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North Park University's dining hall in Magnuson Campus Center now offers a variety of seating options and bright decor.
New Flex Dollars Program Also Available for Students, Faculty, Staff
CHICAGO (August 19, 2013) — North Park University students will step into a new dining experience on campus this fall. Over the summer, major renovations have transformed the campus dining hall, located on the second floor of Magnuson Campus Center.
When entering the facility, diners will now be greeted by a refurbished meal-service area with non-slip floors and upgraded service windows and equipment. According to food service director Joshua Davis, ARAMARK Food Services is working on new menus it will serve the University to reflect its new capacity while also keeping favorite student items. Available at every meal will be a variety of hot protein, vegetable, starch, and vegetarian options, along with a partially self-serve deli station, pizza, grill, salad bar, and made-to-order station. Nutrition fact cards will accompany menu items so individuals can easily identify options that fit their dietary requirements.
More extensive renovations were completed in the seating area of the dining hall. Along with traditional tables, diners can choose from restaurant-style booths, bar stools at higher counters, lounge chairs, and even a fireplace lounge at one end. Electrical outlets are accessible from nearly every seat, making it easier for students to plug in laptops or phones while eating. The south end of the room may be partitioned off for private events or meetings.
Throughout the facility, the walls have been repainted, ceilings have been dropped, new flooring installed, and windows replaced. New lighting allows for brightening and dimming in response to the external environment, and both motion sensors and automatic programming control lights. Together, these upgrades all contribute to a more energy-efficient room that is also welcoming and encourages a wide variety of community interactions.
“A vibrant dining experience is vital to create an environment where all members of the campus community are eager to gather around the same table,” said Elizabeth Snezek, dean of students, of the renovation project. “Dining services plays and important role in fostering a sense of community and encouraging conversation.”
ARAMARK Food Services, which manages the dining hall and provides all food services on North Park’s campus, is also rolling out a new Flex Dollars meal plan option this fall, allowing students, faculty, and staff to pay for purchases at the dining hall and Viking Café with their University ID card instead of carrying cash or using a bank debit or credit card. Flex Dollars accounts will be managed individually online through the ARAMARK website. Diners, or other authorized users they designate, can add funds to accounts at any time during the year, and Flex Dollars will carry over between semesters.
All students, both commuter and resident and regardless of whether they purchase a meal plan or not, can purchase Flex Dollars that will be tied to their student IDs. Faculty and staff can also enroll in the Flex Dollars program. The University hopes this new program will encourage all members of the community to take advantage of the excellent food service available in the dining hall and Viking Café, and also use that time to build relationships and experience a rich community life. “Students, both resident and commuter, faculty, and staff can meet at mealtimes in friendly and enriching conversation, and not have to worry about having cash or a meal plan,” Snezek said.
Flex Dollars are being rolled out this year in anticipation of increased options on North Park’s campus when the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life opens in Fall 2014. At that time, Flex Dollars will be able to be used in the dining hall, Viking Café, and any additional food venues that are part of the ARAMARK campus food services. As part of the launch of the program, students on some meal plans will receive a complimentary bank of Flex Dollars on their accounts, and anyone who adds $200 or more to their Flex Dollars account by Sept. 10, 2013, will receive a bonus $20 in Flex Dollars.
North Park University to Offer Undergraduate Major in Nonprofit Management
North Park University will become the only college or university in Chicago offering nonprofit management degree programs for undergraduates.
Nonprofit management bachelor's degrees to be offered beginning in fall 2013
CHICAGO (March 11, 2013) – This fall, North Park University undergraduate students can pursue a new academic program leading to either a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree in nonprofit management. The new degrees replace the current academic concentration in nonprofit management offered by the University's School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM), said Dr. Wesley E. Lindahl, the school's dean.
When the major is initiated, the University will be the only higher education institution in the Chicago area offering a nonprofit major for undergraduates. "The change was mainly driven by student feedback, but also driven by our school's strategic plan to be a fully engaged educational institution in the nonprofit area," Lindahl said. Students currently interested in nonprofit management are business and economics majors, and take extra courses in the nonprofit area.
