North Park has served five generations of students and continues to grow in diversity, academic relevance, and Christian commitment. Our Chicago location is a great asset that reflects the School’s global reach and outlook.
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North Park offers more than 40 graduate and undergraduate programs in liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. Classes average 17 students. 84% of our faculty have terminal degrees. Academics here are rigorous and results-oriented.
North Park Theological Seminary prepares you to answer the call to service through theological study, spiritual development, and the formative experiences of living in a community with others on a similar life path.
The Office of Alumni Engagement fosters lifelong connections by engaging alumni with the university and one another in activities, programs, and services that support the university’s mission and alumni needs.
North Park University Choir Tours, Performs in New England March 10–12
Ensembles to perform in Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts
CHICAGO (February 20, 2012) – The 45-member North Park University Choir will tour and perform in New England locations March 10-12 with the theme "Towards a Peaceable Kingdom: Songs of Faith, Inspiration, and Community." The University Choir, including the University Chamber Singers, will perform in congregations of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), sing in worship at Boston's historic Trinity Church, and lead a workshop with area high school choirs during a stop in Massachusetts.
Four performances are planned during the tour, and each is free and open to the public:
Concerts will include traditional and lesser-known choral repertoire, and will highlight some contemporary Chicago-area composers and arrangers, said Dr. Julia Davids, the Stephen J. Hendrickson Endowed Chair of Choral Activities, North Park University School of Music. Concert-goers will hear music from Christian and other perspectives, sung in English, Latin, French, Spanish, and Hebrew, she said.
The tour's theme is derived from "The Peaceable Kingdom," a composition written by Randall Thompson, a professor of music who studied and taught at colleges and universities in the eastern United States. "Every student should sing Randall Thompson's music," Davids said. "It is great music. I love the whole concept behind his 'Peaceable Kingdom.' We're doing just a couple of the movements from it. I think it holds with the focus of North Park University — that we're part of a peaceful and knowledgeable co-existence with our urban location, with a diversity of students. We're a very outward-looking institution. That's what this program is hoping to showcase."
Dr. Julia Davids directs choral activities at North Park University.
A few students will share some of their North Park University experiences with audiences at each performance, Davids said. Among the students in the choir is Peter Palmatier, Quincy, Mass., a freshman majoring in creative writing. "I'm really excited to go back home and see my family and all my friends from my church again," he said. "It'll be nice for them to finally hear some of the music that we've been singing this year." Several members of Palmatier's family have attended the University, he said.
Each concert will conclude with the traditional Swedish hymn, "Children of the Heavenly Father." Alumni will be invited to sing with the choir, in both Swedish and in English, a tribute to the University's history, Davids said. The University is affiliated with the Chicago-based ECC, which was formed by Swedish immigrants.
During the tour, Davids and the University Choir and Chamber Singers will lead a workshop March 12 with two high school choirs at Braintree High School, Braintree, Mass. The high school students will learn singing techniques, and work on a specific choral repertoire, she said. North Park students will also share their student experiences with the high school students.
University Choir members will stay with host families throughout the tour. Staff with the University School of Music will accompany the choir and make recruiting visits. Staff with the Office of Alumni Relations will also be present at each concert and host a networking event in Boston March 9 for North Park University alumni.
North Park University Presents Degrees to 434 Graduates at Spring 2012 Commencements
Degrees were presented to 434 students at Spring Commencement, for a combined total of 626 for the 2011–2012 academic year.
University honors outstanding students, faculty, and Chicagoans
CHICAGO (May 14, 2012) – North Park University concluded the 2011–2012 academic year by awarding degrees May 12 to 434 graduates at the University's Spring Commencement ceremonies. Separate events were held for students who earned undergraduate degrees; students who earned graduate degrees and degrees through the School of Adult Learning; and graduates of North Park Theological Seminary. Including the Winter 2011 Commencement, degrees were awarded to 626 North Park University graduates this academic year.
