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. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Humanities, was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of humanities, was elected as a fellow of the Royal Historical Society, which is based at University College London. Founded in 1872, fellowships are awarded to individuals who made “‘an original contribution to historical scholarship,’ normally through the authorship of a monograph, a body of scholarly work similar in scale and impact to a monograph, or the organisation of exhibitions, conferences, the editing of journals and other works of diffusion and dissemination grounded in historical scholarship. Election is conducted by peer review and all applications must be supported by an existing Fellow.” Thuswaldner has extensively written on Austrian literary and cultural history.
A glorious period in North Park sports history began 50 years ago this month, when the Men’s Basketball team clinched the CCIW title and headed to the NCAA College Division tournament.
The team: Row 1: (From left): Jim Carroll, Greg Crawford, Paul Rockwell, Paul Zaeske, Rich Hoskins; Row 2: Coach Dan McCarrell, Dwight Nelson, Rich Swanson, Bruce Swanson, Jim Queen, Gary Robinson; (Row 3): Bob Swanberg, John Olson, Larry Anderson, Jim Christopher, Doug Swanson
A glorious period in North Park sports history began 50 years ago this month, when the Men’s Basketball team clinched the CCIW title and headed to the NCAA College Division tournament.
It was the first time any North Park athletic team had won a CCIW championship, and was the prelude to a string of National Championship titles for the Vikings a decade later.
That victorious season was steered in part by players Greg Crawford, now a member of the North Park Board of Trustees, and Paul Zaeske, who went on to play in the NFL. They were coached by North Park legend Dan McCarrell.
In the March 7, 1969 issue of the North Park College News, reporter Dennis Anderson wrote:
“Coach Dan McCarrell seems rather confident of the Park’s prospects, saying ‘These are all tough competitions, but there is nobody in the regional we can’t beat.’ Commenting on the fine 20-4 season he and the Vikings had, McCarrell said ‘The whole thing is an attribute to the players.’”
Although a national championship eluded the 1969 team, the Vikings went on to dominate DIII basketball in the late 70s, winning national championships in 1978, ‘79 and ’80, all under Coach McCarrell. Their dominance returned in the mid- 80s under coach Bosco Djurickovic, when the Vikings captured the championship again in 1985 and 1987.
And of course, NCAA DIII glory returned briefly to North Park in 2017, when the Men’s Soccer team cruised all the way to the National Championship, only to fall 2-1 to Messiah College.
But perhaps, much like McCarrell’s 1969 squad, that was just a preview of national titles to come in the next decade.
Back by popular demand, North Park University will open its state-of-the-art science facilities to high schoolers who enroll in our Summer Science Academy, June 17–July 11.
Back by popular demand, North Park University will open its state-of-the-art science facilities to high schoolers who enroll in our Summer Science Academy, June 17–July 11. Now in its fourth year, the Summer Science Academy will offer credit-bearing, university-quality instruction in a supportive, enriching environment.
“All the experiments were very interesting. I had a lot of fun, along with learning a lot,” said one 2018 student participant.
“These courses are a great opportunity for students to experience science as closely as it could be at a college level but with the added guidance appropriate for high schoolers,” said Dr. Yoojin Choi, the program’s director.
New to Summer Science 2019 is Forensic Chemistry, a perfect opportunity to experience North Park’s Chemistry Instrumentation Laboratory. Students learn the chemistry behind techniques utilized in examining physical evidence from crime scenes. Like all Summer Science courses, Forensic Chemistry will use hands-on, experiential learning.
Students can choose from the following courses:
Human Anatomy Boot Camp: Department of Biology
Fins, Fur, and Feathers: Department of Biology (2 weeks)
Genomes from the Chicago River: Department of Biology (2 weeks)
Forensic Chemistry: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Body Dynamics and Comfort: Division of Health Sciences
North Park started the program so high schoolers could have access to high-quality, engaging science courses, according to Choi. The idea, she said, is to foster in young people a curiosity about science, which eventually leads to their involvement in science-related careers.
NPR Illinois delivers a powerful report on the program, including an interview with Ro’derick Zavala, a student who is incarcerated at Stateville.
