AU Online and Graduate Studies Staff

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.

Ann Benjamin

Graduate Advisor

Phone: 630-844-5471
Email: abenjamin@aurora.edu

Educational background: BA in Communication Studies, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA; MLD, North Central College, Naperville, IL

How long have you been at AU: Since October 2021

What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: My advice is to be an advocate for yourself—ask for what you need, share your ideas, and use the resources on campus to make this the best possible experience for yourself.

Words to describe AU: AU is a community of approachable individuals who collaborate to help students achieve their goals.

Cassie Burns

Instructional Designer

Phone: 630-947-1242
Email: caburns@aurora.edu

Educational background: BA in Marketing, North Central College, Naperville, IL; MBA, North Central College, Naperville, IL; MicroMasters, Instructional Design and Technology, University of Maryland Global Campus, Adelphi, MD

How long have you been at AU: Since August 2024

What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Asking for help is a sign of strength. Whether academic, personal, or professional, never be afraid to let others know when you need support.

Words to describe AU: Welcoming, inclusive, transformative.

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!

Jon Gorgosz, PhD

Instructional Design Manager

Phone: 630-844-5479
Email: jgorgosz@aurora.edu

Educational background: BA in English Literature, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL; MS in Higher Education, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL; PhD in History, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 

How long have you been at AU: Since March 2024

What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Be curious! As a student, you have the space to try new approaches and explore new ideas in a supportive and safe environment. 

Words to describe AU: A welcoming community focused on student success.

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.

Markesha Harden

Enrollment Specialist

Phone: 630-844-7802
Email: mharden@aurora.edu

Educational background: BA in Sociology, Augustana College, Rock Island, IL; MS in Human Service Counseling, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA

How long have you been at AU: Since April 2024

What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Take all the knowledge that you've soaked up here and use it to your advantage. Never be afraid to follow your dreams. You've worked hard to make those dreams a reality! We are rooting for you!

Words to describe AU: A warm and embracing community that is dedicated to preparing our students for success!

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 Nursing Entry to Practice

Educational background: BA in Public Relations and Marketing Communications, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA; MS in Higher Education Administration, 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

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.

Christal Shannon

Student Services Coordinator - University Centers

Phone: 630-947-6531
Email: cshannon@aurora.edu

Educational background: BS in Business, Northern Illinois University; MBA, Arizona State University

How long have you been at AU: Since August 2024

What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Before starting graduate school, clarify your goals and research programs thoroughly to ensure a good fit with your career aspirations. Prioritize time management and build strong relationships with faculty and peers to maximize your experience. Finally, stay mindful of your well-being and prepare for challenges to succeed both academically and personally.

Words to describe AU: Supportive and collaborative environment, characterized by dedicated faculty, flexible programs, and a strong emphasis on practical, real-world applications.

Ron Smith

Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships

Phone: 630-844-5784
Email: rosmith@aurora.edu

Educational background: BA Psychology from Morehouse College: Atlanta, GA ; Master in Management from University of Phoenix: Chicago, IL

How long have you been at AU: Since March 2024

What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Create short and long-term plans while being flexible enough to allow for change. Life is a marathon and not a sprint. Take time to enjoy the ride and smell the roses along the way.

Words to describe AU: Welcoming, Inclusive, Communiversity, Supportive, Diverse