Meet the Spartan Ambassadors

Mateo Bustamante
Mateo Bustamante

Year: Junior Major: Nursing

Hometown: Elgin, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Student Nurses' Association, String Ensemble 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 in my future.

Jhon Camacho
Jhon Camacho

Year: Junior Majors: Secondary Education, History

Hometown: Carol Stream, IL

Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Football, Latin American Student Organization Why did you choose AU? Besides the great football program, AU felt like a place where I would belong and could grow as an individual.

Carla Carmona
Carla Carmona

Year: Sophomore Majors: Healthcare Administration, English Hometown: Aurora, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Healthcare Administration Organization Why did you choose AU? I chose AU because it showcased a strong sense of academic resources and a spirit of excellence. As a student, I wanted the certainty that I would be able to build my professional career with all of the support AU has to offer. I am excited to develop and perfect skills while being a prospering student.

Christopher Cedeño
Christopher Cedeño

Year: Senior Majors: Criminal Justice, Sociology Hometown: Aurora, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Orientation Leader, Peer Advisor, Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Inc., Aurora University 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: Senior Majors: Graphic Design, Health Science Hometown: Oswego, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Peer Mentor, 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: Junior Major: Healthcare Administration

Minor: Criminal Justice Hometown: Rockford, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Resident Assistant Why did you choose AU? I chose AU because of the tour that I was given by a previous Spartan Ambassador. During the tour, I felt nothing short of happiness and comfort while on campus. Choosing AU meant I would be seen and heard as a student, especially due to the small class sizes.

Jessie Jenkins
Jessie Jenkins

Year: Senior 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 has a great business program and offers an opportunity to earn a bachelor’s and master's degree in only five years after high school.

Rylee Johnson
Rylee Johnson

Year: Sophomore Major:  Exercise Science, Pre-Physical Therapy Hometown: Rock Falls, IL Campus Involvement:  Spartan Ambassador, Resident Assistant, Softball Why did you choose AU? I chose AU because it felt like a home away from my actual home. As soon as I stepped on campus, I felt welcomed with open arms and that was a very important factor in my decision.

Cassandra Knowles
Cassandra Knowles

Year: Junior Major:  Special Education with ESL and Elementary Education Endorsements Hometown: Naperville, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Educators Rising, Kappa Delta Pi 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 and pursuing my degree.

 Karina Lemus
Karina Lemus

Year: Junior Majors: Accounting, Finance Hometown: West Chicago, IL

Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Orientation Leader, Resident Assistant 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: Sophomore Major: Social Work

Minors: Spanish Hometown: Carol Stream, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Social Work Association, Resident Assistant, Aurora University Students’ Association 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.

Elise Phillipp
Elise Phillipp

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

Alejandra Reyes
Alejandra Reyes

Year: Senior Majors: Graphic Design, Marketing

Minor: Music

Hometown: West Chicago, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, String Ensemble Why did you choose AU? I chose to attend AU because I felt supported right from the start. My admission counselor helped me feel prepared as a first-generation college student. The scholarships, small class sizes, and resources the school provided made me ultimately decide to attend AU.

Jordyn Spencer
Jordyn Spencer

Year: Senior Major: Elementary Education with ESL Endorsement

Minor: Special Education

Hometown: Darien, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Orientation Leader, Phi Eta Sigma 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!

Maggie Szweda
Maggie Szweda

Year: Junior Major: Business AdministrationHometown: Aurora, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador Why did you choose AU? I chose AU because of the smaller campus and class sizes, the great business program, and how active the campus community is. It also is close to my home and affordable.

Joshua Thoms
Joshua Thoms

Year: Junior 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: Senior Majors: Criminal Justice, Psychology

Minor: Homeland Security

Hometown: Des Plaines, IL Campus Involvement: Spartan Ambassador, Aurora Criminal Justice Association, Latin American Student Organization, Psychology Club of Aurora University, Alpha Phi Sigma 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.

Raleigh Wilson
Raleigh Wilson

Year: Sophomore Major: NursingHometown: Auburndale, FL Campus Involvement:  Spartan Ambassador, Student Nurses’ Association, Resident Assistant Why did you choose AU? I chose Aurora University because it felt like the perfect fit for me. The campus environment is welcoming and vibrant, making it easy to feel at home and be part of a supportive community. I was also really impressed by the nursing program; it’s known for its hands-on approach and strong curriculum, which is exactly what I need to kickstart my career in healthcare. The combination of a friendly atmosphere and an excellent nursing education made AU stand out as the right place for me.