Bachelor's degrees were presented to 297 students representing a variety of undergraduate majors in the University's College of Arts and Sciences, and the schools of adult learning, education, nursing, music, and business and nonprofit management. Master's degrees were presented to 137 students who completed graduate programs at the University, including 34 students at North Park Theological Seminary. Dr. David L. Parkyn, president of the North Park University, presided at the ceremonies.
The graduation weekend began with a Baccalaureate Service May 11 at Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago. In his address to graduates, Parkyn commented on the University's mission statement, "to prepare students for lives of significance and service," and Jesus's instruction on this educational ideal as reflected in the four gospels in the New Testament. "If after your years at North Park you're still just a bit vague on what it means to live with significance and in service, then listen to Jesus: be a healthy tree, one that bears good fruit; run away from the possibility of a being a diseased tree, one that bears worm-infected fruit," Parkyn told the graduates.
University President David Parkyn, right, presents the Nyvall Medallion to Daniel Alvarez Sr., center, and Ann Alvarez, left, both of Casa Central, Chicago.
The University recognized its 2012 Distinguished Seniors for outstanding academic achievement and leadership and service, Hannah Haugen, Milwaukie, Ore., bachelor of science in business and economics, and Joshua Startup, Chesterton, Ind., bachelor of science in chemistry. The Ahnfeldt Medallion, presented to a senior with highest grade point average among undergraduates, went to Emily Shakal, Chicago, bachelor of arts in biblical and theological studies. Winners of 2012 Fulbright awards were recognized — Karen Kelly, Mexico City, who will teach English in Andorra, and Nnenna Okore, associate professor of art and department chair, who will teach and work on environmental art projects in Nigeria.
The University presented the David Nyvall Medallion to two leaders of Casa Central, a Chicago nonprofit organization that serves 20,000 Hispanic people through an array of community services. Daniel Alvarez Sr., founder, and Ann R. Alvarez, president and chief executive officer, were honored for 48 years of distinguished service to the people of Chicago. Casa Central maintains a partnership with North Park University and is a venue for undergraduate programs for adults. "We feel privileged, honored and grateful to our Lord for the opportunity to dedicate our lives to this mission," said Ann Alvarez, also a member of the University's board of trustees.
Several students from the North Park College (now University) class of 1962 were recognized as they celebrated the 50th anniversary of their graduations. "Today, you honor us, and you especially honor the members of the graduating class by your presence with us today," Parkyn said.
Four students who earned degrees addressed the commencement ceremony for graduate programs and the School of Adult Learning, sharing how their University educations have shaped their lives and careers. Speakers were Kathleen Ferrarell, Glenview, Ill., bachelor of arts in counseling psychology, School of Adult Learning; Molly Philosophos, Oak Park, Ill., master of nonprofit administration, School of Business and Nonprofit Management; Clara Casas-Maya, Vernon Hills, Ill., master of arts in education, School of Education; and LaRhonda Hrobowski, Chicago, master of science in nursing, School of Nursing.
Joel Johnson, Chicago, master of divinity, was presented the Ahnfeldt Medallion for the highest grade point average among graduates of North Park Theological Seminary.
Dr. M. Daniel Carroll Rodas, distinguished professor of Old Testament, Denver (Colo.) Seminary, presented the Seminary commencement address. In his charge to the graduates, Rev. Gary B. Walter, president of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), commented, "God's asking for you to be found faithful. That means you hold nothing back from God, and you give it your all." The University is affiliated with the ECC.
Drawing from the life example of retiring professor Richard Carlson, and building on Jesus’s instruction, "Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of," Parkyn challenged graduates to be "faithful in risking, faithful in dreaming, faithful in trusting, faithful in hearing God’s call, faithful in taking the first step, and then another, and still another."
'Come to the Manger' Theme of University's December 2 Festival of Lessons and Carols
About 200 musicians, including five University music ensembles and other musicians, are featured in the December 2 Festival of Lessons and Carols at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Chicago.
