Category: Blog

“I’m a teacher and I was looking into pursuing an educational leadership program, so I was put into contact with Dr. Walsh. The first time I talked to him he gave me 45 minutes to an hour on the phone and wanted to take every single question I had.

“They would check on us, whether it be a phone call or an email, and anytime we would call they would pick up and were willing to give us the time. When we were finishing up the program, they wanted to get everybody together just to see each other one last time, so we all went out to lunch. I just love that Dr. Walsh and Dr. Madl went out of their way to make sure that we had a family experience and were prepared in an unprecedented time.”

“There were dozens of people like that at North Park, including my wonderful art professors, like Neal Murray. He spent so much time nurturing our talents and encouraging us. During the 90s, there was a strong group of grads going into advertising, a career I wanted to pursue. When I graduated, I almost immediately called on some of those older alums to help me establish my own career. Now, I’m a creative director at a large agency and I get to do all kinds of rewarding work, such as shooting commercials with Elmo. I give so much credit to my North Park education. Oh, and I also met my wife there. Thanks, North Park!”

Shazad Carbaidwala, Business Management, C’01

“I have fond memories of my time playing for the Vikings football team, and I carry my school pride to this day. I still have my game jersey, practice jersey, practice shorts, and other North Park paraphernalia. I remember the camaraderie with all my teammates and all the rigorous training sessions that molded me into who I am today.

“It means the world to me being part of the North Park community. Being a North Park Viking has taught me discipline, hard work, and an Iron Will attitude to accomplish everything I set out to do.”

“I grew up in Chicago and attended high school a mile or so down Foster Avenue from North Park at Amundsen High. Nothing in my high school history classes could have prepared me for my first history lecture at North Park—an American history class taught by Dr. Wiberg in the auditorium. It must have been a 101 class because there were over a hundred students. Dr. Wiberg sat on a stool on the stage—no lectern, no notes—and just started speaking. It was the most incredible thing I had ever heard. I was mesmerized! I happened to look around and everyone else had their heads down and were writing in their notebooks. I thought to myself ‘they should be listening to this; it’s wonderful!’ About then the person next to me whispered and told me I should be taking notes. ‘Notes?! What is that?’ I didn’t have a clue! Luckily, I had some great friends who rolled their eyes, laughed at my plight, and then pitched in to give me a crash course in note-taking. It must have worked.

“Being a history major influenced me greatly, not only in my knowledge and understanding of history but in how to research and most importantly to write. Classes with Charles Wiberg and Zenos Hawkinson were an incredible experience. I learned how to learn from these men. Every class required a research paper, and we were taught to write clearly and succinctly. Neither would accept anything but grammatically correct and structurally sound papers. There was no such thing as good writing, only good re-writing. Papers were to be properly annotated and footnoted. It was only after your paper passed muster in these areas that content was examined. When your paper was finally accepted, it was a cause for celebration. The ability to write well was crucial in my chosen profession, and after having those classes I was prepared for just about anything.”

“North Park has served as a community that has aided the growth and development of me as a student and a musician, both professionally and personally. I had the opportunity to tour nationally and internationally with the gospel choir and with the university choir. We went to Sweden, California on the west coast, and New Jersey and Boston on the east coast. Singing, leading, and playing a role in the community really helped me grow as a person.

“Dr. Helen Hawkins, who retired last year, also made my time at North Park memorable. Because of our relationship, I was recommended for her position as the Director of the Gospel Choir, which is how I am now a part of North Park faculty and staff. Dr. Julia Davids is a great mentor, too, and is now one of my colleagues. I am excited and grateful that North Park gave me the opportunity to develop my story and that I now have the privilege of sharing my experiences and joy that have been a part of my journey with students and generations to come. We are better together.”

My favorite memories are of being a Resident Assistant on campus. My first year living on campus set the tone for me because my RA was such a light. I was a first-generation college student leaving home for the first time. It was difficult to adjust, but my RA was so helpful in my transition. There were so many new opportunities that I was overwhelmed by navigating all I wanted to do, so she helped me stay on track and balance everything.

The lessons I carry with me from being an RA are so vital as I get to continue to work alongside others and give them resources catered to their story while creating a new chapter.