Employee Recognition
Recognizing the contributions of our community is an important part of who we are at Aurora University. Our employee recognition awards celebrate those who make a meaningful impact through their dedication, service, and leadership. The honors highlight faculty and staff who embody our core values and help create a collaborative, supportive, and inspiring environment for all.
Learn more about our current awards:
Established in 2009 by longtime AU Trustee John F. McKee, this award honors one faculty or staff member who exemplifies the university’s core values of collaboration, continuous learning, inclusivity, integrity, and innovation. Reflecting McKee’s lifelong commitment to “service before self,” the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding dedication to service within the university and the broader Aurora community.
The award is presented annually at AU Day.
Eligibility
Open to faculty or staff members who demonstrate commitment to service beyond one’s role at the university and are the embodiment of the university’s core values.
Nomination Process
Students, faculty, and staff can nominate a faculty or staff member for the award by submitting:
- The nominee’s name.
- A brief description of how the nominee demonstrates a commitment to “service before self” beyond their role at the university.
The nomination window will be from early February until the end of February.
Established in 2017 and named in honor of longtime staff member Maggie Sharrer, this award recognizes a staff member whose dedication and service meaningfully support AU’s mission. Reflecting Sharrer’s exemplary commitment and contributions, the award honors individuals who foster collegiality, collaboration, and effectiveness, helping to create a supportive environment where students, faculty, and staff can thrive.
The award is presented annually at AU Day, and the recipient’s name is displayed on a commemorative plaque in the Institute for Collaboration.
Eligibility
Open to full-time staff members with at least three consecutive years of service who have not received this award within the past 10 years.
Nomination Process
Faculty and staff can nominate a staff member for the award by submitting:
- The nominee’s name.
- A brief description addressing how the nominee:
- Embodies the university’s core values through their work and relationships.
- Demonstrates dedication and commitment to the university’s mission.
- Maintains professionalism in all work settings.
- Positively impacts the university community by initiating programs, strengthening community, or improving processes.
- Adapts effectively to challenges in ways that benefit the broader AU community.
The nomination window will be from mid-February until mid-March.
This award recognizes a faculty or staff member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to mentoring first-year students through the Spartan Connections program. Reflecting the importance of intentional, relationship-based mentoring, the award honors individuals who support students’ academic transition, foster a sense of belonging, and promote persistence during their first year at Aurora University.
The award is presented annually at AU Day.
Eligibility
Open to current faculty or staff members who served as a mentor within Spartan Connections and supported first-year students through the program for at least one academic year (by August of the award year).
Nomination Process
Eligible students and program colleagues can nominate a Spartan Connections mentor by submitting:
- The nominee’s name.
- A brief description of the nominee’s impact on first-year students, including support for academic transition, sense of belonging, and persistence.
The nomination window will be from mid-April until mid-May.
This award recognizes part-time faculty members who demonstrate excellence in teaching, mentorship, and contributions to their department. Recipients are distinguished by their commitment to student learning and engagement, ongoing professional development or work within their discipline, and collegiality within the university community.
The award is presented annually at AU Day. The recipient receives a $500 cash award and is featured in university publications.
Eligibility
Open to part-time faculty members who have served for at least two academic terms, are in good standing with the university, and are currently teaching or have taught within the past academic year.
Nomination Process
Students, faculty, and staff can nominate an eligible part-time faculty member for the award by submitting:
- The nominee’s name
- A brief description of the nominator’s relationship with the nominee (student nominators only).
- Specific examples of how the nominee has impacted student learning or supported student development through positive mentoring.
After a nomination is received, the award committee will contact the nominee’s department chair or supervisor to request a recommendation in support of the nomination.
The nomination window will be from October 26–November 6.
Established in 1976, this award recognizes full-time faculty (clinical and tenure track) for excellence in teaching, mentorship, and scholarship. Reflecting a longstanding commitment to academic excellence, it honors individuals who motivate and inspire students, communicate a genuine passion for teaching, and foster purpose and meaning in learning. Recipients are distinguished by their ability to meet students where they are — supporting their intellectual, social, and personal development — while creating an inclusive, engaging, and supportive environment. They are also recognized for their accessibility, empathy, and contributions to effective teaching practices that enhance student learning across the university community.
The award is presented annually at AU Day. Recipients receive a $1,000 cash award and a commemorative plaque. They are also invited to address students at the following spring convocation, speak to faculty at the Trumbo Award Reception, and serve on the Trumbo Award Committee for four years.
Eligibility
Open to full-time faculty (clinical and tenure track) with at least three consecutive years of service who have not received this award within the past 10 years.
Nomination Process
Faculty and students can nominate a faculty member for the award by submitting:
- The nominee’s name.
- A description of the relationship with the nominated faculty member and the courses taken under the nominated faculty member (student nominators only).
- A brief description addressing how the nominee:
- Has impacted student learning inside and/or outside the classroom.
- Supported student development through positive mentoring.
The nomination window will be from mid-March until the end of March.