging broadly from human trafficking and domestic violence to environmental conservation and job equity. 

Elizabeth Kromer is a JACCE student worker who designs advertisements, contributes to the food insecurity program Swipe Out Hunger, and organizes information for the center. She is a kinesiology major with a concentration in exercise science at Rockford University, dedicated to making a difference in her community. 

Kaeleigh Taylor is one of our student workers focused on sustainability, web design, and civic engagement. She is studying Computer Science focusing on Information System Management and Mathematics focusing on Data Science.  After completing 2 years as fellow she is wrapping up her final semester at the center.  

Jane Addams Fellows

Sandy Ruiz is a JACCE Fellow dedicated to organizing and presenting events that promote civic engagement and amplify the voices of the community, fostering a deeper connection between campus and local needs. She also is the College Advisor at CFNIL’s IWYT program, a consultant at the Writing Center, and is a monthly visit volunteer for a local Hospice center. She is studying Psychology and English, working to be a resource and aid for the Rockford community.

Jocelyn Solis is a Jane Addams Fellow who focuses on spreading literacy, uplifting student voices, and implementing service projects. She is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Human Development. She is excited to serve as a fellow for the 2024-2025 school year and welcomes new experiences as a learning opportunity.

 

 

JACCE Board of Advocates

Kristen Clarke

Kristen Clarke

Director of Lang Health Center

Catherine Forslund

Catherine Forslund

Isabel Ross Abbott Professor of History and Women’s Studies; Chair, History, Politics and International Studies

Annie Baddoo

Annie Baddoo

Isabel Ross Abbott Professor of History and Women’s Studies; Chair, History, Politics and International Studies

Alex Johnson

Alex Johnson

Director of Student Involvement & Orientation

Ronald Lee

Ronald Lee

Associate Professor, Political Science; Director of First Year Seminar

Amy Martin

Amy Martin

Assistant Professor of Psychology

Elaine Sharpe

Elaine Sharpe

Professor Emerita and University Trustee

Kristin Ravel

Kristin Ravel

Assistant Professor of English

Caryn Ruzik

Caryn Ruzik

Assistant Professor of Nursing

Elizabeth Twitty

Elizabeth Twitty

Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

Contact Us

JACCE@Rockford.edu

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