AU settles breach of contract suit from former student

Aurora University has reached an undisclosed settlement in a lawsuit filed by a former student for breach of contract and defamation.

The suit, filed by Andrea Kleppe this spring, was dismissed by Kane County Judge Judith Brawka “with prejudice,” meaning Kleppe cannot refile it later, according to court documents.

“The lawsuit has been settled to the satisfaction of both parties,” said Jeff Nowak, attorney for the university, who declined further comment.

Kleppe’s attorney, Peter Storm, did not return phone messages.

In her suit, Kleppe argued she was unfairly barred from campus in spring 2010 and missed graduation because of a false report of a death threat to an assistant professor.

In her lawsuit, Kleppe denied she ever made any threats and sought damages of more than $50,000, of which $30,000 was spent by Kleppe to enroll in another college to obtain her history degree.

According to the suit, Kleppe complained about a history assignment and was later barred from campus because the assistant professor told authorities Kleppe threatened her.

Kleppe was not allowed to attend graduation in May 2010 and instead received her diploma in the mail. Instead of a diploma for a bachelor of arts degree in history, Kleppe received one for “general studies,” a program not offered by the university, the suit stated.