North Park has served five generations of students and continues to grow in diversity, academic relevance, and Christian commitment. Our Chicago location is a great asset that reflects the School鈥檚 global reach and outlook.
After 125 years, we鈥檝e learned how to streamline the process of helping qualified applicants seek admission to North Park and find affordable ways to attend. If you don鈥檛 see what you鈥檙e looking for on our website, please contact us directly!
North Park offers more than 40 graduate and undergraduate programs in liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. Classes average 17 students. 84% of our faculty have terminal degrees. Academics here are rigorous and results-oriented.
North Park Theological Seminary prepares you to answer the call to service through theological study, spiritual development, and the formative experiences of living in a community with others on a similar life path.
The Office of Alumni Engagement fosters lifelong connections by engaging alumni with the university and one another in activities, programs, and services that support the university鈥檚 mission and alumni needs.
Amanda Detchman completes exchange program, internship in Stockholm
Amanda Detchman, shown here in Uppsala, Sweden, is completing an internship at Immanuel International Church.
CHICAGO (February 5, 2016) 鈥� Amanda Detchman had a decision to make. Having just wrapped up her exchange program semester in Stockholm, Sweden, Detchman was preparing to return to the United States when she received an email asking if she was interested in staying in Sweden to fulfill an internship requirement.
Detchman, a student at , was torn. 鈥淚 was already in Sweden, immersed in the culture and eager to learn more,鈥� she says. 鈥淗owever, signing the contract meant being away from home for another year. There was a lot of prayer and discernment involved.鈥�
Detchman鈥檚 advisor, Professor of Ministry and Director of Field Education , had gotten word that Immanuel International Church in Stockholm was seeking an interim youth pastor. 鈥淚 forwarded that email to Amanda with a little note asking if she鈥檇 be interested,鈥� he says. 鈥淭he next thing I know, the match had been solidified. She had interviewed with them and impressed them, and it happened fairly quickly.鈥�
鈥淚t was evidently God鈥檚 work,鈥� Detchman says, 鈥渂ecause I happened to be attending Immanuel for the four months prior, and already felt at home there. With the Spirit鈥檚 peace and God鈥檚 courage, I agreed to work as their youth director.鈥�
Today, Detchman serves in an internship as youth director for Immanuel鈥檚 International Congregation. 鈥淚mmanuel is very unique, because it鈥檚 made up of three congregations,鈥� says Detchman, 鈥淪wedish, International, and Korean. The church staff work in the same building and have meetings and events together, but on Sunday, we hold three separate services at the same time.鈥� In her position, Detchman helps oversee a summer camp, a conference for international youth across Europe, overnight 鈥渓ock-ins,鈥� and partnerships with homeless and elderly ministries.
As has been the case throughout her time in Sweden, this ministry context gives Detchman a uniquely global learning experience. 鈥淭he joy I receive working with youth from around the world is challenging, eye-opening, and live-giving,鈥� she says.
‘A growing experience’
It鈥檚 the kind of experience that Johnson hopes Seminary students will have through their field education opportunities, whether international or domestic. 鈥淲e try to have every student have some experience in a cultural context that鈥檚 different from what they鈥檙e used to,鈥� he says. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 a key part of the experience at 黑料吃瓜.鈥�
Johnson had recommended the internship to Detchman, in part, because of her 鈥渆vident interest in pastoral care,鈥� he says. 鈥淥n campus, she would often offer to pray for students or faculty members. I had an aunt that died, and I mentioned it in a . She later asked if she could pray about that with me. It鈥檚 bold as a student to come up to a faculty member and ask to pray for them, but that鈥檚 kind of how she鈥檚 constituted.鈥�
Detchman in Stockholm with other THS exchange program students
Prior to her internship, Detchman came to Sweden through the Seminary鈥檚 exchange program partnership with the Stockholm School of Theology (THS). She applied for the program because 鈥渢he courses sounded insightful, and I have a heart for understanding cultures other than my own,鈥� she says. Once there, she found that 鈥淭HS was a growing experience. I learned so much about myself, my writing, and the world.鈥�
Among Detchman鈥檚 highlights of her time at THS were an Urban Theology course, which required hands-on work with a range of churches throughout Stockholm, and a Christians of the Middle East course, which included a trip to Jerusalem. 鈥淲e had amazing guides and professors,鈥� she says. 鈥淲e met with a variety of religious leaders, toured the Holy Land, and engaged in field studies of surrounding communities.鈥� In addition to Swedish students, Detchman enjoyed getting the opportunity to study alongside classmates from Burma and India.
