Rochester University (RU) in Rochester Hills, is changing its name to Rochester Christian University (RCU) in 2024, says Brian Stogner, president of the university.
In summer 2023, Rochester University was informed that the University of Rochester in New York filed a lawsuit against RU for trademark infringement. From the beginning, both institutions expressed a desire to resolve the case without going through expensive and time-consuming litigation, Stogner says.
The name change also will allow the institution to better highlight its Christian heritage and identity, says Stogner.
“We reached an amicable resolution with the University of Rochester concerning this matter,” says Stogner. “During the discussions involved in coming to this decision, it became clear that this change not only brings a resolution to the University of Rochester’s concerns, but also provides our institution with a wonderful opportunity to clarify and communicate our mission, values and purpose.”
Founded in 1959 as North Central Christian College, the school changed its name to Michigan Christian College in 1978. Then in 1997, it became Rochester College, though it remained a Christian institution.
“We realize that our status as a Christian institution is not widely known or well understood. Thus, we will be publicly expressing this identity by putting the name ‘Christian’ back into our name,” says Stogner.
Stogner says he also wants to clarify what Christian means to this community.
“In today’s world, significant challenges can result from calling yourself ‘Christian’ because some have used that word to exclude rather than to include,” says Stogner. “But not at Rochester Christian University. Following the example of Jesus, we are committed to loving and valuing every human as a bearer of the image of God. We are dedicated to standing with the oppressed and marginalized, contending for justice, and doing all in our power to create a welcoming, loving, and peaceful space for all of God’s children. All are welcome here.”
Rochester Christian University will remain committed to the following:
- Unity: RCU promotes a unified Christian identity that goes beyond denominational lines. The school is rooted in the Churches of Christ but is open to those of all faiths.
- Open Table: RCU invites, embraces, and welcomes all of God’s diverse children.
- Paradoxical Fellowship: RCU strives to create a community where the first are last and the last are first, promoting countercultural and gospel values.