North Park Theological Seminary’s new School of Restorative Arts continues to garner media buzz since its convocation last fall at Stateville Correctional Center. The program is recognized for its unique offering of a Master of Arts in Christian ministry for students who are both free and incarcerated to study together in a cohort setting. Most recently, NPR Illinois delivers a powerful report on the program, including an interview with Ro’derick Zavala, a student who is incarcerated at Stateville. Read the full story or listen to the audio piece recorded with Zavala’s own voice.
The new pep band will offer renewable $1,000 annual scholarships to up to 16 students who try out for and join the band in the fall of 2019.
North Park University has announced it will form a new pep band, and will offer renewable $1,000 annual scholarships to up to 16 students who try out for and join the band in the fall of 2019.
The pep band will play at about 15 home football and basketball games throughout 2019-20, and will include “musical, enthusiastic” students who earn their spots through tryouts similar to those held for cheerleading and dance scholarships. University officials hope to eventually increase the pep band to as many as 32 members.
The band will be made up of a rhythm section with an electric guitar, electric bass, and drums, along with a melodic section featuring brass and woodwind instruments such as tuba, trombone, saxophone, clarinet, and flute.
University officials say they expect many band members to be non-music majors who are nonetheless interested in performing with a band.
The scholarship fund will also include a $3,000 stipend for student band leaders. The move is meant to both boost fan support, and student enrollment, according to Jack Surridge, North Park’s Director of Athletics.
Students interested in auditioning should schedule an on-campus audition or submit a recorded audition by April 15. Check out North Park’s Website for more details on talent-based scholarships.
ABOUT NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY
North Park University is a city-centered, intercultural, and Christian university located in Chicago.
The Office of the Provost at North Park University is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Ann Ownby Hicks as Dean of the School of Business and Nonprofit Management at North Park University, effective July 1, 2019.
Dr. Hicks has served as a professor of accounting at North Park University since the early 2000s, and successfully served as the Acting Dean of SBNM throughout the fall semester of 2018. Her selection followed a national search for the Dean’s position. Search committee chair, Dr. Al Kamienski noted: “After a comprehensive search with many qualified candidates, the committee clearly saw Professor Hicks, Ph.D. as the best person to lead the SBNM at this time in its history. She has the requisite skills, experience, and commitment to North Park’s mission. Most impressively, she has nearly two decades of evidence of preparing North Parkers for lives of significance and service confirmed by the loud voices of support for her from current students, faculty, and alumni.”
Provost Emerson added: “Dr. Hicks is the perfect choice for SBNM at this point in its history. She brings a deep understanding of the programs, a proven commitment to excellence, and has demonstrated the ability to lead effectively. She will be ready to hit the ground running on Day 1. We also expect Dr. Hicks to be an innovator and strong collaborator. We look forward to her leadership.”
Congratulations to Dr. Ann Hicks on her upcoming appointment as Dean of SBNM at North Park University.
North Park University will increase scholarship awards to the highest achieving transfer students by 44%, a move that should help traditional transfer students reach degree completion.
Officials at North Park University announced that they will increase scholarship awards to the highest achieving transfer students by 44%, a move that should help traditional transfer students reach degree completion.
The increased scholarships will apply to traditional transfer students starting in the fall 2019 semester.
The scholarships should help traditional transfer students reach degree completion.
Nationally, students who transfer from two- to four-year schools are graduating with bachelor’s degrees in historically high numbers.
The scholarships are available to transfer students who have achieved outstanding grade point averages at their previous institutions.
Under North Park’s new award structure: The Platinum scholarship, available to those with a GPA of 3.5 or greater, increases to $13,000 from $9,000, a 44% increase; the Gold scholarship, for students with GPAs between 3.0-3.49, will increase to $9,500 from $7,500, a 26% increase; and the Silver award increases to $7,000 from $5,000, a 40% jump.
“We believe that these increases in scholarship funds will attract even more high achieving academic students to our world-class institution,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing Anthony Scola. “Even more students will be able to experience the life-changing benefits of a North Park education.”
Founded in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church, North Park University is located on Chicago’s North Side and enrolls 3,200 students. Programs such as Catalyst 606__, a city-centered curriculum, and Crux, North Park’s Christian living/learning cohort, allow students to find themselves academically and spiritually.
