Aurora University
Encyclopedia
Aurora University is a private, not-for-profit, co-educational liberal arts college
located in Aurora, Illinois
, 40 miles west of Chicago, Illinois. Additional university locations include the George Williams College campus in Williams Bay, Wisconsin
and the Woodstock Center in Woodstock, Illinois
. Approximately 4,400 students enroll in bachelor, master's and doctoral degree programs at Aurora University. The institution describes itself as "an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning."
of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Aurora University at the bachelor, master's and doctoral levels .
The university is composed of four colleges:
The university states that its student-faculty ratio is 15:1, and that the average class size is 23 students.
Aurora University operates on a semester-based academic year. The school also offers an international- and service-focused “May Term” program at the conclusion of the spring semester, as well as summer courses.
, in 1893. At that time, the school was focused on education and training rooted in the Advent Christian Church
. Within a few years of its founding, the seminary changed its name to Mendota College, and broadened its programs into a traditional liberal arts curriculum.
In 1911, residents of the nearby town of Aurora raised funds to construct a new college, led by funding from businessman Charles Eckhart, who founded the predecessor company to the Auburn Automobile Company
. Recognizing mutual benefits, administrators of Mendota College moved their operations to Aurora and the school became known as Aurora College.
In 1971, Aurora College separated from the Advent Christian Church, and in 1985, changed its name to Aurora University to better reflect the breadth of its academic programs.
The school grew further in 1992, when it entered into an affiliation agreement with nearby George Williams College (42.567°N 88.557 °W), which was followed by a full merger in 2000. George Williams College had been founded in 1884 to train young men for service in the YMCA
, and was named after Sir George Williams. As part of the merger, Aurora University took ownership of 133 acres of property and facilities on the shore of Geneva Lake
in Wisconsin. The site, located 70 miles north of the university’s main campus, had previously been a retreat location for George Williams College and the YMCA
.
Aurora University added a third location in 2009 with the opening of the Woodstock Center, which offers part-time MBA and Master of Science in Nursing
(MSN) programs. The center is located in Woodstock, Illinois
, approximately 50 miles north of the university’s main campus.
1988-2000: Thomas Zarle
1978-1988: Allan Stone
1974-1978: Lloyd M. Richardson
1962-1973: James E. Crimi
1933-1962: Theodore Pierson Stephens
1911- 1932: Orrin Roe Jenks
1906-1911: Bert J. Dean
1901-1906: Nathan C. Twining
1898- 1901: M.L. Gordon
1895-1898: C.V. Clum
1894: A.W. Sibley
1893: J. Oscar Campbell
Buildings include:
Alumni Hall: Includes the primary student dining hall, the University Banquet Hall, Thornton Gymnasium, athletic offices and a weight room. In 2010, construction began on a new wing for Alumni Hall, which opened in 2011 to house several academic programs and classrooms primarily for the nursing and social work programs.
Davis Hall and Memorial Hall: Originally built in 1912 to house male students, Davis Hall was renovated in 2004. Memorial Hall was built in 1955 as a women-only extension to Davis Hall, and was renovated in 2002. Both buildings are now co-educational residence halls.
Dunham Hall: Includes the university bookstore, Dunham School of Business, a student dining area and classrooms. Dunham Hall also is home to the Schingoethe Center for Native American Cultures, which holds more than 8,000 Native American artifacts.
Eckhart Hall: Includes central administration functions, classroom space and Lowry Chapel. Along with Davis Hall and Wilkinson Hall, Eckhart was one of the three original buildings of Aurora College.
The Institute for Collaboration: Includes a partnership school with West Aurora School District 129, which provides classes for 200 local elementary students; the Caterpillar Center for Teaching and Learning; and classrooms. The Institute also houses the 500-seat Crimi Auditorium, which includes a new pipe organ that was dedicated in 2010.
Jenks Hall: Built in 1957, Jenks Hall is a residence hall primarily for upperclassmen, and also includes the university fitness center and wellness center.
Parolini Music Center: Named for alumni and supporters Roger and Marilyn Parolini, the facility includes a music ensemble room, art studio, two teaching studios and music practice rooms.
Phillips Library: Built in 1962, the library’s collection includes more than 99,000 books and 7,000 multimedia materials. The building includes a computer lab, the Center for Teaching & Learning and study rooms.
Stephens Hall: Houses the Aurora Foundation Center for Community Enrichment, Perry Theatre, the School of Nursing and the “Spartan Spot” student commons area.
Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action: Located in a restored modern home designed by the architecture firm Keck and Keck, the Wackerlin Center is home to the University Chaplain and the Department of Religion, and hosts public religious events and discussions.
