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North Park offers more than 40 graduate and undergraduate programs in liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. Classes average 17 students. 84% of our faculty have terminal degrees. Academics here are rigorous and results-oriented.
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North Park University Student Honored by 'Good Morning America'
Marcus Crone, center, was honored on Good Morning America April 9. With him is GMA co-host George Stephanopoulos, left; Mary McComb, second from right, and Crone's prom date, Chelsea McComb, right. (Good Morning America video)
Freshman Marcus Crone recognized for special prom invitation
CHICAGO (April 11, 2012) — Marcus Crone, a freshman at North Park University, Chicago, was stunned April 9 on national TV when Good Morning America named him a winner of the Disney Memory Maker contest for an act of kindness — in which he invited a girl with Down syndrome to her prom last spring after she had been turned down by another young man.
Crone and his mother, Stephanie, were part of the crowd outside the taping of the show when he and several others were called to step forward and told they had been named winners. Each winner was awarded a trip to a Disney theme park.
One of the show’s hosts, George Stephanopoulos, then told Crone, "Your story is so amazing. You had us all just welled up." Stephanopoulos had another surprise: Crone's prom date, Chelsea McComb, and her mother, Mary, appeared from the crowd, and ran to hug Crone.
In a videotaped segment recorded before the presentation, Chelsea said the prom "was the best moment in my entire life."
"He made her feel like Cinderella that night," said Mary, adding that her daughter had never had a date. "When they walked out to the car, I truly, truly don’t believe her feet touched the ground."
Crone, who did not know he had been nominated, was chosen from among several thousand entries. Another member of the Crossroads congregation — Mary McComb — nominated him.
Crone’s mother, Stephanie, was in on the ruse to get him to New York City. She told her son that she had won a contest called Whisk Your Mom Away that awarded her the opportunity to travel and take a family member. The two were treated to limousine service, tickets to live performances, and to Good Morning America.
In an interview, Crone, a former high school state wrestling champion, said, "It was a blessing for me to be able to have the opportunity to take Chelsea to the prom. We danced the entire time. It was so much fun."
Crone says he hopes it can be arranged for Chelsea and her family to travel to Disney World with his family.
The North Park student said he hopes to delay his sophomore year by serving in Asia, Africa, and South America, as part of a mission trip experience with Adventures in Missions.
"Marcus has just been just a key kid in our youth group prior to going to North Park. He would champion youth group Bible study and bring kids left and right," said Crossroads Pastor Russell Blake.
Stan Friedman, news editor for the Evangelical Covenant Church, Chicago, is the writer of this article.
North Park University Choir, Chamber Singers to Tour Northern Illinois
The 2012 University Choir Tour is October 19-21, and will include performances throughout northern Illinois.
October 19-21 tour includes performances in Naperville, Batavia, and Rockford
CHICAGO (October 4, 2012) — North Park University's Chamber Singers and University Choir will perform in northern Illinois congregations in Naperville and Rockford, and at an Evangelical Covenant Church retirement community in Batavia, Ill., during their Fall 2012 tour. "A Choral Celebration" will feature performances of choral works by several international composers.
"The performances include a wide variety of choral repertoire," said Dr. Julia Davids, University director of choral activities, and holder of the Stephen J. Hendrickson Endowed Chair in Music, School of Music. "If you're someone who has heard some choral music before, you will likely recognize some of the music to be performed during the tour."
The 14-member Chamber Singers will perform a capella "Suite de Lorca," a set of poetic pieces by Spanish poet Garcia Lorca, set to music by a Finnish composer, Einojuhani Rautavaara. The Chamber Singers will also perform works such as "If Ye Love Me," by English composer Thomas Tallis; "Ain't Got Time to Die," by American composer Hall Johnson; "Longing," by Matthew Emery, a young Canadian composer; and other compositions. Emery's piece is an unpublished composition that the Chamber Singers have been granted rights to perform, Davids said.
