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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.
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North Park University Recognizes Faculty Achievements at Convocation
North Park University faculty authored several books in the past year.
University celebrates faculty granted promotion and tenure, plus book authors, editors
CHICAGO (September 21, 2012) — At its annual Convocation to open to academic year, North Park University recognized outstanding faculty who were granted promotion and tenure, and those who authored or edited recently published books. The University also formally installed two recently appointed administrators.
"This is a day of great joy and celebration at North Park University," said Dr. David Parkyn, University president, who presided at the September 17 event. He noted that the Convocation recognizes many individuals who carry out the University's mission by preparing students for lives of significance and service through education.
The Convocation included a litany of recognition for faculty granted tenure and promoted, recognition and prayer for continued guidance for faculty authors, and a litany of installation for newly appointed administrators. The University Choir and University Chamber Singers performed, directed by Julia Davids, Stephen J. Hendrickson Endowed Chair in Music, School of Music. The Convocation was held in the University's Anderson Chapel.
Faculty recently promoted:
Ida Maduram, professor of education, School of Education
Paul Priester, professor of psychology, School of Adult Learning
Faculty recently granted tenure:
Soong Chan-Rah, associate professor of church growth and evangelism, North Park Theological Seminary
Joel Willits, associate professor of biblical and theological studies, Department of Biblical and Theological Studies
Recently published faculty book authors and editors:
Philip J. Anderson and Dag Blanck, editors: Norwegians and Swedes in the United States (Minnesota Historical Society Press)
Philip J. Anderson, editor: The Augustana Synod and the Covenant Church: Contact, Conflict, and Confluence 1860-2010 (Swedish-American Historical Society)
Gregory S. Athnos: The Easter Jesus and the Good Friday Church (Outskirts Press, Inc.)
Gregory S. Athnos: The Art of the Roman Catacombs (Outskirts Press, Inc.)
James K. Bruckner: Healthy Human Life: A Biblical Perspective (Cascade Books)
Stephen Chester, Grant Osborne, Mark Seifrid and Chad Brand: Perspectives on our Struggle with Sin: Three Views of Romans 7 (Broadman & Holman)
Julia Davids and Stephen LaTour: Vocal Technique: A Guide for Conductors, Teachers, and Singers (Waveland Press, Inc.)
Paul De Neui, editor: Complexities of Money and Missions in Asia (William Carey Library)
Barbara Levandowski: The Adventures of Muffin and Alexander: Off to School (Trafford Publishing)
Bradley Nassif: Bringing Jesus to the Desert (Zondervan)
Brock Bingaman and Bradley Nassif, editors: The Philokalia: A Classic Text of Orthodox Spirituality (Oxford University Press)
Kristy Odelius and Timothy Yu: Kiss the Stranger (Corollary Press)
M. Sydney Park, Soong-Chan Rah, and Al Tizon, editors: Honoring the Generations Learning with Asian North American Congregations (Judson Press Publishers)
Richard A. Burridge and Joel Willitts, authors; Daniel M. Gurtner, editor: Jesus, Matthew's Gospel and Early Christianity: Studies in Memory of Graham N. Stanton (Library of New Testament Studies)
Theodore G. Zervas: The Making of a Modern Greek Identity: Education, Nationalism, and the Teaching of a Greek National Past (Columbia University Press)
Installation of recently appointed administrators:
Jennifer Dixon, director of undergraduate recruitment and enrollment, Office of Admissions
Daniel White Hodge, assistant professor of youth ministries, and director, Center for Youth Ministry Studies
North Park University Senior Nursing Major Named Lincoln Academy Student Laureate
Shadae Gatlin is a senior nursing major from Chicago, and is the University's Student Laureate. She was honored November 3 by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.
Shadae Gatlin honored at ceremonies in Springfield
CHICAGO (November 5, 2012) – Shadae Gatlin, a North Park University senior nursing major from Chicago, was among 52 students from Illinois colleges and universities honored as Student Laureates November 3 by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.
