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.
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.
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.
North Park University has been named a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, a designation that recognizes North Park’s commitment to equitable outcomes for Hispanic students.
North Park University has been named a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, a designation that recognizes North Park’s commitment to equitable outcomes for Hispanic students.
“The Hispanic-Serving Institution distinction is an enviable one, sought by many institutions, and we are proud of this designation,” said North Park President Mary K. Surridge. “Most important, though, is our striving for equitable outcomes as we live into our intercultural distinctive. And that is the effort these federal grant dollars will fund on this campus.”
With the designation, North Park is now eligible to apply to federal funding opportunities that are only available to Hispanic Serving Institutions, according to Renee Cox, North Park’s Government, Corporate, and Foundation Relations Manager. Over the next year, North Park hopes to explore funding opportunities that are now available at the U.S. Department of Education, National Science Foundation, and National Endowment for the Humanities.
Sharee L. Myricks, M.Ed, North Park University Director of Diversity and Intercultural Life, says the designation underscores North Park’s commitment to diversity.
“North Park University has a long history of supporting a diverse and intentionally intercultural student population. North Park’s recent designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution enables us to expand future opportunities that supports student recruitment, retention, and completion further,” Myricks said.
To become a designated HSI, an institution’s undergraduate enrollment must be at least 25% Hispanic (defined as an individual of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American or other Spanish culture or origin).
Hispanic Serving Institutions were created in 1995 to expand the educational opportunities of the country’s rapidly growing Hispanic population and to improve Hispanic students’ measures of academic attainment.
Emmy Jonasson, a fourth-year biology major from Sweden, originally came to North Park to study theatre. But all that changed when she started taking science classes here, and before she knew it, she was taking part in a research fellowship in Taiwan this past summer.
Emmy Jonasson, a fourth-year Biology major from Sweden, originally came to North Park with a background in studying acting. At first, she had little interest in science or biology. But all that changed when she started taking science classes here, and before she knew it, she was taking part in a research fellowship in Taiwan this past summer.
Encouraged to apply to the program by Associate Professor of Biology Timothy Lin, Jonasson sent an application and letters of recommendation and ended up being one of the six people selected for the program.
She traveled to Tunghai University, where she spent hours in the Cell Lab performing colorectal cancer research by growing, taking care of, and studying cells in small petri dishes.
“I got to learn a lot about the culture, a lot about the science, and it was a lot of fun. I really enjoy cancer research now because of it,” Jonasson said.
At the end of the project, Jonasson and the other students involved in the fellowship presented their research. Based on the work that was done and how it was presented, she won an award for having the best research presentation.
As an international student, Jonasson was drawn to North Park’s connections with Sweden. She’s grateful for being exposed to science here.
“I definitely feel like North Park has helped me have an appreciation for science,” said Jonasson, who is also president of the Tri Beta Biology Honors Society and a member of the American Medical Student Association at North Park.
Jonasson plans on entering an MD/PhD program and conducting research related to either cancer or cell biology after graduating in May.
“I feel that I’ve been really lucky in all the opportunities that I’ve had here, and I think a part of that is because I have read emails and posters and make sure that I apply to every little thing,” Jonasson said.
In the past two years, Dr. Purifoye has analyzed how public transportation creates transit boundaries that support the boundaries of racial segregation.
Professor Gwendolyn Purifoye
While working towards her PhD five years ago, Dr. Gwendolyn Purifoye, a sociology professor at North Park, completed a small project regarding public transportation, specifically how people behave badly in wide open public spaces. The research, which later became the basis of her dissertation, took a new turn because of her frequent use of public transportation.
Soon, her use of CTA trains and buses inspired her to study confined, mobile spaces, resulting in “Examining Racial Residential Segregation Through Public Transportation in Chicago.”
Dr. Purifoye completed field research by riding and studying six bus lines, two Metra lines, and two CTA lines for a few years.
“Doing that,” she says, “I paid attention to who was getting on, but also where the rides were going.” She also researched CTA and Metra archives, studying how they distribute their services and resources.
In the past two years, Dr. Purifoye has analyzed how public transportation creates transit boundaries that support the boundaries of racial segregation. Through her research, she noticed favoritism toward wealthier, predominantly white communities. For instance, the CTA services the suburbs better than they do the South Side of Chicago, and transit-dependent communities are provided with fewer resources and older buses. She notes how these transit inequalities are keeping low-income racial minorities unable to get the places they need to be.
Metra Ogilvie Station
“For Chicago to really move as a city and to grow as a city, transit equity needs to be a part of that conversation,” Dr. Purifoye says. In order to see change, she explains that the conversation needs to take place city-wide, not just at the community level.
Train station servicing south side and south suburbs
Dr. Purifoye presents her research in her urban sociology class to teach students about the intricate connections between transit, housing, education, and government, as well as their influences on cities. Engaging with North Park’s core values of being Christian, city-centered, and intercultural, she hopes to show that “justice is for everyone, and we all do better when we all do better.”