A nonprofit management major, with expanded coursework, enables the University to take advantage of a growing area of interest for incoming students, and is expected to bring about 15 new students per year to North Park, Lindahl explained. Undergraduate students can also declare a minor in nonprofit management.
Students majoring in nonprofit management will learn about fundraising, building relationships with donors, working with boards, managing volunteers, understanding nonprofit budgets and accounting, and marketing in nonprofit organizations, Lindahl said. They will also take classes in sociology, and develop leadership and management skills.
Evan Woods, a sophomore from Overland Park, Kan., is excited about the new nonprofit management major, and plans to switch from his current business major. "This goes back to the reason why I came to North Park. The (University's) mission is 'preparing students for lives of significance and service.' With nonprofits, the theme is the same." Woods is an intern with a Chicago-based nonprofit, By the Hand Club for Kids, where he works in development.
"I'm working directly with something for a cause and for a purpose," he said. "It's not just to make money. It's to help the neighborhoods in Chicago, and to help kids." Woods has worked with the University's Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management, and is also a member of the University's Nonprofit Leadership Club. He hopes to make a career in nonprofit management working in "green" business initiatives.
The new bachelor of science degree program requires 52 semester hours in nonprofit management courses, said Christa Beall Diefenbach, a member of SBNM's teaching faculty and Axelson Center associate director. Bachelor of science students will also complete requirements for the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance certificate, she said.
"Every student who graduates with this certificate will be a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP), which makes students more competitive when they start their career searches," Diefenbach said. Bachelor of science students will also participate in the University's Nonprofit Leadership Club and attend one Alliance Management Institute, an annual nonprofit management educational symposium, she said. Students who opt for the new bachelor of arts program will take 40 semester hours in nonprofit management and other relevant courses, and could combine the program with another major.
Like the nonprofit sector in general, a growing field in the nonprofit arena is "social entrepreneurship," which employs innovative approaches to address the world’s most pressing social and environmental issues. "This is a hot field right now in the nonprofit sector. Organizations are looking for alternative, sustainable revenue streams. We're going to be offering a class that will focus on just that," Diefenbach said.
Among the new undergraduate degree programs, the University also offers programs leading to a professional certificate in nonprofit management, and a master's degree in nonprofit administration.
North Park University Invites You to Celebrate Advent with Lessons and Carols
The Lessons and Carols service will include performances by North Park University's University Choir, Chamber Singers, Gospel Choir Touring Ensemble, Women's Chorale, and Lessons and Carols Orchestra.
School of Music ensembles joined by community youth musicians
CHICAGO (November 27, 2013) — North Park University will present its popular Festival of Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 8, at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood. The event, themed “O Holy Night!” will feature more than 200 musicians from the University, the People’s Music School Youth Orchestras, and the Chicago Children’s Choir – Albany Park Division.
Drawing from an Advent tradition that originated in 19th-Century England, services of lessons and carols pair Scripture readings with Advent and Christmas music and carols. “The annual Festival of Lessons and Carols is a highlight for the North Park University community, and the School of Music looks forward each year to bringing together our ensembles in such a joyous way to celebrate this special season,” said Dr. Craig Johnson, dean of the University’s School of Music.
This year’s festival theme is one of reverence and awe, said Dr. Julia Davids, the Stephen J. Hendrickson Assistant Professor of Music. “From the prophecy, to the birth of Jesus, through the arrival of the Wise Men, people who attend can expect a musical journey through Christmas,” she said.
North Park University students, faculty, and staff, along with members of Our Lady of Mercy Church, will present Scripture readings. Performers will include University Organist Margaret Martin and University musicians in five ensembles: the University Choir, Chamber Singers, Gospel Choir Touring Ensemble, Women’s Chorale, and the North Park Lessons and Carols Orchestra.
