Meet the Spartan Ambassadors

Mason Brauer
Mason Brauer

Year: Senior Majors: Health Science, Political Science and Public Policy

Minors: Chemistry, Physiology, PsychologyHometown: Oswego, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Aurora University Students' Association, AU Pre-Law Association, AU Science Organization, Professional Sales Association, Orientation Leader, Peer Tutor, Peer Advisor Intern, DEI Committee, Student Life Committee Why did you choose AU? I chose AU because of its proximity to my house, the home feel, and the caring faculty, staff, and students. I enjoy all of the things that students can be involved with, and the fact that at AU, you are not a number, you are a person who they wish to see succeed.

Mateo Bustamante
Mateo Bustamante

Year: Sophomore Major: Nursing

Hometown: Elgin, IL

Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Aurora University Students' Association, String Ensemble, Peer Advisor Why did you choose AU? I chose AU not only because of its outstanding nursing program, but because I would be prepared for success both during my college experience as well as my future.

Christopher Cedeño
Christopher Cedeño

Year: Junior Majors: Criminal Justice, Sociology Hometown: Aurora, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Orientation Leader, Peer Advisor, Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Inc., Aurora Criminal Justice Association, Latin American Student Organization Why did you choose AU? I chose AU for the community and the passion it has for my success and the success of my peers!

Angela Goduto
Angela Goduto

Year: Junior Majors: Graphic Design, Health Science Hometown: Oswego, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassordor, Peer Advisor, Cross Country, Track and Field

Why did you choose AU? AU felt like a very friendly and family-like environment where I could continue my education.

Nichelle Hunt
Nichelle Hunt

Year: Sophomore Majors: Business Administration, Healthcare Administration  Hometown: Rockford, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador Why did you choose AU? I chose AU because of hearing from past Spartan Ambassadors, and the feeling of peace and certainty I had while walking through the Institute for Collaboration.

Jessie Jenkins
Jessie Jenkins

Year: Junior Majors: Business Administration, Healthcare Administration Hometown: Montgomery, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador Why did you choose AU? When I was looking for a college to attend, I saw AU had a great business program and a great opportunity to get your master's degree in only five years after high school.

Kaylee Johnson
Kaylee Johnson

Year: Freshman Majors: Accounting, Marketing Hometown: Rock Island, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador Why did you choose AU? AU was close to home, affordable, and most importantly, had a great community feeling on campus.

Cassandra Knowles
Cassandra Knowles

Year: Sophomore Major: Special Education with ESL and Elementary Education Endorsements Hometown: Naperville, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Educators Rising Why did you choose AU? I chose AU because the education department has a great reputation and some of my high school teachers recommended it. My family lives nearby, but I chose to live on campus because I thought it would give me a sense of independence. I am learning a lot about myself as I navigate living on campus.

Karina Lemus
Karina Lemus

Year: Sophomore Majors: Accounting, Finance Hometown: West Chicago, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Orientation Leader Why did you choose AU? Being a small, private school and having a great business department caught my eye, and it was the right fit for me!

Hailey Noll
Hailey Noll

Year: Freshman Major: Social Work Minor: Spanish Hometown: Carol Stream, IL Campus Involvement:  Spartan Ambassador, Social Work Association, Delight, Circle K Why did you choose AU? I chose AU because of the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. I felt so comfortable on campus, and no other college I visited gave me that feeling. Also, AU has an amazing social work program and offers me amazing opportunities to get involved and continue to pursue my passions.

Dulce Olivar Lopez
Dulce Olivar Lopez

Year: Senior Major: Nursing

Minors: Physiology, Spanish Hometown: Woodstock, IL Campus Involvement:  Spartan Ambassador, Student Nurses Association, Mu Sigma Pi, Spanish Language Association, Phi Eta Sigma National Honors Society Why did you choose AU? I chose AU because my admission counselor was there for me every step of the way, maintaining communication with me in regard to on-campus resources and outside scholarships. I truly felt supported and I could see myself taking advantage of all that AU has to offer to their students even once they graduate. I also knew AU was a place I could see myself growing both in my personal life as well as professionally.

Elise Phillipp
Elise Phillipp

Year: Sophomore Majors: Autism Studies, Therapeutic Recreation Hometown: Yorkville, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Rec and Roll Why did you choose AU? I chose AU for the small environment while being able to be close to home. The professors know my name and the campus is beautiful.

Alejandra Reyes
Alejandra Reyes

Year: Junior Majors: Graphic Design, Marketing

Minor: Music

Hometown: West Chicago, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador Why did you choose AU? I chose AU because it was close to home and the affordability met my needs.

Derek Schober
Derek Schober

Year: Sophomore Majors: Computer Science, MathematicsHometown: Plainfield, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Men's Volleyball Why did you choose AU? I wanted to be at a university where I felt connected and welcomed by professors and peers. AU being close to home and offering an opportunity for me to play on the men’s volleyball team made it an overall right fit. 

Jordyn Spencer
Jordyn Spencer

Year: Junior Major: Elementary Education with ESL Endorsement

Minor: Special EducationHometown: Darien, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Orientation Leader, Educators Rising Why did you choose AU? I decided on AU after I took a campus tour. AU has a great campus with a lot of beautiful landscaping. It gave off a sense of home and was filled with welcoming people. With all of the resources that AU offers, I knew that I would be able to perform to the best of my academic ability while still being an active member of different organizations on campus!

Emily Stoner
Emily Stoner

Year: Junior Majors: Communication, Political Science and Public Policy Hometown: Saint Charles, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Orientation Leader, Peer Advisor Why did you choose AU? I chose AU because I wanted a small university. When I visited AU, I knew right away that this was where I wanted to go. It felt just like home! The class sizes were exactly what I was looking for, and I liked that you got to connect with your professors more! I've really enjoyed getting to participate in all the things here at AU!

Joshua Thoms
Joshua Thoms

Year: Sophomore Majors: Exercise Science, Sport Management

Minor: Coaching and Youth Sport Development

Hometown: Plano, IL Campus Involvement:  Spartan Ambassador, Cross Country, Track and Field Why did you choose AU? I chose AU because I immediately felt at home upon my first visit to campus. I knew it would be a place where I could learn, compete, and prosper to my highest potential because of the immense support that I felt from my educators and peers. A warm, welcoming environment drew me in, and it continues to impress me every day.

Jocelyn Tobon
Jocelyn Tobon

Year: Junior Majors: Criminal Justice, Psychology

Minor: Homeland SecurityHometown: Des Plaines, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Aurora Criminal Justice Association, Latin American Student Organization, Psychology Club Why did you choose AU? I chose AU not only because of its great criminal justice program but because it felt like home. When I came for my visit, everyone was so welcoming and warm that I instantly knew this is where I belong. AU truly cares about your success, and I know that as long as I am here, I have all the resources and support I need to succeed academically and professionally.

Enzo Vertucci
Enzo Vertucci

Year: Sophomore Majors: Marketing, Sport Management Hometown: North Palm Beach, FL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Baseball Why did you choose AU? My family is originally from the Chicagoland area, and I wanted the opportunity to leave home but also have extended family nearby. Aurora University offered me the closeness of home, and the opportunity for independence as I continue my education.

Lia Villalobos
Lia Villalobos

Year: Senior Major: Business Administration

Minor: Physiology

Hometown: Plainfield, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Resident Assistant Why did you choose AU? The small-campus feel and intimate class sizes were the right style of learning for me. I immediately got involved on campus my freshman year, and since then, have loved growing as a student surrounded by a great community!