The University Choir will feature a performance of English composer John Rutter's "Te Deum," which Davids characterized as "a great text of praise." The 41-member choir will also perform compositions such as William Byrd's setting of Ave Verum Corpus, and a similar setting by Edward Elgar; "Keltic Song" by Canadian composer Allan Rae, and other compositions. University organist Margaret Martin is featured on some selections, Davids said.
One unusual piece the 41-member choir will perform was written by American composer Gregg Smith, based on Psalm 23. The piece was written for three choirs. "We have three different choirs singing this Psalm in three different keys at one point. On the last page it breaks into 13 parts for the end, and the choir stands in a big circle," Davids commented.
During the tour, the University Choir and Davids will visit Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville October 19 to lead a workshop and perform with the school's choral ensembles. In addition, Davids and the choir will attend the Illinois American Choral Directors Association convention in Naperville October 20. Davids will speak to the conference on vocal technique for choral conductors and singers, and the University Choir will also perform as part of an interactive presentation. Davids recently published a new book on the subject with Stephen LaTour, Vocal Technique: A Guide for Conductors, Teachers, and Singers.
The Fall 2012 University Choir Tour is made possible by North Park University. Staff with the University's School of Music will accompany the choir and make recruiting visits. Choir members will stay with host families throughout the tour.
U.S. Education Representative Visits North Park University
Mark Meyer, seated, a North Park University history and secondary education major, was among those who met with Aaron Brendenkamp, center, Department of Education representative, and Dr. John Laukaitis, right, assistant professor, School of Education.
Engages education students in dialogue on future of teaching profession
CHICAGO (November 29, 2012) — A secondary school teacher from Nebraska, representing the U.S. Department of Education, met with a group of North Park University School of Education students this month. Aaron Brendenkamp's purpose was to engage the students, preparing to be teachers, in a national project aimed at informing future education policy and programs for the betterment of the teaching profession in the 21st century.
The meeting was part of a "National Conversation about Teaching," a recent initiative of the Department of Education. The goal is "to identify and ultimately implement strategies to strengthen the profession by dramatically changing how teachers are recruited, selected, supported, compensated, promoted, and retained in the profession," according to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. To start the conversation, teachers created a vision statement, "The RESPECT Project: Envisioning a Teaching Profession for the 21st Century."
Brendenkamp accepted an invitation from Dr. John Laukaitis, assistant professor of education, to visit the University and meet with "pre-service teachers," students who will soon begin student teaching. Laukaitis made the connection at a recent professional conference, knowing it would be good to have the students meet an exemplary classroom teacher. Brendenkamp holds a one-year teaching fellow appointment with the Department of Education and is an experienced classroom teacher.
"What I was hoping for was that as our students listened to the discussion, they would think about how they can become highly effective teachers, and see some of the challenges of working with students in both urban and rural communities," Laukaitis said. "What we want to do is bring in experienced teachers who have some unique experiences to share, and have our students be engaged in those conversations as much as possible, especially before their clinical experience."
For more than 40 years, the School of Education has provided academic programs for students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who share a passion for teaching. Undergraduate programs prepare teachers for early childhood, elementary, and secondary teaching careers, as well as specialized certification to teach specific subjects. Graduate programs offer opportunities to advance teaching careers, including a new master's degree program in language, literacy, and culture. The University also offers non-degree programs for teacher certification and endorsements.
Brendenkamp teaches mathematics at an alternative high school in Omaha, and once taught at Chicago's Paul Robeson High School through the Teach for America program. His role with the Department for Education is to meet with teachers and prospective teachers, listen to their comments and concerns about the teaching profession, and report findings to the department. "One of the things I hear a lot of officials say is 'the answers aren't in D.C. — the answers are in the classroom.' Our goal is to make sure we go get the answers and bring them back," he said.
The conversation with the North Park education students included subjects such as possible changes in traditional school grade levels, possible changes in traditional school days to ensure program effectiveness, how the RESPECT vision will be implemented, and reasons why some teachers shift their careers.
"Education, in my opinion, has always been very locally driven," Brendenkamp said. "At the same time, we all need to get together and work together to make sure we're all moving forward. That's something I'm very passionate about in this role."
