Category: Stories

Interdisciplinary Forum on the Bible and Health Set for October 30

Interdisciplinary Forum on the Bible and Health Set for October 30

Healthy Human Life

Dr. James Bruckner's recent book is the focus of the October forum at North Park University.

Seminary, School of Nursing sponsor Chicago forum

CHICAGO (October 19, 2012) — A North Park University professor and a panel of health professionals and pastors will address topics related to the Bible, human health, and healthy relationships in an October 30 forum, "The Bible and Health: An Interdisciplinary Forum." The event features Dr. James Bruckner, professor of Old Testament with the University's North Park Theological Seminary, who will present from his recently published book, Healthy Human Life: A Biblical Witness.

The two-hour forum is free to attendees and begins at 3:30 pm in Olsson Lounge at North Park Theological Seminary. Event sponsors are the Seminary and the North Park University School of Nursing.

Healthy Human Life "is the result of 10 years of conversation about understanding and practicing human health — conversations between a biblical scholar and health care professionals," Bruckner said in an interview. "The book unpacks the biblical text to address questions which are foundational to health care as well as biblical theology." The book includes content for patients, families, health care professionals, counselors, and pastors dealing with health or end-of-life issues, and could be used as a text in professional schools.

Dr. James Bruckner
Dr. James Bruckner

Panelists who will respond to Bruckner are Dr. Linda Duncan, dean of the School of Nursing and holder of the Gretchen Carlson Memorial Endowed Chair in Nursing; C. Louise Brown, vicepresident of health ministries, Progressive National Baptist Convention, and former director of public health for the City of Evanston, Ill.; and Rev. Philip Staurseth, pastor of Ravenswood Covenant Church, Chicago.

"There is tremendous interest in the church's role in promoting health with their members and communities as evidenced by the wide variety of health ministries in which churches are engaged," says Dr. Mary Chase-Ziolek, RN, Seminary and University professor of health ministries and nursing. "It is important for these ministries to be biblically and theologically informed as well as sound from a health perspective." Healthy Human Life "provides a much-needed biblical perspective" for Christian health professionals, congregations with health ministry teams or faith community (parish) nurses, and medical researchers, she added.

In addition, the Seminary offers a 12-credit interdisciplinary Certificate in Faith and Health in collaboration with the School of Nursing, as well as continuing education workshops for ministry and health professionals.


Use @npunews to follow North Park University News on Twitter. For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, via email or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more about North Park University.

Next Steps

Learn about academic offerings at North Park Theological Seminary, as well as the University's School of Nursing.

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North Park Theological Seminary Announces Urban Ministry Certificate

North Park Theological Seminary Announces Urban Ministry Certificate

Certificate in Urban Ministry

Applications for first cohort accepted through March 31

CHICAGO (February 10, 2012) – North Park Theological Seminary is accepting applications for a new, two-year graduate educational program leading to a Certificate in Urban Ministry. The 15-credit certificate program is intended for Christian ministers and lay leaders who want to learn more about engaging in effective ministry in urban settings.

The Seminary is part of North Park University, a higher education institution with a Christian, multicultural, and urban identity. Those core values, combined with the cultural and Christian diversity represented in Chicago, position the Seminary to offer a rich educational experience to students, said Dr. Soong-Chan Rah, program director. Rah is Milton B. Engebretson Associate Professor of Church Growth and Evangelism for the Seminary, and a former urban pastor himself.

"Chicago is part of the classroom we're offering," he said in an interview. "Being in Chicago is a tremendous advantage. It is a center for community development, community organizing, for ethnic diversity, and with diverse neighborhoods."

Offering a certificate program in urban ministry is part of a larger trend of urbanization and the growing influences of urban culture, Rah said. Both the University and Seminary are affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), which is planting new congregations in urban areas, Rah said. Urban pastors and urban lay workers could benefit greatly from the certificate program, Rah said. "We hope it will strengthen and undergird their urban ministry," he said. The program can also introduce people to urban ministry who want to learn more.

The urban environment is complex, constantly changing, and always challenging, Rah said. The certificate program will emphasize deeper theological and spiritual engagement, as well as practical ideas for enhancing urban ministry. "We do this ministry as followers of Jesus. Anytime we can deepen the theology, it is a good thing. Also important are spiritual formation and discipleship. All of these serve to strengthen our work in the city," he said.

