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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.
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Lilly Endowment Awards Significant Grant to North Park Theological Seminary
Seminary to use grant to address economic challenges for ministers
CHICAGO (January 7, 2013) – North Park Theological Seminary recently was awarded a three-year, $250,000 grant by Lilly Endowment Inc., Indianapolis, to address ways to reduce burdens of student educational debt, to develop financial education programs, and to explore creative ideas to finance theological education.
The Seminary was one of 16 seminaries nationwide awarded grants in Lilly Endowment's pilot program, the Theological School Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Future Ministers. The aim of the initiative is to help theological schools to examine and strengthen their financial and educational strategies and practices to improve the economic well-being of future pastoral leaders.
North Park Theological Seminary, the graduate theological school of North Park University and the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), was invited by Lilly Endowment to apply for the grant, said Rev. David Kersten, seminary dean. "An emphasis on holistic health already exists in the Seminary curriculum, but we sincerely believe that it must include a financial literacy component," he wrote in the Seminary's application. In addition, offering financial literacy skills training seeks to give prospective students confidence to move forward with their educations, Kersten said. Initial work with the grant funds will start early this year.
The Seminary plans to begin by learning more about students and graduates, and how finances affect their lives, Kersten said. With that information, the Seminary will use the Lilly Endowment grant for three purposes:
To develop a proactive approach to reduce the burden of student educational debt, and explore curricular possibilities in particular
To educate and better prepare ministers to be leaders and managers of personal, family, and congregational finances throughout their pastoral careers. This will include courses and coaching opportunities provided through the Seminary in partnership with the University, the ECC, Covenant Trust Co., Covenant Ministries of Benevolence, and other partners
To engage key partners to share ideas and re-think ways in which theological education should be financed. This could include the possibility of clergy compensation models that include loan repayment or development of loan programs through ECC partners.
High educational debt is a serious problem for seminary students across many denominations, Kersten said. Professional church leaders often don't have the earning capacity of other professions, limiting their ability to pay educational loans. Personal debt and lack of financial knowledge also affects their ability to serve effectively in congregations, church-related organizations or nonprofits, he said. "The integrity and credibility of the pastoral leadership office is a real issue when these skills are not present," Kersten said. "It hampers many pastors from being effective." In some cases, experienced and respected pastors facing personal economic crises leave the vocation, Kersten added.
The grant could "reset the future not only for clergy but for the local church," said Rev. Mark Novak, executive minister, ECC Department for Ordered Ministry. "By increasing the financial acuity of pastors, they gain credibility with lay (members) in the church, and by having their finances in order, they will be set free to address issues of generosity in the church more freely," he said. "It helps to remove one of the main stress points in a pastor's life that sometimes leads to poor ministry decisions."
Ann Wiesbrock, president, Covenant Trust Co., said the organization is excited about the Lilly Endowment grant, and believes it will have a significant impact on seminarians and the wider church. "From managing debt and being an informed consumer, to becoming a saver and a prudent investor, our students need to have a foundational understanding of finance," she said. "Each individual is called to be a wise steward. Prudent money management, the use of sound business principles—when these are employed, I find generosity is empowered. That is why Covenant Trust Co. is so excited about this." Wiesbrock said she strongly favors the idea of building a financial literacy curriculum for leadership in congregations.
ECC financial leaders were pleased to help the Seminary prepare its grant application, Kersten said. "They were all thrilled to be part of this, and there was great enthusiasm," Kersten said. "It's also important that this be sustainable over time."
Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private philanthropic foundation created in 1937. It supports the causes of religion, education and community development. The Endowment affords special emphasis to projects that benefit young people, and promote leadership education and financial self-sufficiency in the nonprofit, charitable sector.
North Park University Named to Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll
President's honor roll notes University's multiple community service initiatives
CHICAGO (March 27, 2013) — North Park University is among 26 Illinois colleges and universities named to the 2013 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, honoring leading U.S. higher education institutions and their students, faculty and staff for commitments to make their communities better through service.
"One of the exciting developments we highlighted this year was the continued growth of service-learning initiatives as part of our engagement in the community," said Richard Kohng, urban outreach coordinator, North Park University Ministries. "Faculty members continue to find creative outlets for students to serve in the urban context while fostering learning opportunities." University Ministries provides logistical support for many projects, and helps identify partnerships between departments working to facilitate service-related opportunities, Kohng added.