North Park Offers Nonprofit Management Degree Online Beginning Fall 2012
Violet Ricker said she stays in touch with students who studied with her in the SAL undergraduate nonprofit management program.
Undergraduate degree option available through School of Adult Learning
CHICAGO (August 16, 2012) – A popular North Park University bachelor's degree program for professionals who aspire to leadership positions in the nonprofit sector can be completed exclusively online beginning with the 2012-2013 academic year. The University's undergraduate nonprofit management degree will be among other bachelor's degree programs that students can earn online through the School of Adult Learning (SAL).
North Park University is known in the Chicago area for many academic programs, including educational offerings in the nonprofit arena. With this new option, SAL students will be able to earn nonprofit management degrees through a combination of online and in-person classes, or exclusively online. The online option is a plus for students who may not be able to attend classes in-person or who live outside the Chicago area, said Dr. Pamela Ransom, SAL associate professor and chair of the school's nonprofit management and criminal justice majors.
SAL students in nonprofit management gain a foundational understanding of the nonprofit sector, plus specific skills and professional contacts to be successful managers, said Ransom. "What is different about our program is that we have a real-world component, and a real-world focus about not-for-profit management," she said.
SAL nonprofit management students learn how to work with boards of directors, manage volunteers, raise funds, manage finances, organize special events, write grant proposals, and develop advocacy skills for their organizations. Students typically range from young adults to more experienced professionals who want an accelerated program that fits their life schedules.
Students who have earned the degrees have moved into interesting and fulfilling careers. Violet Ricker earned her degree in 2010 through a combination of online and in-person classes, which she took at the University's satellite campus in Grayslake, Ill., and at the Chicago campus. Today, she is executive director of Waukegan Main Street, a nonprofit organization that works for community and economic development in downtown Waukegan, Ill., her hometown. It's part of the Main Street Network that works to revitalize communities across the United States.
Ricker entered the North Park University program from George Washington University, Washington, D.C., where she had been studying political science. While there, she did nonprofit community work, and found that was her calling. Ricker learned of North Park's nonprofit management program through an online search, and returned home to study in the University's program.
The degree program brought together many disciplines, Ricker said. "I understand the connectedness of volunteer development, fundraising, communication, and community outreach," she said. "To have that in a program versus learning on the job is very valuable. The best part for me was collective expertise from my fellow students in the program." Ricker still remains in touch with others who studied with her, trading advice and sharing business ideas.
Lindsay LeVally earned a degree in nonprofit management in 2009 through the SAL, attending classes in-person and taking at least one course online. She is currently in the process of moving to Springfield, Ill., where she will manage a new branch office for Grimco, Inc., a national wholesale sign supply company. LeVally heard about North Park University from a colleague when she was an AmeriCorps volunteer. After AmeriCorps, LeVally worked in different roles, before landing at Grimco, where she got into sales by writing marketing plans for her nonprofit classes.
"I was able to get this job with the degree, and I've been here a year and a half," LeVally said. "I'm now being given a chance to manage a branch in Springfield. I wouldn't even be working for Grimco without this degree. Every paper I did was on my company when I was at North Park."
LeVally began work on a master's degree in management at the University in 2010, part of a "continuum" of education available to University students who want to go further. "Students can get a bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, and then move to the master's program in nonprofit management," Ransom said, "plus, we have the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management for continuing education."
University Scientist Chairs National Meeting on Computer Programming Language
Professor Johnny Lin
Johnny Lin leads 'Python' symposium at New Orleans meteorological meeting
CHICAGO (January 18, 2012) – A North Park University physicist is chairing a national meeting this month devoted to Python, a fast, powerful and versatile computer programming language growing in popularity among people working in the atmospheric and oceanic sciences. The symposium and two short courses in uses of Python are part of the annual meeting of the American Meteorological Society (AMS), Jan. 22-26, in New Orleans.
