North Parker Magazine Winter 2023
Cover Story
Incoming Class of New Students Is Largest in History
Amidst a year of record undergraduate enrollment, North Park University has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top Regional University, as well as one of the best schools for Social Mobility and Undergraduate Teaching.
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Articles in This Issue
First Word
This issue of the North Parker magazine celebrates remarkable student achievements, introduces new leaders in our university community and denomination—leaders who are breaking ground and making history— and offers our deep thanks for your remarkable support during unprecedented challenges.
Old Main Lobby Gets New Look, New Name
Meet the newly christened Randall H. Johnson Welcome Center, formerly known as Old Main’s lobby.
Incoming Class of New Students Is Largest in History
Amidst a year of record undergraduate enrollment, North Park University has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top Regional University, as well as one of the best schools for Social Mobility and Undergraduate Teaching.
Vikings off to a Winning Start
The North Park Vikings kicked off the year with successful fall seasons for both the women’s volleyball team and the men’s soccer team, with the women winning the CCIW Championship for the first time in program history.
North Park Receives $413K NSF Grant
North Park has received a $413,066 grant from the National Science Foundation to support underrepresented students pursuing a degree in science.
North Park Community Is Reading Book by Rev. Dominique Gilliard S’12
This fall, North Park provided students, faculty, and staff with a copy of Subversive Witness, a book by Dominique Gilliard, an alumnus of North Park Seminary.
President Surridge Announces Formation of Staff Council
Eighteen staff members were named to North Park’s new Staff Council.
Evangelical Covenant Church Names New President
North Park Theological Seminary alumna Rev. Tammy Swanson- Draheim S’03 has been named President of the Evangelical Covenant Church, becoming the first woman to hold the position.
Nursing Students Receive White Coats
This fall, students in North Park’s nursing program received their white coats in an iconic ritual.
Bricault Receives Second Fulbright
Professor of Spanish Dennis Bricault is spending the fall semester at a university in Kyrgyzstan where he is teaching linguistics on a Fulbright Scholarship.
Rev. Dr. Donna Harris Elected to Board of Trustees
Rev. Dr. Donna Harris has joined North Park’s Board of Trustees for a second term of service.
Faculty Authors
Our faculty have published books and articles on a wide variety of topics over the past two years.
A Conversation with Jamie Kratowicz C’11, North Park’s Director of Alumni Relations
A proud graduate of North Park, Jamie Kratowicz joined the Office of Advancement last fall as the new Director of Alumni Relations.
North Park To Introduce Varsity Esports in 2023
North Park will launch electronic sports (Esports) next fall as a coed varsity sport.
First Stateville Cohort Graduates with Master’s Degrees
The first group of students in North Park’s innovative School of Restorative Arts program graduated last June in a ceremony at Stateville Correctional Center.
Golden Circle Inductees Honored
President Surridge honored the classes of 1970, ’71, and ’72 as they were inducted into North Park’s Golden Circle.
North Park’s Senior Leadership Team
North Park’s senior leadership team is enthusiastic, focused, and in sync.
Seminary Dean Retires
Rev. Dr. David Kersten C’77 S’82 S’97, Vice President for Church Relations and Seminary Dean, retired from service to North Park after 10 years.
Vélez-Luce Moves Forward After 13 Years of Dedicated Service
After more than 13 years of service and leadership, Melissa Vélez-Luce C’04 G’12 has accepted a new opportunity.
North Park Honors 2022 Graduates
For the first time in two years, the North Park community celebrated a fully in-person commencement weekend in May.
Blue & Gold Day Raises More Than $230K
North Park supporters showed up in a big way for Blue & Gold Day, raising more than $230K for current and future North Parkers.
Viking Reunion
Viking athletes reunited for Hall of Fame induction.
Distinguished Seniors
Megha Hans and Naomi Haight were chosen as the class of 2022 Distinguished Seniors.
Generous Support Inspires North Park University Community
The North Park University community is grateful for all of the support for its students, faculty, and staff.
