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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.
North Park Recognizes Minnehaha Academy Centennial
The Minneahaha Academy Redhawks' varsity basketball team earned the Minnesota Class 2A championship this year, under the leadership of Lance Johnson a 1983 North Park alum.
CHICAGO (May 5, 2013) — North Park University recognized the 100th year of Minnehaha Academy,Minneapolis, Minn., a school for students in preschool through grade 12. Many graduates enroll at North Park, and University graduatesare among the school’s faculty and staff.
President David Parkyn was among the speakers April 28 at the Academy’s Centennial WorshipCelebration. In addressing the faculty, past and present, he said,“It is because you have been faithful in your calling as teachers thatwe can be here today. May God bless Minnehaha Academy withgreat teachers for the next century just as we have been blessedthrough the century past.”
The convocation was attended by TedAnderson C’37, son of Theodore W. Anderson, the school’s firstpresident and North Park Junior College graduate. The school’scurrent president, Dr. Donna Harris, is a member of the Universityboard of trustees. Lance Johnson C’83 led the Redhawks’varsity basketball team to the Minnesota Class 2A championshipthis year.
Dr. G. Timothy and Nancy Johnson will join the University on October 26 to break ground for the 101,000-square-foot Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, named in their honor.
New building honors North Park alumni Nancy and Dr. G. Timothy Johnson
The University will provide a live webcast of the groundbreaking ceremony beginning at 5:00 pm CDT.
“The Johnson Center is a project which will transform our University and enhance student learning for years to come,” said Dr. David L. Parkyn, University president. “We are pleased to begin construction of this much-needed academic and student life facility, and also delighted that it is named for the Johnsons who have contributed so much to North Park. We hope Oct. 26 will be as memorable for them as it will be for our community.”
Dr. G. Timothy Johnson is known for his work as chief medical editor for ABC News from 1984 to 2010. He graduated from North Park College (now University) in 1956, and earned a seminary degree at North Park Theological Seminary in 1963. He later earned a medical degree, 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 was honored with the University’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1991, and is also an ordained pastor of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), the church denomination with which the University is affiliated. Nancy Johnson was trained as a nurse at the Swedish Covenant Hospital School of Nursing, Chicago, including study in the sciences at North Park University. Immediately after receiving her nursing credential, she completed a short-term medical assignment in Indonesia. The Johnsons reside in Marblehead, Massachusetts.
The Johnsons will participate in a celebration in the center of the Chicago campus that will begin at 4:00 pm CDT, with outdoor festivities, food, and music. Following brief remarks and a groundbreaking ceremony at 5:00 pm, invited guests and project contributors will attend an evening reception and program at Hamming Hall, followed by a University Choir concert in Anderson Chapel.
“The Johnsons are an extraordinary couple,” said Mary Surridge, University vice president for development and alumni relations. “The time is right for us to name this transformational facility in their honor. It includes everything that has been so important to them as alumni, trustees, campaign leaders, medical professionals and lifelong stewards of North Park’s mission. The fact that it will be located in the central part of the campus is dear to their hearts because they know it will serve every student, faculty and staff member in our community.”
The $42 million Johnson Center is the most significant component of Campaign North Park, a $57 million comprehensive University fundraising effort. The campaign raised funds for the Johnson Center, the University’s Annual Fund, student scholarships, and Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. Fundraising continues for the building project and a variety of academic needs related to the new building, Surridge said. The 101,000-square-foot Johnson Center is expected to open for the 2014 academic year.
North Park University Board of Trustees Confirms Decision to Build New Science, Community Life Center
The 101,000-square-foot Nancy & G. Timothy Johnson Center at North Park University is expected to be ready in the fall of 2014, and its design will reflect principles of environmental stewardship and energy conservation.
Trustees name building for alumni Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson
CHICAGO (May 15, 2012) — The board of trustees of North Park University confirmed construction of the proposed science and community life center, addressing a significant, longstanding need for state-of-the-art science laboratories and program facilities to serve North Park students. The board, which met here May 10–11, also acted to name the new building for Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson, longtime medical editor and senior medical contributor for ABC News, whom the trustees said “define a life of exemplary service.”
A formal groundbreaking ceremony for the 101,000-square-foot Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life is planned for October 26, 2012. Building site preparation will begin this summer, and construction is expected to be completed in time for the 2014 fall semester.
