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CHICAGO (November 13, 2012) — The North Park University board of trustees participated in groundbreaking ceremonies for the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, and heard updates on other University projects and initiatives during its fall meeting here October 26–27. Dr. David Parkyn, University president, also welcomed seven new trustees, each of whom will serve five-year terms:
Thomas Bagley, Chicago, founder and senior managing director, Pfingsten Partners, LLC
Grant Clay, Clay Center, Kan., lead pastor, Clay Center Covenant Church
Gail Dahlstrom, Etna, N.H., vice president for facilities management, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, N.H.
Dawn Helwig, Chicago, actuary, Milliman, Inc.
Stephen Johnson, Warrenville, Ill., executive vice president, field operations, Imagine Solutions, Dallas
Michael L. Jordan, Kerman, Calif., pastor, La Viña Covenant Church
Albert Tizon, Upper Darby, Pa., associate professor of evangelical and holistic ministry, Palmer Theological Seminary, King of Prussia, Pa.
Johnson Center highlighted
The Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life is expected to be completed for the start of the 2014 academic year. Board members and University leaders thanked Tim Johnson and David Helwig, board chair, for their leadership of Campaign North Park, which is raising funds for the Johnson Center and other University initiatives. The building project is essential for student learning and growth, Johnson told the trustees, adding that he and Nancy were "deeply honored" to have the building named in their honor. The Johnsons are North Park alumni, and both have served the institution in a variety of ways over several years.
Undergraduate enrollment efforts enhanced
The University is enhancing efforts to increase undergraduate enrollment for 2013 in response to changes in enrollment and in the market for higher education, President Parkyn said in his report to the board.
North Park's board of trustees met at the Chicago campus October 26–27.
He cited several market conditions that have affected enrollment at North Park: a greater reluctance to borrow funds to pay tuition costs; a need for great convenience in academic program delivery; the competitive Chicagoland market; and increases in competition from schools in other regions of the country.
The North Park University president and Nate Mouttet, vice president for enrollment and marketing, told the trustees the University conducted an external and internal review of admissions procedures with representatives of Noel-Levitz, a higher education consulting firm. In addition, University faculty and staff participated in community gatherings, discussing enrollment data, recruiting of students, and ideas to address student recruitment in future years. As a result of these discussions, the University is instituting several steps to increase undergraduate enrollment, they reported:
Adopt more personal connections with prospective students
Increase the size of special events to attract students
Increase the number of prospective student visits to the campus
Target increased financial aid
Expand communication flow to students, particularly for applicants and admitted students
Reinstate the University’s brand awareness campaign with focus on the Chicagoland region
Set priorities so recruiters focus personal attention on those students most likely to enroll
The next meeting of the North Park University board of trustees is February 8–9, 2013.
Johnson Center Construction Phase Begins at North Park University
University leaders celebrated the groundbreaking for the new Johnson Center October 26. With them are the two people for whom the building is named: Nancy, center, and G. Timothy Johnson, fourth from the right.
Hundreds attend groundbreaking ceremony to honor Nancy and Tim Johnson
CHICAGO (October 29, 2012) — With hundreds of North Park University supporters looking on in person and via webcast, the University marked the start of construction October 26 for a significant, new University building — the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, expected to be completed for the start of the 2014 academic year.
Science students will benefit the most academically from the new Johnson Center, which will house state-of-the-art science laboratories, and research space and classrooms. The new facility, however, will benefit all in the University community, said Dr. David L. Parkyn, North Park University president. "By combining classrooms and laboratories with student-life offices, and gathering spaces and a food venue — by gathering those things together, this building will create a central campus core. It will do so for all of our students — residential and commuting, undergraduate, graduate, seminarians — everyone who studies at North Park University into the future will benefit from this wonderful building."
The Johnson Center will be a "transformational" facility, said Mary Surridge, vice president for development and alumni relations. "It is the deep and broad generosity of North Park alumni and friends that has brought this dream to reality. Our alumni and friends knew that our students were depending on them, and they have responded in a very generous manner," she said.
Alumni Nancy and Dr. Tim Johnson, for whom the building is named, were honored at the groundbreaking ceremony. "Obviously, Nancy and I are deeply honored to be recognized by the naming of this building," said Tim Johnson, ABC News' longtime medical editor, and now, the network's senior medical contributor. "This honor goes way beyond the two of us, and as I look over the wonderful gathering and see so many familiar faces, I'm reminded of how much North Park has meant in my life, Nancy's life, and our life together. Truly this is an honor, and we're so thrilled to have our family and my grand-kids here for this day. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this very great honor," he told the crowd assembled for the groundbreaking.
