Category: Community Updates

In these times of physical separation, we as the North Park community still want to stay emotionally and socially connected! If you have anything to share with the North Park community, please reach out and email us at UMC@northpark.edu. We’d love to hear from you and share how all of us are doing while we are apart.

Employee Thank You – Sharee Myricks

Keep calm and Viking on . . . like Sharee Myricks, North Park’s Director of Diversity and Intercultural Life. Sharee has been working from home on everything from helping students adjust to their new normal, to working on North Park’s accreditation process as a member of the Higher Learning Commission committee. Thanks, Sharee!

NPU Social

Today Facebook will be hosting a 2020 Graduation event, and our own Dean of the School of Education Rebecca Nelson was invited to send in a video! #Graduation2020: Facebook and Instagram Celebrate the Class of 2020” will kick off Friday, May 15, at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. The multi-hour live broadcast will stream on Facebook Watch (available at facebook.com/facebookapp).

Thank you to our Health Care Workers:

Interview with Alum Lauren Lewandowski

Lauren Lewandowski
School of Nursing 2019 Alumna

Where are you working as a nurse?

I am currently working at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. I work on the Cardiovascular and Thoracic stepdown unit, so we see any post-operative patients in these services.

How did your education at North Park prepare you for working as a nurse in crisis situations such as COVID-19?

North Park prepared me for working as a nurse in this particular crisis situation by instilling the values of holistic-centered care. One professor in particular, Heather Duncan, always reiterated to us that “every patient is a child of god and deserves to be treated with care and respect”. Keeping in mind that there is a person behind the virus and disease processes encourages me to give the best care possible. North Park prepared us with the critical thinking skills through lab and various rotations to recognize pertinent symptoms of de-compensation and how to appropriately react and escalate the situation. 

How did you get the job working as a nurse (i.e. through North Park career services)?

I got my Job at Northwestern through an internship secured via the North Park Nursing program. Northwestern has a program called the “Clinical Role Transition” where you learn on the job skills that ultimately prepare you for that position. 

Did you have an internship while a student at North Park and if so, where?

I had several nursing clinical rotations throughout my time at North Park. These included Northwestern, Shirley Ryan, and Swedish Covenant hospitals. 

What inspires you about working as a nurse (i.e. doing social good)?

Seeing the turnaround a patient is able to take after having spent a significant amount of time in the hospital constantly inspires me as a nurse. Whether that be seeing someone pre-operatively and through their course of heart transplant, or a patient who is fighting the COVID-19 virus, it is encouraging to see the patients come full circle. Some patients in particular we are able to form bonds with during extended stays, and knowing that you were able to bring a smile to their face, even for just a small moment, lets you know the hard days are worth it.

What was your journey towards deciding to study nursing at North Park?

I knew I wanted to be a nurse after seeing a family friend who was a nurse react and help save a child during a crisis situation. She reacted with firm knowledge and composure, and I knew I wanted to exemplify that in my career down the line. North Park in particular was a school that emphasizes working closely with peers and professors, which was very important for me. In the clinical setting, it is all about teamwork. Being prepared for this field in a like-minded environment gave me assurance that I would have the best foundation to begin my career.

What experiences at North Park prepared you for a career in nursing?

North Park partners with exceptional hospitals and facilities through clinical rotations, which offered lots of hands on experience. I had my first clinical rotation on the floor that I am currently working on. Through professors and clinical instructors, connections are able to be made for future jobs. By offering a wide range of simulation activities and floor experience, North Park allowed me to feel comfortable to enter the field as a new grad.

What year did you graduate and what specific degree did you earn?

I graduated in 2019 and my degree is a BSN. 

What excites you about the field in which you’re working?

Healthcare is constantly evolving, and there are ample opportunities to continue education.  I am excited by new technologies or studies that point to more effective practices in patient care.

Why did you choose North Park?

I wanted to be in a city environment with small class sizes, where the professors were hands-on. I had many family friends who were nurses who talked about the reputation of North Park nurses in their hospitals.

