North Park has served five generations of students and continues to grow in diversity, academic relevance, and Christian commitment. Our Chicago location is a great asset that reflects the School’s global reach and outlook.
After 125 years, we’ve learned how to streamline the process of helping qualified applicants seek admission to North Park and find affordable ways to attend. If you don’t see what you’re looking for on our website, please contact us directly!
North Park offers more than 40 graduate and undergraduate programs in liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. Classes average 17 students. 84% of our faculty have terminal degrees. Academics here are rigorous and results-oriented.
North Park Theological Seminary prepares you to answer the call to service through theological study, spiritual development, and the formative experiences of living in a community with others on a similar life path.
The Office of Alumni Engagement fosters lifelong connections by engaging alumni with the university and one another in activities, programs, and services that support the university’s mission and alumni needs.
“Dr. John Weborg came back to me and said, ‘We do not walk in according to seniority. Come and walk in up here with me.’ That has been my experience as a member of the Seminary faculty since 2005.”
Paul De Neui, Professor of Missiology
“During my first convocation as a new faculty member of the North Park Theological Seminary, I was at the end of the line and one of my former professors (I was a student in the seminary in ’81) Dr. John Weborg came back to me and said, ‘We do not walk in according to seniority. Come and walk in up here with me.’ That has been my experience as a member of the Seminary faculty since 2005.”
“Classes with Charles Wiberg and Zenos Hawkinson were an incredible experience. I learned how to learn from these men.”
Robert Craig C’75, History and Urban Studies
“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.”
Terrance Smith, Conducting and Voice C’15, MA in Christian Formation S’22
“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.”
“When I look back at my life, my foundation is in Christ, but I have to give credit to North Park for believing in me.”
Joan McPherson S’97, Master of Arts in Theological Studies and a Master of Management
I had been serving as an associate minister and wanted to attend seminary to improve my knowledge of the Bible, but I had two small children and only a high school education. Even my pastor said he didn’t think this could happen, but for me this was a faith journey. I wanted to be an example of what God can do.
I quit a really nice job with the US Treasury and went to North Park. I was an older student, from a Pentecostal background, with no undergraduate degree. I was so impressed with the warmth in how they received me. They recognized my experience in business and public speaking and let me enroll.
One day I accepted a ride home from a classmate, and my husband became jealous. He was verbally abusive and threatened me. I was not physically hurt, but emotionally devastated. I had my pride and didn’t want to tell the school, but I had to. I had to look for a place to stay. I was not working. My church of 25 years abandoned me. I was undone.
North Park was the stranger that picked me up when I was in the middle of the road. They cared for me. They bandaged my wounds. I stayed on campus, and my kids grew up at North Park. I worked for two years at Covenant headquarters, I made new friends, and the faculty helped me realize I had not been called by my church, I had been called by God.
With master’s degrees in theology and management, I wound up with a job as the Director of Education for the African American Leadership Partnership supporting African American pastors pursuing graduate degrees. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to speak and serve at churches of almost every denomination.
When I look back at my life, my foundation is in Christ, but I have to give credit to North Park for believing in me. The University, Seminary, and North Park Covenant Church supported us, loved us, and gave me hope in a very difficult time in my life. I will always love this school!
After two years of hosting the Annual Multicultural Awards Celebration virtually, North Park’s Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life (ODIL) resumed the event in person with community, food, and awards on Friday, March 25th, at Olsson Lounge in Nyvall Hall. Students, staff, and faculty members involved with academics, athletics, campus involvement, and community service were honored through the presentation of various distinct awards for their outstanding commitment to diversity, advocacy, and justice.
Multicultural Student Leader Award
The Multicultural Student Leader Award recognizes graduating seniors who are current or prior executive members of North Park’s cultural clubs; student workers with at least one and a half years of service in the Collaboratory or the Office of Diversity; or prior Diversity Representatives in the Student Government Association.
This year’s Multicultural Student Leader Award recipients include:
Rukhayya Adil
Irma Bahena
Mallory Coakley
Destiny Correa
Jennifer Fuentes-Rivas
Michelle Gorges
Megha Hans
Lien Landin
Mylan Nguyen
Amanda Rahana
Emily Ramirez
Zoha Raza
Annika Sager
Kiersten Stenmark
Each award recipient is unique in their own way. Some of the awardees shared additional background on what this award means to them.
Irma Bahena, who serves as the Treasurer of the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) and as a Resident Assistant. Bahena works to maintain that at LASO everyone feels welcome and open to learning about the identities and backgrounds of its members. Bahena applies her interest in learning about different cultures to plan intercultural events and develop meaningful relationships. “I would like to thank those who acknowledged me for this award and everyone who gave me an opportunity to demonstrate my capabilities as a leader. North Park will always be a place I consider home. I will definitely miss the friendships and great mentors I had throughout my college years that guided me through this journey,” said Bahena.