“This new academic building will position North Park University to recruit students competitively and educate them effectively,” Parkyn said. “In like manner, this new building will assist us in hiring new faculty in several disciplines and in providing for their effectiveness as teachers and researchers.”
The Johnson Center resulted from the University’s comprehensive fundraising effort, Campaign North Park. The $57 million campaign is raising funds for the new building, the University’s Annual Fund, student scholarships, and Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. Fundraising continues.
The new building will be named for Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson, recognizing and honoring their lives of exemplary service.
Dr. G. Timothy Johnson graduated from North Park College (now University) in 1956, and earned a seminary degree at North Park Theological Seminary in 1963. After completing a medical degree, he served as chief medical editor for ABC News from 1984–2010. Johnson 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 was honored with the University’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1991, is the founding editor of the Harvard Health Letter, and the author of several books on medicine and faith. He is also an ordained pastor of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), the church denomination with which the University is affiliated. He chaired a task force in 1979–1980 that recommended the University remain in its historic location on the North Side of Chicago.
Nancy Johnson was trained as a nurse at the Swedish Covenant Hospital School of Nursing, Chicago, including study in the sciences at North Park University. Immediately after receiving her nursing credential, she completed a short-term medical assignment in Indonesia. The Johnsons, residing in Marblehead, Mass., have volunteered considerable time to the University through their service on the board of trustees and on behalf of North Park’s two most recent fundraising campaigns, including Campaign North Park.
“North Park was the first stop for both of us in our long academic journeys,” the Johnsons said. “It gave us a moral and intellectual foundation that has lasted a lifetime — and for which we will always be grateful. We are both very pleased but humbled by this naming honor.”
Naming the building for the Johnsons recognizes their service to the University, and as lifelong stewards of its mission and values, said David Helwig, Thousand Oaks, Calif., chair of the University’s board of trustees and a member of the class of 1978. “Tim has tirelessly championed the need for this new facility to prepare North Park’s students for demanding careers in modern science, medicine and nursing. Nancy likewise is deeply committed to this important mission,” he said.
The Johnson Center will be located in the heart of the campus, and will be constructed to reflect environmental stewardship and energy conservation. The project will target Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification, demonstrating characteristics such as lower operating costs, resource conversation, and healthful and safe working conditions. The center will feature 30 technology-enhanced laboratories, academic facilities, and faculty and staff offices. Student co-curricular services will be housed in the new facility, as will a café, plus conference and meeting spaces.
Through the summer months prior to the start of construction, the University will complete the building design with the architectural team, finalize a finance plan, and continue fundraising.
Interdisciplinary Forum on the Bible and Health Set for October 30
Dr. James Bruckner's recent book is the focus of the October forum at North Park University.
Seminary, School of Nursing sponsor Chicago forum
CHICAGO (October 19, 2012) — A North Park University professor and a panel of health professionals and pastors will address topics related to the Bible, human health, and healthy relationships in an October 30 forum, "The Bible and Health: An Interdisciplinary Forum." The event features Dr. James Bruckner, professor of Old Testament with the University's North Park Theological Seminary, who will present from his recently published book, Healthy Human Life: A Biblical Witness.
The two-hour forum is free to attendees and begins at 3:30 pm in Olsson Lounge at North Park Theological Seminary. Event sponsors are the Seminary and the North Park University School of Nursing.
Healthy Human Life "is the result of 10 years of conversation about understanding and practicing human health — conversations between a biblical scholar and health care professionals," Bruckner said in an interview. "The book unpacks the biblical text to address questions which are foundational to health care as well as biblical theology." The book includes content for patients, families, health care professionals, counselors, and pastors dealing with health or end-of-life issues, and could be used as a text in professional schools.
Dr. James Bruckner
Panelists who will respond to Bruckner are Dr. Linda Duncan, dean of the School of Nursing and holder of the Gretchen Carlson Memorial Endowed Chair in Nursing; C. Louise Brown, vicepresident of health ministries, Progressive National Baptist Convention, and former director of public health for the City of Evanston, Ill.; and Rev. Philip Staurseth, pastor of Ravenswood Covenant Church, Chicago.
"There is tremendous interest in the church's role in promoting health with their members and communities as evidenced by the wide variety of health ministries in which churches are engaged," says Dr. Mary Chase-Ziolek, RN, Seminary and University professor of health ministries and nursing. "It is important for these ministries to be biblically and theologically informed as well as sound from a health perspective." Healthy Human Life "provides a much-needed biblical perspective" for Christian health professionals, congregations with health ministry teams or faith community (parish) nurses, and medical researchers, she added.