A ceremony was held in the Illinois House of Representatives' chamber at the Old State Capitol building in Springfield. Student Laureates, family members, and academic representatives also attended a luncheon at the Illinois Executive Mansion, home of Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn.
"I am very excited about this honor," Gatlin said in an interview. "This makes me realize and appreciate the relationships I have, and the influence of so many people in my life." Gatlin is the second of nine children, and lives with her family on Chicago's South Side. Gatlin graduated from Chicago's Jones College Prep in 2009. She said she felt called to attend North Park University after researching the University, and in particular, its nursing program. Gatlin found she was interested in attending a college with smaller classes and a Christian atmosphere.
"I love nursing," said Gatlin, a recipient of the Gretchen Carlson Scholarship in nursing. "I was first interested in biology, but I wanted to work in a more people-centered field in science. I chose health care because I grew up in a lot of underserved neighborhoods in Chicago. My main interest is in community and public health, and working in prevention through health education in community neighborhoods."
Gatlin is expected to graduate from the University in 2013. She plans to work for a couple of years in a medical-surgical hospital setting, and then hopes to return to college to earn a master's degree in community health nursing and work in a community clinic in Chicago.
As a student, Gatlin has volunteered at Ronald McDonald House, which serves families of children with serious medical conditions. There, she assists families with cleaning and preparing meals. This past summer, Gatlin volunteered with Little Brothers: Friends of the Elderly, a Chicago organization that cares for the needs of seniors in Chicago. She escorted a group of seniors to Illinois Beach Resort, Zion, on a vacation sponsored by the organization. Gatlin was also a nurse intern at Lawndale Christian Health Center, assisting with clinic visits, patient education, and calling patients to check health instructions. She helped develop education pamphlets for families.
At North Park, Gatlin has worked three years at the F.M. Johnson Archives and Special Collections, housed at Brandel Library, which has contributed to her University learning experience, she said. She has been a member of the University's Gospel Choir and the African American Student Association. Dr. Linda Duncan, professor and dean of the School of Nursing, and holder of the Gretchen Carlson Memorial Endowed Chair in Nursing, represented the University at the Lincoln Student Laureate event.
"Shadae is an extremely focused student, and knows what she wants to achieve," Duncan said. "She keeps her eyes on the task at hand. She has structured her time to support her learning and development." Gatlin's supportive family have contributed to her academic success, Duncan added..
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 $500 grant. This is the 38th year in which the Lincoln Academy has presented the Student Laureate awards. The academy also presents the state's highest award, the Order of Lincoln, to honor Illinois' most distinguished citizens.
Students, Faculty, Staff Recognized at Annual University Honors Convocation
Joshua Startup and Hannah Haugen were named the University's Distinguished Seniors at the 2012 Honors Convocation.
Program recognizes academic excellence, leadership, and service
CHICAGO (April 19, 2012) – North Park University honored outstanding seniors for excellence in academic achievement, service, and leadership at the University's annual Honors Convocation April 16. In addition, one faculty member and one staff member were honored for their outstanding work.
Two students, Hannah Haugen, Milwaukie, Ore., and Joshua Startup, Chesterton, Ind., were named the University's Distinguished Seniors, recognizing extraordinary leadership, service, and academic performance. Haugen will graduate next month with a bachelor of science in economics, and a minor in French. She plans to attend graduate school at the University of Amsterdam, and wants to be a professor of economics. Startup will graduate in May with a bachelor of science in chemistry. He plans to attend medical school and specialize in orthopedics. Startup also wants to work with patients in underserved communities.
Haugen was also named the top senior in the University's School of Business and Nonprofit Management and was named Illinois Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. She is a member of Milwaukie Covenant Church, a congregation of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC). The University is affiliated with the ECC.
Two University employees were recognized. The C.L.A.S.S. (Campus Life Associations and Student Senate) Service Award was presented to Leah Blanchfield, assistant to the dean of student development. The award is presented to a staff member who actively engages with students and embodies the University's mission. Mary Trujillo, professor of communication arts, was given the Zenos Hawkinson Award for Teaching and Campus Leadership. That award recognizes a faculty member who has made a significant contribution to teaching and leadership at the University.
