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.
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
The North Park University women’s basketball team defeated the Augustana College Vikings, 63-47!
63—North Park ¦ 47—Augustana (IL)
The North Park University women’s basketball team defeated the Augustana College Vikings, 63-47, in the first round of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Women’s Basketball Tournament. This is the first time the North Park women’s basketball program has marked a win within the CCIW Tournament.
February 14–May 11, the North Park community has the exciting opportunity to attend original art exhibits featuring North Park’s very own senior art majors.
Interested in exploring local artistic talent but not sure where to start? February 14–May 11, the North Park community has the exciting opportunity to attend original art exhibits featuring North Park’s very own senior art majors. Every week the spotlight will shine on one senior’s solo art show. The exhibits are held in Carlson Gallery located in the Carlson Tower lobby. Closing their solo shows, each talented artist will hold a reception where they provide insight and lead discussion regarding their work.
The tradition of senior solo exhibitions is relatively new; until 2012, the senior shows were held as group exhibitions. According to Tim Lowly, gallery director and assistant professor of art, the shift from group to solo exhibitions gives seniors the opportunity of exhibiting more ambitious and expansive work—a challenge they’ve risen to year after year. Professor Lowly says, “It never ceases to amaze me to see the diversity of the work being produced by NPU art majors. This year is certainly indicative of that variety and creativity,” making this year’s senior art exhibitions a series of events you won’t want to miss.
2019 Senior Art Major Exhibitions
Ethan Oliver: February 14–21
Reception: February 21, 5–7 pm
“A display of antique phenomenon and nostalgia, Ethan has composed a compilation of fish and cigarettes strewn across grandma and grandpa’s house.”
Jessica Doering: February 21–28
Reception: February 28, 5–7 pm
“A nostalgic nosedive into the inner workings of a creative psyche. Bring your imagination.”
Samantha Gee: February 28–March 7
Reception: March 7, 5–7 pm
“Magic? Madness? Magicness.”
Lina Granberg: March 7–21
Reception: March 21, 5–7 pm
“As a curatorial studies art major, I am presenting an exhibition of work by two Chicago artists—Shannon Downey and Beverly Nash.”
Rebekah Law: March 21–28
Reception: March 28, 5–7 pm
“An abstracted study of the effects of trauma through monochromatic acrylic paintings of individuals.”
Michaela Scholte: March 28–April 4
Reception: March 29, 5–7 pm
“I want viewers to see how my paintings physically feel; I use paint to map texture and give an understanding of touch and implication of dimension.”
Mee-Joo Kong: April 4–11
Reception: April 5, 5–7pm
“Being real and true is a part of everyone’s humanity; showing that through film is one part of a unique identity.”
Arturo Valadez: April 11–18
Reception: April 18, 5–7pm
Maria Flores de Leon: April 18–25
Reception: April 25, 5–7pm
“Children’s day should be a day where kids are celebrated by their uniqueness, their interests, their personality and so much more!”
Amy Ryzewicz: April 25–May 2
Reception: May 2, 5–7 pm
“Nature is understood through science, replicated by artists and designers, and embellished upon by writers.”
Emmanuel Garfias: May 2–11
Reception: May 9, 5–7 pm
“My art consists of a coalition of familiar forms that hopefully lead the viewer to start foreshadowing.”
In a moving all-campus worship service on Wednesday, February 13, students, faculty, and staff prayed for the physical, emotional, and spiritual protection of President Mary Surridge.
In a moving all-campus worship service on Wednesday, February 13, students, faculty, and staff prayed for the physical, emotional, and spiritual protection of President Mary Surridge.
The special service, along with an all-campus lunch and academic symposium, was part of the continuing weeklong celebration of President Surridge’s inauguration.
In her message, Rev. Dr. Donna Harris, president of Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, encouraged the North Park community to rally around President Surridge and one another.
Dr. Harris called on North Park employees to be more than simply co-workers to one another, and for professors to get to know their students on a deeper level.
