Category: Stories

Community Update: Dance Parties, Marathons, and More!

We’re all getting creative with ways to stay connected during this time: a Seminary dance party on TikTok, a virtual marathon, and as always, working together to serve our students and the North Park community.

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.

Women rests her chin in hand at a desk with macbook and coffee mug..

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.

Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro

“My favorite composer, opera, and singers. Need I say more?”

Bach Cantatas BWV 82 and 199

“Everything about this recording is sublime. Bach + Ich habe genug + LHL = LOVE!”

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

Stay safe and healthy!

Ana SeklerMay 1, 2020Community Updates, Stories

Diversity Efforts Honored in Annual Multicultural Celebration

Taking the event on-line this year, the event was broadcasted on Facebook Live—where the Multicultural Student Leader recognition, Champion of Diversity Award, and Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life Director’s Award were presented.

North Park’s Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life honored student leaders, faculty, and staff for their diversity efforts of significance and service in its Annual Multicultural Celebration. Taking the event on-line this year, the event was broadcasted on Facebook Live—where the Multicultural Student Leader recognition, Champion of Diversity Award, and Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life Director’s Award were presented.

Multicultural Student Leader Recognition

The Multicultural Student Leader recognition honors graduating seniors who are currently or previously 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.

Award recipients included:

Sheyla Castellanos
Mara Franzen
Ashorina Houma
Elena Lawando
Hannah Lewis
Elsie McConaughey
Shalini Mody
Kosi Okeke
Esther Upturi

Champion of Diversity Award

Highlighting North Park’s faculty, staff, and administration, the Champion of Diversity Award is presented to those who have conducted exceptional work in the areas of interculturalism, restorative justice, or racial reconciliation. Richard Kohng and Dr. Gwendolyn “Dr. P” Purifoye received the Champion of Diversity Award, for their contributions and leadership.

Rich Kohng, Director of Civic Engagement, Catalyst Hub

Gwendolyn Purifoye, Assistant Professor of Sociology

Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life Director Award

The Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life Director Award recognizes a person or group’s involvement in fostering an inclusive and intercultural campus culture.

This year, the award went to North Park’s Women’s Basketball Team, honoring:

Amanda Crockett, Head Coach
Annie Shain, Assistant Coach
Sam Ervin, Graduate Assistant Coach
Players: Lauryn Alba Garner, Esther Miller, Angelina Villasin, Alana Santos, Sinead Molloy, Jacki Rapp, Lauren Lee, Kendra Jackson, Emily Czuhajewski, Tyra Walker, Zakiya Newsome, Josie Summerville, Kayla Patterson, Nicole Hansen, Alisha Panthier, Yesenia Rodriguez, Jayla Johnson

Ellen AlmerApril 30, 2020Announcement, Stories

Community Update: Staying Strong, Together

Shout outs to our staff working from home and our healthcare workers on the front line of the crisis, plus opportunities to stand together and stay connected.

Employee Thank You — Andrea Nevels

Andrea Nevels sits on a beige sectional with her laptop. 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.

Fourteenth Annual Stand Against Racism, April 23-26, 2020, Take Action: Stand Against Racsim, Sign the Pledge, Write your senator or Member of Congress, Petition for an accurate Census in 2020 https://ywca.quorum.us/SAR/?

STAND AGAINST RACISM PLEDGE

Mindful of the continuing affliction of institutional and structural racism as well as the daily realities of all forms of bias, prejudice and bigotry in my own life, my family, my circle of friends, my co-workers and the society in which I live, with conviction and hope:

I take this pledge, fully aware that the struggle to eliminate racism will not end with a mere pledge but calls for an ongoing transformation within myself and the institutions and structures of our society.