Dr. Johnny Lin, professor of physics, will teach an introductory short course on Python, and chair the New Orleans symposium, at which scientists from around the country will present papers highlighting the programming language's use in modeling and analysis. Last year, the AMS annual meeting was the site of the first Python symposium which Lin also chaired. Lin, who uses Python in his own teaching and research work at North Park University, helped write the proposal to AMS to create the symposium. At that time, there were virtually no scientific meetings in the atmospheric sciences to discuss Python. Colleagues formerly at the University of Chicago, where Lin did postdoctoral studies, and Lawrence Livermore (Calif.) National Laboratories, worked with Lin to organize the symposium.
The AMS symposium is a place where users can call attention to Python "as a real platform for doing scientific work in the atmospheric sciences," Lin explained. Speakers will share Python techniques and ideas, help build a support community for users, and help grow the language as an atmospheric sciences programming platform, he said.
North Park University also teaches the Python programming language in beginning computer science classes, in part because it's easier for students to learn and apply to other programming languages.
Alan Iliff, North Park University professor of computer science, said he first began teaching the programming language five years ago after a University computer science alumnus suggested he look into it. Students learn how to write computing programs faster using Python, he said. "It's very easy to write programs with Python. What makes it a good teaching language is what makes it popular for programming," he said.
"A real solid approach in teaching computer science is to teach the things that won't change – in Python we teach things that are quite similar in other programming languages. After I use Python first, then I use Java (or another programming language) in the next semester," Iliff added.
Python is also part of the "open source" movement, which allows users access to information about the product's design so they can contribute ideas to its improvement, Iliff said.
Programmers have used Python for nearly 25 years, Lin explained, and the recent development of scientific computing packages in the language has helped increase its use among atmospheric scientists. This has given atmospheric scientists the ability to do their scientific work and couple it with a variety of other computer-based tools and interactive applications, making the science more useful. Python is the "critical glue" that makes it all happen, Lin said. "It's more versatile than anything that atmospheric scientists have used traditionally."
At the New Orleans symposium, a notable expert in the field will speak, Lin said. Already, planning has begun for the 2013 Python symposium at the AMS meeting in Austin, Texas.
North Park University Welcomes Students, Faculty, Staff for 2012–2013 Academic Year
Dr. David Parkyn, president of North Park University, Chicago.
President addresses enrollment, recruiting realities
CHICAGO (August 23, 2012) — North Park University will open its 121st year when classes begin August 27. The University is welcoming more than 3,200 undergraduate and graduate students this year. More than 550 students are entering college for the first time or are transfer students, representing more than 30 states, and at least seven countries outside the United States.
First-year commuter and residential students, as well as transfer students, began arriving August 22, and are participating in Threshold, an orientation program for new students, through August 26. Returning students will arrive as early as August 25. Some athletes and international students arrived earlier this month.
Faculty and staff met at the Chicago campus August 21 for the University's annual Gathering Day activities at Anderson Chapel. Dr. David Parkyn, president of North Park University, presented his annual State of the University address, discussing several topics of interest.
Looking ahead, Parkyn cited the October 26 groundbreaking for the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life as a indicator of a great year, and a "transformational" project for student learning at the University. The building project is the significant component of Campaign North Park, a comprehensive $57 million fundraising campaign for the Johnson Center, the University's Annual Fund, student scholarships, and Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development.
Parkyn also noted complexities in academic enrollment, reporting that undergraduate retention is up, recruitment results are mixed in adult, graduate, and North Park Theological Seminary programs, and new undergraduate enrollment is below the target set for this academic year. The University will begin the school year with 110 fewer new undergraduate students than one year ago, and 35 fewer new students than its recent five-year average. Faculty and staff will be invited to fall community gatherings to discuss enrollment data, recruiting of students, and to share ideas to effectively address the challenge of student recruitment in the years ahead, Parkyn said.
Parkyn told the faculty and staff that challenges in both undergraduate and graduate enrollments are signs of a rapidly changing marketplace and learning environment. The University "must update the way we recruit students, tell our story, what we offer to students, and how we approach teaching and learning," he said.
"We must discover how we need to change, and we must embrace this necessary change deeply and quickly," Parkyn said. "Our responsibility is to imagine new ways of being North Park, and to engineer these into a renewed North Park."