Watkins Hall: The most recently built residence hall on the Aurora campus, Watkins Hall houses mostly freshmen.
Wilkinson Hall: One of the original residence halls on campus, Wilkinson Hall was built in 1912 and houses freshmen and upperclassmen .
Construction of a new residence hall between the Institute of Collaboration and Watkins Hall is underway. When completed in January 2012, the new hall will accommodate more than 100 students.
Future Educators at Aurora University (FEAU)
Student Accounting Society (SAS)
Aurora University Student Nurses Association
Aurora University Students' Association (AUSA)
Psychology Club
Social Work Association (SWA )
Circle K
Games Club
Black Student Association (BSA)
Phi Eta Sigma
Future Leaders of the World (FLOW)
Organized Action Council (OAC)
Latin American Student Organization (LASO)
Spartan Athletic Training Student Organization (SATSO)
Intervarsity Christian Fellowship
Sales Club
The Actors' and Playwrights' Society (TAPS)
Art Club
MIT Club
Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)
Aurora Criminal Justice Association (ACJA)
Delta Mu Delta
Student Marketing Association(SMA)
Fashion Loves You (FLY)
Spartan Physical Educators Club (SPEC)
Psi Chi
Nolos (AU literary magazine)
Political Science Club
Club Fit
Lambda Pi Eta
Students For Wellness
Kappa Delta Pi
, except for the men’s lacrosse team, which is part of the Midwest Lacrosse Conference
. The primary athletics facilities are Thornton Gymnasium, located in Alumni Hall, and Vago Field, which serves as the football, soccer and lacrosse field. The Vago Field grandstand seats 600 people.
Aurora University athletic teams have captured 122 conference championships in school history. Since joining the NCAA in 1982, AU men’s and women’s teams have won 102 conference championships and appeared in 58 NCAA tournaments.
Men's Teams
Baseball
Conference Championships (24) — 2011 / 2010 / 2006 | 2005 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 | 1990 | 1989 | 1988 | 1987 | 1986 | 1985 | 1984 | 1978 | 1974
NCAA Appearances (19) — 2011 | 2010 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2002 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 | 1990 | 1989 | 1987
Basketball
Conference Championships (19) — 2009-10 | 2008-09 | 2007-08 | 2006-07 | 2004-05 | 2003-04 | 1997-98 | 1996-97 | 1993-94 | 1988-89 | 1987-88 | 1985-86 | 1984-85 | 1983-84 | 1982-83 | 1979-80 | 1972-73 | 1971-72 | 1970-71
NCAA Appearances (8) — 2009-2010 | 2008-09 | 2007-08 | 2006-07 | 2004-05 | 2002-03 | 2000-01 | 1997-98
Cross Country
Conference Championships (1) — 2006
Football
Conference Championships (5) — 2008 | 2004 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998
NCAA Appearances (4) — 2008 | 2004 | 2000 | 1992
Golf
Conference Championships (6) — 2009 | 2006 | 1992 | 1990 | 1984 | 1974
NCAA Appearances (1) — 2009-10
Lacrosse
(Started varsity play in 2011)
Soccer
Conference Championships (12) — 2004 | 1997 | 1990 | 1985 | 1979 | 1978 | 1977 | 1976 | 1975 | 1973 | 1971 | 1970
NCAA Appearances (1) — 2006
Tennis
Conference Championships (5) — 2000 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1981
Track and Field (Indoor and Outdoor)
Outdoor: Conference Championships (1) — 2006
Indoor: Conference Championships (1) — 2007
Women’s Teams
Basketball
Conference Championships (8) —2002-03 | 2001-02 | 2000-01 | 1995-96 | 1994-95 | 1993-94 | 1992-93 | 1988-89
NCAA Appearances (4) — 2003-04 | 2001-02 | 1994-95 | 1993-94
Cross Country
Conference Championships (3) — 2008 | 2006 | 2005
Golf
Conference Championships (3) — 2008 | 2007 | 2006
Soccer
Conference Championships (12) — 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 | 2002 | 2000 | 1999 | 1997 | 1996
NCAA Appearances (7) — 2010 | 2009 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2002 | 2001
Softball
Conference Championships (17) — 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 1997 | 1993 | 1991 | 1990 | 1989 | 1986 | 1985 | 1983 | 1982 | 1981 | 1980 | 1979 | 1978
NCAA Appearances (14) — 2010 | 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 | 1990 | 1988 | 1986 | 1985 | 1982
Tennis
Conference Championships (3) — 1995 | 1994 | 1981
Track and Field (Indoor and Outdoor)
Outdoor: Conference Championships (1) — 2006
Volleyball
Conference Championships (3) — 2006 | 1996 | 1977
Liberal arts college
A liberal arts college is one with a primary emphasis on undergraduate study in the liberal arts and sciences.Students in the liberal arts generally major in a particular discipline while receiving exposure to a wide range of academic subjects, including sciences as well as the traditional...
located in Aurora, Illinois
Aurora, Illinois
Aurora is the second most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois, and the 112th largest city in the United States. A suburb of Chicago, located west of the Loop, its population in 2010 was 197,899. Originally founded within Kane County, Aurora's city limits have expanded greatly over the past...