"Very few awards capture the spirit of who we are as an institution of higher education committed to contributing to the welfare of our city than the president’s honor roll," said Anthony Zamblé, director of University Ministries. "The University recognizes that one of the ways we prepare our students for lives of significance and service is by providing opportunities for them to contribute to the welfare of Chicago. We help solve problems in our community, and we also help to cultivate a spirit of service."
The University's service initiatives included activities related to Dr. Martin Luther King Day, organized by the Collaboratory for Urban and Intercultural Learning, plus a spring neighborhood clean-up service event, an annual block party, and a holiday gift program. Also cited was the University's work with the North Park Friendship Center, faculty and staff service on boards of organizations in Chicago's Albany Park neighborhood, and student and staff involvement in nearby Chicago public schools as tutors, student teachers and volunteers. The University was recognized for the classes offered by the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management to teach people working in neighborhood nonprofits, and for students in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management who serve as interns in the surrounding neighborhood and throughout the city.
Also cited was the 2012 Justice Summit hosted by the University; North Park's Dialogue II Ethical Consumerism Academic Service Learning Class Project; and the University's "Working in the Schools" partnership with nearby Hibbard Elementary School. Through the WITS mid-day mentoring program, North Park faculty and staff volunteered to read to elementary school students each week, focusing on third-grade students for whom English is a second language. This program was organized by North Park University Human Resources.
"We are encouraged that these institutions and their students have made service a priority," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, a former chief executive of Chicago Public Schools. "Through reaching out to meet the needs of their neighbors, these students are deepening their impact, strengthening our democracy and ultimately preparing themselves to be successful citizens."
University Hosts 'Creating Peace on Chicago Streets' March 20
Families affected by violence, University community to discuss ways to promote peace
CHICAGO (March 14, 2013) – Parents of teens who died as a result of violent acts in Chicago neighborhoods are expected to speak at "Creating Peace on Chicago Streets" March 20, at North Park University. The event is intended to engage attendees with ideas to promote peace and nonviolence in the community.
"This event is intended as a day of worship, prayer, discussion, and action for a culture of peace and nonviolence in our city," said Richard Kohng, coordinator of outreach ministries, North Park University Ministries. "We’re creating a place for dialogue on peace. There’s no question we must work together for peace for all citizens of Chicago.”
The day-long event will begin with regular worship at 10:30 a.m. in Anderson Chapel. A public forum in the University's Hamming Hall is planned for 3:30 p.m., followed by a neighborhood prayer vigil and walk at 6:00 p.m.
The afternoon forum will feature a conversation on ways to counteract violence in the city. Confirmed attendees are Cleopatra Cowley-Pendleton, mother of Hadiya Pendleton, killed in a Chicago shooting days after marching in President Obama's second inaugural parade; Ronald Holt, father of Blair Holt, killed when he shielded a friend from gunfire in 2007; and Pamela Hester Jones, mother of Lazarus Jones, murdered by strangers in 2007. Local elected officials, plus representatives of the Illinois Council Against Gun Violence and Stop Concealed Carry Coalition, are expected to participate. Susanna Song, a reporter for WBBM-TV, Chicago, will moderate the public discussion, to be webcast live.
After the forum, Dr. Mary Trujillo, professor of communication arts, and Radhika Sharma, a community activist, will lead a prayer walk through the Albany Park community. They plan to stop and pray for peace at spots in neighborhood where people have been killed by violence, as well as visit places of hope.
A concluding reception, with performances and an art exhibition, is planned for 7:00 p.m., in Hamming Hall.
A ceremony was held in the Illinois House of Representatives Chamber in Springfield. Student Laureates also attended a luncheon at the Governor’s Executive Mansion following the ceremony.
“The School of Music faculty nominated An for this prestigious honor because we believe he is an outstanding student, both academically and artistically,” said Dr. Craig Johnson, dean of the University’s School of Music. “He has distinguished himself through the many awards and prizes he has won as an exemplary classical guitarist.”