In addition, student musicians from the People’s Music School YOURS Orchestra at Hibbard Elementary School and the Chicago Children’s Choir – Albany Park Division, will join University musicians for the service. “We are honored to be able to collaborate with the Chicago Children’s Choir and the People’s Music School Youth Orchestras the for the event,” Johnson said.
“This is a wonderful event that brings the community of Albany Park together,” said Youth Orchestra Albany Park Director Carolyn Sybesma. “It is an enriching experience for our YOURS Orchestra students to work together with North Park and to engage in their community through music. In addition, the event gives our students the opportunity to get to know college students that live in their neighborhood, which raises personal aspirations and goals for their futures.”
Musical selections will include well-known songs, as well as pieces by contemporary composers. Vocal pieces will be sung in English, Latin, and Spanish. Among the program’s highlights will be the Gospel Choir Touring Ensemble’s collaboration with the Chicago Children’s Choir on “Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child,” and a combined performance of “O Holy Night” featuring all of the ensembles and orchestra together.
The Festival of Lessons and Carols is presented by the University as a free event open to the community. However, because of limited seating, attendees are asked to reserve general admission tickets online. More than 800 people attended in 2012.
The event will begin at 4:00 pm. The Chicago Children’s Choir and People’s Music School YOURS String Quartet from Hibbard Elementary School will perform a recital at 3:30 pm, prior to the festival service. Our Lady of Mercy Church is located at 4432 North Troy Street, Chicago, approximately one mile from the North Park University campus. Parking is available in the two church lots and on the street.
University Gospel Choir Touring Ensemble to Visit California Congregations
Spring break tour, March 10-17, features 51 student singers
CHICAGO (February 18, 2013) — The North Park University Gospel Choir Touring Ensemble will visit seven California congregations of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) during its 2013 spring tour, singing in worship and in longer choral performances. The theme of the tour is "Lifting the Highest Praise."
The March 10–17 choir tour schedule includes visits to congregations in Fremont, Modesto, Turlock, Hilmar, Santa Rosa, and Oakland. Of the approximately 130 students in the popular Gospel Choir, 51 students make up the touring ensemble. The choir is directed by Stephen Kelly, worship coordinator, University Ministries, and co-directed by Dr. Helen Hudgens, associate professor, School of Music. Instrumentalists will accompany the touring ensemble.
Students have committed their entire spring break to be part of the California tour. "It inspires me over and over again to see God at work in the church, and to see these students become the body of Christ, love one another and care for one another, and sing so passionately about the goodness of God. I wouldn't miss it for the world," Kelly said.
About 10 students in the touring ensemble are international students from Scandinavia, South America, and Asia, said Kelly. "I love that. Gospel music is an authentic glimpse of God, and anyone from any culture can connect to the words and to the meaning behind the music, because it's God revealed in a unique art form," he said.
The choir tour will feature diverse compositions by well-known and award-winning composers. Among the songs the Gospel Choir Touring Ensemble will sing is "High and Lifted Up," by Joe Pace; "Faithful," Hold Out," and "Grateful" by Hezekiah Walker; "Jesus Be a Fence," written by Sam Cooke, the legendary American pop and soul singer, and arranged by Fred Hammond; "Total Praise" by Richard Smallwood, a gospel music icon; "More than Anything" by Lamar Campbell; "I Will Run" by Freddy Rodriguez; and others. Two favorites are "Awesome God Medley" and "Brighter Day" written by Kirk Franklin, a seven-time Grammy Award winner. The choir will sing about five songs in regularly scheduled worship services and about 15 compositions during choral performances.
The Gospel Choir, seen here in 2011, is a popular ensemble in the University's School of Music.
Gospel music, rooted in the black church experience, is joyful, filled with praise, and uplifting. Choir members clap their hands and are frequently in "step motion" while singing. Choirs and instrumentalists improvise at times. Audiences participate. There's also a story that goes with every choral piece, Hudgens said. "What attracted me to gospel music is the fact that it comes from a long tradition of a community in a struggle," she said. "It is music that has a history and a certain weight of experience to it. There's an authenticity of having to deal with adversity and struggle, and finding Jesus at the center. It's very Christ-centered music."
