Traditions

Over the 115 years of North Park University's history, a few traditions have developed.

The Carlson Crazies

Make a fool out of yourself cheering for the Vikings Men's basketball team in their pursuit for our 6th NCAA DIII Men's Basketball Championship. Just don't embarrass North Park Alumni, or your parents for that matter.

Alternative Spring Breaks

Some students head to the beach for spring break. Other students head to places where they volunteer and perform service in a variety of places and settings. As many as half of North Park graduates have participated in some sort of service trip by the time they graduate. Check out our Global Partnerships web site.

Graduation Recessional

North Park has both a December and a May graduation. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the faculty and platform party marches out of the gymnasium in full colorful academic regalia, preceded by the University Mace, Banner, and the flags of not only the United States, but flags of countries that represent members graduating class and the passports they hold. Once outside (literally outside in May and down a long hall in December), a human tunnel is formed, through which all the graduates process, to the applause of their professors, teachers and administrators. There are hugs and tears, and broad smiles. Meanwhile, the bell carillon atop Old Main wildly tolls, expressing the joy and happiness felt by the new graduates, and their teachers!

Let's Dance

Starting with the midnight Boat Dance during new student orientation, called Threshold, moving on to the annual Homecoming Dance, and later the Spring Fling, these social events are on the “must do” lists of students. One is held on campus and the others at fascinating venues around Chicago. Start practicing your moves now.

Senior Exhibits

Every year, graduating art majors mount a series of art exhibits to display their work just before finals and graduation. The exhibits go on for weeks and feature a reception at which each student artist makes a statement about their work and then take questions from faculty, friends, and family who have come.

The Housing Lottery

Every spring there is a scramble among students to put together a group of 2 –- 6 students and enter the housing lottery. At stake is a chance to live in one of North Park's on-campus apartments. Make sure your bill is paid in order to qualify, or you will miss out.

On a sunny afternoon the campus green space is the place to be. Students relax, play touch football, ultimate Frisbee, and otherwise just hang out. The city seems like a long way away.

First College Life

A packed out first night launches this Sunday night student gathering for worship, community and stimulating speakers. A European exchange student in 2006 declared the next day: “"It was the best experience of my life".”

Opening Day at Wrigley Field

Cubs fans head to Wrigley Field each spring for Opening Day, hoping to be one of the lucky few to get game day seats in the famous bleachers. The sometimes rowdy bleachers provide a great view of the game. Sometimes the Cubs win!

Honors Convocation and More

North Park recognizes students who excel in their studies and activities in many ways. Sometimes that reward is formally recognized and rewarded. At the end of the second semester, an Honors Convocation recognizes students who have been selected for various academic, service, and achievement awards. Some have a monetary scholarship attached to them. And at graduation, two students are selected as Outstanding Seniors by the North Park Alumni Association and two are recognized as Seniors Par Excellance by the Vice President of Student Services. The student with the highest GPA receives the Ahnfeldt Award. All in front of several thousand friends, professors, and family. View some of them here.

Caroling on Michigan Avenue

It doesn't happen every year and is dependent on student organizing, but it is common for North Park students to head downtown on the Ravenswood "L" during December, just before fall finals, and go Christmas Caroling on Michigan Avenue. And then grab some hot chocolate before heading back to campus. Spread the Joy.

Los Mogotes

The local Mexican storefront restaurant of choice. Doesn't't look like much, but the burritos are great. And cheap.

Summer at Camp

Through our sponsoring denomination, the Evangelical Covenant Church, get a job at one of over 15 summer camps scattered across the country. Be a counselor, member of the grounds or kitchen crew, or maybe teach swimming. Each year 90 - 100 North Park students spend their summers this way. Camp representatives are on campus in January to recruit and interview students.