Aurora University - Campus Facilities

Campus Facilities

The Aurora campus is based primarily around a traditional quadrangle and adjacent areas. In total, the campus is approximately 32 acres. All buildings constructed by the university have red tile roofs (with the exception of two, which continue the red theme on exterior wall panels), a stipulation of Charles Eckhart in his initial donation in the early days of Aurora College.

Buildings include:

Alumni Hall: Includes the primary student dining hall, the University Banquet Hall, Thornton Gymnasium, athletic offices and a weight room. In 2010, construction began on a new wing for Alumni Hall, which opened in 2011 to house several academic programs and classrooms primarily for the nursing and social work programs.

Davis Hall and Memorial Hall: Originally built in 1912 to house male students, Davis Hall was renovated in 2004. Memorial Hall was built in 1955 as a women-only extension to Davis Hall, and was renovated in 2002. Both buildings are now co-educational residence halls.

Dunham Hall: Includes the university bookstore, Dunham School of Business, a student dining area and classrooms. Dunham Hall also is home to the Schingoethe Center for Native American Cultures, which holds more than 8,000 Native American artifacts.

Eckhart Hall: Includes central administration functions, classroom space and Lowry Chapel. Along with Davis Hall and Wilkinson Hall, Eckhart was one of the three original buildings of Aurora College.

The Institute for Collaboration: Includes a partnership school with West Aurora School District 129, which provides classes for 200 local elementary students; the Caterpillar Center for Teaching and Learning; and classrooms. The Institute also houses the 500-seat Crimi Auditorium, which includes a new pipe organ that was dedicated in 2010.

Jenks Hall: Built in 1957, Jenks Hall is a residence hall primarily for upperclassmen, and also includes the university fitness center and wellness center.

Parolini Music Center: Named for alumni and supporters Roger and Marilyn Parolini, the facility includes a music ensemble room, art studio, two teaching studios and music practice rooms.

Phillips Library: Built in 1962, the library’s collection includes more than 99,000 books and 7,000 multimedia materials. The building includes a computer lab, the Center for Teaching & Learning and study rooms.

Stephens Hall: Houses the Aurora Foundation Center for Community Enrichment, Perry Theatre, the School of Nursing and the “Spartan Spot” student commons area.

Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action: Located in a restored modern home designed by the architecture firm Keck and Keck, the Wackerlin Center is home to the University Chaplain and the Department of Religion, and hosts public religious events and discussions.

Watkins Hall: The most recently built residence hall on the Aurora campus, Watkins Hall houses mostly freshmen.

Wilkinson Hall: One of the original residence halls on campus, Wilkinson Hall was built in 1912 and houses freshmen and upperclassmen.

Construction of a new residence hall between the Institute of Collaboration and Watkins Hall is underway. When completed in January 2012, the new hall will accommodate more than 100 students.