This winter, North Park University (NPU) welcomed five members into the Viking Hall of Fame Class of 2024: Carl Wistrom BA ’77; Jodi Mullen Fondell BA ’82, MDiv ’93; Elina Åberg BS ’17; Rasmus Sardar-Elfgaard BS ’17; and Luke Johnson.

A former Viking baseball student-athlete, Wistrom’s off-the-field contributions as NPU’s physical plant director—maintaining the campus and athletics facilities—have helped North Park successfully host multiple championship events.

Mullen Fondell was a starter and captain for women’s volleyball and softball, twice earning most valuable player for volleyball. She later served as NPU’s chaplain and became an ordained Evangelical Covenant Church pastor.

The most awarded track and field student-athlete in Viking history, Åberg qualified six times for the NCAA national field. In 2017, she finished as eighth-best NCAA indoor long jumper, an All-American, and College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Indoor Track Athlete of the Year.

Teammate Mandy Papke BS ’18 introduced Åberg, sharing, “She gave every event her all, and afterward, not only cheered on our team but competitors, too.”

Two-time All-American Sardar-Elfgaard is among NPU’s top track and field student-athletes, setting four NPU school records. He earned a dozen All-CCIW accolades and became NPU’s first individual conference title winner in 12 seasons.

Johnson, Vikings baseball head coach since 2006, has led the team to 13 CCIW playoffs and three titles. He has the most wins in program history and is a four-time CCIW Coach of the Year. He has coached 50 All-CCIW honorees, three CCIW Players of the Year, five All-Americans, and five Gold Glove awardees.

“What sets Luke apart is how he has shaped and guided each player who has walked into his dugout,” said his wife, Kelli Johnson, as she introduced him.

The induction of these individuals honors their profound contributions to the NPU community; their legacy will inspire generations of Vikings to come.