Winter 2013 / Volume 73 / Number 1
Johnson Center
Groundbreaking
Page 12
Faith in the Future To teach is to put faith in the future. No educator—a teacher, coach, counselor, chaplain, or student advisor—in any school ever knows what the outcome of their work will be. Nonetheless, we give it our best because we believe in the future—our own future, certainly, but especially the future of our students. North Park’s short mission statement points in this direction. For nearly 125 years North Park has had a single focus: “to prepare students for lives of significance and service.” Those of us who educate students at North Park actually believe this can and will be accomplished in each student.
North Parker Staff Editorial Board
David Parkyn President
Nate Mouttet Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing Mary K. Surridge Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations Melissa Vélez-Luce C’04 Alumni Relations Manager
Editorial Staff
Rebecca (Padgett) Dangel Managing Editor
And we have evidence that this does happen. Each graduate identified in this issue of the North Parker—some younger and others older—and every graduate living today around the world gives evidence that lives are molded at North Park.
John Brooks News Editor
But there’s a deep mystery in this. However excellent a teacher, coach, counselor, chaplain, or student adviser may be we are never certain at the moment that our work with students will be effective. We will know this only in the future, a future in which we place a deep and abiding faith.
Emily (Wulff) Anderson C’10 Designer
This holds true whatever the age of the student. I’ve been a college educator for over 30 years and in recent years my students seem to have gotten younger. I suppose this really only means that I’m getting older. Yet getting older has its rewards. My special recent rewards are pictured here relaxing with their “buelo” while on vacation this past summer. Whether in educating college students or in loving grandchildren, we put faith in the future. You also put faith in the future of North Park. Your prayers for our students, your words of encouragement for our daily work, your gifts to support this mission—these express to me and to all faculty and staff at North Park your abiding faith in the future of North Park University and of all who study with us.
David L. Parkyn President, North Park University
John Potter C’05 Copy Editor
2 Campus News 10 Homecoming Photo Recap 12 Johnson Center Groundbreaking
by John Brooks
16 Changed by Global Culture
by John Brooks
26 In Matters of Adult Education: Keep the Faith, Honor Tradition, and Construct the Future
Faculty Essay by Bryan Watkins
28 Parent Giving to North Park: Investing in the Future
Mark C‘83 S’90 and Robin (Nelson) Nilson C’83 Donor Profile by John Brooks
30 2012 Alumni Award Winners
Alumni Profiles by John Brooks
33 Alumni Notes 45 Signature Events
The North Parker is published twice a year for alumni and friends of North Park University, 3225 West Foster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625-4895. For mailing list adjustments and address changes, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (773) 244-5273. Questions, letters, or suggestions for the editor should be directed to the University Marketing and Communications office at the above address, or (773) 244-5768.
Enjoy the North Parker online, too, with back issues for reading or download at
From left to right: Nels “Art” Edstrom C’53, Austin Person C’07, Laura Mount C’07, and John Douglass A’64
Campus News
2012 Hall of Fame Inductees Four North Park University athletes were inducted into the Viking Hall of Fame at an October 12 ceremony during the University’s annual Homecoming festivities. This year’s inductees were John Douglass A’64, football, basketball, track and field; Nels “Art” Edstrom C’53, basketball, baseball, tennis, and coach; Laura Mount C’07, basketball; and Austin Person C’07, soccer. Athletic director Dr. Jack Surridge, along with coaches and family members, presented the inductees.
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John Douglass A’64
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Douglass was co-captain of the football team in 1962 and 1963. The 1963 team won the Private School League championship, and Douglass was named to the All-State football team as a running back. He was captain of the basketball team his senior year. He was also a four-year track team member, played trumpet in the band and was a member of the National Honor Society. Douglass was active in student government for four years, serving as student senate president in his senior year. After graduating from North Park Academy, John had an outstanding undergraduate career at DePauw University, Greencastle, Ind., where he starred as a linebacker on the football team, and continued his record of academic achievement. He earned a bachelor’s degree from DePauw in 1968. In 1971, he earned a juris doctorate from Northwestern University School of Law, Chicago, and a master of business administration from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, in 1983. After distinguished careers at Green Giant and Ecolab, Douglass retired and is currently the managing general partner of Rice Family LP, North Oaks, Minn. He has served on the University board of trustees and the board for Minnehaha Academy, Minneapolis, serving as board chair from 2001 to 2005.
Nels “Art” Edstrom C’53 Edstrom was a multisport athlete as a freshman and sophomore, lettering in basketball, baseball, and tennis. He was recognized by classmates as “most popular male” and “most athletic male” in his class. His playing career continued at Taylor University, Upland, Ind., and also with the 2nd Army basketball team. Edstrom’s coaching career included several North Park sports, and he served as acting athletic director. Edstrom led an academic campaign which resulted in the North Central Accrediting Association approving the University’s physical education degree. Edstrom was among the most honored high school swimming coaches in Illinois history. He was president of the Illinois Swimming Association for 25 years, is a member of the Illinois Swimming Hall of Fame, was awarded the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association National Coach of the Year Award, and the John Newman Award. Edstrom and his wife, Sandy, are both North Park alumni and their four children attended North Park. Two of 10 grandchildren have attended North Park, and a third is attending this fall.
Laura Mount C’07 Mount was a four-year starter on the women’s basketball team. She was named to multiple all-tournament teams including four tournaments in her senior year when the University captured championships at Lakeland College, Sheboygan, Wis.; Manhattanville College, Purchase, N.Y.; Rockford College, Rockford, Ill.; and Whittier College, Whittier, Calif. Mount scored in double figures in all 24 games her senior year, averaging 18.2 points per game. She currently ranks fifth all-time in scoring with 1,204 points, second all-time in made free throws with 407, second in steals with 228, and fifth in assists with 295. She was named to the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) first team by unanimous vote of the conference coaches in 2006 and 2007.
Campus News
News Highlights www.northpark.edu/news-highlights Following graduation as an athletic training major, Mount accepted an assistantship at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she completed a master’s degree and served as athletic trainer for the national championship women’s basketball team. Mount was head athletic trainer and adjunct professor at Trinity International University, Deerfield, Ill., for two years, and is currently pursuing a degree as a physician’s assistant.
Austin Person C’07 Person is the most dominant goal keeper in the history of North Park University and CCIW men’s soccer. A biology major from Omaha, Neb., Austin distinguished himself in the classroom as an outstanding student. He is a Jack Swartz Award winner and multiple-year academic all-conference recipient who graduated with a 3.613 cumulative grade point average. On the field he led the Vikings to conference and tournament championships in the CCIW in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Person was named three times to the CCIW first team, three times to the All-Region team, two times as a National Soccer Coaches Athletic Association Academic All-American, and one time as a National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-American. In 2005, Person was named the CCIW Player of the Year and Male Athlete of the Year when the Vikings won the CCIW championship at Wheaton, and advanced to the NCAA national tournament. He has traveled to Bolivia and Zambia on mission and service trips, and was recently recognized for his research on health care for the underserved in youth correction facilities. Person is currently attending medical school at the University of Nebraska.
Graduates Find Value in Dual Seminary, Business Degrees
The University has improved its graduate dual-degree programs that combine theological instruction from North Park Theological Seminary with business and nonprofit administration education, offered through the University’s School of Business and Nonprofit Management. Graduates of these educational programs say their dual degrees have helped them in their ministries and opened up career paths. The University offers dual-degree programs with six different possibilities. The new degree structure is clearer, and better integrates the two degree programs. Studying for dual-degrees “allowed me to pursue my seminary education and pay attention to the part of me that loves to organize, and manage detail,” said Rev. Erik Strom S’07 G’07, executive director at Covenant Point Bible Camp in Iron River, Mich.
School of Nursing Introduces New Graduate-Level Curriculum
To better equip nurses to work with an aging population and changes in the health care arena in the United States, the University’s School of Nursing initiated a new master’s-level curriculum this academic year. The new curriculum, which includes revised core and clinical courses, includes concentrations in leadership and management, plus family nurse practitioner and adult-gerontology nurse practitioner specialties. Chicago health professionals, including Christine Bertrand of Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly, say the new concentration is significant. “Anyone who has the opportunity to be trained for this population will be ahead of other nursing students or professionals down the road,” Bertrand said. North Park nursing students work with the organization’s elders and see first-hand their health concerns, learning how to communicate with them effectively, she said.
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Jack Surridge, director of athletics
Nonprofit Management Degree Offered Online
Beginning this academic year, a popular bachelor’s degree program for professionals who aspire to leadership positions in the nonprofit sector can be completed exclusively online. The University’s undergraduate nonprofit management degree will be among other programs that students can earn online through the School of Adult Learning. With this new option, students are able to complete the degree through a combination of online and in-person classes, or exclusively online. “What is different about our program is that we have a real-world component, and a real-world focus,” said major chair Dr. Pamela Ransom. Students who have earned the degree have moved into interesting and fulfilling careers, including program alumna Violet Ricker C’10. Ricker now serves as executive director of nonprofit organization Waukegan Main Street, which works for community and economic development.
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Campus News
New Academic Programs The University introduced two new concentrations in its art curriculum at the beginning of the 2012-2013 academic year, focused on curatorial studies and graphic design, in addition to its traditional fine arts concentration. North Park also plans to launch a new sports management concentration through the School of Business and Nonprofit Management in the 2013-2104 academic year.
Art concentrations, pre-professional art therapy track launch The curatorial studies concentration will prepare curators or managers who work in art museums or art galleries, said Kelly VanderBrug, professor of art and chair of the art department. The concentration prepares students to conceive, organize and manage art shows, and work with artists. The concentration includes basic art courses and classes in subjects such as art history. It also requires an internship in a museum or art gallery, she said.
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“We have regularly had students who are interested in this as a career, and they go on to earn degrees in art history,” VanderBrug said. “We also see this as a step toward an art history major.” In the next five years, the department plans to develop an art history major, and the curatorial studies concentration would be a track within the major, she said.
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The graphic design concentration addresses a subject area many incoming students have inquired about, VanderBrug said. The concentration is for students interested in design, and allows them to take courses in subjects such as media studies, communication, and business and economics. An internship is required, preferably in a graphic design firm, she said. Graphic design is a field that interests many students, VanderBrug said. “In the past, we’ve had students who have put this together themselves. Students with a lot of self-direction have gotten great
‘Students with a lot of selfdirection have gotten great jobs in graphic design. Now they have a path to follow from the outset.’
jobs in graphic design. We realized it would be a great help to students to prepare this curriculum so they wouldn’t have to figure out a plan on their own. Now they have a path to follow from the outset,” VanderBrug said. The department also made some minor revisions to its traditional fine arts program for this year, and it created a checklist for students interested in a pre-professional educational program in art therapy, VanderBrug said. Students interested in art therapy usually seek master’s degrees in the field. One of the advantages of the University’s art program is that it strengthens students’ liberal arts education, enabling them to have successful careers in a variety of fields, VanderBrug said. For example, the art curriculum teaches skills in project management and problem solving, and it teaches students to think across disciplines, she added.
