Aurora University Magazine Fall/Winter 2023 by Aurora University

A U RO R A U N I V E R S I T Y MAGA ZINE FA LL/W INT E R 2 02 3

Welcome Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills T HE PAS S I ON AT E P UR P O SE O F AU ’S N E W P R ESID EN T

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

DISCOVERING T H E VA L U E O F GIVING BACK

Contents

Aurora University Magazine Fall/Winter 2023 Volume 9, Issue 2 aurora.edu/magazine President Susana Rivera-Mills, PhD Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing Deborah Maue Editor Sandra Jones Designer Nicole Dudka Contributing Writers Alina Dizik

Song for Ireland

Laura Pohl

The AU Chorale traveled to the Emerald Isle in May for its ﬁrst overseas tour and experienced the Irish countryside and culture along the way.

Christina Young ’16, ’21 MBA Contributing Designers Teresa Drier Mary Nicholas ’17 MBA

page 30

Copy Editor Molly Heim Photographers Katie Coan ’11 Sam Krueger Sylvia Springer

Contributing Photographer Clayton Hauck

Aurora University 347 S. Gladstone Ave. Aurora, IL 60506-4892 © 2023 Aurora University Aurora University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award degrees at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels.

Alumni gathered on Vago Field for Homecoming to observe the running of the torch and lighting of the ceremonial Spartan Flame, a tradition that stretches back to the 1950s.

Features

Departments

Passionate Purpose

From the President 3

AU’s new president, Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills, talks about her personal journey, her vision for the university, and why she feels a sense of urgency in higher education.

News of Note 4

Giving Back

Giving 36

Discover how five alumni are spending their time, experience, and enthusiasm giving back to the communities that helped them along the way.

Faculty News 38

Student Life 30 Athletics 34

Arts+Culture 40 BackStory 44

The Founders House

We dig into the archives and look back at the ﬁrst time an AU president lived on campus. page 44

Cover photograph by Sylvia Springer

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

You have a dream for your life. And the drive to make it real. At AU, you will find the academic opportunities, real-world experiences, and employer connections to help reach your goals. Explore AU’s undergraduate, graduate, and endorsement programs, and get your future started today.

aurora.edu

YOUR FUTURE. OUR PROMISE.

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2022

From the President From my early conversations with students, I know they want to make an impact on the world. Fortunately, they can find inspiration in the paths our alumni are creating to help the next generation of students and their local communities. I know that our students can leverage relationships with alumni, faculty, staff, community members, and their peers to make the most of their student experience. In this issue, you will find a feature on five alumni who are remembering the people who helped them achieve their goals by spending their time and talents lifting up others. They are truly a testament to an Aurora University education. These are the types of stories that need to continue. One of my goals as president is to ensure that all students—regardless of socioeco-

nomic status, cultural environment, or family s I write my inaugural letter for Aurora University Magazine, it seems appropriate to do so with the Thanksgiving holiday approaching. I have so much to be thankful for this season—leading

a vibrant university; forming meaningful relationships with students, faculty, and staff; being welcomed by alumni as a new Spartan; and collaborating with so many thoughtful community leaders. These are just a few reasons I am grateful to call AU my new home. Another highlight has been living on campus. In July, my husband, Sean, and I moved into our home across from the Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action. We love having an extra connection to the university and the students. Scout, our golden retriever, is especially excited about all the friends he is meeting during our evening walks across campus. We relocated to AU from Muncie, Indiana, where I served as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Ball State University and where our son, Daniel, is currently a junior studying economics and political science. As the parent of a college student myself, I am espe-

background—are presented with supportive relationships, resources, and opportunities so they will be able to share their own stories of success and service one day. This is AU’s Future Promise and will be the theme of our Annual Fund that supports first-generation students. At AU, 42% of undergraduates are the first in their families to attend college. For me, this is personal because I was a first-generation student. I understand the value of assisting students along their academic journey because generous donors helped me during my college years. It is my calling to pay it forward. I encourage you to read more about AU’s Future Promise in the pages that follow. I also invite you to campus for the exhibition on display through December 15 at the Schingoethe Center, “Action/Abstraction Redefined.” This is the first major traveling exhibition to analyze modern Native American art from the mid-1940s through the 1970s. Learn more about it in the Arts+Culture section of this issue. Offering such opportunities is another reason I love to call AU home.

cially passionate about ways Aurora University can help students create purposeful lives and fulfilling careers. I understand the importance of relationships in a student’s life—mentors, professors, advisors, peers. These relationships open doors to opportunities and learning that would not otherwise happen. I want AU to be a

Susana Rivera-Mills, PhD

relationship-intensive institution.

President Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

News of Note HA PPENI NG S F ROM AR O U N D AU

AU awarded nearly $1M federal grant for VR learning lab The Emerging Technologies Learning Lab is taking shape on the AU campus thanks to $955,000 in federal funding. The lab will include three learning spaces: a virtual and augmented reality room, a workplace simulation room, and a visualization room. With the help of artificial intelligence and virtual reality, students will be able to step into real-life situations without leaving campus. The technol4

ogies will extend reality beyond the classroom, allowing students to master a foreign language, travel back in time to learn history, rehearse a speech in front of a virtual audience, and more. The funding, which was secured with the assistance of U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, provides students an opportunity to get hands-on experience with the rapidly developing technologies that are driving the 21st century.

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies allow students to experience life outside the classroom without leaving campus. They can: • Try out a new career • Visit a foreign country • Talk to a virtual hiring manager • Practice public speaking • Experience what it’s like to be a patient

Freshman class sets enrollment record

Working for the Illinois economy

Aurora University welcomed 818 new first-year students this fall, a 22% increase from a year ago, making it the largest incoming class to set foot on the AU campus. In addition, 348 transfer students joined the Spartan family, bringing the enrollment of new undergraduates in Aurora for the 2023–2024 academic year to 1,166. The university’s total enrollment of undergraduate, graduate, and AU Online students rose to 5,938. A record 700 students live on campus this year. The incoming students come from 30 states. About 46% self-identify as Hispanic/Latino, 37% as White/Non-Hispanic, 6% as Black/African American, and 3% as Asian. The surge in enrollment in part reflects AU’s efforts to extend its geographical reach. “We intentionally broadened our marketing two years ago to include all of northeastern Illinois to increase awareness and visibility across the greater Chicagoland area,” explained Deborah Maue, senior vice president for enrollment and marketing. “The growth in new student enrollment indicates we are seeing the fruits of that now.”

At Aurora University, we are committed to diversifying the workforce in the state.

88%

The percentage of graduates who secured full-time employment in Illinois

96%

The percentage of MAP-grant recipients who have gone on to work in Illinois

93%

The percentage of first-generation graduates who are working in Illinois

Source: Aurora University Kimberly and James Hill Center for Student Success 2023 annual report. For more details, visit aurora.edu/studentsuccess.

1,166

22%

5,938

New undergraduates

Increase in freshman enrollment

Total enrollment

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

News of Note GWC students welcomed at AU campus Students from George Williams College of Aurora University in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, are being welcomed to the main Aurora campus as the end of academic instruction at GWC approaches in December. AU has taken extra steps to support GWC students, including adding courses over the 2023 Summer Term to accelerate progress for those who are further along in their programs. Also, students transferring to the Aurora campus aren’t being charged the cost of living on campus in an effort to help remove the financial barrier as they finish their degrees. Late last year, the university made the difficult decision to wind down programming at GWC. AU is committed to being a good steward of the land as it explores opportunities for a nonprofit organization to acquire the property.

Bringing AU classes to MCC students in Woodstock Aurora University entered into an agreement with McHenry County College to become the founding partner for MCC’s University Center in Woodstock, Illinois. Under the agreement, AU is offering MCC students with an associate degree a path to completing their four-year undergraduate degree in social work or elementary education—without having to travel to Aurora. The University Center is housed in the former Woodstock Center, where AU has been offering classes since 2009. MCC purchased the space earlier this year. 6

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Healthy habits lead to firstplace finish at international competition It was an experience full of firsts when pre-med health science student Diane Fuentes ’26 took part in HOSA’s International Leadership Conference in Dallas this past June. It was her first time traveling outside of the state, her first time on an airplane, the first time an AU student attended the ILC, and the first time a college student from Illinois competed at the conference. What Fuentes didn’t expect was to come home with first place. “Attending HOSA ILC helped me realize anything is possible,” said Fuentes. “With the help of AU, I was able to secure funding and participate

“

in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Fuentes attended the program with the support of AU’s Tucker Fund, which supports vocational and experiential student opportunities. In the conference’s Healthy Lifestyle category, students competed in events focused on professional health leadership and technical skills. Fuentes bested a field of 40 competitors. She was tested on her understanding of healthy habits, such as nutrition, exercise, and types of diseases, as well as her personal experiences in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Fuentes also made a presentation to the judges on her passion for running and goal of running more than 25 miles each week for a year. “I want to open doors for other students to go above and beyond and to realize that they all have tremendous potential,” said Fuentes. “I never expected to actually win the event. The experience gives me the courage to continue to try new things.” AU established a HOSA chapter two years ago under the advisement of Ruby Kaur, chair of health science and pre-medical professional programs and assistant professor of health science. “Overall, the healthcare industry is transitioning to prevention from cure,” said Kaur. “Winning an international-level award in this Healthy Lifestyle category will serve Diane well as she pursues her career goal to become a medical professional.” HOSA, formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America, is a global student-led organization that strives to empower its members to become leaders in the global health community, through education, collaboration, and experience.

