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
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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
