SPARTAN REPORT News from Aurora University Athletics | December 2015
Members of the Aurora University community make blankets during a Project Linus event.
Volunteers from the AU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee gather goods collected during the Cans Across the Conference food drive and prepare to deliver them to the local food pantry.
Spartans serve community through teamwork A commitment to community service As president of the AU Studentmuch of its energy on making a and helping others has always been an Athlete Advisory Committee difference across campus and beyond. integral part of the Aurora University (SAAC), an on-campus organization identity. We create an environment that helps bring service-learning The group organizes several events where learning happens on all corners opportunities to the Spartan each year, giving back in a big way. of campus and we community, Through activities such as Cans Across “TAKING TIME TO foster connections Maschmeyer says it is the Conference and Project Linus, SERVE OTHERS SHOWS between the classroom, important for student- SAAC is able to collect nonperishable GRATITUDE AND CREATES community and athletes to give back. goods for the local food pantry and A FEELING OF UNITY playing field. provide a sense of security, warmth and BETWEEN OUR ATHLETES “Taking time to serve comfort to children in need through AND THE COMMUNITY” As service projects others shows gratitude the gifts of handmade blankets. become an increasingly and creates a feeling visible part of student life, AU students of unity between our athletes and the “As professionals in higher education, we are building their lives around community,” she said. are empowered to assist the educational character, scholarship and a desire and social development of young adults,” to make a difference. For senior track The mission of the national SAAC is said athletic director Jim Hamad. and cross country runner Sherry to enhance the total student-athlete “Through service-learning opportunities, Maschmeyer, this is certainly true. experience by promoting opportunity, we positively impact communities protecting student-athlete welfare and help create well-rounded student“Volunteering is an important aspect of and fostering a positive studentathletes. These community service my life,” says Maschmeyer. “I grew up athlete image. The AU committee activities are as important to AU learning the importance of realizing what is the voice for Spartan athletes on Athletics as any success we have in you have and how you can help others.” a variety of topics, but also focuses athletic competition.”
Volunteer work leads to national recognition Citizenship is emphasized throughout AU, and student involvement does not go unnoticed. This year, senior defensive lineman Billy Baker has been honored by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) as a member of the 2015 Allstate Good Works Team. This award recognizes 22 college football players who have made a commitment to enriching the lives of others while contributing to the greater good of their communities.
Baker’s community service and leadership work includes volunteering with the Two Rivers Head Start Program, Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, Kiwanis Club River Clean-Up, Senior Services Associates, Hesed House, Kiwanis Club Local Pancake Breakfast, Oswego Beats and Eats, East Aurora High School Youth Camps and the Aurora University Spartan Leadership Council.
“Our student-athletes learn from the time they first step on campus that serving others is the greatest form of leadership, and Billy does a fantastic job of representing the AU student body,” said AU Football Head Coach Rick Ponx. “He has helped build on the foundation “I am extremely honored and grateful of those that came before him, while to be recognized as a member of the setting an example for all the newcomers 2015 AFCA Good Works Team,” said just entering our program. We are proud Baker. “I’m proud to represent Aurora of Billy and all the projects where he has University and our football team. I donated his time and efforts.” am also very fortunate to make such
Billy Baker reads to children at Two Rivers Head Start in Aurora, Illinois.
a valuable impact on those in need in my community. I do not consider it community service when it is something that I love to do.”
A S S I S TA N T AT H L E T I C D I R E C T O R R E C O G N I Z E D F O R W O R K I N C O M M U N I T Y Nicki Pieart, assistant athletic director and head athletic trainer, is an excellent example of the “service before self ” mantra. Her dedication to serving both the campus and greater Aurora community through numerous service initiatives is admirable. Throughout her time at AU, Pieart has worked with several athletic teams to coordinate service projects at a number of area organizations and has been a strong leader for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. For her hard work and dedication to serving others, Pieart was awarded The John McKee Citizenship Award earlier this year. The award is presented to a member of the AU community who has demonstrated outstanding citizenship and is actively engaged in a community service beyond his or her role at the university.