I pledge to look deeply and continuously in my heart and in my mind to identify all signs and vestiges of racism; to rebuke the use of racist language and behavior towards others; to root out such racism in my daily life and in my encounters with persons I know and with strangers I do not know; and to expand my consciousness to be more aware and sensitive to my use of overt and subtle expressions of racism and racial stereotypes;

I pledge to educate myself on racial justice issues and share what I learn in my own communities even if it means challenging my family, my partner, my children, my friends, my co-workers and those I encounter on a daily basis

I pledge, within my means, to actively work to support public policy solutions that prominently, openly and enthusiastically promote racial equity in all aspects of human affairs; and to actively support and devote my time working to eradicate racism from our society.

I join the North Park University, PSYC 3500 Social Psychology classes in taking a stand against racism today and every day.

Thank You to Our Health Care Workers

Heather Duncan, Assistant Professor of Nursing

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

Pavarotti’s Great Hits | Luciano Pavarotti

“I’m a Pavarotti junky because it’s so obvious how much he loves to sing! He radiates joy. The voice is glorious, also!”

Out of Time | R.E.M.

“Need help with those pesky household chores? Put this on!”

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

Stay safe and healthy!

Ana SeklerApril 23, 2020October 29, 2021Community Updates, Stories

Nursing Professor Cares for Most Vulnerable Chicagoans in Covid-19 Crisis

As a nurse with Lawndale Christian Health Care’s Mobile Health Team, Heather Duncan risks her own safety every day to care for Chicago’s homeless residents.

NPU - Headshots 8.20.19 — Heather Duncan, Assistant Professor of Nursing

North Park nursing professor Heather Duncan is on the frontlines of the Covid-19 outbreak, treating some of the most vulnerable Chicagoans. As a nurse with Lawndale Christian Health Care’s Mobile Health Team, she risks her own safety every day to care for the most underserved among us. She took a moment out of her busy day to describe her experience.

Q: Tell us about those first few days after the first confirmed COVID-19 cases.

A: When the COVID-19 crisis hit Chicago, it took weeks before consideration was given to Chicago’s homeless residents. Lawndale was at the forefront, partnering with the city, UIC, RUSH, and the Westside Homeless Coalition. Because of our expertise with the homeless population, Lawndale spearheaded the first shelter screening in Chicago. I was fortunate to be on that team. We screened approximately 400 residents of Chicago’s largest shelter. It was a unique and tenuous time, even for someone with 30 years of experience. We had no testing capabilities, despite working with the city and UIC infectious disease. So little was known about the novel coronavirus, we were constantly updating. This added another level of uncertainty on top of the lack of infection control, which is difficult in large shelters. It was a dumpster fire. One we and our partners at UIC jumped into without hesitation.

Q: What was the atmosphere like?

A: Despite the uncertainty and potential infection, we were committed to our patients. Lawndale’s motto is “Loving God, Loving People.” This was our primary goal; to protect the least of these. Imagine being sheltered in place when you have no home and are living in a homeless shelter. The feeling of incarceration and lack of control, compound the hopelessness of being homeless. Patients had to be quarantined together in a separate room. We had to don full PPE (personal protective equipment) each time we went in, which made our patients nervous and limited our ability to establish a rapport.

Q: Where are these patients being housed now?

A: We are now housing and caring for over 100 medically complex homeless patients, to try and keep them out of the hospital adding another burden to the medical system. We are caring for patients who sometimes have never before had consistent medical care. However, we have to keep them isolated in their rooms, which is mentally and emotionally difficult. There has been a lack of affordable housing in Chicago for decades and now is no different.

Working at the hotel is unique. It has never been done before. It is exhausting but exhilarating. There is a sense of purpose, of walking with Jesus as we serve His people. We are tired and waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel. While we wait, we will be living out lives of significance and service, treating an amazing group of God’s children.

Ana SeklerApril 23, 2020April 23, 2020Profile, Stories

Track and Field Record Holder Elise Ruud Gets Creative with Exercise Routine

The shelter-in-place order isn’t keeping Elise Ruud, a determined fourth-year track and field athlete from Stjordal, Norway, from staying in shape.

