Winter 2012 - Aurora University

WINTER 2012AU TodayNews from Aurora University and George Williams CollegeCentennial projects leading AU into the next centuryUpdated master plan envisions expansion southward to support a thriving institutionNearly 100 years ago, the early leaders ofthe institution that would become AuroraUniversity moved their small college fromMendota, Ill., to today’s campus location onthe west side of the City of Aurora. Seekinga prosperous future for the young college,they recognized that Aurora’s growingbusiness environment and easy access toChicago would provide a place where theirinstitution of higher learning could reach itsfull potential.The college flourished over the next century,expanding from its initial three buildingsto more than 20, and transforming into acomprehensive liberal arts university withmore than 4,000 students. In 2012, as AuroraUniversity celebrates the 100th anniversaryof the move from Mendota to Aurora, theuniversity also is putting into motion a newmaster plan that will support a thriving student population,expand academic programs and position the university as avital resource in the Fox Valley into the next century.A new Welcome Center on Calumet Avenue will be a place of hospitality for receptions anddinners before and after university events. It will house the admission and alumni offices aswell as the Schingoethe Center for Native American Cultures.The centennial celebration provides the perfectopportunity to start writing the next chapter in theuniversity’s history, said President Rebecca L. Sherrick.Over the past decade, AU has become more visible in thelife of the community. Each year, the university welcomesfriends and neighbors to free lectures, concerts, plays andathletic events on campus. Students and faculty are involvedin service activities throughout the city, improving the livesof Aurora residents.“AU is no longer a ‘best-kept secret,’” she said. “As weunveil our new master plan, we embark upon an effort tomake the university even more visible as a center for theexchange of ideas and the development of shared solutionsto complicated problems.”Continued on page 6AuroraUniversity1950sandToday

Aurora NewsCommunity service events draw record number of studentsDespite the early hour on a Saturday morning, AuroraUniversity students were chipper and excited as they arrivedat the Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action on Dec. 3. By8:30 a.m., more than 100 people packed the center on thesouthwest corner of campus, filling the gathering place withthe buzz of anticipation.No, this wasn’t Homecoming or game day. The studentswere eager to take part in the campus Morning of Service,a semiannual event that puts AU students out in thecommunity to volunteer.A total of 111 AU students participated in the fall “GiveThanks, Give Back” event, which partnered with six Auroraorganizations on community service projects. That marked afourfold increase from the first event in the spring.“The first time we did this we had 30 students, and to seethat increase now is pretty awesome,” said Jonathan Dean,Assistant Professor of Religion and Wackerlin Fellow. “Therehas been a big emphasis around campus geared towardcommunity service.”That also was evident in late October, when almost 200AU students gathered for the first-ever Sleep Out on theQuad to raise awareness about homelessness in the area.Students also collected more than 2,000 items through acorresponding campus food and clothing drive.The success of both events is a reflection of howenthusiastically AU students are embracing the AU missionof service. The Wackerlin Center has been instrumental inorganizing the projects as it plays an increasingly visiblerole in campus life.Senior Max Mickey, a business major from North Aurorawho helped coordinate work at one of the Morning ofService sites, teamed up with other AU students to helpAU students volunteered at the Mutual Ground domestic-violence shelterin Aurora during the Morning of Service on Dec. 3. From left are Qoc’avibRevolorio, a junior Spanish major from Shabbona; Brianna Carroo, asophomore nursing major from Schaumburg; and Vanessa Gallegos, ajunior elementary education major from Plainfield.make 15 area homes more energy-efficient through theorganization Rebuilding Together Aurora. The group, whichincluded 25 student-athletes on the men’s soccer team, didthings like replace old light bulbs, insulate electrical outletsand apply weather stripping for low-income residents.“This is about getting involved and helping out,” Mickey said.“A lot of the people we’re helping don’t have the opportunitieswe have. We want to help make their lives a little bit easier bygiving a little bit of our time.”Kris Johnson, AU Director of Student Leadership andWackerlin Fellow, said the university is working to involvemore Aurora-area organizations in future service projects asthe number of participating students continues to grow.