Category: Stories

Mayor Lightfoot Attends People’s Music School Event at North Park

Mayor Lori Lightfoot attended the fourth annual Performapaloozathon held on North Park’s campus Saturday, enjoying performances by young musicians who are students at The People’s Music School of Chicago.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot attended the fourth annual Performapaloozathon held on North Park’s campus Saturday, enjoying performances by young musicians who are students at The People’s Music School of Chicago.

“The arts are so critically important to the vibrancy of our city,” said Mayor Lightfoot, who attended the event with her wife and daughter, and praised the “absolutely fantastic” energy in Hamming Hall, where some of the day’s 850 performers were gathered.

Melissa Velez-Luce and Mayor Lightfoot

Mayor Lightfoot was introduced by Melissa Velez-Luce C’04 G’12, Director of Alumni Relations and Presidential Liaison, who noted that North Park has partnered with the People’s Music School for 10 years, providing mentors, volunteers, and scholarship funds to its students.

The student orchestra then performed several pieces, including a crowd-pleasing version of “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey.

Saturday’s event, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., included food tents and games on North Park’s green space. Performances were broken into three segments starting at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m.

Jennifer Kim Matsuzawa, President and Artistic Director of the People’s Music School, joined Rebecca Ryan, North Park’s Director of the School of Music, Art, and Theatre in introducing each musical segment.

In addition, Erin Matonte, SMAT Admissions Counselor, was on campus recruiting potential students.

Mayor Lightfoot stands in front of Old Main buildingMayor Lightfoot, who played trumpet as a child, encouraged the students to keep up their musical studies, saying that kids like them were the best part of Chicago.

“This is what makes Chicago vibrant and special.”

The People’s Music School is the only tuition-free music school in the city. It believes in a society where all children have access to the unique social, emotional, and intellectual benefits achieved through musical excellence.

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories News, Stories

North Park Allihopa, Places Third Nationally at the USA Ultimate Division III College Championships

“Coming in as the 14 seed with only 12 girls, we had two goals. One was to have fun and take in the experience of Texas and Nationals, and the second was to give us a chance to win at the end of games.”

(Back row:) Simone Carroll, Julie Spencer, Michaela Scholte, Kara Lownsberry, Abby Gentile, (Middle row:) Hannah Sahyouni, Vikky Young, Abby Imperial, Erin Staurseth, (Front row:) Kajsa Meyer, Maggie Johnson, Ellie Manderfeld

Hard-earned congratulations are due to the women’s ultimate frisbee club team, North Park Allihopa, for placing third nationally at the USA Ultimate Division III College Championships this past weekend.

USA Ultimate called Allihopa’s performance “the best kind of Cinderella story” in recapping the team’s championships weekend.

“The second-time D-III Championships qualifiers, North Park Allihopa, the 14th overall seed, found themselves facing the top seeded heavy favorites from Bates in the semifinals this afternoon. Allihopa arrived in Texas with a roster of 12 people, went 1-2 in pool play, squeaking into their pool’s final spot in bracket play, and got two huge upsets in the pre-quarterfinals yesterday afternoon and the quarterfinals this morning. Running almost exclusively a zone designed to preserve their legs, they overtook third-seeded Williams in the quarterfinals and fifth-seeded Middlebury in the quarterfinals. But they finally ran into a wall they couldn’t tear down in Bates. Cold Front was too much for them to handle early, and understandably tired in their seventh game of the weekend, couldn’t find the energy they needed to put together a comeback. But they did cement themselves in the public eye. Everyone will be excited to see what they can do next year.”

Coaches Cameron Hodgkinson C’11 and Jimmy Sykora shared their pride in both the team’s accomplishment and the rally of community support.