School of Music ensembles joined by community youth musicians
CHICAGO (November 19, 2012) — Focusing on Advent, Christmas and Epiphany celebrations, North Park University will present A Festival of Lessons and Carols, December 2, at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 4432 N. Troy St., Chicago. The event will begin at 4:00 pm, and features the theme, "Come to the Manger."
The Festival of Lessons and Carols is presented for free by the University. However, because of limited seating, attendees are asked to reserve general admission tickets online. More than 800 people attended in 2011.
Lessons and carols is a worship format first used in the Church of England in the late 1800s. "The celebration of lessons and carols is an ancient tradition shaped by faith-filled Christians over many generations," said Dr. David Parkyn, University president. "The story of Christian faith — from the creation of the world to the birth of savior of the world — is retold as words of Scripture and poetry are read and sung. Coming out of the Christian church in the West, at North Park the Festival of Lessons and Carols is transformed into a wonderful offering of Advent praise and anticipation as the music of many cultures trumpets the birth of Christ."
The festival theme provides attendees an opportunity to focus on the simplicity of the manger and the infant Jesus, said Dr. Julia Davids, assistant professor and the Stephen J. Hendrickson Endowed Chair in Music, School of Music. Lyrics from John Rutter's "Candelight Carol," highlight the theme and its simplicity, she said: "Shepherds and wise men will kneel and adore him, Seraphim round him their vigil will keep; Nations proclaim him their Lord and their Savior, but Mary will hold him and sing him to sleep."
Scripture readings from Genesis, Isaiah, Micah, St. Luke, St. Matthew and St. John will be presented by North Park University students, faculty, and staff, as well as representatives of Our Lady of Mercy Church. Music will be performed by about 200 musicians, including Margaret Martin, University organist, and University musicians in five ensembles:
The musical selections in the service are well written and arranged, and provide something for everyone, Davids said. "The variety of Christmas music for all ensembles is so incredible," she said. "To choose a dozen pieces of music to highlight Christmas Scripture is challenging, because there is so much great music out there."
Musical selections begin with the processional hymn, "O Come All Ye Faithful," followed by Johann Sebastian Bach's "Overture" from Third Orchestral Suite. Throughout the service are well-known pieces such as "Go Tell it on the Mountain," "Ave Maria," "Mary Had a Baby," "Silent Night," and "Joy to the World!," as well as music written by contemporary composers. Vocal pieces will be sung in English and Latin, as well as Spanish selections to be performed by the University Choir, accompanied by harp, marimba and guitar, Davids said.
Preceding the benediction is "The First Nowell," a piece to be performed by combined choirs and orchestras. The selection was arranged by Mack Wilberg, an American composer, arranger and conductor. "This is a stunning piece, with beautiful orchestration, written for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir," Davids added.
The North Park musicians will be joined by professionals, plus student musicians from the YOURS Orchestra at Hibbard Elementary School, Chicago, and the Chicago Children's Choir – Albany Park Division, Davids said. The Chicago Children's Choir will perform a recital at 3:30 p.m. prior to the festival service.
North Park University Graduate Reflects on Journey since Fulbright Award
Rebecca Miller taught English at a school in Indonesia as part of her Fulbright experience.
Rebecca Miller taught English in Indonesia
Editor’s note: Recent North Park University graduates Michelle Wells and Karen Kelly, and faculty member Nnenna Okore, received U.S. Fulbright Awards to teach internationally this year. To see how receiving a scholarship can impact a life in unexpected ways, Stan Friedman of the Covenant News Service spoke with Rebecca Miller, one of the first North Park students to receive the honor.
CHICAGO, IL (July 26, 2012) — North Park University professor of Spanish, Linda Parkyn, a former Fulbright scholar who has guided students through their process of applying for the U.S. Fulbright Awards, told Rebecca Miller that receiving the honor would change the her life forever. Neither woman imagined how true those words would prove to be.
