Aurora University salutes retirees

AURORA, Ill. July 20, 2006 - Area residents are among Aurora University faculty members who have retired with a combined total of 138 years of service.

Retirees were honored by faculty and staff colleagues at a reception at the Aurora Country Club. Each retiree received a ceremonial rocking chair.

Honored were:

Carol Crane of Big Rock, a 1965 Aurora College graduate, taught at AU since 1968. She served as associate professor of biology and chair of the natural science and mathematics division. She has received the Marcus and Mark H. Trumbo Award for Excellence in Teaching and Advisor of the Year Award. As an Aurora College student, Crane received the Gold Ivy Leaf award for scholarship. She earned a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina.

Robert A. Dillon of Aurora served as associate professor of mathematics since 1977. In addition to teaching, he served as chair of the Internship and Off-Campus Experiences committee and on several faculty-staff committees. Dillon received a bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College and master’s degrees from the University of Illinois and Ball State University.

Maryanne Locklin, a Batavia resident, joined AU in 1995. She served as Director of AU’s School of Nursing and as associate professor of nursing. Locklin received the 2006 Tony Olejnik Leadership in Service Award at the May commencement ceremony. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Elmhurst College and a doctorate from Rush University.

John J. Melles of Aurora joined AU in 1974. He served as professor of physics, chair of the natural science and mathematics division, and as director of the engineering science program. He has received the Marcus and Mark H. Trumbo Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Professor of the Year award. He holds a bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University, a master’s degree from University of Nebraska, and a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri.

Johanna “Hanni” Taylor of Aurora joined AU in 1978. She served as professor of English, chair of the English department and chair of the Learning Assistance Center. Taylor received the Meritorious Faculty award, the Marcus and Mark H. Trumbo Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Fulbright Award from the U.S. Department of State, and Advisor of the Year award. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Alliance Francaise, Paris; a master’s degree from Phillips Universitat, Germany; and a Ph.D. from Northern Illinois University.

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