Born and raised in Hanoi, Tran is completing a bachelor of arts in music with classical guitar as his major instrument. “I am honored to be the Student Laureate from North Park University and to represent North Park at the ceremony,” said Tran. “North Park has been helping me realize who I am, and pushes me to become a better musician and human being.”
When he first visited the University, Tran knew that he wanted to come to North Park after meeting and talking with School of Music faculty. “The professors here were exactly the people who I wanted to study from,” Tran said. “They are passionate about music and about changing the world with music. They inspired me to become a better musician right when I first met them.”
Tran has excelled academically while pursuing a busy and demanding practice and performance regimen. He received first prize in the Vietnam National Guitar Competition at the age of 12; Vietnam’s Best Overseas Student Award in 2010; a certificate of merit granted by Vietnam’s vice president in 2010; first prize in the 2013 Society of American Musicians Guitar Competition; and first prize in the 2013 North Park University Performance Awards.
This winter, Tran will tour throughout Vietnam on behalf of the Vietnam Red Cross Society. The Red Cross originally contacted Tran about the possibility of his performing at a benefit concert in Vietnam. Instead, Tran said, they developed the idea of doing a tour. “We will be doing charity concerts and visiting many places, including villages of orphaned children, hospitals devoted to victims of Agent Orange, and humanity centers,” he said.
Tran hopes that the Red Cross tour can become an annual event, featuring different artists and visiting other countries with the same charitable intention. “This is an amazing opportunity for me to grow as a musician,” he said. “I think the power of music is huge, and it can change and heal many people’s lives. Music helped me realize that it is much bigger than just my guitar and me. It brings happiness, joy, and peace to people, and brings people together. I’ve experienced it myself, so I want to do that for others.”
After graduation, Tran plans to pursue graduate school, then hopes to teach. “I want to become a professor to teach music and guitar, and also continue to provide music for people,” he said. “I want to share with others what I am learning from my teachers right now.”
Student Laureates are honored for their overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities. Each student is presented with a medallion, a certificate of achievement, and a $1,000 grant at the award ceremony. This is the 39th year in which the Lincoln Academy has presented the Student Laureate awards.
Mayor Emanuel Joins River Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Mayor Rahm Emanuel cut the ceremonial ribbon to celebrate the re-opening of the River Park track and soccer field, a facility shared by North Park University and local neighborhood residents.
CHICAGO (October 21, 2013) — North Park University joined Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Alderman Deborah Mell (33rd Ward), Chicago Park District Superintendent Michael Kelly, and members of the local community at River Park on Monday, October 14, to celebrate the rehabilitation of the River Park track and soccer facility located two blocks from North Park's campus. Representing the University were Jack Surridge, director of athletics, John Born, head men's soccer coach, Steve Imig, head cross country coach, and Geoffrey Masanet, head track and field coach.
Originally built in 1999–2000, the artificial turf and running track were in need of serious repair; an estimated $1.26 million was invested in the project by the University and the City of Chicago. "The track and field had basically worn out from use, and exceeded its predicted life of eight to 10 years," said Surridge. "The field was resurfaced with the second-generation of FieldTurf synthetic grass, which has more durable fiber. It also has a longer fiber; this improves the resilience of the surface. The drainage system had been an issue since 2001, and that was addressed in the rehab project," he added.
The facility re-opened for use in early August with an 84,240-square-foot artificial turf soccer field and a resurfaced eight-lane running track. The facility is used by University track and soccer teams, as well as programs of the Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Schools.
“This investment will ensure that children, teens, and adults in the neighborhood will have state-of-the-art fields for playing a variety of sports,” said Mayor Emanuel at the ceremony. “Community investments in our parks are essential because they promote active and healthy lives for residents.”
Superintendent Kelly praised the longstanding community partnership between North Park and the Chicago Park District for this facility, and Mayor Emanuel encouraged the University to continue to nurture this relationship for the good of the whole neighborhood.
The updated track and soccer field is located at River Park in the Albany Park neighborhood.
"We are excited about all of these improvements, and also to partner with the Albany Park community in this project. River Park Director Vera Onate has been a terrific person to work with over the years and we look forward to sharing the facility with her many programs," Surridge said.
