University Honors Local Residents For Service

AURORA, Ill. November 1, 2006 - Aurora University held a convocation and dedication ceremonies on Oct. 6 to dedicate the Crimi Auditorium and the Roger and Marilyn Parolini Music Center.

The program was held in Crimi Auditorium at the Institute for Collaboration on the campus. The 500-seat auditorium is named in recognition of service by the late Dr. James E. Crimi, Aurora College (AC) president from 1962 to 1973, and his wife Pauline.

The Parolini Music Center is named in recognition of the Aurora couple's lifetime commitment to music at Aurora University and the Advent Christian Church.

Dedication participants were Rebecca L. Sherrick, AU president, who presided; Joe Dunham, senior fellow, Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action, who gave the invocation; welcoming guests were Calvin R. Myers, Aurora College 1964 alum and chair, board of trustees; Jessica Ehmler, president, AU Student Association; Heather Hartman, fourth grade student, Partnership School; and Ellen Goldberg, AU registrar, Alumni Association president, and alumna of George Williams College; and Susan Palmer, AC 1971 alumna and professor of history, who provided reflections on service by President Crimi and other presidents. A litany of dedication concluded the observance.

Music was provided by First Class Brass and the University Chorale directed by Christine Flasch. "Renewing the Promise," a historical video produced for the occasion, was premiered.

Receptions in the Institute atrium and Parolini center closed the dedication observance. The event began AU's 2006 homecoming weekend celebration.

A 1938 AC graduate, Dr. Crimi served the college for more than 30 years as a professor, registrar, dean, executive vice president, and president from 1962 to 1973. He and his wife, Pauline, AC '42, became active leaders in the Advent Christian Church as well as in the charitable and business life of the Aurora community.

Honored posthumously with AC's Distinguished Alumnus Award, Dr. Crimi's legacy has been ensured through the James E. Crimi Memorial Scholarship Program and dedication of the auditorium.

Roger Parolini, AU director of special gifts, graduated from Aurora College in 1949 with a BA in English. He joined the faculty of AC in 1954 as a music instructor. Later, he served as associate professor of music, choir director, men's tennis coach, director of development, director of alumni and church relations, and vice president of college relations.

After retiring in 1990, Roger resumed service on a nine-month basis as a goodwill ambassador traveling the nation to build Aurora University's endowment.

In June 1999, Roger received the inaugural Roger K. Parolini Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to individuals who have given exemplary service to Aurora University or other educational, social, or religious institutions or causes.

Marilyn Parolini received a bachelor's degree in 1954 from Aurora College and served as a member of the staff in 1957. She now serves on the planning committee for the traditional service at Aurora Advent Christian Church.

She is also one of the organists for the New England Congregational Church and Healy Chapel, a member of PEO, and treasurer for the Waubonsee Chapter of the Illinois Music Teachers Association.

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