Three athletes hold sign "2020 Division III Indoor, Track & Field Championships, Winston-Salem, NC, Guilford College, Visit, Winston-Salem Hosts" — Elise Rudd with coach Omar Lopez and fellow track and field athlete Jose Barrio

The shelter-in-place order isn’t keeping Elise Ruud, a determined fourth-year track and field athlete from Stjordal, Norway, from staying in shape. Ruud qualified for Indoor Nationals and broke three of her previously set school records. “This season has been my greatest season of all time,” said Ruud. But, when COVID-19 emerged and the world shifted under her running shoes, the national meet was canceled, and she traveled back to Norway.

Ruud looks to the positive side of the closure of all gyms and tracks, explaining that it has brought out her creativity when it comes to exercising. In place of the track, she has been running in the woods. During strength workouts in her back yard, Ruud uses car wheels as weights and stairs for jumps. When it is too cold outside, she completes core workouts in her living room.

Competing in the sport since she was about 10 years old, Ruud is a natural leader of North Park’s track and field team. She specializes in sprints and hurdles. Explaining where her motivation stems from, Ruud said, “For over two years, the wallpaper on my phone was a picture of the hurdle finale in CCIW 2018, where I lost the gold medal by only 0.05. Every day I woke up reminded that I needed to work harder.”

Ruud is graduating in May with a BS in business management and plans to spend the summer deciding whether to attend graduate school or begin working. Regardless, she expresses gratitude to her professors for a challenging curriculum and providing encouragement.

During this time of uncertainty, Ruud wishes for the safety and health of everyone and advises, “Everybody who has the opportunity to go back to North Park after this pandemic is over, make the best out of your remaining time at school. We are all standing together in this,” said Ruud.

Ellen AlmerApril 20, 2020April 21, 2020Stories

Community Update: Staying Healthy and Safe

Shout out to North Park’s Director of Campus Safety, a home workout routine from Helwig, and more music to keep our spirits lifted.

Employee Thank You

Man smiles from behind his desk.

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:

@npuchicago
@npualumni
@npuathletics
@npustudentlife
@northparkumin

@npudiversity
@npucatalyst606
@npucareers
@npuhelwigrec

@npwritingcenter
@npuadmissions
@cruxatnpu
@npuinternational

To Lift Our Spirits

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

Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral” | Solti and CSO

“This journey is so timely and reminds us that the world will be okay, storms included!”

Kind of Blue | Miles Davis

“When I want to feel ‘cool’ I put this on. It never disappoints!”

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

Stay safe and healthy!

Ana SeklerApril 16, 2020April 17, 2020Community Updates, Stories

Stations of the Cross

This video was curated by the School of Restorative Arts redemptive storytelling cohort (re)story in collaboration with seminary alumnae Alicia Reese and Cheryl Lynn Cain.

Stations of the Cross: This video was curated by the School of Restorative Arts redemptive storytelling cohort (re)story in collaboration with seminary alumnae Alicia Reese and Cheryl Lynn Cain.

As we enter Holy Week isolated, alone, and confined to our homes, could there be a better time to reflect upon the modern day equivalent of the cross and the experiences of those who know it best. Join us in this journey through the Stations of the Cross and the stories of those who sit closest to where Jesus would be if Good Friday were today.

We thank all the friends and faculty of the School of Restorative Arts who took the time to give voice to these stories, Pastor Cheryl Lynn Cain and Pastor Alicia Reese for compiling this resource. And we thank Jess Fogel for production and editing.

Ana SeklerApril 10, 2020Blog, Stories

Community Update: Staying Connected

In these times of physical separation, we as the North Park community still want to stay emotionally and socially connected!

Employee Thank You!

Meghan Pillow holds laptop in her work from home office space.

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:

@npuchicago
@npualumni
@npuathletics
@npustudentlife
@northparkumin

@npudiversity
@npucatalyst606
@npucareers
@npuhelwigrec

@npwritingcenter
@npuadmissions
@cruxatnpu
@npuinternational

Inspiring Music for Uncertain Times

Bach: Unaccompanied Cello Suites | Yo-Yo Ma

Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 | James Taylor

To Lift Our Spirits

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!