In addition, the Seminary offers a 12-credit interdisciplinary Certificate in Faith and Health in collaboration with the School of Nursing, as well as continuing education workshops for ministry and health professionals.
North Park Theological Seminary Announces Urban Ministry Certificate
Applications for first cohort accepted through March 31
CHICAGO (February 10, 2012) – North Park Theological Seminary is accepting applications for a new, two-year graduate educational program leading to a Certificate in Urban Ministry. The 15-credit certificate program is intended for Christian ministers and lay leaders who want to learn more about engaging in effective ministry in urban settings.
The Seminary is part of North Park University, a higher education institution with a Christian, multicultural, and urban identity. Those core values, combined with the cultural and Christian diversity represented in Chicago, position the Seminary to offer a rich educational experience to students, said Dr. Soong-Chan Rah, program director. Rah is Milton B. Engebretson Associate Professor of Church Growth and Evangelism for the Seminary, and a former urban pastor himself.
"Chicago is part of the classroom we're offering," he said in an interview. "Being in Chicago is a tremendous advantage. It is a center for community development, community organizing, for ethnic diversity, and with diverse neighborhoods."
Offering a certificate program in urban ministry is part of a larger trend of urbanization and the growing influences of urban culture, Rah said. Both the University and Seminary are affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), which is planting new congregations in urban areas, Rah said. Urban pastors and urban lay workers could benefit greatly from the certificate program, Rah said. "We hope it will strengthen and undergird their urban ministry," he said. The program can also introduce people to urban ministry who want to learn more.
The urban environment is complex, constantly changing, and always challenging, Rah said. The certificate program will emphasize deeper theological and spiritual engagement, as well as practical ideas for enhancing urban ministry. "We do this ministry as followers of Jesus. Anytime we can deepen the theology, it is a good thing. Also important are spiritual formation and discipleship. All of these serve to strengthen our work in the city," he said.
Students who complete the program will earn 15 credit hours in just over two years. Plans call for the first cohort to meet Aug. 13–17 in Chicago, followed by online coursework beginning in October. The cohort will meet in Chicago for another week in August 2013, followed by online coursework. A final week-long gathering in Chicago is planned for August 2014. Rah said an ideal size for the urban ministry cohort is about 15 to 20 people.
"There is great enthusiasm in this Seminary and in this denomination for this certificate program," said Rah. "It represents a wonderful convergence of what North Park University is all about, and what the Evangelical Covenant Church is excited about."
Applications and supporting materials must be submitted to North Park Theological Seminary by March 31, said E. Kirsten Burdick, director of Seminary admissions. All applications will be considered at the same time in April, she said.
CHICAGO (November 13, 2012) — The North Park University board of trustees participated in groundbreaking ceremonies for the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, and heard updates on other University projects and initiatives during its fall meeting here October 26–27. Dr. David Parkyn, University president, also welcomed seven new trustees, each of whom will serve five-year terms:
Thomas Bagley, Chicago, founder and senior managing director, Pfingsten Partners, LLC
Grant Clay, Clay Center, Kan., lead pastor, Clay Center Covenant Church
Gail Dahlstrom, Etna, N.H., vice president for facilities management, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, N.H.
Dawn Helwig, Chicago, actuary, Milliman, Inc.
Stephen Johnson, Warrenville, Ill., executive vice president, field operations, Imagine Solutions, Dallas
Michael L. Jordan, Kerman, Calif., pastor, La Viña Covenant Church
Albert Tizon, Upper Darby, Pa., associate professor of evangelical and holistic ministry, Palmer Theological Seminary, King of Prussia, Pa.
Johnson Center highlighted
The Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life is expected to be completed for the start of the 2014 academic year. Board members and University leaders thanked Tim Johnson and David Helwig, board chair, for their leadership of Campaign North Park, which is raising funds for the Johnson Center and other University initiatives. The building project is essential for student learning and growth, Johnson told the trustees, adding that he and Nancy were "deeply honored" to have the building named in their honor. The Johnsons are North Park alumni, and both have served the institution in a variety of ways over several years.
Undergraduate enrollment efforts enhanced
The University is enhancing efforts to increase undergraduate enrollment for 2013 in response to changes in enrollment and in the market for higher education, President Parkyn said in his report to the board.
