Category: Stories

Summer Camp Retrospective: Students’ Service

Three students share their experiences in summer camp leadership roles, in part made possible by North Park’s Camp Grant.

This summer, North Park students were active, participating in NPRESS, summer courses, Kids College, and serving at Covenant Camps nation-wide. Three students shared their experiences from their camps in their respective roles, in part made possible by North Park’s Camp Grant, awarded to students who serve at Covenant summer camps.

Barrett Loehrer – Lake Beauty Covenant Bible Camp, MN

I found myself in a unique situation at the beginning of the summer. I needed to decide between working at camp for the summer, or maintaining my double major in biblical and theological studies and exercise science. After a couple months of painful prayer and discernment, I felt this summer at camp was one I could not miss. God continually pointed me forward to the summer at camp. I lived here for the 2014-2015 school year as part of Solid Rock School of Discipleship. However, I had never worked for Lake Beauty before.

Our theme for the summer was “Set Free”, based upon the text of Galatians 5:1. Indeed, I personally felt set free in new ways, along with the rest of the summer staff. However, it was seeing kids set free in powerful ways that made the summer worth it. The campers were set free to vulnerably share their struggles with sin and difficult questions with one another, allowing even greater freedom through prayer together about such things.

It was impossible for us to predict how any camper, or which ones, would react to the preaching of the Gospel. It became apparent to me once again that I was not in control, though I sometimes wanted to be. This summer God reminded me that He is sovereign over everything and that everything, including our calling to salvation, is entirely dependent upon His mercy.

Hannah Geil – Cascades Camp and Conference Center, WA

I have successfully worked at camp for three summers now. I vividly remember sitting on the corner of my bed in Anderson, watching one of my good friends apply to work at a camp that was only four hours away from my home. She shared stories of how exciting it would be to venture away and serve God in the middle of the wilderness. This gave me flashbacks to when I had attended that camp for small retreats and I relived the joy those gatherings brought me in high school.

My first year I worked as a counselor. This is a special role that can truly show you what it means to pour out everything for Jesus, loving your kids 23 hours a day for every day they’re in your cabin. My second year I worked as an S.A.L.T. Crew Leader. This meant my partner and I were assigned high school students who were transitioning from being campers to being leaders and guides in the cabins and around camp. It was a summer that revived my love of helping high school students and reminded me how good my God is.

Finally, this summer I worked as a Rec. Leader for a 4th-6th grade section. The Program Leader and I kept the camp moving along. We were the support system for the counselors, ensuring that they and their campers made it through the day smoothly. I oversaw the planning and leading of all the games and activities for the kids, making camp as fun and exciting as possible for the kids. It was one of the most rewarding summers for me. I saw just how awesome God was using each counselor to teach these kids more about him. It was incredible to see counselors turn into screaming children full of face paint, engage kids with the Bible, or moved to tears as they said goodbye to campers each week. No matter how rough the cabin was or how exhausted the counselor was, they always wished they had more time to love on their kids.

Kaylyn Sweitzer – Mission Meadows Bible Camp, NY

This summer I had the honor and privilege of being the Jr. Staff Director. The Jr. Staff are full-time summer staff members of high school age that are hired on as the kitchen and cleaning crew. I mentored them in that way, but I also guided them spiritually and emotionally, leading them in the direction of pursuing counseling once they’re older.

God showed up in so many instances this summer: while listening to the tolls of the Chautauqua Bell Tower during First Word by the flagpole (at 7:45 am), late night staff worships, daily chapel sessions, within every gorgeous Chautauqua sunset, and especially in the changed hearts and minds of both campers and staff. It was so refreshing and exciting to see young people encounter Christ for the first time, and it was a real privilege and blessing to play such a large role and have so much influence in our campers’ lives. God used us staff members to change campers’ hearts and to draw them closer to Him – what a spectacular thing to witness and be a part of.

My co-director and I both firmly believe in leading by example, and honestly, some of my best memories from my time at camp this summer involved moments in the kitchen. I found myself looking forward to spraying sticky maple syrup off of dozens of plates if it meant being able to belt along to the soundtracks of “La La Land” and “High School Musical” while doing so. The joy and satisfaction I receive from sharing the Light of Christ with young people are incomparable.

North Park University’s Camp Grant has been around for over 20 years, encouraging North Parkers to serve at Covenant Camps during their summers. The grant provides a financial incentive and promotes North Park’s goal of Living Lives of Significance and Service by making summer work experiences at Covenant Camps more financially viable. The grant is awarded to those who display a servant attitude and are positive role models for campers and staff.

