North Parker Magazine Summer 2017
Cover Story
Future Focus
Guided by mission, faith, and a strong vision, the University begins a presidential search.
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Articles in This Issue
First Word: Crossing a Threshold
As each school year begins we welcome new undergraduates to our campus at a celebration we call Threshold—a symbolic crossing from one place or time or period of life to another. At our commencement ceremonies in December and May we usher graduates across another threshold, this time leading from their years at North Park toward another season in life, one we expect will be marked by significance and service.
North Park Receives Gift of Historic Torah Scroll from Ken and Barbara Larson
North Park is the 32nd recipient of a Torah, which is the first five books of the Bible. The Larson-North Park Torah is thought to have originated in Poland in the late 18th or early 19th century. It has been decommissioned to permit its use for study and research.
Distinguished Senior Awards Recognize Lives of Significance and Service
Rachael E. Greco, of Batavia, Ill., and Nicholas A. Collar, of Deerfield, Wis., were named the recipients of the 2017 Distinguished Senior Awards.
North Park Hosts TEDx to Nurture Student Talents
North Park held its first TEDx event, Shifting Paradigms. Inspired by a lecture in a Principles of Management & Leadership course, Paul Clines, a senior business and economics major, presented the idea of hosting a TEDx to his professor.
Dialogue: Alum Scott Stenmark C’91 Returns as VP of Finance
Scott Stenmark C’91 majored in accounting at North Park. After working in finance at Kraft Foods and BMO Harris Bank, Stenmark has returned as the University’s Vice President of Finance.
The Wistrom Legacy: Tending to North Park University for Nearly a Century
Carl Wistrom has served in Physical Plant since 1981, first as assistant director and then as director. Physical Plant is responsible for all the behind-the-scenes work keeping North Park’s spaces functioning.
With $750,000 Lilly Grant, North Park Trains Pastors in Business Skills
Lilly Endowment’s National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders awarded North Park University a $750,000 grant to provide specialized curriculum and programming geared for pastors and church leaders.
Men’s Baseball Team Serves Detroit Churches
North Park’s baseball team traveled to Detroit, Mich. with one goal in mind: helping a broken city. What the team members quickly realized was that the residents had not lost their determination; there was a fervor for change in the air.
North Park Vikings Once Again Claim CCIW Men’s Basketball Title
The team’s first CCIW title in 30 years was secured in an 86-71 victory over
Millikin University.
New Chicago-Based Learning Program Begins Fall 2017
Catalyst 606__ is North Park’s innovative Chicago-based curriculum that redesigns the University’s weekly schedule to encourage students to learn outside the classroom—and in the city—at least two Wednesdays per semester.
The Parkyn Legacy
“Walking side-by-side with our students we must change the world and be changed by the world.”
Future Focus
Guided by mission, faith, and a strong vision, the University begins a presidential search.
A New Synergy
The School of Music, Art, and Theatre launches a dynamic collaboration for learning, performance, and creativity.
Don and Shirley Diersen: Strong Memories Stir Support
Graduates of North Park College in 1954, Don and Shirley Diersen cherish memories of their Viking years. “We’re proud to have been at North Park. It’s got a special…
2017 Seminary Alumni Award for Distinguished Service: Rev. Dr. Mary Miller S’80
Instead of letting any obstacles deter her along the way, Miller has held steady to being “game to grow at any point.”
North Park Salutes 20th Fulbright Student Honoree and Welcomes New Fulbright Program Director
Pamela A. Thuswaldner has been named Director of North Park’s Fulbright Program, continuing the legacy of her predecessor, Dr. Linda Parkyn.