As President of Rising DREAMers United (RDU), Destiny Correa works to create an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity. Correa says anyone is welcome in RDU and all students are welcome to join. Members can obtain important resources shared through the club. “Being part of RDU is a great way to connect with students across campus, so receiving this award means a lot to me because they see who I am and hear what I have done and that means something,” said Correa.
Lien Landin, who served as both the Vice President and President of Queers and Allies (Q&A) before graduating in December 2021, shapes an open and welcoming environment through the cultural club where everyone is encouraged to participate. “Being honored at the celebration is something that I never dreamed of, and I am overwhelmed by all the love and support this campus provided to me and others in Queer and Allies,” said Landin.
Utilizing her position as President of the East Asian Student Association (EASA), Mylan Nguyen, celebrates diversity through the club’s values of discipline, balance, ambition, and togetherness and by connecting with the community to learn about cultures.
Mylan Nguyen
“Receiving this award is meaningful to me as my efforts show that I cherish interactions. I carry my East Asian culture with me every day to show how dedicated I am to being a role model of EASA,” said Nguyen.
Champion of Diversity Award
The Champion of Diversity Award, formally known as the North Park University Martin Luther King, Jr. Award, highlights a faculty member, staff member, or administrator that has conducted exceptional work in the areas of interculturalism, restorative justice, or racial reconciliation on campus. The recipient is selected by ODIL professional and student staff.
Dr. Peter K. B. St. Jean was selected as the recipient of the 2022 Champion of Diversity Award for his research and leadership in community outreach efforts through the Urban Peace Lab within the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, along with his commitment to diversity within curriculum, and a bold conviction towards facing and addressing issues on campus for transformative change. Dr. St. Jean serves as an elected member of the Faculty Senate and has been selected to lead the North Park Conversation Steering Committee, a task force that holds important conversations about race on campus. This academic year, Dr. St. Jean hosted multiple jam sessions in collaboration with the Black Student Union and the ODIL.
Dr. Peter K. B. St. Jean
“Organizers, thank you for recognizing my role in this important collective work. The struggle continues to significantly reduce the victimizations that toxic legacies of white supremacy and arrogance in leadership have directly imposed as a career gravesite for People of Color on our beloved NPU campus. These growing pains are hopefully necessary precursors to our future triumphs of excellence,” said Dr. St. Jean.
ODIL Director’s and Assistant Director’s Award
The ODIL Director’s and Assistant Director’s Award recognizes a person or group for their outstanding contributions to the campus community through their involvement in fostering an inclusive and intercultural campus culture.
Casey Reeves received the Assistant Director’s Award for their strong commitment to diversity as an ODIL student worker. Embodying outstanding hospitality and leadership, Reeves led several ODIL social night events and served as programming support.
Casey Reeves
Reeves represents the LGBTQIA+ and commuter communities, advocating for equity, inclusion, and belonging. Reeves creates and keeps educational materials on hand that advocate and educate on disability rights, non-binary persons, and interfaith.
“I love the people I’ve met at North Park and they’ve made this place a home for me. It just makes you want to do what you can to make sure the environment at North Park is not only welcoming but has a sustainable energy to make sure that people for years will feel at home at this school,” said Reeves.
Honors Convocation Diversity Award
The Honors Convocation Diversity Award honors a senior for outstanding leadership and sustained commitment to advancing North Park’s intercultural core identity on campus and/or throughout the Chicago community. The recipient of the award is determined by the university’s Office of the Provost and the ODIL.
Megha Hans was selected as the recipient of the Honors Convocation Diversity Award for her many achievements incuding: leaderships and commitment as the South Asian Student Organization (SASA) President; Student Government Association (SGA) 2021-2022 Diversity Representative and Advisory Committee Co-Chairperson; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Institutional Council member; and concert band member.
Megha Hans
Hans also completed prior service to the Commuter Student Association, as the SGA Commuter Representative, and as one of the SGA leadership team charter sponsors of the Muslim Student Association at North Park.
Initially joining SASA during her first year to connect with students of similar interests and tastes in food, Hans’s involvement in the club led her to various leadership roles. “I feel very thankful to be chosen, and I am excited to be honored! I have accomplished so much with my involvement on campus throughout my four years here, and this is all because I was inspired to create a change in whatever way possible,” said Hans.
Josephina “Josie” Summerville also received the 2022 Honors Convocation Diversity Award. She is a four-year member of the North Park Women’s Basketball Team, an elected member of the Student Athletics Advisory Committee (SAAC), a Resident Assistant, a Threshold Orientation leader, and a member of Q&A. Known as a member of the most talented and accomplished Viking Women’s basketball classes in recent history, Summerville also works to bring awareness of the positive all-inclusive and diverse identities of student-athletes. She has championed the promotion of LGBTQ+ inclusion and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), advocating for belonging for all students at North Park University.
