Category: Stories

Real Stories of NPU: Closer to Home Made a Difference

“For a while, I was dead-set on moving away. Then I visited North Park as a prospective student. That was when I realized that I could make my own experience here and do my own thing.”

Sarah Hawkinson "The interactions I had with professors, even before attending North Park, were really encouraging because it seemed like they want to be more than just professors but mentors who are there to help you make choices. And now that I am getting to the core of what I want to study, my professors are ready and eager to challenge me."

Sarah Hawkinson is a history and secondary education major. She is also a desk attendant, writing advisor, participates in the women’s chorale, and tutors students from Peterson Elementary school.

“North Park went from being my last choice to the perfect choice for me. My family has a lot of history and connections at North Park, so it had been in my life so much already and for a while, I was dead-set on moving away. Then I attended a scholarship event; it was my first time visiting as a prospective student. I had fun meeting other people I would potentially go to school with, and the idea of coming to North Park began to feel more real. That was when I realized that I could make my own experience here and do my own thing.

The interactions I had with professors, even before attending North Park, were really encouraging because it seemed like they already wanted to be invested in their students—to be more than just professors but mentors who are there to help you make choices. That’s what I love about North Park now. Having the opportunity to get coffee with my professors and take extra time outside of the classroom is something that I feel my friends at other schools don’t get. And now that I am getting to the core of what I want to study, my professors are ready and eager to challenge me, especially when I’ve shown that I’m invested and interested in their class.

Another aspect of North Park that I’ve grown to appreciate is its location in the city, which has helped me to continue in my faith life by learning more about cultural and religious diversity. I’m definitely growing and having positive and new experiences in this city setting. It has been important for me to get to know others and hear about a variety of experiences; it’s enhancing my faith-life and the way I see the world.

I’ve realized being close to home has more benefits than drawbacks. I can go home every weekend or once a semester.  I’ve been very happy with my decision to go somewhere which happened to be close to home, but really my decision was more multi-faceted than that. It was the opportunity to grow at a school where professors and students encourage faith, growth, and learning. Plus, I get to keep my winter clothes at home during the spring.”

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

Student-Run Vista Magazine Offers a Viewpoint, and Wants Yours, Too

A new campus magazine, created by Stephen Nielsen and Ricardo Huerta, gives students a voice on politics, religion, and culture.

Stephen Nielsen, Editor in Chief of Vista Magazine

North Park junior Stephen Nielsen saw a need for a campus publication that allowed students to freely express their opinion on politics, religion, and culture. So, he and a friend, Ricardo Huerta, started Vista Magazine.

“North Park is a very politically charged campus, and we wanted to create an outlet for students to express themselves,” said Nielsen, who, with Huerta, wanted to veer slightly from Spectrum, the existing, newsier student magazine.

“We didn’t see enough students participating in written dialogue,” Nielsen said.

A sampling of the magazine’s most recent issue seems to help address that: An article about gun reform shares space with a movie review of smash box office hit Black Panther by Ghanian student Frank Roberts; there is also a page devoted to students sharing their #METOO experiences.

The quarterly, which premiered this past winter and was followed by a recent spring edition, is currently in search of talented writers and designers for next year.

“Our goal is to show that North Parkers are thinkers from all walks of life,” said Nielsen, who encourages students to reach out to him if they’d like to join his staff or submit their original writing.

Nielsen and Huerta started the magazine from scratch, seeking approval and financing from the Student Government Association, then asking Dr. Reinhold Dooley if he would be their faculty advisor. The English professor and one-time North Park Press faculty advisor said yes immediately, and has mostly allowed the staff to be autonomous.

“If we need advice on an issue or about publishing something controversial, Dr. Dooley has been there to help guide us through the decision,” Nielsen said.

He and Huerta hope the magazine lives on after their graduation and even created a five-year business plan with the future in mind. Right now, the magazine needs to staff up for next year.

“The most important thing to know is that we exist to serve North Parkers,” Nielsen said. If you’re interested in being a part of his mission, visit vistamag.org.