As evidence of the need for change, the University president cited rapidly expanding use of mobile devices for communication, access to information, and for learning. He also cited recent studies that suggest young adults raised in evangelical churches have "a deep love for Jesus and a growing ambivalence about the church." Both are concerns, Parkyn said, "because at North Park we love Jesus and the church, and because we are a church-related university."
North Park University is "an exceptional institution" for educating students into faith and preparing them for church vocations, he said. "Our responsibility is clear: to make sure that after their formative years with us, today's young adults love Jesus more deeply than they ever have, and to assure that the future of the church, now in their hands, is in good hands. This is no small responsibility, but we're among the very few who can address it because of the critical, timely, and formative role we have in the lives of young adult Christians," Parkyn said.
The University values the expertise and experience of its employees, the president said. "In every challenge before us we must not forget the talent in this room, the intelligence our community will bring to these challenges, and the creativity we will draw on to address these opportunities together," Parkyn said. Quoting business writer and author Jim Collins, Parkyn added that he has "a deep and abiding confidence that we will reach the tops of our mountains because we will climb together."
Gathering Day activities also included worship, a performance of hymns led by the Children's Choir of Oakdale Covenant Church, Chicago, and introductions of new faculty and staff. New undergraduate students and their parents were welcomed to the University August 22, at an opening convocation. New Seminary students were welcomed at a breakfast August 23, with additional orientation activities to follow.
North Park University offers 37 majors and a variety of minors, pre-professional programs, and certificates. Graduate students can earn master's degrees in education, music, nursing, business, nonprofit management, theology, and ministry. Working professionals and adult students can earn bachelor's degrees in eight majors through courses offered in evening and weekend classes in Chicago, Arlington Heights, Grayslake and Waukegan, all in Illinois, plus online formats. The University is comprised of a college of arts and sciences, five professional schools, and a theological seminary. It is affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church.
North Park University Campus Buildings Renovated, Updated this Summer
Renovations in Anderson Hall were extensive, including a newly refurbished lobby.
Meanwhile, site prep continues for the Johnson Center
CHICAGO (August 20, 2012) — As site preparation proceeds for the highly anticipated Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, several notable improvements were also made to existing campus facilities this summer, said Carl Balsam, North Park University executive vice president and chief financial officer.
Residents moving into the Anderson Hall this month will see significant changes, including code-mandated infrastructure improvements — such as a retrofit of fire sprinkler systems and the upgrade of an obsolete elevator — combined with substantial improvements to the living spaces of the building, Balsam said. "The entry lobby was completely redesigned and furnished. The rooms were freshly carpeted and repainted. Perhaps most notable was the installation of new furnishings in all of the rooms, including modular furniture that can be stacked in a variety of combinations," he said.
New wood doors with Salto locking devices were added throughout Anderson Hall, allowing residents' access to their rooms via the proximity chip in their ID cards. Also added was a new mechanical room which houses the fire sprinkler pump and associated gear, as well as hot water heaters that were added after flooding in 2008, Balsam said.
Outside Anderson Hall, a small parking lot for institutional vehicles was added, since coordination for institutional vehicles was transferred to Magnuson Campus Center and will be under the direction of Dan Gooris, director of campus security and auxiliary services. Gooris and his team will administer driving tests for those wishing to drive institutional vehicles.
Other improvements include continuing refurbishment of various campus offices, including the IT offices in Caroline Hall. Code-mandated fire sprinklers were installed in the Carlson Tower and some Seminary apartments were renovated.
Site preparation for the Johnson Center began shortly after the conclusion of the 2011–2012 academic year. Large trees were relocated from the north berm area of the proposed construction site to other locations on campus, clearing the way for the building site. The University worked with electric supplier ComEd to relocate a significant electrical conduit before the removal of some campus apartments began on the north side of the Greenspace.
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.
University School of Business and Nonprofit Management Earns Reaccreditation
The IACBE reaccredited both undergradute and gradute degree offerings in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management.
IACBE reaffirms SBNM accreditation
CHICAGO (January 5, 2011) — The Board of Commissioners of the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) announced that it has reaffirmed for seven years its accreditation of degree programs in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM) at North Park University.