North Park Theological Seminary to Install Seminary Dean at Annual Convocation
Rev. Dr. David W. Kersten, dean of North Park Theological Seminary
North Park University to provide live webcast of Convocation, Rev. Dave Kersten’s installation
CHICAGO (September 10, 2012) — North Park Theological Seminary holds its annual Convocation September 16, featuring a worship service of prayer and blessing, marking the beginning of the new academic year for students and faculty. This year’s Convocation will include the installation ceremony of the Seminary’s new dean, Rev. Dr. David W. Kersten.
North Park University will present a live webcast of the Convocation beginning at 4:00 pm, Central Daylight Time. Full details for the day’s events are available online.
Kersten, who began his new role as dean on August 1, came to the University after serving as both a parish pastor and a denominational administrator, most recently as the executive minister of the Department of Ordered Ministry for the Chicago-based Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC). He previously served ECC congregations in Alabama, Florida, Washington, and Minnesota.
North Park University is affiliated with the ECC. Theological education in the ECC tradition is provided by North Park Theological Seminary, a graduate school of the University.
University Dedicates Nursing Simulation Suite in High-Tech Lab Facility
Richard Becker, center, provided a gift to the University's Nursing Simulation Lab facility in memory of his wife, Janice, who was a nurse. With Becker are, left, School of Nursing Dean Linda Duncan and, right, Vice President for Development Alumni Relations Mary Surridge.
Suite named for Janice Becker, psychiatric nurse and Covenant Church member
CHICAGO (November 15, 2012) — With family, friends, invited guests, and the University board of trustees in attendance October 26, North Park University dedicated the Janice I. Becker Nursing Simulation Suite in its state-of-the-art Nursing Simulation Lab Facility. The suite honors Becker, a longtime member of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), and a psychiatric nurse in Massachusetts for nearly 40 years before her death from cancer in 2009.
After Janice's death, her husband, Richard, moved to Covenant Village of Florida, Plantation, where he learned about the University, and in particular, its simulation lab facility. He eventually visited the lab, and was invited to honor his wife's career and dedication to the Covenant Church by naming a lab suite for her. North Park is affiliated with the ECC.
"What a wonderful day this is," said Richard. "Janice was my sweetheart, the love of my life, and she was a very special person to anyone who worked with her or called her their friend." In his dedication remarks, Richard described their life of devotion to each other that began when they met in 1960 while singing in a choir at a church conference in New Hampshire. Richard, who was in the U.S. Air Force and stationed in Maine, remained in touch with Janice, and traveled long distances to the Boston area to see her.
After they were married, Janice was hired in 1967 as part of original staff of the newly formed psychiatric unit of Emerson Hospital, Concord, Mass., where she worked until her retirement in 2003. Describing her as a "tough nurse," Richard said, "Jan truly loved her work at the hospital and never considered it a job. She lovingly cared for her patients, and many of them loved her right back." In 1997, Janice Becker was named Massachusetts LPN of the Year, "the crowning moment" of her career, Richard said.
Janice was an avid reader and photographer. She was adept at needlepoint, and knitted caps for seafarers. She also had a strong faith in God, enjoyed reading Bible stories, and with her soprano voice, sang in their church choir in Massachusetts with Richard. "Dear to Jan's heart was the music of the church, especially songs that embraced her Swedish heritage. Music was in Jan's blood," he said. They traveled together with friends, and continued to do so after Janice was diagnosed with cancer. The Beckers were married 47 years.
"Janice was a very special lady, and this is a very special occasion," Richard Becker told the group at the dedication. "I believe she is looking down on us right now and smiling her approval."
Mary Surridge, University vice president for development and alumni relations, presented Richard with a book of remembrances about Janice. Copies of the messages will remain in the lab suite, she said.