What North Park values stand out to you (Christian, city-centered, intercultural)?

North Park being city-centered and intercultural stood out most to me. Having met people from all around the world during my time at North Park, I learned to appreciate cultures different from my own and how to apply that in the clinical setting.

Commencement

A huge thank you to everyone involved in the virtual commencement this past Saturday — students, families, staff, and faculty — we could not have finished this year so strong without you! If you missed it, here is our virtual commencement video.

Inspiring Music for Uncertain Times

Annie Picard has been at NPU since 1998, teaching our undergraduate and Master of Music students voice lessons and classes. To encourage us now, she has selected music about connection: connection to our earth, emotions, beautiful sounds, joie de vivre, amazing musicians, words, nature, freedom, and peace.

Scripture of the Week

“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” 

Proverbs 12:25

In these times of physical separation, we as the North Park community still want to stay emotionally and socially connected! If you have anything to share with the North Park community, please reach out and email us at UMC@northpark.edu. We’d love to hear from you and share how all of us are doing while we are apart.

Employee Thank You – Jeff Lundblad

Keep calm and Viking on … Like Jeff Lundblad, North Park’s Director of Information Technology. Thanks to Jeff and his team for supporting the technology needs of staff, faculty, and students while working remotely from home.

Virtual Commencement

Class of 2020! This Saturday, we will celebrate your accomplishments in a virtual Commencement that will include graduates of the Undergraduate, Graduate, School of Professional Studies, and Seminary programs. Our Virtual Commencement Ceremony will be hosted online at 10 am CDT this Saturday, May 9, 2020. The video will stream on both YouTube and Facebook. While we wish we could all be together in person, we hope you can join us online.

Social Media Toolkit

Show your support for the Class of 2020 on social media! Use one of our frames, stickers, or story templates: https://www.northpark.edu/class-of-2020-social-media-toolkit/

Inspiring Music for Uncertain Times

Annie Picard has been at NPU since 1998, teaching our undergraduate and Master of Music students voice lessons and classes. To encourage us now, she has selected music about connection: connection to our earth, emotions, beautiful sounds, joie de vivre, amazing musicians, words, nature, freedom, and peace.

Annual Multicultural Celebration

Congratulations to all of our award winners this year! Read more about the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life’s Annual Multicultural Celebration here.

Scripture of the Week

“Humble yourselves, then, under God’s mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time. Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.” 

1 Peter 5:6-7

In these times of physical separation, we as the North Park community still want to stay emotionally and socially connected! If you have anything to share with the North Park community, please reach out and email us at UMC@northpark.edu. We’d love to hear from you and share how all of us are doing while we are apart.

Employee Thank You – Katie Maier-O’Shea

Keep calm and Viking on … like Katie Maier-O’Shea, North Park’s Dean of Library and Academic Technology. Katie has been pivotal in easing our students’ transition from classroom to remote online learning since the very beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.

NPU Social

Check out the Seminary students, staff, and faculty in their TikTok challenge!

Health & Wellness

Starting Today! — Join the first-ever North Park University Virtual Race from May 1–May 31! The goal is 52.4 miles (a double marathon) for the month. You can walk, run, bike, skate, etc. to roll through quarantine. All workouts will be logged in the Endomondo app which is linked here. Endomondo is a free fitness app that you can use to track workouts, set goals, take part in challenges, and keep up with friends’ fitness activities. Contact Director of Wellness Ericka Adams with any questions.

And be sure to check out the new Virtual Group Fitness links for May!
Don’t miss out. Join our group fitness classes on zoom every day. We are here to keep you motivated and to help you continue to reach your fitness goals!

Cardio Intervals Weekdays, Monday–Friday, 4 pm https://zoom.us/j/650594181

Zumba Tuesday and Thursday, 10 am
Zoom Meeting ID: 209 239 6229
Zoom Meeting Password: 694734

Cardio Intervals Saturday and Sunday, 9 am https://zoom.us/j/650594181

Inspiring Music for Uncertain Times

Annie Picard has been at NPU since 1998, teaching our undergraduate and Master of Music students voice lessons and classes. To encourage us now, she has selected music about connection: connection to our earth, emotions, beautiful sounds, joie de vivre, amazing musicians, words, nature, freedom, and peace.