School of Music touring ensembles visit parts of the country where there are concentrations of University alumni and ECC congregations, said Rev. Mark Olson, director of church relations.
"This ensemble will give friends of North Park, members of Covenant churches, and prospective students and parents a sense of the quality of our students and faculty, as well as a glimpse into the spiritual life of the North Park student experience, which the Gospel Choir represents," he said. The University Choir performed in California in 2008, the most recent University ensemble to tour in the state, he said.
'The Engagement Effect' Theme of Axelson Center Nonprofit Symposium June 3-4
The annual Axelson Symposium in downtown Chicago is a significant networking and learning event for leaders of nonprofit organizations.
University symposium key learning, networking event for nonprofit leaders
CHICAGO (May 14, 2013) – As many as 550 nonprofit leaders are expected to attend the 14th Annual Axelson Center Symposium for Nonprofit Professionals and Volunteers, June 3-4 in Chicago. The event is a growing and significant annual networking and professional development conference for nonprofit leaders in Chicago and the Midwest. This year's theme is "The Engagement Effect."
North Park University's Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management is hosting the symposium at the Holiday Inn, Chicago Mart Plaza. The center provides resources and learning opportunities to enhance the performance and effectiveness of individuals and organizations in the nonprofit sector through education, service, and resources. A "Pre-Conference Revenue Institute" is planned for June 3, followed by the symposium the next day.
The conference theme relates directly to constituent groups that nonprofit organizations work with regularly. "This includes policymakers, donors, the boards, the staffs, and other volunteers," said Dr. Pier Rogers, director of the Axelson Center. "All of these groups need to be cultivated to strengthen relationships." Participants will be able to choose workshop sessions arranged in categories by constituent groups, she said.
One of the two-day event's primary strengths is the variety of organizational perspectives and experiences that are represented in a diverse lineup of speakers. Another strength is the idea-sharing and conversation that takes place throughout the day, said Christa Beall Diefenbach, associate director of the Axelson Center. "Networking is an appeal of this event, and people come here because of it," she said. "Attendees make connections that will benefit their organizations for years to come."
The June 3 Revenue Institute is focused on trends and strategies related to revenue streams. Speakers are Dr. Elizabeth Trocolli Boris, director, Center on Nonprofits and Philanthrophy, the Urban Institute, and Steven D. Zimmerman, principal, Spectrum Nonprofit Services. In addition, panelists from Chicago-area nonprofits will address alternative revenue streams and changes in foundations in separate sessions.
The symposium's opening keynote address, "Founders Fired Up" will feature leaders of local nonprofits. "Six founding executive directors are going to talk about the ideas they had to start their nonprofits," Rogers said. "They'll discuss the strategies they used to build momentum, and the extent to which it is important to keep that community engaged." The six are Jenna Benn, Twist Out Cancer; Malik Gillani, Silk Road Rising; Jonny Imerman, Imerman Angels, and also a "CNN Hero;" Lisa Nigro, Inspiration Corporation; Reveca Torres, Backbones; and Jeremy Weisbach, Jimmy Insulin.
Following the keynote, symposium participants will attend concurrent workshops and forums led by nearly 50 experts. Subjects include board engagement, communication, fundraising, staffing and volunteers, engaging young leaders, management strategies, strategic partnerships, and government funding. At the symposium's conclusion, Shirley Sagawa, co-founder, Sagawa/Jospin Consulting Firm, will address "The Charismatic Organization." Some organizations believe a charismatic individual is needed to lead an organization to be successful, Rogers explained. "She really believes the notion that charisma can be infused into the organization itself," Rogers said.
At the June 4 symposium luncheon program, the Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence will be presented to two nonprofit organizations that embody exemplary management practices. This year, there were a record 55 nominations. The Axelson Center Excellent Emerging Organization Award will be presented to one young organization with potential for growth and greater effectiveness. Twelve organizations were nominated.