Johnson holds degrees from North Park College and North Park Theological Seminary. Nancy Johnson was trained as a nurse at the Swedish Covenant Hospital School of Nursing, Chicago, including study in the sciences at North Park. Both have served the University in many ways, including Tim Johnson's recent role as co-chair of Campaign North Park, which led fundraising for the new building and other University initiatives over the past three years. Construction of the Johnson Center is supported by a $42 million component of the campaign. David Helwig, campaign co-chair and chair of the University board of trustees, thanked Johnson for his "tireless" work to make the building project a reality.
Following the groundbreaking ceremony, supporters of Campaign North Park attended a reception in Hamming Hall and viewed a video about the building project. A University Choir concert in Anderson Chapel concluded the day's events.
North Park University is providing a live, continuous video feed of the Johnson Center construction.
Faculty, students comment on historic building project
"It's awesome," said Dr. Jonathan Rienstra-Kiracofe, chair of the University's Chemistry Department. "Over the past three weekends, I've had a chance to visit three different college campuses, and I was able to be in each of their science buildings. I'm convinced that what we're putting together here is as good, and actually a step ahead of, what they have in each of theirs. So, I'm very excited about it."
At least seven Chicago-area high school students who expressed an interest in science study at North Park accepted the University's invitation to attend the groundbreaking. Their visit included a personal meeting with Tim Johnson.
Current North Park students in other disciplines expressed excitement about the Johnson Center. Emily Rueping, a junior politics and government and history major from Chicago, noted that the Johnson Center will provide "a common area" for students and faculty to interact. "That's something we really need. It will be very beneficial to students, faculty and others who will get to use it," she said.
"It was cool to see everyone come together and get excited about the new things going on at North Park. I love North Park, and I always think it's great when we're doing something to make the school better," said Kim Hanson, Sacramento, Calif., a junior education major.
North Park University Honored for Community Service
University among 642 U.S. schools named to honor roll
CHICAGO (March 27, 2012) – North Park University, Chicago, is among 642 U.S. colleges and universities named to the 2012 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, which highlights the value of community service and achieving meaningful outcomes in their communities.
"To receive this award is another affirmation that our mission — to prepare students for lives of significance and service — is integrated into the fabric of the University," said Dr. Joseph Jones, University provost. "It is recognition of the work of our students, staff, and faculty who labor without complaint as they give themselves as lights in the community."
The University has engaged in a variety of community service opportunities. It cited annual neighborhood service commitments and programs; regular involvement with the Friendship Center, a neighborhood food pantry; service by faculty and staff on boards of many neighborhood organizations where students also serve as interns; work in local tutoring programs; the work of the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management which offers classes to neighborhood nonprofit organizations; and students who serve in internships in the Albany Park neighborhood and throughout the city.
Specifically, the University highlighted three community service projects in its 2012 application:
Community Service Day: Since 2008, the University community has participated in various projects set up by the Urban Outreach program. In April 2011, nearly 300 people participated in 16 different service projects throughout the Albany Park neighborhood. In addition, the North Park University football team and soccer teams hosted free clinics for neighborhood children. Music students performed at Swedish Covenant Hospital as well as three local nursing homes. Volunteers baked cookies and collected clothing that was donated to a food shelter.
Global partnerships: Students are provided with opportunities for cross-cultural experiences that expand their faith, their views of the world, and their commitment to a lifestyle of justice while serving others in need. Each year about 150 students visit one of 11 partners to serve, build relationships, and learn from our partner organizations. Locations include Zambia, Thailand, India, Ecuador, Mexico, Alaska, New Orleans, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, North Park University has sent 12 groups of students to the Gulf Coast to help with demolition and rebuilding of small neighborhoods.
Peterson Tutoring Program: Since 1991 North Park University has been a partner in a tutoring program at Peterson Elementary School, a neighborhood public school. More than 40 languages are spoken at the school. On a weekly basis, approximately 40-45 students serve as volunteers and are assigned one child every week for individual tutoring, the application said.
The honor roll was inspired by the thousands of college students who traveled across the country to support relief efforts along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, according to a news release from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), which administers the honor roll.
Of the 642 colleges and universities recognized, 513 were named to the Honor Roll, 110 were named to the Honor Roll with distinction, 14 were identified as finalists, and five received the Presidential Award.