Personal protective equipment lined up on table in the archives.

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

Stay safe and healthy!

Ana SeklerApril 7, 2020April 17, 2020Community Updates, Stories

Q&A for Students Regarding COVID-19 on North Park Campus

A Q&A guide for students regarding transition to virtual instruction and housing updates.

For ongoing updates regarding COVID-19 and how it affects North Park’s campus, please visit www.northpark.edu/covid-19.

Q&A for Students Regarding COVID-19 on North Park Campus

Q: I’m a residential student – what do I need to do?
A: ALL RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS must complete the Resident Student Registry Form. This form must be completed prior to Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 10pm. Students who believe they have a compelling reason to return to campus housing should provide a thorough explanation as to why on the form. Students will be notified via email of the status of their application as soon as possible.
Q: How and when can I get my belongings from my on-campus housing?
A: For safety and security purposes, please contact your Resident Director via email prior to returning to campus. You may return to campus any time between now and Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 10pm to collect your belongings, including academic materials and personal items. You may not stay overnight in your campus housing during this window of time without prior approval from your Resident Director or the Office of Residence Life and Housing. If you have a reason to remain in campus housing overnight between now and Sunday, March 15, 2020, please note this request on the Resident Student Registry Form. Access to the residence halls, apartments, and houses will not be available after Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 10pm.
Q: What if I need to stay on campus because I’m an international student, or I am student teaching, or I have no other place to stay?
A: Please fill out the Resident Student Registry Form and explain your current situation. The University will review your case and try to accommodate special circumstances. We will respond to your request by Tuesday, March 17.
Q: Will planned student activities still be taking place?
A: Most campus activities, including all Catalyst and Chapel events, have been postponed or canceled. This decision is in keeping with CDC recommendations that large, non-essential gatherings be suspended or canceled. As this is a fluid situation, please check here for updates as specific event dates approach.
Q: I’m a commuter student. Will I be able to use campus facilities during the next few weeks?
A: We hope to keep some facilities open, but as this is an ever-changing situation, facility availability might change on a daily basis. Please, check back here for updates.
Q: How will online instruction work?
A: Starting today, and through April 9, there will be no more in-person classes. All coursework will be conducted online. Your professors will use Canvas to keep you informed, and will notify you via email about how your course will be structured, and what you can expect in terms of assignments and tests.
Q: How do I stay updated on how COVID-19 and its impact on North Park’s campus?
A: Security, support services, and staff will remain on campus to assist you throughout this challenging period. Please reach out to individual departments for any assistance you might need. In addition, we will be making constant updates on this webpage. Please monitor email and social media as well. Thank you for your patience on this matter. Please consult the Faculty and Staff directory to find contact information.

Ana SeklerMarch 12, 2020March 13, 2020Announcement, Stories

North Park Cancels International Spring Break Trips Due to COVID-19 Virus

Like other universities in Chicago and across the nation – and based on the latest advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – North Park University has canceled all university-sponsored international spring break travel due to the rapidly evolving nature of the new coronavirus, COVID-19.

North Park Cancels International Spring Break Trips Due to COVID-19 Virus

Check back here for future updates about the COVID-19 virus and how it is affecting North Park University’s students, faculty, and staff.

March 5, 2020: Like other universities in Chicago and across the nation – and based on the latest advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – North Park University has canceled all university-sponsored international spring break travel due to the rapidly evolving nature of the new coronavirus, COVID-19.

Domestic travel will take place as planned.

Health Advice

There are simple actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. It cannot be emphasized enough that good self-care habits are vitally important, including:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Wash your hands often with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
Cover your cough with your sleeve, not your hands
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
Don’t share food or drinks
If you get sick, stay home and rest

All daily operations on the campus will continue. The University will provide regular e-mail updates to students, faculty and staff.

Ana SeklerMarch 5, 2020March 9, 2020Announcement, Stories