Inauguration of President Mary K. Surridge to Cap Week of Festivities at North Park University featured image background
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February 11, 2019

Inauguration of President Mary K. Surridge to Cap Week of Festivities at North Park University

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A weeklong celebration that will include a 10K run to support student scholarships, a Showcase of the Arts that features student and alumni accomplishment, and an academic symposium featuring a prominent Princeton University professor will be capped by the inauguration of North Park University’s 10th President, Mary K. Surridge, on Feb. 15.

  • North Park will host a week of activities celebrating 10th President Mary K. Surridge.
  • Surridge will be inaugurated in a Feb. 15 ceremony attended by city officials and delegates representing universities across the country.
  • President Surridge was selected and called after a year-long search by a 15-member committee.

Surridge is the first female president of the institution, which was founded by Swedish immigrants more than 125 years ago.

“North Park is excited to invite its many constituents to witness the investiture of President Surridge’s office and authority,” said Owen R. Youngman, chair of the Board of Trustees and of the search committee. “The week of celebration we have planned is a reflection of our commitment to her and to the ideals of North Park.”

Students, faculty, staff, and friends of North Park are invited to the festivities:

Monday, Feb. 11:
7 a.m.- 6 p.m.: Run for the Fund: 10K for $10K, Helwig Recreation Center.
Wednesday, Feb. 13:
10:30 a.m.: All Campus Worship, Anderson Chapel, Dr. Donna Harris, president, Minnehaha Academy, guest speaker.
1:30 p.m.: Academic Symposium, Dr. Kathryn Edin C’84, Professor of Sociology and Public Affairs, Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton University, Hamming Hall.
7 p.m.: Women’s Basketball game vs. Elmhurst College, Campus Gymnasium.
Thursday, Feb. 14:
7:30 p.m.: Showcase of the Arts, Anderson Chapel.
Friday, Feb. 15:
2 p.m.: Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, Campus Gymnasium.

Prior to becoming president, President Surridge served the University in a variety of roles, including vice-presidential responsibilities in advancement and undergraduate enrollment. Surridge also directed Campaign North Park, the University’s most ambitious fundraising effort in the school’s history, with $63 million in commitments, including $41 million for the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life.

The inauguration will also be available to view via live stream.

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