Dr. Purifoye recently presented “Examining Racial Residential Segregation Through Public Transportation in Chicago” at the American Association of Geographers Conference in Washington D.C. and plans to continue researching mobility and inequality.
North Park celebrated the achievements of more than 250 graduates at the Winter 2019 Commencement Friday, Dec. 13 in the University gymnasium.
North Park celebrated the achievements of more than 250 graduates at the Winter 2019 Commencement Friday, Dec. 13 in the University gymnasium.
Upon being presented by Provost Michael O. Emerson, President Mary K. Surridge addressed the graduates and their friends and family.
“This is indeed a glorious moment,” President Surridge said. “Years of diligent work have led to this milestone; you have reason to be proud of your accomplishment.”
Julia Janina Koza, a commuter student who works in retail and hotel management to help pay for her education, was the recipient of the prestigious Ahnfeldt Medallion, awarded to the graduate with the highest grade point average. Koza, who received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, also sang in the University Choir and played clarinet.
Koza was introduced by David Otfinoski, chair of the Board of Trustees, who noted that Koza “is not afraid of hard work, but is also someone who sought to help others excel in their work as well.”
In addressing the graduates, President Surridge encouraged students to remember their professors, who “began praying for you literally before you arrived on campus,” and to cherish their time here.
“Look with joy upon your years here, celebrate this milestone night, and look forward with hope to the bright future,” she said.
The ceremony was followed by receptions in Anderson Chapel and Hamming Hall celebrating the graduates.
In his book, Dr. Johnson intricately connects the suffering of the women in the Bible to the current #MeToo movement, but instead of telling a story of weakness, he tells a story of strength and resilience.
While growing up in the slums of New Delhi, India, North Park Professor Dr. Rajkumar Boaz Johnson witnessed a great deal of suffering. He recalls thinking, “I am going to get out of this slum, and when I grow up, I’m going to do something about it.” Dr. Johnson found strength and did just that, ultimately becoming a professor of Hebrew Bible and Theological Studies.
Professor Boaz Johnson
During a sabbatical, Dr. Johnson visited the Kakuma refugee camp of 800,000 refugees. There, he experienced narratives of suffering very similar to those of his childhood, sparking the idea for his book, The Marys of the Bible: The Original #MeToo Movement. “The word ‘Mary’ means suffering,” he explains, “one who endures bitterness.”
In his book, Dr. Johnson intricately connects the suffering of the women in the Bible to the current #MeToo movement, but instead of telling a story of weakness, he tells a story of strength and resilience.
After researching ancient religions—including Sumerian, Akkadian, Assyrian, and Roman—Dr. Johnson discovered that the issues the #MeToo movement raises are not new, they have been persisting for thousands of years. “In all of these religions and civilizations,” he says, “women have always been taken advantage of.”
He emphasizes, though, that women have persevered throughout history. He discusses how women of the Bible—such as Tamar, Esther, Ruth, and the Marys—do not let themselves succumb to victimization. “The overarching principle is that the Bible takes those aspects which society would regard as weaknesses and transforms them into paradigms of strength.”
Dedicating his book to Bindulata Barik, one of his PhD students in India, Dr. Johnson includes her writings of her #MeToo experiences as well as those of his colleagues, Ingrid Faro and Elizabeth Pierre, in the foreword. He aspires for his book to be a tool that both women and men use to engage in the issues that the Bible and the #MeToo movement share in common—both understanding the origins of suffering and re-emerging with strength.
Discussing his most important goal for The Marys of the Bible: The Original #MeToo Movement, Dr. Johnson said, “My hope is that groups of women will gather together and use this book as the basis of forming support groups in order to find healing.”
Dr. Johnson’s book is published in India and the U.S. He has recently done book signings at Chicago-area Barnes and Noble stores.
President Mary K. Surridge served as the keynote speaker at the University Club of Chicago to address preparing graduates with skills matching employer needs. As part of a new initiative, North Park is partnering with the Alliance of Businesses and Colleges in Illinois.
November 13, 2019–CHICAGO — North Park University President Mary K. Surridge opened the conversation about how to prepare students for in-demand careers at a roundtable sponsored by the Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI) last Friday at the University Club of Chicago.
North Park is leading the way in a new initiative, the Alliance of Businesses and Colleges in Illinois. The initiative is inspired by Capital CoLAB in the Greater Washington, D.C area, which pairs colleges with the tech industry to equip graduates with skills matching employer needs.
“We are gaining a closer understanding of what employers want and how we as institutions can better prepare our students,” said Gregor Thuswaldner, North Park’s Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.
The roundtable included local business representatives, who agreed students should develop a career plan prior to graduation, and to think of how they can apply their major to an actual job.