Students who complete the program will earn 15 credit hours in just over two years. Plans call for the first cohort to meet Aug. 13–17 in Chicago, followed by online coursework beginning in October. The cohort will meet in Chicago for another week in August 2013, followed by online coursework. A final week-long gathering in Chicago is planned for August 2014. Rah said an ideal size for the urban ministry cohort is about 15 to 20 people.

"There is great enthusiasm in this Seminary and in this denomination for this certificate program," said Rah. "It represents a wonderful convergence of what North Park University is all about, and what the Evangelical Covenant Church is excited about."

Applications and supporting materials must be submitted to North Park Theological Seminary by March 31, said E. Kirsten Burdick, director of Seminary admissions. All applications will be considered at the same time in April, she said.


Use @npunews to follow North Park University News on Twitter. For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, via email or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more about North Park University.

Next Steps

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North Park University Welcomes New Members of Board of Trustees

North Park University Welcomes New Members of Board of Trustees

Members of North Park University's board of trustees participated in campus celebrations during their recent board meeting.

Board discusses University's enhanced enrollment efforts

CHICAGO (November 13, 2012) — The North Park University board of trustees participated in groundbreaking ceremonies for the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, and heard updates on other University projects and initiatives during its fall meeting here October 26–27. Dr. David Parkyn, University president, also welcomed seven new trustees, each of whom will serve five-year terms:

  • Thomas Bagley, Chicago, founder and senior managing director, Pfingsten Partners, LLC
  • Grant Clay, Clay Center, Kan., lead pastor, Clay Center Covenant Church
  • Gail Dahlstrom, Etna, N.H., vice president for facilities management, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, N.H.
  • Dawn Helwig, Chicago, actuary, Milliman, Inc.
  • Stephen Johnson, Warrenville, Ill., executive vice president, field operations, Imagine Solutions, Dallas
  • Michael L. Jordan, Kerman, Calif., pastor, La Viña Covenant Church
  • Albert Tizon, Upper Darby, Pa., associate professor of evangelical and holistic ministry, Palmer Theological Seminary, King of Prussia, Pa.

Johnson Center highlighted

The Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life is expected to be completed for the start of the 2014 academic year. Board members and University leaders thanked Tim Johnson and David Helwig, board chair, for their leadership of Campaign North Park, which is raising funds for the Johnson Center and other University initiatives. The building project is essential for student learning and growth, Johnson told the trustees, adding that he and Nancy were "deeply honored" to have the building named in their honor. The Johnsons are North Park alumni, and both have served the institution in a variety of ways over several years.

Undergraduate enrollment efforts enhanced

The University is enhancing efforts to increase undergraduate enrollment for 2013 in response to changes in enrollment and in the market for higher education, President Parkyn said in his report to the board.

Board of Trustees
North Park's board of trustees met at the Chicago campus October 26–27.

He cited several market conditions that have affected enrollment at North Park: a greater reluctance to borrow funds to pay tuition costs; a need for great convenience in academic program delivery; the competitive Chicagoland market; and increases in competition from schools in other regions of the country.

The North Park University president and Nate Mouttet, vice president for enrollment and marketing, told the trustees the University conducted an external and internal review of admissions procedures with representatives of Noel-Levitz, a higher education consulting firm. In addition, University faculty and staff participated in community gatherings, discussing enrollment data, recruiting of students, and ideas to address student recruitment in future years. As a result of these discussions, the University is instituting several steps to increase undergraduate enrollment, they reported:

  • Adopt more personal connections with prospective students
  • Increase the size of special events to attract students
  • Increase the number of prospective student visits to the campus
  • Target increased financial aid
  • Expand communication flow to students, particularly for applicants and admitted students
  • Reinstate the University’s brand awareness campaign with focus on the Chicagoland region
  • Set priorities so recruiters focus personal attention on those students most likely to enroll

 

The next meeting of the North Park University board of trustees is February 8–9, 2013.

 


Use @npunews to follow North Park University News on Twitter. For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, via email or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more about North Park University.

Next Steps

Learn more about undergraduate admissions and your future as a student at North Park University.

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Johnson Center Construction Phase Begins at North Park University

Johnson Center Construction Phase Begins at North Park University

Groundbreaking for the Johnson Center at North Park University.