Sports Management curriculum launches in 2013 academic year The sports industry is big business in the United States, estimated to generate more than $200 billion per year. This diverse industry
Campus News
More News Highlights is growing, and there has been an increase in student demand for coursework in sports management, said John Born, associate athletic director and head men’s soccer coach. Students are interested in careers in athletics, and in nonprofit and government-supported organizations such as park districts, sports associations, and schools. Add to that the University’s location in one of the greatest sports cities in the world, and you have an ideal mix to introduce an academic concentration in sports management. Students who enter this new concentration beginning next academic year will major in business and economics through the University’s School of Business and Nonprofit Management, with a concentration in sports management, Born said. Required coursework includes topics such as marketing and sales, finances and operations, sports psychology, administration, and others. An internship will be required. “We’ll also take advantage of our location, with numerous guest speakers, volunteer opportunities, and internships with local professional and amateur organizations, and nonprofit agencies,” Born said. This year, the curriculum will be finalized, Born explained, and the concentration will be promoted to current students as well as to people working in sports-related fields. “We have already identified and met with an advisory group of local sports management professionals, who will give us insight into the current industry, help with guest speakers, assist with internship opportunities, and lend overall guidance towards classroom instruction,” Born said.
University Professors Teach Chinese Business Students
Two North Park professors each spent one month in China last summer teaching university business students and professors. Dr. Al Kamienski taught classes in strategic management, and Dr. Catherine Marsh taught organizational behavior and ethics during their residencies at Anhui University of Finance and Economics in Bengbu City. The University maintains bilateral cooperation agreements with five Chinese universities, including Anhui. Those agreements established cross-cultural learning and research opportunities for students and faculty, and promote student and faculty exchange. “This has been transforming and life-shaping for me in several ways. For any of our professors and staff, fantastic gains of friendship and culture can take place with such an experience,” Kamienski said. The University is planning to host two additional Anhui professors this academic year, following the two professors that came to campus last year.
University Students Attend Conference in Sweden
Four University seniors were among about 60 students from the United States, Canada, and Sweden who attended the SwedishAmerican Bridge Conference in Karlstad, Sweden, from September 11 to 16. The conference aimed to promote an eco-friendly and sustainable existence, focusing on the roles of cultural organizations, entrepreneurship, and future-oriented research. North Park and other universities of Swedish heritage in the U.S. were invited to select four students to participate in the conference. Two women and two men were chosen from applicants by a committee of University faculty in the sciences and business. Each student submitted essays expressing interest in the conference, including experience in environmental studies or entrepreneurship. Students who attended included biology major Calise Berger C’13, business and economics major Alexander Elliott Gutierrez C’13, communication/media studies major Kia Lewis C’13, and environmental science major Jon Ten Brink C’13.
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Kelly VanderBrug, professor of art and chair of the art department, and John Born, associate athletic director and head men’s soccer coach
Students with business degrees emphasizing sports management will be prepared for careers with professional teams, college and high school athletic departments, parks and recreation organizations, health clubs, media and entertainment agencies, as well as facilities and events operations, Born added.
University Awarded Illinois Campus Compact Grant
Illinois Campus Compact awarded the University a McCormick Strategic Civic Leadership Fellowship grant to help expand existing outreach programs and lay the groundwork for a civic engagement center housed on campus. The fellowship includes a $7,000 seed grant for one year, beginning this past August. “We have a lot of people on campus doing different things, and this can be a hub through which we can engage the urban context,” said Rich Kohng, urban outreach coordinator, North Park’s University Ministries. The center would likely include three components: curricular, engagement, and research. Already the University has nearly 20 partnerships with community service organizations, and at least 150 students regularly volunteering with local organizations who serve more than 400 people a week.
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Campus News
More News Highlights North Park Begins 2012–2013 Academic Year
The University opened its 121st year August 27. North Park welcomed more than 3,200 undergraduate and graduate students this year. More than 550 students are entering college for the first time or are undergraduate transfer students, representing more than 30 states, and at least seven countries outside the United States. Faculty and staff met August 21 for the University’s annual Gathering Day, where President Parkyn presented his annual State of the University address. He cited the groundbreaking for the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life as an indicator of a great year, and a “transformational” project for student learning at the University. New undergraduate students and their parents were welcomed to the University August 22 at an opening convocation. New Seminary students were welcomed at a breakfast August 23.
New Faculty and Staff Welcomed
Cheri Coakley
Daniel White Hodge
North Park welcomed new full-time faculty and staff to the University as the 2012–2013 academic year began. They were introduced to the University community August 21 at Gathering Day. New faculty include Cheri Coakley, visiting assistant professor of nursing; Dr. Daniel White Hodge, assistant professor of youth ministry, and director of the Center for Youth Ministry Studies; Dr. John J. Laukaitis, assistant professor of education; Dr. Kezia Shirkey, assistant professor of psychology; and Sarah Thorngate, instructor of bibliography/reference, and electronic resources librarian of Brandel Library. Rev. Dr. David Kersten C’77 S’82 S’97 was also recognized as the new dean of the Seminary. Rev. Dr. Kersten was installed at the Seminary’s fall convocation September 16.
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Nonprofit Leaders Benefit from Axelson Center’s Resources
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John J. Laukaitis
Kezia Shirkey
Sarah Thorngate
David Kersten
The University’s Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management provided valuable resources to nonprofit professionals throughout the summer. More than 500 nonprofit leaders and volunteers met in Chicago in June to learn new and effective organizational strategies. They were attendees at the 13th Annual Axelson Center Symposium for Nonprofit Professionals and Volunteers. Keynote speakers addressed the role of nonprofits in rebuilding the U.S. economy, and harnessing pro bono resources for their organizations. Workshops focused on topics such as communication, strategic planning, board engagement, funding, and giving trends. In addition, 27 new nonprofit executives participated in last August’s BootCamp 2012, a popular continuing education program of the Axelson Center. Participants met with experts and each other for three days, sharing ideas and learning about organizational mission, marketing, boards and governance, management principles, measurement, and funding.
Campus News
Janice I. Becker Nursing Simulation Suite dedicated
North Park dedicated the Janice I. Becker Nursing Simulation Suite October 26, in its high-tech Nursing Simulation Lab Facility. For 40 years, Becker was a psychiatric nurse in Massachusetts. She was a lifelong member of the Evangelical Covenant Church with her husband, Dick. After Jan’s death from cancer, Dick moved to Covenant Village of Florida, Plantation, and learned about the University and its simulation lab. Becker visited the campus, toured the state-of-the-art lab, and saw students becoming proficient and confident in their nursing skills. With his interest in education, Becker was invited to honor Jan and her life of nursing service by naming a lab suite for her. The board of trustees, along with special friends such and Dr. Tim and Nancy Johnson, were present for the dedication.
Campus Theme Series Addresses, “What is Nature?”
The University is hosting four prominent speakers in its annual Campus Theme Lecture Series, a series of public discussions reflecting a common theme throughout the academic year. For 2012–2013, speakers will address the theme, “What Is Nature?” The lectures focus the University community on one question fundamental to human experience, said Dr. Karl Clifton-Soderstrom C’93 S’95, assistant professor of philosophy as well as the director of general education and the Campus Theme series. “We chose the theme not only for its present cultural import but because it explicitly brings the sciences into dialogue with wider campus commitments to the arts, justice, multiculturalism, and the Christian faith,” Clifton-Soderstrom said. Fall speakers included biologist Sir Peter Crane, author Barry Lopez, and environmental activist Dr. Vandana Shiva. Astrophysicist Dr. Jennifer Wiseman will speak February 27.
WHAT IS NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY CAMPUS THEME SERIES
NATURE? w w w.nor t hpark.edu/CampusTheme
University Hosts 54 International Students in American Studies Program
“A NATURAL ETHIC” Barry Lopez
Monday, October 15, 2012 7:00 pm Anderson Chapel, North Park University 5159 North Spaulding Avenue, Chicago Free and open to the public The second event in this year’s campus theme program features internationally recognized writer Barry Lopez. Best-selling author Barry Lopez is widely recognized as one of this generation’s best nature writers. He is the author of Arctic Dreams, for which he received the National Book Award; Of Wolves and Men, a National Book Award finalist for which he received the John Burroughs and Christopher medals; and eight works of fiction. Lopez contributes regularly to Granta, Orion, Manoa, and other publications in the U.S. and abroad. His work has appeared in dozens of anthologies, including Best American Essays, Best Spiritual Writing, and the “best” collections from National Geographic, Outside, The Georgia Review, The Paris Review, and other periodicals.
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On July 4, nearly all of the international students in the English language immersion program this past summer at the University experienced for the first time an American Independence Day. That is one piece of their immersion as participants in the University’s Summer ESL American Studies program, combining English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, cultural exploration, and field trips throughout the Chicago area. The 54 students were from seven countries, plus three local immigrant students. “We’re studying English through the vehicle of Chicago,” said Dr. Kristin Lems, the program’s director. The academic program is built on the cultural piece of the city, Lems said. The students’ observance of Independence Day was featured on Chicago’s ABC7 News. The video clip is available online at http:// abclocal.go.com/wls/video?id=8724844.
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Campus News
Recently Published Faculty Books Norwegians and Swedes in the United States Philip J. Anderson and Dag Blanck, editors (Minnesota Historical Society Press) For 19th-century American immigrants hailing from Norway and Sweden, differences in language, culture, and religion sorted them into distinct groupings. In this groundbreaking volume, Seminary professor of church history Philip Anderson shares perspectives on context, culture, conflict, and community. The Augustana Synod and the Covenant Church: Contact, Conflict, and Confluence 1860–2010 Philip J. Anderson, editor (Swedish-American Historical Society) Among the denominations begun by Swedish immigrants in the 19th century were the Augustana Synod and the Evangelical Covenant Church. Both shared roots in Sweden’s religious life and a common history, and followed their own trajectories in American life. The Easter Jesus and the Good Friday Church Gregory S. Athnos (Outskirts Press, Inc.)
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The risen Lord became the disciples’ launching pad for faith, and from that glorious platform they reached back and embraced his crucifixion. Professor emeritus of music Gregory Athnos believes that it should be the same for us today.
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The Art of the Roman Catacombs: Themes of Deliverance in the Age of Persecution Gregory S. Athnos (Outskirts Press, Inc.) The culmination of 37 years of research in the catacombs of Rome, this book is an attempt to see this treasure of catacomb art as more than art; it is a veritable theology of the early pre-legalized Church.
