North Park has served five generations of students and continues to grow in diversity, academic relevance, and Christian commitment. Our Chicago location is a great asset that reflects the School’s global reach and outlook.
After 125 years, we’ve learned how to streamline the process of helping qualified applicants seek admission to North Park and find affordable ways to attend. If you don’t see what you’re looking for on our website, please contact us directly!
North Park offers more than 40 graduate and undergraduate programs in liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. Classes average 17 students. 84% of our faculty have terminal degrees. Academics here are rigorous and results-oriented.
North Park Theological Seminary prepares you to answer the call to service through theological study, spiritual development, and the formative experiences of living in a community with others on a similar life path.
The Office of Alumni Engagement fosters lifelong connections by engaging alumni with the university and one another in activities, programs, and services that support the university’s mission and alumni needs.
University Convocation Honors North Park Faculty and Staff
Under the direction of Dr. Julia Davids, the University Choir performed at this year's University Convocation service. The choir will be on tour this fall, October 17–19, in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Ceremony includes recognition of scholarly works and installation of interim administrators
CHICAGO (September 23, 2014) — The North Park University community gathered in Anderson Chapel on Monday, September 22, for its University Convocation, an annual ceremony that honors the achievements of faculty and staff.
“I have a handful of favorite days of the year here at North Park, and this day is certainly one of them,” said University President Dr. David Parkyn. “Often we think of teaching and learning and it is focused on students. But today we flip the classroom, flip the recognition, and focus on faculty and staff who are committed to pursuing their calling at North Park.”
The ceremony announced newly promoted and tenured faculty, and recognized faculty and staff who have recently published books, articles, and other scholarly and creative work, including plays, reviews, recordings, staged exhibitions, art installations, and other performances. A full list of these accomplishments is available online.
Dr. Jodi Koslow Martin, vice president of student engagement, along with Parkyn, led the installation of two interim administrators, Dr. Craig R. Johnson, interim provost, and Neale Murray, interim associate provost. “We need the expertise and skills, the passion, and the commitment you bring to this place,” Parkyn said. “We are thankful you have chosen to serve with us and we commit to be your colleagues.”
The University Choir and the Chamber Singers each performed during the ceremony, both under the direction of Dr. Julia Davids, director of choral activities, who was also recognized for her promotion to associate professor in the School of Music.
Nancy and Dr. Tim Johnson accepted the honor of cutting the ribbon at Friday’s Johnson Center dedication ceremony.
North Park University dedicates Johnson Center for Science and Community Life
CHICAGO (September 18, 2014) — On Friday, September 12, a large crowd gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony on the campus green in front of the new Johnson Center for Science and Community Life. “Good friends, we have anticipated for a long time this historic event in our life together at North Park,” University President Dr. David Parkyn said. “It’s time to get out your cameras to capture this moment.”
It has been two years since the groundbreaking for the Johnson Center, and fundraising for this next chapter of North Park University began well before that with Campaign North Park, North Park’s nationally recognized fundraising effort. Many people who played a crucial role in bringing the building to a reality, including alumni, students, staff, and friends of the University, were on hand to witness a collection of moments from this weekend’s dedication.
The first of those began earlier Friday, with the Medicine and Media Symposium in Anderson Chapel. Dr. G. Timothy Johnson, alumnus and co-chair of Campaign North Park, led a panel that included his former colleague, ABC News anchor Charles Gibson, and former dean of Harvard Medical School Dr. Joseph Martin. The three thought leaders discussed a variety of topics, including the role of media in health care, the state of health care in this country, and predictions for its future. The camaraderie between the three was evident. Gibson noted that it is a great honor to have a building named after you, but a university does itself a service by choosing to honor individuals as great as the Johnsons. “They are two of the finest people I have ever known,” Gibson said.
(Top) Dr. Tim Johnson, Charles Gibson, and Dr. Joseph Martin at Friday’s symposium. (Center) Dr. Jonathan Rienstra-Kiracofe talks about new science technology with community members during Saturday’s Open House. (Bottom) Dr. Johnson lectures in the Johnson Center’s new Hendrickson Lecture Hall on Monday morning. See more photos from Friday’s events.