“Spur one another toward love and good deeds,” Dr. Harris said, quoting Scripture. She encouraged North Parkers to maintain their passion for the school’s city-centered mission. “Always be a healing balm and remedy for the city’s challenges,” she said.
In a stirring moment, Dr. Harris encouraged the congregation to show their support for President Surridge via rousing applause. She also evoked Exodus 17:12, which describes how Aaron and Hur held Moses’ arms aloft when he grew tired while battling to protect the Israelites.
Later in the service, President Surridge was prayed for by, student Anosh Wasker C’19, North Park Trustee Erin Oleniczak C’99, Trevor James G’04 S’05, associate dean of the School of Professional Studies, and Lance Davis, Executive Minister of Develop Leaders and Ordered Ministry.
The campus then gathered in the gymnasium for a buffet lunch, with a menu that was selected by students, including a variety of comfort foods. Guests enjoyed music by North Park’s student Jazz Ensemble, led by Joe Lill, as well as a student-produced video honoring President Surridge and a presentation of gifts by the Student Government Association.
After the all-campus lunch, North Park University trustee Dr. Kathryn Edin C’84 presented an academic symposium: Enlightened Hearts, Warmed Intellects: City Challenges and Opportunities and North Park Possibilities. In her talk, Dr. Edin, university faculty at Princeton University, one of the nation’s leading poverty researchers, discussed the history of immigration and public housing in Chicago, and how history has set the stage for North Park’s urban mission.
Following a panel discussion with North Park faculty members and questions from the audience, participants were invited to the Johnson Center for the archival exhibit Women of North Park, an interactive visual display that highlights the various contributions of women throughout North Park history.
The day concluded with a women’s basketball win over CCIW opponent, Elmhurst College. During halftime of the game, President Surridge and Dr. Jack Surridge were honored for their shared ministry in Athletics at North Park University.
More than 153 students, faculty and staff laced up their sneakers and joined President Mary Surridge at Helwig Recreation Center Monday to run and walk their way toward raising $12,723 in scholarships for the North Park Fund.
More than 153 students, faculty and staff laced up their sneakers and joined President Mary Surridge at Helwig Recreation Center Monday to run and walk their way toward raising $12,723 in scholarships for the North Park Fund.
“Today was a great example of the North Parkers from here on campus, and across the globe, coming together to support North Park University’s mission of providing a world-class, Christian education to students by funding essential scholarships,” said Assistant Vice President of Advancement Shena Keith.
Runners and walkers were cheered on by North Park students and staff, and had the opportunity to pose for photos with President Surridge. All week long, students are encouraged to take a selfie with her as part of the #SelfiewithSurridge campaign in celebration of her inauguration.
“Our community of students, faculty, and staff made a strong showing today joining together to support our new president, Mary Surridge, during this kick-off to Inauguration Week,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing Anthony Scola.
The 10k was divided into three legs: 4k at 7 a.m.; 3k at 12 p.m.; and 3k at 5 p.m. After the last leg, participants enjoyed pizza and celebrated with President Surridge in the Helwig Center mezzanine.
Gifts raised will all go toward meeting student’s highest need: providing scholarships to ensure North Park students receive an exceptional and affordable education.
A weeklong celebration that will include a 10K run to support student scholarships, a Showcase of the Arts that features student and alumni accomplishment, and an academic symposium featuring a prominent Princeton University professor will be capped by the inauguration of North Park University’s 10th President, Mary K. Surridge, on Feb. 15.
A weeklong celebration that will include a 10K run to support student scholarships, a Showcase of the Arts that features student and alumni accomplishment, and an academic symposium featuring a prominent Princeton University professor will be capped by the inauguration of North Park University’s 10th President, Mary K. Surridge, on Feb. 15.
North Park will host a week of activities celebrating 10th President Mary K. Surridge.
Surridge will be inaugurated in a Feb. 15 ceremony attended by city officials and delegates representing universities across the country.
President Surridge was selected and called after a year-long search by a 15-member committee.