“Coming in as the 14 seed with only 12 girls, we had two goals. One was to have fun and take in the experience of Texas and Nationals, and the second was to give us a chance to win at the end of games. We accomplished both of those, with the girls playing for each other and showing off their athleticism and heart throughout the tournament. It was also amazing the support we received from family and friends, who traveled from all over the country to watch and cheer the team on! We had over 20 in attendance.”

Allihopa’s Team Bio and Roster

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Announcement, News, StoriesTags , ,

Bridge Communities and Dream On Education Honored with Nonprofit Management Awards at Axelson Conference

The Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management announced the winners of its Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence and its Excellent Emerging Organization Award as part of the Center’s 20th anniversary conference for nonprofit professionals and volunteers on May 2, 2019.

Brenda Asare, The Alford Group; Maree Bullock, The Alford Group; Pier Rogers, Axelson Center; Kelli Haywood, Dream On Education

The Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management announced the winners of its Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence and its Excellent Emerging Organization Award as part of the Center’s 20th anniversary conference for nonprofit professionals and volunteers on May 2, 2019.

The 2019 Alford-Axelson Award, given for exemplary nonprofit management practices, was presented to Bridge Communities with an honorable mention awarded to Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center. The 2019 Excellent Emerging Organization Award, presented to an up-and-coming Chicago area nonprofit, was presented to Dream On Education with an honorable mention awarded to Shift: Englewood Youth Orchestra.

The Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence recognizes nonprofits serving the seven county Chicago region who exemplify outstanding nonprofit management practices. This year’s award winner, Bridge Communities, helps homeless families in DuPage County transition to self-sufficiency by working with partners to provide mentoring, housing, and supportive services. The award review committee believes Bridge’s ongoing success can be attributed to a clear understanding of the connection between strong organizational infrastructure, strategy, and quality programs. For over 30 years, the organization has operated with a balanced budget. Bridge’s sound financial performance and diversified funding model enable the organization to secure sustainability into the future.

The winners of this year’s Alford-Axelson Award received a $10,000 cash prize and commemorative award symbolizing the organization’s dedication to nonprofit managerial excellence. This award honors and continues the legacies of Nils G. Axelson, a devoted community health care leader and visionary, and Jimmie R. Alford, a leading contemporary thinker and practitioner in the nonprofit arena.

Dream On Education, the 2019 Excellent Emerging Organization Award winner, prepares high-performing, low-income 6th–8th grade students for the rigor of a high school and college curriculum.

Dream On’s unique curriculum focuses on scholastic development, mentoring, career exposure, and cultural exposure to keep high-achieving, low-income 6th–8th graders—an underserved and often forgotten demographic—from falling through the cracks.

The award committee attributes Dream On’s success to strong leadership, a rigorous theory of change with clear outcomes and accountability, resourceful collaborations, and a determined mission combined with creativity and innovation.

Dream On Education received a $5,000 cash prize, a commemorative award and a capacity-building package that will support improvement of services and efficiency.

Learn more about both the Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence and the Excellent Emerging Organization Award, and review lists of past award winners at the Axelson Center website.

The Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management at North Park University is the source for informative and engaging nonprofit professional development in the Chicago region. Through regular workshops, webinars, and an annual two-day conference, the Axelson Center delivers a superior educational experience for nonprofit managers, leaders, and frontline staff, covering a vast array of topics including program evaluation, strategic planning, communications, and financial management. The valuable information presented through these programs enhances the impact of both the nonprofit sector and its professional staff. Visit www.northpark.edu/axelson for more information.

Author Ellen AlmerPosted on Categories Announcement, News, Stories

North Park Honors Grads During Commencement Weekend

More than 550 North Parkers received their diplomas, graduate degrees, and certificates during a celebratory commencement weekend filled with family, friends, and University faculty and staff.

More than 550 North Parkers received their diplomas, graduate degrees, and certificates during a celebratory commencement weekend filled with family, friends, and University faculty and staff.

The celebratory weekend began with the Baccalaureate Service, held Friday evening at the historic Fourth Presbyterian Church downtown, and continued Saturday with the undergraduate commencement ceremony.