“I hope this continues to gain momentum and we continue topartner with more community organizations,” she said. “Wewant this to keep building.”AU launching flexible online degree programs this fallAurora University will offer onlinecourses this year to expand the reachof its signature programs.Select general education courses willbe offered online to currently enrolledstudents in the second half of thespring semester and during the Mayand summer terms. Starting in thefall, AU will offer fully online degreeprograms.The first programs will includespecial education and ESL/bilingualendorsements, RN to BSN completion,bachelor’s degree completion andmaster’s degree in communication,business degree completion, andMBA in marketing. Other programsin education, nursing, social workand business will follow. GeorgeWilliams College will start by offeringa doctoral degree in social workand master’s degree in recreationadministration as online programs.Each online course will be eight weekslong and offered year-round.“We are building upon our strongprograms and trying to reach newmarkets,” said Jodi Koslow Martin,Interim Dean of the College ofProfessional Studies. “We’re targetingstudents who recognize our name butneed greater flexibility in how theylearn.”All courses will be designed andtaught by full-time AU instructors,which means they will be held to thesame quality standards as traditionalcourses, Koslow Martin said.2 AU Today || Winter 2012

George williams college NewsGWC to launch sustainability and environmental management majorThis fall, George Williams College will offer a newundergraduate program in sustainability and environmentalmanagement to meet the needs of a growing niche inthe market and prepare students to be advocates forenvironmental responsibility.“The program takes an inter- and multi-disciplinaryapproach,” said Richard Boniak, Assistant Professor ofGeneral and Environmental Sciences. “Students need acombination of science and liberal arts education to besuccessful in understanding sustainability issues, devisingsolutions and mobilizing society to make change. Ourclasses teach effective communication strategies, criticalthinking and environmental studies.”The courses will ask students to examine environmentalliteracy, compare different theories in environmentalism,and explore historical, geographical and culturaldifferences in how civilizations relate to their environments.Additionally, students will take practical courses in topicssuch as soil management and food production.experience on Lake Geneva and surrounding rivers, as wellas at the neighboring Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy.When students graduate from the program, they will bearmed with a strong foundation in liberal arts and sciences,knowledge of contemporary trends in environmentalmanagement and communication skills to be effectiveadvocates for sustainability.Like many programs at GWC, the sustainability andenvironmental management major incorporates handsonlearning and service opportunities in the curriculum.Students will gain a significant amount of outdoorThe new undergraduate program in sustainability and environmentalmanagement will take advantage of GWC’s natural setting by givingstudents hands-on outdoor experience on Lake Geneva and thesurrounding rivers.Pyle to strengthen, expand academic programs and marketing at GWCIn just a few short months, JohnPyle has already crafted a big visionfor the future of George WilliamsCollege.As the new GWC Senior VicePresident, Pyle will lead operationson the Lake Geneva campus andkey university-wide initiatives,including the exploration ofblended online-classroom coursesand new academic majors and programs. He started in theposition in October.“I am excited to work with those here to expand what we’redoing and create new programs,” Pyle said. “GWC is rootedin a strong mission and sense of place, with a clear focus onmind, body, spirit and service. It is a mission that is relevantto the challenges that many students will face after college,no matter whether they are undergraduates or graduates.”At the core of Pyle’s plans to enhance the GWC experienceis adding programs that build upon the college’s legacyof serving others while still being relevant to today’s jobmarket. An undergraduate major in sustainability andenvironmental management will launch in fall 2012 (seestory above), and a blended summer residential and onlineDoctor of Social Work program also is being explored.Social entrepreneurship — the study of business principlesnot for the sake of monetary gains, but for the advancementof individuals and the betterment of communities — alsois central to GWC plans for the future. Courses at GWC willcontinue to be focused on improving the lives of the peopleserved by the college and its graduates.To help maintain affordability and provide students withexperiential learning opportunities, Pyle and his team areexploring a work-college concept. In this model, studentsgain hands-on experience through meaningful work oncampus and in the surrounding areas while helping offsetthe cost of their education.“I see a future where our students operate a co-op at thecollege, helping transform the delivery of human serviceswith area agencies,” he said. “I envision a future whereGeorge Williams graduates help rebuild the fabric ofAmerican society.”Pyle joins GWC from Hamline University, where he playeda key role in developing and implementing the institution’sstrategic plan.aurora.edu || 3