Surridge is the first female president of the institution, which was founded by Swedish immigrants more than 125 years ago.
“North Park is excited to invite its many constituents to witness the investiture of President Surridge’s office and authority,” said Owen R. Youngman, chair of the Board of Trustees and of the search committee. “The week of celebration we have planned is a reflection of our commitment to her and to the ideals of North Park.”
Students, faculty, staff, and friends of North Park are invited to the festivities:
Monday, Feb. 11:
7 a.m.- 6 p.m.: Run for the Fund: 10K for $10K, Helwig Recreation Center. Wednesday, Feb. 13:
10:30 a.m.: All Campus Worship, Anderson Chapel, Dr. Donna Harris, president, Minnehaha Academy, guest speaker.
1:30 p.m.: Academic Symposium, Dr. Kathryn Edin C’84, Professor of Sociology and Public Affairs, Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton University, Hamming Hall.
7 p.m.: Women’s Basketball game vs. Elmhurst College, Campus Gymnasium. Thursday, Feb. 14:
7:30 p.m.: Showcase of the Arts, Anderson Chapel. Friday, Feb. 15:
2 p.m.: Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, Campus Gymnasium.
Prior to becoming president, President Surridge served the University in a variety of roles, including vice-presidential responsibilities in advancement and undergraduate enrollment. Surridge also directed Campaign North Park, the University’s most ambitious fundraising effort in the school’s history, with $63 million in commitments, including $41 million for the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life.
The inauguration will also be available to view via live stream.
Bucking a nationwide trend of declining enrollments among higher education institutions, North Park University saw a 12 percent spike in the number of new students enrolling for the Spring 2019 term when compared to last year.
Bucking a nationwide trend of declining enrollments among higher education institutions, North Park University saw a 12 percent spike in the number of new students enrolling for the Spring 2019 term when compared to last year.
North Park’s new student enrollment jumped 12% in the spring semester over last year.
State-of-the-art facilities, urban location and Christian environment make North Park attractive to a variety of students.
New programs in athletic training and pharmacy will draw even more students in coming years.
The 243 new students were attracted by North Park’s Christian environment and city-centered educational opportunities, said Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing Anthony Scola.
“Innovative academic programs, updated facilities, and advanced technology have made North Park a first-choice institution with a focus on preparing our students to become leaders in their respective careers,” Scola said.
North Park has remained adept at attracting students by introducing new majors and programs that cater to today’s job market. In Fall 2018, the University introduced its master of science in athletic training and 3+2 bachelor/master’s programs, making North Park one of the first fully accredited athletic training programs in the Chicago area.
Next year, North Park will introduce a partnership with Roosevelt University, a 3+3 pharmacy program in which students start at North Park and transition to Roosevelt in their third year, eventually earning a doctor of pharmacy degree.
A faculty-to-staff ratio of 12:1, a very diverse student body and North Park’s urban location are also major factors in the university enduring appeal to prospective students.
“Our faculty and staff put our students first and will continue to build lasting relationships with each and every North Parker,” Scola said.
In addition, new University President Mary Surridge, who previously led undergraduate recruitment and advancement, promises to continue delivering measurable results across the University with her strategic leadership style.
ABOUT NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY
North Park University is a city-centered, intercultural, and Christian university located in Chicago.
Due to the continued extreme weather conditions, North Park University will cancel classes and all offices will remain closed in all locations on Thursday, January 31, 2019.
Campus Closed on Thursday, January 31st
Due to the continued extreme weather conditions, North Park University will cancel classes and all offices will remain closed in all locations on Thursday, January 31, 2019.
The following essential services will be open on Thursday and available on the schedule listed below:
* Aramark dining: Open for regular schedule.
* Brandel Library: 10 am – 10 pm.
* Helwig Recreation Center: 10 am – 10 pm.
Campus security and Physical Plant will be staffed to ensure student safety and security.
All classes and activities will be fully operational on Friday, February 1, 2019.
Author onlinemediaPosted on Categories Announcement, News, Stories