, 40 miles west of Chicago, Illinois. Additional university locations include the George Williams College campus in Williams Bay, Wisconsin
Williams Bay, Wisconsin
Williams Bay is a village in Walworth County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,415 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Williams Bay is located at ....
and the Woodstock Center in Woodstock, Illinois
Woodstock, Illinois
Woodstock is a far northwest suburb of Chicago in McHenry County, Illinois. The population was 20,151 at the 2000 census. The 2010 Census shows 24,770 residents. It is the county seat of McHenry County...
. Approximately 4,400 students enroll in bachelor, master's and doctoral degree programs at Aurora University. The institution describes itself as "an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning."
Academics
Aurora University offers 40 undergraduate majors, 34 minors, nine master’s degrees, several graduate certificates in education and business, and doctoral degrees in education and social work . The Higher Learning CommissionThe Higher Learning Commission
The Higher Learning Commission is part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Higher Learning Commission oversees the accreditation of degree-granting colleges and universities in nineteen Midwestern and South-Central states, including Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa,...
of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Aurora University at the bachelor, master's and doctoral levels .
The university is composed of four colleges:
- The College of Arts and Sciences includes the Division of Fine Arts, the Division of Humanities, the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
- The College of Education offers bachelor, master’s and doctoral degree programs in education. The college also includes the School of Health and Physical Education.
- The College of Professional Studies includes the Dunham School of Business, School of Nursing and School of Social Work.
- George Williams College of Aurora University offers 16 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, with most courses occurring on the George Williams College campus, in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. GWC also offers doctoral programs in education and social work .
The university states that its student-faculty ratio is 15:1, and that the average class size is 23 students.
Aurora University operates on a semester-based academic year. The school also offers an international- and service-focused “May Term” program at the conclusion of the spring semester, as well as summer courses.
History
Aurora University was originally founded as Mendota Seminary in Mendota, IllinoisMendota, Illinois
Mendota is a city located in north-central Illinois in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States. The city has 7,272 residents, and is the fifth largest city in LaSalle County, though recent estimates have shown that the population has decreased to 6,995 residents. It is part of the...
, in 1893. At that time, the school was focused on education and training rooted in the Advent Christian Church
Advent Christian Church
The Advent Christian Church is a "first-day" body of Adventist Christians founded on the teachings of William Miller.- William Miller :Though the first Advent Christian Association was founded in Salem, Massachusetts in 1860, the church's formation is rooted in the adventist teachings began by...
. Within a few years of its founding, the seminary changed its name to Mendota College, and broadened its programs into a traditional liberal arts curriculum.
In 1911, residents of the nearby town of Aurora raised funds to construct a new college, led by funding from businessman Charles Eckhart, who founded the predecessor company to the Auburn Automobile Company
Auburn Automobile
Auburn was a brand name of American automobiles produced from 1900 through 1936.-Corporate history:The Auburn Automobile Company grew out of the Eckhart Carriage Company, founded in Auburn, Indiana, in 1875 by Charles Eckhart...
. Recognizing mutual benefits, administrators of Mendota College moved their operations to Aurora and the school became known as Aurora College.
In 1971, Aurora College separated from the Advent Christian Church, and in 1985, changed its name to Aurora University to better reflect the breadth of its academic programs.
The school grew further in 1992, when it entered into an affiliation agreement with nearby George Williams College (42.567°N 88.557 °W), which was followed by a full merger in 2000. George Williams College had been founded in 1884 to train young men for service in the YMCA
YMCA
The Young Men's Christian Association is a worldwide organization of more than 45 million members from 125 national federations affiliated through the World Alliance of YMCAs...
, and was named after Sir George Williams. As part of the merger, Aurora University took ownership of 133 acres of property and facilities on the shore of Geneva Lake
Geneva Lake
Geneva Lake is a body of freshwater in southeastern Wisconsin in Walworth county. On its shores are the city of Lake Geneva, and the villages of Fontana-on-Geneva-Lake, and Williams Bay....
in Wisconsin. The site, located 70 miles north of the university’s main campus, had previously been a retreat location for George Williams College and the YMCA
YMCA
The Young Men's Christian Association is a worldwide organization of more than 45 million members from 125 national federations affiliated through the World Alliance of YMCAs...