NEWSLocal singers help make GWC Christmas concert a community eventNormally, opera and Christmas carolsdon’t end up in the same program. Butthe annual holiday concert at GeorgeWilliams College wasn’t your usualperformance.It all started with casting for the one-actChristmas opera “Ahmal and the NightVisitors,” the centerpiece of the Dec. 9concert in the Beasley Campus Centerstarring local performers with the Musicby the Lake Festival Orchestra. The leadrole calls for a boy with an unchangedvoice, so Executive Director ChristineFlasch found an 11-year-old singer toplay the part.After that, a theme emerged. Flaschasked choral music directors at fourmiddle schools around Williams Bayto find their best vocalists to participatein the concert. After the opera, achoir of 52 singers from the middleschools joined professional soloistsand the orchestra on stage for “ThisChristmastide.”“All four schools got on boardimmediately,” Flasch said. “It was sodeeply satisfying for me to have sucha marvelous response from the localteachers.”The GWC Christmas event turned into aconcert for and by the community. Thenight opened with 12-year-old localpianist Matthew Zaremba performingthe Allegro movement from Mozart’s“Eine Kleine Nachtmusik”with the Music by theLake Festival Orchestra— his first experienceperforming with fullorchestral backup. Forthe finale, the middleschool chorus led theaudience in a Christmascarol sing-along.Invited guests included students from aspecial-needs school, plus residents ofa local senior home and a respite centerfor adults with disabilities.“My hope here was to bring in a wholegroup of people we’ve never servedbefore quite in that capacity,” Flasch said.“I really feel music is the internationallanguage. It just touches the heart, and itmoves you like nothing else.”AU Choirs performfree concertsThe Aurora University Choirscelebrated the season with two freeChristmas concerts on the Auroracampus on Dec. 4. The UniversityChorale, Chamber Singers, AU FluteEnsemble and the new Spartan Singersmale quartet performed classical andpopular holiday selections. The eventalso included audience caroling andfestive pipe organ music performed byartist-in-residence David Schrader.Aurora University economicimpact continues to riseA new report estimates that Aurora University contributesmore than $325 million to the Chicago area economyannually, up more than 6 percent from three yearsago. The study also found that the university provided1,407 new jobs in the region in the 2010-2011 fiscal year,including 349 positions at AU.The economic impact study, conducted by EconImpactusing American Council on Education methodology,factors in direct and secondary spending, alumniearnings and social benefits. The report estimatesthat AU contributes $110 million to the Kane Countyeconomy, a 17 percent increase. The study also weighsthe value of an Aurora University education for the16,000 working alumni in the Chicago area. A graduatewith a bachelor’s degree earns $21,657 more thansomeone with a high school diploma, while alumniwith master’s degrees earn $26,544 more than someonewith an undergraduate degree.Read the full report at aurora.edu/economicimpact.Women’s lacrosse program drawingrecruits from across the countryThe new AU women’s lacrosse team is shaping up to be an eclecticmix of student-athletes from across the country.Since being hired in July, Head Coach Lauren Rippy has been busyrecruiting high school students for the first varsity season in spring2013. So far, her committed and interested recruits hail fromIllinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Maryland, Colorado and Alabama.“It’s going really well,” she said. “The biggest hurdle in startingfrom scratch has been identifying what kind of student-athletewill be successful here at AU.”The former high school coach, who compiled a 98-39-3 record andwon six conference championships over seven seasons at NeuquaValley High School in nearby Naperville, has been looking forwell-conditioned athletes who will outwork the competition.Rippy hopes to build a roster of 18 players for her first season inthe Midwest Women’s Lacrosse Conference, including currentstudents who might be interested in joining the team. Eventually,she hopes to have a roster of 26 to 28 student-athletes.4 AU Today || Winter 2012