Dr. Wesley E. Lindahl, Nils Axelson Professor of Nonprofit Management and SBNM dean, said he is "thrilled" the school was reaccredited. "We value the recognition that this accreditation provides for our management and business programs. The constant improvement model of assessment and planning provides a way for SBNM to stay current and up-to-date in our programming," he said.
"The reaccreditation by the IACBE is an affirmation of the commitment to quality education by SBNM," said Dr. Joseph Jones, University provost. "We have an exceptional group of faculty who serve our students in so many ways. I am proud they have obtained this standard of excellence."
The IACBE, based in Olathe, Kan., is a professional accrediting organization for business programs in student-centered colleges and universities throughout the world. The organization focuses its accrediting process on outcomes. The University's School of Business and Nonprofit Management was first accredited by IACBE in 2005. Faculty and staff began preparing for reaccreditation in August 2010. They gathered information, updated the school's outcomes assessment plan, documented assessments results and completed a self-study, the results of which were submitted to IACBE in December 2010.
In March, two representatives from other IACBE schools visited North Park University to conduct an assessment and review of the University program. They met with undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, University officials, and members of the school's advisory board. The School of Business and Nonprofit Management responded to a request for more information during the summer months, and last month, the school was informed that IACBE's board had granted reaccreditation.
The IACBE accredited business programs in these degrees offered by SBNM:
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Higher Education Administration (MHEA)
Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM)
Master of Management (MM)
Master of Nonprofit Administration (MNA)
Bachelor of Arts in Advertising
Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics
Bachelor of Science in Advertising
Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics with concentrations in accounting, economics, finance, international business, management, marketing, and nonprofit management
Dave Kersten Installed as Dean of North Park Theological Seminary
Rev. David W. Kersten was installed as the Dean of North Park Theological Seminary on Sunday, September 16, 2012.
Rev. Dr. Dave Kersten greets University Dean of Students Andrea Nevels after the convocation worship service.
New leader installed as part of annual Fall Convocation
CHICAGO (September 18, 2012) – Rev. Dr. David W. Kersten was installed as the 11th dean of North Park Theological Seminary (NPTS) September 16 as the Seminary celebrated its annual Fall Convocation, welcoming new and returning students for the academic year. The event, held at the University’s Anderson Chapel, was webcast to an international audience by North Park University.
“I am profoundly aware of the many shoulders I stand upon, and I’m grateful for the heritage and legacy of North Park Theological Seminary,” Kersten said in response. “I want to express my deep appreciation to the entire faculty, staff, and the interim leadership team that guided the Seminary through a season of transition and a lengthy search process. In this new role, my goal is to keep student formation and learning the focal point of our work.”
Presiding at the Convocation, Dr. David Parkyn, University president, described the convocation as having two parts — the installation of the dean and the reception of new students. With a smile, he described these components as “the dean in waiting, and the dean at work,” he said. “This convocation today in all of its parts is a moment of true joy. Make this a wonderful, joy-filled gathering today, and we’ll praise God as we do so.” The congregation — those attending in-person and those watching in the United States and globally via webcast — were “a representation of a host of God’s people,” Parkyn observed.
In a homily titled “Nothing is Impossible with God,” Rev. Dr. James R. Sandberg, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Covenant Church, Oak Lawn, Ill., said the day was about God. “God has gifted you — given you all the gifts needed at this pivotal point,” he said. Sandberg challenged Seminary students, Kersten, and the faculty to carry in their hearts that “nothing is impossible with God.”
Kersten began his duties at the seminary August 1. He was formally called into his new role at the Annual Meeting of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) this past summer after he was nominated by the University board of trustees, following a process of study and deliberation. Both the University and the Seminary are affiliated with the ECC.
