Growing south: AU outlines expansion plans

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Updated: March 23, 2012 8:18AM

AURORA — After years of preparation, Aurora University is outlining plans for an expansion in their 2012 Master Plan — with growth heading southward to Prairie Steet.

The university is seeking formal approval from the city to proceed with the project. The university last passed a Master Plan in 2009.

After a successful push to purchase $8 million worth of residential properties over 12 years, AU has plans to create a prominent campus entrance and other future buildings, according to university President Rebecca Sherrick.

“I think we set our mind on growing,” Sherrick said. “We had no room to grow, so the university worked with the city and neighbors. It took a long time.”

Over the past few years, Sherrick said the school’s undergraduate population has increased dramatically, as students from nearby communities found commuting to school attractive. In a rough economy, Sherrick said the school has not raised tuition by more than 4 percent in a year.

“That’s proven to be really attractive,” Sherrick said.

Under the 2012 master plan, Aurora University will expand from 32 to 40 acres.

As the university expands, it plans to keep its commitment to surrounding neighborhoods by addressing issues of parking and maintaining a residential setting, said Tom Hammond, vice president for administration.

Early presentations of the master plan garnered a positive response, he said.

WELCOME CENTER

The 21,000-square-foot future Welcome Center on Calumet Avenue will house admission and alumni offices as well as the Schingoethe Center for Native American Cultures. Two wings will be connected by a central archway that will guide visitors into a sculpture garden in the rear courtyard. The new welcome center will play host for receptions and dinners before and after university events.

The building is expected to cost $7 million. To date, the university has raised $4 million and the class of 1965 donated $100,000 toward the project’s cost.

CENTENNIAL GATEWAY

A red brick, red tile and wrought iron gate will span the roadway into the campus at Prairie Street and Calumet Avenue, at a cost of $232,000. Nearly half of the funds for the project have been secured, with contributions from a loyal anonymous donor and the Class of 1961.

Sherrick said the existing brick and stone column at Gladstone Avenue and Marseillaise Place will be preserved.

Sherrick said the gateway is the first project the university plans to break ground on during 2012.

WACKERLIN CENTER ADDITION

A large classroom space will be added at the Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action at Evanslawn Avenue and Southlawn Place. The university has secured $200,000 of the project’s estimated $650,000 cost.

“The addition will expand the center’s role on campus as a place where students can explore questions of faith and meaning and join forces to improve the world around them,” said AU spokesman Dave Parro.

Sherrick said the university plans to break ground on the Welcome Center and Wackerlin Center Addition in 2013. The university is also making plans for a $12 million Science, Technology, Engineering and Math school on campus.

Sherrick said the university’s long term goals might include moving south across Prairie Street and adding athletic facilities.