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October 26, 2015

North Park University Honors Three Alumni at Annual Homecoming Breakfast

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North Park University Honors Three Alumni at Annual Homecoming Breakfast

alum playing violin

Distinguished Young Alumni Award winner Deborah Wanderley dos Santos C’10 performed at Saturday's Reunion and Awards Breakfast.

Awards presented for commitment to lives of signifigance and service

CHICAGO (October 22, 2015) — At the annual Reunion and Awards Breakfast, held this year on Saturday, October 17, three North Park alumni were recognized for leading lives that represent the mission and spirit of the University. Honorees included Déborah Wanderley dos Santos, Megan (Streedain) Tamte, and Peter Tufo.

Wanderley dos Santos, recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Young Alumni Award, graduated from North Park in 2010 with a bachelor of music in performance. Since then, she has performed in major music halls worldwide, including Carnegie Hall, Berlin Philharmonic, Royal Festival Hall in London, and Konzerthass in Vienna. Currently she is a violinst in the São Paulo Symphony, considered the top orchestra in Brazil and South America. She is also pursuing her master’s degree at SãoPaulo State University in strings pedagogy.

“One of the things I so appreciate about Déborah’s story is that it reminds me that while we have all called North Park home, our paths here and our paths since our time here often look very unique,” said Melissa Vélez Luce, director of alumni relations, in presenting Wanderley dos Santos the award. “Déborah is someone whose musical talent is impressive enough to stand on its own. However, it is her tenacity and determination, in addition to her deep commitment to serve others, that truly embody what it means to live a life of significance.”

This year’s recipient of the North Park University Distinguished Alumni Award was Megan (Streedain) Tamte. Less than 10 years after graduating from North Park with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and Spanish, Tamte co-founded the retail clothing chain Evereve, formerly known as Hot Mama. Since its first store opened in 2004 near Minneapolis, the company now has 60 locations across 21 states, with more than 1,000 employees.

“Megan allowed her faith in God to guide her home, her family, her decision-making, and her successful business,” said Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Mary Surridge. “Megan can say with conviction and confidence that the platform she occupies as CEO of Evereve allows for the broad and deep sharing of her faith, her gifts, and her story with clients, colleagues, and friends.”

Although Peter Tufo, 2015 North Park Academy Distinguished Alumni honoree, was unable to attend Saturday’s breakfast, his commitment to a life of significance and service was celebrated by the North Park community. Tufo, a 1955 graduate, served as the U.S. Ambassador to Hungary from 1997–2001. Before that, he enjoyed a long career in public service, including serving as chair of the New York City Board of Corrections and the New York State Thruway Authority.

“The trajectory of Peter’s life journey brought together a commitment to make things happen at the highest levels of corporate business with a corresponding commitment to attend to neighbor’s good," said North Park University President David Parkyn. "He was able to do so through some of the most challenging assignments in public service in New York City. It is our honor today to recognize him, 60 years following his graduation from North Park, as the 2015 Academy Distinguished Alumnus.”

Photos: Relive the memories from Homecoming week.


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