This rehabilitation is part of the Building a New Chicago initiative, a $7.3 billion infrastructure renewal program championed by the mayor. Last year, Mayor Emanuel announced a comprehensive plan to build and improve parks across the city so that every resident is within a short walk of a park facility.
North Park Theological Seminary Graduate Named to 2013 TIME 100 List
Rev. Wilfredo De Jesús is senior pastor of the country's largest Assemblies of God congregation.
Rev. Wilfredo De Jesús also featured in magazine's cover story this month
CHICAGO (April 25, 2013) — Rev. Wilfredo De Jesús, a graduate of North Park Theological Seminary, was named this week to TIME's list of the 100 most influential people in the world, along with other honorees such as singer Jay Z, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, actress Jennifer Lawrence, and tennis star Li Na. Earlier this month, De Jesús was featured in the magazine's cover story, "¡Evangélicos!," which noted rising numbers of Latino members in evangelical Protestant churches.
De Jesús is senior pastor, New Life Covenant Ministries, Chicago, the country's largest Assemblies of God congregation. He earned a master of arts in Christian ministry in 2006 from the Seminary, the graduate theological school of North Park University. De Jesús is known to his congregation and friends as "Pastor Choco."
Writing about De Jesús for TIME, Rev. Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, Calif., said De Jesús "embodies the true definition of what Christ said the church should be … Pastor Choco encourages others to go out into the community not just with words but with his own actions. Under his leadership, New Life is reaching out to the outcasts and forgotten in our society—the homeless, women suffering with addiction and prostitution, and young people in gangs," Warren wrote.
"But his influence spreads far beyond the Chicago area as vice president of social justice for the nation’s largest Hispanic Christian organization, the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference," Warren observed. "With Hispanics playing such a large role in the expansion of the evangelical church in the U.S. and their vast influence on the political landscape, Pastor Choco is and will continue to be a strong, ardent voice on the direction of our country."
Warren, a prominent U.S. church leader, is the best-selling author of The Purpose Driven Life.
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.
Dave Kersten Installed as Dean of North Park Theological Seminary
Rev. David W. Kersten was installed as the Dean of North Park Theological Seminary on Sunday, September 16, 2012.
Rev. Dr. Dave Kersten greets University Dean of Students Andrea Nevels after the convocation worship service.
New leader installed as part of annual Fall Convocation
CHICAGO (September 18, 2012) – Rev. Dr. David W. Kersten was installed as the 11th dean of North Park Theological Seminary (NPTS) September 16 as the Seminary celebrated its annual Fall Convocation, welcoming new and returning students for the academic year. The event, held at the University’s Anderson Chapel, was webcast to an international audience by North Park University.
“I am profoundly aware of the many shoulders I stand upon, and I’m grateful for the heritage and legacy of North Park Theological Seminary,” Kersten said in response. “I want to express my deep appreciation to the entire faculty, staff, and the interim leadership team that guided the Seminary through a season of transition and a lengthy search process. In this new role, my goal is to keep student formation and learning the focal point of our work.”
Presiding at the Convocation, Dr. David Parkyn, University president, described the convocation as having two parts — the installation of the dean and the reception of new students. With a smile, he described these components as “the dean in waiting, and the dean at work,” he said. “This convocation today in all of its parts is a moment of true joy. Make this a wonderful, joy-filled gathering today, and we’ll praise God as we do so.” The congregation — those attending in-person and those watching in the United States and globally via webcast — were “a representation of a host of God’s people,” Parkyn observed.
In a homily titled “Nothing is Impossible with God,” Rev. Dr. James R. Sandberg, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Covenant Church, Oak Lawn, Ill., said the day was about God. “God has gifted you — given you all the gifts needed at this pivotal point,” he said. Sandberg challenged Seminary students, Kersten, and the faculty to carry in their hearts that “nothing is impossible with God.”
Kersten began his duties at the seminary August 1. He was formally called into his new role at the Annual Meeting of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) this past summer after he was nominated by the University board of trustees, following a process of study and deliberation. Both the University and the Seminary are affiliated with the ECC.