Keep serving at camp on your radar for this upcoming summer! Check out a list of covenant camps by following the button below!

Covenant Camps

NPU Camp Grant

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories StoriesTags , , , ,

North Park Embraces Wearable Technology with Launch of Snapchat Tours

Learn about North Park’s new Snap Spectacles and where you might see them next!

Snapchat: North Park’s New Spectacle

North Park University is expanding its social media presence and capabilities with the use of Snapchat Spectacles. Since the launch of North Park’s Snapchat a little over a year ago, the platform has consistently gathered the University’s fastest-growing social media following. Excited to connect with current students and the students of tomorrow, North Park has recently added Snapchat Spectacles to its arsenal. These “snap specs” are sunglasses with cameras and sensors built directly into the frame.

NPUSocial Social Media Page

How it works

An LED light indicator prominently displays when the wearer is taking the 10-second videos which are recorded at the touch of a button. The Spectacles are connected via a smartphone, and the videos recorded are then uploaded to North Park’s Snapchat Story. Snapchat has over 173 million active global daily users, and the Spectacles will help North Park utilize Snapchat on the go. This wearable technology gives us an innovative way to reach hundreds of prospective and current students already using Snapchat on a daily basis.

What to Expect

The Spectacles have already been in use over Homecoming weekend where we captured footage of alumni and current students participating in the day’s events and on the field at North Park’s Holmgren Athletic Complex. Student ambassadors will also wear the Spectacles during select campus tours, an excellent way for prospective students to engage in tours that they might not be able to attend. The opportunities are endless, and soon you may see “spec snaps” showcasing students, University events, or new programs like Catalyst 606__.

Coming Soon . . .

Make sure to look for the first Snapchat tour, this Friday, September 22nd!

Plus . . . new filters will soon be available on campus featuring more graphics and Ragnar, our Mascot.

Add North Park On Snapchat

Find out more about Spectacles

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

Dr. Timothy Johnson, “Healthcare: A Prediction”

Watch video footage of Dr. Timothy Johnson’s talk concerning the future of American healthcare.

September 14, 2017 — North Park University welcomed longtime ABC medical editor and North Park grad Dr. Timothy Johnson to discuss the future of American Health Care with NPU students.

The student-only event was held in the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, the building named in honor of Dr. Johnson and his wife. “We are extraordinarily privileged to benefit from Dr. Johnson’s vast knowledge of healthcare, and his willingness to share his insights, gained over a lifetime of service, with our students who are just starting their life’s work,” said North Park Interim President Carl Balsam. “We hope this will inspire many of our students to follow in his footsteps.”

The event was attended by over 200 students and was live streamed on North Park’s Facebook page.

watch video

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

Undergrads Dive Deep into Majors for Summer Research Program

A select group of North Park students took part in the NPRESS mentoring program, working alongside their professors while conducting in-depth research in their fields of study.

CHICAGO (September 13, 2017) — For the third summer in a row, a select group of North Park University undergraduate students took part in an intensive mentoring program, working alongside North Park professors while conducting in-depth research in their given academic fields.

Called the North Park Research Experience for Students (NPRESS), the program allows undergrads to receive the type of guidance and research opportunities typically available only in graduate programs.

As part of the eight-week program, funded by North Park donors, students receive a $3,500 stipend, $500 materials allowance and free on-campus housing while conducting research for their theses.

Both the student and faculty mentor explore ideas together during the application process and throughout the two months of hands-on research, said NPRESS Co-Director Dr. Rajkumar Boaz Johnson. “The program allows deeper learning between students and faculty.”

Twelve students, all incoming sophomores, juniors or seniors, were selected for this summer’s program.

On Aug. 30, five of them presented their theses to NPRESS donors, alumni, and faculty at a dinner in the Helwig Boardroom.

Representing majors from History and Global Studies, Exercise Science, Biomedical Sciences, Biology, and Economics, the students discussed their theses and answered questions from the audience. Through their rigorous research, students made connections on themes involving theology of lament and J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel Legendarium, exercise science and velocity data, interactive learning tools and host-pathogen interactions, genes and unicellular alga, and lure of perceptions versus evidence and fact on inventory and cash/financial performance.

Business and Economics major Jomarie Perlas delved deep into making connections between perception of value and actual value in researching inventory.