Miller, an honors music major at the University, grew up attending Grace Covenant Church in Clay, N.Y. She wanted to learn more about teaching in a multicultural context, so she applied for the prestigious international scholarship in 2007. After receiving the award, she spent her Fulbright year (August 2008-May 2009) teaching English at a school in an Indonesian city run by one of the world’s largest gold-mining companies.
Several thousand Americans and Indonesians lived in the city and worked at the mine.
Many of the students were children of executives and other top-level workers. Miller was assigned to be the first-ever Fulbright scholar to teach there after being hand-picked by corporate leaders.
Outside the boundaries of the city lay another community that Miller compares to an Old West town, filled with brothels, poverty, acute malnutrition, and high crime. The area has the highest HIV/AIDS infection rate in Indonesia, Miller says.
The differences between the two communities dismayed Miller. "It was power and wealth next to kids without protein."
Her exposure to abject poverty and the disparity in living conditions was to be the first in a series of events that altered her future. Ever since, she has been on multi-year, multinational journey to medical school.
"I sure didn't see that coming," she says, laughing.
Miller was exposed to even more malnutrition in Papua, Indonesia, as she traveled around parts of the country with an anthropologist and met the Kamoro people, whose primary nutrition came from sago palms that were chopped up and processed into an edible starch. Most of their protein comes from eating live mollusks.
During a vacation break from her work, she traveled to Bangalore, India, with two other Fulbright scholars, one of whom was related to a woman who directed a music school. The woman initially offered Miller an opportunity to teach, but she declined.
Instead, when her Fulbright term was completed, Miller returned to Chicago, where she worked with a nonprofit organization that provided health care on the city’s South Side. She primarily was doing administrative work, however, and realized that was not a future she wanted.
"I decided I wanted to be the person giving services," she says.
That experience also caused her to reflect further on her time of living with North Park associate professor of art Tim Lowly, his wife, and their disabled daughter, Temma, for eight months between graduating and heading to Indonesia. Miller cared for Temma. "The most fulfilling job I've ever had has been working with Temma," she says.
Miller left her job at the clinic to accept an invitation to return to the music school in Bangalore. She gave lessons and directed children’s and adult choirs.
The students thought the only form of Western music was classical, so Miller introduced them to others, including gospel and spirituals. "We actually did a Rollo Dilworth piece," says Miller, referring to the popular former North Park University music professor. "That was exciting."
She also started an early childhood music program for which she wrote the curriculum. The program continues, and Miller says, "That was a highlight of working there."
But Miller again was being exposed to the desperate health needs of people in extreme poverty. She volunteered at a hospital for which she did community outreach. Twice a week, she also observed an obstetrician and pediatrician working at clinics in the slums.
The still small voice that had whispered to her about the possibility of entering medical school grew louder. She knew her future was in medicine.
Asked if she had ever considered medicine as a career before her Fulbright scholarship, Miller declares, "Absolutely not. I would not have arrived at that had I not had those experiences."
Miller hopes to provide primary care for urban underserved populations when she finishes school. She currently attends medical school at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.
North Park University to Host Annual Sankta Lucia Pageant December 8
The University's Sankta Lucia pageant features University students in the Scandinavian Studies program, Swedish language program, and students who are from Scandinavian countries.
Washington senior to be 'Sankta Lucia' in University and city pageants
CHICAGO (November 30, 2012) — North Park University senior Eva Larson will play the role of Sankta Lucia, a patron saint of Christian churches, in the University's annual Sankta Lucia pageant at 4:00 pm December 8, in Anderson Chapel. The pageant is a traditional Advent celebration similar to events honoring the saint held in Scandinavian and other European countries.
Following the pageant is a traditional Scandinavian smörgåsbord in Hamming Hall. Both events are sponsored by the University's Center for Scandinavian Studies.
According to legend, Lucia was a young girl who was persecuted for her faith in God, and died a martyr in 304 A.D. She is associated with light in the darkness, and the hospitality of food and drink. The traditional date of the festival of Sankta Lucia is December 13, celebrating light returning to the world on the darkest day of the year, just as her faith brought light to a dark period for early Christians. In pageants, the Sankta Lucia wears a crown with lighted candles, and is accompanied by a court, including "star boys," who carry stars.
