Student Recognition

Established in 2009 by longtime AU Trustee John F. McKee, this award recognizes a student 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 honors a student who demonstrates outstanding dedication to serving others both within the university and in the broader community.

The award is presented annually at Honors Convocation.

Most recent recipient (student):

• Alexander Ageladelis ’26

Eligibility

• Open to current AU students
• Preference given to graduating seniors
• Demonstrated commitment to service beyond one’s role at the university
• Embodiment of university core values

Nomination Process

Students, faculty, and staff can nominate another student 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.

This award recognizes an outstanding senior selected to represent AU as a Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. It honors excellence in academic and extracurricular achievement, leadership, and service.

The award is presented annually at the Lincoln Academy of Illinois Student Laureate Convocation in Springfield. Recipients receive a certificate signed by the Governor of Illinois, a Lincoln medallion and challenge coin, and a $1,000 award. The student is also recognized at AU’s Honors Convocation.

Most recent recipient:

• Diane Fuentes ’26

Eligibility

One senior who demonstrates excellence in academics, leadership, and service is selected from each participating institution.

Selection Process

Administrators from Student Success and Athletics nominate students for the award, and an appointed committee within Student Success reviews the nominations and selects the recipients.

The nomination window will be from mid-May until the beginning of June.

This award recognizes athletic teams that exemplify excellence in performance, scholarship, sportsmanship, and service. Named in honor of former head football coach Jim Scott (1985–2005), it reflects his commitment to well-rounded student-athletes and teamwork.

The award is presented annually at Honors Convocation.

Most recent recipient:

• 2025 Women’s Golf Team
• 2024-2025 Men’s Volleyball Team

Eligibility

Open to Aurora University athletic teams, with one men’s and women’s team selected each year, that demonstrate excellence in performance, academics, sportsmanship, and service.

Nomination Process

Head coaches can nominate teams for the award by submitting a description of the team’s success, scholarship, sportsmanship, and service.

The nomination window will be from February 1–28.

This award recognizes a graduating senior who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement and meaningful contributions to university life. It honors students who exemplify leadership, service, and strong citizenship. The award is presented annually at Honors Convocation.

Most recent recipient:

• Audrey Esquivel ’26

Eligibility

• Graduating seniors
• Minimum GPA of 3.5
• Significant impact in at least two areas:
  • Leadership
  • Athletics
  • Community service

Nomination Process

• Eligible students can apply for consideration by submitting:
  • Responses to experience prompts (student organizations, athletics, and/or community service, as applicable).
  • Brief descriptions of 1-2 leadership or impact experiences in each applicable area.
  • A current resume.
  • An impact narrative (minimum 500 words) reflecting on leadership, service, and contributions to the university community.
• Faculty can also nominate an eligible student by submitting:
  • The nominee’s name.
  • A letter or recommendation outlining their academic excellence and outstanding contribution to university life.

The nomination window will be announced fall 2026.