New building honors North Park alumni Nancy and Dr. G. Timothy Johnson
CHICAGO (October 16, 2012) — Two well-known North Park University alumni, plus family and friends will join students faculty, staff, and leaders of North Park University October 26 for a groundbreaking ceremony that marks the beginning of the construction phase for a new University building. When completed, the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life will house science laboratories, classrooms and offices, plus a variety of student services, including University Ministries, international study, career development, and residence life.
The University will provide a live webcast of the groundbreaking ceremony beginning at 5:00 pm CDT.
“The Johnson Center is a project which will transform our University and enhance student learning for years to come,” said Dr. David L. Parkyn, University president. “We are pleased to begin construction of this much-needed academic and student life facility, and also delighted that it is named for the Johnsons who have contributed so much to North Park. We hope Oct. 26 will be as memorable for them as it will be for our community.”
Dr. G. Timothy Johnson is known for his work as chief medical editor for ABC News from 1984 to 2010. He graduated from North Park College (now University) in 1956, and earned a seminary degree at North Park Theological Seminary in 1963. He later earned a medical degree, and became one of America’s best-known physicians, providing award-winning on-air medical analysis on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, Nightline, and 20/20. He was honored with the University’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1991, and is also an ordained pastor of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), the church denomination with which the University is affiliated. Nancy Johnson was trained as a nurse at the Swedish Covenant Hospital School of Nursing, Chicago, including study in the sciences at North Park University. Immediately after receiving her nursing credential, she completed a short-term medical assignment in Indonesia. The Johnsons reside in Marblehead, Massachusetts.
The Johnsons will participate in a celebration in the center of the Chicago campus that will begin at 4:00 pm CDT, with outdoor festivities, food, and music. Following brief remarks and a groundbreaking ceremony at 5:00 pm, invited guests and project contributors will attend an evening reception and program at Hamming Hall, followed by a University Choir concert in Anderson Chapel.
“The Johnsons are an extraordinary couple,” said Mary Surridge, University vice president for development and alumni relations. “The time is right for us to name this transformational facility in their honor. It includes everything that has been so important to them as alumni, trustees, campaign leaders, medical professionals and lifelong stewards of North Park’s mission. The fact that it will be located in the central part of the campus is dear to their hearts because they know it will serve every student, faculty and staff member in our community.”
The $42 million Johnson Center is the most significant component of Campaign North Park, a $57 million comprehensive University fundraising effort. The campaign raised funds for the Johnson Center, the University’s Annual Fund, student scholarships, and Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. Fundraising continues for the building project and a variety of academic needs related to the new building, Surridge said. The 101,000-square-foot Johnson Center is expected to open for the 2014 academic year.
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Next Steps
Learn more about planning and fundraising for the Johnson Center.