Honorees are chosen based on a series of selection factors, including the scope and innovation of service projects, the extent to which service-learning is embedded in the curriculum, the school’s commitment to long-term campus-community partnerships, and measurable community outcomes as a result of the service.
North Park University Alumna to Appear March 13 on Food Network Show
Shanna Horner O’Hea ’94, will appear on the Food Network this month on its popular show, Chopped.
Academe chef Shanna O’Hea '94, to compete on Chopped
CHICAGO (March 12, 2012) – A North Park University alumna will appear on a popular Food Network show, Chopped, March 13 at 10:00 p.m. EDT/9:00 p.m. CDT. Shanna Horner O'Hea, is a 1994 graduate of the University and co-owner of the Kennebunk (Maine) Inn and Academe, with her husband, Brian.
Last summer, O’Hea headed to New York City to film the episode of Chopped. Titled "Plenty of Fish," the episode features such unexpected items as an Indian gourd, lutefisk and for dessert, Chinese sausage and baby eggplant. The format for the show includes four chefs competing in round one to create an appetizer featuring ingredients unveiled just before they begin to cook. Three chefs move on to round two to prepare an entrée with a new basket of ingredients, and the final round, the dessert round, reveals a winner.
"Plenty of Fish" will be repeated on the Food Network on March 14 at 1:00 a.m. EDT/12:00 a.m., CDT, and on March 22 at 9:00 p.m. EDT/8:00 p.m. CDT. Hosted by Ted Allen, Chopped is in its 11th season.
O’Hea won’t reveal the outcome but said, "I agreed to participate for the challenge; putting yourself out there in uncomfortable, hard situations helps in personal and professional growth, which is so important when owning your own business."
The couple also contributed their culinary talents to the University’s Campaign North Park at a 2011 national campaign event in Salem, Mass., preparing hors d’oeurves for friends of the University — including mini lobster potpies.
Academe is the restaurant of The Kennebunk Inn. The O'Heas draw on their culinary and artistic backgrounds to create enticing soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees served in an informal, brasserie-style setting. The original building of what is now The Kennebunk Inn was built as a private residence in 1799, less than 30 years after the founding of the Republic. The Inn has 18 guest rooms and eight family suites, and the O'Heas frequently host North Park University alumni and friends.
Information for the story was provided by Gillian Britt, gBritt PR, South Portland, Maine
Microwave System to Enhance North Park University's Chemistry Program
University chemistry students will be using the Discover SP system, funded by a grant and the University (CEM Corporation image).
Grant award enables equipment purchase, benefits 80 students
CHICAGO (March 14, 2012) – North Park University is adding a microwave synthesis system to its chemistry curriculum thanks to a $10,000 award from the 2012 Pittsburgh Conference Memorial National College Grants (PCMNCG) Program and other University funds. The new microwave system, to be used primarily in organic chemistry courses, will allow students to heat chemical compounds more efficiently, and significantly shorten the time required for laboratory experiments.
"Experiments done in hours are now going to be done in minutes, and it will widen the types of experiments the students can do in the lab," said Dr. Isabel Larraza, North Park University associate professor of chemistry. "The microwave reactor is now being considered a staple of modern organic labs. Our students will have a more in-depth learning experience, with efficient and current experiments that adhere to the principles of 'green chemistry.'"
Larraza's successful grant application was one of 13 chosen from 59 submitted to PCMNCG. She said about 80 chemistry students per year will use the Discover SP System, manufactured by CEM Corporation, Matthews, N.C. The reactor just arrived and will be installed this week. The instrument has wider uses in other chemistry courses and in other disciplines, such as biology, Larraza said.
With the new microwave system, chemistry students will no longer heat flasks in the lab using older, less efficient methods such as heating mantles or Bunsen burners. Instead they will insert tubes with chemicals into the microwave system. The heat generated by the instrument will produce chemical reactions much quicker than before, with the added benefit of minimizing the production of byproducts and chemical waste. Students will also learn about modern microwave syntheses, and "use an emerging technology that is being adopted by industry and by the academy," Larraza said.
The University Chemistry Department has put considerable effort into modernizing its general chemistry laboratories by adding digital instrumentation and other resources, said Dr. Jonathan Rienstra-Kiracofe, professor of chemistry and department chair. "With Dr. Larraza's arrival at North Park this year, we have begun a similar effort to modernize our organic chemistry laboratory by adding new instrumentation and making our experiments 'greener.' The new microwave reactor is going to be the highlight of the laboratory – allowing our students to experience modern, green organic chemistry."
