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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 Presents 2012 Multicultural Awards
Ahmed Rehab, executive director, CAIR-Chicago, was the guest speaker at the awards banquet.
Awards presented to University community and partners
CHICAGO (May 1, 2012) – North Park University presented its 2012 Multicultural Awards to students, faculty, staff, and community partners in recognition of their commitments to diversity, cultural advocacy, and justice. Award winners represented various areas of campus life such as academics, athletics, campus involvement, community service, spirituality, and leadership. The awards were presented April 20 at a banquet at the Irish American Heritage Center, Chicago.
Award recipients and their awards included:
Academic Excellence Award: Kelly Reichel, Bloomington, Minn., and Danerra Hill, Miami, Fla.
Cultural Advocacy Award: George Habash, Jerusalem
Faculty Commitment to Diversity Award: Dr. Rupe Simms, professor of Africana studies
Staff Commitment to Diversity Award: Ann-Helen Anderson, assistant director, International Office
Cultural Arts Award: Jennifer Velker, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Athletic Excellence Award: Bridgette Gray, Prospect Heights, Ill.
Spiritual Leadership Award: Karen Kelly, Mexico City
CLASS Student Senator Commitment to Diversity Award: Jacob Gustafsson, Göteborg, Sweden
Commitment to Diversity as an Adult Learner Award: Adriana Ramirez, Chicago
Vernard Jones Award for Leadership: Ericka Rodriguez, Chicago
Students, faculty and staff were recognized at the 2012 Multicultural Awards banquet.
Ahmed Rehab, executive director, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Chicago chapter, spoke to the nearly 400 people who attended the awards banquet, commenting on the challenges of his work and his own life story that led him to the United States. Rehab, born in Egypt, has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Chicago universities. CAIR was established in 1994 to challenge stereotypes of Islam and Muslims. The organization has a nationwide presence and is headquartered on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. In addition, musical selections were performed by undergraduate Leslie Moore.
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 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.
Board of Trustees Hears Update on Campaign North Park, New Building Plans
Fundraising for a new $42 million Science and Community Life Building is a "top priority," said University President David L. Parkyn.
Fundraising top priority for president, development office
CHICAGO (February 21, 2012) – The president of North Park University, Dr. David L. Parkyn, told the University board of trustees that there is significant progress toward the goal of initiating construction on a new $42 million Science and Community Life Building. Fundraising continues to be a "top priority" of his office and the University Office of Development, he reported.
The University first began consideration of a new Science and Community Life Building as early as 2008, Parkyn said to the board, which met here Feb. 10-11. When finally completed, the project will "transform the face of the campus," he said. "Much more than that, it will transform the student experience both in and outside the classroom," Parkyn said.
At present, the University is working assertively to raise funds for the new building, part of Campaign North Park, Parkyn said. Plans for the new structure have been informed by several charrettes with faculty and staff who will lead academic and University programs to be housed in the new building, Parkyn said. Academic and student life programs assigned to the new building have been confirmed. The University has been working with VOA Associates, Inc., Chicago, to design the building, the University president said.
The board of trustees met Feb. 10-11 at North Park University.
Representing VOA, William Ketcham described preliminary building plans to the board. The building design is a work in progress and continues to evolve, he said. "It's about a place in the urban environment, it's about a spirit of community engagement with people in a place advancing education, advancing the mission of this institution," Ketcham said.
Among the organizations the University has consulted with are Health Education Research Associates Inc., for design assistance on science laboratories and other instructional spaces. The University has also contracted with the Boldt Company to serve as owner's representative and to facilitate the construction process, employing integrated project delivery techniques, Parkyn said.
During the board meeting, VOA architects met with the board's Advancement Committee to discuss ways to recognize donors in the building's design. Boldt Company representatives met with the board's Finance Committee to introduce their role, and to facilitate a discussion regarding the price for the building and an initial construction calendar.
In addition to $42 million for the new building, Campaign North Park set goals of $8 million for University's Annual Fund; $6 million for scholarships; and $1 million for Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. Fund raising continues for all campaign goals.
The board received reports on other matters:
Parkyn reported that undergraduate enrollment at mid-year continues to be strong, while enrollment has softened in some graduate programs.
The president presented ideas on how the University can continue to feature and effectively communicate its mission and identity to various constituencies.
The board received a report from the Seminary Leadership Committee, and affirmed the Rev. Dr. David Kersten as the nominee for dean of North Park Theological Seminary. Kersten's nomination must be affirmed by leadership bodies of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), and he is expected to move into his new role Aug. 1.
The North Park University board of trustees' next meeting is May 10-11, 2012, in Chicago.
North Park Theological Seminary Announces New Financial Aid Program for Students
Aid program is for new students, current students' aid not affected
CHICAGO (March 23, 2012) – For Alicia Vela, qualifying for financial aid assistance is the reason she is a student preparing for ordained ministry at North Park Theological Seminary (NPTS), Chicago. The Rev. Brian A.K. McCutchen says without the financial aid he got from NPTS, he's not sure he would have been able attend any seminary.