Each year, a senior woman in the Scandinavian Studies program is chosen to represent Lucia. Larson, of Vashon Island, Wash., will graduate from the University next month, with a double major in Media Studies and Scandinavian Studies. "Lucia is very close to my heart," she said. "I have been participating in various Lucia pageants since I was in the first grade. I think that it is a really beautiful service and a lot of fun for everyone involved." Larson's home congregation, First Covenant Church, Seattle, hosts a similar event – Julfest – that celebrates ancestors and the Swedish Christmas traditions, and includes a Lucia procession, children's and adult choirs, and Scripture readings, she said.
At the North Park pageant, students in the Scandinavian Studies and Swedish language programs will read the Christmas story in English and Swedish from the Gospel of Luke, tell of Christmas traditions in Scandinavia and here in the United States, and recall the story of Sankta Lucia. Swedish Christmas carols will be sung. Students from Sweden, Norway, and Iceland will also participate. About 400 people are expected to attend.
Tickets for the pageant are $5 per person, $10 per family, and may be purchased in advance or at the door the day of the performance. Tickets for the pageant and smörgåsbord are $15 for adults, and $10 for children under age 12. Tickets must be purchased or reserved in advance online or by calling (773) 244-5592.
Larson will also represent the University in the City of Chicago's Sankta Lucia pageant, December 13 at the Daley Center. That event will include a performance by the North Park University Chamber Singers, directed by Dr. Julia Davids, assistant professor and the Stephen J. Hendrickson Endowed Chair in Music, School of Music.
North Park University was founded in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), a Christian denomination formed by Swedish immigrants. North Park University is affiliated with the ECC, and maintains a connection to its Swedish and Scandinavian roots through academic programs and other cultural exchanges.
North Park University among Top 50 Midwest Universities in U.S. News and World Report Rankings
North Park University moved up in this year's "Best Colleges" rankings.
University improves ranking, looks forward to Johnson Center groundbreaking
CHICAGO (September 13, 2012) — North Park University is among the top 50 best Midwest regional universities in U.S. News and World Report’s 2013 edition of its annual "Best Colleges" rankings. The University tied four other Midwest schools for 49thamong 112 regional universities, improving its 58th ranking on the magazine’s list in 2011.
"Rankings are helpful for families, and yet they often do not paint the full picture of a university," said Dr. David Parkyn, president of North Park University. "In our case, we are pleased to see North Park move up in the rankings because we believe this reflects a quality institution, and recognizes the significant improvements we continue to make."
On October 26, the University will break ground for construction of the 101,000-square-foot Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, a significant step to enhance academic excellence and student life. "We are excited to develop this new center for science and community life as part of our commitment to a great learning and living environment for our students. This and other improvements continue to show North Park University as a world-class university in a world-class city," Parkyn added.
To evaluate regional universities, U.S. News and World Report applied quality measures such as peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, and alumni giving. Data was collected this spring and summer, the magazine reported. Beginning in 1983, U.S. News and World Report has published annual rankings of colleges and universities nationwide. Nearly 1,400 accredited schools were included in this year's survey.
North Park University, founded in 1891, prepares students for lives of significance and service, expressed through three core values: distinctively Christian, intentionally urban, and purposefully multicultural. Courses are offered at North Park’s four campuses throughout northeastern Illinois, including the main Chicago campus, plus satellite campuses in Arlington Heights, Grayslake, and Waukegan.
North Park University Spring Theatre Production Set for Chicago Storefront Space
Mandy VanderMey and Jake Sanders portray the lead characters in the North Park University theatre production of To Damascus, to be staged at a Chicago storefront theatre.
Production is based on August Strindberg's To Damascus
CHICAGO (April 13, 2012) – North Park University theatre students will take their skills off campus in late April and early May to perform an original adaptation of Swedish playwright August Strindberg'sTo Damascus in a Chicago storefront space. It's the second time in two years that University theatre students have staged a production in the intimate setting provided by such a space, commonly used in Chicago theatre productions.