I want to open doors for other students to go above and beyond and to realize that they all have tremendous potential.” —Diane Fuentes ’26

Ruffin’ around

Students acquire animal training skills—with plenty of tail wagging—in first hands-on canine behavior class Patience is a virtue, especially when working with animals—and their owners. That’s one of the biggest lessons Jessica Trevino ’23 learned during an Aurora University animal behavior class that for the first time brought dogs into the classroom to turn theory into reality. This past spring, the Behavior, Training, and Rehabilitation of Animals course, which explores the scientific behavioral basis of animal training, gave students the added challenge of training 10 owner-dog pairs to pass the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen test. “It was really exciting that we were the first class to do this,” said Trevino, who was hired in May as a recreational therapist at the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association. “For students to be in the role of teacher was really good professional experience. All the dogs in the course passed, and that sets the standard high.” The certification enables the animals to become therapy dogs and visit a wide range of public places including schools, hospitals, and nursing homes.

10 qualifications for passing the Canine Good Citizen test 1. Accepts a friendly stranger 2. Sits politely for petting 3. Accepts being groomed and examined 4. Walks on lead and heels 5. Walks through a crowd without jumping 6. Stays in place, obeying “Sit” and “Down” on cue 7. Comes when called 8. Greets another dog on leash 9. Remains calm among distractions 10. Remains calm when the handler is out of sight

The trained dogs can also return to AU campus during stressful times, such as midterms and ﬁnals, to help students with the pressures of studying and exams. “There is a great deal of evidence that animals can improve our physical, mental, and emotional health,” said Jane Davis, chair of the human-animal studies department and professor of biology. “I know it’s changed the color of my day when I’ve been out walking and some happy dog comes up and just is so delighted to see me.” Therapy dogs typically accompany their owners as volunteers to offer companionship, reduce anxiety, and improve mental health. They differ from service dogs, which are trained and certiﬁed to help people with disabilities. Adjunct Professor Anna Payton, who also serves as the administrator of the Will County Animal Control Department, designed the hands-on portion of the course for AU. The experience gave students a taste of the creativity—and patience—that trainers need to deploy when working with animals, she said. “The training happens not at the trainer’s pace, but at the animal’s pace,” Payton said. “As a student you learn that you can come fully prepared, but the animal may just say no.” During the semester-long course, 19 students completed a mix of lab and in-class assignments. On training days, students were divided into groups to help the owner-animal pairs perform a skills circuit, a format that allowed each student to gain experience with each dog. Dogs had to master skills including staying calm when meeting another dog, experiencing a distraction, or being supervised by another person when the handler is out of sight. “Therapy dogs can reduce stress levels for students, staff, and others,” said Davis. “Now we can welcome even more of them to campus.” Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Cover Story

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

This past summer, shortly after her arrival as AU’s new president, Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills talked to Aurora University Magazine about her journey as an immigrant and a first-generation college student, her sense of urgency to educate and prepare students to thrive in an uncertain world, and why relationships matter.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOSHUA HUSTON

Passionate Purpose Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

D Cover Story

Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills became the 14th president of Aurora University in June 2023. She is the first Latina to lead AU as president since the institution’s founding in 1893. Before taking office at AU, she was provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, and held several administrative posts at Oregon State University. She began her career as a language professor in Arizona.

Summer school

President Susana Rivera-Mills spent the summer learning her way around campus and getting to know AU’s many students, professors, alumni, staff, trustees, and community partners.

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Tell us about growing up in El Salvador. My childhood until about age 8 was quite idyllic. My father ran his own construction and trucking business and my mother worked at home raising me and my siblings. We went to Catholic school. We were a typical family. Then in 1980, the violent part of the civil war started, and that was when everything changed. You would hear protests in the streets, and these protests would escalate into violence. There would be car bombings and bombings on public transportation and gunfire. People were scared. It was very unpredictable.

How did that early experience shape you? It’s interesting, when you live in that type of situation, time becomes so small. You’re living at the microsecond level, and every moment is very intense. There is an urgency about the present moment—about staying in the present—and this is something that has remained with me throughout my entire life. That sense of urgency gave me an appreciation for the value of life and for the humanity around me, and it gave me

a sense of purpose. It also created in me an impatience

At first, I was an accidental leader. I was a faculty

and urgency and a stubborn determination that the

member at Oregon State University and I was enjoy-

work we do in higher education matters because peo-

ing all the wonderful, exciting benefits that being a

ple’s lives are affected by what we do. Every time we

faculty member brings you—it’s the best job in higher

take too long to make a change that benefits everyone,

ed, by the way—and someone said, “We need you to

we’re affecting lives. That intensity continues with me

consider being department chair.”

to this day.

I had only been there for one year and wasn’t interested. I said, “I’m sure there’s somebody else who can

Your family fled the civil war when you were 12, leaving quickly with what you could fit into the family Fiat and driving through Mexico to relatives in San Francisco. Did you expect to go back?

do this job.”

Yes, but the war worsened. When my parents realized

a couple of years, and I was able to heal a lot of the

we couldn’t go back, they had to find jobs. We moved

relationship strife that was happening. It was work-

to the small fishing town of Eureka on the Northern

ing well, so I was ready to go back to faculty, and

California coast, not far from the Oregon border. I

then the dean asked me if I would consider being an

was the only Latina in my school that I knew of and

associate dean.

And the person said, “No, actually there isn’t.” Being new, I wasn’t part of the historical dynamics that were plaguing the department. I did that job for

I only spoke Spanish. It was sink or swim. I learned

At this point, I became a reluctant leader. I wasn’t

English and became the linguistic broker for my fam-

sure I really wanted to do this. But the dean was very

ily. I have been working since I was 12 years old, and

good about presenting a case. I told him I was only

that’s similar to many of our students’ experiences. My

going to do it for one year, and then I was going back

mother never finished high school and my father never

to faculty. During the 11 years I was at Oregon State,

went to college, but they both valued education. They

I had nine different administrator positions. For the

wanted a better life for us because they lost everything

first seven positions, I kept fighting to go back to

and had to start over. My parents instilled in us a

faculty. Then something changed.

sense of hard work, a sense of always improving. They But I never thought about going to college until I

What happened to finally convince you to leave your faculty position?

was in high school and my Spanish teacher, who was

The university decided to create a new position. It

from Colombia and a Latina like me, said to me one

was the vice provost for undergraduate education and

day, “When you go to college, not if you go to college.”

student success. When I read the position they were

And that small detail gave me the mindset that, even

searching for, it really resonated with me. It was the

though my parents couldn’t pay for it, I could go to

first position that didn’t feel like I was being dragged

college. And I did.

into it, and it was a culmination of everything that

really wanted us to have a better opportunity.

mattered to me, which was student-centeredness.

In fact, you earned several advanced degrees and became a college professor. You have a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and a master’s in Spanish linguistics from the University of Iowa and a doctorate in romance languages from the University of New Mexico. How did you decide to move into administration?

It was all about students and helping them succeed.

I like to say that during my career, I went from being

I ran into a group of Latino students who had been

an accidental leader to a reluctant leader to an inten-

in one of my classes and whom I had mentored. They

tional leader.

said, “Professor, we are so proud of you.”

And I thought, “Wow, it’s like this position is written for me.” I decided to apply. It was the first leadership position I intentionally applied for, and I got it. Then something magical happened. I was walking across campus after a couple of weeks in the role and

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Cover Story

I said, “What are you talking about? I’m the one who is proud of you. Why are you proud of me?” And they said, “Because you’re up there.” (My office was on the top floor of the administrative building.)

are being made, to really look around the room and immediately assess: Who am I here to represent? Who is not at this decision-making table? And how can I ensure that those perspectives are being considered?

And I looked at them and I said, “Really?”

intentional leader. It was the first time I realized that

You spoke earlier about a sense of urgency that you carry with you from your childhood experience in the midst of a civil war. That’s really interesting because urgency isn’t a feeling that comes naturally to higher education, where the pace of change is notoriously slow. How do you work through that?

leadership had nothing to do with me, that all the wres-

Stubborn determination. I do see it. I see the reality. But I

tling and all the struggling I had done in all those positions

have this passion and undying hope that we can be better,

was actually incredibly selfish. Those students helped me

and that hope is fed by the fact that I have seen us do better

understand that my leadership was much bigger than I

and be better. Those of us who are fortunate enough to have

ever thought it was. It was about what I represented. It was

worked for change and have been able to affect change,

about the voice I could bring, the perspective I could bring

even at a small level, know we can make a difference.

