More than 1,000 people gathered October 10-12 for Aurora University homecoming/family weekend.
Events kicked off Friday morning with exhibits and hands-on art experiences at the Schingoethe Center museum. Friday afternoon, the Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action hosted a 25th anniversary openhouse and conversation with AU president Susana Rivera-Mills, Ph.D. A cultural fest on the campus quad concluded Friday activities.
Saturday events kicked off with a 50-year Club breakfast and induction ceremony in the university banquet hall. Inductees received 50-year club pins from president Rivera-Mills. Rounding out morning events were a family art experience and exhibit at the Schingoethe Museum, a chat by president Rivera-Mills with parents and families of current students, academic/co-curricular open houses, a family funfest and food trucks.
Saturday afternoon, Aurora’s football Spartans defeated visiting Rockford University, 48-0, and women’s volleyball Spartans blanked Marian University 3-0. After academic open houses and a family fun fest, 2025 athletic Hall of Fame inductees were honored at an evening dinner and ceremony in the banquet hall.
James Hamad, vice president for athletics, presented awards. Going into the HoF were Fred Schuldes, a 1993 football alum; Lou Hernandez, 1993, baseball; Eric Zaleski, 1999, baseball; Taylor Petersen, 2006/2011, softball; and Sona Bedenia Torosian, 1993, basketball, softball, volleyball.
Events concluded Sunday morning at the Hill Welcome Center with a continental breakfast and service of remembrance for departed alums, faculty and staff.
—Al Benson