University leaders celebrated the groundbreaking for the new Johnson Center October 26. With them are the two people for whom the building is named: Nancy, center, and G. Timothy Johnson, fourth from the right.

Hundreds attend groundbreaking ceremony to honor Nancy and Tim Johnson

CHICAGO (October 29, 2012) — With hundreds of North Park University supporters looking on in person and via webcast, the University marked the start of construction October 26 for a significant, new University building — the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, expected to be completed for the start of the 2014 academic year.

The 101,000-square-foot Johnson Center will house academic departments in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and mathematics; plus it will have technology-enhanced classrooms and state-of-the-art laboratories. It will also house student services such as Career Development and Internships, International Student Services, Residence Life, Student Development, University Ministries, as well as a café, study lounge, prayer room, a two-story atrium, and lobby gathering area.

Science students will benefit the most academically from the new Johnson Center, which will house state-of-the-art science laboratories, and research space and classrooms. The new facility, however, will benefit all in the University community, said Dr. David L. Parkyn, North Park University president. "By combining classrooms and laboratories with student-life offices, and gathering spaces and a food venue — by gathering those things together, this building will create a central campus core. It will do so for all of our students — residential and commuting, undergraduate, graduate, seminarians — everyone who studies at North Park University into the future will benefit from this wonderful building."

The Johnson Center will be a "transformational" facility, said Mary Surridge, vice president for development and alumni relations. "It is the deep and broad generosity of North Park alumni and friends that has brought this dream to reality. Our alumni and friends knew that our students were depending on them, and they have responded in a very generous manner," she said.

Alumni Nancy and Dr. Tim Johnson, for whom the building is named, were honored at the groundbreaking ceremony. "Obviously, Nancy and I are deeply honored to be recognized by the naming of this building," said Tim Johnson, ABC News' longtime medical editor, and now, the network's senior medical contributor. "This honor goes way beyond the two of us, and as I look over the wonderful gathering and see so many familiar faces, I'm reminded of how much North Park has meant in my life, Nancy's life, and our life together. Truly this is an honor, and we're so thrilled to have our family and my grand-kids here for this day. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this very great honor," he told the crowd assembled for the groundbreaking.

Johnson holds degrees from North Park College and North Park Theological Seminary. Nancy Johnson was trained as a nurse at the Swedish Covenant Hospital School of Nursing, Chicago, including study in the sciences at North Park. Both have served the University in many ways, including Tim Johnson's recent role as co-chair of Campaign North Park, which led fundraising for the new building and other University initiatives over the past three years. Construction of the Johnson Center is supported by a $42 million component of the campaign. David Helwig, campaign co-chair and chair of the University board of trustees, thanked Johnson for his "tireless" work to make the building project a reality.  

Following the groundbreaking ceremony, supporters of Campaign North Park attended a reception in Hamming Hall and viewed a video about the building project. A University Choir concert in Anderson Chapel concluded the day's events.

North Park University is providing a live, continuous video feed of the Johnson Center construction.

Faculty, students comment on historic building project

"It's awesome," said Dr. Jonathan Rienstra-Kiracofe, chair of the University's Chemistry Department. "Over the past three weekends, I've had a chance to visit three different college campuses, and I was able to be in each of their science buildings. I'm convinced that what we're putting together here is as good, and actually a step ahead of, what they have in each of theirs. So, I'm very excited about it."

At least seven Chicago-area high school students who expressed an interest in science study at North Park accepted the University's invitation to attend the groundbreaking. Their visit included a personal meeting with Tim Johnson.

Current North Park students in other disciplines expressed excitement about the Johnson Center. Emily Rueping, a junior politics and government and history major from Chicago, noted that the Johnson Center will provide "a common area" for students and faculty to interact. "That's something we really need. It will be very beneficial to students, faculty and others who will get to use it," she said.

"It was cool to see everyone come together and get excited about the new things going on at North Park. I love North Park, and I always think it's great when we're doing something to make the school better," said Kim Hanson, Sacramento, Calif., a junior education major.

 


Use @npunews to follow North Park University News on Twitter. For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, via email or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more about North Park University.

Next Steps

Learn about the evolution of the Johnson Center project.

View photos from the groundbreaking celebration.