In addition, University theatre alumni working in the Chicago theatre circuit have been working with student designers the past few months, as the production takes shape, said Dr. Chad Eric Bergman, professor of communication arts, Theatre and Performance Studies. This year is also the 100th year of Strindberg's death. Strindberg was a significant and prolific writer who penned more than 60 plays, and is credited with writing more than 30 novels, autobiographies, poems, and other artistic works. Performances of Strindberg's works are being staged throughout the world this year.
Working in storefront settings is part of students' training in the University theatre program. In 2010, the North Park production of Legitimate Geniuses was staged at the Neo Futurarium, Chicago. "It was the most successful talking play, other than a musical, that we had done in a long time," Bergman said. "People wanted to go. It was 'an event' to be off campus." This year, the University spring theatre production is The Storefront Theatre Experience at Rivendell Theatre, Chicago.
Last fall, Bergman translated To Damascus from Swedish to English. Bergman, 13 theatre students, and several designers then rewrote the script into a 21st century story to which students can relate, keeping the main themes of Strindberg's original piece. To Damascus describes a spiritual pilgrimage in which the main character, The Stranger, experiences Christ, similar to Paul's conversion to Christ described in the Acts of the Apostles in New Testament.
"The source material these students came up was profound and topical, and really struck a chord. It's student-driven, and we're really excited about that," Bergman said.
Jake Sanders, a creative writing and theatre major from Worcester, Mass., plays the role of The Stranger. Many people had a role in reworking Strindberg's original story, he said. "It's been such a collaborative effort between not just Chad and the production team, but also the actors have had a hand in creating the world we want everyone to experience," he said in an interview.
Sanders, a junior, was in Legitimate Geniuses two years ago, and experienced first-hand the excitement of performing in a storefront setting just as Chicago professionals do. "We're actually getting off campus and doing something that's a little more radical than we normally do," he said. "It definitely jumps the energy level for everyone."
Particularly significant for Sanders and other students has been the opportunity to work on this production with alumni professionals who work in Chicago theatre. One of them is Sarah Nelson, actor, designer, and company manager for Akvavit Theatre Company, Chicago. She graduated from North Park University in 2011, where she was a student with a double major in communication arts theatre, and business and economics.
Nelson, along with other alumni and designers, has been working with the North Park students since February, helping them as they adapted Strindberg's original script, and to build sets and work on sound design. "Everyone is working as an ensemble to put this together. In Chicago you can find this sort of thing happening in many spaces," Nelson said. "I think this is a really fun, relatable piece because it's written by students and adapted from Strindberg's play."
Nelson recalled her own experiences when she was a North Park student, and how that has translated into her professional theatre career. "What I remember most is working as true collaborators," she said. "I don't think as far as I can tell from other friends at other universities that they had opportunities to work with professional directors and designers. That was a huge aid after college. I have a lot more outside connections."
Performances of the students' adaptation of To Damascus are April 27, 28 and 29, plus May 3, 4 and 5 at The Storefront Theatre Experience at Rivendell Theatre, Chicago. All performances are at 7:30 p.m., except April 29, which is at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available by email at tickets@NPUtheatre.org or at the door. General admission is $10, students, $5 with a University identification card. Seating is limited, with about 50 seats available for each performance.
New Nonprofit Leaders Benefit from North Park University's BootCamp
Dana Garner, Trinity United Church of Christ Child Care Centers, Chicago, was among this year's BootCamp attendees.
Axelson Center program provides networking, solutions for key concerns
CHICAGO (August 1, 2012) — Being a chief executive officer or an executive director of almost any organization is demanding. It can be even more demanding for those new to these roles, as they work to figure out what needs attention, and how best to manage people and resources. Seeking solutions to those challenges, 27 new nonprofit executive leaders participated this month in BootCamp 2012, a popular continuing education program of North Park University's Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management.