.
Aurora University added a third location in 2009 with the opening of the Woodstock Center, which offers part-time MBA and Master of Science in Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing is an advanced-level postgraduate degree for registered nurses and is considered an entry-level degree for nurse educators and managers. The degree also may prepare a nurse to seek a career as a nurse administrator, health policy expert, or clinical nurse leader...
(MSN) programs. The center is located in Woodstock, Illinois
Woodstock, Illinois
Woodstock is a far northwest suburb of Chicago in McHenry County, Illinois. The population was 20,151 at the 2000 census. The 2010 Census shows 24,770 residents. It is the county seat of McHenry County...
, approximately 50 miles north of the university’s main campus.
Presidents
2000-Present: Rebecca L. Sherrick1988-2000: Thomas Zarle
1978-1988: Allan Stone
1974-1978: Lloyd M. Richardson
1962-1973: James E. Crimi
1933-1962: Theodore Pierson Stephens
1911- 1932: Orrin Roe Jenks
1906-1911: Bert J. Dean
1901-1906: Nathan C. Twining
1898- 1901: M.L. Gordon
1895-1898: C.V. Clum
1894: A.W. Sibley
1893: J. Oscar Campbell
Aurora Campus Facilities
The Aurora campus is based primarily around a traditional quadrangle and adjacent areas. In total, the campus is approximately 32 acres. All buildings constructed by the university have red tile roofs (with the exception of two, which continue the red theme on exterior wall panels), a stipulation of Charles Eckhart in his initial donation in the early days of Aurora College.Buildings include:
Alumni Hall: Includes the primary student dining hall, the University Banquet Hall, Thornton Gymnasium, athletic offices and a weight room. In 2010, construction began on a new wing for Alumni Hall, which opened in 2011 to house several academic programs and classrooms primarily for the nursing and social work programs.
Davis Hall and Memorial Hall: Originally built in 1912 to house male students, Davis Hall was renovated in 2004. Memorial Hall was built in 1955 as a women-only extension to Davis Hall, and was renovated in 2002. Both buildings are now co-educational residence halls.
Dunham Hall: Includes the university bookstore, Dunham School of Business, a student dining area and classrooms. Dunham Hall also is home to the Schingoethe Center for Native American Cultures, which holds more than 8,000 Native American artifacts.
Eckhart Hall: Includes central administration functions, classroom space and Lowry Chapel. Along with Davis Hall and Wilkinson Hall, Eckhart was one of the three original buildings of Aurora College.
The Institute for Collaboration: Includes a partnership school with West Aurora School District 129, which provides classes for 200 local elementary students; the Caterpillar Center for Teaching and Learning; and classrooms. The Institute also houses the 500-seat Crimi Auditorium, which includes a new pipe organ that was dedicated in 2010.
Jenks Hall: Built in 1957, Jenks Hall is a residence hall primarily for upperclassmen, and also includes the university fitness center and wellness center.
Parolini Music Center: Named for alumni and supporters Roger and Marilyn Parolini, the facility includes a music ensemble room, art studio, two teaching studios and music practice rooms.
Phillips Library: Built in 1962, the library’s collection includes more than 99,000 books and 7,000 multimedia materials. The building includes a computer lab, the Center for Teaching & Learning and study rooms.
Stephens Hall: Houses the Aurora Foundation Center for Community Enrichment, Perry Theatre, the School of Nursing and the “Spartan Spot” student commons area.
Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action: Located in a restored modern home designed by the architecture firm Keck and Keck, the Wackerlin Center is home to the University Chaplain and the Department of Religion, and hosts public religious events and discussions.
Watkins Hall: The most recently built residence hall on the Aurora campus, Watkins Hall houses mostly freshmen.
Wilkinson Hall: One of the original residence halls on campus, Wilkinson Hall was built in 1912 and houses freshmen and upperclassmen .
Construction of a new residence hall between the Institute of Collaboration and Watkins Hall is underway. When completed in January 2012, the new hall will accommodate more than 100 students.
