Remembering Alan J. Stone: AU former president

Alan J. Stone, DMin, president of Aurora University from 1978–1988, died in Arizona several days ago. He died after a battle with pancreatic cancer following a brief period under hospice care in Arizona, where he lived in retirement with his wife, Jonieta.

Aurora College became Aurora University under Stone’s leadership. He guided expansion of academic programs, introduced new graduate degrees, and fostered internship experiences. Stone revived the football program in the fall of 1986 after an absence of 34 years, and led the college to join the NCAA. Stone was president when the university welcomed students from George Williams College’s social work and leisure and environmental resources administration programs, after the closing of that institution in 1985.

Prior to his presidency, Stone served George Williams College as assistant professor of social science, associate professor of history, and director of admission. He served as president of Alma College in Michigan (1988–2000) after his tenure at AU.