Healthy Human Life: A Biblical Witness James K. Bruckner (Cascade Books) How does the Bible describe or define health and healing? The biblical witness can transform the way we practice the healing arts. In this book, Seminary professor of Old Testament James Bruckner C’79 S’83 provides a biblical foundation for health and its restoration. Perspectives on our Struggle with Sin: Three Views of Romans 7 Stephen Chester, Grant Osborne, Mark Seifrid, and Chad Brand (Broadman & Holman) Seminary professor of New Testament Stephen Chester presents in point-counterpoint form three differing views of a Christian’s relationship with the law, flesh, and spirit as illustrated through Paul’s often-debated words in Romans 7. Vocal Technique: A Guide for Conductors, Teachers, and Singers Julia Davids and Stephen LaTour (Waveland Press, Inc.) This is the first book to connect the disciplines of vocal pedagogy, vocal science, and choral technique. In it, Stephen J. Hendrickson Endowed Chair of Music Julia Davids fills a need for accurate, well-researched, and easy-to-read information on how to teach and learn singing. Complexities of Money and Missions in Asia Paul De Neui, editor (William Carey Library) From seven different indigenous and expatriate perspectives, this volume from Seminary professor of missiology Paul De Neui deals with the perceptions of money specifically from those seeking to serve obediently in the Buddhist contexts of Asia.
Get ready to laugh at this third installment of furry friends Muffin and Alexander from professor of education Barbara Levandowski C’70. Follow their escapades as they go to school and cause big surprises for the teachers and students. Bringing Jesus to the Desert Bradley Nassif (Zondervan) Professor of biblical and theological studies Bradley Nassif tells the story of how the deserts of the Holy Land forged a lasting legacy of faith. This book can help readers draw on God’s power in the deserts of their own lives. The Philokalia: A Classic Text of Orthodox Spirituality Brock Bingaman and Bradley Nassif, editors (Oxford University Press) The purpose of this volume is to provide an ecumenical collection of scholarly essays on the Philokalia that will introduce readers to its background, motifs, authors, and relevance for contemporary life and thought. Kiss the Stranger Kristy Odelius and Timothy Yu (Corollary Press) A collection of poems from associate professor of English Kristy Odelius.
Honoring the Generations: Learning with Asian North American Congregations M. Sydney Park, Soong-Chan Rah, and Al Tizon, editors (Judson Press Publishers)
Campus News
The Adventures of Muffin and Alexander: Off to School Barbara Levandowski (Trafford Publishing)
In this volume, Seminary associate professor of church growth and evangelism Soong-Chan Rah and his co-editors bring together diverse leaders to explore the opportunities for ministry in an Asian, North American, Christian community that is increasingly challenged by a generation gap. Jesus, Matthew’s Gospel and Early Christianity: Studies in Memory of Graham N. Stanton Richard A. Burridge and Joel Willitts, authors; Daniel M. Gurtner, editor (Library of New Testament Studies) A distinguished array of contributors, including co-author and associate professor biblical and theological studies Joel Willitts, pay tribute to the work of theologian Graham N. Stanton by engaging with the principal areas of his research and contributions: the Gospel of Matthew and early Christianity. The Making of a Modern Greek Identity: Education, Nationalism, and the Teaching of A Greek National Past Theodoros G. Zervas (Columbia University Press)
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In this volume, assistant professor of education Theodoros Zervas explores the ways in which the teaching of Greek history in Greek schools helped shape a Greek national identity. The period covered was a time of major social, political, and cultural change in Greece.
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Campus News
The Spirit Games were a great success, as hundreds of alumni returned to campus for Homecoming 2012. Visit www.northpark.edu/homecoming for more photos from the weekend’s celebrations.
The breakfast is always a great time of reconnecting and reminiscing.
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Reunion classes gathered for the annual Reunion and Awards Breakfast in Hamming Hall.
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The Vikings hustle the ball in their game against North Central College.
Tom Houdek A’50 and Armour Swanson C’52 share a memory.
Campus News
Thumbs up for the Block Party, one of many stops on the Spirit Games board game.
Some of the women from the Class of ‘92 gather for a group shot.
The Gospel Choir invited alumni to join them in singing “Revelation 19” at the annual Homecoming Music Showcase.
SAVE THE DATE
Homecoming 2013 Interested in hosting a class reunion during Homecoming? The Office of Alumni Relations is here to help with invitations, venue suggestions, and reunion kits. Email alumni@northpark.edu for more details by February 1, 2013.
The cheer and dance teams helped keep spirits high throughout Homecoming.
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October 4–6
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Johnson Center Groundbreaking www.northpark.edu/campaign
On October 26, the University initiated construction for the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life.
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Friday, October 26, 2012
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Thursday, October 25, 2012
WTTW Interview
Dr. Timothy Johnson C’56 S’63, right, recorded an interview with host Phil Ponce for the station’s popular evening program Chicago Tonight. Johnson spoke about his career as the ABC News medical editor, his views on health care, the construction of the Johnson Center, and his North Park years.
Board of Trustees Meeting The groundbreaking ceremony coincided with the fall meeting of the board of trustees.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Prospective Science Student Welcome Chicago-area high school students interested in science study at North Park accepted an invitation to attend the groundbreaking, and met with Tim Johnson, faculty, staff, and students.
www.northpark.edu/campaign
Friday, October 26, 2012
Groundbreaking Festival
A cool, dry autumn day was perfect for hundreds of students, faculty, staff, and supporters of the University to celebrate the groundbreaking with music and food near the construction site. President Parkyn commented that like the festival, the Johnson Center will be a central gathering place for the entire University community.
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www.northpark.edu/campaign
Friday, October 26, 2012
Groundbreaking Ceremony
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As the crowd watched, a brief ceremony concluded with the Campaign Executive Committee turning shovels at the construction site. Nancy and Tim Johnson, above center, expressed their appreciation for the building’s name. “This honor goes way beyond the two of us,” he said, “and as I look over the wonderful gathering and see so many familiar faces, I’m reminded of how much North Park has meant in my life, Nancy’s life, and our life together.” Watch the building construction live online at www.northpark.edu/johnsoncenter
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Friday, October 26, 2012
Evening Rece[ption
More than 350 supporters of Campaign North Park attended a reception in Hamming Hall following the groundbreaking ceremony.
Choral Concert
Anderson Chapel was filled for the day’s final event: a concert by the North Park University Choir and the Chamber Singers.
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Friday, October 26, 2012
For more information about Campaign North Park and the Johnson Center, visit www.northpark.edu/campaign or call (866) 366-8096, toll-free.
www.northpark.edu/campaign
We invite you to be a part of Campaign North Park and the new Johnson Center. Make your gift today.
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Changed by Global Culture by John Brooks
Rebecca Miller C’08 is in her first year of medical school at the State University of New York, Brooklyn. She hopes to work with underserved patient populations. Riley Clark C’09 works for an immigration law firm in Bedford, N.H., and consults with Mexicanbased NGOs on bilingual Content Management Systems. Laura Johnson C’10 is in her second year in medical school at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She also hopes to work with underserved patient populations.
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Aaron Nilson C’10 works for an organization that serves immigrants arriving in Chicago. Most are Latinos, and many are undocumented.
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Ruth Blidar C’10 just moved to New York to study international education development at Teacher’s College, Columbia University, after teaching history in a Chicago school for one year. Michael Nelson C’11 is with a Chicago-based homeowner preservation hedge fund, and plans to eventually pursue a PhD and teach. Karen Kelly C’12 is in Andorra teaching English in a secondary school. Michelle Wells C’12 is in Colombia teaching English in a public university.
For any college graduate to be awarded a federal U.S. Fulbright Program grant to spend a year living and working in another country is an exceptional and distinctive accomplishment. Yet in the past four years, eight outstanding graduates of North Park University have been named winners of Fulbright awards.
Looking back, the students reflected on how their unique international experiences affected their lives and professional careers, some in unexpected ways. They shared their American experiences with students and colleagues, and learned from new friends about their lives. The experiences tested the
“They called us ambassadors, and I felt like that’s what I was,” said Laura Johnson, a biology and Spanish major who worked at a Mexican university in Cuernavaca, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, from 2010 to 2011. She taught English to students, and practiced her own Spanish. She met everyday people, learned about Latino culture, and shared her U.S. experiences with them. Ordinary meetings sometimes produced extraordinary results. For example, Johnson sought treatment for an eye problem from an optometrist in Mexico. After the appointment the doctor said he wanted to practice his English skills. Johnson volunteered to meet with him once a week at a restaurant for coffee. “We spent half the time having conversation in English, and half in Spanish,” she said of those meetings. Both learned new vocabulary in each language, and they became friends.
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The Fulbright Student Program is the flagship international educational exchange program of the U.S. Government. Most of the North Parkers were recipients of English Teaching Assistantships, and one earned a Study/Research Grant, serving in places such as Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, and Romania. Two are now serving: Karen Kelly is in Andorra and Michelle Wells is in Colombia.
North Parkers, helping each learn to stretch their limits. They learned about their likes and dislikes. Some found new paths.
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“That’s what the Fulbright is all about. It’s not about ‘isolating’ the experience in the university. It’s about extending something about you to everyone with whom you come in contact, and looking for opportunities for cross-cultural exchange,” Johnson said.
Indonesia
Aaron Nilson was always interested in international subjects, such as world history and languages. Like many of his Fulbright colleagues, he developed a curiosity about people living in other cultures while he was at North Park. He focused on a degree in Spanish and global studies, particularly the politics of Latin
Rebecca Miller C’08
North Parker Winter 2013
Did you know?
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Made up of 17,508 islands. About 6,000 of these islands are inhabited by people. Because of its location in the “Ring of Fire”, Indonesia has over 400 active volcanoes and bears over three earthquakes per day.
America. His Fulbright award landed him at the Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) in São Paulo State, Brazil, where he taught English. Nilson found at least one creative way to share the American experience with his Brazilian students. He established an American television sitcom group, and showed DVDs of popular series. “The group would watch, and we talked about the different topics each episode explored. The students really liked it,” he said. Programs such as The Office and The Simpsons were among the students’ favorites, Nilson said. Rebecca Miller chose Indonesia for the international experience. Her older sister had worked there, but Miller had not been there herself, nor did she have experience living in a majority-Muslim country. From 2008 to 2009, she lived and worked in West Papua, Indonesia. At the YPJ National School in Kuala Kencana, Miller taught English in a secondary school. She also learned that she could reach students effectively through songs and games. The school had an “awesome” extracurricular music program in place, she said, one in which it was commonplace for students to come and play various instruments after school. The band director and Miller eventually started a pop band of their own. Miller, who earned a music degree from North Park, sang and played electric guitar, and the band performed in town. “We were total rockers,” Miller explained. “We wrote songs in English and Indonesian. Singing and songwriting really worked for my students, and it worked for me. I learned songs in Indonesian, and I learned to speak the language.”
Similar missions: North Park University and the Fulbright student program The Fulbright Program is named for U.S. Sen. J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, who introduced the legislation that established the program in 1946. Administered by the U.S. Department of State, its purpose is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and people throughout the world. Some 310,000 participants have been granted opportunities to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas, and learn. Fulbright students are working in more than 155 countries worldwide. Currently, the Fulbright student program awards about 1,700 grants to U.S. citizens to study, conduct research, or help teach English overseas.