And they said, “You have no idea what it means to us to know that someone who understands us is now in that position. Now that we know you’re there, we know we can be there too.” That was the moment that transformed me into an

into rooms that they were not going to be sitting in. It was

I still get messages from students I taught 20 years ago

about being a part of the decision-making where many

who are now in positions of influence. They are politicians,

people are not included.

lawyers, doctors, teachers—you name it. What keeps me

In that moment, I was not only flattered they felt

going is that even when there is a system that is breaking

that way but also aware of the huge responsibility they

down or a student who is falling through the gaps or some

handed me. And from that moment on, I have not just

situation that is inequitable or just downright unfair, in the

been intentional; I have been an advocate, and I have

moments when we get it right, we are helping a life. How

embraced what it means to lead an organization, to be

do you put a value to that? You just can’t.

focused on people, and to be inclusive of diverse groups

every lesson I have learned, I can bring my knowledge and

and experiences. I have trained myself quite intentionally, when I walk

experience forward so we don’t have to reinvent the wheel

into committee meetings and other places where decisions

or start from zero. Then we can accelerate that change.

Get to know President Rivera-Mills in eight questions

That’s why my hope is that with every system and with

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

What was your ﬁrst job? Planting ferns at a nursery. To this day, I do not like ferns.

What is the quality you admire most in friends? Honesty. I like blunt honesty and people who will tell me exactly what they think. Do you have a favorite sports team? The New York Yankees. But I am quickly becoming a White Sox fan.

What is the quality that irritates you the most in friends? Lack of an opinion or indecision. I don’t have patience for wishy-washy people.

“

College isn’t just about the 17-to-20-year-olds who are coming our way. College is now about lifelong learning.” —President Susana Rivera-Mills

How do you respond to people who question the value of a college education?

son’s life and the places we can partner along the way.

Despite all of the criticism of higher education, the research

and the pipeline of students as a one-size-fits-all the

and data continue to point out that a person with a college

way it was 20 years ago. We need to look at it more

degree, regardless of the discipline, will make a million

like a river with tributaries coming from different

dollars more over a lifetime than a person with a high school

directions. Some of them are high school students,

We can’t think about enrollment and recruitment

diploma. But let’s go beyond the financial piece, because I

some of them are professionals who need additional

don’t think success is just about financial return. I also know

training, and some of them are older adult students

that when you have a college education—and I have seen

who have to reimagine or reinvent themselves or train

this play out over and over again with our students—it places

up. It’s a lot of different inputs now. Not just one.

you in a position to navigate a world where there is a lot of uncertainty. What you gain with a college education is a set

Can you give an example?

of skills and a set of tools you can draw from to adapt, adjust,

You could imagine a midsize business that has many employ-

deal with ambiguity and uncertainty, reimagine yourself, even

ees with college degrees but needs them to learn more about

restart. A college degree will give you the skills to move from

artificial intelligence. The business could look to a university

one job to another, even if the jobs look very different.

such as AU to provide a certificate program in AI for those employees. We need to prepare our students for the

Are you saying the role of higher education has changed?

specialized skills that future jobs are going to require.

College isn’t just about the 17-to-20-year-olds who are

And we will need to prepare them for the jobs that

coming our way. College is now about lifelong learning.

haven’t even been created yet. We’re at a point where AI

It’s about creating a partnership with our students and

is going to be as big of a revolution as the internet was,

meeting them where they are, whether they’re earning a

maybe bigger. And it’s going to change the way our world

four-year degree or obtaining more training for a specific

functions. Our students need to be ready to change, shift,

job or developing new skills once they are in the workforce.

and train up at any point in their lives, and we need to be

It’s no different than thinking about the full cycle of a per-

ahead of the curve in how we’re ready to respond.

How do you unwind? I love anything having to do with music. Opera, jazz, ’80s music, rock ’n’ roll, classical, musical theatre: I love music of all kinds.

If you could travel anywhere that you haven’t been, where would you go? Italy. My PhD is in romance languages. I studied French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese. My bucket-list trip would be to ﬂy into Lisbon and take the train through Spain and France to Italy.

“

If you could meet any historic ﬁgure, whom would that be? Nelson Mandela. His life was inspiring in so many ways. But I also admire Jane Addams, who stated: “The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and uncertain, is ﬂoating in midair, until it is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common life.”

What is your personal motto? Tenacious determination with passionate purpose.

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Cover Story

Your son is a junior at Ball State. How does having a son in college color your view about higher education?

and I really didn’t know what to expect. There were

It has been a litmus test for me to see the world

there was a violent protest going on. The nuns would

through his eyes—not just where the systems aren’t

take us into the chapel and walk us through prayer.

working, but also where he’s really succeeding and

It helped me to develop spiritual disciplines early on

what works for him.

that have centered me throughout my life. Whenever I

many days when she was unable to pick me up because

What I have found is for all of the technology and all

felt fear or anxiety or that I had no control, that place

the sophisticated stuff we put into student success, the

of solitude and prayer provided a firm foundation and

real transformation happens through relationships.

helped me to overcome many, many obstacles during

It’s about the support network that he has been able

my life.

to build, the mentors he has found in faculty and staff

My spiritual journey and my set of beliefs have

and alumni, and the doors that have been opened

evolved. Right now, I would describe myself as a Chris-

thanks to someone taking the time to get to know him

tian, and more than that I would describe myself as a

and connect him to opportunities. Those experiences

follower of Christ’s teachings. We live in a world where

are the ones that have really mattered.

so many things are confused in terms of what it means to be a Christian. For me, it’s very simple: every day, I

Can you tell us about what role faith has played in your journey?

to live up to it. That grounds me in many ways.

My faith has always been a part of my life. My family

I see Christ as the ultimate example of what we are

was originally Catholic, and my mother in particular

called to be and to give—an example of true servant

was a devout Catholic. During the civil war, there were

leadership. That’s the lens I use for my work and for

times when my mother would drop me off at school,

who I am as a woman in the variety of roles I play.

From El Salvador to Aurora

Top: On the Fourth of July weekend, President Susana Rivera-Mills moved into the president’s house on campus with her husband, Sean Paul Mills, and dog, Scout, with the help of her college-aged son, Daniel. Right: Rivera-Mills at age 4 at the family house in San Salvador.

read the Bible, I look at what Christ taught, and I try

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

“

Students have played such an important role in my life—and I have learned so much from them—that I want to be present among them.”—President Rivera-Mills

One of my mottos is: “When God calls, he equips.” In those moments when I feel like I’m not ready, when I feel doubt, I just remind myself that what I do is a calling, and

a wonderful gift it is to have this space, a sacred space, in which someone could just be.” I experienced the same thing when I attended orientation.

that when I am called, I will be given whatever I need to

I was able to speak to families of students in their native

actually make things happen.

language, in Spanish, and to see the looks on their faces when they saw me. There was a mutual seeing and understanding.

You live in a new president’s house. It’s the ﬁrst time AU has had a president living on campus since the 1980s. Why did you decide to live on campus?

What do you hope to accomplish in your ﬁrst year?

Students have played such an important role in my life—

I will be doing a lot of listening and learning. We have already

and I have learned so much from them—that I want to be

begun reviewing foundational processes to ensure that we

present among them. I want to be a president who is seen

live the goals of embracing diversity, promoting equity, and

walking across campus, who eats lunch with students and

practicing inclusivity.

That’s powerful.

has conversations. I want people to see me as accessible

We’re going to begin the strategic-planning process in

and approachable and committed to the work we have

January. And that process is going to be inclusive and com-

going on here. And in order to do that, it is important for

prehensive. I want it to engage our campus community but

me to blur any lines that might be seen as divisive. I have

also our external stakeholders so that we can build together

come into this role knowing that I have truly given my life

that vision and those goals for the next five years or more.

over to service. Being on campus in the president’s house

We will continue to review operations so that we can be

is something that will help me do that well.

good stewards of our resources. We will also look for opportunities to invest in our future and to create a culture that is

Do you feel at home at AU?

data-informed and collaborative, partnering across offices

One thing that has moved me deeply in the short time I have

and across the Aurora community.

been here is that AU is the first institution where I feel I am bringing all of me to work. I am Latina. My native language

What is your vision for AU?

is Spanish. Spirituality and faith are very important to me:

At AU, we take great pride in knowing our students, in

those three things aren’t always welcomed or encouraged at

understanding their hopes and dreams, and helping them

institutions of higher education.

succeed. We are a relationship-intensive institution. We are

Throughout my career, I have had to navigate aspects of my identity carefully. To not offend. But also to protect.

an affordable institution. We must remain so. AU has a fabulous reputation for being innovative, par-

And on my first day at AU, as I was making my way to

ticularly around curriculum, for being able to pivot quickly,

my office, two employees and one student spoke to me in

for being able to try new things, for stepping outside the box

Spanish. By the time I got to my office, I had been going

and thinking in creative ways. I want to capitalize on that and

back and forth in Spanish and English, and I thought, “It’s

build on AU’s reputation as a place for teaching and learning

been a long time since I’ve been in a space where I could do

innovation in everything we do.

that so naturally.” And then I arrived at my office. I had been told there was

I look forward to working with the campus to identify additional ways to support our students, and I also look for-

a chapel right above me on the third floor. I immediately

ward to getting to know the alumni. I’m so thrilled to finally

went upstairs to it and sat down. There was no one there; it

be here on campus, and now that I have arrived at AU, I’m

was just me. I sat there for 10 minutes and I thought, “What

really excited to see what we can do together. Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Cover Story

The Inauguration of Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills

Aurora University celebrated the inauguration of its 14th president over Homecoming weekend with a ceremony, fiesta, and alumni events.