In his comments, Dr. David L. Parkyn, North Park University president, said the suite will have a positive effect on the University's nursing program in many ways. For example, he observed that people teach and learn best in well-equipped spaces. "Nursing education at North Park is rooted deeply in its students and faculty, but also takes on a character of its own because of the space provided," he said. Parkyn thanked Richard for on behalf of those who will be cared for by nurses trained through the facilities of the Janice Becker suite. "Her lifetime of care for people out of her dedication to this profession will be continued for so many years to come, and in the lives of so many people," Parkyn added.
The simulation lab has enabled faculty to train students to provide quality care to patients, said Dr. Linda Duncan, dean of the North Park University School of Nursing and Gretchen Carlson Memorial Endowed Chair in Nursing."This has made a tremendous difference in our students, in our graduate students, and in the welfare of our patients," she said.
Opened in September 2011, the high-tech Nursing Simulation Lab Facility enables students in nursing and other disciplines to practice critical skills in a simulated, safe, learning environment. Simulations are recorded, and students and faculty routinely review their work. The lab has also attracted attention from others in the health care community. For example, about a dozen health care building professionals people toured the lab last month while attending a national symposium in Chicago.
North Park University Introduces New Graduate-Level Nursing Curriculum
The University's new master-level nursing curriculum includes concentrations in leadership and management, plus family nurse practitioner and adult-gerontology nurse practitioner specialties.
Curriculum includes adult-gerontology nursing practice track, leadership training
CHICAGO (June 6, 2012) – To better equip nurses to work with an aging population and changes in the health care arena in the United States, the School of Nursing at North Park University, Chicago, will initiate a new master's level curriculum this fall. The changes are in response to new master's-level competencies approved by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, which sets accreditation standards for schools of nursing. The changes will affect most students already in the master's program, as well as incoming students.
The new curriculum, which includes revised core and clinical courses, includes concentrations in leadership and management, plus family nurse practitioner and adult-gerontology nurse practitioner specialties. Other revisions include an increased emphasis on interdisciplinary and interprofessional communication and care, said Dr. Janice M. Zeller, professor of nursing and graduate program director. For example, Zeller said every student will take a course in professional communication and collaboration, focusing on group work, how to lead within a team, and how to bring up difficult and challenging topics for discussion.
Zeller explained that the focus on the adult gerontology nurse practitioner prepares graduate nurses to care for the growing number of elderly people and their diverse health care needs. "The spectrum of care has intentionally been broadened," she said. "Although nurse practitioners have been caring for older adults, now there is a need for greater emphasis because of the aging population."
Behind the nursing education changes is the 2010 report, "The Future of Nursing," issued by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, said Dr. Linda Duncan, professor and dean, North Park University School of Nursing. It states that nurses should practice to the fullest extent of their education and training, achieve higher levels of education and training through an improved education system, and be full partners with physicians and other health care professionals in redesigning the U.S. health care system. It also states that nursing education programs should prepare nurses for leadership positions in health care.
Nurse practitioners are key players in front-line, primary care in hospitals, clinics, schools, community centers, and workplaces. "What is clear is that we need, as a society, to be better poised to be able to provide primary health care to the people out there that need it, whether it's the vast increase of people who will be on the Medicare rolls or the increase in the number of underinsured," she said. Duncan added that the University's nurse practitioner curriculum is already focused on primary care.
Chicago-area health professionals say the University's new master's concentration to train nurses to work with older populations is significant. Christine Bertrand, intergenerational coordinator, Little Brothers — Friends of the Elderly, Chicago Chapter, said North Park nursing students work with the organization's elders while elders are on vacation, visit them in their homes, or volunteer throughout the year. Students see first-hand the health-related concerns of elders, and learn how to communicate with them effectively, she said.
"North Park has realized there is a big need for gerontology classes," Bertrand said of the new curriculum. "Anyone who has the opportunity to be trained for this population will be ahead of other nursing students or professionals down the road." There are not many trained adult gerontologist nurse practitioners now, she added.
Lawndale Christian Health Center is a faith-based, federally qualified health center on Chicago’s west side which serves older adults, and patients with lower incomes and no health insurance. Lawndale has hosted North Park students in community health rotations, and University faculty have helped train Lawndale staff on changes in geriatric nursing. The University's new master's curriculum, including the adult gerontology nurse practitioner track, is an important step, said Jewel Scott, a family nurse practitioner and director of nursing, Lawndale Christian Health Center.
