The Spartan Scoop

In this episode of The Spartan Scoop Career Journey Series, Elizabeth Okrzesik, Aurora University’s Disability Resource Director, shares how her career path took unexpected turns, from dreaming of aerospace engineering, to studying special education, to finding meaningful work supporting students with disabilities in higher education. Elizabeth talks about changing majors late in college, taking l...

In this episode of the Spartan Scoop Career Journey Series , Chris talks with Kendra Trudo, Senior Director of University Advising at Aurora University, about her career path from student-athlete to higher ed leader. Kendra reflects on changing direction, finding mentors, defining success for yourself, and why careers often unfold in unexpected ways. A helpful listen for any student trying to figu...

In this episode of The Spartan Scoop, Chris is joined by AU Career Counselor Tory Nair for a deep dive into the NACE competency of Technology. They explore what employers really mean when they ask for “technology skills”—and why it’s less about being a tech expert and more about adaptability, curiosity, and confidence using digital tools. From email, spreadsheets, and video conferencing to learnin...

In this episode of The Spartan Scoop, Chris is joined by Ashley Hacker, Director of Marketing and Design for Student Success, to unpack the NACE competency of Professionalism. Together, they explore what professionalism really looks like in today’s workplace—beyond being polished or formal—and why consistency, communication, self-awareness, and accountability matter so much to employers. Drawing f...

In this episode of The Spartan Scoop, Chris is joined by AU Career Counselor Tory Nair for a thoughtful conversation on the NACE competency of Equity & Inclusion. They explore why this skill is essential in today’s diverse, multi-generational workforce and how inclusion goes far beyond numbers or statements on a company website. From building open-mindedness and curiosity to recognizing differ...

In this episode of The Spartan Scoop, Chris is joined by AU Career Counselor Tory Nair for a deep dive into the NACE competency of Critical Thinking. They break down what critical thinking really means (hint: it’s not just being “smart”), why employers value it so highly, and how it shows up in real workplace situations where there’s no checklist or clear right answer. From group projects and camp...

In this episode of The Spartan Scoop, Chris is joined by AU Career Counselor Tory Nair to break down one of the most misunderstood NACE competencies: Career & Self-Development. Together, they unpack what this skill actually means, why it matters far earlier than senior year, and how self-awareness, reflection, and a willingness to keep learning show up in the workplace. From exploring strength...

This week’s Aurora University Student Success Newsletter welcomes Spartans to the spring semester and highlights important system outage reminders, academic advising support, campus resources, and key dates to know. You’ll also hear about ways to get involved, upcoming events, leadership opportunities, wellness resources, and support services available to help you start the semester strong.

In this episode of The Spartan Scoop , Chris and Career Counselor Alex explore the NACE career competency of Leadership—what it really means, why employers value it, and how students can start developing it now. They break down common misconceptions about leadership, explain how it shows up in student organizations, group projects, athletics, and entry-level roles, and share practical ways student...

In this episode of The Spartan Scoop , Chris and AU Internship Coordinator Dalin explore the NACE competency of Communication, one of the most fundamental and transferable skills in any career path. They discuss what effective communication looks like in the workplace, how it differs from communication in college, and the importance of professionalism across written, verbal, and nonverbal channels...

In this episode of The Spartan Scoop , Chris and AU Career Counselor Alex take a deep dive into the NACE competency of Teamwork —why it matters, how it shows up in everyday student life, and how to demonstrate it to employers. From group projects and student organizations to campus jobs, athletics, and volunteer work, they explore the many ways students already build teamwork skills, often without...

Helping you ease back into campus after the holiday break with resources, events, and quick study tips to get you ready for finals. Whether you’re looking for academic support or ways to stay balanced, we’ve got everything you need to finish the semester strong.

This week’s episode highlights Thanksgiving messages, campus resources, and events designed to help you recharge heading into finals. Tune in for updates on Kindness Connection activities, academic support, upcoming events, and opportunities available to every AU student.

This week’s episode highlights the well-being support available to help you navigate the end-of-semester stress. From counseling and spiritual care to quiet spaces and upcoming events, AU is here to help you stay grounded and finish strong.

Hey Spartans — as the semester winds down, this episode highlights study spaces, academic support, and upcoming events to help you recharge and finish strong. Plus, we’re spreading good vibes for World Kindness Day and sharing a cozy wellness tip you’ll definitely want to try!

We’re celebrating our first-generation Spartans and sharing resources to help you finish the semester strong! Tune in for highlights on the First-Gen Celebration, wellness tips for adjusting to the time change, and campus support like Libby’s Place, Tango’s Pantry, and the Spartan Attic — plus upcoming events you won’t want to miss.

It’s Halloween week at AU, and we’ve got a frightfully fun lineup of parties, activities, and ways to get into the spooky spirit! 🎃 From career and study support to wellness tips and sweet seasonal treats, this week’s newsletter is packed with resources to help you finish October strong.

Hey Spartans! Welcome back from fall break. This week, we’re launching Small Acts, Big Impact — a celebration of the simple moments that make AU a more connected, compassionate community. Share your story, shout out a friend, and spread kindness across campus.

In this episode of The Spartan Scoop, we sit down with Lauren Lawson, AU Class of 2012 and Lead Recruiter in the tech industry, to discuss everything you need to know about launching a successful career in today's rapidly changing job market. Lauren shares her unconventional path from aspiring medical student to talent acquisition expert, and reveals the strategies that helped her never have t...

With fall break and midterms approaching, this week’s podcast covers everything you need to stay on track — from academic tips and wellness resources to fun campus events like pumpkin painting and therapy dogs. Tune in for ways to recharge and finish the semester strong.

This week on The Spartan Scoop, we break down everything you need to know for a packed homecoming week at Aurora University. Don't miss the AU Career & Internship Fair on Wednesday (90+ employers!), followed by an essential AI workshop. We cover SPARK research opportunities for underclassmen, homecoming spirit week activities, the Cultural Fest, and crucial wellness resources including fre...

This week is all about gearing up for the Career Fair and diving into some fall fun! Get tips from employers at our prep sessions, catch our interns around campus with free snacks, and don’t miss your chance to meet 90 employers on October 8. Plus, enjoy spooky-season events, book sales, yoga, and more ways to connect, grow, and recharge across campus.

This week at Aurora University is all about connection, growth, and preparing for your future. In this episode, we dive into LinkedIn workshops, free professional headshots, the pop-up professional clothing closet, volunteer opportunities, creative DIY events, and campus wellness resources. Tune in to discover how you can make the most of everything AU has to offer September 22–28!

This week’s Student Success Newsletter is all about investing in yourself — from internships and time management to volunteering and wellness activities. In this episode, we’ll walk you through the highlights, including National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations and upcoming events from the Office of Latino/a Excellence.

Stay connected with everything happening at AU this week—from crafts and wellness events to Excellence Hours, HSI celebrations, Greek Life, and more. Tune in for the latest ways to get involved, meet new people, and make the most of your Spartan experience!