The Procession of Colors kicked off the ceremony, with graduates carrying the flags of the countries in which they were born or had been residents. In all, 25 countries, from Rwanda to South Korea, were represented, the flags serving as a visual embodiment of North Park’s intercultural distinctive.

These students were followed by 300 of their classmates, who took their seats at the front of the assembled crowd.

“This indeed is a glorious moment,” President Mary K. Surridge said, addressing the graduates. “Years of diligent work have led to this milestone; you have reason to be proud of your accomplishment.”

President Surridge continued: “Our vision, building on our core institutional identity – Christian, city-centered, and intercultural – is to fashion a university of uncommon character and enduring excellence where faith, learning, and service meet. You are evidence that we are advancing this vision.”

President Surridge then took a moment to honor members of the Class of 1969, many of whom were in attendance, dressed in golden robes and sitting just behind the members of the Class of 2019. President Surridge noted that in 1969, gas was 30 cents a gallon, the median income was $8,500, and it was the year of Woodstock and the first year Yale University admitted women.

Before the Class of 1969 stood to applause, she lauded the “Legacy of our faithful alumni.”

This year, a three-way tie meant that three students received the Ahnfeldt Medallion, awarded to the graduate with the highest grade point average. This year’s recipients were Aseel Hussein, a politics and government major; Katelyn Jo Truex, a psychology major; and Dawson Vosburg, a sociology major.

Following the conferring of undergraduate degrees, the David Nyvall Medallion for Distinguished Service was awarded to Dr. Linda Duncan in recognition of more than 40 years of service to North Park.

Under Duncan’s leadership as dean, the undergraduate nursing program was redesigned and undergraduate enrollment doubled, becoming one of North Park’s largest majors. Lab space was significantly expanded, including the addition of the cutting-edge Kathy Holmgren Nursing Simulation Center.

The morning ceremony was followed in the afternoon by the Graduate and School of Professional Studies Commencement Convocation. During the commencement litany, graduate students vowed to continue to live the North Park mission.

“We will strive to show reverence for all human life, to treat all people with dignity and respect, and to work together for the common good,” the graduates said in unison. “As we leave this place, we will continue to explore the world and learn from the perspective of others.”

The day ended with the Seminary Commencement and Consecration Service, where recently retired Directory of Ministry Services Carol Lawson received an honorary degree. The commencement speaker, Cecilia Williams, serves as the Executive Minister for the Love Mercy Do Justice mission of the Evangelical Covenant Church.

At the Baccalaureate Service, President Surridge addressed graduates on the eve of their graduation.

“Tonight is a gift from God,” President Surridge said. “Gathered on the eve of a milestone, we offer to God what we have to give – ourselves and the stirrings of our hearts and minds.”

The Baccalaureate Address was given by Craig R. Johnson, the retiring Dean of the School of Music, Art, and Theatre. Afterward, the graduates received Prayers of Blessings from University faculty and staff.

Earlier in the week, a special athletics commencement ceremony was held for members of the baseball and rowing teams, whose members were participating in a tournament and a regatta, respectively, during the traditional ceremony.

Watch Commencement Videos

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories News, Stories

CDIO Introduces Annual Internship Awards

The Career Development and Internship Office honored an intern of the year and an internship host of the year at the Eighth Annual Networking Dinner.

The Career Development and Internship Office (CDIO) walks alongside students from the beginning of their academic careers at North and even after they graduate, offering guidance for career goals and assisting with resumes, internships, and interviewing strategies, and more. One of their valuable offerings to students is the annual CDIO Networking Dinner—an event where students have the opportunity to sit over a meal with professionals for networking opportunities. Evelyne Peterson, the career programs manager of the CDIO, highlights the benefits of the event. “There’s a lot of skill development that students don’t necessarily get just through the classroom experience, so this one of those good guidepost experiences while they’re at North Park.”