Both are examples of how students' lives can be changed with the help of financial aid and scholarships to help them meet the costs of theological education. This month, North Park Theological Seminary announced a new financial aid program for students that will provide aid to even more students, as well as a more flexible framework that responds to changing needs of students today and developments in the delivery of courses, certificates, and degrees.
NPTS students currently enrolled and receiving financial aid will not be affected by the changes in the aid program. Academic scholarships, such as Nyvall Scholarships and Lund Scholarships, will remain as scholarships based on students' academic records. Needs-based grants will be available to students seeking degrees and professional certificates.
Key changes in the new financial aid program include:
opening up Presidential Scholarships to both full- and part-time degree-seeking students preparing for vocational ministry in the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC). Scholarship amounts vary, with the most generous scholarships reserved for full-time main campus students.
a new Mosaic Leadership Scholarship to support leaders with multicultural or multiethnic backgrounds seeking degrees. This scholarship may be combined with other scholarship funds, and all qualified students may be considered.
a new Seminary Church Matching Grant Program, in which NPTS will match a church gift toward student tuition of up to $500 per semester.
the Spiritual Direction Cohort Program, in which any student can apply for a needs-based grant or Church Matching Grant. Previously, aid was only available for ECC clergy.
Research into financial aid programs at other similar seminaries has shown that while tuition is very similar across institutions, the NPTS financial aid program "is more generous and comprehensive when compared to other schools," said the Rev. Mark Olson, dean of enrollment and director of church relations, North Park University. "The result is an opportunity for students to study and personally engage with professors with national and even international reputations for exceptional biblical and theological scholarship."
Students, present and past, speak highly of their experiences at NPTS, opportunities they would not have had without generous and meaningful financial aid that benefited them. Vela, a second-year master of divinity student from Arvada, Colo., and McCutchen, now serving as camp director, Frontier Ranch, Mission Springs, Calif., qualified for prestigious Presidential Scholarships at NPTS.
Vela is president of the NPTS student association, and wants to become a youth pastor in a church setting after she completes her degree. "It's important for me to be educated at a school that is so gender-inclusive, and is so empowering of women in ministry. All of my professors are really encouraging and helping me to find my voice as a pastor," she said in an interview. To Vela "financial aid is invaluable" in helping her achieve her career goals.
"This school has a lot to offer. Biblical scholars teach us, and leaders in fields of ministry teach us. (We're) able to have that experience because of financial aid," she added. Her home congregation is Christ Community Covenant Church, Arvada.
McCutchen, a member of Community Covenant Church, Santa Cruz, Calif., earned a master of divinity from NPTS in 2007. "I felt a call to ministry in a broad sense," he said. But high costs at other seminaries made it difficult to for him to think about theological education – until his pastor and his father-in-law, an ECC pastor, both encouraged him to consider NPTS.
While at NPTS, McCutchen worked in University departments and offices as part of the service requirement of his scholarship. Today he is part of an ECC-affiliated program that hosts groups such as science students from local schools during the week, and hosts church groups and provides programs for them on weekends. McCutchen is now hiring college students, preparing Bible study curricula, and recruiting speakers for Frontier Ranch's busy summer program.
NPTS offers generous financial aid to students because of the ECC's financial commitment to the University, and the support of donors, particularly to the seminary annual fund, and endowment-based revenue.
McCutchen said he appreciates the ECC commitment to his seminary education. "I want to stay a part of this denomination. I work with college students, and I've encouraged a lot of them to look into the University and the Seminary," he said.
North Park Theological Seminary is the graduate theological school of North Park University, Chicago, and of the Chicago-based Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC).
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.
McKnight said he was honored that his book was recognized by Outreach. "When I was told, I was pleased to hear that someone had the courage to rank my book at the top for books on evangelism, because this book shifts what evangelism means," he said.
"The message of this book is that the standard gospel – 'God loves you, you are sinner, Jesus died for you, respond in faith and you can be reconciled to God and go to heaven when you die' — is not what the New Testament means by 'gospel,' McKnight said. In his book, McKnight focuses on 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul said the gospel is "the Story of Israel coming to completion in the Story of Jesus who is King (Messiah), Lord and the one who saves his people from their sins," he said.
"The 'standard' gospel has created the church as a 'salvation' culture, focusing on who is in and who is out. The second approach creates a gospel culture, one noted by living under Jesus as king," McKnight said.
McKnight joined the University in 1994. He is a New Testament scholar, author, teacher and sought-after speaker. He has authored more than 30 books, including the award-winning The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others, which won the Christianity Today book of the year in 2005 for Christian Living. McKnight also writes a blog titled, "The Jesus Creed."
Outreach gave special recognition to 20 resources in categories that include compassion and justice ministries, missional living, and cross-cultural ministries. The list is published in the magazine’s just-released March/April 2012 issue. About 170 resources published between Nov. 1, 2010, and Oct. 31, 2011, were submitted to Outreach for consideration – the most submissions in the last four years, according to the magazine.
Evangelical Covenant Church News contributed to this report.
'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.
Author tomgabrysiakPosted on Categories Stories
Dr. Julia Davids directs choral activities at North Park University.
The board of trustees met Feb. 10-11 at North Park University.