Recruiter Kate Rinnan with Starcom Worldwide offered, “invite industry to co-develop a curriculum.”
“Our mission is very sound: we leverage every aspect of the city and prepare our students to be innovators as they study, live and work in an intercultural environment,” said Surridge, referring to North Park’s city-centered mission.
President Mary K. Surridge
Integrating in-the-classroom with off-campus experiential learning opportunities shows students first-hand how to apply their skills to meet real business needs.
“As a Christian, city-centered, intercultural university, our faculty and staff are committed to graduating students to be ethically sound, while balancing both independent and collaborative decisions,” Surridge said.
Equipping students with resources like resume writing, internships, and interview preparedness is important.
“Graduates emerge strong and inspired with skills to make an immediate contribution,” Surridge said.
Darrell Radson, Dean of the Goodwin College of Business at Benedictine University, encouraged students to create a career roadmap.
“More talk about careers and less on majors can match skill development with career development,” Radson said.
To address these needs, North Park has instituted a hands-on experiential learning curriculum.
“With the pressure of justifying the value of a degree, we make it a priority to offer students in-the-field learning experiences to take back to their current and future employers,” Surridge said.
Full-time undergraduate student raising two young children and studying biomedical science. A native of Iraq and a first-generation college student, Hawra Alshamary is in her third year at North Park.
Hawra Alshamary
As a non-traditional full-time undergraduate student at North Park, Hawra Alshamary has overcome many challenges when it comes to juggling both family life and studies. A native of Iraq and a first-generation college student, Alshamary is in her third year of studying biomedical science while raising two children. A love for biology and a desire to work in the medical field inspires Alshamary to pursue her goals. Alshamary maintains a full class schedule, while also caring for her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter and four-year-old son.
While her mother and sister have helped her significantly, she also praises the North Park faculty.
“The professors are very accommodating, says Alshamary. It’s a very supportive environment. They definitely take my circumstances into consideration.”
Before attending North Park, Alshamary took classes at a community college. She describes feeling flustered while researching and applying to universities until she discovered North Park’s strong STEM department. Soon after, she applied and was accepted.
“I just really believe in taking the good that comes your way,” she says. “I felt like I was guided this way, so I just took it.”
After North Park, Alshamary plans to earn at least a master’s degree. She is debating between the respiratory care program at Rush University, or taking a more research-oriented route in order to spend more time with her children. Whatever direction she chooses, Alshamary wants to make a difference.
As a first-generation college student, Alshamary is determined to be the first in her family to earn a college degree. She was born in Iraq but grew up in Chicago, accentuating how grateful she is to be at North Park with the opportunity to receive a quality education.
Reflecting on the importance of education to her, Alshamary says, “It’s such a blessing that you really don’t understand growing up. It helps me know who I am, interact with others and just have a better outlook on life in general.”
North Park develops a new co-pastor model for leadership in campus ministry and promotes Rev. Terence Gadsden to Campus Co-Pastor/Athletic Chaplain.
Rev. Terence Gadsden Named Co-Pastor
Campus Co-Pastor/Athletic Chaplain
After a comprehensive review, North Park University has established a new co-pastor model for leadership in campus ministry, with each co-pastor providing leadership in chapel plus an auxiliary ministry.
Rev. Dr. Deb Auger, Acting Dean of Chapel, announced that Rev. Terence Gadsden has accepted the promotion to Campus Co-Pastor/Athletic Chaplain and began his new role October 2019.
A search for the other position, Campus Co-Pastor/Chaplain of Outreach, was launched at the same time. This new role will include urban outreach as well as a focus reaching students on campus. In the interim, Rev. Gadsden will serve as the point person for urban outreach.
“Terence Gadsden is a deeply devoted follower of Jesus, a dynamic pastor and a humble leader,” said North Park University President Mary K. Surridge. “He is committed to the mission of North Park and the spiritual growth and development of our students. We are delighted that he will serve in this important role, we are committed to the next steps of a search, and we are all energized by the possibility that this new model of leadership can offer our students a healthy campus ministry.”
Rev. Gadsden was raised in Tinton Falls, NJ and Charleston, SC. A star athlete in high school, he attended Milligan College, a Christian liberal arts school in East Tennessee, on a cross-country athletic scholarship. He came to Chicago in 2003 and served for 12 years as student pastor and worship pastor at Lawndale Christian Community Church. He earned his Master of Divinity at Northern Theological Seminary.
“I’m grateful and humbled for the opportunity to continue to serve the entire North Park Community as Co-Campus Pastor & Athletic Chaplain,” Rev. Gadsden said.
Rev. Dr. Auger said, “Terence is uniquely gifted and prepared to step into his new role. We are confident he will serve the North Park students with a strong and stable pastoral presence and make a significant contribution toward the future of University Ministries. As an effective and creative leader, Terence will now have an even greater ministry impact in his new role.”
Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Announcement, Stories
