AU Family A publication for families of Aurora University undergraduate students
WINTER 2015
Dear Friends, The period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s can be an especially happy and complicated time on a university campus. Time seems to accelerate as finals loom. At AU we pay special attention when the weather grows cold and the deadlines that once seemed far away draw near. Students feel extra stress when the demands of the fall semester and approaching holiday season converge. So, as always, we are ready to respond to any questions or concerns that you and your student may have. Don’t hesitate. Just pick up the phone or dash off an email and know that we stand ready on the other end to help. In the meantime, I have a few hints to share about strategies for making December a good month on campus: »» Take a little time each day to note the change in seasons and…stow the flip flops and shorts till spring.
Counting down to Commencement 2016 Spring may seem far off, but plans for Commencement 2016 are in full swing. The Undergraduate commencement ceremony will take place Sunday, May 8, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. on the University Quadrangle. All degree candidates scheduled to graduate in December 2015 or May or August 2016, must file an application for graduation through their WebAdvisor accounts. A cap and gown should be ordered at the same time. For more information about Commencement, visit aurora.edu/commencement.
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Find little ways to celebrate…a cup of cocoa or walk with a friend or a Spartan basketball contest will always rekindle energy. Remember that every fall semester is followed by a spring one, a chance to begin again and put new knowledge to work.
I send warm wishes to your family on behalf of the Spartan family. We wish you a peaceful and safe Christmas season and all the best in the new year.
Rebecca L. Sherrick, PhD President
Fall sets tone for active months ahead Morning of Service
Homecoming
Fall semester presented many opportunities for students to be involved on and off campus. Some activities complemented classroom learning, while others focused on service to the community, students’ well-being, sports, arts and fellowship. More than 40 student events are scheduled for spring semester, many of which are planned by the student-led Activities Programming Board. In addition, the Celebrating Arts and Ideas series continues with 14 events this spring as well as other activities planned by departments such as the Wellness Center and the Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action. “At AU, we really pride ourselves in offering great opportunities for students to get involved,” said Brandy Skierkiewicz, Director of Student Engagement. “We do our best to offer programs that our students are interested in, and we make it easy to start something new for students who bring us new ideas.”
Skierkiewicz emphasizes that any student can get involved in campus organizations and activities no matter their experience level or personality type. “I guarantee there is something for everyone at AU,” she said. “Our job in Student Activities is to help students find common interests with others, making everyone feel comfortable and at home on campus.” The Office of Student Activities will be hosting a Spring Involvement Fair for all students on Thursday, January 14, in Thornton Gymnasium. “This is a great opportunity for students to see what is available for them to do during the semester,” said Skierkiewicz. “Also, students can learn about campus organizations through SpartanNet or stop by the Office of Student Activities to talk to one of the staff members about how to get involved. We want all of our students to have a great college experience, and getting involved in things outside of the classroom is a huge part of that.”
Fall Play: Machinal
Collaboration key for campus public safety director
Gary Bolt, Director of Campus Public Safety
Bolt believes partnerships across the campus After more than 30 years working in municipal have a big impact on student safety and success. law enforcement, Gary Bolt brings a wealth “My colleagues at CPS are extremely dedicated to of experience to AU as Director of Campus the university, its students and mission,” he said. Public Safety, a position he has held for over three years. Before joining AU, he most recently “We work across all areas of the university in a collaborative effort to make sure the university worked for the Naperville Police Department, retiring as deputy chief in 2012. community is a safe environment. The CPS staff understands we cannot do it alone. It takes Bolt sees many similarities when ensuring everyone at AU to help.” the safety and well-being of individuals on a campus and in a city. “A campus community is He adds that CPS also works closely with the just a microcosm of society, so in many respects Aurora Police Department. “I have a great the work is the same,” he said. “With a campus deal of respect for APD and the work they community we have an undergraduate population do,” he said. “I look forward to continuing that is concentrated in a specific age group, but our professional relationship as we address also have adult learners that are furthering their concerns in and around the university.” education. CPS officers focus on helping students succeed and ensuring they have an environment To contact Campus Public Safety, call conducive to learning. We understand our 630-844-6140 or email cpsafety@aurora.edu. students will make mistakes and we, as an integral part of the university, want them to learn from those experiences as they move forward.”
New culture, new education, new opportunities A lot can happen in three years. Hernan Ramirez can attest to that. When he was in high school, his family moved from Mexico to the United States. He acclimated to a new culture, learned English and graduated from high school. Today, Ramirez is a freshman history and secondary education major at Aurora University — the first in his family to attend college. “As a high school student, I had the opportunity to explore different schools in the region, and out of the many schools that I visited, Aurora University and the faculty made me feel most at home because the campus has a very welcoming and friendly atmosphere,” said Ramirez. “After my first visit here, I could picture myself as an AU student. I was ‘imprinted’ with the Spartan spirit!” Becoming active on campus is already contributing to Ramirez’s successful transition to college. He’s now a member of the Latin American Student Organization (LASO), Circle K, Educators Rising, the History Club and the Leadership Education And Development (LEAD) program. He also volunteers at Libby’s Place, the on-campus student food pantry, and works in the School of Education.
becoming a teacher is that I can make a difference in many students’ lives,” he said. “As a first-generation-college student I feel like I can be an example to my siblings and to many students who come from different parts of the world as well. I’m passionate about teaching, and I want to make more people realize the importance of an education.”
Hernan Ramierz, AU ’19
After college, Ramirez aspires to be a high school teacher. “What excites me about
Calling all job seekers Aurora University, as a member of the Illinois Small College Placement Association, invites students to attend CareerFest on Friday, January 29, 2016. The event brings together students and more than 100 company, nonprofit and school district representatives who are actively recruiting for both full-time and internship positions. This year’s event, held only for students of ISCPA institutions, will be held on the North Central College campus. AU students can register with Career Services at career@aurora.edu or 630-844-5403.
Campus Connections CONTACTS
SPECIAL UPCOMING DATES
Campus Public Safety 630-844-6140 | cpsafety@aurora.edu Office of Financial Aid 630-844-6190 | finaid@aurora.edu Office of Student Accounts 630-844-5470 | student.accts@aurora.edu Office of Student Life 630-844-5467 | studentlife@aurora.edu
December 14–19 | Finals Week Now–December 11 | Wendell Minor’s America Exhibit January 26 | Faculty Recital featuring Ric Larsen Guitar* January 27 | Faculty Speaker Series featuring Brandon Kooi: “Addressing Societal Problems Without an Overabundance on Punishment”* *To register for these free Celebrating Arts and Ideas events, visit auartsandideas.com.
Stay on top of the latest AU news and events: /aurorauniversity
Get instant news and athletic updates: @aurorau and @au_spartans
View photos featuring the latest campus happenings: @aurorauniversity
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Read daily news from the AU community: news.aurora.edu
Lora de Lacey, Vice President for Student Life @LoradeLacey Sammy Spartan (AU mascot) @AUSammySpartan
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AU Family
A publication for families of Aurora University
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WINTER 2015