Category: Stories

Athletic Training at North Park: Brody Burkart C’16

Brody Burkart C’16 shares how the athletic training program at North Park supported him through his academic, professional, and personal growth.

Brody H. Burkart, C’16

Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training

Brody Burkart’s dream of becoming an athletic trainer and physical therapist began when he was 16 years old. He chose to pursue his BS in athletic training at North Park because it allowed him to follow that dream while continuing his athletic career. “Not many programs I spoke with encouraged my ability to be a collegiate athlete and athletic training student the way NPU did,” says Burkart. As Burkart’s faculty knew of his professional aspirations, they helped ensure that he obtained the appropriate pre-requisite courses within his busy schedule. In the Spring of 2016, Burkart received his bachelor of science in athletic training, graduating with cum laude honors.

Following graduation, Burkart was accepted into Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science’s doctor of physical therapy program. Burkart credits this success to the preparation he received as an undergraduate. “Receiving my undergraduate degree from North Park University was one of the best decisions I have ever made. As a student, I obtained over 1,250 hours of clinical experience working with diverse populations, established networking opportunities, and built lasting relationships with the faculty members at North Park that helped solidify my spot amongst a vastly competitive pool of physical therapy applicants.”

In addition to the skills that allowed him to grow as a clinician, Burkart appreciates the ways that he grew as a person during his time at North Park. “From the immense amount of hands-on exposure you receive with your athletes and patients, to the incredible opportunities you have to develop, implement, and lead the medical emergency action plan of the Chicago Marathon, these experiences allow you to gain the greatest sense of self-confidence. I am truly blessed to have been a part of this program, for it has made such a positive impact on my life.”

Burkart explains that while in school, he experienced many life-altering events and setbacks outside of the classroom. “I am forever grateful to my fellow classmates and the athletic training faculty for the way they supported me through those tough times. After the immeasurable amount of time you spend within this program, these people become your family and individuals you can rely on for the rest of your life.”

“On behalf of myself and fellow athletic training classmates and peers, I can say with complete confidence that regardless of your academic pursuits beyond North Park, the advanced knowledge you receive from this program will set you up for the utmost success.”

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Mary Surridge Approved by ECC as NPU President

The Evangelical Covenant Church has approved Mary Karsten Surridge as the 10th president of North Park University, effective at the beginning of the 2018-2019 academic year.

The Evangelical Covenant Church has approved Mary Karsten Surridge as the 10th president of North Park University, effective at the beginning of the 2018-2019 academic year.

Surridge’s nomination was approved Friday, June 22, by delegates representing the Evangelical Covenant Church, North Park’s founder and sponsoring denomination, at the ECC’s Annual Meeting in Minneapolis.

Surridge was selected in April by a 15-person search committee, including 9 members of the Board of Trustees and 6 from the campus community, after a year-long search. Surridge has served as the University’s vice president for advancement since 2008.

“We evaluated nominations and applications from more than 50 qualified candidates with deep Christian faith and distinguished careers, both inside and outside the academy,” said Owen R. Youngman, chair of the nominating committee and a North Park Board Trustee. “Mary is the right person to lead the University at this important juncture.”

Surridge’s North Park career has been highlighted by her direction of Campaign North Park, the most ambitious fundraising campaign in the school’s history, with $63 million in commitments, including $41 million for the Johnson Center for Science and Community Life. Most recently, in addition to her duties in advancement, she has been leading undergraduate admissions while the University searches for a new vice president for enrollment management and marketing.

Surridge, 55, succeeds David L. Parkyn, who retired at the end of the 2016-2017 academic year, to become North Park’s first female president. Carl E. Balsam, who has served as interim president since that time, will remain in that role through August 15, 2018.

Author Ellen AlmerPosted on Categories Announcement, News, StoriesTags , , , , ,

English Professor Seeks Your Input on Life-changing Literature

Did a novel or other work of literature change your life? If so, North Park English Professor Nancy Arnesen wants to hear from you.

Did a novel or other work of literature change your life? If so, North Park English Professor Nancy Arnesen wants to hear from you.

Dr. Arnesen begins a yearlong sabbatical this summer, exploring the meaning of literature outside the classroom and in the broader world. As part of her research, she would like to hear from former students (along with their friends and family) about how a specific piece of literature changed their lives.

“I’d be interested to hear from alums about a literary work they read in college, or since, that has been important to them in some way,” says Dr. Arnesen, who has taught writing and literature for more than 30 years. “As part of my research, I’ll be asking ‘why bother with literature?’ and ‘how can literature serve the common good?’”

