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Category: News

North Park Campus Closing on Wednesday, January 30

Due to the extremely cold temperatures predicted for the Chicago area on Wednesday, ϳԹ will cancel all classes and activities for all locations on Wednesday, January 30, 2019.

Campus Closing on Wednesday, January 30

Due to the extremely cold temperatures predicted for the Chicago area on Wednesday, ϳԹ will cancel all classes and activities for all locations on Wednesday, January 30, 2019.

The following essential services will be open on Wednesday and available on the schedule listed below:

•    Aramark dining:  Open for regular schedule.
•    Brandel Library:  10 am – 7 pm.
•    Helwig Recreation Center: 10 am – 7 pm.

Campus security and Physical Plant will be staffed to ensure student safety and security.

All classes and activities will be fully operational on Tuesday, January 29 and Thursday, January 31, 2019.

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ϳԹ Honored Among National Colleges of Distinction

Progressive college guide features schools with engaging programs.

Progressive college guide features schools with engaging programs:

ϳԹ has been recognized for its committed implementation of high-impact educational practices, earning its title as one of the nation’s Colleges of Distinction.

North Park has proven itself to be at the forefront of American higher education with a modern, student-centered approach to teaching. North Park engages students in their Christian faith in a city-centered, intercultural setting. Further, North Park’s small class sizes, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to equipping students to lead lives of significance and service makes it stand apart from other schools its size.

“Being named as a College of Distinction is a tremendous honor and supports our vision of being a first-choice, Christian university in the city of Chicago,” says North Park’s Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing Anthony Scola. “Programs such as Catalyst 606__, our city-centered curriculum, and Crux, our Christian living/learning cohort, allow students to find themselves academically and spiritually. As a university, we will continue our innovative ways of thinking to ensure all North Parkers are equipped for the workforce.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to recognize ϳԹ as a College of Distinction for its effective dedication to student success,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer for Colleges of Distinction. “Colleges of Distinction is so impressed with North Park’s curriculum, which is enriched with the kind of high-impact educational practices that are most crucial for student development. Such innovative engagement is preparing the next generation of young adults to thrive after college.”

Colleges of Distinction’s selection process consists of a review of each institution’s freshman experience and retention efforts, alongside its general education programs, alumni success, strategic plan, student satisfaction, and more. Schools are accepted on the basis that they adhere to the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes.

“Colleges of Distinction is far more than a ranking list of colleges and universities,” said Schritter. “We seek out the schools that are wholly focused on the student experience, constantly working to produce graduates who are prepared for a rapidly changing global society. Now recognized as a College of Distinction, North Park stands out in the way it strives to help its students to learn, grow, and succeed.”

About Colleges of Distinction

Since 2000, the Colleges of Distinction website and guidebook have honored schools throughout the U.S. for their excellence in undergraduate-focused higher education. The cohort of schools in the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their focus on the undergraduate experience. The website and annual guidebooks provide dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information visit .

About ϳԹ

ϳԹ is a city-centered, intercultural, and Christian university located in Chicago.

Direct media inquiries to:
Christopher Childers
Assistant Vice President, University Marketing and Communications
cchilders@northpark.edu
773-244-5750

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Dean Thuswaldner Invited to Become RSA Fellow

Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was recently invited to become a Fellow of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA).

Dean Gregor ThuswaldnerDr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was recently invited to become a Fellow of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA).

Founded in 1754 by William Shipley, the RSA has included leading intellectuals such as Benjamin Franklin, Charles Dickens, Nelson Mandela, and Stephen Hawking. Fellows come from a wide range of fields, including literature, business, science, art, education, and journalism. Today, the RSA has over 29,000 Fellows in Britain and all over the world. The mission of the RSA is “to enrich society through ideas and action. Fellows have access to the brightest new ideas, innovative projects, a diverse network of like-minded people and a platform for social change.”

About Dr. Thuswaldner

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Graduate and Degree Completion Open House to be Held Homecoming Weekend

North Park’s graduate and degree completion programs will be highlighted at an open house in the Johnson Center on Friday, Oct. 12, as part of Homecoming weekend festivities. The event will be held in the rotunda of the Johnson Center for Science and Community life.