Dr. Isabel Larraza, in the University's organic chemistry lab, says the new microwave synthesis system is part of the Chemistry Department's 'green chemistry' practices.
Larraza does research in and is an advocate for green chemistry practices. The new microwave synthesis system is part of that effort. Green practices include such things as waste prevention, use of methods to minimize toxicity, using safer solvents, energy efficiency, and preventing accidents. This month, Larraza will present her research on microwave synthesis at the American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition in San Diego, and in July, she will attend a green chemistry workshop at the University of Oregon, Eugene.
University chemistry students are aware the microwave system will soon be available in their labs. "They're very eager. They will be doing hands-on types of experiments," Larraza said.
Earlier this year, the North Park University Chemistry Department won a grant award from the Max Goldenberg Foundation, Chicago. Funds from that grant, combined with other University funds, were used to purchase a miniature Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer, manufactured by picoSpin, LLC, Boulder, Colo. The University will be one of the first in the nation to have a miniature spectrometer for teaching and research purposes.
Shortly after the conclusion of the 2011–2012 academic year, large trees were relocated from the north berm area of the proposed construction site (an area sometimes referred to as the University's temporary nursery) to other locations on campus, clearing the way for the building site in the center of the campus. "The berm of trees was designed more than a decade ago with the thought of relocation at some point in the future," said Dr. David Parkyn, North Park University president. "It showed considerable forethought on the part of those involved at that time, including our landscape architects. It has served us very well, and it now provides a great bonus to select parts of the campus."
The University also worked with electric supplier ComEd, to relocate a significant electrical conduit, said Carl Balsam, North Park University executive vice president and chief financial officer. This week, work to remove some campus apartments began, and is expected to take several days, Balsam said (see a time-lapse video). "These are among a series of steps necessary for clearing the site in preparation for construction," Balsam said.
A formal groundbreaking ceremony for the 101,000-square-foot Johnson Center is planned for October 26, with construction expected to be completed in time for the 2014 fall semester.
The Johnson Center will support a number of the University's signature academic programs in science and the health professions, as well as offices for University Ministries, international study, career development, and residence life. It 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 board nominated Kersten at its Feb. 10-11 meeting here, following a search process initiated last fall. Kersten’s nomination will now be presented to the ECC Executive Board in March and to the ECC annual meeting in June. As his nomination is approved, Kersten will move into the Seminary leadership position Aug. 1.
Introducing Kersten as “a pastor’s pastor,” Dr. David L. Parkyn, University president, said, “Perhaps I can say it best this way: Dave Kersten comes to the academy from and for the church.” Among Kersten’s qualities, Parkyn said, is a commitment to theological education. “This begins with a deep personal commitment to learn, and learn again, through all of life. He knows the value of initial preparation for and orientation to ministry. He knows the deep need for learning which sustains and nourishes pastoral excellence over a lifetime. He is well prepared to lead because as he leads he will teach, and as he teaches, he will pastor.”
The Rev. Gary Walter, ECC president, said there is a renewed understanding and ownership of the challenges facing the Seminary and theological education, and commitment to align the Seminary with the University and the mission of the ECC. “This means very good things for our future,” he said to the board. “I’m grateful to (him) for his openness to this call. We’re poised for the strongest season ever in terms of the Seminary’s role with the church.”
Hoping to use his ECC leadership experience, the “wonderfully useful” Seminary education he got at North Park, and a caring commitment to the pastoral community, Kersten said in an interview he looks forward to working in the challenging role of leading North Park Theological Seminary.
An early priority for Kersten will be to cast “a vision that connects the Seminary more centrally to the pastoral community, not just in producing student pastors and graduates, but also in a robust lifelong learning piece,” he said. In particular, Kersten said the Seminary and the ECC should work together to help establish continuing education standards for pastoral leaders, and deepen theological education for key lay leaders.
The ECC is a growing Protestant denomination, which Kersten attributes to the church’s closeness to its “missional roots,” and its renewal emphasis, which has kept the denomination “fresh and vital,” he said.
“We stay close to the biblical text, we stay close to each other, we stay open to the Holy Spirit. That ethos keeps us on the missional edge,” Kersten said. The ECC is “warmly evangelical,” affirms the role of women in the church, has a strong justice voice, and is part of the multicultural movement in a significant way, he added.
Kersten was born in Detroit. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and human services in 1977 from North Park College (now University). In 1982, Kersten earned a Master of Divinity from the Seminary, and in 1997, he earned a Doctor of Ministry in preaching from the Association of Chicago Theological Schools, which includes North Park Theological Seminary.
