North Parker Magazine Summer 2018
Cover Story
On a Winning Streak
“This is about more than sports,” says Director of Athletics Dr. Jack Surridge, who oversees North Park’s eight women’s and eight men’s varsity sports. “It’s about caring beyond the pitch or the field. It’s about long-term success: Personally, academically, spiritually. Everything.”
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Articles in This Issue
First Word: North Park’s Commitment
“Every day we teach, mentor, coach, befriend, and support our students: It all comes to fruition at Commencement.”
Opera Students Stage a Classic Fairytale
North Park’s production of the French-language opera took place in April at the Athenaeum Theatre, one of Chicago’s oldest and grandest theatres.
New Nursing Doctorate Trains Nurses for Leadership Roles
This fall, North Park will launch its new Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, created to train working nurses for leadership roles in private practices and healthcare systems.
Seminary Honors Retiring ECC President
Reverend Gary B. Walter was recognized with an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree during the Seminary Commencement Convocation in May.
Making a Difference by Making College Possible
Kate (Vandusen) Danielson C’03 is the founder and executive director of Foster Progress in Chicago. The nonprofit’s mission is to empower Illinois youth currently or formerly in foster care to attain a college degree and successfully transition into adulthood by providing mentorship, advocacy, and educational opportunities.
Outstanding Graduates Recognized for Leadership and Service
Renee Baker and Nicholas Canete were named recipients of the 2018 Distinguished Senior Awards, given annually to graduating seniors who display extraordinary leadership, dedicated service, and superior academic performance.
Summer Science Academy Introduces Students to Science and Campus Life
This summer, dozens of high school students arrived on campus to take part in interactive, fun-focused science courses taught by North Park professors as part of North Park’s Summer Science Academy.
Mari Andrew Turns Personal Instagrams into NY Times Best Seller
What started as an Instagram followed by just her mom in 2015 has turned into a best seller for writer and illustrator Mari Andrew C’08.
Austin Channing Brown Adds Powerful New Voice to Fight for Racial Justice
In her new book, I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness, Austin Channing Brown explores the realities of growing up black in a white world.
University Announces Nyvall Hall Renovations
North Park is announcing renovation plans for North Park Theological Seminary’s iconic campus home, Nyvall Hall, including refurbishing Olsson Lounge, along with the kitchen and its equipment.
On a Winning Streak
“This is about more than sports,” says Director of Athletics Dr. Jack Surridge, who oversees North Park’s eight women’s and eight men’s varsity sports. “It’s about caring beyond the pitch or the field. It’s about long-term success: Personally, academically, spiritually. Everything.”
North Park’s 10th President: Driven, Strategic, and Dedicated to the University’s Future Success
“As the chair of the 2017-2018 presidential search committee and the incoming chair of the Board of Trustees, I am delighted to introduce North Park University’s 10th president, Mary Karsten Surridge.” -Owen R. Youngman
Commencement 2018
North Park University honored 445 undergraduate, graduate, and Seminary students at its 125th Spring Commencement Convocations on campus May 12. The 2018 graduating class of 295 undergraduates is the largest in North Park history.
Arts & Sciences
In a recent talk with the North Parker, Thuswaldner describes the College’s commitment to campus and city
learning, student-centered experiences, and focus on flexible skill sets for lifelong success.
Annual Giving Day 2018
On May 2, North Park held its Third Annual #NPUBlueandGoldDay and successfully raised nearly $82,000.
Viking Hall of Fame Honors 2017 Inductees
Six outstanding athletes were inducted into the Viking Hall of Fame. The late Rick Alspach C’00, Matt Bond C’08 G’17, Mike Giovenco C’10, Kris Grahn C’11 G’13, Shandrel (Young) Starks C’06, and Dr. Jack Surridge, Director of Athletics, were honored at the induction ceremony in Hamming Hall in February.