After the symposium, the crowd moved to the campus green in front of the Johnson Center for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Carl Balsam, executive vice president and chief financial officer, and the two co-chairs of Campaign North Park, David S. Helwig and Dr. Johnson, spoke of the many pieces that were vital to the success of the project. Mary Surridge, vice president of development and alumni relations, affirmed the campaign’s “promise to ensure the educational and spiritual advancement of North Park’s mission.” Parkyn then announced to the crowd as the Johnsons cut through the blue and yellow ribbon: “I am deeply pleased to declare the Johnson Center for Science and Community Life to be officially open for learning.”
Moments like this continued throughout the weekend, including a festival following the ribbon cutting, and a dinner for President’s Club members in Hamming Hall. At the dinner, Parkyn told the story of the dedication of Old Main, the first building on campus, 120 years ago this month. North Park’s leaders spoke then of “a work just beginning,” and Parkyn urged the crowd to “cast our vision beyond the horizon” and see North Park as still “a work just beginning.” Parkyn added, “Tonight is a turning point in the history of North Park. The University stands taller today than she has ever stood, because today she stands on your shoulders.”
On Saturday, the Johnson Center was opened to the public for a Community Open House, with guided tours for alumni, students, and the surrounding community, as well as an event for thirty-five prospective students. Among the group gathered to catch a glimpse of the new building was another set of Johnsons: alumni Anders and Samantha, and future North Parker, three-year-old Bjorn. “We’ve watched the building go up from the time it was just a hole in the ground,” said Anders. “Together with the library and the green space, this is a further extension of the growth and beauty, as well as the educational opportunities, at North Park. So many of our friends and classmates went on to become doctors. For a small school, North Park makes a pretty significant contribution.”
On Monday morning, Johnson returned the focus of the new building to its core mission of educating North Park’s students with a lecture to undergraduates from across the University. Johnson reflected on his journey from North Park through the medical and media fields. “You are sitting here today and you might have a pretty good idea what you’re going to do,” Johnson said. “I want you to label that blueprint ‘To Be Announced.’ You will make decisions that will lead you in a number of different directions. You will get a great education while you are here. And hear me when I say, don’t be afraid of the future.”
Johnson Center Provides Best Equipment and State-of-the-Art Technology, Transforms Lab Management Program
The Johnson Center includes 40 Smart classrooms and laboratories to enhance teaching and learning.
CHICAGO, IL (September 12, 2014) — When Chicago’s North Park University conceived the new Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, they utilized “big-picture” thinking to ensure that the science faculty had strong input in the design process. The faculty worked closely with the architects and the lab planners to make the new facility “the very best it could possibly be,” said Dr. Jon Rienstra-Kiracofe, professor and chair of the Chemistry Department, who served as lead faculty liaison on the project.
From proper ventilation needs, cutting edge audio and visual technology, to ensuring every lab is ADA compliant for wheelchair accessibility, the $45 million building, which is anticipated to achieve LEED Gold status, features more than $850,000 in state-of-the-art science equipment. Laboratories were designed for many disciplines of study including molecular genetics, zoology, microscopy, laser spectroscopy, and anatomy—including a cadaver lab.
Faculty and staff worked closely with HERA (Health Education and Research Associates) to do an initial assessment of what laboratory and classroom spaces were needed. “The Johnson Center for Science and Community Life is a complete experience for students,” said Rienstra-Kiracofe, who has been at North Park University since 2007. “The facility is packed with smart classrooms that are truly among the best any school has to offer, with each classroom equipped with HDTVs, interactive TVs, writable screens, lecture capture, and wireless display capabilities.” Indeed, Vernier Technologies, which supplied much of the lab equipment said they know of “only one other university in the nation who has put together labs of this caliber,” according to Rienstra-Kiracofe.
The Johnson Center also offers fully modern laboratory spaces for biology, chemistry, and physics. “Many of the lab spaces are also equipped with smart classroom AV technology, creating smart labs. The smart lab technology can interface with lab equipment at each student’s bench, creating interactive smart—or ‘super-smart’—labs that are unparalleled virtually anywhere in the nation.”