Author Ellen AlmerPosted on Categories StoriesTags , , , , ,

Versatile Counseling Psychology Master’s Degree Opens Doors to Careers in Hospitals and Private Practices

Students in North Park’s MACP program develop skills to treat emotional, social, developmental, vocational, and organizational issues, among others.

Constance Ervins, Masters student at North Park University
Current MACP Student, Constance Ervins

Constance Ervins wanted to help others discover their best self, which led her to the Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at North Park. Since starting the program, she’s learned from both her tight-knit cohort of fellow students, and professors who share a wealth of real-world experience.

“I’m impressed with the faculty at North Park, who bring their own life and professional experiences into the classroom,” said Ervins, who plans to eventually counsel older teens and college students.

Ervins, who has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s in communication studies, said she chose North Park because of its on-campus class offerings and cohort model.

“My favorite part of the program is the cohort, where I’m really getting to know my peers and talking with them about difficult topics,” said Ervins, who enjoys learning and practicing skills with her 14 classmates.

Ervins said that learning amid Chicago’s diverse population is helping prepare her to counsel people of different backgrounds.

“In the cohort, my peers and I are open and willing to be culturally sensitive,” she said.

Nicole Nalls, in her final semester of the program, chose the MACP over related degrees, such as a master’s in education or social work.

“Counseling psychology incorporates a focus on wellness that I feel is missing from related programs, such as the MSW,” Nalls said. “I wanted training that would allow me to form therapeutic relationships.”

Students in North Park’s MACP program develop skills to treat emotional, social, developmental, vocational, and organizational issues, among others. With a broad range of career outcomes, MACP graduates often work as school or career counselors, or counsel in private practices, mental health clinics, and hospitals.

North Park’s MACP is an accelerated two-year program, and requires a high level of commitment to at-home studying, attending twice-weekly evening classes, and completing an internship.

Mary Hendrickson
Mary Hendrickson, Asst. Dir. of Admissions, MACP

“Over time, students really learn to nurture their craft,” said Mary Hendrickson, MACP’s assistant director of admissions.

North Park’s MACP program equips students with the skills they need to graduate, practice as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and pursue the area of counseling of their choice. For Rev. Meagan Sherman-Sporrong, 2017 graduate, she passed the licensing exam and plans on combining her MDiv and LPC status by working as a hospice chaplain and bereavement counselor.

To date, North Park’s MACP graduates have a 100% passing rate in the licensing exam to practice as an LPC.

Author onlinemediaPosted on Categories Stories

Dean Thuswaldner elected President of the Austrian Studies Association

Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dean of Arts and Sciences, was elected President of the Austrian Studies Association, a member institution of the American Council of Learned Societies.

Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dean of Arts and Sciences, was elected President of the Austrian Studies Association, a member institution of the American Council of Learned Societies. Thuswaldner will serve a two-year term as President. The US-based Austrian Studies Association was founded in 1961 to promote the study of Austrian, Austro-Hungarian, and Habsburg culture, literature, history, and politics. The Austrian Studies Association publishes a quarterly scholarly journal, the Journal of Austrian Studies (University of Nebraska Press) and organizes annual conferences. As President, Thuswaldner also serves as the association’s Chief Executive Officer Liaison to and ex-officio Board Member of the American Council of Learned Societies.

More About Dean Thuswaldner

More About the Austrian Studies Society

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

Real Stories of NPU

Three students share how getting involved on campus has shaped their experience at North Park University.

Lydia Vander Stelt, Business & Economics and Nonprofit Management, “The best characteristic of North Park is that it is city-centered and we have the Catalyst 606 program. I am very grateful for the opportunities I have had to grow in my faith both in and outside of the city. North Park is good at providing opportunities for students to grow in their faith, but not forcing that growth. I think that is key in the transition from high school into college."

Lydia Vander Stelt

Junior, Double Major in Business & Economics and Nonprofit Management

From Grand Rapids, MI

“I chose North Park because of its location. I wanted to set myself far enough away from home to be able to grow, but not have a hard time getting home. The best characteristic of North Park is that it is city-centered and we have the Catalyst 606__ program. I am very grateful for the opportunities I have had to grow in my faith both in and outside of the city. North Park is good at providing opportunities for students to grow in their faith, but not forcing that growth, which I think is key in the transition from high school into college and becoming an adult.

As a freshman, I decided to take the time to breathe and not get involved in many activities. When I participated in the Catalyst 606__ Semester, it opened a lot of doors for meeting new people and friends, which was crucial to my getting involved. Now I’m the communications director for the Student Government Association. I work to make the Student Government more transparent and accessible to the student body. What is so unique about the student government is that I have been able to get to know the University administration and act as the liaison so that students are heard.”

Betty Rodriguez, Biology Major and Pre-Med "My first impression of North Park was when I came for the Lighthouse Scholarship meeting (a cohort program for first-generation college students) and I was like ‘wow, this is where I want to be.’ The family and community that you can build here is something that I love. You can always count on someone on campus.”

Betty Rodriguez

Junior, Biology Major and Pre-Med

From Mexico and Chicago, IL

“Being a part of Rising Dreamers United means being informative about issues in the immigration community. It isn’t just about DACA students or immigrant students on campus, but a variety of students on campus that people need to know about. These issues affect thousands of students and many more families.

I have also been involved in the Student Government Association (SGA) since last year, and I’ve stayed involved because it allows me to help others wherever they are struggling. I am able to share with other students what SGA is working on, and sometimes students come to me with issues.

My first impression of North Park was when I came for the Lighthouse Scholarship meeting (a cohort program for first-generation college students) and I was like ‘wow, this is where I want to be.’ The family and community that you can build here is something that I love. You can always count on someone on campus.”

Jared Koehler

Senior, Double Major in Business & Economics and Politics & Government

From Kukana, WI

“My curiosity brought me to North Park, and I’m really glad that I came here because it expanded my world view. I made a lot of international friends which pushed me to study abroad, something I might not have done if I hadn’t gone to North Park. I’ve learned that the world is such an amazing place. It has made me more open-minded and instilled in me a better understanding of others.

Next to the international focus, the student-faculty relationship is the best thing about North Park. I feel that education should not only be to hear something but to practice it through discourse. North Park has an intense mission to bring students and professors together and to facilitate conversation. Because of that, I have met some professors who have helped me both to improve my skills and to network.

North Park is a great transition from leaving high school to becoming someone who is truly prepared, not only for the work force but for relationships with people who are different from oneself. It is a good fit for anyone who is curious to learn about others and the value of diversity in opinions and cultures.”

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

North Park University to Offer Cutting-edge Location Intelligence Program

A new major, offered exclusively online, will instruct students in the latest geospatial technologies and their application in a variety of careers.

Johannes Buerger, coordinator of the new location intelligence program at North Park University, appreciates the reliable real estate maxim “location, location, location.”

Led by Buerger, North Park recently launched a major in location intelligence offered through the School of Professional Studies. “There are many students who come out of high school with a dream to change the world, and I think that location intelligence, which is related to geography and sustainable environmental planning, is something that gives you the opportunity to make changes in the world,” says Buerger.

Anyone who has done the research of buying a home or renting an apartment has likely used a simple form of a geographic information system (GIS), a tool applied in the study of location intelligence (LOCI). Using that information to choose a house or apartment is a perfect example of a practical, everyday use of location intelligence.

“Location matters in your everyday life,” says Buerger, noting that skills acquired in the study of location intelligence can be applied to a broad range of disciplines, from digital marketing to biology.

In the LOCI program, students learn in-demand tech skills such as utilizing GIS—software specifically designed to collect and manage geographic data. Other skill sets students will develop include map design, remote sensing, urban planning, and geomarketing.

From elevation to demographics of consumers in a neighborhood – location intelligence analyzes this type of valuable information and applies it to businesses and everyday life. While expertise or a degree in math is not required, a statistics background is an advantage in such areas as creating and analyzing maps.

As the field of location intelligence is relatively new and broadly applicable, location intelligence professionals are highly valuable to businesses who already implement GIS in small ways and those who have yet to implement these tools. “Location intelligence offers a very desirable skill set because you can do big data management and spatial analysis, which are required in so many different fields,” Buerger says.

Graduates with a degree in location intelligence have many exciting career options such as urban planning, disaster management, community service, and geo-marketing. For instance, city and retail planners use location intelligence to choose the spot for a new bus stop, find out where the next viable franchise location is, and assess where it is most profitable for a company to make deliveries.

Location intelligence is not limited to urban planning or urban studies – it can be used to assess weather patterns, sales, marketing, and even the natural sciences. “Location intelligence is such an interdisciplinary program which opens many doors, not just one,” says Buerger.

 

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

Chicago Mayor’s Office Lauds Catalyst 606__Program

As North Park nears a full academic year of Catalyst 606__ programming, the University continues its work of building relationships throughout the city and creating opportunities for future learning experiences.

As North Park nears a full academic year of Catalyst 606__ programming, the University continues its work of building relationships throughout the city and creating opportunities for future learning experiences.

Catalyst 606__ excursions this year have brought students in touch with nonprofits such as the immigration service Centro Romero in Rogers Park and the Chicago Network on Religious Leadership, as well as city offices such as the 39th Ward’s alderman. These visits offer students an up-close look at the various challenges of city life as well as the organizations working to address those challenges.

On-campus events continue thoughtful conversation regarding issues facing cities across the world. Leading the conversation is often an expert in the field. These have included North Park alumni who are able to share not only their field experience but also their journey from student life to working professional. Recent events have included alumni Johan Eldebo and Rayshauna Gray. Eldebo, a former senior humanitarian policy advisor for World Vision, shared what he has learned about the refugee crisis and the challenges facing international aid; while Gray, an author and historian, spoke on the defining cultural moments of the black millennial generation.

As the program continues to develop, so does the local support. “We find much to celebrate in North Park University’s Catalyst 606__ program,” says Vance Henry, Chief of Faith-Based Partnerships and Initiatives in the Chicago Mayor’s Office. “It’s a dynamic example of how we can partner together to educate, cooperate, and create better cities for all.” These are words of encouragement for the many faculty, staff, and students whose incredible efforts have paved the way for the Catalyst 606__ program and continue to support its growth. The program is certainly a source of pride for all involved and offers much to look forward to in the years to come.

The quote from Vance Henry was originally published in a press release available to read here. 

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Stories

What to See: Winter One Acts

This year’s theme for the Winter One Act Festival is “Breaking out of the Box,” stories which tell of how people make decisions and the consequences. The plays aim to show how these impact us and the ways in which they make us who we are.

“The Winter One Acts gives you a seat to the world-premiere of five new shows put on by your fellow students,” says director and costume designer Pia Mueller.

Students of all majors will join together from Wednesday, February 28 through March 3 to perform the Winter One Acts. Also known as the One Act Festival, these are one-act plays written and performed by North Park Students.

“I love the variety of people that are involved. For other shows, it is usually the same group of people involved; but for the One Act festivals, it’s people from all over campus. We have everyone from music majors to international students,” says Pia. Pia is a criminal justice major who enjoys the creative power and liberty which comes along with creating costumes for each of the shows. “I have the ability to shape how the audience sees the characters. And as a director, I can take a script and create a show from it.”

This year’s theme for the Winter One Act Festival is “Breaking out of the Box,” stories which tell of how people make decisions and the consequences. The plays aim to show how these impact us and the ways in which they make us who we are.

When the lights go up, it is Stage Manager Mara Franzen who gives the order. “My favorite part is Tech, which is when we bring in all the costumes, light, sound, props, costumes, and actors all together in the same place for the first time. During the actual performances, I am in the booth calling light and sound cues, and overseeing transitions between the different shows.” Mara, who is a triple major in theater, creative writing, and Scandinavian studies, describes her favorite part of the One Acts: “My favorite part is the very first run of the shows with tech, all the pieces come together, we get to see the whole festival fall into place, and there is such a sense of pride in the art we are creating.”

The shows will begin every evening at 7:30 and will run for about an hour and a half. Admission is $5 for anyone who wishes to attend (but if you find a “Breaking out of the Box” promotional postcard on campus, you can get $1 off). The One Act Festival is open to all!

“I would tell someone who hasn’t seen the One Acts to just give it a shot. It’s all student-led so it’s flexible and it’s just a great intro to NPU theatre,” says Payton Walles, who is an actor this year. The English education major adds, “this year, the plays all do a good job of showing people reaching a different breaking point and how many different ways someone can deal with life-changing incidents.” This will be Walles’ second year acting in the Winter One Acts.

“The challenges and joys that accompany storefront theatre provide the perfect foundation for a tight-knit community,” says Professor of Theater Dr. Chad Eric Bergman, “and that is exactly what you can expect from North Park Theatre.”

Upcoming Productions

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Stories

What to See: Recent and Upcoming Exhibits in Carlson Tower Gallery

North Park’s Carlson Tower Gallery is a living hub of art as it houses student, faculty, and guest artist works throughout the academic year.

North Park’s Carlson Tower Gallery is a living hub of art as it houses student, faculty, and guest artist works throughout the academic year. Most prevalent each spring semester is the work of senior art students as they complete their senior seminar project which involves creating, curating, and exhibiting a solo art show.

Leading up to their senior exhibitions the students also participate in curating an “En Route” show, featuring up-and-coming local artists. The task of seeking out and engaging with professional artists is part of the senior seminar experience as students witness first-hand the pursuit of art-making outside of the classroom.

The recent exhibit En Route: Fine by Design showed side-by-side the work of two young artists, Dylan Bradshaw and Madeleine Hettich, graphic designers by trade whose personal practice also includes work that would traditionally be characterized as fine-art. Works shown by Hettich included detailed drawings of live and taxidermied animals from Chicago’s Field Museum and a hand-made book exploring the artist’s short-term memory loss. Bradshaw’s works included a series of commissioned dog portraits created with vector illustration as well as an embroidered textile exploring Chinese culture and the concept of “craft” or “women’s work.”

Madeleine Hettich
Dylan Bradshaw

Bradshaw and Hettich visited the gallery for the show’s reception, during which they were able to share about their works, their processes, and their thoughts towards the distinctions made between fine-art and graphic design. Both artists expressed some dismissal of these distinctions while recognizing that design-oriented work often poses unique creative challenges which help inspire their other practices. In regards to making work by commission in contrast to one’s own volition, Hettich denied that she thought of one as superior or more inspired than the other. “Half of Rembrandt’s work was likely commissioned. We recognize his work as fine-art, yet we can’t know if he would have created them on his own.”

While Fine by Design was an engaging, thought-provoking show, it was also just a taste of what is still to come for Carlson Tower Gallery this spring. Currently on display is the annual Student Art Scholarship Exhibition which features student work submitted for the coveted art scholarship. A limited number of scholarships are awarded each year, and the submissions are a fine display of promising talent. The scholarship show will remain through March 7, with the first senior exhibition of the year opening soon after.

To stay informed about future art exhibits and receptions be sure to check in with the art events calendar.

Upcoming Events

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Blog, Stories

Daniel White Hodge Receives 2018 Martin Luther King, Jr. Award

The MLKJ Award highlights those on campus who are doing exceptional work in the area of restorative justice and racial reconciliation.

Daniel White Hodge, North Park University’s assistant professor of intercultural communication, is the 2018 recipient of North Park’s Martin Luther King Jr. Award.

Hodge, who before coming to North Park spent 17 years working with urban youth through organizations such as Young Life and World Vision, continues to advocate for urban youth justice issues.

He’s also a recognized youth culture expert and cultural literacy scholar. At North Park and at schools including Fuller Theological Seminary, Hodge has taught classes on race and ethnicity in religion, black popular culture, and hip-hop discourse.

The MLKJ Award was created in 2017 by Jacqueline Strapp C’08, head of the Office of Diversity, to highlight those on campus who are doing exceptional work in the area of restorative justice and racial reconciliation.

Dr. Mary Trujillo, a communication arts professor, was the recipient of North Park’s first MLKJ award last year.

Trujillo and Hodge were recognized for working continuously with the community, faculty, staff, and students to “be disciplined in our demeanor in not being divisive, to continue to do better, and strive for peace at the forefront—with peace being what MLK fought for,” Strapp said.

Author Ellen AlmerPosted on Categories Announcement, News, Stories