Nationally, the outcomes for students who transfer from two- to four-year colleges have improved in recent years. Of the 268,000 students who transferred from a community college to a four-year institution in 2017, about 42% of those went on to earn a bachelor’s degree, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
ABOUT NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY
North Park University is a city-centered, intercultural, and Christian university located in Chicago.
With a dedication to develop working professionals into skilled, forward-thinking business leaders, North Park University has earned recognition among the nation’s Top Master of Business Administration programs.
National guide honors superb learning opportunities for MBA-seeking professionals
With a dedication to develop working professionals into skilled, forward-thinking business leaders, North Park University has earned recognition among the nation’s Top Master of Business Administration programs.
Abound, a college guidance system for degree-seeking adults commends North Park University for providing a path to an MBA that addresses the issues most important to professional students. North Park University places among the inaugural cohort of Abound with its testament to the program’s flexible scheduling and delivery options, personal access to professors, academic and career support services, and overall preparation for managerial success in the world of business.
“We’re honored to recognize North Park University for making impactful investments into the sustained career growth of its business students,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer for Abound. North Park University has expertly developed a curriculum and support team that altogether prepares its students to thrive as ethical, strategic, and knowledgeable professionals.”
Anthony Scola, North Park University Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing is pleased with the recognition. “It is a remarkable honor to earn national recognition for our MBA program. North Park is committed to investing in our students’ professional growth by offering a curriculum tailored to preparing MBA graduates to thrive and innovate in a competitive business environment,” said Scola.
Abound: MBA programs meet several criteria in each of four areas: Accessibility, Affordability, Acceleration, and Advancement. Each school is evaluated via a key analysis of its MBA programs’ flexible scheduling, career services, transparency of financial assistance, engaged learning opportunities, and more. Schools are invited to the guidance system network only after an interview with the Abound team and a distinguishing demonstration of their student-centered approach to business education.
“Our experienced faculty bring their in-the-field expertise into each classroom, cultivating the skills necessary to serve as future leaders in the workforce,” said Scola.
“Abound looks deeply into colleges and universities in a way that annual rankings do not. We get to know our institutions by what they do for their students day by day, not by where they fall on a list based on surface-level statistics,” said Schritter. “Since our founding of Colleges of Distinction in 2000, we have learned the difference-making potential of a truly effective education. Now, through Abound: MBA, we are applying our individualized approach to master’s programs that prepare professionals to take on an ever-expanding, increasingly complex field. We can say with confidence that North Park University provides the experiences and results that any driven, MBA-seeking professional deserves.”
Abound: MBA connects master’s-seeking adults with programs that are most conducive to their professional goals and, likewise, helps institutions attract the students most likely to excel in their unique programs. Abound: MBA is the newest initiative of the Abound college guidance system for degree-seeking adults. We help nontraditional students find the best place for them to have a positive experience in pursuit of an undergraduate degree, graduate degree, nursing degree, or MBA. Our institutions are nationally recognized for educational excellence through their courses offered on campus, online, or both.
Christopher Childers
Assistant Vice President
University Marketing and Communications
North Park University cchilders@northpark.edu
773-244-5750
The North Park University women’s basketball team concluded its season against the #21 Wheaton College Thunder, 68-56, inside King Arena on Friday night.
56—North Park ¦ 68—Wheaton (IL)
The North Park University women’s basketball team concluded its season against the #21 Wheaton College Thunder, 68-56, inside King Arena on Friday night.
With hundreds of well-wishers in attendance, Mary K. Surridge was inaugurated as the 10th President of North Park University Friday, February 15.
President Mary K. Surridge
With hundreds of well-wishers in attendance, Mary K. Surridge was inaugurated as the 10th President of North Park University Friday, February 15.
Founded in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church, North Park University is located on Chicago’s North Side and enrolls 3,200 students. President Surridge is the first woman to lead the school.
“Our dynamic Christian identity—centered in this world-class city of Chicago, distinguished by the rich tapestry of our intercultural student community, and dedicated to service—has never been more relevant or more imperative than it is today,” the president said in her inaugural address. “In a world where Truth and Ethics are in danger of becoming personally and situationally redefined beyond recognition, Christian institutions of higher education are absolutely essential.”