Taking part in the presentation of the presidential chain were AU Students’ Association President Mason Brauer ’24 and Professor Renae Franiuk, Chair of Faculty Senate.

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

urora University celebrated the inauguration of Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills as the institution’s 14th

president on Friday, September 29, with a ceremony on the Aurora campus attended by students, faculty, administrators, staff, alumni, and community leaders. In her inaugural address, President Rivera-Mills heralded the university’s 130year history of embracing new populations into the realm of higher education. She shared her personal journey as an immigrant fleeing civil war in El Salvador, the hard work and sacrifices her parents made to provide greater opportunities for their children, and the promise of a better future that education holds. “AU is authentic and serious about its promise to students and their families,” she said. “Trustees, faculty, and staff are committed to innovation, to diversity, to hearing various opinions and ideas, and Above: Newly installed as president, Dr. Rivera-Mills makes her inauguration address. Below: The Rev. Nannette Dixon ’92, vice president for community engagement and alumni relations at McCormick Theological Seminary, gives the benediction.

to working together on behalf of students. During the past four months, I have met several state representatives, local officials, and civic leaders who recognize the public role Aurora University has in educating students and in strengthening our communities. Moreover, I have met with many alumni who fondly remember their experience at AU and more specifically, remember the people that helped them succeed. “We must continue to earn the trust of our students and their families by renewing our promise, one that prepares students for a future that will be different from this moment and hold many unknowns.”

To read President Rivera-Mills’ full inauguration speech and learn more about the historic day, visit aurora.edu/inauguration.

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Cover Story

Top: President Rivera-Mills tosses the coin to start the Homecoming football game against Eureka College. Left: The mariachi band energized the post-inauguration campus fiesta. Above right: Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Inc. (Alpha Omega Chapter) members Chris Cedeño ’25, Daniel Muro ’25, Jesus Ortega ’24, and Imanol Saucedo-Romero ’24 with President Rivera-Mills.

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Above: Alumni from classes spanning the 1960s and 1970s gathered for the Sunday morning service. Top left and right and bottom: The Spartan football team gave the home crowd plenty to cheer about and celebrate with a 70-10 victory over Eureka College. After falling behind 7-0 early in the game, the Spartans rattled off 49 straight points to lead 49-10 at halftime before going on to win the game.

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Giving Back

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Discover how five alumni are spending their time, experience, and enthusiasm giving back to the communities that helped them along the way. PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAYTON HAUCK

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Discover Giving Teekay Back What Matters

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Lived Values

Building a life around helping others find food, home, and financial freedom

ore than a decade into their careers, the

Zepeda also advanced her education, earning a master of

Blancas’ goals remain the same: to make a

public health from DePaul University.

difference in the communities they serve. David Blancas ’09 and Michelle Zepeda ’11 met as students at

working to provide food, housing, and financial guidance to

AU and shared similar pasts. They both came to the U.S.

low-income individuals and families, many of them Latino.

from Mexico as children. They were good students in high

Blancas is chief of equity and operations at The Neigh-

school. And they both struggled to find the resources to

bor Project, a nonprofit organization in downtown Aurora

pursue higher education.

dedicated to helping people escape debt, save money, and

As teenagers, they didn’t have the proper documenta-

purchase homes. Helping others build generational wealth

tion for financial aid and couldn’t take out student loans

through homeownership and financial empowerment is

due to their immigration status at the time. Blancas, 36,

gratifying, Blancas said. He wants to share the lessons he

remembers crumpling up a college letter asking for a

learned from his own struggles to give others a boost.

Social Security number, which he did not have, to pro-

“I could never pay back everyone who helped me for

cess his application. He briefly considered going back to

what they did, but I know I’m going to pay this forward,”

Mexico to attend university there.

he said.

“In my head, college was not an option for me,” recalled Blancas.

Zepeda is assistant director of health and food programs at Loaves & Fishes Community Services, a nonprofit

AU changed all that. With the help of high school

providing food and programming to low-income families

counselors, church leaders, and family, Blancas and

living in four area counties. The Naperville-based food pan-

Zepeda, 34, both found their way to AU and to Eva

try is designed intentionally to resemble a supermarket and

Serrano, associate professor of foreign languages, who

focuses on giving people dignity even during times of food

became their mentor. AU provided the financial assis-

insecurity. For Zepeda, the position offers her the oppor-

tance and community support for them to earn their

tunity to make an impact in public health, an area that has

bachelor’s degrees—mathematics and secondary edu-

long been her passion.

cation for Blancas and health science for Zepeda. The

“I always wanted to be able to do my part to make sure

couple credits Serrano with helping them navigate their

people had access to healthcare, which is what drove me to

education while creating a sense of belonging within the

public health to begin with,” she said.

college community.

“

Today, they both have jobs in the nonprofit sector,

Growing up in east Aurora, Zepeda was inspired by how

Blancas went on to earn his master’s degree in edu-

her own parents spent weekends volunteering at their

cation from National Louis University and worked as a

church’s food pantry. Her current job allows this to come

teacher in the Chicago Public Schools for several years.

full circle, enabling her to use her own background and

I could never pay back everyone who helped me for what they did, but I know I’m going to pay this forward.” —David Blancas ’09

knowledge of Spanish in a way that brings comfort to the thousands seeking critical resources. The couple said that AU is still a major part of their lives. They continue to visit campus—now with their 6and 9-year-old children in tow to show them where they met and how they began to build their life together to help others. AU opened the door to their future, they said. “I felt like I got a second lease on life,” said Blancas. “And I definitely did not want to let it go to waste.” Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Giving Back

One Goal in Mind Paving the way for low-income youth to play soccer

he sport of soccer has always provided a

life in the U.S. And he encourages the players to

refuge for Joseph Dadara ’18. When he

get their education and apply to college.

was in middle school, his family emi-

grated from Tanzania to the U.S. and settled in Aurora. Soccer was a way to fit in and stay out of

Aurora Eagles SC officially launched in 2017. In the past six years, the club has grown to include

trouble. But it was expensive—the uniforms, the

350 players ages 7 to 23. The township covers the

dues, the travel. His parents were busy looking

cost of equipment and transportation and provides

for work and trying to make ends meet. He com-

the soccer fields. Local organizations donate funds

peted in local soccer clubs, but ultimately the

to offset additional fees for the players.

cost became prohibitive. “I wanted to play, but it wasn’t something I could do,” he said. These days, Dadara, 27, spends his after-work

“Our goal was to put a system in place so we can provide almost-free opportunities,” he said. “A lot of the kids that we deal with cannot go to other soccer clubs and pay.”

hours serving as soccer director at the Aurora

Through the club, players have gotten exposure

Township Youth Center and the Aurora Eagles

to college coaches looking to recruit student-ath-

Soccer Club, an organization he and a handful of

letes. Year over year, an increasing number of

community organizers created with the township

Eagles go on to play at the college level, including

to offer local youth the chance to compete with

for AU.

travel soccer clubs across the region without it taking a financial toll.

As the organization grows, Dadara is determined to give each player a sense of belonging

Dadara, who majored in finance, works in

while continuing to build the kind of welcoming

accounts management for Oak Brook–based

soccer community that he only dreamed of as a

Athletico Physical Therapy. He said building the

teen. Thanks in part to his hard work, the players

youth soccer organization has felt more like a call-

don’t have to face the obstacles that he did to play

ing. He spends seven days a week at the club and

a sport they love.

heads there every day after work. On weekends,

“It feels great to see how far it’s come,” he said.

he hangs out with players, listening to music,

“A lot of the kids we deal with are developing into

practicing one-on-one, leading scrimmages, and

really good people, and the fact that they can play

attending team outings. Recently, the soccer play-

soccer at a high level is just a plus. I see myself in

ers visited the Riverwalk in downtown Chicago

them. I was exactly like these kids, and having gone

and volunteered with a neighborhood nonprofit.

through the same experience—that’s why I do this.”

