News Archives - ϳԹ http://live-north-park-university.pantheonsite.io/category/news/ Thu, 02 May 2024 14:43:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 North Park Chamber Singers to Perform in Final Bach Week Festival /news/north-park-chamber-singers-to-perform-in-final-bach-week-festival/ Thu, 02 May 2024 14:43:06 +0000 /?p=103087 North Park’s Chamber Singers have been chosen to participate in the last ever Bach Week Festival in the culminating May 5 concert.

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North Park’s Chamber Singers have been chosen to participate in the last ever Bach Week Festival in the culminating May 5 concert, a performance of Bach’s famous Mass in B Minor.

Over the years, North Park musicians have been invited to perform in dozens of Bach Week Festivals, an event organized by a small group of Evanston-based volunteers. They say that after 50 years of performances, with a few COVID-19-related interruptions, it’s time to retire the beloved festival, which features the Baroque-era work of Bach and his contemporaries.

For their part, North Park’s Chamber singers will perform at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Evanston in a concert led by the festival’s Music Director Richard Webster and featuring a variety of performances by renowned local singers. Webster told WFMT, Chicago’s classical music radio station, “that it’s the right time for Bach Week to bid adieu, and on a high note.” .

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North Park to Launch Public Policy Major in Fall 2024 /stories/north-park-university-to-launch-public-policy-major-in-fall-2024/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 15:28:27 +0000 /?p=101672 ϳԹ is introducing an interdisciplinary public policy major that will incorporate social sciences, physical sciences, and the humanities.

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To create graduates who become changemakers in their communities, ϳԹ is introducing an interdisciplinary public policy major that will incorporate social sciences, physical sciences, and the humanities.

Public policy programs equip students to create laws, regulations, civic budgets, and other programs that affect average citizens. Longtime North Park professor Dr. Jon Peterson is spearheading the program. The professor of politics and government said the major is perfect for students who want to improve their communities.

“Wherever you want to make a difference, you’re going to run into a government,” Peterson said. “Even if you want to change something through a community organization, you can’t do it without dealing with the government, so it’s vital to learn how the system works.”

The new major will require 36 semester hours of major coursework and 120 total credits for graduation. Course offerings will include American government, an introduction to public policy, and principles of microeconomics, among others. Students will also be strongly encouraged to intern during their studies.

Together, North Park’s Center for Civic Engagement and Politics and Government Department have developed internship partnerships with many organizations, including the offices of U.S. Senators Richard Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, the State of Illinois Governor’s Office, and the City of Chicago Mayor’s Office.

Public policy majors can further tailor their area of study to suit their interests by adding a minor. For instance, students focusing on environmental issues can combine the public policy major with a biology minor. Peterson said the major is flexible and comprehensive in scope, allowing students to work in various fields.

Public policy graduates tend to secure jobs in civil service at all levels of government, from federal to local. Other options include private sector careers at nonprofits and institutions that engage with government agencies and pursuing advanced degrees in public administration, public policy, or law school.

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North Park Joins Community in Providing Much Needed Supplies to New Arrivals /stories/north-park-joins-community-in-providing-much-needed-supplies-to-new-arrivals/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 15:17:06 +0000 /?p=100967 ϳԹ gave away clothing, blankets, and supplies to more than 225 newly arrived migrants from Mexico and Venezuela who are currently housed in a former military base nearby.

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Students, faculty, and staff at ϳԹ last month gave away clothing, blankets, and supplies to more than 225 newly arrived migrants from Mexico and Venezuela who are currently housed in a former military base nearby.

The 60 volunteers, comprising North Parkers and representatives from the North Park Community Association, Alderman Samantha Nugent’s office, Aramark, and other community groups, collected and distributed the items. They also hosted a lunch for the new arrivals—which included men, women, and children—featuring traditional Latin American food.

North Park held the event in Hamming Hall, and items distributed included coats, shoes, gloves, hats, undergarments, and blankets. Once news of the event spread through the community, people stepped forward to contribute. One local woman, a knitter, heard about the effort on social media and sent a message to her fellow knitters across the country. They responded by providing 500 hand-knit hats for the migrants. A group from Highland Park heard of the event and brought 10 carloads of donated clothing.

Tables and chairs set up in Hamming Hall for the attendees to enjoy a meal together.The event was an apt reflection of North Park’s mission, according to Tony Zamble, director of University Ministries.

“We are preparing students for lives of significance and service,” Zamble said. “Part of our mission is giving students the opportunity to experience the idea of God’s glory for neighbor’s good. These people are our neighbors; it’s a no-brainer that we would be involved.”

So many people donated, Zamble said, that the group hosted a second, smaller-scale event at Peterson Elementary School several days later. Zamble and Vice President for Student Engagement Frank Gaytan said they hope this event is a spark for similar efforts. One idea in discussion is developing student-led English language classes for the migrants.