"If you look at the changing trends in our country, it makes sense that North Park is training nurses to be able to care for the aging population," she said. "People are living longer with more complex medication regimens, and we want nurses to be prepared to care for this population." There is also a positive career outlook for trained geriatric nurses, with more and more primary care settings developing geriatric specialties, Scott added.
A strength of the North Park University nursing program is that it "invests" in students directly through face-to-face classroom and clinical experiences. "Our job is to equip our students to rise to a level of performance that is going to be asked of them," said Duncan. "These changes are going to be exciting. Our students will help mold and guide the primary health care for the neighborhoods in which they work. Many of our graduate students live and work here on the north side of Chicago. We're really meeting the needs of the community in which we're living."
North Park University Congratulates Mike Holmgren on Packers Hall of Fame Honor
Mike Holmgren was inducted July 21 into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame at a ceremony at Lambeau Field. (Photo courtesy of the Green Bay Packers)
Former head coach and family well-known to North Park University community
CHICAGO (July 25, 2012) — The Green Bay Packers inducted former head coach Mike Holmgren into the Packers Hall of Fame July 21. Holmgren, now the president of the Cleveland Browns, and his family, are known to the North Park University community as leaders and longtime supporters of the University.
Holmgren was the only inductee to the Packers Hall of Fame this year. He turned more than two decades of losing into one of the best winning percentages in National Football League (NFL) coaching history with seven consecutive winning seasons and six consecutive playoff seasons, according to Packers.com. Holmgren coached the 1996 team, which posted a 13-3 record in the regular season, and defeated the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, 35-21.
Holmgren thanked many people, including Ron Wolf, the Packers' general manager who hired him as head coach. "He took a chance on a young coach who was five years removed from coaching in high school," Holmgren said. He began his career as Packers coach with consecutive losses, the second of which was by a 31-3 score in Tampa. The following week, Holmgren inserted Brett Favre at quarterback. Favre rallied the Packers to a 24-23 win with "two of the most beautiful passes I’ve ever seen, and we win the game," Holmgren said.
Mike McCarthy, the Packers’ most recent head coach to have won a Super Bowl title, was in attendance to applaud Holmgren’s induction. Holmgren left the Packers following the 1998 season to become head coach and general manager of the Seattle Seahawks.
Holmgren and his wife, Kathy, are longtime members of the North Park University President's Club, and have been important partners in several University building projects, including the Brandel Library, the Helwig Recreation Center, and the Johnson Center for Science and Community Life (the University has begun initial preparation of the building site). The University's athletic complex, named for the Holmgrens, is home to North Park University football, baseball, softball, and soccer teams. The University also presented him an honorary doctorate in 1997.
Kathy Holmgren earned an undergraduate nursing degree at the University, was recognized as a Distinguished Alumna in 2006, and served on the University's board of trustees. The Holmgrens' four daughters, Calla, Emily, Gretchen, and Jenny, earned degrees at the University. Calla Holmgren, Salt Lake City, is in her second year as a University trustee.
"North Park remains profoundly grateful to Mike and Kathy Holmgren for their exemplary lives of significant service and support to the University, and all of its students and programs," said Mary Surridge, University vice president for development and alumni affairs. "We join so many others in offering deep congratulations to Mike on this significant honor of induction to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, on his leadership in the restoration of the Packers legacy, and his relentless pursuit of excellence in his profession."
University Student Promotes Intercultural Learning through Her Own Nonprofit
Crystal Buffington started her own nonprofit organization, and supports an orphanage in Kenya.
Crystal Buffington organizes March 10 fundraiser for Kenyan orphanage
CHICAGO (March 5, 2012) — Crystal Buffington listened as her grandmother, Bettye Olds-Green, described her community when she was younger. It was a place where neighbors knew each other, and helped each other as if they were family, Olds-Green would say. As she listened to those stories, Buffington wondered, "How can we get back to that place?"