The late Jimmie Alford, a North Park alumnus who died unexpectedly last December at his Chicago home, will be honored at the luncheon. For 50 years, he devoted his life to the betterment of nonprofit organizations throughout the United States. Alford was founder and chair of the Alford Group, and executive-in-residence at the North Park University School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM), where he taught graduate courses and workshops.
North Park University Hosts CPS Summer Writing Camp
Senior Gwen Munoz-Arroyo is leading the University's Summer Writing Camp, helping Chicago high school students prepare for the college application process.
Next year's high school seniors work on essays for college applications
CHICAGO (July 25, 2013) — This summer, North Park University has been partnering with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to help next year’s high school seniors with their college application process. For four weeks, students have gathered in the University’s Brandel Library to work on writing skills for personal statements and essays, cover letters, and resumes needed for school and scholarship applications. They’ve also had the opportunity to meet and learn from current North Park students, faculty, and staff, getting a firsthand look at the college experience.
North Park University senior Gwen Munoz-Arroyo is heading up the program, having designed it alongside Carol Martin, the University’s Writing Center director, and Annette Moy, director of outreach programs and international admission, who works closely with Chicago Public Schools’ college and career specialists. “Through collaborations like this we’re trying to answer the question, ‘What do high school students need to get ready for college?’” Moy said.
“One of our biggest goals is that students will end the program with something complete—a solid essay or personal statement that they can use as a framework or example for other applications and essays,” Munoz-Arroyo said. “We want to help students in the community and local high schools with their goal of getting into college.”
Juniors from the high schools in CPS’s north/northwest network were invited to participate in the Summer Writing Camp, two hours a day, three days a week. This voluntary, free program drew 15 to 20 students each week. They followed a syllabus that moved through the process of researching schools and scholarships; developing a personal life timeline to help tell their own unique stories; goal-setting; understanding college applications; and writing personal statements, essays, resumes, and cover letters.
Jolene Del Rosario will be a senior at Lane Tech High School in the fall, and wants to be a nurse. She chose to attend the Summer Writing Camp to improve her writing skills and work on her applications for colleges and scholarships. Del Rosario plans to stay in the Chicago area for school, and has spent much of the summer getting organized for her college search.
“I’ve been visiting colleges and doing more research this summer, paying attention to deadlines so I don’t miss opportunities,” she said. She said the Summer Writing Camp fit right in with these plans. “Participating in this program gives me a great advantage. I get a head start on application and scholarship essays,” she said.
The Summer Writing Camp has been a “great collaboration,” according to Moy. “Students are getting ready for their college searches during their senior years, meeting other students, and getting in touch with North Parkers,” she said. “Not only are we exposing future college students to North Park, we’re giving back to the community in an area where our resources meet a real need.”
Munoz-Arroyo is a psychology major (minoring in music in worship) and has worked as a writing advisor in the Writing Center for the past two years. She is also one of the student co-coordinators for the Center and working with the Summer Writing Camp has been a natural progression from these activities, giving her valuable leadership experience and internship credit. Munoz-Arroyo said she wasn’t looking for a “typical” psychology internship; after volunteering with a nonprofit organization tutoring individuals going through the process of applying for U.S. citizenship, she knew she wanted to work directly with people in an educational setting again.
As she is developing daily lesson plans, teaching skills and concepts, and working one-on-one with students completing writing exercises, Munoz-Arroyo is reminded of being in their shoes not too long ago. “It takes me back to how intimidating writing essays for college applications was for me, as well,” she said.
Working alongside Munoz-Arroyo and the students are a team of Writing Advisors, University faculty and staff that lead focused workshops, and career and college coaches from Chicago Public Schools.
Patrick Phelan, the college and career coach at Foreman High School, spent a week at the Writing Camp providing feedback and guidance to students. “As college and career coaches, we try to give students knowledge through exploration and experiences so they’re ready to apply for college,” he said, adding that programs like the Summer Writing Camp support these efforts by providing extra enrichment in focused areas. “I love that these things are available for our kids,” Phelan said. “It really is a worthwhile experience for everyone who comes.”