voices: perspectives from the AU communityStorytellers project captures AU history and legacyBy Audrey Axmaker Howe, AU ’67When I first heard of the AUStorytellers project — an effort tocapture the history of the universitythrough videotaped interviews withalumni from across the nation — Ithought it sounded like a goodidea, but that my experience wasn’timportant enough to participate.What could I add to what othergraduates had already contributedthat was worthy of being added to theuniversity’s archives?But as time passed, and after visitingcampus in the fall, I realized that thesuccess of the project depends onincluding as many alumni as possible,and I didn’t want to be left out. I amstill a part of Aurora College, and it stillis a part of me.In my interview, I shared a picturethat was taken during the week ofgraduation in 1967. My parents haddriven from Oregon to be there as theirfirst child graduated from college. Alsovisiting the campus that weekend wasCol. Harland Sanders of Kentucky FriedChicken. I had been a recipient of grantfunds that Sanders gave to the college.He also donated the carillon bells thathad been recently installed to play thatweekend.I not only was appreciative of thefinancial assistance Sanders provided,but I also felt honored to meethim. I have often bragged about myrelationship withhim, and haveshared the pictureof the two of us atgraduation withmany throughthe years. I stillthink of himoccasionally whenour family makes avisit to a KFC, andI contain myselfwhen I get the urgeto tell strangersthat I once knewCol. HarlandSanders.During theinterview, I alsogave a gooddescription ofwhat it was likeliving in theresidence halls in the late ‘60s bysharing a poem about dorm rules thatwas presented to the incoming femalestudents. Back then, no men wereallowed on the floors that housed ourrooms, except during certain eveninghours. We had to sign in every eveningand, if you were late, you would receivea “campus” for the following Saturdaynight, which meant you couldn’t leavethe dorm. Though strict, these rulesprovided security, a continuation ofsimilar guidance we had in our parents’homes.I also recalled, when I lived on thethird floor of Memorial Hall, hearingpebbles hitting the window. I wouldlower a basket out the window and mymale friends, who didn’t have the samehours, would put in food from Bob’sHamburgers for us to enjoy.Through the Storytellers project, Irealized that my story is unique — as isthe story of each of my fellow graduates.Through our stories and our support, wecan continue to make an impact on thefuture and mission of Aurora University.Share your AU storyAs we celebrate the 100th anniversary of our move from Mendotato Aurora, we are engaging alumni in video interviews as part of theStorytellers oral history project. By asking Aurora University, AuroraCollege and George Williams College graduates to reflect on themeaning of their educational experiences and share their vision forthe institution, we hope to preserve our heritage while building onthat legacy into the next century.To watch alumni interviews and participate in the project, visitaurora.edu/storytellers, or contact Alumni Relations at 630-844-5482or alumni@aurora.edu.aurora.edu || 5

Continued from page 1The Master PlanAt the core of the master plan is the university’sgrowth south toward Prairie Street. As a resultof a successful effort to purchase residentialproperties over the past seven years, AU now hasan opportunity to create a prominent campusentrance and envision future academic andadministrative buildings. Under this plan, theuniversity will expand from 32 acres to 40 acresand be more visible to the community andprospective students.In keeping with the vision of the early benefactors ofAU, the new structures will incorporate the brick andred tile roofs that are hallmarks of the campus. Theplan also reflects the university’s commitment to itssurrounding neighborhoods by addressing issues ofparking and maintaining a residential setting, saidTom Hammond, Vice President for Administration.The draft update to the AU master plan proposes new projects on the south endof campus, including a Welcome Center (No. 31), Centennial Gateway (20) andWackerlin Center addition (29). It also shows future residential-style buildings intwo areas where the university has been purchasing homes (32 and 33).The new master plan was presented to electedofficials and city administrators in the fall and gainedan overwhelmingly positive response, Hammondsaid. This spring, the university will pursue formalapproval to proceed from the City of Aurora.Welcome CenterCentennial GatewayA 21,000-square-foot brick, stone and tile building to house admission and alumnioffices as well as the Schingoethe Center for Native American Cultures. Thetwo wings will be connected by a central archway that will guide visitors intothe sculpture garden in the rear courtyard. With its gracious public spaces andlocation at the entrance to campus, the new Welcome Center will be a place ofhospitality for receptions and dinners before and after university events.Location: Calumet AvenueProjected Cost: $7 millionTo date, the university has secured $4 million toward the project, and the Classof 1965 is leading the way to complete the fundraising effort with a class gift of$100,000.A red brick and red tile structure with athe roadway into campus; individual mocampus; preservation of the existing briof Gladstone Avenue and Marseillaise Pthe university’s role as a strong educatiopenness to the community.Location: Prairie Street and Calumet AveProjected cost: $232,000Thanks to a gift from a loyal donor and con1961, nearly half of the funds needed to co6 AU Today || Winter 2012