A Word from the Fulbright Program Faculty Associate by Linda Parkyn Professor of Spanish Similarly, the distinctive learning community of North Park prepares students for lives of significance through its Christian, urban, and multicultural mission. Many students study abroad during their undergraduate years, taking the University’s mission with them and sharing it. The Fulbright grantees carried a multitude of life experiences with them into new places, where each found unusual opportunities to learn and grow. North Park’s Fulbright student award winners were mentored by Dr. Linda Parkyn, professor of Spanish, and a Fulbright Scholar who taught in Mexico. She is also a recipient of three Fulbright Specialists Program awards to teach abroad. Karen Kelly earned a bachelor’s degree from the University in global studies and French. Her parents are Evangelical Covenant Church missionaries in Mexico City, where she has lived most of her life. Growing up in Mexico, combined with her knowledge of French and Spanish, and the mix of cultures, were motivating factors for Kelly’s application to teach English in Andorra, a tiny European country nestled between France and Spain. Residents there speak French, Spanish, and Catalán.
In the first third of my career, I largely ignored the back window. I looked out the front of the car and kept my eyes on the horizon, always looking for what came next. I traveled widely, established my academic life, and wrote a doctoral dissertation on cultural change in a Guatemalan village. I learned a lot—but nearly everything I did centered on me and my personal interests. In the second third of my career, I frequently looked in the back of the car, but ignored the rearview mirror. Students were along with me during this part of my journey. Certainly, they were present in my classroom, and increasingly, they were front and center in my teaching. More than this, each academic year, I led month-long study tours with my students throughout several Latin American countries. I enjoyed these journeys because my students were with me in the back seat. Together we learned a lot. Now, in the third part of my career, I have served once as a Fulbright Scholar and been appointed three times as a Fulbright Specialist. I expanded my student base in several countries, and over time, these new international experiences led me to change my focus with students at home. Today, I look through the rearview mirror to see how I can prepare my students for when they will leave the comfort of my car. I spend more time getting them ready to launch, and I look in the mirror to see what life might bring them. I see them more clearly as sojourners who need me to push them to shape their careers, and to think not only about their college careers, but what will come next. We all are learning a lot.
I take my responsibility as the Fulbright Program faculty associate at North Park seriously because of how much I’ve gained from my own Fulbright experiences. I caught sight of Senator Fulbright’s vision to be an ambassador of all that is good about the United States. He argued that we need to share the best part of us in yearlong exchanges as American ambassadors in educational settings around the world. The Fulbright program budget is an act of Congress each year, and I believe it is the best of what we as a country export. I dearly value the idea that sharing language, culture, knowledge, and friendship around the world makes a difference in relationships between people and between countries. The Fulbright Program provides opportunities for exceptional students to embrace Sen. Fulbright’s vision. Recent graduates have participated in both binational business programs and English Teaching Assistantships. They share who they are as individuals, using their language, culture, and experiences. In doing so, they have embraced the adventure of self-exploration as guests in their host cultures for their first year as college graduates. Life-journeys begun at North Park and continued in service around the world help recent graduates craft their lives of significance and service. Enjoy the look through my rearview mirror as you read their remarkable stories.
North Parker Winter 2013
Kelly attended a grade school with representatives of 52 countries. “I’ve always been around people from all over the world. I was always interested in other cultures and languages, and I had studied abroad and traveled throughout Europe. It is how I continue to learn, and I’m always open to adventures and experiences abroad,” she said. When she was a North Park student, Kelly studied abroad in France, was active in the Middle Eastern Student Association, and worked with a refugee family from Somalia through a refugee connection program for students. She also volunteered with Casa Central, a
As a professor, I spend a lot of time looking in the rearview mirror. I’m still in the driver’s seat in my classroom, but the glances out the back window to check on students who have graduated come more frequently these days.
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Mexico
wanted to teach English as a second language in her parents’ home country. Blidar was assigned to teach in the American Studies program at Ovidius University, Constanta, Romania, and in the spring semester, taught at West University of Timisoara, Timis, Romania.
Riley Clark C’09
“I thought it would be interesting to spend time overseas after college,” Blidar said. Plus, she would be able to use her teaching knowledge in a classroom. She became a student herself, learning what it was like to teach college students. “We worked under professors, and we were given a lot of freedom at the college level. You recognize the responsibility you have. It was pretty stressful, but the experience was also rewarding,” Blidar said. Blidar and others taught courses in human rights in the United States, American studies and civilization, pop culture, and U.S. politics and religion. In fact, the North Park Fulbright grantees said that in the countries where they served, they were often asked about the same subjects.
Laura Johnson C’10
Did you know? There are over 200,000 different species of plants and animals in Mexico. The first printing press in North America was used in Mexico City in 1539.
North Parker Winter 2013
Mexico City is sinking at a rate of six to eight inches a year because it is built on top of an underground reservoir.
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Chicago agency that provides a host of human services primarily to the Hispanic population. Ruth Blidar earned a degree in history and secondary education from the University. She was born in the United States to Romanian parents, both of whom emigrated to the United States in the 1980s when the country was under communist control. As Blidar learned the Romanian language while growing up, she
“You recognize the responsibility you have. It was pretty stressful, but the experience was also rewarding.”
Riley Clark’s experience was different from most. With his University degree in business and Spanish, Clark went to work for a nongovernmental organization that funds strategic activities and innovative projects aimed at conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. After his Fulbright year with the Mexican Fund for the Conservation of Nature in Mexico City, Clark stayed another 18 months to work with the Mesoamerican (MAR) Leadership Program, an environmental fellowship program that boosts conservation capacity in the Mesoamerican Reef Ecoregion, and focuses attention on coral reef conservation projects. The region includes the western Caribbean Sea bordered by Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. While feeling “unprepared” for his Fulbright experience, Clark made the most of what he had learned at the University. “I was
happy to walk into my grant year as an open-minded individual whose passions and interest in Mexican culture had been sparked and guided by professors and experiences at North Park,” he said.
Romania
After two-and-a-half years in Mexico, Clark returned to the United States. “I learned that Mexico is not the United States,” he commented. “In both countries, there’s no substitute for hard work and ingenuity. However, business in Mexico centers on relationships. You don’t get anything accomplished if you don’t connect on a personal level with your peers. This could lead to three-hour business lunches, which some might see as
Did you know? The character Count Dracula was inspired by Romania’s fifteenth century Vlad III Dracula, also known as Vlad the Impaler. 87 percent Orthodox Christian.
‘unproductive.’ Regardless, the message really stuck: relationships motor success—something I’ve found to be true across borders.” Michael Nelson knew that a Fulbright grant might help him in his career one day. His path to Poland began through an interest in the Polish culture and language he developed through an internship at the Polish Museum of America in Chicago. He had done research on the development of Polish national identity of Poles in the United States. Nelson earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University, and his Fulbright award gave him the opportunity to work in Poland teaching English writing and speaking, and social history, from September 2011 to July 2012. “Polish history was something new, and something I hadn’t studied much. What attracted me was the history as much as contemporary Polish culture,” Nelson said. Among his internship projects at the museum was cataloging a 25-foot high stained glass window from the 1939 World’s Fair in New York. “The impetus for me to actually apply for a grant and go to Poland came from working in the Polish museum, and a desire to do the kind of work that comes with a Fulbright,” he added. Nelson taught students English at Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.
Continuing their North Park education Several North Park Fulbright grantees felt a continuing connection to the University and Chicago as they lived out their Fulbright years. To these graduates, the Fulbright experience seemed like an extension or continuation of their education at the University. Their unique experiences in international settings continued what they started in Chicago—at the University and in the community—forming a progression of links to the past, present, and future. The sum of these experiences were
North Parker Winter 2013
Ruth Blidar C’10
“Relationships motor success—something I’ve found to be true across borders.”
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“I got a foundation in international studies at North Park, and the Fulbright has grown my interests,” said Michelle Wells, who is teaching English at Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia in Tunja. It was natural for Wells to want to teach somewhere in South America. When she was a North Park student, Wells lived and studied in Argentina and Ecuador. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University in global studies, with concentrations in Latin-American and Africana studies. Her minor was Spanish, and she earned a certificate in nonprofit leadership and management. Living in and attending college in Chicago’s diverse Albany Park neighborhood was influential in Wells’s decision to seek assignment in Colombia. “That was four years of my life, and I decided I wanted to continue that abroad,” Wells said. “North Park taught me to value people, and to value cultures. Everyday.” Early in her tenure in Colombia as an English teacher, Wells had to brush up on some things about her own native language. “For example, when Spanish speakers ask me, ‘Is it who or whom?,’ I have to think about that. I’m teaching English, and I have to know about my own language and culture!” she said.
North Parker Winter 2013
Johnson’s interest in global affairs began as she grew up in Litchfield, Ill. Her father is a physician who went to medical school in Chicago, and has spent his career in Litchfield. Her interest in medical school, the Spanish language and South America began at age 15 when Johnson saw the movie The Motorcycle Diaries, the story of Che Guevara’s 1952 motorcycle expedition across South America.
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“I grew up in a tiny town, and I wanted access to the rest of the world,” she said. “That movie was the reason I wanted to study Spanish.” She also learned that by speaking Spanish, she could gain more access to the neighborhood around North Park. Johnson found a niche at the Albany Park Community Center, where she tutored Spanish-speaking adults studying to prepare for the U.S. citizenship exam. “I really fell in love with that, and it became my extracurricular focus in my later years at North Park. It was also a way for me to practice Spanish. They gave much to
“North Park taught me to value people, and to value cultures. Everyday.”
Brazil
life-changing, and steered some in directions they couldn’t have imagined.
Aaron Nilson C’10
Did you know? Shares borders with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador. Home to 60 percent of the Amazon Rainforest. The longest country in the world, with a span of nearly 2800 miles north to south.
Johnson’s neighborhood experience, her formal biology education at North Park, and her Fulbright experience all contributed to her ongoing education. When she returned to the United States in 2011, Johnson said she was more confident in speaking Spanish, confident about cross-cultural communication, and confident as a teacher. She has learned in medical school that it’s clearly an advantage for a physician to be able speak to Spanish when talking with many patients, she said. Blidar saw her Fulbright experience as a practicum phase of her North Park education. For example, in her classes in Romania, she was able to discuss what she learned about the U.S. civil rights movement. “I was trained as a teacher to know how to create lesson plans. It was a way to culminate everything I learned in both my history and education classes, and apply it in a different atmosphere than I would have in the United States,” she said. Nilson believes the experience he had living in another country was a factor that led to his current position with Catholic Charities, where he works with people from all over the world, most of whom speak Spanish. His experience in Brazil was not always easy. Most Brazilians speak Portuguese, and while Nilson’s knowledge of Spanish was helpful, it wasn’t the same. That made his early months there difficult. “I certainly can empathize and sympathize with the people I work with here in the United States because of that,” he said.