The ceremony began with a procession of international students bearing their countries’ flags, followed by a parade of 35 delegates from universities and colleges across the country, including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Northwestern, Stanford. They were joined by professors from North Park, and together, wearing the multi-colored academic regalia of their various degrees and alma maters, they formed a sea of red, peacock blue, purple, and green.
President Surridge took the stage, flanked by a group that included alumni, trustees, and two previous North Park presidents.
The hundreds of faculty, staff, students, and friends of North Park watching the ceremony in person and via livestream were greeted by Chicago Deputy Mayor Bob Rivkin and John Wenrich, president of the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Chicago Deputy Mayor Bob Rivkin
Steven C. Bahls, President of Augustana College, brought a greeting on behalf of all ACI, CIC and CCIW Schools.
The investiture service included lively music from North Park’s student Gospel and University Choirs, as well as a ceremonial presentation of gifts to President Surridge by students, faculty, and staff.
Following the investiture by Owen R. Youngman, Chair of the Board of Trustees and of the presidential search committee, President Surridge was introduced by David G. Horner, North Park’s President from 1987-2004 and current President of The American College of Greece.
“Presidential leadership makes a difference,” Horner said. “I nominated Mary Surridge for the North Park presidency because, in my view, Mary’s personal skills, characteristics, and values match exceptionally well with this North Park moment, a moment to build on North Park’s historic mission and recent achievements engaging this era’s opportunities and challenges.”
He went on to call President Surridge a “true believer in the transformative power of a North Park educational experience, as well as the twin pillars of Christian faith and Chicago context that form the foundation of that experience.”
Dr. David Horner introducing President Surridge
In accepting her investiture, President Surridge thanked President Horner and former President David Parkyn. President Surridge, North Park’s first female president after nine men, called attention to the photos of all 10 presidents in the program and said, “I am incredibly humbled and inspired by their legacy and will strive to live up to their example, even as our history has moved us, from bow ties, to neck ties, to pearls.”
She said that the mission of advancing North Park lies with not just one person, but the entire North Park community of students, faculty, staff, and friends.
“Together we comprise the faith, strength, mission, and values of North Park,” President Surridge said. “Together we will pursue excellence in all we do. This will encourage us, inspire us, and sustain us each day as we work to advance the mission of North Park University.”
Prior to becoming president, President Surridge served the University in a variety of roles, including vice-presidential responsibilities in advancement and undergraduate enrollment. Under her direction of Campaign North Park, President Surridge helped raise $63 million in commitments, including $41 million for the Johnson Center for Science and Community Life.
As an undergraduate student at Northwestern University, she played NCAA Division I basketball and graduated from the School of Communications. She also holds a master’s degree in student personnel administration in higher education from Concordia University.
President Surridge also was an assistant women’s basketball coach at Marquette University; an assistant to the basketball staff of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks; director of residence life and student activities and assistant women’s basketball coach at Concordia; and associate director of planned and major gifts at Northwestern. She currently lives with her husband, Jack, North Park’s longtime athletic director, in the North Park neighborhood. Their daughter, Jessie, attends Butler University in Indianapolis.
Following the ceremony, guests gathered in Hamming Hall for a reception. The event capped off a week of activities that included a 10k for $10k run for student scholarships; a special All-Campus Worship service; a women’s basketball game; an academic symposium; and a Showcase of the Arts, featuring performances by alumni and students.
ABOUT NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY
North Park University is a city-centered, intercultural, and Christian university located in Chicago.
Christopher Childers, Assistant Vice President of University Marketing and Communications, North Park University, 773-244-5750, cchilders@northpark.edu
Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of humanities, was elected as a fellow of the Royal Historical Society, which is based at University College London. Founded in 1872, fellowships are awarded to individuals who made “‘an original contribution to historical scholarship,’ normally through the authorship of a monograph, a body of scholarly work similar in scale and impact to a monograph, or the organisation of exhibitions, conferences, the editing of journals and other works of diffusion and dissemination grounded in historical scholarship. Election is conducted by peer review and all applications must be supported by an existing Fellow.” Thuswaldner has extensively written on Austrian literary and cultural history.
Author Ana SeklerPosted on Categories Announcement, News, Profile, Stories
