In the final weeks of the 2014-2015 AU academic year, various organizations and departments held year end award recognition events. Both the AU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Spartan Athletic Department were recognized for their efforts throughout the year on two important community service projects.

The Spartans received recognition from the Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action for the Volunteer Project of the Year for the department's on-going service project with the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry. The AU Students' Association awarded the SAAC with the Outstanding Collaboration Award for the groups work with the Hesed House YMCA After-School Program.

"Being recognized for the community service efforts that all of our student-athletes take great pride in being part of is very satisfying, although we do not serve for the recognition," said AU SAAC Co-President and junior men's lacrosse player Jon Glende.

"An important goal for the AU athletic department is to create a sustainable relationship with local organizations that could value from the service our student-athletes can provide," said Assistant Director of Athletics – Student Wellbeing Nicole Pieart. "Many of our sports teams do a wonderful job of providing community service throughout the greater Aurora area in addition to the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry and Hesed House projects."

Through the service project with the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, a different athletic team volunteered at the pantry each Thursday to assist with their food distribution day. As part of the collaboration with the Hesed House YMCA After-School Program, student-athletes would spend a few hours of their time each Thursday afternoon interacting with children through various sports and activities to emphasize the importance of physical activity and provide the kids with potential role models.