2018 President’s Report
A Message from the President
T
his 2018 President’s Report arrives midway through Aurora University’s 125th anniversary celebration. We kicked off our yearlong birthday party at Homecoming and will conclude the festivities later this spring. Our university has come a long way since that cold January morning when a handful of faculty greeted the three students who waited for the door to open at Mendota Seminary.
This report is heavy on facts and figures as we continue to gauge the success of Aurora University in the light of our students’ accomplishments. It is our singular belief in the power of learning to transform lives, families, communities, and societies for the better that animates the AU story over time. On the strength of this mission, we look forward to the next 125 years.
Rebecca L. Sherrick, PhD President
West Suburban Enrollment (Fall 2018)
Institution 2,944 6,005
3,927 1,131
4,940 3,652
2,928 6,005
6,440
2,990 1,257
3,426
Grand Total
Aurora University Benedictine University Concordia University Dominican University Elmhurst College Judson University Lewis University North Central College Saint Xavier University Trinity Christian College University of St. Francis Wheaton College
6,005 4,940 6,005 2,990 3,426 1,257 6,440 2,928 3,652 1,131 3,927 2,944
2018 | Fast Facts
91% Employment Rate of Nursing Graduates
75% Freshman Retention Rate
48
139
Number of Majors
School of Social Work
Number of Full-Time Faculty
859
Internships
671
935
Internship Sites
472
Bachelor’s Degrees
School of Nursing
Master’s Degrees
11
Doctoral Degrees
Dunham School of Business and Public Policy
189
Internships
1,324
30
Clinical Sites
Clinical Hours
Men’s Cross Country
Men’s Basketball
72
Internship Sites
Women’s Indoor Track and Field and Men and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field
Men’s Lacrosse
Men’s Golf
2018 Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Champions
Year in Review
+2.9
Strong Fiscal Health Each year, the U.S. Department of Education classifies every institution of higher education in the United States using a score reflecting its degree of financial responsibility. The score — ranging from -1.0, indicating a school that is considered not financially responsible, to +3.0 — is a composite of three reported ratios. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018, Aurora University’s composite score was +2.9, a determination that places the institution in the highest echelon of financial stability.
Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup Aurora University finished in the top 20% of over 420 Division III athletic programs around the United States in the final Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup Division III standings. The Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup is a comprehensive ranking of intercollegiate athletic departments based on their participation in NCAA Championship events. To gain this ranking, studentathletes reached outstanding achievements in women’s volleyball, men’s indoor track and field, men’s basketball, men’s lacrosse, men’s golf, baseball, and men’s and women’s track and field.
Student Success The three-year certification pass rate for athletic training students was 95%. The national pass rate is 83%.
Student Success In the spring semester, student teachers earned the following pass rates on the edTPA, an external evaluation required by the State of Illinois to teach: 100% in special education (undergraduate and graduate), 100% in secondary education, 100% in physical education, and 97% in elementary education.
Homecoming 2018 More than 300 alumni — spanning classes from 1948 to 2018 — returned to campus to celebrate Aurora University’s 125th birthday. They participated in activities such as a campus community birthday celebration and a discussion of archival objects that convey AU’s unique history. The Samuel Bedrosian Softball Stadium, located at Spartan Athletic Park, was dedicated in honor of the late AU coach and athletic director. More than 45 alumni joined current choir members for the first-ever alumni choir concert. Members of the 1982 NCAA Division III champion softball team were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame.
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Economic Impact In the 2017–2018 fiscal year, Aurora University contributed $378 million to Chicagoland, $149 million to Kane County, $63 million to the community of Aurora, and $10.9 million to Walworth County in Wisconsin. During 2017–2018, the John C. Dunham STEM Partnership School contributed $2.5 million to the Aurora area in higher expected lifetime earnings of Dunham students. In addition, AU spending supported 1,186 jobs in Chicagoland.
Renovated Dining and Meeting Facilities The university’s birthday present to the student body was a major expansion and renovation of the dining facilities. The project has received rave reviews from students: “better flow,” “more seating so that my friends and I can sit together without moving tables,” “more spacious,” “vibrant and bright,” “fancy lighting,” “feels like a completely new space.” And finally: “I’m sure alumni and my fellow Spartans love it as much as I do, as will future Spartans. Thanks, AU!”
Plus One Programs Four weeks after May Commencement, Aurora University launched MBA and MPA Plus One programs, which focus on the early career development of recent graduates. Through an intensive curriculum, 32 students are completing their master’s degree in one year of full-time graduate school while participating in an internship and cutting-edge professional development activities. The lineup of Plus One programs will grow in summer 2019 with the addition of degrees in recreation administration and accountancy.
Student Success Doctor of Education students earned a 100% pass rate on the Illinois State Board of Education certification exam for superintendents. Since August 2018, five EdD graduates have been promoted to superintendents in Illinois.
2018 | Fast Facts 100%
Number of Students at Each Location 4,659
Aurora University
301
George Williams College
229
Woodstock Center
816
AU Online
AU Veterinary Students Accepted Into Accredited Veterinary Schools* *Over a seven-year period
Acceptance Rate at U.S. Veterinary Schools Accredited by the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges
50%
Fall Enrollment 2000–2018 6,005
2,383
Student Volunteer Hours
2,525
Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action
3,406
School of Nursing
4,413
Athletics Department
81,077
School of Education and Human Performance
Top Graduate Schools
AU Students Are Attending
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