Miller also recalled how she volunteered as an English teacher and tutored people from southeast Asia living in Chicago while she was a North Park student. At Chicago’s South-East Asia
Michael Nelson C’11
Did you know? Forests cover almost one third of Poland. Over 60 percent of the land is dedicated to farming. One’s “name day” is considered more important an occasion than one’s birthday.
Center, she learned that people were not shy about learning English through song. She learned even more about their lives when she was a Fulbright teacher in Indonesia. “I had the experience of being ‘the other’ speaking a language that was not mine. That sensitized me to the experience of ‘others’ in the United States. It changed the way I see things,” Miller said.
North Parker Winter 2013
Medical school was not originally part of Miller’s plan for her life, but her Fulbright experience was influential in directing her vocational path. She worked in Bangalore, India, after she was in Indonesia, and taught at a music school. She also volunteered at a hospital, where she became interested in enrolling in medical school. “I got to work as a teacher, support myself, and do volunteer work at a hospital. That confirmed that I definitely wanted to pursue medicine,” she said.
Poland
me in return. That enhanced my desire to apply for the Fulbright award. I wanted to get to know the Mexicans even more. To me, it was always Mexico.”
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Johnson is an enthusiastic supporter of the Fulbright program, emphasizing her appreciation for U.S. taxpayers who supported her and others who had similar opportunities. She learned much from the people whom she calls our “Latino neighbors,” who taught her and shared their culture with her. “It was the most formative, enriching experience I’ve ever had,” observed Johnson. “Living abroad is a completely difference experience from being a visitor.” To Clark, living in a foreign country made him realize the richness of the unknown. “Being an outsider can be maddening at times because you can’t teach understanding. It comes to you on its own terms. Experiencing the world as I knew it through Mexico’s lens, on Mexico’s time, taught me to never be satisfied with what I consider to be my horizon,” he said.
Andorra
No substitute for international experience
Karen Kelly C’12
North Parker Winter 2013
“You learn a lot about yourself. In most of the experiences I’ve had abroad, what I’ve learned is to just go with the flow and not worry. Just try to do things just as the people here do it.”
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Did you know? Andorra does not have its own armed forces, although there is a small ceremonial army. Andorra has one of the world’s lowest unemployment rates, at 2.9 percent. About 2.5 times the size of Washington, D.C.
Others point out the personal lessons of the Fulbright experience. Blidar said her most significant lessons were those she learned about herself, and from the people she met and worked with. Hearing their stories affected her and made her more of a global citizen. “That is what the Fulbright program wants: (for you to be) changed by the culture and the people you visit, and (for you to) share your own culture,” she said.
Best memories
Kelly is learning what it is like to live in Andorra, and do tasks, such as opening a bank account and finding the local post office. “You learn a lot about yourself. In most of the experiences I’ve had abroad, what I’ve learned is to just go with the flow and not worry. Just try to do things just as the people here do it,” Kelly said.
Along with opportunities for intellectual, professional, and artistic growth, the Fulbright Program creates opportunities to meet and work with people of the host country, sharing daily life as well as professional and creative insights, according to program. “The best way to appreciate others’ viewpoints, their beliefs, the way
Nelson remembers the traditional Polish Christmas he spent with two different groups of friends. For Nilson, it was hosting students from Ohio State University who were visiting Brazil, an empowering moment, he said, as he showed them his Brazilian hometown. Blidar remembers the American-style Thanksgiving potluck she and her students shared in Romania, and the local church where she was an English translator. Miller played rock music in Indonesia and found her life’s calling in India. Johnson deepened her relationship with the Latino community, and wants to continue by working with them in medicine in Chicago. Clark has become a passionate advocate for waste reduction, especially plastic waste that deeply affects pristine coral reefs, and he dearly misses his friends and work in Mexico. Many still keep in touch with the friends and colleagues they met in the places they lived and worked. Some have entertained their international friends when they have visited the United States. All are grateful for the welcome extended to them by their hosts. Two North Park Fulbright grantees are still acquiring their memories. The Andorrans tell Kelly that they wonder why she chose to live and work in such a small country, then are impressed that she did. Wells spends part of her Saturdays in Tunja working with a nonprofit foundation in lower-income neighborhoods, a community project that all Fulbrighters are expected to do as part of their service. “We teach English to children four to nine years old. It’s a nice break from teaching university students,” she said.
“It’s exciting. The long wait and the different things I had to do to prepare for this make it more worthwhile. It seems like I’ve been in a dream,” she said. Wells is still discerning what the future holds for her. Maybe it’s graduate school in international studies. Or teaching English as a second language. Or living abroad.
Michele Wells C’12
Did you know?
Home to the world´s most poisonous frog, the Golden Dart Frog, which can kill 15,000 humans with one drop of its poison. Bogotá is a great city for cycling, with 300 kilometers of trails. Has the world’s greatest diversity of orchid species (3,500) and birds (1,754 species).
North Parker Winter 2013
Kelly and Wells will complete their service in 2013. Kelly sees this year as a chance to learn about being a teacher, and may get a teaching certificate when she returns to the United States.
“This year is about realizing what I can do, and realizing what I want to do,” Wells said. She is eager to see what the experience will bring, and what comes next.
Colombia
they think and the way they do things, is to interact with them directly on an individual basis—work with them, live with them, teach with them, learn with them and learn from them,” read the Fulbright materials. As the North Parkers look back on their Fulbright experiences, they recall special moments that remain with them, the result of living among new friends and colleagues.
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Faculty Essay
In Matters of Adult Education: Keep the Faith, Honor Tradition, and Construct the Future by Bryan J. Watkins, Dean and Associate Professor, School of Adult Learning
Multiple institutions diverge and converge in the marketplace, and for its part, North Park University has maintained a vigilant eye on the salient tenants of keeping the faith, respecting where it has come from, and continually looking to construct its future. Given its increasingly competitive nature and renewed governmental oversight, the field of adult education has never been one for the faint of heart. To intelligently dialogue about the landscape of adult education, one must first acknowledge that there exist at least two distinct models for delivering educational programs to adult learners: the for-profit model, which lately has been receiving a lot of unwanted media attention, and the nonprofit model under which North Park operates. Given the recent rise in infractions committed by some for-profit institutions, the federal government has refocused its gaze on important issues such as program completion and loan default rates, as well as the likelihood of gainful employment after graduating. All of this has heightened the need for educational institutions to address the question most often asked by potential adult learners: “What is in it for me?” Or to rephrase it more precisely, “What value can I expect or derive from attending this program at your institution?” Taken at surface level, this would appear to be a very fair and reasonable question for potential adult learners to ask. It can, however, produce different answers, depending on whether the response comes from a for-profit institution, or a nonprofit institution such as North Park University.
As adult educators, we are all committed to the charge of preparing our students for lives of significance and service... In addition to telling the University’s story, we also provide a significant portion of the answer to the value question by putting the words and phrases that describe our institution into practice. The dedicated faculty and staff within our adult and graduate programs are focused on mission, actively involved in ministry and service, and committed to shaping minds that will create future change. All of our adult students learn to answer the value question as they experience North Park University, where the convergence of faith, strong traditions, and a highly motivated community of learners collaborate to engage the present and shape the future. As adult educators, we are all committed to the charge of preparing our students for lives of significance and service by impacting their hearts, energizing their minds, and nurturing their souls. And I know that the fruits of our combined labor will continue to manifest in the actions of our graduates.
North Parker Winter 2013
As I think about how to answer this question through the lens of both North Park and the for-profits, I frame the response using Star Trek terminology: The question I ask in this situation is, “What is their prime directive?” (For the non-“Trekkies,” this translates as “What are the institutions’ key operating or guiding principles?”) I submit that the prime directive of for-profit educational institutions is to maximize shareholder value. I further suggest that there exists some level of dissonance between the desire to serve their students and the mandate to maximize or enhance the shareholder’s value. In effect, the focus seems skewed toward what benefits the shareholder rather than the student—certainly a difficult position for any dedicated educator or staff member. In contrast, North Park’s prime directive is to “prepare students for
lives of significance and service.” This occurs whether the student is online, face-to-face, urban, suburban, domestically located, or abroad. Our distinctively Christian foundation, linked with our urban roots and desire to engage a multicultural world, provides the perfect context to create a vibrant learning environment for all adult students. I believe that these are some of the guiding principles that differentiate North Park University from others in the crowded adult education marketplace.
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Donor Profile
Parent Giving to North Park: Investing in the Future Mark C‘83 S’90 and Robin (Nelson) Nilson C’83
alumni@northpark.edu
by John Brooks
Alumni Rev. Mark and Robin (Nelson) Nilson are proud of North Park. It is a place where they and their extended family have made a significant educational investment. Mark C‘83 S‘90 majored in sociology with a minor in communication arts, then earned a master of divinity degree from the Seminary in 1990. Robin C‘83 earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The Nilsons’ investment extends even further than most North Park families. Relatives on both sides of their families are graduates of North Park Academy, North Park College, and the Seminary, and have served as deans, faculty, and board of trustees members. Now a new generation of Nilsons are North Parkers as well. Aaron C’10 earned a degree in Spanish and global studies, and went to Brazil as an English teaching assistant with the U.S. Fulbright Program. Chase Nilson is a second-year student at the University with a double major in art and communication arts, with a focus in media studies.
North Parker Winter 2013
North Park University and North Park Theological Seminary have special meaning for Robin and Mark, connecting them to the past, present and future. “This was the place that had a great deal to do
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This was the place that had a great deal to do with forming us as total human beings. All of it has shaped what our lives are like.
with forming us as total human beings,” said Mark. “That is huge. It affects our thinking. All of it has shaped what our lives are like.” After many years away from the Chicago area, the Nilsons returned to the North Park neighborhood in September 2011, when Mark accepted a call to serve as senior pastor of North Park Covenant Church. Previously, he had served as pastor of Evangelical Covenant Church congregations in New Jersey, Illinois, and Washington. They see the University through different eyes today. “I see North Park in the context of a much bigger world,” said Robin, an interior designer. “More people know about it now. It doesn’t belong to just a small group of people anymore; it belongs to a really wide range of people.” Mark agreed, commenting that “Robin and I are coming back to the neighborhood, and seeing the University and community in a new way.” Like many alumni and parents of students, the Nilsons are eager for North Park to grow and thrive. That’s why they promote the University, giving their time and resources. They want to contribute to the institution they love in meaningful ways, and are supporters of a new University initiative, “Parent Giving to North Park.” This initiative encourages parents to be involved in supporting the daily needs of their sons and daughters through gifts to the University’s Annual Fund. As part of this new initiative, parents have the opportunity to support essential programs such as student scholarships, student career development and internships, and student life. Additionally, parent partnership may allow for projects such as improvements to the campus dining room, in an effort to enhance the overall experience for students. The University awards more than $9 million annually in scholarships and financial aid. The Annual Fund also enriches academic and co-curricular activities and campus spaces, and supports faculty and staff development.
