Rock Valley College breaks ground on west side downtown campus

Rock Valley College held a ground breaking ceremony on March 28, 2025 for its downtown westside campus. The future two-building campus, located at Chestnut and Rockton, will offer a mix of classes for stateline residents. RVC President Howard Spearman and RVC Trustee Richard Kennedy These buildings, currently named the Downtown Learning Center and the Downtown Training Center will host liberal arts classes and automotive repair, including a focus on electric vehicle repair according to Trustee Kennedy. Truck driving classes will also be offered at this downtown campus. Condition of Campus, 28 March 2025 This campus will not only bring more vocational tech programs to the Rock River Valley, but is also anticipated to boost post-secondary education access to west side Rockford residents. Rendering of RVC's DTC and DLC. Anticipated to open in August 2026 As April 1st consolidated election approaches, five candidates are vying for three trustee seats on the Rock Valley College Board. Those five candidates are three incumbents: Board Secretary Richard Kennedy, Vice Chair Gloria Cardenas Cudia, Trustee Paul Gorski, and two first time candidates and former students: Jenna Goldsmith and Jerry Simmons. The RVC Board of Trustees election will be present on all ballots for the residents of Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit. Trustee Kennedy with Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara