Category: Stories

Mary Karsten Surridge to Serve as North Park University’s 10th President

The North Park University Board of Trustees has nominated Mary Karsten Surridge, the University’s vice president for advancement since 2008, to serve as the school’s 10th president, effective at the beginning of the 2018-2019 academic year.

The North Park University Board of Trustees has nominated Mary Karsten Surridge, the University’s vice president for advancement since 2008, to serve as the school’s 10th president, effective at the beginning of the 2018-2019 academic year.

The Trustee’s unanimous nomination has been ratified by the Executive Board of the Evangelical Covenant Church, North Park’s founder and sponsoring denomination, and will be presented to the Annual Meeting of the Covenant in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on June 22. Under the constitution and bylaws of both the Covenant Church and North Park University, the president must be officially called by vote of the Annual Meeting.

The nomination concludes a nationwide, 13-month search for a president who will help to cement North Park’s place as the nation’s leading city-centered Christian university.

“North Park is a strong, vibrant and uniquely positioned institution within Christian higher education, and we offer an excellent academic, co-curricular and personal experience to students who seek to learn and grow in our stimulating urban environment,” Surridge said. “I’m honored and grateful to respond with enthusiasm to this nomination and the endorsement of the search committee, our Trustees, and the Executive Board of the Church.”

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.

A 15-person search committee, including 9 members of the Board of Trustees and 6 from the campus community, conducted the search and recommended Surridge to the Board of Trustees this week. “We undertook a comprehensive search with the help of CarterBaldwin, a search firm with wide experience in higher education and particularly Christian higher education,” said Owen R. Youngman, chair of the committee and a North Park trustee. “We evaluated nominations and applications from more than 50 qualified candidates with deep Christian faith and distinguished careers, both inside and outside the academy. Mary is the right person to lead the University at this important juncture.”

“The Board sought a candidate who combines knowledge of higher education, an abiding belief in the mission of North Park, and a deep and ongoing connection to the Covenant Church,” said Dr. Kristine Strand, North Park’s board chair. “Mary’s proven ability to secure critical resources for students, faculty and staff, and her recent success in overseeing undergraduate admissions, will serve the campus, the Church, and our many constituents well for years to come.”

Surridge’s previous higher education experience includes several years as an associate director of planned and major gifts at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois; director of residence life and student activities at Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin; and dean of students at Marian College (now Marian University) in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. She holds a B.S. in communications from Northwestern and an M.S. in student personnel administration from Concordia. She and her husband Jack, North Park’s longtime athletic director, are members of North Park Covenant Church near the University’s North Side campus.

“It’s been my privilege to work with our devoted alumni and friends for over two decades,” she said. “I have deep respect for the legacy of North Park and broad confidence in its future.”

Surridge, 55, would succeed 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 Ana FundukPosted on Categories Announcement, News, StoriesTags , ,

Real Stories of NPU: College in the City

“I left India when I was 17 to start college. Initially, it was hard to be away from home, but I was intentional about becoming involved with the campus community. As an international student, I don’t have family here, but North Park has become a family to me.”

Esther Uputuri, Nursing and Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership, “I left India when I was 17 to start college. North Park is equipping me with resources to overcome challenges, better myself, and move one step closer to my dream every day. My professors are very encouraging and willing to help. Initially, it was hard to be away from home, but I was intentional about becoming involved with the campus community. As an international student, I don’t have family here, but North Park has become a family to me."

Esther Uputuri is a Junior earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership. She is also a resident assistant, student ambassador, president of the South Asia Cultural Club, and member of the Nonprofit Club and International Justice Mission.

“I left India when I was 17 to start college.

I always thought I would come to the U.S. for my masters or for vacation, but I never expected to for my undergrad. It was definitely God-led. God, at the right time, brought people into my life to encourage me. When I arrived on my flight ten days before the semester started, it was a new beginning, and I was looking forward to seeing how my life would play out.

Living and studying in the middle of a large, world-class city has given me an opportunity to experience an urban perspective on life—to study and understand the fast-paced lifestyle and socio-economic diversity. City life gives me endless opportunities; whether they be vocational or educational, arts or entertainment, work or worship, I get to have a hands-on experience in the city. Access to more internships and other career-boosting experiences also adds to the appeal.

North Park is equipping me with resources to overcome challenges, better myself, and move one step closer to my dream every single day. My professors are amazing, especially the nursing and nonprofit professors. They are very encouraging and willing to help. Initially, it was hard to be away from home, but I was intentional about becoming involved with the campus community. As an international student, I don’t have family here, but North Park has become a family to me.

Living by yourself will challenge you in a lot of ways, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and it helps you reflect on who you are and what you have learned. It’s a tough world, and North Park is preparing me to be more independent.”

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

Decision Day: What to Consider

National Decision Day is May 1st. Here are five criteria other North Park students have considered to help you make your decision.

Deciding where to spend the next four years earning your degree and building relationships is not a light task, especially when you’ve been accepted into multiple colleges and can only choose one. Here are five criteria other North Park students have considered to help you make your decision.

Cost

Attending college can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Make sure you look at what kinds of scholarships the school offers and check for other merit or academic-based scholarships. There are also multiple websites where you can find essay or no-essay scholarships. North Park recognizes the financial burden college poses, but its commitment to affordability makes it easy to find your value here.

Commitment to Affordability

Prospective students learn how North Park University engages the city of Chicago

Location and Distance from Home

Distance from home can be a tricky one. Your parents might want you close, and you can choose whether you want that or not. North Park’s location in a major U.S. city makes it easy to travel home to anywhere in the country by plane, train, or automobile. Another aspect to take into consideration is what surrounds the school. Is it in a major city? Small town? Middle of nowhere? Consider the environment that you want around you. North Park offers a mid-town oasis in the middle of a world-class city.

Our City

Academic Majors, Programs, and Reputation

Be sure that the schools you have been accepted into have the majors and programs that you want to study. It is also worth looking at the variety of programs that a school has if you are undecided so that you can take a wide range of courses to find your major. Also, remember to consider the academic reputation of the school. If two schools check the first two boxes, find out which areas each school is recognized for and put that against your course of study.

Academics at North Park

Social Atmosphere

Whether or not you are a socialite, the social life and atmosphere is a top priority among those considering North Park. Learn more about people on campus who organize social events for students. Narrow down what is a need and a want in terms of living community, career advancement opportunities, and religious life.

Student Engagement

Extracurricular Activities

A wide range of extracurricular activities is an important consideration. Clubs, organizations, and intramural sports should all supplement your education by providing a relaxing or engaging time outside of the classroom. Making an impact means becoming connected and filling your time between and after classes surrounded by your peers in other, creative capacities.

Student Activities

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Blog, StoriesTags , ,

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