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.
Balsam, who most recently served as Interim President before the appointment of President Mary K. Surridge, has served at North Park since 1988. At the reception, several of Balsam’s closest colleagues praised his work ethic and kind, giving nature.
“Carl, you have led with grace, devotion, and integrity,” President Surridge said in her opening remarks, adding: “Carl has always had the betterment of North Park on his mind.”
Wilda Graham, Balsam’s longtime Executive Assistant, praised Balsam’s devotion to North Park.
She recalled how, before she accepted a position to work directly with him, “I would see Carl on the third floor of Old Main, and he would always seem like he was a man on a mission. He was always moving with purpose.”
In his roles as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Balsam manag-ed North Park’s annual budget and finances and oversaw the University’s endowment, continuing its strategic growth to a current value of more than $75 million.
Additionally, he directed architectural planning for significant additions to North Park’s campus, including Anderson Chapel, Brandel Library, Helwig Recreation Center, the Holmgren Athletic Complex and most recently the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life.
Balsam was accompanied at the reception by his wife, Barbara; two adult children, Aaron and Ashley, and six grandchildren. The event was held in the Balsam Performance Hall, the renovated space in Hanson Hall newly named in Balsam’s honor.