In addition to reading works by authors who examine literature and its relationship to the common good, Dr. Arnesen will be searching out internship opportunities for students as part of North Park’s Catalyst 606__ program, in which Chicago serves as North Park’s extended classroom. To do so, Dr. Arnesen will be spending time exploring Chicago-based clubs and other non-profits that encourage the use of literature as a way to improve people’s lives.

If you’d like to assist Dr. Arnesen with her project, reach out to her at narnesen@northpark.edu.

More About Dr. Arnesen

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Stories of CHIC: Joshua Crozier

North Park student Joshua Crozier shares his first-hand experience at CHIC, the national gathering of Covenant high school students.

Joshua Crozier, Current North Park Student

My favorite part about CHIC was realizing just how big the Body of Christ is. Over 6,000 other teenagers and leaders from around the nation gathered together to worship God, grow in their faith, and make lifelong memories. If you’ve never been to CHIC, I suggest diving deep into the base camps, go hard on the fields, worship in ways you never have before, and soak up the messages of the speakers.

This week three years ago was incredibly formational to me; I still remember messages that were shared, the bands that played, and the friends I made at CHIC 2015. I also remember the screaming North Park student volunteers handing out t-shirts and telling us about the University. Because I grew up in the Covenant Church, CHIC was not the first time I had heard of North Park, but I remember learning more about the University from the excited volunteer students.

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Stories of CHIC: Boaz Johnson

Professor of Biblical & Theological studies Boaz Johnson shares his first-hand experience at CHIC, the national gathering of Covenant high school students.

Dr. Rajkumar Boaz Johnson, Professor of Biblical & Theological Studies

CHIC is truly exciting! I have attended every CHIC since I started at North Park in 2003. Every parent wants their kids to turn out to be good kids. All Christian parents want their kids to turn out to be good followers of Jesus. CHIC is a great place to see this come to fruition. Most churches have very small youth groups, and young people feel so alone. But at CHIC it is awesome to be with 6,000 other young people who are shouting and rejoicing, and jumping with joy.

I am always thrilled about every opportunity to speak into the lives of these young people. And it is such a joy to see CHIC students come to North Park. Even if the Holy Spirit uses one word I say, to influence a student’s choice to come to North Park, I am satisfied. It is always a joy to shape the minds and hearts of these young people, so that they are able to go out and change the world. CHIC and North Park are once-in-a-life-time experiences that these young people will never forget.

Learn More About Boaz Johnson

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Overlapping Milestones Inspire Special Baseball Commencement Ceremony

A special commencement ceremony is held for graduating seniors on North Park’s baseball team.

Graduating seniors on North Park’s baseball team found themselves in a positive conundrum last weekend: they had secured a place in the CCIW (College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin) championship, but the Saturday game was set to be played at the same time as North Park’s commencement ceremony. The dual milestone accomplishments prompted North Park leadership to hold a special Baseball Commencement Service on Wednesday, May 9.

The Baseball Commencement Service began with a sudden early evening rain shower—delaying one family’s arrival and attendance to the service. But being good sports, the faculty, leadership, fellow baseball teammates, and guests reconvened for one more round of the commencement ceremony to give the family an opportunity to witness their son receive his diploma.

Graduating baseball seniors Joshua Alexander Smith (Bachelor of Science in Biology, Magna Cum Laude ), Glenn William Meyers (Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics), and Joseph Paul Koutnik (Bachelor of Arts in History) exited Isaacson Chapel to sunny skies for congratulatory handshakes, proud embraces, and photo-ops.

President Carl Balsam welcomed guests, with Provost Michael O. Emerson delivering the Invocation followed by Charge to Graduates by Athletic Champlain Terence Gadsden and Commencement Litany by President Balsam, Provost Emerson, and Vice President Jodi Koslow Martin. President Balsam and Provost Emerson awarded the degrees and Director of University Ministries Tony Zamble delivered the Benediction. For outstanding scholarship and varsity athletic participation, Joshua Alexander Smith received the Pearson Athlete Award.

Author Ellen AlmerPosted on Categories News, StoriesTags ,

Stories of CHIC: Gigi Santos

North Park student Gigi Santos shares her first-hand experience at CHIC, the national gathering of Covenant high school students.

Gigi Santos, Current North Park Student

Listening to my youth group friends recount their experiences at CHIC was so life fulfilling to me that I decided to volunteer with NPU. Volunteering at CHIC was very exhausting because we were working different parts of the event and had long days. However, I enjoyed every single moment of those long days because I engaged with other volunteers and staff and students; we were simply doing life together that week.

