COMPTROLLER MENDOZA VISITS AURORA UNIVERSITY TO HIGHLIGHT COLLEGE AFFORDABILITY AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Wednesday,  July 17, 2024

AURORAIllinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza today visited Aurora University, a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution, to highlight the need for an affordable college education and to advance educational and career opportunities for first generation students.   

Mendoza, the state’s highest-ranking Latino official, also met with the first Hispanic president of Aurora University, Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills, and they discussed ways to improve affordability and provide more opportunities for students.  

“I’m so happy to learn about Aurora University’s efforts to keep college affordable and provide internships that help students develop the skills that employers are looking for,” Mendoza said. “I have always advocated for better financial management for Illinoisans, and I look forward to working with Dr. Rivera-Mills on ways to build financial skills and create opportunities for all students.” 

President Rivera-Mills said, “Our university community is inspired by the financial leadership of Comptroller Mendoza, who has helped bring budget and cash flow stability to the State of Illinois. And because Comptroller Mendoza understands the issues facing children of immigrants and first-generation students, we also plan to work together to enhance business opportunities and internships for our students.” 

Aurora University has one of the lowest tuition rates for private, not-for-profit universities in Illinois, and 46 percent of last year’s freshman class self-identified as Hispanic/Latino. 

The Comptroller’s Office has two successful programs to help Illinoisans with financial management.  

Bank On Illinois – The goal of Bank On Illinois is to ensure that residents have access to a safe and affordable bank or credit union account. Through Bank On Illinois, the state’s residents can?now find an affordable bank or credit union account that will help them get their unemployment and other emergency benefits faster, and more safely.  

Smart Consumers – Smart Consumers assists Illinois residents in regaining their financial footing. Through the program, Illinois communities?and organizations may schedule financial workshops hosted by the Comptroller's Office. Workshops address everything from the tracking of daily expenses and budgeting to exploring credit card options and identity theft protection. 

Comptroller Mendoza and President Rivera-Mills were joined by several Aurora area state legislators who also pledged to help support these financial efforts. The legislators who participated in a roundtable were Senator Linda Holmes, Assistant Senate Majority Leader; Rep. Barbara Hernandez, Assistant House Majority Leader; Rep. Stephanie Kifowit; and Rep. Matt Hanson.   

Video from this event will be available here:  www.illinois.gov/iisvideo.

 

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