Josephina Summerville
In addition to this award, Summerville has also been nominated for the NCAA Division III LGBTQ Student-Athlete of the Year Award by ODIL Director, Sharee L. Myricks, who serves as the NCAA Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee at North Park University.
“When I received this award, I immediately called my mom. She has been my backbone, but I have been her teacher in what it means to be me in this changing world. This award shows my identity, and I am honored, blessed, and hope that the next person will take this role and honor it fully,” said Summerville.
Outstanding Intercultural Alumni Award
The Outstanding Intercultural Alumni Award annually honors and recognizes an alum who has shown outstanding involvement, initiative, and/or collaboration to give back to the ODIL at North Park in the areas of interculturalism.
This year, Katelyn Johnson ’04 was selected as one of two inaugural recipients of the Outstanding Intercultural Alumni Award. Johnson graduated from North Park with a B.A. in English and served as a devoted member of the Black Student Union and the President of the Student Government Association (SGA). Johnson currently serves as the founding Executive Director for BlackRoots Alliance, a nonprofit organization committed to the safety and liberation of all Black people through collective work that builds political, social, and economic power in Black communities. Additionally, Johnson advocates for racial equity, is the author of at least six publications, is the leading advocate for the campaign to raise the Illinois minimum wage to $15, and is an instrumental role in the success of the “Grow Your Own Teachers” program intended to diversify the teaching profession in Illinois.
Katelyn Johnson
For years, the BlackRoots Alliance has offered internship opportunities for students for experience in non-profit management, civil engagement, and grassroots organizing. Additionally, Johnson has offered personal mentoring opportunities to students. In collaboration with the ODIL, she has provided directional guidance for successful outreach to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) alum engagement, such as the upcoming Diversity Alumni Caucus. Johnson’s efforts have directly increased communication, financial contributions, and involvement from BIPOC alums to the ODIL and diversity clubs.
“This award is incredibly meaningful to me. North Park created the conditions that inspired me to work for racial justice and a lot of that inspiration came from clubs and programs that now exist within the Office of Diversity,” said Johnson.
The ODIL also selected Bree Yoo-Sun McLuen ‘10 as one of two inaugural recipients of the 2022 Outstanding Intercultural Alumni Award. McLuen graduated from North Park with a B.A. in English with a focus in Creative Writing and served as a devoted member of the Black Student Union and as a student-athlete on both the Women’s Track and Women’s Cross-Country teams. McLuen currently serves as the Immigration & Development Coordinator for the Hanul Family Alliance, a nonprofit organization that provides support to Korean and Korean American seniors and families. She also works to uplift the Korean American community, advocates for women and children, is an emerging author, and recently became the CEO of Wonhwa Warriors, LLC.
Bree Yoo-Sun McLuen
McLuen and the Hanul Family Alliance hosted immigration and legal services sessions for students during the second annual Undocumented Student Awareness in collaboration with the ODIL, which aided undocumented students to become better informed on current DACA processes and community immigration services. Her efforts have also led to engaging students and staff in community service at the Hanul Family Alliance, where participants volunteer as food packers and drivers to support local seniors.
“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.”
Michelle Norton C’18, Communications and Psychology
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.
I had the opportunity to give back to students by being selected to be a RA the following year. As a communications/psychology major, I was gaining real-world experience caring for all types of students with different needs, including working alongside international students who go through even more transitions. I learned the depth of patience required for navigating a new country and culture.
Now I’m a Director of Recruitment for Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland. Each and every day I get the privilege to learn an applicant’s story and lead them to a career path where they continue to grow and discover who they are and what they want to accomplish for their future.
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.
“I’m proud of saying I graduated from NPU and get to be a part of such a phenomenal community.”
Alyssa Juergensen C’13, Bachelors in Business Administration
“I had taken a semester off from my first college for my mental health. I only had one year left, but I was depressed and dealing with a lot of anxiety. I found North Park’s accelerated program because I could attend classes at the Grayslake campus from where I lived in Waukegan, and it seemed like the right program for me at the time.
“I thought I would do enough to get by and graduate, but my professors, especially Christopher Hubbard, challenged the heck out of me. They were hard on me, not to the point I was anxious, but to where I felt driven. They pushed me because they saw that I could do more. They didn’t accept anything less than what I could do. I felt more confident and driven to do better for myself.
“After everything, I ended up graduating magna cum laude. I’m proud of saying I graduated from NPU and get to be a part of such a phenomenal community.”
“North Park is not only helping me to prepare for my future career but to prepare for life.”