Chemistry professor Dr. Isabel Larraza sets up the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) machine in the Johnson Center.
Equipment purchases even included a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) machine which is an analytical chemistry technique used in for determining molecular structure. Often used in graduate study or in industry, having an NMR machine in the classroom is rare for a school of North Park’s size.
With a strong emphasis on safety, the new equipment and facility has allowed the University to totally transform its lab management program as well, including the creation of a new Chemical Hygiene Officer/Lab Safety Officer (CHO/LSO) position, making North Park’s science programs safe and environmentally responsible.
As a rule-of-thumb, academic science labs are generally updated every 40 years. “We had a ‘wish list’ and a vast majority of what we wanted to accomplish was achieved,” Rienstra-Kiracofe said. “We paid attention to make sure the space, facility, and infrastructure were built to incorporate changes for the future as well.”
That sentiment was echoed by Dr. G. Timothy Johnson, the North Park alumnus for whom the building was named, who said, “Obviously, the knowledge and skill base in the sciences is constantly exploding with new developments. So while the new science building at North Park is currently ‘state of the art,’ the building will have to be constantly updated to meet new challenges in teaching and research. However, the current core science faculty is outstanding and will, I am sure, be up to the task of keeping North Park’s science programs up to date in the years ahead.”
For more information about Dedication Celebration activities for the Johnson Center, September 12 and 13, 2014, including ribbon-cutting, a community open house, and a Medicine & Media Symposium featuring Dr. Johnson, ABC’s Charles Gibson, and Dr. Joseph Martin, visit North Park online. Both the symposium and ribbon-cutting ceremonies will also be available to watch online at www.northpark.edu/live.
The Johnson Center was named after two North Park alumni and longtime friends of the University who “exemplify North Park’s dedication to ‘educating students for lives of significance and service,’” according to University president, Dr. David Parkyn.
Dr. G. Timothy Johnson served as chief medical editor for ABC News from 1984 to 2010, and became one of America’s best-known physicians, providing award-winning on-air medical analysis on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, Nightline, and 20/20. He still serves as senior medical correspondent for ABC News. Nancy Johnson trained as a nurse at the Swedish Covenant Hospital School of Nursing, which included completing science courses at North Park.
Groundbreaking commenced in October 2012 after a successful Campaign North Park development effort, which included more than 11,000 donors, and construction was completed in August 2014. The Johnson Center was designed by longtime architectural partner to the University, VOA Associates Inc., and built by W.B. Olson, Inc.
The Johnson Center features Smart technology in the classrooms and laboratories, including lecture-capture capabilities, real-time sharing of data for collaboration and group activity, HDTV interactive SmartPodiums, and wireless airplay from iPads. Every lab is ADA compliant for wheelchair accessibility, and the building features more than $850,000 in state-of-the-art science equipment, plus areas for many disciplines of study including molecular genetics, zoology, microscopy, and anatomy—with a cadaver lab.
The new equipment and facility have allowed the University to totally transform the lab management program, making it "safe and environmentally responsible," according to Dr. Jon Rienstra-Kiracofe, professor and chair of the Chemistry Department, who was lead faculty liaison for the Johnson Center design charrettes. These charrettes provided input to the building design from North Park University faculty, staff, students, and board members. Dr. Rienstra-Kiracofe will also teach a class in environmental chemistry utilizing some of the building-specific LEED technology.
The design provides a variety of options for collaboration and socializing, including “pods” to support student/faculty research and discussion, a balcony and student lounge overlooking the first floor entryway, Bickner Bistro with Einstein Bros Bagels, three seating areas with a fireplace, and seminar and conference rooms with catering capabilities for on-site events. There is also a dedicated Prayer Room, which features a cross and bench hand-crafted in a symbolic gesture of “transformation” using wood from a Mulberry tree that was removed prior to construction of the building.