This year, a new aspect was incorporated into the dinner: internship awards. On April 4, the CDIO honored an intern of the year and an internship host of the year at the Eighth Annual Networking Dinner. According to Renee Tucker Martinez, the CDIO’s career education specialist, the awards were created to recognize students’ hard work at internships as well as the internships that host North Park students. “This is the city of Chicago; there are boundless opportunities for students to build preprofessional resumes,” she says, in hopes that the awards will encourage more students to explore internship opportunities.

Winner of the Intern of the Year Award, Mi Ran Choi C’20 is a cello performance major also working towards a certificate in music for social change and human values. Choi was nominated by Dr. Tom Zelle based on her internship with The People’s Music School. With the help of resources from the CDIO and conversations with Dr. Zelle, Choi got connected with Ewa Sarota-Raczek, program manager of the non-profit organization dedicated to making music education accessible to communities.

With immense gratitude for her internship experience at The People’s Music School, Choi says, “In the two years I have worked with them, my perspectives on music, social change, and human values have greatly expanded, and it is always a delight to see the students I work with growing into caring young adults.” Primarily working with the Albany Park Youth Orchestras, Choi assisted with administrative tasks and in music theory and strings classes, where she learned about the inner workings of music education. In regard to her future, Choi mentions that the internship has further enhanced her interest in nonprofit music organizations as well as connecting music education to social justice. “This has served as a humbling reminder to me that music is so much more than what is written on pages; rather, it is what connects us all through a common, underlying pulse of humanity.”

Sean Cariño, an infection control practitioner at the Swedish Covenant Hospital, won the Internship Host of the Year Award after being nominated by his intern Eduardo Vaca C’20, a biochemistry major. Cariño emphasizes the importance of data and experience to his interns, saying, “It’s not the formulas you memorize that make you better, it’s how creative you are with what you’ve got.” In order to decrease the risk of infection in patients, Cariño taught Vaca how to collect and analyze his own data regarding the hand hygiene of the hospital employees; he also invited to Vaca to meetings, where he could expand his network and was challenged to learn about professionalism and real-world problems.

Cariño, who has been working with North Parkers for a year, recalls his own meaningful internship experiences. “It really was the mentors who took care of me that made me appreciate where I am now, so one of my biggest impetuses is to be who I needed when I was young.” Which goes hand in hand with what Vaca says about his internship experience. “Sean’s mentorship and just genuine friendship has been a priceless support for me right now, and I could not be more grateful.”

Learn More About the CDIO

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories News, StoriesTags ,

Honoring Our Retiring Deans

Linda Duncan, Craig Johnson, and Wesley Lindahl were honored by their colleagues at the well-attended reception. Together, the three have dedicated more than 70 years of service to North Park.

Left to right: Provost Emerson, Dean Lindahl, Dean Johnson, Dean Duncan, President Surridge

In a joyous reception in the Johnson Center Board Room Wednesday, North Park bid farewell to three beloved, respected deans who will retire at the end of the school year.

Linda Duncan, Craig Johnson, and Wesley Lindahl were honored by their colleagues at the well-attended reception. Together, the three have dedicated more than 70 years of service to North Park.

In her more than 40 years at North Park, and 11 as the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Linda Duncan was a dedicated teacher and mentor. In remarks, Nursing Professor Dr. Jan Zeller noted that Duncan was devoted to her students, often visiting them onsite at hospital practicums in the middle of the night, and then showing up to teach class the next day.

During Duncan’s tenure, SNHS saw numerous advances, including the addition of state-of-the-art facilities like the Kathy J. Holmgren Nursing Simulation Lab.

Craig Johnson, Dean of the School of Music, Art, and Theatre, was remembered for his love of puns and his tendency to break into song. During his tenure, Johnson helped lead the renovation of Hanson Hall and oversaw the addition of Art and Theatre to the School of Music, resulting in SMAT as we know it today. In saying goodbye, Johnson, who served as interim Provost for one year, described his last eight years at North Park as the “coda” of his career, as a coda combines the best aspects of a musical piece.