“A lot of times, the kids are overlooked and would end up hanging with the wrong crowds,” he said. “We try to catch them early and get them involved.” For many of the participants, Dadara serves not only as a soccer coach but as a mentor. By spending time with the team, he helps the players, many of whom come from low-income backgrounds, to find their way both on and off the field. Often, he speaks to newly arrived immigrants about the challenges of adjusting to 24

With the support of Aurora Township, the

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

“ I see myself in them. I was exactly like these kids, and having gone through the same experience— that’s why I do this.” —Joseph Dadara ’18

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Giving Back

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

A Place to Call Home Fighting for policies to alleviate homelessness

hristy Savellano Beretta ’16 understands the

AU’s Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action about how to

meaning of home. As a manager at the Chicago

get involved in their own community, she discovered that

Coalition for the Homeless, Savellano Beretta

the field of social work was wider and more compelling

works with the growing population of young adults

than she had imagined. She was particularly interested in

facing homelessness and helps families understand their

advocating for policy and legal rights.

housing rights. One of the most compelling aspects of

Savellano Beretta asked the speaker for his business card,

her multifaceted job is overseeing a scholarship program

and months later landed an internship at the organization.

for high school students who are experiencing housing

Later, after earning her bachelor’s in social work from AU in

instability and want to go to college.

2016 and her master’s in social work from Loyola University

“For me, home isn’t a place,” said Savellano Beretta, 30. “It’s the people you surround yourself with and the

in Chicago in 2017, Savellano Beretta began working full time at the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.

community you build and the people who support you. I

Six years and several promotions later, she serves in a

think of the people who have lifted me up and have seen

management capacity and spends her time advocating for

the potential for me to grow, and I’d like to be that person

policies to help alleviate homelessness in the city.

for others who may either be facing struggles in their life or just need some hope.” Born in the Philippines, Savellano Beretta moved to the

An estimated 68,440 people experienced homelessness in Chicago in 2021, an increase of 2,829 from the previous year, according to an August 2023 report from the Chicago

U.S. at age eight and settled with her family in Oglesby, Illi-

Coalition for the Homeless. On any given day, more than

nois. Her parents urged her to attend college, but since they

6,000 people are experiencing homelessness in the city,

were unfamiliar with the U.S. higher education system,

according to the city of Chicago’s 2023 annual point-in-

they found navigating the admissions process daunting.

time count, a standard method for assessing the homeless

It was at AU that she found the support and counseling

population. (The numbers don’t take into account the

she needed as the first member of her family to attend

recent influx of thousands of Central and South American

college in the U.S. AU helped her through admissions,

migrants arriving by bus from border states who are seek-

and then in securing financial aid and choosing a career.

ing asylum.)

Savellano Beretta got involved in student government,

“I had a lot of community support going through college

was a resident assistant, played lacrosse, and was captain

as a first-generation American and I want to give back in

of the women’s tennis team. She also met her now-hus-

that way, being that stable and supportive person for those

band, Jameson Beretta ’18, through mutual friends.

who may not have that in their life,” she said.

When Savellano Beretta heard a social worker from the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless speak to students at

“

I think of the people who have lifted me up and have seen the potential for me to grow, and I’d like to be that person for others.” —Christy Savellano Beretta ’16

Savellano Beretta mentors up-and-coming social workers by running a student internship program that she created within the law department at the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. The interns help with the administration of the scholarship program, support client intake, and help clients to understand their rights. Earlier this year, she passed her exam to become a licensed clinical social worker. “I just felt that AU was so supportive of me that I want to find ways to give back by creating space for connection with people,” said Savellano Beretta. “That’s what makes community. That’s what makes home.” Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Giving Back

A Chance to Dance Sharing the hidden language of the soul

aitlyn Prentiss ’21 has been dancing

the child, who was in fourth grade at the time,

almost since she learned to walk. She

to class with her to watch the dancers practice.

grew up surrounded by ballet slippers,

Soon the girl was picking up on the rhythm and

leotards, and tap shoes. She entered dance

moving to the beat. When class was over, she

competitions. She learned to choreograph.

joined Prentiss and the others, dancing freestyle

Dancing filled her soul.

across the studio.

Today, the 25-year-old spends her off hours dancing at Special Stars in Montgomery, Illinois, a nonprofit dance and movement program for children with disabilities that she

“It was fun for her,” said Prentiss. “She didn’t want to leave the studio.” The experience opened Prentiss’ perspective

helped to establish and where she serves as a

on dance as the hidden language of the soul, and she discovered the magic that could happen

board member.

when a child with special needs had the chance

Each class has about 20 dancers with special needs, and the children perform their

to dance. “The classes help with memorization skills,

routines at local competitions. The thera-

since the dancers need to learn routines, and

pist-supported classes are specialized and

with social development and self-esteem,” said

inclusive, giving the student dancers a chance

Prentiss. “We want the students to feel like

to shine.

typical children whose parents drop them off at

“Just to see the thrill they get when they dance is so rewarding,” said Prentiss. “I know

dance class after school.” As for Prentiss’ own journey, she worked hard

how much I enjoy dancing and how big my

to get her college degree as a young mother,

passion is, and to see the students experience

balancing caring for a baby and pursuing her

the same passion, I just love it. They come

university studies. She had support to help

back each week excited and ready to learn.”

her achieve her goals, and she wants to be that

Prentiss attended community college

support for others. Her daughter, Aubree, now a

before transferring to AU, where an internship at Lurie Children’s Hospital’s psychiatry

third grader, is her biggest motivator. “I do what I do—be it at work or through

inpatient program inspired her to major in

dance—because I know that I could be the

therapeutic recreation and disability stud-

change for somebody,” said Prentiss. “I’m show-

ies. After graduation, she landed a job as a

ing my daughter that anything is possible.”

behavioral health associate at Linden Oaks Behavioral Health in Naperville. During the day, she works to empower people living with anxiety and other psychological disorders. In the evenings and on weekends, she is in the dance studio bringing the joys of jazz, tap, and other dance classes to children with special needs. It all began when, as a teenager, Prentiss had a job as a personal support worker for a young girl with autism. One day, she took the 28

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

“

I know how much I enjoy dancing and how big my passion is, and to see the students experience the same passion, I just love it.” —Kaitlyn Prentiss ’21

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Student Life

“

Truly, in that moment at the church, it felt like we were just one united being.” —Audrey Esquivel ’26

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Lisa Fredenburgh Parolini Distinguished Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities

“A top moment for me was watching the students make so many discoveries about themselves and the performance of music. They became more dedicated musicians as the week went on.”

AU Chorale journeys to Ireland in ﬁrst overseas tour

eeling love, expressing love,

members of Ireland’s famous Anúna

choosing love. The AU Chorale

professional choir.

experienced these emotions

Western choral music was orig-

and more during a performance

inally created with the acoustics of

tour of Ireland in May. A centerpiece

cathedrals in mind, capturing the

of their repertoire, Kyle Pederson’s

beauty of a long reverb, and Freden-

“Choose Love,” expressed the theme of

burgh carefully chose the repertoire

the choir’s nine-day tour.

to showcase the choir’s talents in

The AU Chorale’s first-ever inter-

that acoustic.

national tour achieved a stunning

Love was the unifying theme

height of musical performance and

for the performances. Audiences

personal connection for 41 students

enjoyed the pairing of “Choose Love,”

and their director, Lisa Fredenburgh,

the centerpiece of the program with

the Parolini distinguished professor of

a soft conclusion, followed by “Stars,”

music and director of choral activities.

featuring the students playing

For many of the student performers,

accompaniment on wine glasses.

the nine-day tour was their first visit

The varied program also included

to Europe.

the Mexican folk song “La Llorona,”

“A top moment for me was

the Irish hymn “Be Thou My Vision,”

watching the students make so

and the American popular classic

many discoveries about themselves

“What a Wonderful World.”

and the performance of music,” said

“We became very close to each

became more dedicated musicians

other,” said Audrey Esquivel ’26, a nursing major. “Singing in the

as the week went on. They unified

church in Dublin at our last per-

their sound in a way I’d been hoping

formance, I have never felt as

for. It was so exciting to reach a new

connected to people. We all started

Fredenburgh. “I watched as they

pinnacle of performance.”

tearing up. We were looking at each

The choir performed in historic

other, comforting each other, and

churches and cathedrals throughout

hugging each other. Truly, in that

the Emerald Isle, experiencing the

moment at the church, it felt like we

thrill of producing sound in cathe-

were just one united being.”

drals dating as far back as 1325.