“We do these things intentionally because it really is who we are,” Gaytan said. “And not just this single event with the migrants, but we want our students to serve all our neighbors, Chicago, and the world. This is who we are.”

In September, the City of Chicago approved the $1.5 million purchase of the former U.S. Marine Corps facility at 3034 W. Foster Ave. to house 500 migrants for up to 60 days each.

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North Park Theological Seminary Dean Dennis Edwards Releases Book on Christian Humility /stories/north-park-theological-seminary-dean-dennis-edwards-releases-book-on-christian-humility/ Tue, 21 Nov 2023 20:13:47 +0000 /?p=100521 Rev. Dr. Dennis Edwards has released his much-anticipated book Humility Illuminated: The Biblical Path Back to Christian Character.

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Renowned speaker and writer Rev. Dr. Dennis Edwards, dean of North Park Theological Seminary (NPTS), has released his much-anticipated book Humility Illuminated: The Biblical Path Back to Christian Character, which examines the importance of being humble while practicing the Christian faith.

At a book signing hosted by North Park’s Seminary, Edwards met with students, staff, and local pastors and engaged in a question-and-answer session with audience members. He was introduced by Jon Boyd, associate publisher and academic editorial director at InterVarsity Press, which published the book.

“I want to talk about how rare Dennis is,” Boyd said. “He’s a scholar in biblical studies who wants to bring that scholarship to fruition for the church, and that is a beautiful thing. For it to come in book form is a gift.”

In the book, released November 7, Edwards examines America’s obsession with competition and how the drive to be the best creates a society of haves and have-nots that favors the elite. And yet, he writes, some of our greatest innovations have humble roots in immigrant and underserved communities.

“From a biblical perspective, the most remarkable models of godliness emerge from among the lowly. This view from the bottom reveals that humility includes a submissive posture before God as well as a peacemaking posture with other people,” he wrote.

An in-demand speaker and ordained pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), Edwards spent October addressing ECC pastor and spouse retreats in four conferences, the Pacific Northwest, Midsouth, Great Lakes, and Southeast. He spoke about the value of humility, arguing it is perhaps the single most distinctive identity marker of followers of Jesus.

In addition to serving as dean of NPTS, Edwards is vice president for church relations and an associate professor of the New Testament. He earned his PhD and Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Catholic University and holds degrees from Cornell University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. His recent publications include Do Black Lives Matter: How Christian Scriptures Speak to Black Empowerment, co-edited with Lisa Bowens, and Might from the Margins: The Gospel’s Power to Turn the Tables on Injustice.

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NPU Enrolls Third-Largest Class of First-Year Students in History /stories/npu-enrolls-third-largest-class-of-first-year-students-in-history/ Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:47:52 +0000 /?p=99989 The large class of first-year students bucks national and statewide trends, which have seen decreases in the number of students enrolling in colleges and universities.

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ϳԹ this fall enrolled its third largest class of first-year students while also seeing its rankings rise significantly in several categories of the U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings, rising 10 spots to #29 among best Regional Universities in the Midwest and to #8 for Top Performers on Social Mobility, up from #15 last year.

The large class of first-year students bucks national and statewide trends, which have seen decreases in the number of students enrolling in colleges and universities.

“For three consecutive years, North Park has successfully welcomed strong incoming classes of first-year students,” said President Mary K. Surridge. “Our elevation in multiple categories of the U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings—especially in measures of increased social mobility for our graduates—affirms the exceptional work being done in our very diverse student community. North Park is a rising regional university fostering an environment of academic excellence, faith development and service opportunities for all our students.”

In its annual ranking, U.S. News & World Report considered 17 measures of academic quality at 1,500 degree-seeking institutions. The magazine also takes into account student satisfaction, attending costs, and campus life in determining its list.

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North Park Rises Nine Spots in Rankings /announcement/north-park-rises-9-spots-in-rankings/ Mon, 18 Sep 2023 17:01:49 +0000 /?p=99440 North Park has significantly moved up the charts in two key categories in the U.S. News & World Report annual rankings.

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U.S. News & World Report releases best colleges list.

North Park has significantly moved up the charts in two key categories in the . In the 2023 list, North Park was ranked #30 for best Regional Universities in the Midwest, up from #39 last year, and was ranked #8 for Top Performers on Social Mobility in the Midwest, up from #15 last year.

The social mobility ranking means North Park excels at helping students from underprivileged backgrounds enroll in and finish college.

In its annual ranking, U.S. News & World Report considered 17 measures of academic quality at 1,500 degree-seeking institutions. The magazine also takes into account student satisfaction, attending costs, and campus life in determining its rankings.

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North Park Launches Fully Online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership Degree /news/north-park-launches-fully-online-master-of-arts-in-educational-leadership-degree/ Tue, 22 Aug 2023 13:52:46 +0000 /?p=98879 North Park's innovative, all-online program leads to a principal endorsement.

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Beginning in September, ϳԹ will offer its Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (MAEL), which leads to a principal endorsement, in a fully online program that provides flexibility while teaching vital skills including relationship building.