Following his ordination in 1982, Kersten served as senior pastor, Bethany Covenant Church, North Miami, Fla.; senior pastor, Highland Covenant Church, Bellevue, Wash.; and senior pastor, First Covenant Church, St. Paul, Minn. Kersten moved into this current role as executive minister of the ECC Department of Ordered Ministry in 2001, where he is responsible for a department that endorses 1,800 active pastors, staff ministers and chaplains through ordination, commissioning and licensure, and oversees intervention, and care for crisis and misconduct issues. Kersten provided leadership for the church’s recent program for Sustaining Pastoral Excellence. He has written and spoken on a number of church-related topics, and has participated in a several denominational leadership committees and groups.
Kersten and his wife of 34 years, Sandra, are parents of three adult children. The Kerstens reside in Chicago.
North Park University Hosts First Chicago Cultural Expo
Traditional African drumming was among the performances at the Chicago Cultural Expo.
Event draws students, faculty, and staff to learn about Chicago's diverse cultures
CHICAGO (September 25, 2012) — North Park University hosted the first-ever Chicago Cultural Expo September 21, which featured exhibitors from about 20 members of the Chicago Cultural Alliance. The Alliance, representing 30 international communities throughout Chicago, promotes cultural understanding and provides resources for government, museums, libraries, universities, businesses, and other educational and cultural institutions.
The expo is a continuation of the University's relationship with the Chicago Cultural Alliance, said Dr. Joseph Jones, North Park University provost, speaking on behalf of Dr. David Parkyn, University president. The expo fits with the University's mission and core values, especially its continuing emphasis on being a "purposefully multicultural" institution that celebrates global cultures and lives out the reconciling mandate of the Christian gospel, Jones said. "We look forward to people from throughout the Chicago community visiting North Park," he added.
"We are excited to do this with North Park University as a partner organization," said Rebeccah A. Sanders, Alliance executive director. Of the 20 "core members" represented at the expo, "each tells an important story about Chicago's cultural communities," she said.
A steady stream of students, faculty and staff conversed with exhibitors in the North Park University Gymnasium, said Dr. Charles Peterson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and executive director of the University's Center for Scandinavian Studies. Attendees learned about exhibitors' native countries, their cultural contributions to the people of Chicago, internships, service-learning opportunities, study visits, and research possibilities. Expo performances included traditional African and Japanese Taiko drumming, Chinese strings music, German pop rock, and Indian and Cambodian dancers.
North Park University is an Alliance partner organization and expo sponsor.
Chicago Prepares for High-Profile NATO/G8 Summits in May 2012
The City of Chicago will host two significant international events simultaneously in May: the 2012 NATO Summit and a meeting of leaders of G8 nations.
SBNM faculty comment on high-profile events here, effects on University
CHICAGO (February 14, 2012) – Faculty with the School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM) at North Park University say Chicago will experience both the advantages and disadvantages of two significant global events Chicago will be hosting in May. Simultaneous meetings of leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the G8 nations are planned for May 19-21 in downtown Chicago. City leaders have been preparing for months, including planning for a significant security presence in the city in the event of likely demonstrations.
The summits provide for a "phenomenal opportunity" to witness in Chicago the core principles of a free-market oriented democracy, said Dr. Al Kamienski, SBNM associate professor of finance. Those principles are freedom of enterprise intersecting with freedom of expression, he said, speaking at a recent SBNM event at which faculty comment on the economic outlook for the coming year.
"The opinions of all, whether inside or outside of the '1 percent' must be allowed and respected," Kamienksi said. "With a world-leading standard of living and a unique history of upward mobility, both the United States and Chicago — a global financial, manufacturing and technology center — are poised to show the world how liberty and the pursuit of happiness can co-exist in a peaceful, meaningful way."
The practical effects of the two meetings will be felt locally. Scores of local businesses and organizations are making plans to adjust their operations and related activities because of security restrictions in the days surrounding the meetings. Dr. Pier Rogers, director of the University's Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management, said she is concerned that nonprofit organizations with downtown facilities will have to make alternative plans to ensure their clients are still served.
The University has already been affected in at least one way. The 13th annual Axelson Symposium, a significant University educational opportunity for nonprofit professionals and volunteers, was moved this year from its traditional date in May to June 4-5 at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza. The meeting's theme is "Reignite Your Vision."