Parkyn led the installation litany that included sections delivered by Paul Hawkinson, Green Oaks, Ill., vice-chair of the University board of trustees, speaking on behalf of University leaders; Rev. Dr. Michelle Clifton-Soderstrom, NPTS associate professor of theology and ethics, on behalf of the Seminary community; and Rev. Gary Walter, ECC president, on behalf of the ECC. Rev. Deborah Penny, NPTS associate director of field education, led a prayer of dedication. Parkyn presented Kersten a Celtic Cross as a symbol of his leadership appointment. As many as eight representatives of seminaries of other denominations and faith traditions were represented.
New and returning Seminary students were introduced and welcomed by Rev. Dr. Stephen Chester, acting dean of academic programs, and Rev. Deborah Auger, dean of students and community life.
In his charge to students, Kersten cited Song of Solomon 2:10: ‘Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.” While acknowledging that the verse has been interpreted in many ways, he characterized it as a call to action, and urged students and faculty to hear God’s voice, and allow themselves to receive God’s love.
“Hear the invitation, the charge, even the command: ‘Arise my love, my fair one, and come away’ in this new season of your lives,” he said.
'Reignite Your Vision' Theme of University's Axelson Symposium June 4-5
'Innovation Institute' opens two-day event
CHICAGO (May 4, 2012) – More than 500 nonprofit leaders are expected to attend the 13th Annual Axelson Center Symposium for Nonprofit Professionals and Volunteers, June 4-5 in Chicago. The event is a key networking and professional development conference focused on effective strategies for leadership, innovation, funding, communication, and growth in the nonprofit sector. This year's conference theme is "Reignite Your Vision."
Hosting the event is North Park University's Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management, which works to enhance performance and effectiveness of individuals and organizations in the nonprofit sector through education, service, and resources. A pre-conference Innovation Institute on June 4, and the Symposium on June 5, will be held at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza.
Dr. Pier Rogers, director, Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management, said a goal of the conference is for participants to learn at least one "best practice" they can implement in their organizations. "We want attendees to think outside of the box. The language of management and best practices is something that we really want to encourage," she said.
The Symposium provides a "mind-opening opportunity" for nonprofit leaders to share ideas for excellence, said Kathy Schaeffer, Axelson Center advisory board member and president, Kathy Schaeffer & Associates, Inc., Chicago. "Every year, participants praise the Symposium for its on-target focus on the issues that matter most today. No other conference in Chicago attracts such a talented and diverse gathering of thoughtful, caring leaders dedicated to learning new and better ways to carry out their nonprofit missions," she said.
Harold Rice Jr., executive director and chief executive officer, Albany Park Community Center, said the Symposium will help to better position agencies to be "viable and relevant" for years to come. "The significance for nonprofit leaders at all levels to attend this year’s Axelson Symposium is because it's filled with critical information and tools for those in the leadership position to make significant impact and critical gains with the negative headwinds that this sector will face for the next 2 to 5 years," said Rice, also an Axelson Center advisory board member.
Highlighting the June 4 Innovation Institute is an internationally known speaker on workplace innovation, Larry Keeley, who is president and co-founder, Doblin Inc., Chicago. Other speakers that day are Mary F. Morten, president, Morten Group, Chicago; Martin Levine, general director, JCC Chicago; and Dr. Robert Wright, chief executive officer, the Wright Institute, Chicago.
Presenting the opening keynote address at the June 5 Axelson Symposium is Robert Egger, founder and president, Washington-based DC Central Kitchen, the nation's first "community kitchen." "We think he will really add to what we hope this conversation will be about — innovation, and about reigniting the vision of your organization going forward," Rogers said. Aaron Hurst, president and founder, Taproot Foundation, New York City, will also speak June 5. Taproot connects pro bono business talent with organizations working to improve society, and has a Chicago location.
Attendees will learn from more than 40 experts leading concurrent workshops and forums on a variety of topics important to nonprofit leaders, such as board leadership, funding models, volunteer engagement, succession planning, communication, philanthropy, and a debate titled, "How Corporate Should Nonprofits Be?" A resource center includes more than 20 corporate and nonprofit exhibitors that will provide cost-saving resources and strategies for nonprofits.
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Rev. David W. Kersten was installed as the Dean of North Park Theological Seminary on Sunday, September 16, 2012.