Going as a volunteer was a great opportunity for me and remains relevant in my life because I was able to grow in my faith and be vulnerable enough to share about my experiences with people who were very intentional with me that week. CHIC also allowed me to build relationships with people through which I can continuously share with others what God’s doing in my life.

That’s also what I love most about being at North Park: there is a community that has walked alongside me throughout my time here. I love that the friendships I’ve built here are intentional friendships and a great support system academically and with my journey with Christ.

I am excited about going to CHIC again this year because I loved watching all the good things God was doing in the lives of the students, staff, and volunteers. Simply being there together, putting ideas together to help students explore where they stand in their faith, and watching them take it into their own hands makes CHIC an incredible experience as a North Park student volunteer.

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Class of ’18 Charged with Leading Lives of Significance and Service

The largest graduating class in North Park University’s history accepted their diplomas Saturday, May 12, in a joyous ceremony held in the packed Carlson Tower gymnasium.

The largest graduating class in North Park University’s history accepted their diplomas Saturday, May 12, in a joyous ceremony held in the packed Carlson Tower gymnasium.

“This indeed is a glorious moment,” President Carl Balsam said in his Commencement Litany. “Years of diligent work have led to this milestone; you have reason to be proud of your accomplishment.”

The ceremony began with a flag processional, which included the flags of the 22 nations represented in the class of 2018. After Balsam acknowledged members of the class of 1968, many of whom were in attendance in gold caps and gowns, the Ahnfeldt Medallion was awarded to Eunhye So, a communications studies and media studies major who earned the highest grade point average in her class.

Before handing out some 325 undergraduate diplomas, Balsam presented the Nyvall Medallion to Dr. Kristine Strand, chair of North Park’s Board of Trustees since 1992, for her dedication to North Park.

A speech-language pathologist and professor, Strand has taught at universities including  Northwestern and Harvard, and is an author and consultant. But Balsam said Strand’s commitment to North Park, particularly in making the campus more diverse, was equally impressive.

“Kristine planted a vision for racial equity and intercultural learning,” Balsam said, noting that since her tenure, North Park’s population of students of color has nearly doubled. “Today we celebrate a campus that is increasingly diverse…realizing the continuing vision of reflecting the actual world in which we learn and serve, a manifestation of the diversity of God’s kingdom.”

As the Class of ’18 prepared to receive their diplomas, Provost Michael Emerson prayed that God would “sharpen their minds toward the service of your kingdom, and send them into the world in witness to your love, and bring them at last to the fullness of your peace and glory.”

Following the handing out of diplomas, receptions for the graduates were held in Hamming Hall and Anderson Chapel.

Commencement Photo Highlights

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The School of Education Literacy Extravaganza

North Park University’s Alpha Theta Delta Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, hosted their annual Spring “Literacy Extravaganza” attended by hundreds of elementary school students from Chicago area schools.

On Saturday, April 28, North Park University’s Alpha Theta Delta Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society in education, held their annual Spring “Literacy Extravaganza.” Hundreds of elementary school students from three Chicago area schools attended the event. More than 600 flyers promoting the event went into the hands of Peterson, Hibbard, and Budlong elementary students. North Park’s School of Education students who are part of the honor’s society participated in the event by fundraising, inviting students, and running the literacy-related events such as making bookmarks, books, and word jewelry as well as general fun events such as face painting.

Dr. John Laukaitis, the counselor of Alpha Theta Delta, said that the event “communicates to the neighborhood communities that part of North Park’s Christian identity is giving without expectation of return. This spirit of service comes from being asked to be servants of Jesus Christ.” The event also helps prepare the Education students for their roles as teachers as they engage themselves and students in initiatives which strengthen schools and neighborhoods. “In many ways, this event is modeling what we want our teacher candidates to do once they are in schools, namely, finding ways to invite children and families to be active and part of a larger school community,” said Dr. Laukaitis. The event also gives teachers the skills and knowledge to make an event successful, and “it shows them that when an event is successful that there is no worldly reward as great as being a person for others and serving a community,” said Dr. Laukaitis.

The fundraising for the event translates into smiles on the children and the free book they receive when attending the event. For many of the children and families, this is the first time that they have stepped foot on our campus, and the Alpha Theta Delta Chapters’ aim is for them to feel welcome and for their first impression be one that tells them that North Park and the School of Education is dedicated to serving their children, the neighborhoods surrounding campus, and the City of Chicago.

