After completing the 2012 season on the field with a 12-5-2 overall record, the Aurora University men's soccer team continued their partnership with Lowrie School in Elgin, Ill. The Spartans began the partnership in April 2012 as pen-pals to the students of AU graduate Lauren Ruffie's classroom at Lowrie. Ruffie
graduated from Aurora University in 2007.
The students at Lowrie come from Hispanic backgrounds and many are still learning to become proficient in writing English. The Spartans wrote to tell them information about Aurora University, as well as what the college experience is like.
"Creating a pen-pal relationship with Mrs. Ruffie's class has provided a wonderful opportunity for our men's soccer players to become positive role models for elementary students aspiring to attend college,” said AU Head Men's Soccer Coach Amir St. Clair. “Building relationships with partnering school districts provides a great experience for the Lowrie students, as well as illustrates our soccer program's commitment to community service and expanding our reach outside of the AU campus. We look forward to continuing the relationship and building on the positive impact it has for both the elementary students and our AU student-athletes."
In late October, the elementary students made the trip south to the AU campus, took campus tours with
players, talked about what it is like to attend college, and asked the Spartans questions about AU. The group concluded the visit with some games of soccer in Thornton Gymnasium.
"Our school, a No Excuses University elementary school in Elgin, promotes going to college after graduating from high school,” said Ruffie. “I, as an AU graduate, wanted to somehow make a personal connection to my Hispanic students and decided to contact the Aurora University men's soccer team to see if they could help me achieve my goal in getting these children to believe that they, too, can go to college. Having met their Aurora University pen pal solidifies to these students that there are people just like them that go to college.”
“The partnership with Lowrie School has been a fantastic experience,” said AU junior
Kory Seddon. “The kids help us as players to realize how fortunate we are to have the opportunities that we have. We are able to see their love for the game of soccer which helps us to reconnect with our passion as well.”