“Conducting market research and a survey helped to provide insight into inventory management, an area I’m interested in,” Perlas said.

Biology major Haydee Ramirez said the relationship she formed with her mentor, Dr. Yoojin Choi, helped her prepare for her presentation.

“Getting all the research condensed into 10 to 12 minutes that a general audience can understand was a challenge, but my mentor Dr. Choi was there to work with me,” Ramirez said.

Dr. Johnson developed the program to offer undergraduate students a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience that encompassed research, writing, and presenting.

Inspired by the program, participants like 2016 NPRESS participant Hannah Hawkinson, who studied feminist theology and social justice, is now pursuing a Master’s of Divinity degree at Princeton Theological Seminary.

The NPRESS Committee expressed their gratitude to the donors and the board for making the program possible and for providing North Park students with another avenue to connect academic interests with real-life experiences.

Acceptance into NPRESS is based on an evaluation by North Park’s Undergraduate Research Committee (URC), which examines student merit, outcome, and commitment to 40 hours of research per week. The application deadline for Summer 2018 will be this spring, and applications are open to faculty and undergraduate students of all disciplines. Inquiries can be made with URC Chair Dr. Yoojin Choi .

 

Read Presentations

Author onlinemediaPosted on Categories StoriesTags , ,

Story Behind North Park’s Mascot

Contrary to popular belief, Ragnar made his first voyage across the Atlantic with famous Viking Leif Erikson.

Contrary to popular belief, Ragnar made his first voyage across the Atlantic with famous Viking, Leif Erikson. Since his brief stay in North America, Ragnar has since moved back to the north of Sweden. Because of North Park’s Swedish heritage, SGA decided to send out applications to Sweden when searching for a Mascot.

Whether by word of mouth or Viking sail mail, word reached Ragnar, and he applied for the position. “It’s really great to know that we have a real Viking on our hands. We knew the search would be difficult, but Ragnar was prompt in his response. He’s youthful for his age,” commented former SGA President.

On condition of anonymity, Ragnar also added that he requested special transport by “aeroplane” as his previous journey across the Atlantic “was sickening.”

Ragnar has received a healthy amount of exposure on North Park social media since his move earlier this year as the SGA Spirit Team is ensuring that Ragnar remains in employment for years to come. “It’s nice to see that in his millennium, he is still able to rally the millennials and we can’t wait to see what he’ll do for the crowds this coming fall,” said Alex Coleman, Interim Director of Student Activities.

*Facts may have been altered or fictionalized for the purposes of a funny story; live a little.

BlueandGoldDay

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Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Blog, StoriesTags , , ,

Honoring the Service of WWII North Parkers

70 years ago, Rev. Eric Hawkinson and North Park College students, family, and friends stood over a bronze plaque on the back side of campus, inscribed: “Dedicated to the Memory of Alumni and Students of North Park College Who Gave Their Lives in the Service of Their Country During World War II.”

70 years ago, Rev. Eric Hawkinson and North Park College students, family, and friends stood over a bronze plaque on the back side of campus, inscribed: “Dedicated to the Memory of Alumni and Students of North Park College Who Gave Their Lives in the Service of Their Country During World War II.” After a number of years, the plaque was removed from its stand and placed into storage.

Names included on the plaque are: John Alfons, Quinton Almquist, Robert A. Anderson, Glenn Asp, Arthur F. Bailey, Louis Ballard, Bruce Birk, Harvey M. Brandriss, Bruce Brink, John Cadwallader, Irving Colburn, Bernard Corman, Thomas Couston, Roger Cross, David Duket, Paul Duncan, Philip A. Erby, Roy W. Erickson, Roger Fischer, William Gibhardt, Walter Goeske, Rolland Gustafson, Robert J. Hensel, Howard Hirsch, Robert Horn, James E. Ireland, James Johnson, Elmer Julius, Socrates Limber, Donald Lindquist, H. Burton Lovgren, Robert J. Margolis, Walter McGaw, Spero Melidones, Allan Peterson, Judson Richter, Glenn Rohden, Robert Schmidt, Roger Schoessling, William Schulze, Robert Stetson, Donald Sundstrom, William Swanson, Charles Taylor, and Robert Whiting.

During Dr. John Laukaitis’ research on North Park in the Second World War, he stumbled upon this artifact in the school’s archives. “I came across the World War II memorial plaque in the F.M. Johnson Archives and Special Collections last summer. Removed at some point and stored, the memorial plaque, heavily tarnished, showed its age,” said Dr. Laukaitis in an article he wrote to be published for the Covenant History Newsletter, used by his permission. This research and discovery of the plaque drove Dr. Laukaitis into writing a chapter in a book he is editing, Denominational Higher Education During World War II (Palgrave Macmillan).

