AU Online and Graduate Studies Staff
Center for Graduate Studies
Institute for Collaboration, Office 122
Phone: 630-947-8955
Fax: 630-844-6854
Email: AUadmission@aurora.edu
AU Online
Institute for Collaboration, Office 122
Phone: 888-688-1147
Email: onlineinfo@aurora.edu

Donna Gardner Liljegren, EdD
Dean of Online and Graduate Studies
Phone: 630-947-8914
Email: dliljegren@aurora.edu
Educational background: BA English, MA English, Governors State University, University Park, IL; EdD Higher Education Leadership: Adult Education, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
How long have you been at AU: Since October 2015
What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Make the most of this remarkable opportunity to learn and connect. When you leave AU, your talent and knowledge will benefit your family, community, and profession. That's the transformative power of learning.
Words to describe AU: AU is student-centered and learning-focused. Nothing compares to the excitement of commencement when our campus, cohort, and online students walk across the stage to receive their diplomas.

Emily Morales
Dean of Graduate Enrollment and Business Development
Phone: 630-844-7836
Email: emorales@aurora.edu
Educational background: BS in Economics, Illinois State University, Normal, IL; MBA, Aurora University
How long have you been at AU: Since June 2007
What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Your graduate degree is so much more than a resume builder. You'll build lifelong personal and professional connections and discover what matters to you. Allow yourself to be open to the transformative power of learning.
Words to describe AU: Every person at AU, staff and faculty, is dedicated to each individual student's success from the time they start the application until they walk across the stage at commencement.

Kate Male
Associate Dean, AU Online
Phone: 630-947-8906
Email: kmale@aurora.edu
Educational background: BS in Business Administration/Marketing, Carroll College, Waukesha, WI; MSEd in Kinesiology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
How long have you been at AU: Since August, 2003
What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: You can do it!
Words to describe AU: We're a student-focused institution with wrap-around services and a community dedicated to student success.

Brianne DiPasquantonio, PhD
Assistant Dean of Online Faculty Recruitment and Development
Phone: 630-844-7574
Email: dipas@aurora.edu
Educational background: BA in Communication, Political Science, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX; MA in Communication, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX; PhD in Leadership, Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, WI
How long have you been at AU: Since August 2015
What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Aurora University is an experience. You'll connect with classmates, network with your professors, and apply your skills both inside and outside of the classroom.
Words to describe AU: An inclusive community of passionate people driven by a singular purpose: serve our students.

Jennifer Everhart
Associate Dean for Online Enrollment
Phone: 630-947-8921
Email: jeverhart@aurora.edu
Educational background: BA in General Studies, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL; MBA, Aurora University, Aurora, IL
How long have you been at AU: Since January 2014
What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Ask lots of questions! We are here to help you achieve your educational goals!
Words to describe AU: AU is a university that focuses on the needs of our students and helping them gain education and experience to prepare them for life after graduation!

Lindsey Hanson
Senior Graduate Admission Counselor
Phone: 630-947-8907
Email: lhanson@aurora.edu
Programs:
Master of Business Administration Plus One Program
Master of Science in Criminal Justice Plus One Program
Educational background: BA in Communication, Aurora University, Aurora, IL; MBA, DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management, Naperville, IL
How long have you been at AU: Since January 2022
What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Your graduate education is a chance to hone your skills in a particular area. Take this opportunity to choose a program that you are passionate about, one that excites you to dive in and learn more.
Words to describe AU: A welcoming community that provides an abundance of opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Valerie Jackson
Graduate Admission Counselor
Phone: 630-947-8938
Email: vjackson@aurora.edu
Programs:
Graduate Social Work Programs
Educational background: BA in Communication, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL
How long have you been at AU: Since November 2018
What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Visit—whether it be virtually or in-person—and ask questions in the process! Campus visits are the best way to get a feel for the programs you are considering. Once you are an AU student, be sure to get to know your instructors!
Words to describe AU: A tight-knit, flexible, and student-centered community.

Caryn Jakielski
Graduate Admission Counselor
Phone: 630-947-8903
Email: cjakielski@aurora.edu
Programs:
Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction: Teaching Diverse Learners
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
Master of Arts in Educational Technology
Master of Arts in Reading Instruction
Graduate Education Endorsements
Educational background: BS in Recreation Administration and Management, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL; MS in Continuing Education and Training Management and MBA, University of St. Francis, Joliet, IL
How long have you been at AU: Since June 2017
What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Don't wait. Start now. There will never be a perfect time to start, so don't put it off.
Words to describe AU: Diverse, inclusive, and a gem in the suburbs.

Bridget LeMaire
Senior Graduate Admission Counselor
Phone: 630-947-8942
Email: blemaire@aurora.edu
Programs:
Master of Arts in Teaching Plus One Program
Master of Science in Athletic Training
Master of Science in Exercise Science Plus One Program
Master of Science in Nursing Entry to Practice
Educational background: BA in Public Relations and Marketing Communications, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA; MS in Higher Education Administration degree in progress, Southern New Hampshire University, Hooksett, NH
How long have you been at AU: Since November 2020
What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Don't keep putting off your degree! The longer you wait to start, the bigger the chance you take at never starting it.
Words to describe AU: Inclusive. Between the autism-friendly residence hall for undergraduate students and the diverse group of students coming from all walks of life, you will find a place and group of friends to fit in.

Cody Mars
Enrollment Specialist
Phone: 630-947-8901
Email: cmars@aurora.edu
Programs:
Center for Graduate Studies and AU Online
Educational background: Coursework at Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove, IL; BA in Psychology with minors in Anthropology and Sociology, and a certificate in Multicultural Studies, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; MSW and MBA degrees in progress, Aurora University, Aurora, IL
How long have you been at AU: Since March 2021
What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Schedule time for self-care and remain patient with yourself as you progress through your graduate program.
Words to describe AU: Committed to student success and development.

Alison Sanders
Administrative Assistant, Scott Center for Online and Graduate Studies
Phone: 630-947-8940
Email: aksanders@aurora.edu
Educational background: BA in Political Science, BS in Marketing, and MPA, Aurora University, Aurora, IL
How long have you been at AU: Since May 2023
What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Make sure to use the amazing resources Aurora University offers to connect with fellow students, staff, and faculty!
Words to describe AU: A supportive community that is here for you every step of the way.

Christina Scampini
Online Enrollment Manager
Phone: 630-844-3856
Email: cscampini@aurora.edu
Educational background: BS in Psychology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL; Master of Leadership Studies, North Central College, Naperville, IL
How long have you been at AU: Since September 2021
What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: College is an amazing time where you get to learn and grow in the field of study that you get to choose. Utilize the resources that you are provided with and make connections along the way. It goes by fast... savor it!
Words to describe AU: Student-centered, inclusive, diverse, and beautiful campus.