Participants met with experts and each other for three days, sharing ideas and learning about organizational mission, marketing, boards and governance, management principles, measurement, and funding. They heard from a panel of BootCamp alumni, and developed personal 90-day plans of action. BootCamp is for nonprofit chief executive officers or executive directors who have been in their roles for three years or less.
"This has helped me tremendously to focus and give me a framework," said Dr. Lisa Green executive director, Family Christian Health Center, Harvey, Ill. "A lot of us get in the job, and you just start 'doing.' This program did two things — it helped me focus on the things that I need to work on, and let me know I'm not doing this alone." Green has been in the executive director's role about one year, and said her 90-day action plan helped her set priorities.
Cheryl Lawrence, executive director, Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing, Chicago, had been in her job just one week when she attended BootCamp 2012. Lawrence is an attorney and was previously the organization's director of development. Comments from BootCamp alumni about working with boards of directors were helpful, she said. "The clear vision that I have coming out of this session is how to work towards rejuvenating our board, how we handle our board meetings, (and) how we look at different ways to engage them," she said. She has struggled to engage busy board members in ways that take advantage of their expertise, Lawrence said. She plans to suggest some meaningful changes to the board president.
BootCamp also provided Lawrence with three days away from the office to meet other nonprofit leaders, and to do some serious thinking. "It's been really meaningful, and I would highly recommend this to anybody," Lawrence added.
Maria Nanos, executive director, Center for Law and Social Work, Chicago, said she feels more confident in her role today — after a year's experience — but admits there's still much she needs to do. "I had an opportunity to go [to BootCamp] when I first got the job, but it didn't work out because of a lot of things," Manos said. "But I'm glad that it's been a year later for me. You know what you don't know a little better."
The three-day BootCamp experience was everything Ann Carstensen hoped it would be. One of her challenges is staff management. "I think the biggest takeaway is how to better manage my organization, understanding how to better manage my staff, and how to better manage up and down the organization," said Carstensen, executive director, Alpha Phi Foundation, Evanston, Ill. "I'm very pleased we heard some good advice and counsel to get us moving in the right direction," she added.
The vast majority of participants in BootCamp program were referred by others who attended previously, said William Braden, Axelson Center coordinator of leadership development programs. Many BootCamp speakers and Axelson Center advisory committee members are program alumni. A key to BootCamp's continuing success is feedback from program participants and follow up evaluations used to improve the curriculum, Braden said. Braden is a retired CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, and a member of the Axelson Center advisory board.
The University's Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management was established in 1999. The Center provides educational experiences, services, and resources to enhance the performance and effectiveness of individuals and organizations in the nonprofit sector. In addition to BootCamp, its offerings include a host of professional development workshops, an annual career and internship fair, professional certificate academic programs, the annual Axelson Symposium, plus nonprofit newsletters and other resources.
CHICAGO (June 8, 2012) — More than 500 nonprofit leaders and volunteers met in downtown Chicago June 5 to learn new and effective strategies that will help them lead, be innovative, and enhance organizational funding, communication, and growth. They were attendees at North Park University's 13th Annual Axelson Center Symposium for Nonprofit Professionals and Volunteers, with the theme, "Reignite Your Vision."
The Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management also organized and presented a pre-conference Innovation Institute June 4, and presented awards to three nonprofits. The Axelson Center works to enhance performance and effectiveness of individuals and organizations in the nonprofit sector through education, service, and resources.
The symposium drew a cross-section of nonprofit leaders from large and small organizations, and people planning careers in the nonprofit sector. They heard keynote speakers who addressed the role of nonprofits in rebuilding the U.S. economy, and harnessing pro bono resources for their organizations. Workshops focused on topics such as communication, strategic planning, board engagement, funding, and giving trends.
"I was really inspired by all of the speakers," said Hollen Reischer, assistant director, Neighborhood Writing Alliance, Chicago. "I was most inspired by the vision people had for really taking care of the mission and values of their organizations, and using that as a way to build a bridge to corporate and pro bono relationships. This is a great opportunity for networking and hearing from lots of seasoned professionals. I've been taking notes all day."