Katrina Annemarie Giannoni, Nursing, C’22
“North Park takes learning to a whole new level. During my freshman year, I had the opportunity to spend every weekend in our very own cadaver lab. This is by far the most memorable part of my academic career at North Park. It’s great for students wanting to pursue careers in the sciences and gain hands-on experience while receiving guidance from experts in the field.
“North Park is not only helping me to prepare for my future career but to prepare for life. Life will have rough seas and smooth sailing, but North Park has taught me that while rowing the ship might not always be easy, we Vikings must hold each other up, and together we can rise.
“My tapestry at North Park includes Rowing team, Women’s Chorale, The American Medical Student Association, experience as a nursing supplemental instructor and President of the Student Nurses Association, and so much more. Through all of this I’ve experienced one thing in common—amazing people.”
We’re celebrating 130 years of North Park community. You’re invited to share your own story at www.northpark.edu/share130
The unassuming “millionaire next door” who eventually earned her PhD, Wilma Peterson bequeathed almost her entire estate of more than $2.4 million to North Park University.
The unassuming “millionaire next door” who eventually earned her PhD, Wilma Peterson bequeathed almost her entire estate of more than $2.4 million to North Park University, marking a significant gift in the history of the University.
Peterson, who was 99 years old when she died in March 2020, worked and taught young nurses at nearby Swedish Hospital in the mid-1950s and early 1960s, when the hospital was affiliated with North Park and the Evangelical Covenant Church, where she also was a lifelong member and had her religious roots.
As her will decrees, the estate gift — which was fully received in October 2021 — will be divided between the North Park University School of Nursing and North Park Theological Seminary to establish named, endowed faculty chairs in both schools. Peterson, who began working with administrators around 2008 to establish the endowed gifts, lived a long and frugal life in a Portland suburb, which allowed the eventual gift to grow. Born to a large Canadian farming family in rural Saskatchewan in 1921, Peterson was the first in her family to go to university in 1942 and eventually earned her master’s degree in 1953 and a doctorate in 1977, in biology with an emphasis on human physiology because there were few nursing doctorates available.
“Wilma’s life highlights several elements of the North Park story, past, and present. That includes the determination and subsequent generosity of groundbreaking first-generation students who have been central to North Park’s culture since its founding in 1891 as a college for predominantly Swedish immigrants,” said North Park President Mary K. Surridge.
“Today, Wilma’s legacy promises to live on at North Park by providing a stellar education to many of our nursing and theological studies students, who are also often first-generation students with unique backgrounds of their own. Her story will inspire many of our students,” said Surridge.
Peterson became a United States citizen while working and teaching at Swedish Hospital. She attended North Park Covenant Church near North Park.
North Park is planning investiture ceremonies inducting selected professors into the Wilma E. Peterson faculty chairs.
North Park and the Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) have partnered to offer all North Park undergraduate students free admission to the AIC.
North Park and the Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) have partnered to offer all North Park undergraduate students free admission to the AIC. The University Partner Program also includes special exhibitions, virtual programs and lectures, professional development, an invitation to AIC’s Jobs at Art Museums fair, and two dates during the academic school year for the entire North Park community to enjoy free admission.
North Park’s Student Engagement office presented the idea of being part of the partnership opportunity to one of its very own students, Emily Underwood, an Education and Art major. As the fine arts representative in Student Government, Underwood sat side-by-side with Student Engagement staff members to plan the program and make it a reality.
Emily Underwood
“If Student Engagement sees that you have an idea, they work tirelessly to make sure you are connected with the right people to make it happen,” said Underwood. “I am so excited to have been a part of this which I know will be used and loved by North Park students,” added Underwood.
Viewing Chicago as an extension of the classroom, North Park’s curriculum integrates experiential learning opportunities spanning the arts, sciences, nonprofits, ministries, businesses, and civic organizations.
Gabriela Vazquez, Student Activities Coordinator, is always looking for opportunities for students to engage the city. “Having the ability to create customized events and access to the wealth of resources at such an important museum aligns with North Park’s city-centered, intercultural and Christian distinctives,” said Vazquez.
“Being involved in this partnership opens up even more opportunities for the city (Chicago) to be a part of our classroom. The art world can be brought into every classroom,” said Underwood.
In addition to free admission for all undergraduate students with a valid North Park ID, the partnership benefits also offer:
AIC’s renowned encyclopedic collection, archival materials in the Ryerson and Burnham Libraries, lectures, and programs
50 general admission tickets for faculty, staff, and other guests
10% discount on first time memberships (up to Member Plus level) for North Park students, staff, and faculty (excluding student and e-member levels)
Two virtual opportunities
Invitation to Jobs at Art Museums (JAM), an annual museum career awareness event
Opportunities for special professional development programs
Concierge service for planned group trips, meetings, classes, or tours
Complementary admission to AIC is valid through January 31, 2023.
Author lcpostrobinsonPosted on Categories Blog, Stories