Director of Seminary Recruitment and Admission believes that the exchange program is born out of North Park鈥檚 鈥減assion for the global church and justice issues,鈥� she says. 鈥淢any of the classes focus in this area and provide opportunity for our students to have an enriched learning experience鈥攍earning about issues of justice from a different part of the world and different cultural perspective.鈥�
Oxendale hopes that 鈥渟tudents would be able to return here with a different perspective, not just on theology and Scripture, but on who they are and who God is.鈥� For her part, Detchman seems well on her way to doing exactly that. 鈥淭he people I do ministry and work with here accept me and love me so well,鈥� Detchman says. 鈥淭hey have taught me what it means to love deeply and engage fully in life鈥檚 adventures.鈥�
The student team behind the free event invites peers and neighbors to campus February 5鈥�6 for conversation and action
CHICAGO (February 2, 2016) 鈥� What can be done to bridge the gap between an understanding of social justice learned in the classroom and the application needed on the streets of Chicago? How can the academy, the community, and the church come together to engage issues of justice?
These are the questions that drove the 10 黑料吃瓜 students who make up the Programming Team to put together a new conference. They鈥檙e calling the event , a name taken from Scripture: 鈥淎nd what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy聽and to walk humbly with your God鈥� (Micah 6:8). After several months of planning, the students are inviting community members as well as their peers to join them for the conference on Friday and Saturday, February 5颅鈥�6.
鈥淔or both the academy and the church,聽it is often easy to separate theology/theory and application/praxis,鈥� the team says. 鈥淚t is our hope to bridge the divide between the intellect and the heart, by creating a space where millennials and the broader church can interact with contemplative activists, who see the primacy of mercy and justice as a tangible expression of their spirituality.鈥�
The conference, which will be hosted on North Park鈥檚 campus, is free and open the public. 鈥淲e鈥檙e able to engage everyone, whether it鈥檚 university students, the church, the community,鈥� said Stefanie Cortez, a sophomore member of the Programming Team. 鈥淏eing in a city as diverse as Chicago, we鈥檙e hoping to engage a wide spectrum of people from all walks of life in a conversation. With that conversation, we can take an action.鈥�
The schedule of the event reflects this turn from conversation to action. Friday鈥檚 programming focuses on learning: a prayer breakfast, lectures, panels, and a celebration of the arts. Speakers include Rev. Marshall Hatch, Father Michael Pfleger, Rev. Sandra Van Opstal, Reesheda Washington, Rev. Dominique Gilliard, North Park鈥檚 provost and president, and staff of the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Saturday鈥檚 schedule will engage attendees in practicing justice. The morning starts with a prayer walk through the neighborhood lead by clergy, and the event closes with a call to action, facilitated by local organization Communities United and North Park’s Faith and Justice group. The closing session will focus on justice reinvestment, a data-driven approach to improving public safety, reducing corrections and related criminal justice spending, and reinvesting savings in strategies that can decrease crime and reduce recidivism.
鈥淎s students, we quickly get lost in the justice conversation,鈥� said Abigail Page, a junior and member of Programming Team. 鈥淲e鈥檙e busy with classes. We鈥檙e maybe 20 years old. We don鈥檛 necessarily feel like we can do a whole lot. But we have a very important role as future leaders. This conference is a great opportunity to practice that.鈥�
Students and community members are welcome to attend single sessions throughout the day. Attendees can register for free or at the door. The Love Mercy Do Justice Conference is a collaboration between the Love Mercy Do Justice mission priority and North Park鈥檚 .
Rev. Jim Sundholm C’67 S’72 receives Seminary Alumni Award for Distinguished Service
鈥淚 could talk at great length about the role the Seminary professors played in my life,鈥� Rev. Jim Sundholm said on Tuesday night while accepting the North Park Theological Seminary Award for Distinguished Service. its previous recipients.
CHICAGO (January 29, 2016) 鈥斅燨n Tuesday night in front of a thousand ministers of the 聽(ECC), Rev. Jim Sundholm, a graduate of 黑料吃瓜 in 1967 and North Park Theological Seminary in 1972, was described as both a pastor and a prophet.
The introduction was made by the Rev. Dr. David W. Kersten, , as he presented Sundholm the alongside 黑料吃瓜 President David L. Parkyn and Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Mary K. Surridge聽at the annual Midwinter Conference of the ECC.
Sundholm has served as a pastor to many communities, and also provided a prophetic voice in the commitment to urban and intercultural ministries that have had a profound effect in the shaping of North Park and the ECC.