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North Park University Honored for Community Service

North Park University Honored for Community Service

Honor Roll Service Award

University among 642 U.S. schools named to honor roll

CHICAGO (March 27, 2012) – North Park University, Chicago, is among 642 U.S. colleges and universities named to the 2012 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, which highlights the value of community service and achieving meaningful outcomes in their communities.

"To receive this award is another affirmation that our mission — to prepare students for lives of significance and service — is integrated into the fabric of the University," said Dr. Joseph Jones, University provost. "It is recognition of the work of our students, staff, and faculty who labor without complaint as they give themselves as lights in the community."

The University has engaged in a variety of community service opportunities. It cited annual neighborhood service commitments and programs; regular involvement with the Friendship Center, a neighborhood food pantry; service by faculty and staff on boards of many neighborhood organizations where students also serve as interns; work in local tutoring programs; the work of the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management which offers classes to neighborhood nonprofit organizations; and students who serve in internships in the Albany Park neighborhood and throughout the city.

Specifically, the University highlighted three community service projects in its 2012 application:

  • Community Service Day: Since 2008, the University community has participated in various projects set up by the Urban Outreach program. In April 2011, nearly 300 people participated in 16 different service projects throughout the Albany Park neighborhood. In addition, the North Park University football team and soccer teams hosted free clinics for neighborhood children. Music students performed at Swedish Covenant Hospital as well as three local nursing homes. Volunteers baked cookies and collected clothing that was donated to a food shelter.
  • Global partnerships: Students are provided with opportunities for cross-cultural experiences that expand their faith, their views of the world, and their commitment to a lifestyle of justice while serving others in need. Each year about 150 students visit one of 11 partners to serve, build relationships, and learn from our partner organizations. Locations include Zambia, Thailand, India, Ecuador, Mexico, Alaska, New Orleans, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, North Park University has sent 12 groups of students to the Gulf Coast to help with demolition and rebuilding of small neighborhoods.
  • Peterson Tutoring Program: Since 1991 North Park University has been a partner in a tutoring program at Peterson Elementary School, a neighborhood public school. More than 40 languages are spoken at the school. On a weekly basis, approximately 40-45 students serve as volunteers and are assigned one child every week for individual tutoring, the application said.

The honor roll was inspired by the thousands of college students who traveled across the country to support relief efforts along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, according to a news release from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), which administers the honor roll.

Of the 642 colleges and universities recognized, 513 were named to the Honor Roll, 110 were named to the Honor Roll with distinction, 14 were identified as finalists, and five received the Presidential Award.

Honorees are chosen based on a series of selection factors, including the scope and innovation of service projects, the extent to which service-learning is embedded in the curriculum, the school’s commitment to long-term campus-community partnerships, and measurable community outcomes as a result of the service.


Use @npunews to follow North Park University News on Twitter. For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, via email or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more about North Park University.

Next Steps

Explore how community and service shape North Park in the Winter 2012 edition of the North Parker magazine.

Read more about North Park joining President Obama's Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge.

Posted on Categories Stories

North Park University Alumna to Appear March 13 on Food Network Show

North Park University Alumna to Appear March 13 on Food Network Show

Academe chef Shanna O’Hea '94

Shanna Horner O’Hea ’94, will appear on the Food Network this month on its popular show, Chopped.

Academe chef Shanna O’Hea '94, to compete on Chopped

 

CHICAGO (March 12, 2012) – A North Park University alumna will appear on a popular Food Network show, Chopped, March 13 at 10:00 p.m. EDT/9:00 p.m. CDT. Shanna Horner O'Hea, is a 1994 graduate of the University and co-owner of the Kennebunk (Maine) Inn and Academe, with her husband, Brian.

Last summer, O’Hea headed to New York City to film the episode of Chopped. Titled "Plenty of Fish," the episode features such unexpected items as an Indian gourd, lutefisk and for dessert, Chinese sausage and baby eggplant. The format for the show includes four chefs competing in round one to create an appetizer featuring ingredients unveiled just before they begin to cook. Three chefs move on to round two to prepare an entrée with a new basket of ingredients, and the final round, the dessert round, reveals a winner.

"Plenty of Fish" will be repeated on the Food Network on March 14 at 1:00 a.m. EDT/12:00 a.m., CDT, and on March 22 at 9:00 p.m. EDT/8:00 p.m. CDT. Hosted by Ted Allen, Chopped is in its 11th season.