Centennial ProjectsAs part of the centennial celebration, AU will embark onthe construction of three capital projects in the southernexpansion area: the Centennial Gateway, the WelcomeCenter and an addition to the Wackerlin Center for Faithand Action.The new gateway at the intersection of Calumet Avenue andPrairie Street will designate an official AU entrance for the firsttime. The brick and wrought iron structure will span Calumet,which will become the primary roadway into campus.As visitors pass through the gateway, they will approachthe new Welcome Center. One wing of the building willhouse a reception and office center for the admissionand alumni offices, and include dining and gatheringspaces for university events. The other wing will house theSchingoethe Center with collections and exhibits orientedaround a large central art gallery. The museum’s move willcreate additional classroom space in Dunham Hall.Together, the two projects will welcome current andfuture AU students, alumni and the public to campus andextend AU’s traditions of hospitality and fellowship, saidJohn Boryk, ’65, Class Committee and fundraising effortmember.“The Centennial Gateway and Welcome Center willannounce that visitors have arrived at an institution ofhigher learning, where the experiences and values thatdefined Aurora University 100 years ago are still relevanttoday,” he said.The final centennial project is an addition to the WackerlinCenter for Faith and Action, the university’s hub forcampus ministry, leadership studies and communityservice. The new space will house a large classroom thatwill be used for a variety of functions, such as Bible studies,leadership and religion seminars, dinners, small groupdiscussions and community gatherings.“As the work of the Wackerlin Center — exploring life’sdeepest questions and seeking meaning for living life —grows and flourishes, we need a space to accommodate ourstudents and to be a focus for community outreach andstudent-led service,” said Jonathan Dean, Assistant Professorof Religion and Wackerlin Center Fellow. “The new buildingaddition will act as an inviting place for students to gather,build community and share their life’s journey.”To participate in the centennial campaign, please use theenclosed envelope or visit aurora.edu/alumni.Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action Additionwrought iron element that spansnuments to delineate the corners ofck and stone column at the cornerlace. The monument will signifyonal pillar in the Fox Valley and itsnueConstruction of a large classroom space, keeping with the architectural styleof the original building designed by Keck and Keck. The addition will expandthe center’s role on campus as a place where students can explore questionsof faith and meaning and join forces to improve the world around them.Location: South Evanslawn Avenue and Southlawn PlaceProjected Cost: $650,000To date, the university has secured $200,000 toward the project.tributions from members of the Class ofnstruct the gateway has been secured.aurora.edu || 7

news and eventsAlumni AwardsAurora University honored five alumni for lives and careersof service during Homecoming and GWC Coming HomeReunion last fall.Roger Tucker, AC BA ‘61, was presented the SpartanSpirit Award for his commitment to the institution andits mission. While at AU, Tucker excelled as a studentathleteand was involved in nearly every aspect of studentlife. Since graduation, he has been one of AU’s strongestadvocates.Cheryl L. Johnson, AU BA ’96, was presented the GeorgePeters Community Partnership Award. As executive directorof the Kendall County Health Department, Johnson’s workas a compassionate public health administrator and healthand wellness advocate has earned the respect of colleaguesand community members.Ole Hovland, AC BA ’61, was presented the DistinguishedAlumni Award for his professional accomplishments andembodiment of the AU values. In 1971, Hovland took thereins as CEO of Partek Norspenn in Norway, one of theworld’s principal producers of precast and pre-stressedconcrete, where he held leadership positions for more thanthree decades.Gordon E. Kaplan, GWC MS ’70, known by colleaguesas “Mr. Camping, USA,” was presented the DistinguishedAlumni Award. As a GWC graduate student, he helpedgrow the outdoor education program. During his career,he served as executive director for the American CampingAssociation in Illinois, working tirelessly to promotecamping and train camp directors.Aurellia Wyrzykowski Sobczyk, GWC