North Park's board of trustees met at the Chicago campus October 26–27.
He cited several market conditions that have affected enrollment at North Park: a greater reluctance to borrow funds to pay tuition costs; a need for great convenience in academic program delivery; the competitive Chicagoland market; and increases in competition from schools in other regions of the country.
The North Park University president and Nate Mouttet, vice president for enrollment and marketing, told the trustees the University conducted an external and internal review of admissions procedures with representatives of Noel-Levitz, a higher education consulting firm. In addition, University faculty and staff participated in community gatherings, discussing enrollment data, recruiting of students, and ideas to address student recruitment in future years. As a result of these discussions, the University is instituting several steps to increase undergraduate enrollment, they reported:
Adopt more personal connections with prospective students
Increase the size of special events to attract students
Increase the number of prospective student visits to the campus
Target increased financial aid
Expand communication flow to students, particularly for applicants and admitted students
Reinstate the University’s brand awareness campaign with focus on the Chicagoland region
Set priorities so recruiters focus personal attention on those students most likely to enroll
The next meeting of the North Park University board of trustees is February 8–9, 2013.
Johnson Center Construction Phase Begins at North Park University
University leaders celebrated the groundbreaking for the new Johnson Center October 26. With them are the two people for whom the building is named: Nancy, center, and G. Timothy Johnson, fourth from the right.
Hundreds attend groundbreaking ceremony to honor Nancy and Tim Johnson
CHICAGO (October 29, 2012) — With hundreds of North Park University supporters looking on in person and via webcast, the University marked the start of construction October 26 for a significant, new University building — the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, expected to be completed for the start of the 2014 academic year.
Science students will benefit the most academically from the new Johnson Center, which will house state-of-the-art science laboratories, and research space and classrooms. The new facility, however, will benefit all in the University community, said Dr. David L. Parkyn, North Park University president. "By combining classrooms and laboratories with student-life offices, and gathering spaces and a food venue — by gathering those things together, this building will create a central campus core. It will do so for all of our students — residential and commuting, undergraduate, graduate, seminarians — everyone who studies at North Park University into the future will benefit from this wonderful building."
The Johnson Center will be a "transformational" facility, said Mary Surridge, vice president for development and alumni relations. "It is the deep and broad generosity of North Park alumni and friends that has brought this dream to reality. Our alumni and friends knew that our students were depending on them, and they have responded in a very generous manner," she said.
Alumni Nancy and Dr. Tim Johnson, for whom the building is named, were honored at the groundbreaking ceremony. "Obviously, Nancy and I are deeply honored to be recognized by the naming of this building," said Tim Johnson, ABC News' longtime medical editor, and now, the network's senior medical contributor. "This honor goes way beyond the two of us, and as I look over the wonderful gathering and see so many familiar faces, I'm reminded of how much North Park has meant in my life, Nancy's life, and our life together. Truly this is an honor, and we're so thrilled to have our family and my grand-kids here for this day. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this very great honor," he told the crowd assembled for the groundbreaking.
Johnson holds degrees from North Park College and North Park Theological Seminary. Nancy Johnson was trained as a nurse at the Swedish Covenant Hospital School of Nursing, Chicago, including study in the sciences at North Park. Both have served the University in many ways, including Tim Johnson's recent role as co-chair of Campaign North Park, which led fundraising for the new building and other University initiatives over the past three years. Construction of the Johnson Center is supported by a $42 million component of the campaign. David Helwig, campaign co-chair and chair of the University board of trustees, thanked Johnson for his "tireless" work to make the building project a reality.
Following the groundbreaking ceremony, supporters of Campaign North Park attended a reception in Hamming Hall and viewed a video about the building project. A University Choir concert in Anderson Chapel concluded the day's events.
North Park University is providing a live, continuous video feed of the Johnson Center construction.
Faculty, students comment on historic building project
"It's awesome," said Dr. Jonathan Rienstra-Kiracofe, chair of the University's Chemistry Department. "Over the past three weekends, I've had a chance to visit three different college campuses, and I was able to be in each of their science buildings. I'm convinced that what we're putting together here is as good, and actually a step ahead of, what they have in each of theirs. So, I'm very excited about it."
At least seven Chicago-area high school students who expressed an interest in science study at North Park accepted the University's invitation to attend the groundbreaking. Their visit included a personal meeting with Tim Johnson.