Dedication Celebration activities are schedule for September 12 and 13, 2014, including ribbon-cutting, a community open house and a Medicine & Media Symposium featuring Dr. Johnson, ABC’s Charles Gibson, and Dr. Joseph Martin. The symposium and ribbon cutting will also be available to watch online at www.northpark.edu/live.
Sustainability a Priority at North Park University Johnson Center for Science and Community Life
Sustainability features include a “green roof” on the Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, which not only promotes stewardship but provides a real-life laboratory for environmental science students at North Park University.
CHICAGO, IL (September 9, 2014) – When the new Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life was being conceived as an integral part of North Park University’s campus, sustainability was a critically important component to the overall design and use of the building. North Park worked closely with longtime architectural partner, VOA Associates Inc., to conceive what has been designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, which establishes criteria for the construction of sustainable buildings.
“Environmental stewardship and sustainability within our urban campus setting was one of our main objectives,” said Carl Balsam, executive vice president and chief financial officer of North Park University.
LEED-certified buildings are designed to lower operating costs, reduce waste sent to landfills during construction and operation, conserve energy and water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase asset value. Utilizing a LEED checklist of targeted sustainable solutions, North Park University was able to provide the best environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors, while also minimizing waste, reducing toxins, lowering potential energy bills and operating costs, and achieving healthier indoor air quality.
Throughout the design process, participants in design charrettes—which included scientists, faculty, staff and administrators, and students—gave input to the architectural team for the design of a building that would create a space for all students, optimize outdoor space and daylight, as well as meet sustainability goals. That design is evident in the two-story atrium, and lobby, which encourages gathering and social interaction.
A number of sustainable solutions were implemented throughout design and construction phases. The Johnson Center is on track to achieve LEED Gold status. The sustainable points achieved as regulated by LEED include Sustainable Site; Water Efficiency; Energy and Atmosphere; Materials and Resources; Indoor Environmental Quality and Innovation and Design Process.
Uniquely, many aspects of the Johnson Center LEED certification will be studied and taught as part of the environmental science major and chemistry major curriculum at North Park. Specifically, the “Introduction to Environmental Science” class taught by Dr. Al Bjorkman and the “Environmental Chemistry” taught by Dr. Jon Rienstra-Kiracofe will study the various components that comprise the Johnson Center’s LEED Gold status, such as the green roof and energy efficiency and sustainable technologies.
Storm water runoff was abated utilizing a green roof, storm water collection, retention and re-use, and vegetated detention areas. Native and adaptive landscaping will help reduce irrigation needs. In addition to the green roof, high albedo, white thermoplastic roof membrane was used to reduce heat absorption and minimize the urban heat island effect.
Because North Park University’s urban location provides easy access to multiple public transportation options, exemplary transit related LEED credits were obtained.
The Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence recognizes nonprofits serving the seven-county Chicago region who exemplify outstanding nonprofit management practices. Applicants are evaluated for their strength in the Hallmarks of Nonprofit Managerial Excellence℠: mission and program; leadership and governance; strategy and innovation; human resources; financial strength and performance; resource generation and external relations; and accountability and integrity.
The Alford-Axelson Award is named for the leadership and legacies of Nils G. Axelson, a devoted community health care leader and visionary, and Jimmie R. Alford, a leading contemporary thinker and practitioner in the nonprofit arena. Winners of the 2015 Alford-Axelson Award will receive a cash prize of at least $5,000. Recent winners include Chicago Community Loan Fund and Literature for All of Us (2014); Concordia Place and Between Friends (2013); and Center on Halsted and Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation (2012).
“Nonprofit organizations that win the Alford-Axelson award have demonstrated their ability not only to deliver programs and services, but to manage and lead their organizations in ways that contribute to overall sustainability,” said Pier Rogers, director of the Axelson Center. “A review committee comprised of nonprofit and civic leaders use the Hallmarks of Nonprofit Managerial Excellence to assess the organization’s management and leadership. Emerging as a winner after such scrutiny is a major accomplishment, which many of the past winners have proudly shared with their donors and other constituents.”
