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Oswego Residents Among AU Alumni Honored at Homecoming
11/3/2009
Aurora University President Rebecca L. Sherrick (center) presented Robert and Helen Mitchler of Oswego with the university's Spirit Award at the annual Homecoming banquet Oct. 9. The award was created in 1985 by the AU Alumni Association to recognize individuals for unselfish contributions and steadfast loyalty to the institution and all its constituents.AURORA, Ill. — Local residents were among Aurora University alumni honored at an annual homecoming banquet Oct. 9 in the University Banquet Hall.
AU President Rebecca L. Sherrick surprised Oswegoans Robert "Bob" Mitchler, an Aurora College alum, and his wife, Helen, with the Spirit Award.
The award, a brass lantern, was created in 1985 by the AU Alumni Association to recognize individuals for unselfish contributions and steadfast loyalty to the institution and all its constituents.
The lantern symbolizes the recipient's love of and devotion to the ideals and people of the institution and the nurturing of the Spartan spirit.
Mitchler, a retired Illinois State Senator, graduated from Aurora College in 1953. He served as editor of the student newspaper, was president of his sophomore class, and became active in other campus pursuits.
His growing interest in politics led to his establishing the Aurora College Young Republican Organization in 1952. It was an experience that provided the groundwork for a distinguished 16-year career as an Illinois State Senator.
Mitchler is a Navy veteran of World War II and the Korean War, serving in the Navy from November 1941 until February 1952. In 1989, he was awarded the Department of the Navy's Certificate of Commendation in recognition for his outstanding service to the Navy for more than 25 years.
He held positions with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad in the division and general offices (1937-1954). He was employed briefly as a sales and packaging engineer for a paperboard carton company (1954-1958) and then with Northern Illinois Gas Company (1958-1975), working in sales and government affairs.
Mitchler was first elected to the Illinois State Senate in 1964 and was re-elected in 1966, 1970, 1972 and 1976. He retired from the Senate in January 1981 and served as Legislative Liaison with the Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs through July 1991.
Mitchler was one of four individuals honored in May 2007 with the Distinguished Tomcat Alumni Award from the East Aurora High School Alumni Association.
Like her husband, Helen Lucille (Drew) Mitchler is a native of Aurora and graduated from East Aurora High School.
Mrs. Mitchler graduated from the Copley School of Nursing and served at Copley Memorial Hospital and Dreyer Medical Clinic. She has been active in community service with social, political and medical support organizations.
Her active work with the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution earned her election as National Vice President General (2005-2008). She was previously State Regent for DAR.