North Park’s graduate and degree completion programs will be highlighted at an open house in the Johnson Center on Friday, Oct. 12, as part of Homecoming weekend festivities. The event will be held in the rotunda of the Johnson Center for Science and Community life.

Faculty and staff will be on hand to greet attendees and answer questions. North Park’s representatives include:

  • School of Business and Nonprofit Management
  • School of Education
  • School of Music, Art, and Theatre
  • School of Nursing and Health Sciences
  • School of Professional Studies
  • North Park Theological Seminary

There will be opportunities for interested students to apply on the spot, check the process of an application, and in some cases, gain immediate acceptance to a program.

Food, prizes, and free ϳԹ gear will be up for grabs throughout the open house, which takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Homecoming guests are encouraged to attend. All North Park undergraduate alumni are eligible to receive the Alumni Grant which offers 20% tuition reduction when they enroll in a graduate program.

Lori Scrementi, dean of the School of Professional Studies, says there are many reasons someone might choose to finish a degree or pursue a master’s degree.

“Perhaps it’s to receive a promotion at their current place of employment; to have an opportunity to pursue employment at a new company; to fulfill a personal goal of completing their degree; and for parents to be a model for their children that education is important,” says Dr. Scrementi.

For more information about the open house, contact Donielle Alicea at djalicea@northpark.edu.

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North Park Honors Faculty at University Convocation

North Park honored its faculty at the annual University Convocation September 17, installing new and tenured faculty and administrators, and recognizing those who have published books and articles in the last year.

North Park honored its faculty at the annual University Convocation September 17, installing new and tenured faculty and administrators, and recognizing those who have published books and articles in the last year.

In her address to the nine professors who attained promotions or tenure at the ceremony in Anderson Chapel, President Mary Surridge commended them on their hard work and devotion to North Park.

Provost Michael O. Emerson recognized the 10 faculty members who have recently published books, which ranged in topic from mathematics to Hip Hop music and its application to theology.

“Words are precious and valued, holy and sacred,” Emerson said. “To write is to contribute to the divine creation, to be a writer is to be called by God’s hand to be co-creator.”

Ingrid Tenglin, assistant vice president of human resources, installed two new administrators: Lisa Ncube, associate provost for enrollment management; and Anthony Scola, vice president for enrollment management and marketing.
“We need the expertise and skills, the passion and commitment you bring to this place,” Tenglin said. “We are thankful you have chosen to serve with us.”
The faculty members were honored at a reception after the service.

Recognized Faculty:

Eric Brown—Tenure
Yoojin Choi—Tenure and full professor
Julia Davids—Full professor
You-Seong Kim—Tenure
John Laukaitis—Tenure and associate professor
Dimitra Loukissa—Tenure and full professor
Sunshine Silver—Associate professor
Kezia Shirkey—Tenure and associate professor
Theodore Zervas—Tenure and full professor

Faculty Authors:

Ilsup Ahn
Rachelle Ankney and Aaron Kaestner
Chad Eric Bergman
Paul H. De Neui
Michael Oluf Emerson
Alice Gorguis
Daniel White Hodge
Hauna Ondrey
Gregor Thuswaldner
Theodore G. Zervas

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Students and Families Welcomed at Convocation

ϳԹ faculty and staff welcomed new students and their families in a warm, rousing Welcome Convocation on Aug. 24.

ϳԹ faculty and staff welcomed new students and their families in a warm, rousing Welcome Convocation on Aug. 24.

In her opening remarks, President Mary Surridge encouraged students to “say yes” to all that ϳԹ has to offer, from playing a sport or starting a club, cheering on athletes at events, or participating in North Park’s Catalyst__606 program.

Provost Michael O. Emerson, whose daughter Leah graduated from North Park last spring, told parents to let their child explore different majors.

“Every major we offer here leads to a job,” Dr. Emerson said. “My own daughter came here as a scared child and left as a confident adult. She found her dream job after just two weeks.”

Representatives of the Student Government Association also addressed the students, encouraging them to be open to opportunities to engage with fellow students.