The Excellent Emerging Organization Award is presented to an up-and-coming nonprofit serving the Chicago region that shows its leadership through financial stability, sound management practices, strategic vision, and innovation in its programs and service delivery. Past winners include Waukegan to College (2014), Porchlight Conseling Services (2013), and Empowerment through Education and Exposure (2012).
“The Excellent Emerging Organization Award’s past winners demonstrate that small, new organizations can move towards nonprofit excellence,” said Rogers. “Having limited resources doesn’t negate the possibility of getting started on the right track with a vision of excellence and sustainability.”
The winner of the 2015 Excellent Emerging Organization Award will receive a $2,500 cash prize sponsored by MB Financial Bank and a capacity-building package that will support improvement of services and efficiency. Learn more and download the 2015 award application. Organizations interested in applying are also strongly encouraged to submit an intent to apply form prior to completing the application.
The Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management at North Park University is the source for informative and engaging nonprofit professional development in the Chicago region. Through workshops, an annual conference, and an intensive three-day program for new nonprofit executive directors and CEOs, the Axelson Center delivers a superior educational experience for nonprofit leaders, volunteers and frontline staff, covering a vast array of topics from program evaluation to strategic planning, and communications to financial management. The valuable information presented through these programs enhances the impact of both the nonprofit sector and its professional staff. Visit www.northpark.edu/axelson for more information, including a full schedule of upcoming programs.
Something for All Students at New Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life
The Johnson Center stands in the center of North Park’s campus in Chicago. It’s four levels are designed to facilitate both learning and community building.
CHICAGO, IL (August 28, 2014) — When classes started this past Monday at North Park University, students were eager to explore the new Johnson Center for Science and Community Life. Unique in its endeavor to combine the sciences with student life, the Johnson Center will offer something for everyone, not only science majors, but all students. That wide appeal was evident on Monday as both new and returning students came to investigate the new facility and its many offerings.
The new Johnson Center was designed with the whole student in mind. The physical structure enhances interaction among students from various disciplines of study, in a unique setting which features shared use of space between science and student engagement such as University Ministries, Career Development and Internships, Residence Life, and more. This design provides maximum opportunity to facilitate student, faculty, and staff interaction, which creates a better experience for everyone.
“The Johnson Center reflects North Park University’s commitment to educate the whole student, intellectually, personally, socially, and spiritually,” said North Park University president, Dr. David Parkyn. The building was named after North Park alumni, Dr. Tim and Nancy Johnson, who “exemplify North Park’s dedication to ‘educating students for lives of significance and service,’ according to Dr. Parkyn.
Students and families explored the Johnson Center as they arrived to campus for the start of the fall semester. The second floor provides a new view of campus and, on clear days, a view of the downtown Chicago skyline.
Parkyn participated in the collaborative, multi-year design process for the Johnson Center, which is anticipated to achieve LEED Gold certification for sustainable design. Input was sought from all interested parties, from students, faculty, and staff, to the Board of Trustees and the University’s senior leadership team. “The building’s design is consistent not only with our facility requirements, but also with the approach to education that we take at North Park,” said Parkyn.
The multi-purpose and varied use of the building by all students is illustrated in rooms as diverse as the Smart-classrooms—with cutting edge AV and IT equipment and capabilities—and the cadaver lab, to the prayer room which features a cross and bench made of repurposed wood from a mulberry tree which was removed prior to the building of the new facility.
The prayer room cross.
Furnishings in the prayer room were created by local sculptor David Orth, who specializes in liturgical art and furnishings, and implement a Japanese method described as “shou sugi ban”—a time-honored, multi-step process of scorching and abrading the surface of the wood. “It was important to save the tree and let it be transformed to another life,” said Orth in a sentiment that also seems to speak to the design and use of the Johnson Center for North Park University students as well.
In addition to the prayer room, two other features are illustrated near the expansive entrance to the Center for Student engagement: a map of Chicago and flags of all the nations in the world arranged according to the country’s global placement. “These three physical attributes are an example of our belief that when it comes to student learning and success, faith makes a difference, place makes a difference, and people make a difference,” said Dr. Parkyn.