Donor Profile
“This project idea is a way of being involved without getting in our students’ way,” Robin said. “We’re in this together with other parents. We can contribute our small amount with other parents to keep things moving for the future. It is another way of connecting with people from very different experiences, too.”
alumni@northpark.edu
Sometimes it’s a struggle for parents to know how much to get involved with their students’ college educations, the Nilsons said. “We want our kids to be who they started out to be, who they’re meant to be, and be strong people. This is a way of taking part,” she said.
Mark says he feels a linkage with other parents who are experiencing similar situations, as their children become adults. Mark says he thinks about their sons’ career interests, and how to help them get started with their adult lives and become independent. He knows other parents think about the same things. “We are all dealing with the same thing right now. We are together in this,” he said, noting that the Parent Giving effort is a way for parents to stay connected to their sons and daughters. For the Nilsons, Parent Giving is also a way to stay connected with an institution they admire and appreciate.
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Robert Houdek A’57
Alumni Profiles
2012 Alumni Award Winners
Joyce Nelson C’72
by John Brooks
Robert Houdek A’57, North Park Academy 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award Ambassador Robert Houdek enjoyed a distinguished career in international diplomatic service. Houdek was a U.S. State Department foreign service officer, National Intelligence Officer for Africa, and advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Agency for International Development (AID) on the President’s Greater Horn of Africa Initiative during the Clinton Administration. Houdek was U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, Eritrea and Uganda, held highlevel diplomatic positions in Guinea, Kenya, Rwanda and Sierra Leone, and State Department leadership roles in African affairs. Now retired, Houdek is vice president for retirees of the American Foreign Service Officers organization, and conducts cross-cultural training for the U.S. Special Forces.
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Alicia (VerHage) Peterson C’02
North Parker Winter 2013
President George H.W. Bush awarded Houdek the President’s Exceptional Service Medal in 1991 for working with the Israeli government to organize the evacuation of some 14,000 Jews to Israel in last days of the Ethiopian civil war. Houdek was born at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, grew up in the North Park neighborhood, was a member of North Park Covenant Church and attended North Park Academy from 1953 to 1957. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Beloit (Wis.) College, and a master’s degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, Boston. Houdek was also a Mid-Career Fellow, Woodrow Wilson School of Public Affairs, Princeton (N.J.) University. Houdek developed an interest in international affairs when he attended a lecture at North Park by foreign service officer Nicholas Lakas, who described the evacuation of foreign nationals during the Suez Canal crisis of 1956. “When that was over, I said, ‘That’s a nifty career.’ I didn’t know what the foreign service was until that lecture. That was one of the great things about living in the North Park community. North Park as an institution was so enriching,” Houdek said. Houdek and his wife, Mary, reside in McLean, Va. They are parents of two adult children, Bill and Pam, and have two granddaughters.
Alumni Profiles
Joyce Nelson C’72, North Park University 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award
Alicia (VerHage) Petersen C’02, North Park University 2012 Distinguished Young Alumni Award
After graduation from North Park, she taught briefly in Chicago and in the Lincoln, Neb., school system. “I wanted to be involved with kids in a different way. I answered an ad for a position with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, where they were looking for people with teaching backgrounds to help raise funds for MS READaTHON,” Nelson said. She combined her teaching interests and summer camp experience, never expecting this would result in a lifetime career. In 2006, the University presented Nelson an honorary doctorate. In 2009, she was national winner of the Impact Award, presented by the Invisible Disabilities Association.
Petersen grew up in Galesburg, Mich., and followed other family members who attended North Park Theological Seminary or the University. She became interested in international development and the social sciences at a young age, and hopes to eventually work in conflict resolution or peace training. Petersen has many supportive friends that inspired her during her North Park years. “When you’re in an inspirational environment, you’re more willing to take risks and do things off the grid,” she said. “The liberal arts degree is perfect for what I do, and what I am doing. I love teaching, and I feel very blessed to do what I love doing.”
Today, Nelson is a consultant with the Society. She is a member of the School of Business and Nonprofit Management advisory board, and was recently appointed to the board of directors of Blackbaud,
Petersen and her husband, Dave, reside in Arlington, Va., with their infant daughter, Sofia. They attend Community Covenant Church, Springfield, Va.
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Nelson, the first woman elected North Park student body president, earned a bachelor’s degree in English and a certificate in secondary education. Her father, Wesley Nelson, was an Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) pastor and professor at North Park Theological Seminary. She grew up in the diverse North Park neighborhood, attending Hibbard Elementary School and Von Steuben High School. Nelson became involved in the civil rights movement, spending her senior year attending Harlan High School, a mostly African-American school on the city’s South Side. Nelson recounts how her new friends at Harlan helped her during the civil unrest that followed the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King in 1968.
Alicia VerHage Petersen is a trainer and curriculum developer for Management Systems International (MSI), Washington, D.C., a contractor for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Petersen works with the Center of Excellence on Democracy, Human Rights and Governance, developing training programs for USAID personnel in subjects such as fundamentals of democracy and human rights. While a student at North Park University, she did community mapping, and later volunteered with the Mennonite Central Committee in Zambia, where she developed interests in conflict resolution and peace studies. Petersen traveled in China and Ecuador before graduating magna cum laude from the University with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology. She earned a master’s degree in conflict resolution from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Soon after, she was awarded an Ambassadorial Scholarship from Rotary International District 6450, and earned a master’s degree in international relations from Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa.
alumni@northpark.edu
Joyce Nelson enjoyed a 28-year career with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, including seven years as president and chief executive officer. Nelson worked her way up in the Society before becoming the senior executive in 2004. Her career accomplishments are many: She was responsible for launching significant MS research initiatives and pushed for fast-tracks of clinical trials; led efforts to open six Pediatric Centers of Excellence; created a program to provide personal assistance to people with MS; expanded funding for MS research programs; expanded scholarships; and pushed for the first ever line-item funding of MS through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program.
Inc. Nelson lives with her husband, Dr. John Hansell, an endodontist, in Evergreen, Colo. She has one grandchild, Ashlin Lee, daughter of her stepdaughter, Lydia, and Lydia’s husband, Bryan Dominguez.
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The 2012 Honor Roll of Donors and Annual Report are online Each year we are blessed with the generous support of many individuals, families and organizations. We recognize these gifts through the Honor Roll of Donors and Annual Report traditionally published in the winter issue of the North Parker. In an effort to prudently steward the University’s resources, and to make the Honor Roll available to a broad audience, we have chosen to publish these reports online. Convenient access to both the Honor Roll of Donors and the Annual Report is available at www.northpark.edu/honorroll. The gifts of our donors support the breadth of campus activities and student scholarships, and ensure both the short-term and longer-term vitality of North Park University. We express our deepest gratitude for your generosity and faithfulness.
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We make every effort to properly recognize your gifts and if your name has been omitted, misspelled or incorrectly listed, please accept our apology and contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (866) 366-8096 or via email at development@northpark.edu.
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Alumni Notes
Alumni Notes Winter 2013
alumni@northpark.edu
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Alumni Notes
(Ahlem) Dixon, Genevieve (Peterson) Duell, Pat Steinhauer Feltskog, Mary Jo (Bengtson) Kjell, Janet (Baker) Larsen, Marilyn (Peterson) Nelson, and Donna Jean (Johnson) Palmberg.
Most of the group lived together in Sohlberg Hall during their two years on campus, and several were attendants in each other’s weddings. Five of the eight women married fellow North Parkers. Since 1956, one envelope of eight letters circulates among the group three to four times per year, containing updates and family photos. Additionally, the group meets every five years at Homecoming, a tradition started in 1991. In 2006, they celebrated their 50th reunion and were inducted to North Park’s Golden Circle during commencement weekend. Several of the group’s members are pictured together on the night of the Spring ‘55 Dorm Formal.
alumni@northpark.edu
1940s A group of North Park Academy classmates paid a visit to campus and made sure to take a picture in front of Old Main. L-R: Carolyn (Larson) Schiele A’47, Russ C’48 and Dorothy (Field) Skallerup A’47, Gladys (Williams) Johnson A’47 C’49, and Shirley (Larson) Eilert A’47. (This photo was taken prior to Carolyn’s passing in December 2011.)
1950s Donald Andler A’55 completed a
six-month clinical pastoral education internship at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Ill., studying for his chaplaincy in critical care. Ethel Erickson Radmer C’55 has
published her fourth book, Walking the Rails: My Childhood in Whitehall. It is a heartwarming memoir about her childhood in Whitehall, Wis. in the 1930s and ‘40s.
Lowell C’54 S’60 and Marilyn (Johnston) Drotts C’63 celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Cape Cod, Mass. with their children Stephen and Tracey (Dvorak) Drotts C’91, Daniel Drotts C’85 and wife April, and Cindy (Drotts) Hartmann C’94, along with seven grandchildren. Lowell and Marilyn live in Dennis, Mass.
1960s
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A group of Academy Class of ’64 classmates live in the Chicago area and get together frequently. Pictured from L-R: Linda (Karsted) Newton, Irene Stoesser, Sue (Green) Gost, Nancy (Giannetti) Bang, Melinda (Robinson) Schoenenberger.
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After graduating from the Junior College in 1956, eight North Parkers decided to start a “round robin” letter to keep in touch. The group’s members are Lois (Bengtson) Christensen, Marilyn
Alumni Notes
For the past two years, Robert “Bud” Phillips C’68 has served on the committee to select the Golden Apple Foundation award winners for excellence in teaching. During this time, he has also supervised student teachers for Western Governors University. When not working with Golden Apple, Bud sells real estate with Century 21. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Carol (Fuller) C’68, two children, and grandchild.
1980s Former North Park Hoopsters Sherryl (Anderson) Klosterman C’85 and Todd Mitchell C’88 are basketball coaches at Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch, Colo. Sherryl is serving as the Valor Varsity girls’ head coach, and Todd serves as assistant coach. This past year, they led the team to its first state tournament and top 10 ranking in the school’s history. Judy (Bennett) Spruhan C’86 G’96
Barry Isaacson C’71 and his wife, Susan, have moved to Tucson, Ariz., where he has embarked on a new career as an addictions treatment counselor at Red Rock Correctional Center in Eloy, north of Tucson. Elizabeth (Smith) Brown C’72
was appointed vice president and general counsel of Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, where she has worked for 29 years as assistant general counsel and in various other capacities. Elizabeth received her JD from the University of Chicago in 1979. She is married to Gene Thiele and lives in Evanston, Ill., where both Gene and Elizabeth are active members of the First Presbyterian Church. David Westerfield C’78 has
1990s Steve C’92 and Tammy (Morelan) Benson C’92 are blessed
to announce the adoption of their daughter, Allyson Grace Benson, born August 26, 2011. Jeff Huttinger C’93 and his
wife, Erin, welcomed twins, Spencer and Joel, on October 25, 2010. They joined big brother Ben, age two. The Huttingers reside in Terre Haute, Ind., where Jeff works as a clinical psychologist.