Registration Day

Virtual Registration Day is a success!

A special thank you to all the University departments who made our virtual registration day such a success!! Student Engagement, IT, and UMC all came together and, despite the logistical challenges, hosted a successful registration day event that drew participation from 70 incoming freshman choosing courses for the fall semester.

“It was a really collaborative effort, and it was very impressive that we were able to organize such a large event in such a short time frame,” said Joe Miller, Director of Enrollment Systems and Operations.

The event was yet another example of how University departments are working together in unprecedented ways to maintain North Park’s high standards during the Covid-19 pandemic. Keep up the great work!

Scripture of the Week

“Tell everyone who is discouraged, Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue…”

—Isaiah 35:4

In these times of physical separation, we as the North Park community still want to stay emotionally and socially connected! If you have anything to share with the North Park community, please reach out and email us at UMC@northpark.edu. We’d love to hear from you and share how all of us are doing while we are apart.

Employee Thank You — Andrea Nevels

Keep calm and Viking on . . . like Vice President of Student Engagement Andrea Nevels, who continues to support our students as she works from home. Thank you, Vice President Nevels!

Standing Together Against Racism

The North Park University social psychology classes invite you to join virtually the national, annual campaign to Stand Against Racism.  While we cannot stand together in person this year, we encourage you to take the pledge against racism, write your member of congress or senator, and support a full, accurate census in 2020. Learn more here.

Thank You to Our Health Care Workers

Nursing professor Heather Duncan has put her own safety on the line to take care of vulnerable Chicagoans suffering from COVID-19. Read about her calling here.

Inspiring Music for Uncertain Times

Annie Picard has been at NPU since 1998, teaching our undergraduate and Master of Music students voice lessons and classes. To encourage us now, she has selected music about connection: connection to our earth, emotions, beautiful sounds, joie de vivre, amazing musicians, words, nature, freedom, and peace.

Health & Wellness

Join the first-ever North Park University Virtual Race from May 1–May 31! The goal is 52.4 miles (a double marathon) for the month. You can walk, run, bike, skate, etc. to roll through quarantine. All workouts will be logged in the Endomondo app linked here. Endomondo is a free fitness app that you can use to track workouts, set goals, take part in challenges, and keep up with friends’ fitness activities. Contact Director of Wellness Ericka Adams with any questions.

NPU Social: Blue & Gold Day

Thank you to all who supported North Park’s Blue & Gold Day! We appreciate you!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by North Park Alumni (@npualumni) on Apr 22, 2020 at 9:32pm PDT

To Lift Our Spirits

In the midst of the coronavirus crisis, people are doing kind things for others, even for complete strangers. If you have been helped, or you have witnessed others going out of their way to help, let us know! Send your short stories to UMC@northpark.edu, and put Good News in the subject field. We’ll share them here.

NPU alum Maggie Pagan is uniting her block in Chicago. Read her story on blockclubchicago.org

Scripture of the Week

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”

—Psalm 94:19

In these times of physical separation, we as the North Park community still want to stay emotionally and socially connected! If you have anything to share with the North Park community, please reach out and email us at UMC@northpark.edu. We’d love to hear from you and share how all of us are doing while we are apart.

Employee Thank You

Keep Calm and Viking On! Like Dan Gooris, North Park’s Director of Campus Safety and Auxiliary Services. Thanks, Dan, for keeping the campus safe during this time of uncertainty.