SGA President Rakiiba Vaalele ’19 came to North Park from American Samoa without a winter coat and temporarily questioned her decision to come here. Eventually, though, she says she was warmed by the friendships she made through various clubs and activities.

Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dean of Arts and Sciences, prayed for the students, after which everyone sang North Park’s Alma Mater, “The Blue and The Gold.”

The Convocation kicked off Threshold Weekend for North Park’s new students.

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Mary Surridge Approved by ECC as NPU President

The Evangelical Covenant Church has approved Mary Karsten Surridge as the 10th president of ϳԹ, effective at the beginning of the 2018-2019 academic year.

The Evangelical Covenant Church has approved Mary Karsten Surridge as the 10th president of ϳԹ, effective at the beginning of the 2018-2019 academic year.

Surridge’s nomination was approved Friday, June 22, by delegates representing the Evangelical Covenant Church, North Park’s founder and sponsoring denomination, at the ECC’s Annual Meeting in Minneapolis.

Surridge was selected in April by a 15-person search committee, including 9 members of the Board of Trustees and 6 from the campus community, after a year-long search. Surridge has served as the University’s vice president for advancement since 2008.

“We evaluated nominations and applications from more than 50 qualified candidates with deep Christian faith and distinguished careers, both inside and outside the academy,” said Owen R. Youngman, chair of the nominating committee and a North Park Board Trustee. “Mary is the right person to lead the University at this important juncture.”

Surridge’s North Park career has been highlighted by her direction of Campaign North Park, the most ambitious fundraising campaign in the school’s history, with $63 million in commitments, including $41 million for the Johnson Center for Science and Community Life. Most recently, in addition to her duties in advancement, she has been leading undergraduate admissions while the University searches for a new vice president for enrollment management and marketing.

Surridge, 55, succeeds David L. Parkyn, who retired at the end of the 2016-2017 academic year, to become North Park’s first female president. Carl E. Balsam, who has served as interim president since that time, will remain in that role through August 15, 2018.

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Overlapping Milestones Inspire Special Baseball Commencement Ceremony

A special commencement ceremony is held for graduating seniors on North Park’s baseball team.

Graduating seniors on North Park’s baseball team found themselves in a positive conundrum last weekend: they had secured a place in the CCIW (College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin) championship, but the Saturday game was set to be played at the same time as North Park’s commencement ceremony. The dual milestone accomplishments prompted North Park leadership to hold a special Baseball Commencement Service on Wednesday, May 9.

The Baseball Commencement Service began with a sudden early evening rain shower—delaying one family’s arrival and attendance to the service. But being good sports, the faculty, leadership, fellow baseball teammates, and guests reconvened for one more round of the commencement ceremony to give the family an opportunity to witness their son receive his diploma.

Graduating baseball seniors Joshua Alexander Smith (Bachelor of Science in Biology, Magna Cum Laude ), Glenn William Meyers (Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics), and Joseph Paul Koutnik (Bachelor of Arts in History) exited Isaacson Chapel to sunny skies for congratulatory handshakes, proud embraces, and photo-ops.

President Carl Balsam welcomed guests, with Provost Michael O. Emerson delivering the Invocation followed by Charge to Graduates by Athletic Champlain Terence Gadsden and Commencement Litany by President Balsam, Provost Emerson, and Vice President Jodi Koslow Martin. President Balsam and Provost Emerson awarded the degrees and Director of University Ministries Tony Zamble delivered the Benediction. For outstanding scholarship and varsity athletic participation, Joshua Alexander Smith received the Pearson Athlete Award.

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Class of ’18 Charged with Leading Lives of Significance and Service

The largest graduating class in ϳԹ’s history accepted their diplomas Saturday, May 12, in a joyous ceremony held in the packed Carlson Tower gymnasium.

The largest graduating class in ϳԹ’s history accepted their diplomas Saturday, May 12, in a joyous ceremony held in the packed Carlson Tower gymnasium.

“This indeed is a glorious moment,” President Carl Balsam said in his Commencement Litany. “Years of diligent work have led to this milestone; you have reason to be proud of your accomplishment.”