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Stories

Then and Now: C’18 Graduates Share Their Stories

Two years after they shared their stories for the #125Stories blog, three graduating seniors tell us where they are at now and what they will remember from their time at North Park.

In 2016, North Park celebrated their 125th anniversary and as part of the commemoration, #125Stories was born, sharing brief yet personal glimpses of the lives of current North Parkers. As many of those students are now graduating and moving on to the next phase of their lives, we decided to check back in with a few of them to see where they are at now and what thoughts they have to share about their time at North Park.

Nursing Major “In high school, I knew I wanted to attend an institution that had a liberal arts foundation, an intimate class setting, and a great nursing program. I wanted to have close connections with the teachers and explore different classes even though I knew I wanted to be a nurse. When I realized that I was going to have all these things at North Park, I knew this was the right university for me.

Michaela Alcantara

My dad graduated from North Park in 2008. He told me about how great the University is and the community that he was involved in. I applied to different Chicago schools, but I realized that I wanted to go to North Park because it is a smaller school. I like the ambiance more here. I felt like I belonged here. My dad started his master’s degree but had to stop so that we could pay for me to go to school. So this fall he’ll start again, studying for his master’s degree in leadership and management.

In my time at North Park, I have learned to be compassionate and kind. A huge part of being a nurse is caring for the patient. It’s not just about the medicine; you have to understand the person as a whole. I think that what makes you a good nurse is seeing someone holistically. I have had a holistic experience here. I have been involved in different cheer events and been able to practice my communication and leadership skills. I have connected with different types of people at volunteer events and North Park, as well as my professors, have supported that.

My time at North Park has inspired me to go down the path I’m on. I would also say that people are the heart of North Park. I think that is what I will remember the most from my time here. I appreciate that faith is part of the experience here, but that it isn’t bombarded in our faces. My favorite experience has been connecting with the teachers because I know I wouldn’t have experienced that at a bigger school.

I’m a nursing assistant at Rush, so I plan on staying there as a registered nurse on the general medicine floor. I like my current job, so I’ll stay there for some time. They also have benefits for going back to school, which I will probably take advantage of. Within the next five years, I’d like to get my master’s degree as a Nurse Practitioner.

Joakim Widdas

My end goal is to work in private equity or investment banking. Right now, I’m looking for opportunities to get a foot in to the financial industry and then later I’ll move into private equity and investment banking.

I’ve been challenged academically at North Park, especially by some of my professors who have been tough with me to help me prepare for jobs outside of school. They have been fair, but taught me a lot. The business department really cares about your learning. My professors made an effort to connect me with their professional associates over coffee; that gave me the chance to ask them about their experiences and has helped in my education.

I chose North Park because I wanted to be in a big city. As an international, I can’t afford to go around America and visit schools, so I was taking a shot, but in the end, it has been a good experience.

I have always been secure about who I am, but I will remember my time at North Park as a turbulent few years. I’ve learned a lot about myself and what I want to do in life. NPU has also been a unique experience because the Christian aspect attracts different-minded people than me. I have started to focus on the people who care and mean something to me; authentic people. Coming out of school, I have a bigger understanding of people.

Megan Dunbar

I took an intro to physics class, and it was hard. That was good though because it challenged me in a way that my other classes hadn’t. I really struggled with those classes, but it was something different that I was interested in and I liked figuring it out. So I kept with physics. I will graduate with a degree in physics, but I don’t think that I will go into a field with it right away. Right now, I am applying for positions within nonprofit organizations in Chicago.

A lot of my time at North Park has been dedicated to volunteer service. I’ve gotten to volunteer with World Relief as part of an afterschool program. Basically, you spend time with kids from refugee families whose parents are still at work. I’ve volunteered for six years now, and I’ve never thought of it as just an extracurricular; it is something that I want to do and be a part of. After college, I want to go back and be in the environment that volunteering creates and meet the people who are there and form relationships with them. I would like to be on the other side of volunteering, a direct influence on the volunteers. Helping people get settled would be amazing, but it’s also daunting.

It makes me feel nostalgic to think about who I was as a Sophomore. I am a lot stronger, mentally, physically, and emotionally, stronger in academics, in knowing who I am now. I’ve gotten to try all these different experiences and find out what I really wanted to do. I took up boxing! I got lucky and found a good set of friends the first semester I was here. They have shaped who I am and my experience while I have been here.

For every setback I thought I had, I wound up with another person to support me. They were a professor, a staff member, or another student who I connected with and who made my experience better. So, I will remember the people the most and those stories that I’ve learned while I was here.

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