O’Hea won’t reveal the outcome but said, "I agreed to participate for the challenge; putting yourself out there in uncomfortable, hard situations helps in personal and professional growth, which is so important when owning your own business."

The O'Heas' restaurant was made famous by their lobster potpie, which was featured on the Food Network’s program, The Best Thing I Ever Ate.  In recent months, the O’Heas cooked at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World, and this month, they will be guest chefs on a Holland America cruise in the Caribbean.

The couple also contributed their culinary talents to the University’s Campaign North Park at a 2011 national campaign event in Salem, Mass., preparing hors d’oeurves for friends of the University — including mini lobster potpies.

Academe is the restaurant of The Kennebunk Inn. The O'Heas draw on their culinary and artistic backgrounds to create enticing soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees served in an informal, brasserie-style setting. The original building of what is now The Kennebunk Inn was built as a private residence in 1799, less than 30 years after the founding of the Republic. The Inn has 18 guest rooms and eight family suites, and the O'Heas frequently host North Park University alumni and friends.

Information for the story was provided by Gillian Britt, gBritt PR, South Portland, Maine


Use @npunews to follow North Park University News on Twitter. For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, via email or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more about North Park University.

Next Steps

Read more of the campus news featured in the Summer 2012 North Parker.

Posted on Categories Stories

Microwave System to Enhance North Park University’s Chemistry Program

Microwave System to Enhance North Park University's Chemistry Program

microwave synthesis system

University chemistry students will be using the Discover SP system, funded by a grant and the University (CEM Corporation image).

Grant award enables equipment purchase, benefits 80 students

CHICAGO (March 14, 2012) – North Park University is adding a microwave synthesis system to its chemistry curriculum thanks to a $10,000 award from the 2012 Pittsburgh Conference Memorial National College Grants (PCMNCG) Program and other University funds. The new microwave system, to be used primarily in organic chemistry courses, will allow students to heat chemical compounds more efficiently, and significantly shorten the time required for laboratory experiments.

"Experiments done in hours are now going to be done in minutes, and it will widen the types of experiments the students can do in the lab," said Dr. Isabel Larraza, North Park University associate professor of chemistry. "The microwave reactor is now being considered a staple of modern organic labs. Our students will have a more in-depth learning experience, with efficient and current experiments that adhere to the principles of 'green chemistry.'"

Larraza's successful grant application was one of 13 chosen from 59 submitted to PCMNCG. She said about 80 chemistry students per year will use the Discover SP System, manufactured by CEM Corporation, Matthews, N.C. The reactor just arrived and will be installed this week. The instrument has wider uses in other chemistry courses and in other disciplines, such as biology, Larraza said.

With the new microwave system, chemistry students will no longer heat flasks in the lab using older, less efficient methods such as heating mantles or Bunsen burners. Instead they will insert tubes with chemicals into the microwave system. The heat generated by the instrument will produce chemical reactions much quicker than before, with the added benefit of minimizing the production of byproducts and chemical waste. Students will also learn about modern microwave syntheses, and "use an emerging technology that is being adopted by industry and by the academy," Larraza said.

The University Chemistry Department has put considerable effort into modernizing its general chemistry laboratories by adding digital instrumentation and other resources, said Dr. Jonathan Rienstra-Kiracofe, professor of chemistry and department chair. "With Dr. Larraza's arrival at North Park this year, we have begun a similar effort to modernize our organic chemistry laboratory by adding new instrumentation and making our experiments 'greener.' The new microwave reactor is going to be the highlight of the laboratory – allowing our students to experience modern, green organic chemistry."

Dr. Isabel Larraza, in the University's organic chemistry lab, says the new microwave synthesis system is part of the Chemistry Department's 'green chemistry' practices.

Larraza does research in and is an advocate for green chemistry practices. The new microwave synthesis system is part of that effort. Green practices include such things as waste prevention, use of methods to minimize toxicity, using safer solvents, energy efficiency, and preventing accidents. This month, Larraza will present her research on microwave synthesis at the American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition in San Diego, and in July, she will attend a green chemistry workshop at the University of Oregon, Eugene.