鈥淭hroughout his vocational arc, Jim led us more deeply into the commitment of justice,鈥� Kersten said, recalling when Sundholm moved to Minneapolis in the 1970s to pastor a church focused on urban and intercultural issues and was a pioneer in the . 鈥淛im is someone who has had a powerful life of public ministry, as well as a deep personal prayer life that has sustained him.鈥�
Sundholm is also the former director of (CWR) and executive director of the from 1999 to 2009. Known for his dedicated leadership and deep concern for the poor, Sundholm led CWR in responding to the devastation created by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
鈥淚 could talk at great length about the role the Seminary professors played in my life,鈥� Sundholm said on Tuesday while accepting the award. He recalled a conversation with a former professor, Dr. Henry Gustafson, on the Gospel of John. Partway through the conversation, Gustafson reached across the table and asked Sundholm, 鈥榃hen will you give God your mind as much as your heart?鈥� As Sundholm shared on Tuesday, 鈥淭hat was my second conversion.鈥�
Vice President for for Development and Alumni Relations Mary K. Surridge, Rev. Jim Sundholm, 黑料吃瓜 President David L. Parkyn, North Park Theological Seminary Dean Rev. Dr. David W. Kersten
Sundholm has traveled extensively to Africa, developing relationships with the emerging Covenant Church in South Sudan and Ethiopia. Today, he lives in Vashon, Wash., with his wife, Carol.
鈥淥n behalf of over 25,000 alumni at 黑料吃瓜, we offer our deep admiration to Jim for his work in the Covenant Church and to the relief and renewal efforts across the world,鈥� said Surridge. 鈥淲e are thankful to you and Carol for your devotion to God, and for the model it presents to all of us as we seek to do God鈥檚 work.鈥�
The Seminary Alumni Award for Distinguished Service, established in 2014 and delivered annually at the ECC’s Midwinter Conference, recognizes Seminary alumni who have made significant contributions in their fields while living lives reflective of the core values and mission of North Park Theological Seminary. .
Office of Diversity presents dramatic storytelling event on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Alumna Leslie Moore, backed by the University Gospel Choir, performs the song “Strange Fruit.”
CHICAGO (January 20, 2016) 鈥� As Rev. Dr. Michael C.R. Nabors takes the stage, he begins reciting famous words. 鈥淚鈥檝e seen the promised land,鈥� he says in a familiar cadence, while a jazz band performing John Coltrane鈥檚 鈥淎labama鈥� starts to fade. 鈥淚 may not get there with you,鈥� Nabors continues, 鈥渂ut I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.鈥� The music ends. A shot rings out.
It was one of the more dramatic and powerful moments of 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 Martin Luther King Day service, 鈥淎 Man and a Movement Set to Music: 1960鈥�2016.鈥� The University鈥檚 annual commemoration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., held Monday in Anderson Chapel and presented by the , took on a different form this year.
鈥淲e had been doing the format of a worship and service day for many years, and wanted to try a different model,鈥� says Rev. Velda Love, director of justice and intercultural learning. 鈥淲e thought about how to include as many people as possible. And we wanted to keep a focus on the integrity of Dr. King鈥檚 life as well as include more of a journey through the African American experience,鈥� she says. 鈥淲e sought to make sure that it was historically correct, and then bring it into more of a contemporary element.鈥�
Love decided on a dramatic storytelling presentation that marked Dr. King鈥檚 place in African American history, looking back to the genesis of the African people and culminating in a focus on a movement that continues today. 鈥淎 Man and a Movement鈥� explored Dr. King鈥檚 roles as leader, prophetic preacher, and intellectual giant through poetry, oratory, dance, and gospel and contemporary music.
The service was broken into five acts: 鈥淚n a Beginning”; “A Movement for Civil Rights”; “Good and Faithful Servants”; “A Change is Gonna Come”; and “From Lament to Hope.”
Members and guests of the North Park community, including students, faculty, and staff, performed at the event.
Members of the North Park community, including faculty, staff, and students, performed readings from important figures throughout African American history, including Harriet Tubman, Diane Nash, and John Lewis, among others, in addition to Dr. King. Friends of the North Park community, including Rev. Cecilia Williams, executive minister of the 鈥檚 Love Mercy Do Justice department, also performed.
Nabors, senior pastor of Second Baptist Church, Evanston, Ill., was joined by the Rejoice! Praise Dancers and Voices of Faith and Freedom, also from Second Baptist. Music was performed by the AV Club jazz quartet, featured alumni, and North Park鈥檚 , guest-directed by Bryan Johnson, minister of music director at Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago.