Current North Park students in other disciplines expressed excitement about the Johnson Center. Emily Rueping, a junior politics and government and history major from Chicago, noted that the Johnson Center will provide "a common area" for students and faculty to interact. "That's something we really need. It will be very beneficial to students, faculty and others who will get to use it," she said.
"It was cool to see everyone come together and get excited about the new things going on at North Park. I love North Park, and I always think it's great when we're doing something to make the school better," said Kim Hanson, Sacramento, Calif., a junior education major.
North Park University Honored for Community Service
University among 642 U.S. schools named to honor roll
CHICAGO (March 27, 2012) – North Park University, Chicago, is among 642 U.S. colleges and universities named to the 2012 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, which highlights the value of community service and achieving meaningful outcomes in their communities.
"To receive this award is another affirmation that our mission — to prepare students for lives of significance and service — is integrated into the fabric of the University," said Dr. Joseph Jones, University provost. "It is recognition of the work of our students, staff, and faculty who labor without complaint as they give themselves as lights in the community."
The University has engaged in a variety of community service opportunities. It cited annual neighborhood service commitments and programs; regular involvement with the Friendship Center, a neighborhood food pantry; service by faculty and staff on boards of many neighborhood organizations where students also serve as interns; work in local tutoring programs; the work of the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management which offers classes to neighborhood nonprofit organizations; and students who serve in internships in the Albany Park neighborhood and throughout the city.
Specifically, the University highlighted three community service projects in its 2012 application:
Community Service Day: Since 2008, the University community has participated in various projects set up by the Urban Outreach program. In April 2011, nearly 300 people participated in 16 different service projects throughout the Albany Park neighborhood. In addition, the North Park University football team and soccer teams hosted free clinics for neighborhood children. Music students performed at Swedish Covenant Hospital as well as three local nursing homes. Volunteers baked cookies and collected clothing that was donated to a food shelter.
Global partnerships: Students are provided with opportunities for cross-cultural experiences that expand their faith, their views of the world, and their commitment to a lifestyle of justice while serving others in need. Each year about 150 students visit one of 11 partners to serve, build relationships, and learn from our partner organizations. Locations include Zambia, Thailand, India, Ecuador, Mexico, Alaska, New Orleans, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, North Park University has sent 12 groups of students to the Gulf Coast to help with demolition and rebuilding of small neighborhoods.
Peterson Tutoring Program: Since 1991 North Park University has been a partner in a tutoring program at Peterson Elementary School, a neighborhood public school. More than 40 languages are spoken at the school. On a weekly basis, approximately 40-45 students serve as volunteers and are assigned one child every week for individual tutoring, the application said.
The honor roll was inspired by the thousands of college students who traveled across the country to support relief efforts along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, according to a news release from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), which administers the honor roll.
Of the 642 colleges and universities recognized, 513 were named to the Honor Roll, 110 were named to the Honor Roll with distinction, 14 were identified as finalists, and five received the Presidential Award.
Honorees are chosen based on a series of selection factors, including the scope and innovation of service projects, the extent to which service-learning is embedded in the curriculum, the school’s commitment to long-term campus-community partnerships, and measurable community outcomes as a result of the service.
North Park University Alumna to Appear March 13 on Food Network Show
Shanna Horner O’Hea ’94, will appear on the Food Network this month on its popular show, Chopped.
Academe chef Shanna O’Hea '94, to compete on Chopped
CHICAGO (March 12, 2012) – A North Park University alumna will appear on a popular Food Network show, Chopped, March 13 at 10:00 p.m. EDT/9:00 p.m. CDT. Shanna Horner O'Hea, is a 1994 graduate of the University and co-owner of the Kennebunk (Maine) Inn and Academe, with her husband, Brian.
Last summer, O’Hea headed to New York City to film the episode of Chopped. Titled "Plenty of Fish," the episode features such unexpected items as an Indian gourd, lutefisk and for dessert, Chinese sausage and baby eggplant. The format for the show includes four chefs competing in round one to create an appetizer featuring ingredients unveiled just before they begin to cook. Three chefs move on to round two to prepare an entrée with a new basket of ingredients, and the final round, the dessert round, reveals a winner.
