George Williams College of Aurora University (Private/Four-Year)
350 Constance Blvd., PO Box 210, Williams Bay, Wis.
www.aurora.edu/gwc
Established in 1893, George Williams College merged with Aurora University in 2000, creating a broader wealth of opportunities for students on this gorgeous 133-acre campus, located on the picturesque shores of Geneva Lake, in Williams Bay, Wis. The two schools are distinctive, but united within the university’s mission to engage the “transformative power of learning.”
George Williams College offers 14 academic programs in undergraduate and graduate programs, with an emphasis on “serving those who serve others.”
Classes are available during daytime, evenings and on weekends, making them flexible for personal and academic obligations. Traditional undergrad programs include elementary education, parks & recreation and social work, while Adult Degree Completion programs focus on business and nursing. Graduate and doctoral programs include education, recreation and social work. The average class has only about 12 students, allowing for a personal, hands-on learning environment.
“The small class sizes and personalized attention students receive from faculty members creates a very unique learning environment,” says Donna DeSpain, Vice President for Enrollment. “This sense of community results in an atmosphere where achieving educational excellence is the standard.”
Students can also take advantage of a wide range of internships and clinical experiences that allow them to explore their disciplines. The May Term is often used for travel abroad.
Outside the classroom, students have a variety of opportunities to build themselves and their experiences. Students can join in on field trips, recreational activities and on-campus cultural events, in addition to an on-campus golf course, tennis courts, fitness center and lakefront. Year-round housing is available on-campus, and overnight housing is available for students with weekend and evening courses.
George Williams College also has a longstanding relationship with the community, hosting the Music by the Lake summer concert series, which includes national performers and an original opera production. The Conference Center is ideal for major conferences and retreats, and the campus is also home to one of the oldest public golf courses in Wisconsin.
This lakeside campus provides a calm, reflective atmosphere that supports students’ goals and aspirations, as they become leaders. More than 125 years after being established as a YMCA summer training institute, George Williams College of Aurora University continues to transform lives for the benefit of society. ❚