University chemistry students are aware the microwave system will soon be available in their labs. "They're very eager. They will be doing hands-on types of experiments," Larraza said.

Earlier this year, the North Park University Chemistry Department won a grant award from the Max Goldenberg Foundation, Chicago. Funds from that grant, combined with other University funds, were used to purchase a miniature Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer, manufactured by picoSpin, LLC, Boulder, Colo. The University will be one of the first in the nation to have a miniature spectrometer for teaching and research purposes.


Use @npunews to follow North Park University News on Twitter. For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, via email or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more about North Park University.

Next Steps

Read more of the campus news featured in the Summer 2012 North Parker.

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Site Preparation for North Park University’s Johnson Center Underway

Site Preparation for North Park University's Johnson Center Underway

Demolition of campus apartments on Christiana Avenue prepares the way for the new Johnson Center for Science and Community Life.

Preparation for the Johnson Center construction site has included the demolition of campus apartments.

Groundbreaking set for October 26

CHICAGO (June 28, 2012) — Site preparation continues at North Park University this summer for the greatly anticipated Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life.

Shortly after the conclusion of the 2011–2012 academic year, large trees were relocated from the north berm area of the proposed construction site (an area sometimes referred to as the University's temporary nursery) to other locations on campus, clearing the way for the building site in the center of the campus. "The berm of trees was designed more than a decade ago with the thought of relocation at some point in the future," said Dr. David Parkyn, North Park University president. "It showed considerable forethought on the part of those involved at that time, including our landscape architects. It has served us very well, and it now provides a great bonus to select parts of the campus."

The University also worked with electric supplier ComEd, to relocate a significant electrical conduit, said Carl Balsam, North Park University executive vice president and chief financial officer. This week, work to remove some campus apartments began, and is expected to take several days, Balsam said (see a time-lapse video). "These are among a series of steps necessary for clearing the site in preparation for construction," Balsam said.

A formal groundbreaking ceremony for the 101,000-square-foot Johnson Center is planned for October 26, with construction expected to be completed in time for the 2014 fall semester.

The Johnson Center will support a number of the University's signature academic programs in science and the health professions, as well as offices for University Ministries, international study, career development, and residence life. It resulted from the University's comprehensive fundraising effort, Campaign North Park. The $57 million campaign is raising funds for the new building, the University's Annual Fund, student scholarships, and Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. Fundraising continues.


Use @npunews to follow North Park University News on Twitter. For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, via email or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more about North Park University.

Next Steps

Make a gift for the Johnson Center and Campaign North Park.

Check out photos from the demolition days.

Watch time-lapse video of the building demolition.

Posted on Categories Stories

Board of Trustees Nominates David Kersten to Lead North Park Theological Seminary

Board of Trustees Nominates David Kersten to Lead North Park Theological Seminary

The Rev. Dr. David Kersten is the nominee to become dean of North Park Theological Seminary.

Nomination goes to the Evangelical Covenant Church for further action

CHICAGO (February 13, 2012) – The board of trustees of North Park University, Chicago, nominated the Rev. Dr. David W. Kersten to be the dean of North Park Theological Seminary. Kersten, 56, is currently executive minister of the Department of Ordered Ministry, Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC). He holds degrees from the University and the Seminary, both of which are affiliated with the ECC.

The board nominated Kersten at its Feb. 10-11 meeting here, following a search process initiated last fall. Kersten’s nomination will now be presented to the ECC Executive Board in March and to the ECC annual meeting in June. As his nomination is approved, Kersten will move into the Seminary leadership position Aug. 1.

Introducing Kersten as “a pastor’s pastor,” Dr. David L. Parkyn, University president, said, “Perhaps I can say it best this way: Dave Kersten comes to the academy from and for the church.” Among Kersten’s qualities, Parkyn said, is a commitment to theological education. “This begins with a deep personal commitment to learn, and learn again, through all of life. He knows the value of initial preparation for and orientation to ministry. He knows the deep need for learning which sustains and nourishes pastoral excellence over a lifetime. He is well prepared to lead because as he leads he will teach, and as he teaches, he will pastor.”

The Rev. Gary Walter, ECC president, said there is a renewed understanding and ownership of the challenges facing the Seminary and theological education, and commitment to align the Seminary with the University and the mission of the ECC. “This means very good things for our future,” he said to the board. “I’m grateful to (him) for his openness to this call. We’re poised for the strongest season ever in terms of the Seminary’s role with the church.”

