Aurora University

Aurora, IL · Founded 1941

Private university providing undergraduate and graduate education in Illinois

Primary audience
College Students
Work area
Higher Education
Topic
Academic Programs
Contact
Rebecca L Sherrick

About Organization

Aurora University operates as a private institution of higher education based in Aurora, IL. With 1,776 employees and annual revenue of $173.8 million as of 2023, the university serves students across multiple campuses including the George Williams College campus. Founded in 1941, the institution offers academic programs while supporting educational activities and community initiatives in the greater Aurora area.

What They Focus On

Higher Education

Comprehensive undergraduate and graduate academic programs preparing students for professional careers and advanced study

Regional Development

Educational activities and community partnerships supporting greater Aurora area through grants and cultural programming

Campus Operations

Multi-campus infrastructure including George Williams College facility providing distinctive educational environments and community resources

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2023)

$173.8M

+0% vs 2023

Assets (2023)

$246.4M

+0% vs 2023

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2023
2023 $173,819,493 $171,935,401 $246,432,083 1,776
2021
2021 $176,376,735 $167,200,465 $242,777,024 1,752
2020
2020 $160,759,615 $148,872,793 $241,910,943 1,736
2019 $150,735,428 $146,699,727 $221,966,879 1,904
2018 $142,368,313 $135,489,040 $209,110,727 1,916
2017 $133,484,773 $125,666,948 $197,048,800 1,911

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Academic Programs

    Deliver undergraduate and graduate education through multiple campuses and learning formats

  • 02

    Faculty Development

    Support teaching excellence and academic innovation through professional development and resources

  • 03

    Student Services

    Provide comprehensive support services from enrollment through graduation and career placement

  • 04

    Community Engagement

    Foster partnerships and educational opportunities that benefit the greater Aurora region

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Aurora University

Undergraduate Education

Bachelor's degree programs across liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines for traditional and adult students

Graduate Programs

Advanced degree programs for professional development and specialized academic study across multiple disciplines

George Williams College

Lakefront campus in Lake Geneva offering distinctive programs and facilities for students and community

Community Educational Support

Grants and programs benefiting greater Aurora area through educational activities and cultural initiatives

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Aurora University.

RL

Rebecca L Sherrick

Former University President
Compensation: $638,417
JA

Jeffrey A King

Executive Vice President And Chief Operating Officer
Full-time
Compensation: $360,884
SR

Susana Rivera-Mills

President
Full-time
Compensation: $327,374
JA

John A Prall

Vice President For Academic Affairs
Full-time
Compensation: $326,795
DM

Deborah Maue

Senior Vice President For Enrollment And Marketing
Full-time
Compensation: $256,876
MH

Margaret Howes

Senior Vice President For Advancement
Full-time
Compensation: $225,549
DB

Donald Beebe

Head Football Coach
Full-time
Compensation: $263,738
SM

Sharon Maxwell

Sr. VP For Bus & Fin

Milestones

1941

University Founded

1941

Aurora University established as institution of higher education in Illinois

2019

Revenue Growth Period

2019

Reached $150.7 million in revenue with 1,904 employees serving expanding student body

2021

Peak Operations

2021

Achieved highest revenue of $176.4 million while maintaining workforce of 1,752

2023

Leadership Transition

2023

Susana Rivera-Mills appointed president continuing university's academic mission and growth

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

SW
Sharon W Maxwell Treasurer & SVP For Business & Finance 40.0 hrs/week · $277,278
RF
Rebecca Flaminio Board Secretary & Sr Exec Asst/Board Professional 40.0 hrs/week · $111,862
AK
Amir Kirkwood Trustee 1.0 hrs/week
AS
Ann Sheets Trustee 2.0 hrs/week
AD
Austin Dempsey Trustee 1.0 hrs/week
BK
Brian Konen Trustee 1.0 hrs/week
BS
Brian Stading Trustee 1.0 hrs/week
CA
Chad A Deking Vice Chair 2.0 hrs/week
CB
Charles B Doss Trustee 1.0 hrs/week
CJ
Chriss Johns Trustee (Thru 11/2023) 1.0 hrs/week
DE
David Edelman Trustee (Thru 01/2024) 1.0 hrs/week
DJ
Douglas J Craft Trustee 2.0 hrs/week
GP
Gerald Palmer Trustee (Thru 10/2023) 1.0 hrs/week
HK
Hilary K Brennan Trustee 2.0 hrs/week
HR
Hilary Rantisi Trustee (Thru 01/2024) 1.0 hrs/week
JD
John D Ammons Chair 2.0 hrs/week
JD
John D Simms Jr Trustee 1.0 hrs/week
JB
Jonathan Birkey Trustee 1.0 hrs/week
LW
Linnea Windel Trustee 1.0 hrs/week
MS
Marymargaret Sharp-Pucci Trustee 1.0 hrs/week
MC
Matthew Cannon Trustee 1.0 hrs/week
MP
Michelle P Simms Jr Trustee 1.0 hrs/week
MJ
Myron J Resnick Trustee 1.0 hrs/week
OW
Odie Washington Trustee 1.0 hrs/week
RH
Ronald Hem Trustee 1.0 hrs/week
SP
Scott Palmer Trustee 1.0 hrs/week
TC
Thomas Choice Trustee 2.0 hrs/week
TT
Thomas T Stuhley Trustee 1.0 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2023)