“I am honored and humbled by this award, and while grateful for the recognition, I am even more grateful for the volunteer opportunities I have been involved in at AU,” said Pieart. “I get tremendous satisfaction from serving the broader community and seeing student-athletes grow from their service experiences.” The award was established in 2009 by longtime Aurora University trustee John F. McKee. This award was created to affirm the university’s commitment to the values of integrity, citizenship, continuous learning and excellence. The award reflects McKee’s lifetime commitment to “service before self,” a principle that has guided his work as an AU trustee for 35 years and in his involvement and service throughout the Aurora community.
Hockey wins first contest in highly competitive conference The Aurora University men’s hockey team recently started the program’s second season of a National Collegiate Athletic Association schedule and the first in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA), which is home to many of the top NCAA Division III programs in the country. In the Spartans’ first weekend in the NCHA, AU won its first ever NCHA contest and went 1-0-1 against Finlandia University. Under the leadership of head coach Ryan Buchanan, the Spartans brought home a 4-1 win and came from behind to earn a 2-2 tie in game two of the series. “Four years ago we didn’t have players, a home rink or uniforms. To go from that to winning our first NCHA contest is incredible to see,” said Buchman. “We’ve worked hard to lay the groundwork to make Aurora University hockey a program that will give students-athletes a fantastic educational and on-ice
experience. I look forward to the remainder of this season. I know our guys will do great things.” Catch the Spartan hockey team in action at the Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva, Illinois. For a full schedule, view athletics.aurora.edu.
SPARTAN EVENTS
TO VIEW A FULL UPCOMING GAMES SCHEDULE, V I S I T AT H L E T I C S . A U R O R A . E D U
Tuesday, December 1
Saturday, December 5
Wednesday, December 9
Women’s Basketball vs. Concordia University Chicago 5:15 p.m. Thornton Gymnasium
Men’s and Women’s Track at Illinois Wesleyan University 10:00 a.m. Bloomington, IL
Women’s Basketball vs. North Park University 7:00 p.m. North Park University
Men’s Basketball vs. Concordia University Chicago 7:30 p.m. Thornton Gymnasium
Men’s Basketball vs. Lakeland College 2:00 p.m. Thornton Gymnasium
Men’s Basketball vs. Marian University 7:00 p.m. Thornton Gymnasium
Friday, December 4 Hockey vs. Concordia University Wisconsin 7:30 p.m. Fox Valley Ice Arena
Women’s Basketball vs. Lakeland College 4:15 p.m. Thornton Gymnasium Hockey vs. Concordia University Wisconsin 7:00 p.m. Fox Valley Ice Arena
Women’s Basketball at Concordia University Wisconsin 4:15 p.m. Mequon, WI
Saturday, December 19 Women’s Basketball vs. Rockford University 1:00 p.m. Thornton Gymnasium
Saturday, December 12 Men’s Basketball at Concordia University Wisconsin 2:00 p.m. Mequon, WI
SPARTAN FANS, DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS JIM HAMAD? SEND AN EMAIL TO JHAMAD@AURORA.EDU WITH YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER AND YOUR QUESTION.
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“I’ve always had an interest in giving back, and the volunteer work I’ve participated in at AU has strengthened my decision to become a social worker. It’s important to help others because everyone is deserving of having the tools to live a healthy, happy life.” — T AY L O R A R C I V A R , W O M E N ’ S L A C R O S S E , S O P H O M O R E SOCIAL WORK MAJOR
“AU is a giving community. I enjoy working with the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry and offering another set of hands out in the community to help wherever I’m needed.” — D U S T I N R H O D E S , M E N ’ S L A C R O S S E , J U N I O R AT H L E T I C T R A I N I N G M A J O R
“Service opportunities have enriched my overall AU experience. My favorite activity has been working with the kids in the Hesed House after-school program. I’ve realized how little it takes to make a difference in the lives of others.” — LAURA DIERKING, SOFTBALL, JUNIOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND BUSINESS MAJOR
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SPARTAN REPORT
News from Aurora University Athletics | December 2015