Antonio Samaniego is a rising senior at Kelvyn Park High School. He is anticipating studying physics and math in college—even looking far enough ahead to think about earning a doctoral degree and a career in research. He chose to attend the Summer Writing Camp to work on his writing style, grammar, and development. “Reading and writing have not been my strongest points in high school,” he said, “and I know colleges are interested in seeing these skills on applications.”
“The writing camp has helped me to develop writing skills. I’ve written a lot more here than I’ve ever written before!” Samaniego added.
As the program wraps up, Munoz-Arroyo reflected that it was a challenging internship, but absolutely worth it. “It’s been really rewarding to work with students and to see them coming back each week,” she said. “One of the best things is finding out what they’re passionate about and interested in, and then to help them write about those things in their essays.”
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.
North Park Alumnus Dr. G. Timothy Johnson Discusses the Future of Health Care Reform on Chicago Tonight
Dr. G. Timothy Johson was interviewed by Phil Ponce, host, for a segment of Chicago Tonight which aired on WTTW Channel 11 in Chicago Wednesday night.
CHICAGO (November 1, 2012) — Dr. G. Timothy Johnson and his wife, Nancy, were in Chicago last week for the groundbreaking celebration of the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life at North Park University. While in town, Johnson took the opportunity to sit for an interview with Phil Ponce, host of WTTW Channel 11's popular show Chicago Tonight, discussing the future of health care reform in the United States.
The segment, which aired on Wednesday, October 31, focused on Johnson's expertise and experience as a medical expert and chief medical editor for ABC News.
Watch the full interview segment; near minute 10 of the video, Ponce and Johnson discuss the Johnson Center, North Park, and show several of the architectural renderings of the building.
Read more from Johnson's interview, and watch another video segment, on the Chicago Tonight website.
University Hosts New Testament Scholar for Annual Kermit Zarley Lectures
Dr. Simon Gathercole presents the Zarley Lectures at the University November 14 and 15.
Dr. Simon Gathercole to deliver lectures November 14 and 15
CHICAGO (November 12, 2012) – A senior lecturer in New Testament studies at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom will present lectures at North Park University focusing on early Christinity. Dr. Simon Gathercole will address "Jesus in canonical and extra-canonical gospels," November 14, and "Who are the Gnostics?" November 15, at the University's Anderson Chapel. Each lecture begins at 3:30 pm.
Gathercole is the presenter for the twelfth annual Kermit Zarley Lecture series, sponsored by the University's Biblical and Theological Studies Department. Both lectures are free and open to the public.
Gathercole's recent research work is in early Christianity, said Dr. Joel Willitts, North Park University associate professor of biblical and theological studies. One of the lectures will be about interpretations of Jesus in the New Testament, and in texts such as the Gospel of Thomas – one of the early "Gnostic Gospels" — which contains a number of sayings attributed to Jesus. The second lecture will address the Gnostic Gospels and their Christian influence. The Gnostic Gospels are a collection of 52 texts based on teachings of several early prophets and spiritual leaders. While they do not appear in standard Bibles of Christian denominations, they have gained greater public attention in recent years.
Gathercole was asked to present the lectures because "he's an academician who is also committed to the church," said Willitts. "He also teaches at a university, and has broad experience in relating to students through teaching undergraduate and graduate students, and supervising doctoral students," he said. "We wanted someone who could communicate with younger people who may not have much experience with the New Testament."
The lecture series is named for Kermit Zarley, a professional golfer, with an interest in biblical and theological studies. Zarley has provided support for the lectures, hosted by the University since the series began in 2001.
Past presenters have included Cardinal Francis George, bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago; D.A. Hagner, author and emeritus professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif.; Phyllis Tickle, contributing editor in religion for Publishers Weekly, noted authority in religion, author, and lecturer; and Bishop Kallistos Ware, an English bishop of the Eastern Orthodox Church and theologian.