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been a graphic designer and illustrator since graduation. His painting “Rising Moon” won this year’s competition for the Manitou Music Festival poster in Michigan. “Exploring the Tidal Pools,” a painting of his son on Maui, was selected for the Paint America Top 100 traveling exhibition. He was also chosen by the Glen Arbor Art Association (Michigan) as one of their 2012 Artists-in-Residence. He exhibits at galleries in Michigan and Hawaii. David lives with his wife, Jane (Nordeen) C’80, and their children, Peter and Sarah, in Glenview, Ill. www.westerfieldstudio.com
Wade Seifer C’89 has worked for CCC Information Services, Inc. for 23 years. He serves as a regional account manager for territories in northern California and northern Nevada. On a recent visit to campus, he was able to watch the Vikings basketball team compete at a home game.
alumni@northpark.edu
1970s
recently retired from Indian Health Service and is now living in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She serves as the parish nurse for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Salem, Va., and sings with the Roanoke Symphony Chorus. Judy also does supply work as an Episcopal priest in the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia.
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Alumni Notes
Polly (Gerber) Zimmermann G’95 G’96 was recently appointed to editorial board of the Journal of Radiology Nursing and was coeditor of ENA’s Sheehy’s Manual of Emergency Nursing, 7th edition. J.P. Aley C’97 has co-founded 815 Media, a Web development
alumni@northpark.edu
company located in Princeton, Ill. Their focus is on custom web development, online marketing, social media, and other forms of electronic communication. Find 815 Media at www.eightonefive. com and on Facebook and Twitter.
Aaron C’98 and Aimee (Johnson) Balsam C’02 welcomed their
daughter, Junia Lynn Balsam, on August 5, 2011. She weighed in at 10 lb. 2 oz. and measured 22 inches long. She and big brother Andrew look forward to cruising the Science and Community Life Building in the 2020s. Kari Youngberg Verdugo C’98 married Ben Packard
on December 17, 2011 in Old Town Alexandria, Va. She is the daughter of Mert C’64 and
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Jeanne (Fredrickson) Youngberg C’64 of Manistee, Mich.
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The wedding was officiated by John Benson C’65. The bride was attended by her sister, Lisa Creeth, and her brother, David Kallen-Youngberg C’93. Kari is a third grade
teacher in Alexandria, and Ben works for the EPA in the Washington, D.C. area. The Packards honeymooned in Mexico and are now residing in Alexandria, Va.
Amy (Cassidy) Ward C’98 and husband
Simon Ward welcomed their little bundle of joy, Evan Henrik Ward, on January 30, 2012, at 12:49 pm. Amy is a special education teacher and Simon has started his own soccer academy in Kenosha, Wis.
2000s Sarah (Doyle) Beebe C’00 G’03 and her
Tom welcomed daughter Rosaleen “Rose” Clara Beebe on September 6, 2011. Katrena and Joel Card C’00 celebrated the arrival of Jesse Samuel Card on January 24, 2012. Jesse joins oneyear-old siblings Avery, Riley, and Natalie. Nicole (Malosh) Centala C’00 and husband
Jason welcomed Hezekiah Noah Centala on November 4, 2010.
Alumni Notes
Suzanne Optie C’00
Anders Tjernstrom S’00 became a chaplain and spiritual
counselor with Unity Hospice of Chicagoland, LLC.
Brigit (Clemen) C’01 and Ryan Olsen C’03 have recently
completed their graduate programs. Ryan completed his master of arts in risk control from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and now works as a safety manager for a marine construction firm in LaCrosse, Wis. Brigit completed her PhD in Psychology from Walden University and works as the director of student services for a graduate school in Santa Barbara, Calif. Brigit has been an adjunct faculty member for the North Park School of Business and Nonprofit Management, and continues to teach part-time.
daughter Scarlett Aleta on August 18, 2011. She weighed 7 lb. 8.5 oz. and was 21.5 inches long at birth. The O’Neill family lives in Las Vegas, Nev.
Jason welcomed Henry Robert on August 7, 2012.
Michelle (Presley) Haile C’03 and David
Haile welcomed their third child, Christopher David, born January 20, 2012. He was also welcomed by siblings Nora, age five, and James, age three. The Haile family resides in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where David is stationed as the weapons officer on the destroyer USS O’Kane. The O’Kane is currently on an eight-month deployment in the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf. Denise Jasmer C’03
began work as an educator for a sex trafficking prevention program in Asia in the fall of 2012. Jennifer (Marks) Hart C’03 and husband
Patrick welcomed their second child, Veronica Meta, on April 26, 2012. Big brother John, age two, is excited about his new role.
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Spencer and Heather (Loutsch) O’Neill C’02 welcomed
Elizabeth (Munn) Bulthuis C’03 G’09 and husband
alumni@northpark.edu
married Joe Johnson in May 2008. Suzanne earned her MAT degree in Elementary Education in 2005. The Johnsons welcomed their first child, Samuel Azariah, on October 13, 2011. Samuel arrived 5 weeks early, weighing 6 lb. 11 oz. and 19.5 inches long. The Johnsons make their home in the Atlanta, Ga. suburbs, where Joe works for the Gwinnett County Finance Department and Suzanne has put her elementary teaching career on hold to stay home with Samuel.
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Alumni Notes alumni@northpark.edu North Parker Winter 2013 38
Marci (LaRouech) C’04 married Andrew McCalmon on May 5, 2012, at the English Gardens in Orlando, Fla. Honored North Park guests included Annalea Egging C’05. In August Marci accepted a sales support manager position with ProService Hawaii and relocated with her husband to Honolulu. Briana (Sprague) Travis C’04 and husband
Giles Travis welcomed their first child, Giselle Mae Travis, born April 1, 2012. Giselle is happy, healthy, and has tons of hair.
Jon White C’04 married Candice West on June 19, 2011, in the
Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. Jon owns a graphics design firm.
Ezra Aaron Betcher joined brothers Dean and Wes, and parents Frederick and Emily (Manning) Betcher C’05, on February 22, 2012. Kemoria Granberry C’05 graduated with honors from the Philadelphia School of Osteopathic Medicine on May 20, 2012. Dr. Granberry will begin her OB/GYN residency July 1, 2012, at Advocate Masonic Medical center in Chicago. She was highlighted on the commencement program by singing the opening and closing numbers. Kemoria is a member of Kingdom Covenant Ministries in Miami.
Luke and Megan (Thompson) Arrington C’06 welcomed their first child, Adelaide Mercy Arrington, on August 4, 2011. She weighed 7 lb. 7 oz. and was 20 inches long
Gavin Dluehosh S’06 and Jana (Dachtler) Dluehosh S’06 wel-
comed their third child, Becket Lynn Patrick, born June 28, 2012. Big brothers Wil, age five, and Aidan, age three, are excited!
Alumni Notes
Field Director Curtis Ivanoff S’05 and included North Parkers Eva (Oyoumick) Harrell C’01, Adam London C’05 S’13, Luke Bruckner C’05, Jamie Rose C’06 S’2011, Jessica Fondell C’07, Nat Fondell C’07, Tim Murakami C’07, Ben Bruckner C’11, and Tricia Ivanoff C’13. Nikki and Nick met doing ministry with Covenant Youth of Alaska and will continue ministry there following completion of studies at North Park Theological Seminary. The Bruckners are appreciative of the distances that alumni traveled for the occasion.
Johan Eldebo C’07 is working as a part of World Vision’s hu-
manitarian response team after completing graduate studies in international peace and securities at King’s College in London, where he is based. Eve Adams C’08 is a Talent
Acquisition Expert at Halock Security Labs. Eve hires and hunts for hackers to help bring information security solutions to Fortune 500 companies.
Nick Bruckner C’07 S’12 married Nikki Dill at Covenant Bible Camp near Unalakleet, Alaska, on July 30, 2011. The wedding was officiated by Alaska
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Erin Robertson C’06 and Nathan Peterson C’06 were married on July 10, 2011, in the garden of an old schoolhouse in Seattle. North Parkers in the wedding included Karl Haukom Anderson C’06, Chuck Cederberg C’06, Joanna (Ericson) Kanakis C’06, Cooper Gillan C’06, Anders Johnson C’06, Abbie (Frank) Vogler C’06, and Britta Peterson C’10. The wedding was officiated by Honna Eichler C’06. The Petersons live in San Francisco, where Nathan recently graduated magna cum laude, with a focus in criminal defense, from the University of San Francisco School of Law after an internship at the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office. He will be working for a solo criminal defense attorney in San Francisco, while Erin works as a paralegal at an immigration law firm.
alumni@northpark.edu
Ruth and Tyler Johnson C’06 celebrated the birth of their son, Parker Gregory, on June 4, 2011, at 10:15 am. Parker weighed 7 lb. and was 19½ inches. Tyler is a firefighter-paramedic in Soldotna, Alaska, where the Johnsons make their home. Ruth is completing her studies in elementary education.
Cassandra Christensen C’07 recently received the Dan and Pat Jorndt Joy of Teaching Award given to teachers at Amundsen High School in Chicago.
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Alumni Notes alumni@northpark.edu
Jonathon Heaps C’08 married Annie Maldonado on November 12, 2011 in Austin, Texas, at St. Austin Catholic Church. North Parkers in the wedding included Tyler Sampson C’08, Joe Giovannetti C’08, and Anne Heaps C’11. Jon graduated from Boston University School of Theology with a master’s degree in sacred theology in May of 2011, and has begun his doctoral studies in theology at Marquette University. Chelsea (Lambert) Cheshire C’09 has taken a job as the Catholic
Campus Minister for the Newman Center at Keene State College.
Jennifer (Milam) Kustwin C’09 married Brian Kustwin on Sep-
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tember 3, 2011, at Starved Rock in Utica, Ill. Jennifer also recently began her graduate studies in public health at DePaul University.
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Mary (Lorenz) Mellott C’09 and her husband, Matthew, welcomed son Alden John Mellott to their family on August 13, 2012. Hannah Schultz C’09 married Justin Prevost C’11 on September 30, 2011 in downtown Chicago. North Parkers in the wedding included Sean Burke C’09, Sandy Carlson C’09, Maria Cathcart C’09, Mandy (Kline) Griffin C’09, Liza Johnson C’09, Shawn Dotson C’10, Tom Rorem C’10, and Katie Petty C’11. The wedding was photographed by Erica (Ellingson) Rose C’07. Hannah serves as city director for CSM Chicago, a nonprofit urban missions organization. Justin works for the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago. The Prevost-Schultzes live in Chicago.
Alumni Notes
Chelsea (Redding) C’10 and Aaron McDowell C’11 were married on October 9, 2011, at
Pilgrim Pines Camp Squanto in Swanzey, N.H. North Parkers who attended the wedding are pictured with the bride and groom. On July 5, 2012, they welcomed daughter Rorie. Christine (Wahlskog) Wallace C’10 married Max Wallace in Manitowish Waters, Wis., on June 23, 2012. North Parkers in the wedding party included Kristin Englund C’10, Emily Persson C’10, and Kristen Van Putten C’10. North Parkers attending were Sam Vetter C’11, Kelly Sladkey C’11, Rebekah Icenogle Moore C’10, Lindsey Smit C’10, Hannah Robertson C’10, Kari Sager C’10, Alissa Czasonis C’10, Mary Hakanson Wells C’09, Kiera Johnson C’10, Nina Pedersen C’10, and SVF Collegelinjen 2007 alumni Hilda Grahnat and Erik Olesund.