Hoping to use his ECC leadership experience, the “wonderfully useful” Seminary education he got at North Park, and a caring commitment to the pastoral community, Kersten said in an interview he looks forward to working in the challenging role of leading North Park Theological Seminary.

An early priority for Kersten will be to cast “a vision that connects the Seminary more centrally to the pastoral community, not just in producing student pastors and graduates, but also in a robust lifelong learning piece,” he said. In particular, Kersten said the Seminary and the ECC should work together to help establish continuing education standards for pastoral leaders, and deepen theological education for key lay leaders.

The ECC is a growing Protestant denomination, which Kersten attributes to the church’s closeness to its “missional roots,” and its renewal emphasis, which has kept the denomination “fresh and vital,” he said.

“We stay close to the biblical text, we stay close to each other, we stay open to the Holy Spirit. That ethos keeps us on the missional edge,” Kersten said. The ECC is “warmly evangelical,” affirms the role of women in the church, has a strong justice voice, and is part of the multicultural movement in a significant way, he added.

Kersten was born in Detroit. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and human services in 1977 from North Park College (now University). In 1982, Kersten earned a Master of Divinity from the Seminary, and in 1997, he earned a Doctor of Ministry in preaching from the Association of Chicago Theological Schools, which includes North Park Theological Seminary.

Following his ordination in 1982, Kersten served as senior pastor, Bethany Covenant Church, North Miami, Fla.; senior pastor, Highland Covenant Church, Bellevue, Wash.; and senior pastor, First Covenant Church, St. Paul, Minn. Kersten moved into this current role as executive minister of the ECC Department of Ordered Ministry in 2001, where he is responsible for a department that endorses 1,800 active pastors, staff ministers and chaplains through ordination, commissioning and licensure, and oversees intervention, and care for crisis and misconduct issues. Kersten provided leadership for the church’s recent program for Sustaining Pastoral Excellence. He has written and spoken on a number of church-related topics, and has participated in a several denominational leadership committees and groups.

Kersten and his wife of 34 years, Sandra, are parents of three adult children. The Kerstens reside in Chicago.


Use @npunews to follow North Park University News on Twitter. For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, via email or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more about North Park University.

Next Steps

Read more of the campus news featured in the Summer 2012 North Parker.

Posted on Categories Stories

North Park University Hosts First Chicago Cultural Expo

North Park University Hosts First Chicago Cultural Expo

African drummers at the Cultural Expo

Traditional African drumming was among the performances at the Chicago Cultural Expo.

Event draws students, faculty, and staff to learn about Chicago's diverse cultures

CHICAGO (September 25, 2012) — North Park University hosted the first-ever Chicago Cultural Expo September 21, which featured exhibitors from about 20 members of the Chicago Cultural Alliance. The Alliance, representing 30 international communities throughout Chicago, promotes cultural understanding and provides resources for government, museums, libraries, universities, businesses, and other educational and cultural institutions.

The expo is a continuation of the University's relationship with the Chicago Cultural Alliance, said Dr. Joseph Jones, North Park University provost, speaking on behalf of Dr. David Parkyn, University president. The expo fits with the University's mission and core values, especially its continuing emphasis on being a "purposefully multicultural" institution that celebrates global cultures and lives out the reconciling mandate of the Christian gospel, Jones said. "We look forward to people from throughout the Chicago community visiting North Park," he added.

"We are excited to do this with North Park University as a partner organization," said Rebeccah A. Sanders, Alliance executive director. Of the 20 "core members" represented at the expo, "each tells an important story about Chicago's cultural communities," she said.

A steady stream of students, faculty and staff conversed with exhibitors in the North Park University Gymnasium, said Dr. Charles Peterson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and executive director of the University's Center for Scandinavian Studies. Attendees learned about exhibitors' native countries, their cultural contributions to the people of Chicago, internships, service-learning opportunities, study visits, and research possibilities. Expo performances included traditional African and Japanese Taiko drumming, Chinese strings music, German pop rock, and Indian and Cambodian dancers.

North Park University is an Alliance partner organization and expo sponsor.


Use @npunews to follow North Park University News on Twitter. For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, via email or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more about North Park University.

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