“I shared drafts of the chapter with colleagues and students, including student veteran Nico Canete,” said Dr. Laukaitis. Nicholas Canete, Class of 2018, is a student veteran, who served in the Navy, beginning his school career in 2015 after his enlistment contract expired. “Nine months before my arrival on campus, I was on an aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf as we were launching air strikes against ISIS every day. Suddenly, I was sitting in the comfort of a college classroom where the conversation was mostly theoretical,” Canete wrote for the same article. When he heard of the plaque, Canete jumped on the opportunity and spoke to interim President Carl Balsam to have the plaque restored and reinstalled.

Canete also wrote about his transition from fighting ISIS on an aircraft carrier to sitting in a lecture hall, “what made that first year easier for me was the people at North Park. North Park’s community has welcomed me to the fullest extent of its hospitality. The reinstallation of the World War II memorial plaque is an example of this generosity. For my fellow student veteran friends and me on campus, some of whom have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, the plaque represents the University’s commitment to honoring and supporting those who have served.”

Dr. John Laukaitis and Nico Canete invite you to join with them and the North Park Community for a rededication on the 70th anniversary of the plaque’s initial instillation. The ceremony will be held at Isaacson Chapel at 6 pm on September 15 where each of the 45 fallen will be honored by name and any other information available.

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

Questions to Ask at College Fairs

How to get to know a school through a few simple questions.

Choosing a college or university can be a tough decision and one that will dictate how the next years of your life will play out. College fairs are a great place to search for schools and ask admissions counselors tough questions about their institutions. Because of the limited amount of time, and the fact that there are probably hundreds of other students looking to talk to the same counselor, here are a few questions that’ll get the most useful information out of your few minutes of conversation.

What’s the student-to-faculty ratio?

By asking this question, you already learn a few key things about the school. The first being the amount of time and dedication your professors will have to enhance and further your learning experience; the smaller the ratio, the more hands-on you will be with your faculty. Additionally, it shows you the value the University places on your relationship with your professors.

How new are the facilities?

Ask this question and you’ll be able to gauge the school’s budget and the amount they’re willing to invest into your education.

What is the culture like?

From here, you’ll be able to find out what type of extracurricular activities are available and the amount of value placed on life experience outside of rigorous academics. You should also be able to find out what the best living option is, on or off campus, as well as get an understanding of the surrounding city or area.

What are the most popular majors/programs?

Finding out what the school specializes in, or what is most popular, can give you an idea of what life will be like at the school and later on in your job search. This can also be what makes the school special, why it’s unique, and why you might be likely to attend.

What is (insert interest or favorite pastime here) like?

We all have that one thing that we love: sports, reading, gaming, or political or religious discussion and debate. Ask the admissions counselor how your interests or favorite pastimes are addressed at their school, and weigh it against others to see if it’s a good fit for you.

 

Remember, most colleges and universities will have things like financial aid, tuition and fees, residential buildings, and other empirical information easily accessible on their websites. Use the time with the admissions counselors to make that personal connection with the school which can’t be found on their website.

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Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Blog, StoriesTags , ,

Gathering Day, Fall 2017: Coming Together, Looking Forward

Tuesday, August 22, was Gathering Day for North Park faculty and staff.

Tuesday, August 22, members of North Park University’s faculty and staff gathered in Anderson Chapel for a time of welcome and of looking forward to the year ahead. Interim President Carl Balsam encouraged faculty and staff to utilize this time of transition to come together in support of the priorities and mission of North Park. Members of the presidential search committee shared about the process and current status of the search for presidential candidates. New faculty and staff members were welcomed by name with warm applause.

All of this was followed by a worship service which both reflected on the challenges of this transitional time and gave uplifting direction for the journey ahead.

