Meet the Staff
Matt Crisman
Dean of Undergraduate Admission,
First-Year International Student Coordinator
Phone: 630-844-5426
Email: mcrisman@aurora.edu
What advice would you give to families exploring colleges? Have fun with the college search process! You and your family can never ask too many questions, colleges are here to help get you the answers you need.
What are some of your hobbies? Washing my car, biking, golfing, yard work, and DIY projects.
Favorite TV Show: NFL RedZone
Favorite Book: Winning by Jack Welch
Favorite Quote: “If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception; it is a prevailing attitude.” ― Colin Powell
Grace Franz
Athletic Recruiting Liaison
Phone: 630-844-4648
Email: gfranz@aurora.edu
Meet with Grace.
Education Background: I graduated from Lake Forest College in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology.
What advice would you give to a first-year or prospective student? Step outside your comfort zone! College is a prime opportunity for personal growth and exploration, so select a school that encourages this. While it can be intimidating, remember that it’s perfectly fine not to have your future completely mapped out-I changed my major countless of times! Get involved in clubs and organizations to discover your passions and meet new people. Embrace the challenges and enjoy the journey!
What are some of your hobbies? Socializing with friends and family, painting, reading, and anything that involves the ocean or the lake.
Words you would use to describe AU: Enriching, Supportive, and Diverse
Favorite TV Show: Big Bang Theory
Favorite Quote: “Every accomplishment begins with a decision to try.” ― Edward T. Kelly
Shannon Gil
Freshman Admission Counselor
Phone: 630-844-5229
Email: sgil@aurora.edu
Meet with Shannon.
Education Background: I graduated from Aurora University with a bachelor's degree in psychology in May 2017.
What advice would you give to a first-year or prospective student? Don't be afraid to get involved and be a part of a community that invites you to be creative, a leader, and be yourself.
Favorite TV Show: Friends
Favorite Quote: “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!” ― Audrey Hepburn
Words you would use to describe AU: Community, Opportunity, Respect
What activities are you involved in outside of AU? I love to spend time with my family and friends. You can find me enjoying the beautiful outdoors, cooking and baking, or watching movies.
Morgan Gutierrez
Freshman Admission Counselor
Phone: 630-844-5621
Email: mgutierrez@aurora.edu
Meet with Morgan.
Education Background: I graduated from Valparaiso University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in chemistry in May 2022.
What advice would you give to a first-year or prospective student? Explore and be honest! A lot of schools will feel different once you visit in person, so try to visit the ones you are really interested in. Choose the school that is best for you and that gives you options to change your mind too (I changed my major two times throughout college). Overall, have fun! Change can be a bit scary, but you’re going to meet so many amazing people and do so many amazing things at whatever school you choose!
What are some of your hobbies? Watching movies, painting, playing board games, traveling, doing yoga, and volunteering at my local horse barn.
Words you would use to describe AU: Supportive, Innovative, Diverse
Favorite TV Show: Parks and Recreation
Favorite Quote: “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt
Natalie Hoskins
Campus Visit Coordinator
Phone: 630-844-5293
Email: nhoskins@aurora.edu
Education Background: Bachelor’s degree, Knox College; Master’s degree, Aurora University
What advice would you give to a first-year or prospective student? Campus visits are so important! Take a tour, ask questions, meet faculty, and talk to your admission counselor.
What are some of your hobbies? Reading, walking, traveling, shopping
Favorite Book: Pride and Prejudice
Joel Ortega
Associate Dean for Athletic Recruiting
Phone: 630-844-3853
Email: jortega@aurora.edu
Meet with Joel.
Education Background: Bachelor's in business administration and marketing in 2013, Master of Business Administration in 2014, and Master of Science in Digital Marketing in 2016, all from Aurora University.
What advice would you give to a first-year or prospective student? Make sure to give it your all starting your freshman year. There are so many opportunities to make great connections both socially and professionally. Take advantage of your resources.
Words you would use to describe AU: Encouraging, Demanding, Relationships
What are some of your hobbies? I love the Outdoors! Things like camping, rock climbing, hiking, and taking road trips.
What was your favorite thing about AU when you were an undergraduate student? The people. Everyone at AU wants to see you succeed and they do everything in their power to make that happen. When you attend AU, you don't just join a university. You find a second family.
Haley Pessina-Butler
Associate Director of Freshman Enrollment
Phone: 630-844-5298
Email: hpessina@aurora.edu
Meet with Haley.
Education Background: I graduated in May 2015 from Aurora University with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree and minors in sociology, psychology, pre-law, and Spanish. I recently earned a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State.
Favorite Quote: Pretty much everything in To Kill a Mockingbird! If I had to choose one it would be, "Atticus told me to delete the adjectives and I'd have the facts."
Favorite Book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
What advice would you give to a prospective student? Do not allow yourself to be comfortable. If you are always comfortable you will not grow. Push yourself to try new things and things you never thought you could do. You won't regret it!
What are some of your hobbies? I love reading, cooking, and hiking.
What was your favorite thing about AU when you were an undergraduate student? Getting together with friends on campus to hang out or study. Some of my best friends are from classes I took here and the organizations I was involved in. You spend so much time together that they become family. Having these kinds of relationships makes even the most stressful and challenging times fun!
Colleen Schmit
Athletic Recruiting Liaison
Phone: 630-844-6869
Email: cschmit@aurora.edu
Meet with Colleen.
Education Background: I graduated with my bachelor's in exercise and sports science from Benedictine University and minored in nutrition. I also completed my master's in sports administration from Delaware State University.
What advice would you give to a prospective student? Everyone's in the same boat! Don't be afraid to take a risk and step outside of your comfort zone. Enjoy the process and embrace your experiences–four years go by FAST!
What are some of your hobbies? I love camping with my dog, coaching, and spending time at the gym.
Favorite TV Show: Gilmore Girls
Favorite Book: Winning by Jack Welch
Favorite Quote: “Defining ourselves by what we are not is the first step that leads us to really knowing who we are.” ― Matthew McConaughey
Kaylee Szymanek
Freshman Admission Counselor
Phone: 630-844-4890
Email: kszymanek@aurora.edu
Meet with Kaylee.
Education Background: I graduated from Dominican University with a Bachelor of Arts in History with a concentration in secondary education.
Favorite Quote: “Success is only meaningful and enjoyable if it feels like your own.” – Michelle Obama
What advice would you give to a prospective student? I ALWAYS tell students to branch out and always follow your passion; do not let people tell you otherwise. In my college experience, I took my time and explored different avenues before I settled into my path! Once you follow your heart, the rest will fall into place. It is so important to learn more about yourself throughout this process as well.
What are some of your hobbies? I love to read, go on walks, bake, and spend time with my loved ones.
Favorite Book: Any of the Harry Potter or Hunger Games books!
Carolyn Togliatti
Freshman Admission Counselor
Phone: 630-844-5465
Email: ctogliatti@aurora.edu
Meet with Carolyn.
Education Background: I graduated from North Central College in December 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in conflict resolution.
What advice would you give to a prospective student? Make use of all the resources available to you. They are there for a reason and that is to help you. If you are ever feeling overwhelmed or unsure, seek out someone or something. You never have to do any of this alone.
Favorite TV Show: New Girl
What are some of your hobbies? Reading, sewing, cross-stitch, and embroidery.