Dean of School of Business and Nonprofit Management Wesley Lindahl joked that he was saying a “North Park goodbye:” While he is retiring from his position as Dean, he will stay on to teach, and thus continue to see his colleagues on campus even after his big celebration. As part of his 17 years at North Park, Lindahl helped secure a $750,000 grant from the Lilly Foundation to help fund the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management.

Following remarks by Provost Michael O. Emerson, the nearly 100 well-wishers were led by Craig Johnson in singing Happy Birthday in honor of President Mary Surridge on her special day. Chocolate and vanilla cake was served to guests, who mingled while reminiscing.

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Stories

Business Management and Esports: Meet Edson Lopez, Top 500 Fortnite Player

Edson draws many parallels between academic discipline and gaming discipline. “You have to be willing to put in the time and effort to get better, otherwise, you won’t become good. You have to practice every day, you have to compete against other good players.”

Edson Lopez, a Business Management major, will graduate from North Park in May of 2020. Edson is also a Top 500 player in Fortnite. Fortnite is an online video game based on the Battle-Royale format. Players scavenge for loot and build structures until the last man standing. Fortnite has around 250 million registered users worldwide. Edson clocked over 1,000 hours of Fortnite last year on his PS4 alone. He has since moved to playing on PC and plays competitively.

To Edson, video games such as Fortnite are just like any other sport, “it’s just a passion. Gaming is one of those things where I just lose sense of time. I have a lot of fun, and it is something I would like to make a living off of.” For Edson, a career in gaming is becoming a reality. He is already signed on a contract with esports organization Bolt Esports LLC. “The organization chose me for placing well in events and I have proven that I can compete against some of the best players in the world,” Edson says. He hopes to improve and sign with larger organizations; his ultimate goal is to sign with 100 Thieves.

Edson draws many parallels between athletic or academic discipline and gaming discipline. “You have to be willing to put in the time and effort to get better, otherwise, you won’t become good. You have to practice every day, you have to compete against other good players,” he says. Communication and networking are other important aspects to gaming Edson says. Networking with other streamers and players has helped him grow his channels and bolster his online presence.

Edson attributes some of this success to North Park’s School of Business. He cites his professors who intentionally made personal connections with him. They have taught Edson how to communicate and market himself, and have shown him the numbers behind business. Edson says this guidance and learning has “translated over to the gaming side because communication and marketing myself has helped me grow my Twitch (streaming channel), and helped me make new friends and connections with people.” He adds, “I have learned the things I should and shouldn’t do as a professional. Gaming is more serious than many people think.”
Edson is also excited to join the gaming industry in other ways. Esports organizations are similar to other businesses, with a product to sell and talent to acquire. “Scouting would allow me to play the game more casually. The School of Business has really taught me how to communicate, and working as a scout involves a lot of interpersonal skills, so I feel like that would be a good fit for me.”

Last month, Edson and his Duo placed 43rd in a Fortnite tournament in one of the toughest regions in the world: North America East. Edson is currently competing in the Fortnite World Cup qualifiers in Solo and Duo categories. Each weekend, Edson has qualified for finals and has won cash prizes. The Fortnite World Cup has a total prize pool of $30 million.

To follow Edson’s gaming escapades, find him on Twitter or Twitch @PotentFN.

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Profile, StoriesTags , , , ,

Dr. G. Timothy Johnson on “Healthcare – Free Market or Government Control?”

Former ABC Chief Medical Correspondent and North Park graduate, Dr. G. Timothy Johnson, will be discussing “Healthcare—Free Market or Government Control at 3 pm on Thursday, April 25 in the Johnson Center Boardroom (JC 325).

