North Parker Magazine Winter 2020
Cover Story
Historical Smörgåsbord
Tucked in the basement of the Brandel Library is a treasure trove of photographs, documents and audiovisual materials that tell the stories of North Park University, the Evangelical Covenant Church, and of Swedes in Chicago.
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Articles in This Issue
First Word: We Cannot Let This Moment Pass
At North Park University, we celebrate 128 years of history, faith, and strength, thanking God for His faithfulness and direction.
Carl Balsam Retires After 30 Years of Faithful Service
Dozens of members of the North Park community gathered at an emotional reception last June to wish Carl Balsam a happy retirement after more than 30 years of service to North Park.
My Block, My Hood, My City
A chance encounter at a café in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood brought Catalyst Program Director Rich Kohng and My Block, My Hood, My City founder Jahamal Cole together.
Grad Student Uses Grant to Help Abused Women in Madagascar
Faramalala Ravaoarimanga’s beloved home country of Madagascar was suffering a severe shortage of mental health professionals, so she moved to the United States to pursue an education in psychology.
Christiana Pathway Completed
Construction has been completed on a $3.2 million beautification project of Christiana Street in front of Sohlberg Hall, a spruce-up that includes a walking path, new lighting, and landscaping.
Vosburg C’19 Chosen to Lilly Christian Scholar Cohort
The Lilly Fellows Program in Humanities and the Arts has selected Dawson Vosburg C’19 to serve in its prestigious 10-person Christian Scholar Cohort.
Faculty Authors
From mathematics to religion and philosophy, to a story about a musician’s quest for happiness: Check out the variety of topics our faculty has published about in the past year.
Love at First Sight for New SMAT Dean, Natalie Williams
As the new Dean of the School of Art, Music, and Theatre, Natalie Williams says she was smitten with North Park from her very first impression.
North Park Welcomes Nevels Back as Interim VP of Student Engagement
Andrea Nevels has returned to campus to help shepherd Student Engagement into its next chapter.
Terence Gadsden Named Campus Co-pastor, Athletic Chaplain
Rev. Terence Gadsden has been promoted to Campus Co-Pastor/Athletic Chaplain and began his new role in October 2019.
New Pep Band Scholarships Bring School Spirit
The School of Music, Art, and Theatre is offering promising student musicians a renewable scholarship of up to $3,000 to participate in North Park’s Pep Band.
Turning a Liberal Arts Degree into a Career
Dr. Nancy Arnesen helps humanities students plan a life post-graduation.
Alum Takes Advantage of Grad School Discount
A chat with one of our degree completion success stories.
Historical Smörgåsbord
Tucked in the basement of the Brandel Library is a treasure trove of photographs, documents and audiovisual materials that tell the stories of North Park University, the Evangelical Covenant Church, and of Swedes in Chicago.
Viking Strong
Upon Athletic Director Jack Surridge’s retirement last spring, longtime Men’s Head Soccer Coach John Born was the logical choice to replace him. Born has been a coach and teacher at North Park since 1999, and he worked closely with his predecessor.
Vikings Name Kris Grahn Men’s Soccer Coach
North Park has named Kris Grahn C’11 G’13 as head coach of the North Park Vikings Men’s Soccer Team.
The Recruits
Each year, North Park’s Athletic Department begins identifying talented athletes by attending high school and club games, going to showcases, and reaching out to contacts within the industry.
Words of Wisdom Offered at Welcome Convocation
At Welcome Convocation students and their families heard inspiring speeches and words of wisdom from President Mary K. Surridge, Professor Karl Clifton-Soderstrom, and alumnus Timothy Ahlberg.
Homecoming 2019
North Park alumni descended on campus for Homecoming festivities September 16- 22, bringing with them plenty of school spirit and Viking pride.
Alumni Honorees
Homecoming weekend included recognizing this year’s alumni honorees Shanna Horner O’Hea C’94, An Tran C’14 and Donn Engebretson A’69 C’73 S’78.
Business Opportunities
The School of Business and Nonprofit Management has one goal: Prepare students for success.
Professor Paul Hawkinson C’92 Returns to His North Park roots.
Paul Hawkinson C’92 left the world of investment banking “to seek a better balance between my skill set and my faith, as I desired to find deeper meaning in work and vocation.”