Welcome to Our New University Faculty

Keith Bakken, Associate Professor of Health Sciences
Melissa Pavlik, Assistant Professor of English & Director of the Writing Center
Carolyn Poterek, Assistant Professor of Education & Coordinator of Secondary and K-12 Programs
Gwendolyn Purifoye, Assistant Professor of Sociology
Daniel Walsh, Associate Professor/Coordinator of MA in Educational Leadership Program
Jessica Wardell, Assistant Professor of Theatre, Director of Design and Production

Welcome to Our New Seminary Faculty

Hauna Ondrey, Assistant Professor of Church History
Dwight Perry, Dean of Seminary Faculty and Professor of Homiletics and Leadership
Elizabeth Pierre, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care

Welcome to Our New Staff

Athletics
Mike Gravier, Associate Head Football Coach
Libby Scarlatos, Rowing Coach

Enrollment Management
Matt Bond, Transfer Admission Counselor
Michelle Carillo, Admission Counselor
Rosemary Cha, Data Entry Specialist
Emma Lundeen, Transfer Admission Counselor
Jose-Jose Palma, Assistant Director of Admission, Graduate and Adult Programs
Kara Sexton, Admission Counselor

Information Technology
Greg Neumarke, Systems Analyst

Office of Advancement
Marissa Kunkel, Annual Fund Manager

Physical Plant
Flavia Gutierrez, Housekeeper
Matthew Novak, Groundskeeper

Provost Office
Marcus Hill, Director, CRUX School of Discipleship Learning Community
Andrew Larson, Program Assistant, Catalyst Hub

School of Business and Nonprofit Management
Roman Motley, Project Assistant for the Lilly Endowment Grant

School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Kristine Aronsson, Director, Advising for Advanced Education in the Health Professions
Alexandra Blanchard, Operations Coordinator

Student Administrative Services
Hannah McCree, Student Services Specialist
Michelle Schumacher, Student Services Specialist

Student Engagement
Rebecca De Rose, Director of Student Activities
Laura Ebner, Student Success Learning Specialist
Miranda Lonzo, Intercultural Program Coordinator
Rachel Marten, Coordinator of Academic Advising and Faculty Liaison
Raevhann Rush, Resident Director
Kimberly Schiller, Wellness Education and Title IX Coordinator

University Marketing and Communications
Machaela Irving, Marketing & Communications Manager
Rebekah Putera, Web Content Manager

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories StoriesTags , ,

Book Announcement: The Hermeneutics of Hell, edited by Gregor Thuswaldner, Dean of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Humanities at North Park University

Palgrave Macmillan to release on August 27, 2017.

Palgrave Macmillan to publish The Hermeneutics of Hell: Visions and Representations of the Devil in World Literature, edited by Gregor Thuswaldner, Dean of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Humanities at North Park University.

Dr. THUSWALDNER’s Profile

From the publisher

From the publisher:

“This collection of essays analyzes global depictions of the devil from theological, Biblical, and literary perspectives, spanning the late Middle Ages to the 21st century. The chapters explore demonic representations in the literary works of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Dante Alighieri, Charles Baudelaire, John Milton, H.P. Lovecraft, and Cormac McCarthy, among others. The text examines other media such as the operas Orfeo and Erminia sul Giordano and the television shows Breaking Bad, The Sopranos, and Mad Men.

The Hermeneutics of Hell, featuring an international set of established and up-and-coming authors, masterfully examines the evolution of the devil from the Biblical accounts of the Middle Ages to the individualized presence of the modern world.”

Palgrave Macmillan

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

How to Choose A Major

Not sure on your direction?

Choosing a major is not something to take lightly. Knowing exactly what you want to do after graduation and the kind of direction that gives is important and helpful. What if you don’t have this same sense of direction? Don’t worry, colleges around the country have students entering with undecided majors. However, North Park’s commitment to preparing you for a life of significance and service offers you many people and steps to follow so that you can find the perfect degree to make a difference.

Career and Development Office.

To get you started, our Career Development and Internships Office (CDIO) has many resources to help you choose the right major to fast-track you through North Park’s rigorous academic programs. They have everything from career counseling to a Career Planning Course for those who want to explore potential careers. Anyone in the CDIO office would also love to chat with you and answer any questions you have concerning your potential career.

Talk to your faculty advisor!

All North Park students are assigned a faculty advisor regardless of their major declaration status. Your advisors have also been through college, some of them were probably undecided at one point as well, or saw their life going in a different direction; they’ve experienced what you have. This is part of what makes student-faculty relationships so great; they are ready and available to answer any of your questions, or just to offer a listening ear.

Stop a student on campus.

Either during your visit or after you’ve enrolled in classes, you’ll find many current students on the green spaces around campus. Being a small university, the student body is tight-knit, open, and friendly. Chat with an upper-class student about how they chose their major.

Learn More

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Blog, StoriesTags , ,