"Plenty of Fish" will be repeated on the Food Network on March 14 at 1:00 a.m. EDT/12:00 a.m., CDT, and on March 22 at 9:00 p.m. EDT/8:00 p.m. CDT. Hosted by Ted Allen, Chopped is in its 11th season.
O’Hea won’t reveal the outcome but said, "I agreed to participate for the challenge; putting yourself out there in uncomfortable, hard situations helps in personal and professional growth, which is so important when owning your own business."
The couple also contributed their culinary talents to the University’s Campaign North Park at a 2011 national campaign event in Salem, Mass., preparing hors d’oeurves for friends of the University — including mini lobster potpies.
Academe is the restaurant of The Kennebunk Inn. The O'Heas draw on their culinary and artistic backgrounds to create enticing soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees served in an informal, brasserie-style setting. The original building of what is now The Kennebunk Inn was built as a private residence in 1799, less than 30 years after the founding of the Republic. The Inn has 18 guest rooms and eight family suites, and the O'Heas frequently host North Park University alumni and friends.
Information for the story was provided by Gillian Britt, gBritt PR, South Portland, Maine
Microwave System to Enhance North Park University's Chemistry Program
University chemistry students will be using the Discover SP system, funded by a grant and the University (CEM Corporation image).
Grant award enables equipment purchase, benefits 80 students
CHICAGO (March 14, 2012) – North Park University is adding a microwave synthesis system to its chemistry curriculum thanks to a $10,000 award from the 2012 Pittsburgh Conference Memorial National College Grants (PCMNCG) Program and other University funds. The new microwave system, to be used primarily in organic chemistry courses, will allow students to heat chemical compounds more efficiently, and significantly shorten the time required for laboratory experiments.
"Experiments done in hours are now going to be done in minutes, and it will widen the types of experiments the students can do in the lab," said Dr. Isabel Larraza, North Park University associate professor of chemistry. "The microwave reactor is now being considered a staple of modern organic labs. Our students will have a more in-depth learning experience, with efficient and current experiments that adhere to the principles of 'green chemistry.'"
Larraza's successful grant application was one of 13 chosen from 59 submitted to PCMNCG. She said about 80 chemistry students per year will use the Discover SP System, manufactured by CEM Corporation, Matthews, N.C. The reactor just arrived and will be installed this week. The instrument has wider uses in other chemistry courses and in other disciplines, such as biology, Larraza said.
With the new microwave system, chemistry students will no longer heat flasks in the lab using older, less efficient methods such as heating mantles or Bunsen burners. Instead they will insert tubes with chemicals into the microwave system. The heat generated by the instrument will produce chemical reactions much quicker than before, with the added benefit of minimizing the production of byproducts and chemical waste. Students will also learn about modern microwave syntheses, and "use an emerging technology that is being adopted by industry and by the academy," Larraza said.
The University Chemistry Department has put considerable effort into modernizing its general chemistry laboratories by adding digital instrumentation and other resources, said Dr. Jonathan Rienstra-Kiracofe, professor of chemistry and department chair. "With Dr. Larraza's arrival at North Park this year, we have begun a similar effort to modernize our organic chemistry laboratory by adding new instrumentation and making our experiments 'greener.' The new microwave reactor is going to be the highlight of the laboratory – allowing our students to experience modern, green organic chemistry."
Dr. Isabel Larraza, in the University's organic chemistry lab, says the new microwave synthesis system is part of the Chemistry Department's 'green chemistry' practices.
Larraza does research in and is an advocate for green chemistry practices. The new microwave synthesis system is part of that effort. Green practices include such things as waste prevention, use of methods to minimize toxicity, using safer solvents, energy efficiency, and preventing accidents. This month, Larraza will present her research on microwave synthesis at the American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition in San Diego, and in July, she will attend a green chemistry workshop at the University of Oregon, Eugene.
University chemistry students are aware the microwave system will soon be available in their labs. "They're very eager. They will be doing hands-on types of experiments," Larraza said.
Earlier this year, the North Park University Chemistry Department won a grant award from the Max Goldenberg Foundation, Chicago. Funds from that grant, combined with other University funds, were used to purchase a miniature Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer, manufactured by picoSpin, LLC, Boulder, Colo. The University will be one of the first in the nation to have a miniature spectrometer for teaching and research purposes.
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Dr. Isabel Larraza, in the University's organic chemistry lab, says the new microwave synthesis system is part of the Chemistry Department's 'green chemistry' practices.