Parkyn led the installation litany that included sections delivered by Paul Hawkinson, Green Oaks, Ill., vice-chair of the University board of trustees, speaking on behalf of University leaders; Rev. Dr. Michelle Clifton-Soderstrom, NPTS associate professor of theology and ethics, on behalf of the Seminary community; and Rev. Gary Walter, ECC president, on behalf of the ECC. Rev. Deborah Penny, NPTS associate director of field education, led a prayer of dedication. Parkyn presented Kersten a Celtic Cross as a symbol of his leadership appointment. As many as eight representatives of seminaries of other denominations and faith traditions were represented.
New and returning Seminary students were introduced and welcomed by Rev. Dr. Stephen Chester, acting dean of academic programs, and Rev. Deborah Auger, dean of students and community life.
In his charge to students, Kersten cited Song of Solomon 2:10: ‘Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.” While acknowledging that the verse has been interpreted in many ways, he characterized it as a call to action, and urged students and faculty to hear God’s voice, and allow themselves to receive God’s love.
“Hear the invitation, the charge, even the command: ‘Arise my love, my fair one, and come away’ in this new season of your lives,” he said.
'Reignite Your Vision' Theme of University's Axelson Symposium June 4-5
'Innovation Institute' opens two-day event
CHICAGO (May 4, 2012) – More than 500 nonprofit leaders are expected to attend the 13th Annual Axelson Center Symposium for Nonprofit Professionals and Volunteers, June 4-5 in Chicago. The event is a key networking and professional development conference focused on effective strategies for leadership, innovation, funding, communication, and growth in the nonprofit sector. This year's conference theme is "Reignite Your Vision."
Hosting the event is North Park University's Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management, which works to enhance performance and effectiveness of individuals and organizations in the nonprofit sector through education, service, and resources. A pre-conference Innovation Institute on June 4, and the Symposium on June 5, will be held at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza.
Dr. Pier Rogers, director, Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management, said a goal of the conference is for participants to learn at least one "best practice" they can implement in their organizations. "We want attendees to think outside of the box. The language of management and best practices is something that we really want to encourage," she said.
The Symposium provides a "mind-opening opportunity" for nonprofit leaders to share ideas for excellence, said Kathy Schaeffer, Axelson Center advisory board member and president, Kathy Schaeffer & Associates, Inc., Chicago. "Every year, participants praise the Symposium for its on-target focus on the issues that matter most today. No other conference in Chicago attracts such a talented and diverse gathering of thoughtful, caring leaders dedicated to learning new and better ways to carry out their nonprofit missions," she said.
Harold Rice Jr., executive director and chief executive officer, Albany Park Community Center, said the Symposium will help to better position agencies to be "viable and relevant" for years to come. "The significance for nonprofit leaders at all levels to attend this year’s Axelson Symposium is because it's filled with critical information and tools for those in the leadership position to make significant impact and critical gains with the negative headwinds that this sector will face for the next 2 to 5 years," said Rice, also an Axelson Center advisory board member.
Highlighting the June 4 Innovation Institute is an internationally known speaker on workplace innovation, Larry Keeley, who is president and co-founder, Doblin Inc., Chicago. Other speakers that day are Mary F. Morten, president, Morten Group, Chicago; Martin Levine, general director, JCC Chicago; and Dr. Robert Wright, chief executive officer, the Wright Institute, Chicago.
Presenting the opening keynote address at the June 5 Axelson Symposium is Robert Egger, founder and president, Washington-based DC Central Kitchen, the nation's first "community kitchen." "We think he will really add to what we hope this conversation will be about — innovation, and about reigniting the vision of your organization going forward," Rogers said. Aaron Hurst, president and founder, Taproot Foundation, New York City, will also speak June 5. Taproot connects pro bono business talent with organizations working to improve society, and has a Chicago location.
Attendees will learn from more than 40 experts leading concurrent workshops and forums on a variety of topics important to nonprofit leaders, such as board leadership, funding models, volunteer engagement, succession planning, communication, philanthropy, and a debate titled, "How Corporate Should Nonprofits Be?" A resource center includes more than 20 corporate and nonprofit exhibitors that will provide cost-saving resources and strategies for nonprofits.
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Rev. David W. Kersten was installed as the Dean of North Park Theological Seminary on Sunday, September 16, 2012.