Angel Carrasco C’11 and his wife, Christina, had
their first child, Mason Luis, on May 15, 2012.
Kevin Leman’s newest book, What a Difference a Mom Makes, was released in September of 2012. It celebrates and explores the special role and amazing opportunity a mom has in her son’s life. Dr. Leman is an internationally known psychologist, humorist, and New York Times bestselling author of 39 other books. In May 2010, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree by North Park at spring commencement.
alumni@northpark.edu
2010s
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Alumni Notes
Obituaries
alumni@northpark.edu
Rev. C LaVerne Erickson S’34, passed away on
May 19, 2012, at the age of 101. At North Park, he was athletic manager of the men’s basketball team, president of the Religious Education Club, a member of the Glee Club, the News circulation manager, manager of the Cupola staff, and Seminary vice president. He obtained his bachelor of arts in philosophy at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, and married Bernice Peterson C’34 from Buffalo, Minn. He was ordained in 1937 and served numerous Covenant churches throughout his ministry. He and Bernice enjoyed living at the Covenant Village of Northbrook, where they retired in 1992 until their passing. He is survived by three daughters, all of whom attended North Park along with their husbands: Corene C’57 and Rodney Johnson A’54, Vernice Peterson C’63, Judy C’68 and Thomas Anderson C’66. Seven of his grandchildren have also attended North Park along with their respective spouses: Brian Johnson C’86 and Julie (Newlin) Johnson C’87, Peter Johnson C’89 and Vanessa (Carlson) Johnson C’91, Renee C’93 and Eric Johnson C’89, Kevin Peterson and Sara (Johnson) Peterson C’89, Kari C’90 and Tim Peterson C’88, Kathi (Peterson) Meyer C’90 and Scott Meyer C’91, and Sarah (Anderson) Bengry C’97 and Tom Bengry C’98.
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Florence Werner Russell A’35 C’37 passed away Oc-
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tober 8, 2011, in Deerfield, Ill. She was born in 1917 in Chicago. Florence completed high school at North Park Academy and was an accomplished pianist. After completing her associates degree at North Park and receiving her bachelor of science in education from Northwestern University, Florence met her first husband, Franklin Werner. After Franklin’s death, Florence remarried twice more and was preceded in death by Russel Fenton and Adrian Russell. Florence is survived by her daughter, Linnea, and son, Lyndon (Margaret Haley), as well as five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Remembrances may be made to North Park University. Jane Hanson Edgren, 86, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2011. She was born April 22, 1925, in Manistee, Mich., and later
moved to Chicago, where she met Carl Hobart Edgren A’37 C’39. The Edgrens married on September 8, 1949, and spent 30 years at North Park, where Hobart served as professor of English and Jane was actively involved in the Evangelical Covenant Church. She is survived by her children, Alan A’69 C’73 (Gail); Roger A’72 C’76 and Cheryl (Carlson) C’77; Paul C’77; Sara Flynn C’81 (Terry); and her sister, Caryl Fredrickson C’49. Those who wish to remember Jane are invited to consider a gift to the Dr. Carl Hobart Edgren Scholarship Fund at North Park. Phyllis Eleanor (Franklin) Linder C’40 died November
6, 2011 after a brief illness. She was born in 1920 in Minneapolis. Eleanor married L.H. “Roy” Linder and together they had three children, Jean, Ann, and Bruce. After her retirement from Fairview State Hospital, Eleanor traveled extensively around the world. In recent years, she continued to enjoy gardening, archaeology lectures, dance performances, art museums, Tai Chi classes, lunch dates with friends, and a lot of reading. She is survived by her sister and her children. Bernice “Ekie” (Eklund) Sucha C’45 passed away
unexpectedly on September 25, 2011 at age 85. She referred to her college adventures during World War II, which included working in the Caroline Hall diner to pay for her education, as the happiest time of her life. A two-time breast cancer survivor, Bernice was married for 59 years to Bill Sucha and had four children. She was preceded in death by her father, Axel Gerhardt Eklund S’10 and her sister, Margaret Burley C’42. Virgil C. Johnson A’47 C’49
died September 21, 2011 in hospice in Phoenix, Ariz., following a short illness. Dr. Johnson obtained his graduate degree at the Logan College of Chiropractic and
Alumni Notes
maintained a practice in Elgin, Ill. for 40 years. He is survived by four sisters; Geraine Johnson C’50 (Silas C’50), and Betty Olson (Gordon C’64), Arleth Anderson, and Doris Jensen. He was preceded in death by his wife, May (Hatlen) A’47 C’49, daughter Colett, and brother Dwight C’49 S’55, who worked at North Park from 1967-1990. He retired in 1994 and moved with May to Arizona to be close to their three grandchildren. Beverly Bernice Eggert C’49 passed away at home
William ‘Bill’ Person C’49, 80, of Covenant Village. Formerly of Rockford, Ill. Retired co-owner of Johnson-Olson Floor Covering in Rockford. Survived by wife, Janet; children, Denise (Jed) Brueske and Bruce Person; grandchildren, Nicholas (Nichole), Benjamin and Stefanie deWeerdt. Barbara Bein A’53 passed
Hans-Joachim G. Mollenhauer, 84, of Morton Grove,
Ill., died in his home October 2. He was born in Koenigsberg, Germany, and spent his youth living in Berlin. Dr. Mollenhauer traveled extensively, working with UNESCO in India, and the Canadian National Railroad. He then served as professor of German at North Park, working full time from 1963 to 1995, when he retired. During his retirement he continued teaching part-time at North Park until 2000. He is survived by his wife, Ilse, his son, Ralph (Linda Ryan), and two grandchildren, Peter and Julia, and his brother, Peter (Carol).
The North Parker welcomes updates for the Alumni Notes, including wedding, birth, reunion, and professional announcements. Your updates can be submitted online at www.northpark.edu/alumni or mailed to North Park University, 3225 W. Foster Ave., Box 37, Chicago, IL 60625. Please keep submissions to 100 words or fewer and ensure that photographs are high resolution. Due to space limitations, announcements are subject to editing.
For more information on how to stay in touch with alumni, visit
www.northpark.edu/alumni
North Parker Winter 2013
away on July 21, 2011, just four days before her 76th birthday. Barbara worked at the Coral Gables Youth Center for over 46 years, where she served as a counselor and mentor to the youth and organized activities for all members. She attended St. Marks’ Lutheran Church and was active in the Coral Gables community. A celebration of her life was held in August 2011.
away in July 2012 after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma cancer. He leaves behind a long and profound legacy of relational Christian ministry through Young Life and the First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs. His family consists of his wife, Mary Anderson, sons Rik and Mark (Jeni), and sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Rick Yates. He spent his adult life pursuing education by completing a BA from North Park College, an MA in math from the University of Illinois, and MDiv and DMin degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary. Cliff was a mentor, friend, and powerful influence in the development and shaping of many youth leaders around the world.
alumni@northpark.edu
on July 5, 2011, at age 86, surrounded by her family. She was born Oct. 12, 1924, in Turlock, Calif. She worked as a registered nurse for 59 years, completing her training at Samuel Merritt Hospital in Oakland under the Nurse Cadet Corps during World War II. She attended North Park from 1948-49 and was married in 1950 and worked at Swedish Covenant Hospital. Beverly was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Richard Eggert. She is survived by her four children.
John Clifford Anderson (Cliff) A’58 C’62, passed
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New
Alumni Grant for Graduate Studies
Return to the North Park community for additional coursework with a new grant designed specifically for undergraduate alumni:
North Parker Winter 2013
• Begins fall 2013
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• Available to all undergraduate alumni of North Park • Provides a 20 percent tuition reduction • Applies to graduate or Seminary coursework • May be used toward one course or an entire program, in person or online
www.northpark.edu/AlumniGrant
Signature Events December
A Festival of Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 2, 2012 4:00 pm, Our Lady of Mercy Church
Campus Theme Lecture: Dr. Jennifer Wiseman
Monday, February 25, 2013 7:00 pm, Anderson Chapel
www.northpark.edu/campustheme
Children’s choir recital at 3:30
www.northpark.edu/FOLC
Sankta Lucia Pageant
Saturday, December 8, 2012 4:00 pm, Anderson Chapel www.northpark.edu/lucia
Fall Commencement *
Friday, December 14, 2012 7:30 pm, Campus Gymnasium
www.northpark.edu/commencement
January
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Worship Service
Monday, Janurary 21, 2013 10:30 am, Anderson Chapel
February Hymn Fest
March
Gospel Choir Touring Ensemble Spring Tour March 2013 Northern California
www.northpark.edu/musicevents
April
Reload Urban Youth Worker Conference
Saturday, April 6, 2013 8:30 am, Campus Gymnasium www.northpark.edu/reload
Oratorio: Handel’s Messiah
Saturday, April 27, 2013 7:30 pm, Anderson Chapel
www.northpark.edu/musicevents
May
Bach Week Festival Concert
Sunday, May 5, 2013 2:30 pm, Anderson Chapel
www.northpark.edu/musicevents
Spring Commencement *
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Undergraduate: 10:00 am, Campus Gymnasium Graduate and School of Adult Learning: 3:00 pm, Campus Gymnasium Theological Seminary: 7:00 pm, Anderson Chapel Golden Circle 50th reunion celebration www.northpark.edu/commencement
June
Axelson Center Symposium for Nonprofit Professionals and Volunteers
June 3–4, 2013 Holiday Inn, Chicago Mart Plaza
www.northpark.edu/symposium
www.northpark.edu/musicevents For more information about these and other events, please visit www.northpark.edu/featured-events. For a complete calendar listing of athletic events, please visit www.northpark.edu/athletics. * Many of these and other events are video-streamed live online. For a full schedule, please visit www.northpark.edu/live.
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Friday, February 15, 2013 7:30 pm, Anderson Chapel
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Cert no. XXX-XXX-000
Upcoming Alumni Events December 8, 2012
Chicago
AlumniServe at Thresholds
January 21, 2013
Chicago
3rd Annual Alumni Night at the Lyric Opera La Bohème
February 3, 2013
Southern California AlumniConnection
February 5, 2013
San Diego, Calif.
AlumniConnection: Seminary Hosted during the ECC Midwinter Conference
April 2013
Chicago
AlumniNetwork Professional networking reception with exective coach Jill Bremer
April 2013
Colorado
AlumniConnection
May 10–11, 2013
Chicago
Golden Circle 50th reunion
June 2013
Northern California AlumniConnection
June 13, 2013
Chicago
Paint the Town! at Bottle & Bottega
July 2013
Seattle
www.northpark.edu/AlumniEvents
AlumniConnection