CHICAGO (August 26, 2014) — More than 600 new undergraduate students began classes yesterday, and already they are starting to glimpse what life at North Park will be like.
It started when they pulled up in cars, packed to the brim with supplies to move into their dorm room. The prospect of unloading the car during Friday’s ninety-degree heat was daunting. But these new students and families were greeted outside of their new home by a crowd of North Park veterans, students who only a couple of years ago were making the same journey down Foster and Spaulding Avenues. These old North Parkers were waiting to unload the cars, showing the new North Parkers what life at this University is really like—a life of service.
Moments like this happened throughout the day Friday. Commuter and veteran students had their own welcome gathering to the University, students met their Crew Groups, took a break from the heat with ice-cream sandwiches, and eventually made their way to the Welcome Convocation in the Gymnasium.
“The secret to a great first year at North Park comes in the first week,” said North Park University President Dr. David Parkyn. It’s in the friends you meet and staff you come to know that will shape your journey. “Your faculty at North Park, along with all the other educators who are part of this community, are here to walk alongside you—to make sure you get from today to commencement day. This is more than a job for us, it’s our vocation, our calling,” Dr. Parkyn said. North Park faculty and staff offer a similar picture as the students who unloaded cars—a life of service.
Festivities continued throughout the weekend, as families said good-bye and students became further immersed in the culture of North Park. They explored Chicago and the campus they now called home, with a double decker tour of the city and a glow-in-the dark campus tour. They began to build relationships through North Park’s newest tradition of “speed friending.” The weekend was capped by the first Collegelife of the year, the weekly communal worship experience designed to help students learn and live out what it means to follow Jesus. It’s another glimpse of life at North Park—a life of significance.
Throughout Threshold, we tuned in to Twitter and Instagram to see what others were up to. Take a look at the Storify collection below for some of the images and thoughts that have been shared.
Worship continued Monday morning, as North Park Theological Seminary welcomed its own set of new students with a Seminary Convocation service. The occasion was marked with a special message from long-time Seminary professor Dr. Klyne Snodgrass, entering his final year at North Park. “You change because you encounter truth,” said Dr. Snodgrass. “If you didn’t want to change, you shouldn’t have walked through the door.” Dr. Snodgrass’ life and message echoes that picture of North Park—a life of significance.
Celebrations also continued on Monday, as the doors of the new Johnson Center swung open ready to welcome students to their first class of the year. Students, faculty, and staff came from all over campus to gather together in the lobby for breakfast, offering the entire North Park community a much-anticipated glimpse of what the next chapter at North Park will bring.
Learn more about North Park University’s Threshold Welcome Week, which continues through Friday, August 29.
Johnson C'09 Quit Job, Moved Across Country to Achieve Ultimate Moment
Kelly Johnson C'09 dives for a disc while battling in the championship game at the World Ultimate Club Championship in Lecco, Italy.
SEATTLE (August 22, 2014) — Kelly Johnson, a 2009 North Park University graduate, recently achieved a dream when her Ultimate team, Seattle Riot, won the World Ultimate Club Championship in Lecco, Italy, on August 9, in just her first season with the team.
Ultimate is a non-contact, self-refereed team sport played with a flying disc (or Frisbee™). The event is held every four years, with 32 teams from around the world competing for the crown.
We caught up with Johnson after she returned home from the tournament and vacation.
What is your general reaction to winning?
Still very surreal! It's such a great feeling of accomplishment. We (Riot) have been relentless during our season. We've put in countless hours developing and refining offensive and defensive packages; we've poured tons of sweat in intense track and gym workouts; we've committed to being the best teammates we can be to support, love and trust each other. Taking first in both the World Championship and also the Spirit Division validates all that hard work. It was such an amazing experience overall for our team. Winning was really the cherry on top.
Why did you recently quit your job to move to Seattle to play with Riot?
Being from the Midwest, I have always dreamed about playing for this team. Riot has such a legacy. Not only of depth and talent but of giving back to the ultimate community as a whole. Seattle is such a rich community of knowledge and that’s something I wanted to soak up, so we decided to move for the ultimate scene and to change our lifestyle to the west coast. Exploring Seattle has been fun and playing for Riot is rewarding on many levels. It’s a team I have looked up to for quite some time, and I'm really enjoying investing into Riot's 2014 legacy.