“We went to Ireland to spread a

They sang at St. Mary’s Church of

message of love through our music,

the Sloes in Killarney, St. Nicholas’

but little did I know that music would

Collegiate Church in Galway, St.

reveal so much to me in return,” said

Patrick’s College Chapel at May-

elementary education major Bridget

nooth University, and Christ Church

Butler ’24. “This Ireland tour made

Cathedral in Dublin. Students also

me fall in love with music all over

participated in a master class with

again.” (Continued on next page) Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Student Life

The tour was originally scheduled for May 2020, but was postponed due to the pandemic. Several students who had graduated returned to take part in the tour. Psychology major

Darryl Harris ’22 was one of them. “I was ecstatic,” Harris said about learning he could participate. “It meant a lot to me, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.” Choir members come from a range of academic disciplines—business, English, nursing, as well as the arts. The opportunity for travel not only captured the spirit of the liberal arts, but also allowed the students to embrace the unexpected. For many students, a high point of the tour was the Galway concert, where they discovered upon arrival that the venue had accidentally double booked other choirs for the same performance. Two concerts became one, as AU Chorale, Männerchor choir of Bamberg, and Galway Sings Project shared the sanctuary in front of an enthusiastic audience. After the concert, the Männerchor choir members invited everyone

From Checkpoint Charlie to salsa dancing, travel abroad returns

urora University’s study

the many cultural aspects of Spain.

abroad program returned

They played the popular sport of

this past spring, opening the

padel, went salsa dancing, spent a

to a reception hall where all of the

door for students to experience new

day on a cattle ranch, took a litera-

singers socialized, sang, and danced

cultures and explore what it means to

ture tour of Salamanca, and cooked

into the night. They sang everything

be a global citizen.

and ate authentic dishes. On the

from German drinking songs to

In May, 16 students and two fac-

weekends, the group traveled to

disco hits such as Anita Ward’s

ulty members traveled to Salamanca,

Madrid, Segovia, and Ávila, as well

“Ring My Bell.”

Spain, as part of the Spanish Lan-

as Almeida, Portugal.

“I knew this tour was something

guage Immersion course. They took

When they returned from Spain,

that would leave a mark on my life

nine days of intensive conversation

students submitted their photos for

forever,” said musical theatre major Olivia Novak ’24. “To be able to meet

and grammar classes with other stu-

exhibition at the Phillips Library.

people from all over the world who

and Italy.

dents from China, France, Germany,

Separately, students in the Comparative Economic and Financial

have the same love and passion for the

In the afternoons and evenings,

Systems in Europe course visited

art that we create was one of the most

the group visited museums, toured

Copenhagen, Berlin, and Prague

heartwarming parts of the trip.”

local attractions, and experienced

to study post-World War II polit-

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

All creatures great and small It was a wild summer for three AU humananimal studies majors who landed exciting internships at animal parks nearby and across the country. Sami Gergits ’24, Conservation Education Presenter at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Orlando, Florida

“

The internship experience taught me so much about wildlife, animal habitats from around the globe, and Disney’s commitment to conservation. I loved interacting with all the guests and educating them about the importance of conservation and the need to take care of our world and its inhabitants. And I gained conﬁdence in my presentation and teamwork skills, all while enjoying the day-to-day life at Disney.”

Madison McCalley ’24, Zookeeper at Phillips Park Zoo, Aurora, Illinois ical and economic developments. The 17 students toured historical and financial sites including the Museum of Danish Resistance in Copenhagen, the Bundestag and

“

My favorite part of the internship was interacting with reptiles, birds, and mammals. I learned all the ways a zoo operates behind the scenes as well as the proper care of wild and exotic animals. The key takeaway from my experience is that the welfare of the animals is the most important thing.”

the Federal Ministry of Finance in Berlin, and the Czech National Bank and the Museum of Communism in Prague. One of the most powerful learning experiences of the trip, according to students, was a storytelling session with a man who hid in a trunk of a car to escape the East German Communist dictatorship. The group heard firsthand about his life in East Germany during the Communist era and his harrowing journey to cross the

Austin Phelps ’24, Carnivore Keeper at Wildlife Safari, Winston, Oregon

“

My internship showed me how much we need safari parks to raise awareness of endangered animals. I learned husbandry behaviors and commands to give to the animals (lions, tigers, bears, wolves, and cheetahs) to help with veterinary care and allow visitors to see them. When I got proﬁcient enough, I was able to lead tour groups of up to 50 people and conduct outreach events with cheetahs, such as bringing them to school classrooms. Most people know cheetahs are endangered, but being able to show them up close and personal allows people to see what amazing animals they are and hopefully inspires them to do something to help save them.”

Berlin Wall at Checkpoint Charlie to freedom. Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Athletics

One for the record books For the Aurora University Division III athletic program, 2022–2023 marked one of the most successful years in history. AU won 10 Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference championships, and 13 teams or individuals participated in NCAA championships. AU was one of only two DIII institutions to make the NCAA Sweet 16 in football and baseball. The Spartans also captured both the women’s and men’s title for the NACC All-Sports Awards, a reflection of the Spartans’ overall excellence across conference sports. As for individual student-athletes and coaches, the Spartans had a tremendous year garnering accolades, highlighted by a national player of the year, an NCAA Elite 90 winner, 11 All-Americans, three Academic All-Americans, and six conference coaches of the year. To top it off, AU finished the year with its second-highest showing to date in the Learfield Directors’ Cup Division III, considered the crowning achievement in college athletics. The Spartans placed 55th—out of more than 420 DIII institutions—with a total of 331.5 points, the highest score in AU history. The Learfield Cup is a comprehensive ranking of intercollegiate athletic departments based on their participation in NCAA championships.

U20 World Championships: Alexis Janiak, women’s wrestling Spartan wrestler Alexis Janiak ’26 from Plainﬁeld, Illinois, won the bronze medal in the 59 kg class at the World Under-20 Wrestling Championships 2023 held in Amman, Jordan.

13 NCAA Division III championship appearances Baseball Cross country (women’s) Football Golf (men’s and women’s) Indoor track and ﬁeld (women’s) Outdoor track and ﬁeld (men’s) Lacrosse (men’s and women’s) Soccer (men’s) Volleyball (women’s) Wrestling (men’s and women’s)

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

NCAA Elite 90: Braedon Duncan, men’s golf The Elite 90 award for the 2023 NCAA Division III Men’s Golf Championship went to Braeden Duncan ’25 from Macomb, Illinois. Duncan, who carries a 4.0 GPA, is the ﬁrst Spartan male student-athlete to win the prestigious award. The Elite 90 recognizes student-athletes who have reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport while also achieving the highest academic standard.

331.5

AU scored 331.5 points in the Learﬁeld Directors’ Cup Division III, the most in school history, earning it a ranking of 55 out of more than 420 institutions. The Learﬁeld Cup is considered the crowning achievement in college athletics.

National Player of the Year: Darci Matson, women’s hockey Darci Matson ’25 from Wasilla, Alaska, received the Laura Hurd Award for the best player in the country in NCAA Division III women’s hockey. She is the ﬁrst AU student-athlete to win a national player of the year award in any sport. Matson was the leading scorer in the division with a dizzying 31 goals, 34 assists, and 65 points in just 27 games.

A fitting tribute to AU’s legendary baseball coach Jim Schmid The field at the Stuart Sports Complex in Montgomery, home to Spartan baseball since 2019, was officially named Jim Schmid Field this past spring in honor of the man who ushered in AU’s first golden age of baseball. Schmid took to the field on Baseball Alumni Day in April to throw out an honorary first pitch between games of a conference doubleheader with visiting Concordia University Chicago. Under Schmid’s leadership from 1983 to 1992, the Spartans won nine straight conference crowns and qualified for their first NCAA Division III tournament in 1987. Three years later, the Spartans finished second in the College World Series. “The way he coached, the way he treated his players, the example he set on and off the field, there is no question that Coach Schmid impacted in a positive way thousands of people over the years,” said Matt Cannon ’94, an AU trustee who played for Schmid. “There was one ingredient to his success that was obvious to anyone who played for him. He loved his players more than we could love him back. He deserves to have the field named in his honor.” Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Giving AU president creates Future Promise Fund

his fall, Aurora University launched a new fund to support students who are

the first in their family to attend college. The initiative, one of the first of the new president’s tenure, is named the Future Promise Fund and is tied to the theme of Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills’ inauguration. Making higher education accessible is core to AU’s work. The Future Promise Fund builds on the university’s tradition of welcoming new populations of learners and supports AU’s mission to create an inclusive learning environment where all students can access high-quality education.