BS ’37, waspresented with the Distinguished Alumni Award in honorof her 30-year career as a social worker in Chicago andSouth Carolina. In addition to assisting women andchildren in accessing much-needed benefits, she also is apolitical activist and active community volunteer.Spring CalendarAnnual High School Art Show Opening ReceptionMarch 13, 5 to 7 p.m. • Exhibit runs through April 5Schingoethe Art GalleryArts and Ideas: Kent KeithMarch 19, 7:30 p.m.Crimi AuditoriumArts and Ideas: Thomas PandolfiMarch 31, 7:30 p.m.Crimi AuditoriumAU Graduating Art Majors Exhibit Opening ReceptionApril 12, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. • Exhibit runs through Sept. 15Schingoethe Art GalleryAU Theatre Department Presents “Proof”April 13-14 and 18-21, 7:30 p.m.Perry TheatreGeorge Williams College CommencementApril 25, 2 p.m.Ferro PavilionSpring Concert of the AU ChoirsApril 27, 7:30 p.m.Crimi AuditoriumCommencementMay 6, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.QuadrangleStay connectedJoin the growing AU social media community andconnect with other students, parents, alumni and friends.Stay on top of the latest AU news and events atfacebook.com/aurorauniversity. Find alumni atfacebook.com/augwcalumni.Get instant news and athletic updates at twitter.com/aurorau and twitter.com/au_spartans.Watch video from campus events at youtube.com/aurorauniversity.See photos from campus events at flickr.com/aurorauniversity.Want daily news from the AU community? Checkout the new AU Today website at news.aurora.edu.For more information on these and other events, visit aurora.edu/calendar.8 AU Today || Winter 2012

Class NotesFrom Alumni of Aurora University and George Williams CollegeWinter 2012Aurora Alumni2000sDr. Rebekah A. Burroway, BA ’00, PortJefferson, NYBurroway graduated from DukeUniversity with a PhD in sociology andis an assistant professor of sociology(tenure track) at the State University ofNew York, Stony Brook campus.Kristin K. (Browning) Hoeft, MAT ’03,Champaign, ILHoeft and her husband, Brian, havethree sons: Jacob, Jackson and Jude. Sheis a special education teacher.Christopher M. Burks, BSW ’07, MSW’08, Galt, ILBurks recently completed his requiredlicensed clinical social work supervisionhours and obtained permission fromthe Illinois Department of Financialand Professional Regulation to takehis license exam. He will be taking thestudy course provided by the NationalAssociation of Social Workers. Hemarried Ashley Renee Clayton inSeptember.Jacob J. Cate, BA ’07, Cortland, ILCate has been helping recent graduatesand newlyweds with their insuranceand financial needs.Marianne Chrisos, BA ’08, Aurora, ILChrisos graduated from DePaulUniversity in August with a master’sdegree in writing and publishing.Jamie L. Martinez, BA ’08, Aurora, ILMartinez graduated with her master’sdegree in clinical psychology fromBenedictine University in August.Amber R. Becker, BS ’09, DownersGrove, ILBecker married Scott J. Nadeau, BS ’07,last October in Plano, IL. They nowreside in Downers Grove, IL.Gina M. Alcobia, BSW ’10, Poway, CAAlcobia is working at an after-schoolprogram at an elementary school. Sheis considering applying to AU for thefall of 2012 to pursue a master’s degreein social work.Dr. Jennifer A. (Moss) Russell, EdD’10, Clayton, NCRussell, her husband and two boys,Will and Ryan, moved to NorthCarolina, where she started a newposition at Barton College in the Schoolof Education.Paul M. Bladen, MEL ’11, Ottawa, ILBladen is pastor at Deer ParkCommunity Church, a nondenominationalchurch.Allan E. Gonzalez, BA ’11, Aurora, ILGonzalez is in training at WasteManagement to become a businessanalyst.1990sDaniel T. Williams, BS ’92, WestChicago, ILWilliams was an activity therapist foreight years after graduation. While aclinician, he built a clinical behavioraltracking application used duringcross-disciplinary staff meetings. For12 years, he was with small applicationdevelopment in corporate America.Although he misses his work as atherapist, he is reaching out to seewhere he can apply his craft in thefuture.William E. Dano, III, BA ’94, Oswego,ILIllinois Gov. Pat Quinn’s officeannounced in October that Dano hasbeen appointed to the Eastern IllinoisUniversity Board of Trustees. Dano,the son of AU employee Nancy Dano(Athletics Department), resides inOswego and is in sales management forExtreme Networks.Amanda R. (Periman) Scheller, BA ’94,Montgomery, ILScheller recently was recognized bythe Exchange Club of Naperville asthe 2011–2012 Firefighter of the Year.Scheller graduated in 1994 and joinedthe Naperville Fire Department in 1998.In 2010, she became the first femalelieutenant in the department’s history.1980sKimberly N. (Smith) Burbo, B.A. ’82,Milton, VTBurbo has enjoyed a career in lawenforcement spanning over 27 years. In2004, she retired after 20 years with theBurlington Vermont Police Departmentand went to work at the FederalCourthouse as a Court Security Officerwith the U.S. Marshals. After sevenyears, she was offered