NPU Social

As we begin adjusting to this new normal and find ourselves missing NPU a little extra, let’s take time to connect on social media! Our various departments have been hard at work creating daily devotionals, musical playlists, and helpful content like this home workout routine from our Helwig team:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Back at it again with another #WorkoutWednesday routine courtesy of our @npuhelwigrec. Tag us in your sweaty selfies if you decide to join us and try it out! 🤩💪🏼

A post shared by North Park University (@npuchicago) on Apr 15, 2020 at 10:09am PDT

For more encouraging content like this, give us a follow on these Instagram accounts:

To Lift Our Spirits

In the midst of the coronavirus crisis, people are doing kind things for others, even for complete strangers. If you have been helped, or you have witnessed others going out of their way to help, let us know! Send your short stories to UMC@northpark.edu, and put Good News in the subject field. We’ll share them here.

Sharing Viking Spirit

We’ve got North Park spirit! Yes, we do! We’ve got spirit! How about you?

Staff members in the Office of Advancement participated in a #BlueandGoldWednesday car parade around the North Park neighborhood. Have you seen or participated in a car parade in your neighborhood?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by North Park Alumni (@npualumni) on Apr 15, 2020 at 6:06pm PDT

Inspiring Music for Uncertain Times

Annie Picard has been at NPU since 1998, teaching our undergraduate and Master of Music students voice lessons and classes. To encourage us now, she has selected music about connection: connection to our earth, emotions, beautiful sounds, joie de vivre, amazing musicians, words, nature, freedom, and peace.

Faculty and Staff Virtual Prayer Time

All faculty and staff are welcome to a special time of virtual prayer for our beloved North Park family every Wednesday, 11:30 am–12:30 pm via Zoom. If you have any questions please contact Prof. Boaz Johnson.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/597365643?pwd=ek44ZjAzcE1qeUNGU0cvT0hEc0tsZz09

Meeting ID: 597 365 643
Password: 070318

These are times of great angst among our students and colleagues. During times like this, Jesus always took his disciples aside to pray, as in his hour of deepest suffering, during the Passion Week. He said, “Watch and Pray.”

Scripture of the Week

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

—2 Timothy 1:7

In these times of physical separation, we as the North Park community still want to stay emotionally and socially connected! If you have anything to share with the North Park community, please reach out and email us at UMC@northpark.edu. We’d love to hear from you and share how all of us are doing while we are apart.

Employee Thank You!

Keep Calm and Viking On . . . Like Meghan Pillow, North Park’s nurse. Meghan has continued working from home and on campus when necessary, monitoring the health of students and staff who remain on campus. Thanks, Meghan!

Let’s Thank Our Alumni in Health Care

So many North Park alumni are serving as doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals on the front lines of this pandemic—and we want to encourage and thank them. If you have stories about North Parkers who are serving in this way, or if you are one, and want to tell a story or send a photo or a video message, please send them to UMC@northpark.edu and we will share them here.

NPU Social

As we begin adjusting to this new normal and find ourselves missing NPU a little extra, let’s take time to connect on social media! Our various departments have been hard at work creating daily devotionals, sample workout routines, musical playlists, and helpful content like this DIY Face Mask video:

For more encouraging content like this, give us a follow on these Instagram accounts:

Inspiring Music for Uncertain Times

Annie Picard has been at NPU since 1998, teaching our undergraduate and Master of Music students voice lessons and classes. To encourage us now, she has selected music about connection: connection to our earth, emotions, beautiful sounds, joie de vivre, amazing musicians, words, nature, freedom, and peace.

To Lift Our Spirits

In the midst of the coronavirus crisis, people are doing kind things for others, even for complete strangers. If you have been helped, or you have witnessed others going out of their way to help, let us know! Send your short stories to UMC@northpark.edu, and put Good News in the subject field. We’ll share them here.

This week—Andy Meyer, Director of Archives at North Park, searched the archives store of supplies and found a handful of gloves, cleaning supplies and N95 masks that will be donated to Swedish Hospital. Thanks to everyone who is donating PPE!

Community Questions

How are you staying connected with your professors and peers?

Any tips to share with our community on working and/or studying from home?

Share your response with the community by emailing UMC@northpark.edu.

Scripture of the Week

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

—Isaiah 41:10