The ceremony began with a flag processional, which included the flags of the 22 nations represented in the class of 2018. After Balsam acknowledged members of the class of 1968, many of whom were in attendance in gold caps and gowns, the Ahnfeldt Medallion was awarded to Eunhye So, a communications studies and media studies major who earned the highest grade point average in her class.

Before handing out some 325 undergraduate diplomas, Balsam presented the Nyvall Medallion to Dr. Kristine Strand, chair of North Park’s Board of Trustees since 1992, for her dedication to North Park.

A speech-language pathologist and professor, Strand has taught at universities including  Northwestern and Harvard, and is an author and consultant. But Balsam said Strand’s commitment to North Park, particularly in making the campus more diverse, was equally impressive.

“Kristine planted a vision for racial equity and intercultural learning,” Balsam said, noting that since her tenure, North Park’s population of students of color has nearly doubled. “Today we celebrate a campus that is increasingly diverse…realizing the continuing vision of reflecting the actual world in which we learn and serve, a manifestation of the diversity of God’s kingdom.”

As the Class of ’18 prepared to receive their diplomas, Provost Michael Emerson prayed that God would “sharpen their minds toward the service of your kingdom, and send them into the world in witness to your love, and bring them at last to the fullness of your peace and glory.”

Following the handing out of diplomas, receptions for the graduates were held in Hamming Hall and Anderson Chapel.

Commencement Photo Highlights

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Undergrad-led Research Findings Span Academic Majors

Organized by the Undergraduate Research Committee, 25 students present original research at ϳԹ’s 12th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.

North Park students, faculty, advisors, and family gathered May 2 at the Johnson Center for the 12th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Organized by the Undergraduate Research Committee, the 25 student presenters first submitted an abstract to the committee for entrance into the symposium.

“Most of these student scholars conduct their research in their Directed Research course throughout the academic year,” said Dr. Yoojin Choi, chair of the committee. “Students really learn best when doing authentic inquiry,” added Dr. Choi.

As part of the Directed Research course and/or independent studies coursework, the research topics represented students majoring in biology, psychology, exercise science, physics and engineering, nursing, philosophy, environmental science, English, chemistry, and biochemistry.

Eleanor Manning

“This is the best learning experience I’ve had at ϳԹ because we can apply what we’ve learned,” said Eleanor Manning, a physics and engineering major. She credits her understanding of the mechanics of prosthetics to participating in undergraduate Directed Research coursework.

“Conducting research projects is the best way to learn research and it allows our top students to shine,” said Provost Michael O. Emerson.

Exercise science major Victoria Pudussery expressed her gratitude for her learning experience.

“I now have perspective on how large research is and am fortunate to learn the research process as an undergrad,” said Pudussery. Post-graduation, Pudussery will pursue a degree in physical therapy at Northwestern University.

Victoria Pudusserey

Students displayed the practical, career-building skills they acquired at ϳԹ via media such as charts and graphs. Physics and engineering senior Kristina Lundeen illustrated an analysis of wind in her presentation of Improving a Pedestrian Comfort Model for Arbitrary Geometries. Nursing student Aisha Badla presented statistical reporting and data analysis that answered Does Breastfeeding a Neonate Improve Oxygen Saturation Levels Without Any Other Intervention?

Spending hours in North Park’s Brandel Library conducting in-depth research, the participants further developed their critical thinking, case study reading, oral presentation, and confidence in fielding questions from the audience.

“The Undergraduate Research Symposium is a magnificent spotlight on what is great about a North Park education,” said Provost Emerson.

“Most grad schools require research experience in the undergrad years and having the Research Symposium on your CV is very good,” said Dr. Choi. The CV credential is a bonus—but even more, these students displayed true to North Park form their appreciation for research, gratitude to their mentors, and exceptional work ethic.

Acknowledgments

The Undergraduate Research Symposium wishes to thank the students and faculty mentors for their efforts at creating original works of knowledge. This year’s Undergraduate Research Committee consisted of Professors Yoojin Choi, Gianfranco Farruggia, You-Seong Kim, Suzen Moeller, Rachel Schmale, Sarah Thorngate, and Joel Willitts. Special thanks to Brandel Library, Provost Emerson, and Interim President Balsam for their support and for underwriting the cost of the symposium.

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