Inspired by her grandmother's stories, Buffington started a nonprofit organization in 2009, Our Village, Our World Inc., thanks to some pro bono assistance from a Chicago law firm. Her vision of building an organization to help children living in challenging socio-economic conditions in the United States and abroad had become a reality. Buffington, from San Diego, Calif., is a North Park University senior majoring in communication with a minor in history.
"Basically what I'm trying to do is create intercultural learning opportunities for school-age children, and also connect and partner with organizations domestically and internationally to help meet their needs financially," Buffington said in an interview. While it's important that children be able to function well in a globalized society by knowing people who live in different cultures, Buffington said it's also important to "empathize" with people who are culturally different.
One way Buffington is putting her vision into action is by doing hands-on work in Africa, providing encouragement and support to an orphanage in Wangige, Kenya, managed by the Caroline Wambui Mungai (CWM) Foundation. Buffington got connected to the orphanage in 2009 through a friend. Our Village, Our World raised $900 through t-shirt sales, and contributed the funds toward the establishment of a library at the orphanage. That summer, Buffington visited the orphanage, which is home to about 40 at-risk adolescents from Kenya and Tanzania.
Buffington, top, worked with students at the Kenyan orphanage when she visited there in 2010.
Dr. Terry Lindsay, dean of the University's Office of Diversity and Intercultural Programs, has known Buffington for three years, including working with her when she was president of the African American Student Association. "She has a passion for and is committed to working with elementary school-age students to help them acquire the knowledge and essential skills needed to develop meaningful relationships with individuals who are culturally different than themselves," he said.
"Her professional attitude and ability to get along well with those with whom she worked are among the qualities I respect and admire about her," Lindsay added.
Funds raised from the benefit will be used to help improve the food served to the children at the orphanage, Buffington said. When she visited there in 2010, Buffington noticed that the children ate the same foods every day, such as porridge, and rice and beans. "I want to do something that's lasting," she said. "I figured the best way to do that was to provide them with a chicken coop and vegetable garden. That way they get the variety of nutrition they need." The garden and chicken coop may also serve as a source of income for the orphanage, she said.
"I've been to different places in Africa. But when I was in Kenya, I felt like I belonged. I have a heart for children. In some of these children, I saw my own story of similar things I've gone through in my life. I'm able to connect with them on another level," Buffington said.
This summer, Buffington plans to return to Kenya to visit the orphanage with members of her church, The Church of God in Christ. Among her long-term hopes for Our Village, Our World is the possibility of providing grants and scholarships to community service-minded young people, here and abroad, to visit and work in other countries.
"This work is something that I'm very passionate about. I'm hoping when I graduate, it's something I'm able to become more involved in," she added.
Thorin is one of three people nominated by the president to serve as an advisor to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) on general policy and practices, and on selections for the National Medal for Museum and Library Science, according to a Syracuse University news release. The board includes the IMLS director, deputy directors, and 20 members of the general public with expertise and commitment to libraries or museums, the release said. She was nominated for a term that ends in December 2015.
"These dedicated individuals bring a wealth of experience and talent to their new roles, and I am proud to have them serve in this Administration. I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come," President Obama said.
Thorin was born in and grew up in Detroit. She attended North Park College from 1959-1963. While here, she sang in the 16-voice choir at the Church of the Ascension, Chicago. After graduation from North Park, she attended the University of Michigan where she earned a master's degree in music history. Thorin returned to Chicago where she taught music for four years, first at Marshall High School and then at Senn High School.
Thorin returned to the University of Michigan for a second master's degree in library science, and moved into music librarianship and then, administration. She grew up as a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), and later became a member of United Methodist Church. North Park University is affiliated with the ECC. Her late brother David, and her sister Christina, Hoffman Estates, Ill., both graduated from North Park College. David also graduated from North Park Theological Seminary.
In her role at Syracuse, Thorin also serves as a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet and oversees the Syracuse University Press. Previously, she was the Ruth Lilly university dean of libraries and associate vice president for digital libraries at Indiana University. Thorin was formerly chief of staff to the Librarian of Congress and the official U.S. representative for the G-7 electronic libraries project, one of eleven G-7 pilot projects for the Global Information Society.
