Partnership with OneGoal-Chicago Celebrates its First Graduates at Spring 2017 Commencements
CHICAGO (May 15, 2017) — North Park University honors 567 undergraduate, graduate, and seminary students in its 124th Spring Commencement Convocation held at the Chicago campus. For the 2016-2017 academic year, 797 degrees were awarded—a North Park school record. A commencement ceremony for undergraduates began the day followed by a commencement ceremony for advanced degree graduates, both presided over by President Dr. David L. Parkyn.
Undergraduate degrees were awarded to 357 students represented from the College of Arts and Science; School of Business and Nonprofit Management; School of Education; School of Music, Art, and Theatre; School of Nursing and Health Sciences; and School of Professional Studies.
Advanced degrees were awarded to 173 graduate students who attended the School of Business and Nonprofit Management; School of Education; School of Music, Art, and Theatre; School of Nursing and Health Sciences; and School of Professional Studies as well as 37 degrees awarded to North Park Theological Seminary students.
Academic Procession
The day began with a standing, vibrant Procession of Colors, displaying the flags of the United States of America, the city of Chicago, North Park University, followed by flags representing the countries and territories in which graduates were born, are citizens, or have been residents. President Parkyn welcomed graduates and guests followed by an Invocation by Gary B. Walter, President, Evangelical Covenant Church; mid-afternoon, Provost Michael O. Emerson led the Invocation for the Graduate and School of Professional Studies Commencement Convocation.
When Faith, Learning, and Service Align—We Find Truth
At the Baccalaureate Service on Friday night, held at Fourth Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue, President Parkyn welcomed the class of 2017 and guests with reflecting on the idea, “Seek Truth.” President Parkyn then pondered some truth-related phrases he read in the New York Times such as:
- The truth is hard.
- The truth is hidden.
- The truth must be pursued.
- The truth is hard to hear.
- The truth is rarely simple.
- The truth isn’t so obvious.
- The truth is necessary.
Acknowledging that seeking truth is a process, President Parkyn summarizes, “We’re talking of seeking truth—a mandate that requires a journey as long as life itself.” He then continues describing the education at North Park as one in which faith, learning, and service meet. He adds, “When these three meet—faith, learning, and service—we find truth.”
North Park and OneGoal-Chicago: Partnering to Bring Students to Graduation
Spring 2017 Commencements marks its first year of graduating two students as part of OneGoal-Chicago. The partnership is built on “increasing enrollment, diversifying student body, and getting students to graduation,” says President Parkyn.
OneGoal-Chicago and North Park began their partnership over four years ago by being selected as an institution for believing in educating the diverse needs of low-income, first-generation, and students of color. “We have since embarked on a collaborative journey to ensure that we stay grounded in our shared commitment to prioritize student needs and ultimate success in all that we set out to do,” says Nandi Bhargava, Director of Postsecondary Partnerships at OneGoal-Chicago.
North Park and OneGoal-Chicago support the whole student on a path to graduation. “Having participated in internships and gaining workplace skills has enabled these new graduates to be fully prepared for the next phase of their lives. Moreover, they are incredibly thoughtful and kind adults who are truly ready to emerge from North Park University as global citizens,” says Bhargava.
Ahnfeldt Memorial Medallion Citation Presented to Hannah Hawkinson
Kristine E. Strand presented the Ahnfeldt Memorial Medallion to senior Hannah Hawkinson. With a cumulative 4.0 grade point average, Hannah earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Biblical and Theological Studies and English. Dr. Mary Veeneman and Dr. Reinhold Dooley, Hannah’s advisors, refer to Hannah as a voracious reader, highly ethical, and concerned about social justice. Dr. Dooley adds, “When I grade her exams, I am the one who does the learning. Ultimately, Hannah is the best kind of student because she is absorbed not in herself, but in the quest for knowledge and truth.”
For her senior project as an English major, Hannah wrote on Maya Angelou. Hannah commented, “Maya’s Spirit is a Spirit who sustains the weak and challenges the strong. This is the God I worship, the Jesus I follow, and the Spirit I love.”
Hannah will be continuing her academic work next year as a graduate student at Princeton Theological Seminary where she has received a full scholarship.
Two North Park 2016-2017 Academic Year Grads Win Fulbright Awards
Highlighted annually in The Chronicle of Higher Education, North Park was named alongside two other Illinois institutions, University of Chicago and Northwestern University as a top Fulbright producer. The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program.
Two of our North Park University 2016-2017 academic year graduates won Fulbright awards: Katie Bast and Bethany Joseph.
Charge to Graduates: Sojourn in Truth
Commencements symbolize for new graduates a step out into one’s own sojourn. President Parkyn encourages graduates to, “Sojourn in truth. Begin in faith—love God with your heart. Continue with learning—love God with your mind. Finish in service—love God with your soul. And along the way be keen to listen to the story that comes when you love your neighbor as yourself.”