a position bythe Winooski Police Department. Sheis now serving as the School ResourceOfficer for grades K–12. She has beenmarried to her husband Greg for 24years. Their son Joshua is now 15 and afreshman in high school.David “Skip” Ober Miller, BA ’88,Pasadena, CAOber Miller is currently in his eighthyear as business manager at SanMarino Community Church nearPasadena, CA, where he managesadministration, finances, property,communications and human resources.He recently celebrated 1,000 page viewsfor his new blog, Things I Learned InThe Church Office, which celebrateshumorous and helpful insights gleanedfrom nearly 25 years of working for thechurch.Lt. Jack R. Westphall, BA ’88, MBA ’11,Yorkville, ILWestphall met his wife, Heather(Stewart), BA ‘87, at AU in 1987; theywere married in 1992. He has beenwith the Aurora Fire Departmentsince September 1991. They have twoaurora.edu || 9

oys, Cory and Tyler, and have livedin Yorkville for 16 years. He recentlyearned his MBA from Aurora Universityin human resources management andleadership.Victor R. White, BS ’89, Homewood, ILWhite married Michelle Hollins inMarch.1970sMonica D. Lira, ’75, Cincinnati, OHLira retired from the CongressionalResearch Service at the Library ofCongress more than a year ago andmoved to Cincinnati to take up pastelpainting. She is setting up a studio inher home and hopes to paint animalson commission.1960sWilliam C. Nickerson, BA ’60, andMartha A. (Lull) Nickerson, BA ‘59,Dowling Park, FLAfter being widowed by the lossesof their longtime spouses, BillNickerson and Marty Arbo rekindled arelationship that started more than 50years ago while in college. The couplewas married Oct. 1 during a privateceremony in Dowling Park.Doris M. (Thicksten) Hagin, BA ’63,Surprise, AZHagin is retired and lives in Arizona forsix months a year and spends the rest ofthe year visiting with family.Dennis L. Jones, BA ’65, Staunton, VAJones is essentially in retirement,although he continues to practicephotography, and he recently went ona missions trip with his local churchto a small village in Zambia, Africa.He and his youngest daughter had theprivilege of photographing nearly 200schoolchildren, the images of whichwill be used to find sponsors for thechildren through Grassroots HeroesInternational. He has been on twoother such trips, serving with each ofhis three children.Dennis I. Smith, BA ’67, Greenacres, FLSmith is semi-retired and works as asubstitute teacher for the Palm BeachCounty School Board. He and his wife,Bonnie, have three granddaughters ages10, 12 and 16.1950sRev. James H. Elliott, BA, BTh ’59,Columbia, MOElliott has been serving as part-timepastor (at age 74) since December 2010for Immanuel UCC in New Franklin,MO.Mary L. (Hager) Killgore, BA ’59, andLee A. Killgore, BA, BTh ’59, LakeKiowa, TXThe Kilgores are still active. At 84, sheis gardening and keeping up with twoboys ages 7 and 14, while he plays golffour times a week at age 87.Welcome “New Spartan”Kerri L. (Kingsbury) Oros, BSW ’05,MSW ’06, and husband Sebastian N.Oros, BSW ’05, MSW ’06, Aurora, ILThe Oros announce the birth of NoahPhillip Oros last September. Noah waswelcomed home by proud big brother,Logan, and grandparents Phillip, BA ’02,and Sherilyn Kingsbury.In MemoriamDorothy (Reuss) Persons, BA ’35, IowaCity, IA, June 28, 2011Louis R. Pauly, ’43, Aurora, IL,November 7, 2011Margaret W. (Dickinson) Good, BS ’45,Fort Myers, FL, July 30, 2011Rev. William R. Augsburger, BA ’46,Carrollton, GA, June 19, 2011Edwin N. Hardison, BS ’46, Tampa, FL,March 19, 2011Dorothy M. (Ernst) Libner, BS ’47,Geneva, IL, October 10, 2011Melvin W. Milgate, BA ’48,Indianapolis, IN, June 4, 2011William H. Paull, ’50, Aurora, IL,October 9, 2011Rosemary J. (Bertrand) Schielke, ’50,Aurora, IL, October 20, 2011Robert A. Toma, ’51, Aurora, IL, August15, 2011Patricia J. (Chadwick) Olson, ’52,North Aurora, IL, August 6, 2011Ethel M. (Perry) Bower, BA ’55,Plainfield, VT, October 31, 2011Gordon L. Boucon, BA ’57, Muskegon,MI, March 7, 2011Murray R. Parker, ’60, Columbus, OH,March 9, 2010LydaJane Waters, BA ’60, Fremont, NE,May 26, 2011Robert R. Coughlin, BA ’61, Geneva, IL,June 13, 2011Erhart Stallmann, BA ’63, Oswego, IL,October 9, 2011Robert J. Bryson, ’64, Hurst, TX,December 31, 2010William H. Shazer, ’69, Aurora, IL, June22, 2011Stephen G. Kovaly, ’70, Rochester, NY,April 16, 2010Gilbert D. Linden, ’71, St. Charles, IL,August 13, 2011Doris L. (Butler) Crews, ’72, Live Oak,FL, October 7, 2011Robert A. Gilkey, ’73, Fort Atkinson,WI, September 17, 2011Marilyn L. “Oboe” (Stroud) Smith, ’77,Aurora, IL, October 12, 2011James A. Hall, BA ’85, Goshen, IN,November 3, 2011William N. Keifer, ’86, Sugar Grove, IL,September 3, 2011Todd D. Spencer, BA ’91, Fieldon, IL,April 28, 2011Larry E. Ross, MSW ’95, Chicago, IL,July 18, 2011Sandra J. (Naegeli) Moskopf, MAT ’99,Kenosha, WI, June 4, 2011Jason L. Kloese, BA ’00, Geneva, IL,August 12, 2011Brian T. Leask, BSW ’00, Aurora, IL,November 2, 2011Chelsea L. Lloyd, BA ’04, MEL ’08,Hoffman Estates, IL, September 6, 2011ObituaryEthel M. (Perry) Bower, BA ’55,Plainfield, VTBower, who passed away on October31, 2011, grew up in a family tightlyassociated with Aurora College. Herparents both graduated from the college,and her father, for whom the PerryTheatre is named, continued there asa teacher, college dean and director ofplays. Her grandfather, Orrin Roe Jenks,was a pivotal founder of the college andserved as president from 1911 to 1933.10 AU Today || Winter 2012