The program will be led by Drs. Daniel Walsh and Theresa Alberico-Madl, each highly respected throughout the Chicagoland educational community.

The synchronous online program will be slightly different from the current blended program, which is still in place. But certain key things will remain the same, according to Alberico-Madl.

“We are small enough that we can give each student the attention they need, yet we are experienced enough to share leadership skills and best practices,” Alberico-Madl said. “Because Dan and I mentor beginning principals through the Illinois Principal Association, it allows us to stay relevant and current with issues today’s leaders face.”

Alberico-Madl and Walsh believe the foundational relationships they build will transfer via electronic teaching methods. However, they also recognize the importance of cohorts to build community, and throughout the semester will arrange for several in-person, optional events to maintain that sense of cohesiveness. Courses are designed and scheduled for working educators, with classes meeting once a week on weeknights or Saturdays. Cohorts are scheduled for completion in 24 months. The program helps students acquire the Illinois State Principal Endorsement or Teacher Leader Endorsement (formerly Type 75).

Alberico-Madl said the MAEL is perfect for those individuals who are interested in developing their own leadership skills and pursuing opportunities to make a greater difference in education.

Applicants must have two years of teaching experience and two letters of recommendation. Applications are currently being accepted for the fall.

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North Parker Ivana Chmielewski BS ’18 MS ’23 Named Schweitzer Fellow /stories/north-parker-ivana-chmielewski-bs-18-ms-23-named-schweitzer-fellow/ Wed, 19 Jul 2023 20:54:38 +0000 /?p=98074 ϳԹ (NPU) nursing alumna Ivana Chmielewski has received a prestigious Schweitzer Fellowship to design and implement innovative projects to address the health needs of underserved Chicago residents.

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ϳԹ (NPU) nursing alumna Ivana Chmielewski has received a prestigious Schweitzer Fellowship to design and implement innovative projects to address the health needs of underserved Chicago residents.

The yearlong program, established by the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, pairs fellows with existing local organizations to create a project benefiting the community. For her work, Chmielewski will develop a literacy education program with a focus on mental health that will bring nursing resources to immigrants, refugees, minority communities, and unhoused individuals.

“Creating a coalition of resources that are currently unavailable would mitigate the preventable health disparities faced by these disadvantaged groups,” Chmielewski said of the fellowship, which is named for the Nobel laureate and humanitarian. “This also helps to build connections with their community and build trust with healthcare providers.”

In addition to committing 200 hours of service to the fellowship, Chmielewski plans to return to NPU this fall to pursue her Doctor of Nursing Practice. She previously earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing at ϳԹ.

The 2023–24 Schweitzer Fellows include 28 students from 11 schools, 11 disciplines, and 19 academic programs. The class of fellows was selected from a pool of almost 100 applicants through a competitive process.

In addition to her service project, Chmielewski and her peers will also participate in a 13-month program that includes monthly meetings, trainings, and ongoing opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration as well as support from a team of mentors from their schools, project sites, alumni network, and staff.

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North Park Named One of Money Magazine’s Best Colleges in America /stories/north-park-named-one-of-money-magazines-best-colleges-in-america/ Thu, 13 Jul 2023 16:34:07 +0000 /?p=97847 Money magazine included ϳԹ (NPU) in its list of the best in the country, based on graduation rates, tuition, financial aid, and alumni salaries.

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Money magazine included ϳԹ (NPU) in its list of the best in the country, based on graduation rates, tuition, financial aid, and alumni salaries. Unlike other college ranking systems, Money uses a unique rating scale to determine a list of 736 colleges “where your tuition (and time) is likely to pay off,” according to the magazine.

NPU was one of 35 Illinois colleges included in the list, while only a handful of those, including North Park, are in Chicago. Read the full list of colleges .

“While the underlying methodology is similar to previous years, the new rating system can help families with their college search by highlighting the variety (and diversity) of high-value colleges in the U.S.,” said the article.

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North Park Graduate Named CCIW Women’s Student-Athlete of the Year /stories/north-park-graduate-named-cciw-womens-student-athlete-of-the-year/ Thu, 29 Jun 2023 20:40:37 +0000 /?p=97496 ϳԹ graduate Esther Miller BS '23 was named women's student-athlete of the year by the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin.

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ϳԹ (NPU) graduate Esther Miller BS ’23 was named women’s student-athlete of the year by the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW), North Park’s athletic conference within the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Miller participated in four sports during her time at NPU and was also named North Park’s Female Sportsperson of the Year in both 2021 and 2023.

NPU's Esther Miller

Miller represented NPU in basketball, golf, indoor and outdoor track and field. The award was chosen based on input from senior women administrators and faculty athletics representatives within the CCIW. Miller is the first ϳԹ athlete to receive the award.

Miller’s athletic and academic success now put her in the running for the NCAA Woman of the Year award. Read more about Esther Miller and the award

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