Announcement

Former ABC Chief Medical Correspondent and North Park graduate, Dr. G. Timothy Johnson, will be discussing “Healthcare—Free Market or Government Control at 3 pm on Thursday, April 25 in the Johnson Center Boardroom (JC 325).

Dr. Tim is a public health expert who has spent decades working as the Chief Medical Correspondent for ABC News. Dr. Tim has also been a long-time supporter of North Park University. In 2014, the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, a state-of-the-art science center opened its doors on North Park University’s campus. Don’t miss this special opportunity to hear from an expert on the state of healthcare in the US.

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Announcement, News, Stories

North Park University Receives Grant from National Science Foundation

North Park University has been awarded a $650,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to expand pathways for more undergraduate students to meet the nation’s need for well-educated scientists, engineers, and technicians.

North Park University has been awarded a $650,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to expand pathways for more undergraduate students to meet the nation’s need for well-educated scientists, engineers, and technicians.

North Park faculty members Dr. Stephen Ray (principal investigator), and co-principal investigators Dr. Eric Brown, Dr. Elizabeth Gray, and Dr. Sunshine Silver won the grant for their project entitled, Leveraging a STEM-focused Urban Industry Immersion Program to Expand Pathways for Undergraduates into STEM Fields.

“This historic award will be absolutely transformational in the lives of our STEM students,” said North Park University President Mary K. Surridge. “And it represents a tremendous amount of excellent work by our distinguished faculty. This should continue to raise the profile of our outstanding science programs and the overall educational experience at North Park.”

Over five years, this project will fund 20 scholarships for two groups of 10 students who are pursuing baccalaureate degrees in physics/engineering or biology. The project will support science and engineering students as they participate in a new urban-industry experiential immersion program.  This program includes undergraduate research, internships, class projects, job skills development, and opportunities for students to learn about careers in industry. Student cohorts will be guided by faculty to foster strong connections with the industry and to help students develop job skills and knowledge about science and engineering-oriented careers.

The interdisciplinary research team is composed of faculty from the Departments of Physics & Engineering, Biology, Psychology, and Chemistry. To win this substantial grant award, the team leveraged the momentum gained from North Park University’s recently constructed Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, and the University’s newly implemented Chicago-based curriculum, Catalyst 606__.

ABOUT NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY

North Park University is a city-centered, intercultural, and Christian university located in Chicago.

https://www.northpark.edu/

Christopher Childers
Assistant Vice President of University Marketing and Communications
North Park University
773-244-5750
cchilders@northpark.edu

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Announcement, News, StoriesTags ,

Exploring Tensions Between Christianity and Literature at Harvard

Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, dean of North Park University’s College of Arts and Sciences and professor of humanities, is co-organizing the international meeting of the Conference on Christianity and Literature at Harvard Divinity School.

Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, dean of North Park University’s College of Arts and Sciences and professor of humanities, is co-organizing the international meeting of the Conference on Christianity and Literature at Harvard Divinity School. The conference, which will take place from March 29-30, brings together more than 70 scholars from the US, Canada, the UK, Kuwait, and India.

“The Problem with God: Christianity and Literature in Tension” explores religious struggles from John Donne to Louise Erdrich and from John Milton to Marilynne Robinson. As the conference website states, “explorations of the problem of God have not been confined to theology and philosophy alone but have also been investigated in literary works. Numerous writers in the Western tradition, especially since the dawn of the Enlightenment period, have produced works of art that reveal religious tensions. Unlike philosophers and theologians, however, literary authors have often written about concrete problems literary characters experience with God. What’s more, literary works self-consciously wrestle with language in a way that can uniquely illuminate limits and generate possibilities for theological language. Countless writers from Goethe to Auden and from Dickinson to C. S. Lewis have investigated problems with the Christian God, doctrine, and practices. To this day, religious struggles have proven to be quite productive in literature.”

Learn More About the Conference   More About Dr. Thuswaldner

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories News, Stories