John Shustitzky, Lake Forest, Ill., has led nonprofits for some 30 years, has been a consultant and is now on the faculty at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He attended because of the content and the reputation of North Park University, he said. "I have a better idea of the potential role of pro bono work in nonprofits," Shustitzky said, adding that remarks by keynoter Aaron Hurst, president and founder of the Taproot Foundation, New York City, were "particularly helpful."
Also attending was Babette Black, Chicago, a recent divinity school graduate. She was once an accountant for an insurance company, but didn't find corporate work fulfilling. Black said she came to the symposium to learn about nonprofits as she transitions to a career in the sector. "I want my work to have meaning. I've always wanted to have an experience where I feel the human component of what we do matches the benefit of the society. I want to make sure that what I do professionally has meaning," she said.
Keynoter Robert Egger, founder and president, Washington-based DC Central Kitchen, inspired attendees by pointing out the potential influence of U.S. nonprofits in the political process and society. For example, more than 500,000 people work in nonprofits in Illinois, generating $22 billion in payroll taxes in 2010, and yet, nonprofits don't get the economic credit they deserve, he said. "The nonprofit sector is one of the biggest sources of outside investment in cities every single day. We are major drivers of every economy in every city," Egger said. He also challenged nonprofit leaders to be "fearless."
Hurst told the nonprofit leaders how to use pro bono resources to accomplish their organizational missions. "Running a nonprofit today is infinitely more challenging than it's ever been, and the nonprofit sector is being asked to do more than ever before," he said. Hurst presented five principles when using pro bono resources: know and define needs; get the right resource for the right job; be realistic about pro bono deadlines; act like a paying client; and working with pro bono resources is a collaboration where all parties learn.
Winners of annual awards recognizing area nonprofits were announced at a luncheon emceed by Ana Belaval, feature reporter for Chicago's WGN Morning News:
More than 40 Chicago-area nonprofits were nominated, and a committee determined the winners from 12 finalists.
The Innovation Institute June 4 drew 145 registered participants. Speakers were Larry Keeley, president and co-founder, Doblin Inc., who spoke about effective organizations and innovative business practices; Mary F. Morten, president, Morten Group, who presented best practices for boards of directors; Martin Levine, general director, Jewish Community Center of Chicago, and Carol Levine, principal, Levine Partners Consulting, who discussed ways to reignite organizations through mission focus and planning; and Dr. Robert Wright, chief executive officer, Wright, who discussed ways to empower and engage employees in organizational leadership.
North Park University Offers Alumni Grant for Graduate Studies Tuition
Grant applies to students who begin graduate study in fall 2013
CHICAGO (December 26, 2012) – North Park University will offer a 20 percent tuition reduction to undergraduate alumni who enroll in graduate courses, or seek graduate degrees or graduate-level certificates at the University. The tuition grants are available to students who begin coursework for the first time in the fall semester 2013, and can be used for classes students attend in-person or access online.
"This idea aligns with North Park's emphasis on lifelong learning," said Dr. Chris Nicholson, the University's director of graduate admissions. Continuing education, including graduate education, is key for success in many vocations, he said. Nicholson also pointed out that a growing number of the University's graduate programs are available online to alumni living anywhere in the world.
The tuition grants apply only to graduate-level programs, and are available to alumni who do not have other University grants or scholarships to meet the costs of graduate education, Nicholson explained. Some University schools already offer attractive grants to alumni, he said.
The tuition grants to University alumni for graduate study may provide an extra incentive to North Park University graduates considering advanced degrees, said Nate Mouttet, University vice president for enrollment and marketing. "The confidence our alumni had in the faculty as undergraduates is the same kind of confidence they will have in the graduate faculty. We're offering continuation of a great undergraduate experience with more depth at the graduate level," he said.
Dr. Julia Davids directs choral activities at North Park University.
Author Mireille GallegosPosted on Categories Stories
