Aurora University

For the defunct catholic university in Shanghai of the same name, see Aurora University (Shanghai).
Aurora University
Motto Sapientes abscondunt scientiam
Motto in English
"Wise persons will carry away knowledge"
Type Private
Established 1893
Endowment $39.1 million[1]
President Rebecca L. Sherrick
Provost Joan Poor
Undergraduates Aprx. 3,000
Postgraduates Aprx. 2,000
Location Aurora, Illinois, USA
Campus 37 acres (15.0 ha)
Athletics 22 NCAA Division III teams
Colors royal blue and white         
Nickname Spartans
Website www.aurora.edu

Aurora University is a private, nonprofit, co-educational liberal arts college located in Aurora, Illinois, United States, 40 miles west of Chicago. In addition to its main campus and the Orchard Center in Aurora, Illinois, AU offers programs online, at its George Williams College campus in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, and at the Woodstock Center in downtown Woodstock, Illinois. Approximately 5,000 students enroll in bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs at Aurora University. The institution describes itself as "an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning."[2]

History

Aurora University was founded as Mendota Seminary in Mendota, Illinois, 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.

In 1992 the school entered into an affiliation agreement with George Williams College, in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, which was followed by a full merger in 2000. George Williams College (named for YMCA founder George Williams) had been instituted in 1886 by YMCA leaders to create a summer school where young men and women would gather for learning, fellowship and reflection. With the merger, the one-time summer school, camp and conference center now serves both undergraduates and graduate students in a variety of degree programs. Over the past decade, the historic George Williams College campus has been transformed through renovations to new structures including the creation of the Winston Paul Educational Center, Oak and Hickory lodges, the Beasley Campus Center and the Ferro Pavilion, where the annual Music by the Lake outdoor concert series takes place during the summer months.

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.[3]

Today, Aurora University, the GWC campus, and the Woodstock Center are operated by the Board of Trustees of Aurora University and presided over by a chief executive officer. Each site has a team of senior administrators who report to the president.

Academics

Aurora University offers 40 undergraduate majors, numerous minors, a wide variety of master's degrees, several graduate certificates in education, nursing and business, and online doctoral degrees in education and social work.[4]

The university is composed of the following:

The university states that its student-faculty ratio is 15:1, and that the average class size is 23 students.[6]

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.

Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Aurora University at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels.[7]

The Aurora University baccalaureate nursing program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The Master of Science in Nursing program at Aurora University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 887-6791.

The College of Education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

The School of Social Work is fully accredited by the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE). The School of Social Work is accredited at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels.

Presidents

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.[8]

Aurora College Complex (Eckhart, Davis & Wilkinson Halls)
Location 347 S. Gladstone Ave.
Aurora, Kane County, Illinois, United States
Coordinates 41°45′17″N 88°20′52″W / 41.75472°N 88.34778°W / 41.75472; -88.34778Coordinates: 41°45′17″N 88°20′52″W / 41.75472°N 88.34778°W / 41.75472; -88.34778
Built 1912
Architectural style Tudor Revival
NRHP Reference # 84001126
Added to NRHP February 16, 1984

Buildings include:

George Williams College of Aurora University is located on the shores of Geneva Lake in Williams Bay, Wisconsin and includes 137.5 acres of property.

Buildings include:

Student activities

Officially recognized student groups at Aurora University include:[10]

  • Alpha Phi Alpha
  • Alpha Phi Sigma
  • American Marketing Association
  • Aurora Criminal Justice Association
  • Aurora University Eco Club
  • Aurora University Fellowship of Christian Athletes
  • Aurora University Finance Association
  • Aurora University Greek Council
  • Aurora University History Club
  • Aurora University Human Rights Organization
  • Aurora University Pride Alliance
  • Aurora University Science Organization
  • Aurora University Students' Association
  • Aurora University Students for Wellness
  • Activities Programming Board (APB)
  • Awareness, Respect, Integrity, Sisterhood, Empowerment
  • Black Student Union
  • Circle K
  • Cultural Arts Club
  • Delta Mu Delta
  • Delta Sigma Theta
  • Fashion Loves You
  • Fitness, Physical Education & Coaching
  • Future Educators at Aurora University
  • Games Club
  • Gamma Phi Omega Int'l Sorority Inc. (Eta Chapter)
  • Global Leadership Organization
  • Interested Ladies of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated
  • InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
  • Iota Tau Alpha