“

President Rivera-Mills knows firsthand the difficulties of covering the costs of college. And she understands both the hard work and the

Being a first-generation student means that I have been given the opportunity to chase a dream to make both myself and my family proud. AU has helped me develop a roadmap and provided the resources I need to reach my goals.”

satisfaction that come with being a pioneer in education for your family. “These students are blazing new trails for themselves and their

—Luis Fernando Garcia ’26, Exercise Science and Athletic Training 3+2

families, and we want to support them by removing the barriers and opening the way for them to reach their potential,” said Rivera-Mills. The need is great. About one

it difficult to go to college and earn

Promise Fund, President Rivera-Mills has

in two students at AU come from

a degree. They disproportionately

made a challenge gift to demonstrate her

families where parents don’t have

come from low-income families with

personal commitment to our students.

a college degree. That is higher

ethnic and racial minority back-

than the one in three undergrad-

grounds and are more likely to have

financial obstacles, I benefited from

uates nationwide who identify as

family and work obligations outside

teachers and mentors who helped me to

first-generation, according to the

of college, according to research

believe that I could indeed go to col-

Department of Education.

from the Pell Institute.

lege and supported me along the way,”

First-generation students face a number of challenges that make

To encourage alumni and community members to support the Future

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

“Despite challenging academic and

said Rivera-Mills. “Their efforts have guided my work to this day. As a result,

“ I have endeavored to provide similar opportunities to students, always considering their diverse backgrounds,

AU has supported me in so many ways—educationally, financially, and emotionally—and I will forever be grateful for that. I hope to pay it forward one day and support other first-generation students as they reach their educational goals, just as AU helped me.” —Jennifer Hinojosa ’24, Accounting

unique needs, and challenges, and connecting them in a timely fashion to opportunities and resources that will help them succeed.” Many AU alumni obtained their degrees because of the scholarship support they received. Now, the Future Promise Fund will provide the resources needed for today’s students to achieve their educational dreams. Become a part of the effort to support AU’s first-generation students by giving online to the Future Promise Fund at aurora.edu/give.

Meeting an urgent need Students with college-educated parents

First-generation students

Median parental annual income

$90,000

$41,000

Pursue college-level education

93%

72%

Attain college-level education

49%

20%

Source: Center for First-generation Student Success, Washington D.C., an initiative of the Suder Foundation and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Faculty News AWA R D S A ND ACCOL ADE S

In Brief

Wells receives 2023 Trumbo Award for Excellence in Teaching Aurora University awarded its most prestigious faculty recognition to Chair and Associate Professor of Parks and Recreation Leadership Christopher Wells. The Marcus and Mark H. Trumbo Award for Excellence in Teaching acknowledges the finest work of full-time AU faculty in their roles as teachers, mentors, and scholars. Wells was lauded for enriching student learning by meeting students where they are in their academic journey, building mentoring relationships, and developing innovative curriculum that takes students beyond the classroom into the field to learn—from how to pilot a drone to how to save coral reefs. Students praised Wells’ overall passion for teaching and for instilling an excitement to learn. In the anonymous nomination forms, they cited his ability to help them find their way and make them feel at home at AU. One student noted, “He will make you love the

In April, Kristen Brendel, PhD, LCSW, associate professor of social work, was a keynote speaker for The Menta Education Group’s 50th annual conference in Elmhurst, Illinois, with the presentation, “From Stress to Resilience: SelfCare for School Professionals.” She is co-authoring a book chapter, “Licensing and Certiﬁcations,” for school social workers in collaboration with the School Social Work Association of America. Brendel also facilitated professional development workshops this past spring on the clinical applications of forest bathing to social workers and other mental health professionals. Matthew S. Dabros, PhD, was appointed associate vice president for academic affairs in July. Dabros is associate professor of political science and public policy and previously held the position of director of undergraduate studies at AU’s Dunham School of Business and Public Policy. Before joining AU in 2016, he was an assistant professor of political science at Western Connecticut State University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and government from AU, and a master’s degree in economics and a master’s degree and PhD in political science and government, all from Purdue University.

subject he is teaching more each day.” Wells joined the AU faculty in 2011. He holds an EdD in leadership in curriculum and instruction and an MS in recreation administration from AU. He received a BA in management and leadership from Judson University. 38

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Marissa Happ, DSW, associate professor of social work and coordinator of the MSW healthcare and gerontology tracks, was appointed to a two-year term on the Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee,

part of the Illinois Department of Public Health. She continues her role as a member of the National Association of Social Work special interest group on aging populations. Jennifer Kohnke, EdD, associate professor of education, wrote a textbook for teaching social studies methods, published through Kendall Hunt Publishing. The work, titled “The Social Studies Classroom: Teaching with the 3E’s: Enthusiasm, Engagement, and Empathy,” will provide elementary teachers with the tools and inspiration to teach inquiry-based lessons that build critical thinking and prepare students to become reﬂective, empathetic, and engaged citizens. Connie Zak, DNP, MBA, FNP-BC, was named dean of the School of Nursing in June. Before joining AU, she served as interim director of nursing programs at Northeastern Illinois University, dean of the college of nursing at Oak Point University (previously Resurrection University), and associate dean of the online nursing programs for Purdue University Global. Prior to her most recent academic roles, Zak was the vice president for healthcare management for the Community Care Alliance of Illinois. Zak received her BSN at the University of Illinois at Chicago, MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management, and DNP from Rush University.

AU received its ﬁrst major NSF scholarship grant to train STEM teachers.

The National Science Foundation Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program grant is named for Robert Noyce, co-inventor of the integrated circuit and one of the founders of computer chip maker Intel Corp. The grant helps address the shortage of teachers in the STEM ﬁelds, especially among underrepresented groups.

The NSF Noyce grant team (pictured, from left) Professor Chetna Patel, Assistant Professor Lindsey Hill, Associate Professor Alma Rodriguez Estrada, and Associate Professor Aubrey Brammar Southall together in the chemistry lab.

NSF awards AU $1.4M to train STEM teachers, promote diversity

Funds from the grant will be used

he National Science Foun-

capacity,” said Chetna Patel, Smith

dation awarded Aurora

distinguished chair in science and

to provide scholarships for at least

University $1.4 million in

mathematics, chair of biology and

24 undergraduate students, known

funds to help address the nation-

physical sciences, and professor of

as Noyce Scholars, over a five-year

wide shortage of teachers in science,

chemistry, who served as principal

period beginning in fall 2023.

technology, engineering, and math,

investigator for the project.

particularly among groups underrepresented in the STEM fields.

Research shows that matching

The AU faculty team leading the effort include Patel; Aubrey Brammar

teachers to student racial demo-

Southall, associate professor of edu-

graphics can lead to increased

cation and coordinator of secondary

Scholarship Program grant will

student performance, but overall

education; Alma Rodriguez Estrada,

allow AU to expand opportunities

teacher diversity has not kept

associate professor of biology; and

for low-income and first-generation

pace with demographic changes.

Lindsey Hill, assistant professor of

college students to enter the STEM

In Illinois, 27% of public school

mathematics. AU is partnering with

teaching field. The goal is to expand

students in 2021 were Hispanic,

East Aurora School District 131, West

the pipeline and diversity of math

yet only 7.9% of their teachers

Aurora School District 129, and Elgin

and science teachers in Illinois and to

were Hispanic, according to the

Community College to recruit, train,

bring culturally relevant experiences

2020–2021 Illinois Report Card

and support secondary education

to classrooms, especially in high-need

produced by the Illinois State

STEM teachers.

school districts and schools serving

Board of Education.

The NSF’s Robert Noyce Teacher

Hispanic populations. “This is our first National Science Foundation multiyear scholarship grant and a big recognition at the federal level of AU’s merit and

In Illinois, 27% of public school students in 2021 were Hispanic, yet only 7.9% of their teachers were Hispanic. Source: Illinois State Board of Education, 2020–2021 Illinois Report Card

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Arts+Culture

Native American modern art redefined A unique traveling exhibition challenges stereotypical expectations of Indigenous art

hen a new wave of

50 works created by artists affiliated

selves, encouraged students to look to

abstract expressionism

with the Institute of American Indian

their cultural heritage as a source of

gripped the art world

Arts in Santa Fe, considered the

creativity and explore their identity as

in the mid-20th century, centered in

birthplace of contemporary Native

Native Americans. The artists drew

New York with Jackson Pollock, Mark

art. The collection includes paintings,

inspiration from such traditions as

Rothko, and others, few people knew

sculpture, and works on paper, and

beadwork, blanket designs, and animal

about a community of Native American

draws inspiration not only from the

hide painting, as well as the landscapes

artists drawn together in Santa Fe, New

abstract expressionist, color field, and

around them.

Mexico, making significant but over-

hard-edge painting movements that

They also took part in the wider

looked contributions to modern art.

sprung up after World War II, but also

abstract expressionist movement at the

from ancestral Native sources.

time, often referred to as the New York

This fall, the first major traveling exhibition of modern Native

“IAIA artists did not have to look

School, that was best known for large-

American art from the mid-1940s

far for inspirations for their abstrac-

scale paintings with strong emotional

through the 1970s opened at Aurora

tions: abstract elements were part

content and techniques, such as laying

University’s Schingoethe Center and

of Native art for thousands of years,”

canvases on the floor, “action painting,”

showcases these artists, who explored

said Tatiana Lomahaftewa-Singer,

or using house paint.

new ways of artistic expression and

curator of collections at the IAIA

challenged stereotypical expectations

Musem of Contemporary Native Arts

influence between the Native Amer-

of American Indian art.

and co-curator of the exhibition.

ican artists and the New York School

The exhibition points out that the

The exhibition, “Action/Abstraction

The IAIA instructors, who were

artists flowed both ways. Pollock drew

Redefined,” is a collection of more than

accomplished modern artists them-

inspiration from Native art throughout

40 40 Aurora AuroraUniversity UniversityMagazine Magazine || FALL/WINTER FALL/WINTER2023 2022

Abstract elements have been part of Native American art for thousands of years.