North Park University Mourns Loss of Jimmie Alford, Nonprofit Leader, Teacher, and Alumnus
The Chicago Better Government Association presented Alford its Lifetime Achievement Award in October 2012.
Alford was University executive-in-residence, Axelson Center leader, contributor
CHICAGO (December 19, 2012) — Jimmie R. Alford, who for 50 years devoted his life to the betterment of nonprofit organizations throughout the United States, died suddenly December 18, following an apparent heart attack at his Chicago home. Alford, a North Park alumnus, was founder and chair of the Alford Group, and he was executive-in-residence at the North Park University School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM), where he taught graduate courses and workshops.
Alford, 69, was well-known nationally. The Alford Group, which he founded in 1979 to serve the nonprofit sector, quickly grew into one of the premier consulting firms in the United States. It has served more than 3,000 nonprofit clients since its creation. He was twice recognized by The Nonprofit Times as "one of the 50 most influential people in the nonprofit sector." This past October, the Chicago Better Government Association presented Alford its lifetime achievement award.
Alford's legacy is the many people he touched through his life and work, Parkyn said. "He loved people. Jimmie devoted his life to the nonprofit sector because here he found an avenue through which to care for others. Because he loved others, he lived a life consistent with the mission of his alma mater. Through his uncompromising care for the well-being of others, Jimmie modeled the mission of North Park University: his life was one of 'significance and service.'"
Dr. Wesley E. Lindahl, dean of the School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM), said Alford was an important leader in the school and a frequent speaker on nonprofit topics. Lindahl recalled Alford's recent presentation on nonprofit trends before a large audience University Club, Chicago, as part of the North Park University Breakfast Series. "His recent speech will stay with me as I remember Jimmie," Lindahl said. "He was able to speak with authority about the nonprofit sector, and the audience was taken with his knowledge and connections to the field. Jimmie was one of the most networked people I’ve ever known. He used his connections across the city of Chicago to continually strengthen the nonprofit organizations that serve those in need. We will miss him tremendously."
"Jimmie welcomed me when I began at the Axelson Center in 2007," said Dr. Pier C. Rogers, director of the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management. "He opened so many doors for me in introducing me within numerous networks of nonprofit leaders in Chicago."
Rogers said in recent years Alford enjoyed spending time with his family and teaching. "He loved to teach, and share his knowledge and experiences with others. He often mentioned how he talked with or met with individuals who sought his counsel as they navigated through various stages of their careers. I often used him as a sounding board to discuss various ideas for Axelson Center programs." Just last week, Rogers said, she spoke with him about a presentation at the 2013 Axelson Symposium. Now, she and others are thinking about how best to honor Alford's numerous contributions to the University, the Axelson Center, and the nonprofit community.
Alford was born in Madisonville, Ky. He graduated from North Park in 1967, earning a bachelor's degree in psychology. In 2006, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws by the University, and served on the board of trustees, completing his term in 2010. He also was a board member at Aurora University, Aurora, Ill., and had been awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by the school.
Alford served with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago before he founded The Alford Group, and was an early advisor to the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, Bloomington. He was a longtime member of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals (AFP), and in 2009, was the recipient of the prestigious Chair’s Award for Outstanding Service, given to individuals for exceptional service to AFP, the fundraising profession, and the philanthropic community.
Alford was active as a volunteer with Cure Violence, Chicago, and was senior advisor to the Better Government Association. Last month, Alford and his wife, Maree Bullock, were presented the 2012 "Spirit of Youth" award by the National Runaway Switchboard, a Chicago organization that recognized their work to keep runaway, homeless and at-risk youth safe.
Alford is survived by his wife and their three children, Ann (Sean) Reardon, and Joshua, Chicago; Alan, Breckenridge, Colo.; and two grandchildren. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions be sent to benefit the Jimmie R. Alford Scholarship at North Park University (designate "Jimmie R. Alford Scholarship Fund").
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