"The Holiday Inn contacted us to inform us of the NATO/G8 summit during our planned dates in May," Rogers said. "They informed us of the increased security measures, and higher hotel fees." The meeting dates were moved after considering several possibilities, she said.
There has been much discussion about how protestors will affect the NATO/G8 meetings. Dr. Lee Sundholm, SBNM professor of economics, said despite the efforts of Mayor Rahm Emanuel and others, protests and demonstrations could well have an effect on Chicago businesses and people living in the city. For example, members of the Coalition Against NATO/G8 are focused on issues such as climate change, the environment, and contrast of the "1 percent" and the "99 percent," he said.
Dr. Gianfranco Farruggia, SBNM associate professor of nonprofit management, said that while some reports suggest as many as 50,000 protestors will visit Chicago, demonstrations will not rise to the level of the 1968 Chicago riots during the Democratic National Convention. He also said recent organized economic protests, such as Occupy Wall Street, have been losing steam in recent weeks.
NATO is a military alliance of 28 countries, and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The G8 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the world's strongest economies. Heads of state from those nations will meet. Both meetings are expected to draw large numbers of journalists, visitors and protestors.
North Park Theological Seminary to Host Annual Lectures and Theological Symposium
Lectures feature biblical scholars, Symposium focused on 'family' as theological topic
CHICAGO (September 19, 2012) — North Park Theological Seminary (NPTS) will host Christian scholars later this month in two consecutive, annual events designed to enrich theological understanding and enhance spiritual life. The Nils W. Lund Memorial Lectureship, September 26–27, will focus on current developments in biblical studies and their relationship to the mission and ministry of the church. The Symposium on the Theological Interpretation of Scripture, September 27–29, features presentations and discussion of "family" in the scriptural context. Both events are organized by Seminary faculty.
Seminary and North Park University students, faculty, pastors and others will attend the Lund Lectures in Nyvall Hall's Isaacson Chapel at the University's Chicago campus. The lectures are named for Nils Lund, a former dean who served the Seminary from 1922 to 1954, and is best known as author a definitive text on biblical structure, Chiasmus in the New Testament. "He was an important figure in New Testament studies and as dean," said Rev. Dr. Stephen Chester, NPTS professor of New Testament and acting associate academic dean. After Lund's death, an endowment was established to fund the annual lecture series, Chester said.
Students will hear outstanding biblical scholars, said Dr. Klyne Snodgrass, Paul W. Brandel Professor of New Testament Studies, NPTS. "We want to celebrate biblical studies with the Lund lectures, help students get into discussions beyond where they've been before, and increase their theological awareness," he said.
The lectures feature Old Testament and New Testament scholars:
September 26: Dr. Stephen Barton, reader in New Testament (retired), Department of Theology and Religion, Durham University, Durham, U.K. Barton will address, "The Conversions of the Emotions in Early Christianity."
September 27: Dr. Dennis T. Olson, Charles T. Haley Professor of Old Testament Theology, Department of Biblical Studies, Princeton (N.J.) Theological Seminary. Olson's comments will focus on "Old Testament Resources for a New Twenty-First Century World."
The Lund Lectures are free and open to the public.
Symposium features prominent scholars
The Symposium, September 27–29, will bring together several prominent scholars from various church traditions. They will speak on a variety of topics related to family, followed by responses and discussion with the audience. Faculty with the University and the Seminary are among the presenters and respondents.
In recent years, there's been a revival of interest in the theological interpretation of Scripture, said Chester. "Every year for the Symposium, we gather eight or nine scholars from various disciplines to reflect on what Scripture has to say about an important theme of topic that relates to Christian life and the work of the church," he said. "The presenters have to bring Scripture and theological resources to bear on the topic. What you get is a variety of disciplinary perspectives." Family has been under consideration as a possible topic for many years, he added.
About 70 faculty, pastors, lay people and students — some of whom are taking a course related to the Symposium — will attend the event in Nyvall Hall, Room N-25. "There is an extended opportunity for formal and informal discussion. Rarely do you get this kind of extended conversation in an academic conference," Snodgrass said. The Symposium also includes worship and prayer, he added. Registration for the Symposium is required.
North Park University is affiliated with the Chicago-based Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC). Theological education in the ECC tradition is provided by North Park Theological Seminary, a graduate school of the University.
Author tomgabrysiakPosted on Categories Stories
Dr. Isabel Larraza, in the University's organic chemistry lab, says the new microwave synthesis system is part of the Chemistry Department's 'green chemistry' practices.