$3.0M

Highest Paid

$645K

Rebecca L Sherrick

Compensated Officers

9

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Rebecca L Sherrick Former University President $638,417 $7,052 $645,469
Jeffrey A King Executive Vice President And Chief Operating Officer $360,884 $33,491 $394,375 40
Susana Rivera-Mills President $327,374 $26,992 $354,366 40
John A Prall Vice President For Academic Affairs $326,795 $20,648 $347,443 40
Sharon W Maxwell Treasurer & SVP For Business & Finance $277,278 $17,769 $295,047 40
Donald Beebe Head Football Coach $263,738 $29,569 $293,307 40
Deborah Maue Senior Vice President For Enrollment And Marketing $256,876 $28,873 $285,749 40
Margaret Howes Senior Vice President For Advancement $225,549 $26,040 $251,589 40
Rebecca Flaminio Board Secretary & SR EXEC ASST/Board Professional $111,862 $15,870 $127,732 40

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Individual Political Donors

People from this organization who contributed to political campaigns

$2K Total Given
Democratic $2,327 (100%)
38 Contributions
$61 Avg Each

Top Individual Donors

7 Individual Donors
RF
Renae Franiuk 16 contributions • $98 avg
$1,567
AB
Anne Beatty 4 contributions • $100 avg
$400
BG
Beth Grabowski 1 contribution • $106 avg
$106
ML
Mary Lohrman 4 contributions • $22 avg
$87
SE
Sara Elliott 8 contributions • $10 avg
$80

Other Individual Contributors

#6
SH

Shannon Hart

Skokie, IL

$47 Total
1 Contribution
HARRIS VICTORY
#7
TH

Terri Hoehne

Batavia, IL

$40 Total
4 Contributions
BILL FOSTER FOR CONGRESS

Quick Insights

🏆
Most Active Donor Renae Franiuk with 16 contributions
💰
Highest Avg per Contribution Anne Beatty at $100 each
🎯
Top Recipient HARRIS VICTORY — $994

Data from Federal Election Commission • Individual contributions only

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$221K Grants Received
9 Organizations

Top Funders

9 total
CF
Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
$58K
AC
Associated Colleges of Illinois Inc 2 grants
$48K
GM
Greater Milwaukee Foundation Inc.
$25K
FI
Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund
$25K
TC
The Chicago Community Trust 2 grants
$22K
QC
Quad Cities Community Foundation
$14K
GD
Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund
$12K
TB
The Boldt Family Fund Inc.
$10K
RJ
Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund
$8K
Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley Associated Colleges of Illinois Inc Greater Milwaukee Foundation Inc. Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund The Chicago Community Trust Quad Cities Community Foundation Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund The Boldt Family Fund Inc. Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund
Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley Associated Colleges of Illinois Inc Greater Milwaukee Foundation Inc. Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund The Chicago Community Trust Quad Cities Community Foundation Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund The Boldt Family Fund Inc. Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Federal Funding

Government awards and grants from USAspending.gov

$7.2M Total Obligated
$7.2M Total Amount
3 Awards
2 Agencies

By Agency

Education $6.4M
HHS $775K

Awards

Agency Award ID Type Period Amount
Education P063P251334 DIRECT PAYMENT FOR SPECIFIED USE, AS A SUBSIDY OR OTHER NON-REIMBURSABLE DIRECT FINANCIAL AID (C) 2025-2031 $6,416,151
HHS CE146371 PROJECT GRANT (B) 2022-2025 $775,000
Education P268K261334 DIRECT LOAN (E) 2025-2047 $0

Source: USAspending.gov. Amounts represent total federal obligations.

Lobbying Activity

Lobbying Disclosure Act registrations

Self-Lobbying
1 Registrations
1 Client
Yes Self-Lobbying

Clients 1 total

Aurora University
1 filing
Self

Source: Senate Office of Public Records — Lobbying Disclosure Act

Contact

Get in touch with Aurora University

Social

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347 South Gladstone Ave Aurora, IL 605064877