Student Activities
Dozens of officially recognized student groups exist at Aurora University. According to the school, they include:Future Educators at Aurora University (FEAU)
Student Accounting Society (SAS)
Aurora University Student Nurses Association
Aurora University Students' Association (AUSA)
Psychology Club
Social Work Association (SWA )
Circle K
Games Club
Black Student Association (BSA)
Phi Eta Sigma
Future Leaders of the World (FLOW)
Organized Action Council (OAC)
Latin American Student Organization (LASO)
Spartan Athletic Training Student Organization (SATSO)
Intervarsity Christian Fellowship
Sales Club
The Actors' and Playwrights' Society (TAPS)
Art Club
MIT Club
Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)
Aurora Criminal Justice Association (ACJA)
Delta Mu Delta
Student Marketing Association(SMA)
Fashion Loves You (FLY)
Spartan Physical Educators Club (SPEC)
Psi Chi
Nolos (AU literary magazine)
Political Science Club
Club Fit
Lambda Pi Eta
Students For Wellness
Kappa Delta Pi
Athletics
Aurora University fields 19 NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletic teams. Approximately 40 percent of the student population participates in intercollegiate sports. All Spartan athletic teams compete in the Northern Athletics ConferenceNorthern Athletics Conference
The Northern Athletics Conference is a college athletic conference. It participates in the NCAA's Division III and began its first season in the fall of 2006.-Member schools:-History:...
, except for the men’s lacrosse team, which is part of the Midwest Lacrosse Conference
Midwest Lacrosse Conference
The Midwest Lacrosse Conference is a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III lacrosse-only college athletic conference composed of schools located in the Midwestern United States. All schools are members of other conferences in other sports and formed the MLC until such time as...
. The primary athletics facilities are Thornton Gymnasium, located in Alumni Hall, and Vago Field, which serves as the football, soccer and lacrosse field. The Vago Field grandstand seats 600 people.
Aurora University athletic teams have captured 122 conference championships in school history. Since joining the NCAA in 1982, AU men’s and women’s teams have won 102 conference championships and appeared in 58 NCAA tournaments.
Men's Teams
Baseball
Conference Championships (24) — 2011 / 2010 / 2006 | 2005 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 | 1990 | 1989 | 1988 | 1987 | 1986 | 1985 | 1984 | 1978 | 1974
NCAA Appearances (19) — 2011 | 2010 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2002 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 | 1990 | 1989 | 1987
Basketball
Conference Championships (19) — 2009-10 | 2008-09 | 2007-08 | 2006-07 | 2004-05 | 2003-04 | 1997-98 | 1996-97 | 1993-94 | 1988-89 | 1987-88 | 1985-86 | 1984-85 | 1983-84 | 1982-83 | 1979-80 | 1972-73 | 1971-72 | 1970-71
NCAA Appearances (8) — 2009-2010 | 2008-09 | 2007-08 | 2006-07 | 2004-05 | 2002-03 | 2000-01 | 1997-98
Cross Country
Conference Championships (1) — 2006
Football
Conference Championships (5) — 2008 | 2004 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998
NCAA Appearances (4) — 2008 | 2004 | 2000 | 1992
Golf
Conference Championships (6) — 2009 | 2006 | 1992 | 1990 | 1984 | 1974
NCAA Appearances (1) — 2009-10
Lacrosse
(Started varsity play in 2011)
Soccer
Conference Championships (12) — 2004 | 1997 | 1990 | 1985 | 1979 | 1978 | 1977 | 1976 | 1975 | 1973 | 1971 | 1970
NCAA Appearances (1) — 2006
Tennis
Conference Championships (5) — 2000 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1981
Track and Field (Indoor and Outdoor)
Outdoor: Conference Championships (1) — 2006
Indoor: Conference Championships (1) — 2007
Women’s Teams
Basketball
Conference Championships (8) —2002-03 | 2001-02 | 2000-01 | 1995-96 | 1994-95 | 1993-94 | 1992-93 | 1988-89
NCAA Appearances (4) — 2003-04 | 2001-02 | 1994-95 | 1993-94
Cross Country
Conference Championships (3) — 2008 | 2006 | 2005
Golf
Conference Championships (3) — 2008 | 2007 | 2006
Soccer
Conference Championships (12) — 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 | 2002 | 2000 | 1999 | 1997 | 1996
NCAA Appearances (7) — 2010 | 2009 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2002 | 2001
Softball
Conference Championships (17) — 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 1997 | 1993 | 1991 | 1990 | 1989 | 1986 | 1985 | 1983 | 1982 | 1981 | 1980 | 1979 | 1978
NCAA Appearances (14) — 2010 | 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 | 1990 | 1988 | 1986 | 1985 | 1982
Tennis
Conference Championships (3) — 1995 | 1994 | 1981
Track and Field (Indoor and Outdoor)
Outdoor: Conference Championships (1) — 2006
Volleyball
Conference Championships (3) — 2006 | 1996 | 1977