  • Kappa Delta Pi
  • Lambda Pi Eta
  • Latin American Student Organization
  • Maranatha Lighthouse of Aurora University
  • Mathematical Sciences Association
  • Melodic Overdose
  • Mu Sigma Pi: Mind. Body. Spirit
  • My Brother's Keeper
  • Nolos
  • Phi Eta Sigma
  • Phi Iota Alpha (Alpha Omega Chapter)
  • Philosophy Club
  • Political Science Club
  • Psi Chi
  • Psychology Club of Aurora University
  • Public Relations & Advertising Club
  • Reading Between the Lines Book Club
  • Sigma Delta Gamma
  • Sigma Gamma Rho
  • Social Work Association
  • Spanish Club
  • Spartan Athletic Training Student Organization
  • Student Accounting Society
  • Student Athletic Advisory Committee
  • Student Nurses Association
  • Students For Students
  • The Aurora University League of Spartans
  • The Bards Guild
  • The Blue Notes
  • Veterans and Military Service Association

Athletics

Aurora University fields 21 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 Collegiate Conference with the exception of 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 123 conference championships in school history. Since joining the NCAA in 1982, AU men’s and women’s teams have won 103 conference championships and appeared in 59 NCAA tournaments.[11]

Men's Teams

Baseball

  • Conference Championships (23) — 2012 | 2006 | 2005 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 | 1990 | 1989 | 1988 | 1987 | 1986 | 1985 | 1984 | 1978 | 1974
  • NCAA Appearances (20) — 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2002 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 | 1990 | 1989 | 1987

Basketball

  • Conference Championships (20) — 2012–13 | 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 (9) — 2012-13 | 2009–2010 | 2008–09 | 2007–08 | 2006–07 | 2004–05 | 2002–03 | 2000–01 | 1997–98

Cross Country

  • Conference Championships (4) — 2015 | 2013 | 2012 | 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

  • Conference Champions (1) — 2013

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 (2) — 2013 | 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 (5) — 2013 | 2012 | 2008 | 2006 | 2005

Golf

  • Conference Championships (3) — 2008 | 2007 | 2006

Soccer

  • Conference Championships (14) — 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 | 2002 | 2000 | 1999 | 1997 | 1996
  • NCAA Appearances (8) — 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2002 | 2001

Softball

  • Conference Championships (20) — 2013 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 1997 | 1993 | 1991 | 1990 | 1989 | 1986 | 1985 | 1983 | 1982 | 1981 | 1980 | 1979 | 1978
  • NCAA Appearances (15) — 2013 | 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 (3) — 2013 | 2012 | 2006
  • Indoor: Conference Championships (2) - 2013 | 2011

Volleyball

  • Conference Championships (3) — 2006 | 1996 | 1977

References

  1. As of June 30, 2010. "U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2010 Endowment Market Value and Percentage Change in Endowment Market Value from FY 2009 to FY 2010" (PDF). 2010 NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments. National Association of College and University Business Officers. Retrieved February 17, 2010.
  2. "About Us". "Aurora University Web Site". Aurora University. Retrieved September 8, 2011.
  3. "Mission and History". "Aurora University Web Site". Aurora University. Retrieved September 8, 2011.
  4. "Academics". Aurora University Web Site. Aurora University. Retrieved September 8, 2011.
  5. "Academic Programs". "George Williams College of Aurora University Web Site". Aurora University. Retrieved September 8, 2011.
  6. "Academics". "Aurora University Web Site". Aurora University. Retrieved September 8, 2011.
  7. "Directory of HLC Institutions". "The Higher Learning Commission Web Site". North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. Retrieved September 8, 2011.
  8. "About Us". "Aurora University Web Site". Aurora University. Retrieved September 9, 2011.
  9. "Residence Halls". "Aurora University Web Site". Aurora University. Retrieved September 9, 2011.
  10. "A-Z List of Student Organizations". "Aurora University Web Site". Aurora University. Retrieved September 9, 2011.
  11. "Aurora University Athletics – Championship History". "Aurora University Athletics Web Site". Aurora University Athletics. Retrieved September 9, 2011.

External links

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