GWC Alumni1970sChristine K. (Borowski) Conger, BA’71, Gilbert, AZConger worked as a psychiatricregistered nurse for many yearsand retired several years ago. Shevolunteers at a few organizations andloves to travel.John B. Donovan, BS ’71, MS ’76,Dubuque, IADonovan was recently re-elected toserve a second four-year term as amember of the United States Bobsledand Skeleton Federation board for theU.S. Olympic Program.John C. Pruehs, BA ’71, Naperville, ILPruehs has launched the blog MajorGifts — An Inside View, a tool toenhance major gift philanthropywritten for board members,development staff, and presidentsand CEOs. For 29 years, Pruehs &Associates has provided counsel to awide range of charitable organizationsnationwide.Paul B. Atkins, BS ’78, Green Bay, WIAtkins retired in October after servingthe communities of Marinette, WI,and Menominee, MI, for 20 yearsin the areas of public mental healthfor children and families. He’ll be“wintering” in Ohio with his wife, whoworks for the national YMCA, andwill return to their camper in DoorCounty and home in Green Bay. Heis looking forward to seeing more ofhis granddaughters in Indianapolis,teaching and training opportunities,and the flexibility that time off brings.He also has part-time work lined upfolding towels and greeting membersin at least two YMCAs in Green Bay,coming full circle to his job at theTowson YMCA as a teenager.Bonnie L. Crouthamel, ’78,Philadelphia, PACrouthamel has been working ina hospital in Philadelphia as anoutpatient social worker, first withsickle cell patients and now withcancer patients.1960sStephen Gordon, BS ’67, Naples, FLGordon retired in 2002 as a coordinatorof special education and moved toNaples in 2010. He has two childrenwho also work in education and twograndchildren. He enjoys traveling.1950sQuin S. Gustason, BS ’54, Temecula, CAGustason reports gracious retirementliving in Temecula. He is shepherdinga poetry group, swimming a quartermile several times a week, and singingin a choir and barbershop chorus. Hehas two grandchildren in college andenjoys photography.In MemoriumHarold S. Bennett, ’36, New Albany,OH, April 16, 2010Karla (Collins) Habbe, ’36, Hamden,CT, September 27, 2011George E. Johnson, ’36, Lakeside, MI,March 23, 2010Claire R. (Walters) Hart, ’37, Jackson,MI, August 24, 2010Dorothy (Wolfe) Clayton, ’38, MyrtleBeach, SC, August 12, 2010Ralph V. Tippett, MS ’39, Milwaukee,WI, October 19, 2010Rev. Edward K. Trefz, ’39, NewtownSquare, PA, March 29, 2010Eleanor (Engel) Baker, BS ’41,Mishawaka, IN, January 31, 2011Charles R. Giauque, ’41, Lebanon, PA,September 29, 2011Ellis C. Donaldson, ’42, Stevensville,MT, November 5, 2011Margaret L. (Simons) McBride, ’46,Muskego, WI, November 15, 2010Lyle H. Calkins, ’47, Bloomington, IN,February 27, 2011Anne (Aronesti) Levin, BS ’47,Norcross, GA, July 5, 2011Edward J. Kazak, BS ’49, Chicago, IL,June 13, 2011Paul P. Urek, BS ’49, Philadelphia, PA,July 3, 2010William C. Zophy, BS ’49, Fort Myers,FL, November 4, 2011Sol Frankel, BS ’50, M.S. ’52, Phoenix,AZ, June 29, 2011Paul I. Jones, BS ’50, Amherst, MA,September 27, 2011Richard G. Forkner, BS ’51, Salem,OR, June 20, 2011Robert L. Pharo, BS ’51, Naperville,IL, April 13, 2011Charles E. Upton, BS ’51, Twin Falls,ID, July 18, 2011Gaylord S. Thomson, ’58, Denver, CO,February 2, 2010Carl A. Fawcett, BS ’60, Albuquerque,NM, August 5, 2011William G. Nicholson, MS ’60,Columbia, SC, April 15, 2011Bruce C. Peterson, BS ’64, Pewaukee,WI, August 1, 2011Uri Lipzin, BS ’66, MS ’67, Gan Yavne,Israel, April 21, 2010Anthony K. King, MSW ’78, Tucson,AZ, July 17, 2011Mary F. “Sunnie” Glyman, BA ’79,Wheaton, IL, June 22, 2010Tuntion Burnett, BSW ’83, Hines, IL,April 21, 2011Gregory A. Springman, BSW ’84,Naperville, IL, September 15, 2011F. Scott Zingheim, BA ’85, Crossville,TN, March 31, 2011Help AU transform lives. Your investmentenables the university to sustain its academicprograms and student services, endowinga new generation of graduates with theknowledge, skills and values necessary to leadlives of meaning, leadership and service.You choose. Support the area of theuniversity that means the most to you, suchas scholarships, an academic department,athletics or a specific program.Visit aurora.edu/give.aurora.edu || 11

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. PostagePAIDPermit No. 313fox valley, ILNEW RESIDENCE HALLThe new AU residence hall, the sixthon campus, opened this semester nearthe Institute for Collaboration. Watch atime-lapse video of its construction ataurora.edu/about/reshall.