Is this completely amateur? What prize is there for winning?
Ultimate Frisbee is not a professional sport. There are two leagues that have been trying to establish a pro level for the men’s division but nothing yet for the women's. The United States Olympic Committee gave Ultimate Frisbee USOC Recognition. This is a critical step to having Ultimate on track for future Olympics, which is very exciting!
Do you have a plan to continue to play with Riot?
Yes, I do plan to play with Riot in the future. The West Coast is a new adjustment coming from Chicago but so far myself, Luke (my husband), and our two dogs are enjoying it. On the docket for 2015 is also a possible opportunity to represent USA at the 2015 World Championships of Beach Ultimate in Dubai. Four years ago, I represented USA in 2011 at the same tournament in Italy and we took home gold in the women's division. Here's hoping I get to play for that chance again!
How did you get started playing the sport?
I started playing Ultimate Frisbee at North Park! My first year, as a sophomore, I played a bit with the men’s team. This is when I met Luke (my husband) who started the Ultimate program there. My last two years at North Park I played on and also captained Allihopa, the women's team. After graduation, I went on to play at the elite club level with a team named Nemesis. The past five years I spent with that team.
Registration Now Open for Fall Axelson Programs for Nonprofit Professionals
The Axelson Center offers both webinars and face-to-face workshops for nonprofit professionals and volunteers.
CHICAGO (August 21, 2014) — For nonprofit professionals in the Chicago region, workshops and webinars hosted by North Park University’s Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management are the perfect opportunity to “find out what you didn’t know you needed to know” about leadership, management, fundraising, marketing, and many other knowledge areas.
Professional development programs are a critical part of the Axelson Center’s mission to enhance the performance and effectiveness of the nonprofit sector by educating individuals and supporting organizations. All programs focus on one or more of the Hallmarks of Nonprofit Managerial Excellence℠: mission and program; leadership and governance; strategy and innovation; human resources; financial strength and performance; resource generation and external relations; and accountability and integrity.
With this framework in mind, the Axelson Center partners with experts in the field to present relevant topics in a personable format. All nonprofit staff and volunteers—from executive directors and program managers to board members and fundraising staff—will benefit from the perspective and content this fall’s workshops and webinars can offer.
This fall’s workshop schedule offers something for everyone, from executive directors to program managers, grant writers, and development directors. Highlights include:
“Federal Funding 101: Demystifying Your Search in a Changing Landscape” on Wednesday, September 17;
“What’s the Best CRM Software for My Organization?” on Wednesday, September 24;
“Essential Volunteer Engagement Strategies” on Wednesday, October 1;
“Mission Accomplishment and Your Governing Board” on Wednesday, October 29; and
“Online Crowdfunding: Essential or Experimental?” on Wednesday, December 3.
The fall professional development schedule also includes two webinars:
“Keeping Your Church on the Right Side of the IRS” on Wednesday, October 15, noon–1:00 pm CST; and
“Nonprofit Website Management for Busy People” on Wednesday, November 12, noon–1:00 pm CST.
A schedule of all 13 workshops and webinars is available online at the Axelson Center’s website.
Half-day workshop registration fees are $90; full-day workshops are priced at $170. Webinar registration is $20 per individual or $50 for three attendees from the same organization. New nonprofit professionals, those working for organizations with budgets less than $1 million, North Park University students, and members of partner organizations are eligible for registration discounts. Details and registration links are available on the workshops webpage of the Axelson Center website.
The Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management at North Park University is the source for informative and engaging nonprofit professional development in the Chicago region. Through regular programs including workshops and an annual conference, the Axelson Center delivers a superior educational experience for nonprofit managers, leaders and frontline staff, covering a vast array of topics from program evaluation to strategic planning, and communications to financial management. The valuable learning presented through these programs enhances the impact of both the nonprofit sector, its staff and volunteers.
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