Opposite page: Neil Parsons (O’mahk-Pita, Tall Eagle) (Piikani), “Pueblo Forms #2,” 1965. Acrylic on canvas. Left: Earl Eder (Tancan Hanska, Longchase) (Yanktonai Sioux), “Forms in Beadwork,” ca. 1963. Oil on canvas. Above: IAIA student Alfred Young Man in studio, 1968. Below: Fritz Scholder (Luiseño), “New Mexico #21,” 1965. Oil on canvas. Images courtesy of the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

his career. In fact, after seeing Navajo

nations and giving them the freedom

sand painting demonstrations at the

to embrace and explore the mean-

Museum of Modern Art, he began using

ing of their own culture, the IAIA

his drip painting techniques on canvases

fostered a sense of belonging and

spread on the floor instead of on an easel.

sparked change.

Meanwhile, Native American artist Mike

“We are excited to bring this

Zillioux created his own spin on the drip

rare show to the Chicago area,” said

paint technique in his tongue-and-cheek

Natasha Ritsma, director of the

painting entitled “The Day Jackson

Schingoethe Center and an instruc-

Pollock Became a Christian.”

tor of museum studies at AU. “Our

“Abstract art practices have a long

mission at the museum is to celebrate

tradition in the artists’ cultures—cen-

artistic excellence and cultural diver-

turies older than the beginning of

sity in American art. This exhibition

abstract expressionism,” said Manuela

showcases a pivotal moment in

Well-Off-Man, chief curator at the IAIA

Native American art history.”

Museum of Contemporary Native Arts

The exhibition comes to AU with

and co-curator of the exhibition. “By

support from the Art Bridges Foun-

hosting this exhibition, Aurora Univer-

dation, a nonprofit that works with

sity helps tell a more inclusive story of

partner institutions to develop travel-

American modernism.”

ing exhibitions that bring American

Before the IAIA was established,

art to a wider public across the coun-

Native American artists were often

try. The show runs through Dec. 15 at

discouraged from connecting with their

the Schingoethe Center before travel-

heritage when creating art. By bringing

ing to the Arkansas Museum of Fine

students together from diverse tribal

Arts in Little Rock in February. Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

Arts+Culture

Five questions with John Quiñones The journalist took to the stage for the Arts and Ideas lecture

ohn Quiñones is a broadcast journalist and anchor of the news

Graduate School of Journalism led to

show “What Would You Do?” on ABC. Born and raised in San Antonio,

contacts in network television, which

Quiñones rose from humble roots to become the first in his family to

in turn led to my first TV reporting

attend college. He has won seven national Emmy Awards. Quiñones gave the

position at WBBM in Chicago. I am

Celebrating Arts and Ideas lecture at Aurora University in October.

convinced none of that would have happened without the education I

As a first-generation college student,

ately wanted to make the world a

what obstacles did you overcome to get

better place by shining a light on any

a college education? I had all kinds of

and all kinds of injustice in the world.

Why did you decide to become a journal-

formidable obstacles in my way. The

It was that yearning and determina-

ist? I became a journalist because as a

inner-city schools that I attended on

tion that kept me going.

Latino kid growing up in the barrios

exactly the kind of schools that pre-

What role did education play in your

of San Antonio and then as a migrant farmworker for a while picking fruits

pared their students for college. Being

success? Education had everything

and vegetables in Michigan and Ohio, I

a first-generation college student, I

to do with my success in the profes-

witnessed a good deal of discrimination

had no role models who might have

sional world. After graduating from

and injustice against people of color.

guided me toward higher education.

high school, I took night courses in

And I felt—strongly—that no one could

My family couldn’t afford to pay for

radio and television production at a

tell those stories better than someone

my college tuition. In fact, they had

community college, where I learned

who has lived through those experi-

no money at all to contribute to that

how to read news copy and perfect

ences. I wanted to be a voice for people

“luxury.” And yet, I was motivated by

my diction. My bachelor’s degree from

who too often do not have a voice.

a die-hard determination to make

St. Mary’s University in San Antonio

something of myself. My dream to

helped me get an internship at a local

Tell us how you landed your first jour-

become a television journalist was

radio station. And, finally, my master’s

nalism job. What did you learn from that

indefatigable. I have always desper-

degree from Columbia University’s

experience? I landed my first full-time

the West Side of San Antonio weren’t

“Education had everything to do with my success in the professional world,” said Quiñones.

42 42 Aurora AuroraUniversity UniversityMagazine Magazine || FALL/WINTER FALL/WINTER2023 2022

received at each one of those colleges.

job as a TV reporter at WBBM right out of Columbia in large part because of my master’s degree from such a prestigious journalism graduate program. But the fact is no one at the station would have heard about me if I had not approached the president of CBS News in New York after he gave a lecture to our class at the university. Immediately after his hourlong talk, I went up to him and said, “Mr. Richard Salant, I would love to interview you for my master’s project.” That was only partially true. I also wanted to give Salant my resume since I was graduating within a few months. He agreed to meet with me. After my short interview with him in his office about TV news, I whipped out my resume, laid it on his desk … and he

Meet AU’s first artist-in-residence Rain Wilson—playwright, spoken-word poet, activist, actor, and educator—has been named Aurora University’s inaugural artist-in-residence and interdisciplinary catalyst. Wilson’s artistic and educational work involves creating art for social justice and prompting dialogue for change. Her goal at AU is to develop projects that allow disciplines to intersect with art at the core, to support students and faculty, and to engage the local community. “Art has the power to shake something loose and to build bridges,” said Wilson. “I am interested in exploring how art can create community and solidarity and unify people.” A Chicago native, Wilson most recently worked in Indianapolis creating a commissioned play around the mental health struggles in communities of color. She also developed performance workshops for theatre art experimentation. Her arts company, Life Change Projects, is directing and producing a play that will debut at AU’s Celebrating Arts and Ideas series next spring. Wilson previously served as artistic director for the First Wave Spoken Word and Hip Hop Arts Learning Community at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. For more on the artist-in-residence initiative, visit aurora.edu/news or scan the QR code below.

just smiled. The next day, I got a phone call from one of Salant’s lieutenants, who said to me, “Mr. Salant describes you as a ‘very enterprising’ young man. He wants me to interview you about an opening at our station in Chicago.” CBS flew me out for an audition, and I got the job! I learned that you must use every single opportunity you get in life to ask for whatever it is you want. If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no. What is your advice to students who are seeking a career in journalism today? Read as much as you can about the world around you—and stay curious. Never be afraid to ask questions. There are no silly questions. Just silly answers. Always be respectful and not too pushy. Capitalize on the qualities that make you unique and different. That will help you gain access to characters, sources, and stories that others might not be able to court simply because they don’t possess the endearing qualities that define who you are. Make people want to talk to you. And then shoot for the stars.

“

Art has the power to shake something loose and to build bridges.” —Rain Wilson, AU artist-in-residence

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

BackStory

1953

The Founders House. President Theodore Pierson (T.P.) Stephens ’29 and his wife, Miriam D. Stephens, moved into the first president’s house 70 years ago—a Cape Cod with rose-tinted brick, white clapboard siding, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and bay windows. The dwelling, at Marseillaise Place and Gladstone Avenue, later became known as the Founders House, reflecting the university founders’ long-standing goal to have the president live on campus with a welcoming home to receive students, faculty, alumni, dignitaries, and other visitors. Three consecutive presidents lived at the address until, in the late 1980s, the building was turned into administrative offices. Earlier this year, President Susana Rivera-Mills revived the tradition of living on campus and moved into a new president’s house, a midcentury ranch at the southwest entrance to campus. Like the original Founders House, the new president’s home is designed with spaces for entertaining and receiving AU guests.

Aurora University Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2023

AURORA UNIVERSITY IS… Caring | Collaborative | Engaging | Inclusive | Innovative Inspiring | Resourceful | Spirited | Supportive | Transformative These are the values that reflect the spirit and lived experience of our university. As we enter the next chapter of the AU story, we will continue to champion these ideals as we prepare students for lives of meaning, service, and happiness in an ever-changing world.

This is our future promise.

NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID AURORA UNIVERSITY

Stay Connected with AU Update your address, submit a class note, or discover what fellow alumni are up to. aurora.edu/alumni Come home for a visit and meet with the Office of Alumni Relations and Engagement. alumni@aurora.edu | 800-377-2782