Musical highlights included performances by alumni Leslie Moore, singing Nina Simone鈥檚 version of 鈥淪trange Fruit,鈥� and Felicia Patton, singing Thomas Dorsey鈥檚 鈥淧recious Lord.鈥� The service closed with a moving rendition of 鈥淕lory鈥� from the film Selma, sung and rapped by alumna聽 (a contestant on America鈥檚 Got Talent last season), with backing from the Gospel Choir and the jazz quartet, and featuring the Rejoice! Praise Dancers. The performance earned a standing ovation from the audience.
Director of Justice and Intercultural Learning Rev. Velda Love wrote and directed the program.
鈥淚t was such a wonderful opportunity to see the gifts and talents of the community,鈥� says Love, 鈥渁nd to make sure that there was this collaboration between the academy and the church.鈥�
One way that the program called out that collaboration was through offering a blessing over North Park鈥檚 future leaders, including the Seminary students who participated in the event. 鈥淭he elders are passing the torch,鈥� said Love at the event. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e not stepping aside, they鈥檙e standing with. They鈥檙e journeying together. They鈥檙e listening, they are praying, and they are singing together. They鈥檙e making space to be a movement together.鈥�
The audience, led by the faculty and staff who performed in the service, read a commitment and call to action liturgy for young people. 鈥淭hey don鈥檛 go alone,鈥� said Love before the reading. 鈥淭his millennial generation, they go with the blessings of the elders. And they go with the blessings of God. But they also need our blessings.鈥�
In her closing remarks, Love challenged the gathered group to continue Dr. King鈥檚 legacy through action. 鈥淭his is the world that we come to,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his is the place that God has called us. This is what King desired, the 鈥楤eloved Community.鈥� And we acknowledge that God is with us as we remember Dr. King. We want to thank you for coming to be with us, to hear the story, to celebrate the music, and to participate in the journey.鈥�
The Krawiec sisters not only studied and lived together鈥攖hey now work together at Skokie Hospital
Brittany, Sarah, and Rachel Krawiec
CHICAGO (January 5, 2016) 鈥� At 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 recent , one poster in the university鈥檚 crowded gymnasium stood out. Sitting in the risers, Antoni Krawiec held up a hand painted sign reading, 鈥淎ll my sisters are RNs.鈥�
Among the graduates marching in were three of Antoni鈥檚 four sisters鈥攁 set of triplets, Brittany, Rachel, and Sarah鈥攅ach of whom received a .
The sisters completed the entire program together, following in the footsteps of their older sister, Jennifer Krawiec, who graduated from North Park鈥檚 nursing program in May 2014. 鈥淥ur parents strongly encouraged us to pursue a degree where we had the promise to a lifelong career,鈥� the sisters said in an email. 鈥淲e were unsure if nursing was the right fit for all of us until we entered the nursing program. We each found an area that we wholeheartedly enjoyed and know throughout the years our passion will continue to grow.鈥�
The four sisters鈥� studies at 黑料吃瓜 overlapped, but they don鈥檛 seem to mind all the togetherness. 鈥淲e鈥檙e a really close family in general,鈥� said Sarah. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been great to spend this time together.鈥�
Antoni Krawiec cheering on his sisters at graduation.
Helene K. Pochopien, assistant professor of nursing, had the triplets together in a class and called them 鈥渢op performers鈥� and 鈥渁 joy to have as students.鈥� She described how the three rose to the challenge in a difficult class, where they 鈥渟cored almost identically, but missed different test questions.鈥�
Academics weren鈥檛 the only challenge for the Krawiec family, who live in suburban Niles, Ill., and had five kids in college at once. 鈥淭here was one car for the four girls attending North Park,鈥� said their mother, Tracy Krawiec. 鈥淲hen they had to go to different locations, it was stressful.鈥�
But at the triplets鈥� graduation, Tracy said she was overjoyed. For one thing, she鈥檒l no longer have multiple kids in college. But she鈥檚 also thrilled for what鈥檚 ahead for the triplets, who are all working at Skokie Hospital as patient care technicians. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e guaranteed nursing jobs as soon as they take their NCLEX exam,鈥� Tracy said.
After graduating from North Park, Jennifer got her first job at Skokie Hospital, and the younger sisters decided they wanted to follow suit. They enjoy the uniquely community-oriented, family-friendly environment of the hospital. Through their , the triplets got to know the staff, and eventually they all landed jobs in different units. Brittany works on the medical surgical floor, Rachel on stroke/tele, Sarah in the emergency department. After passing one more certification, the younger three plan to pursue nursing roles at the hospital, like their sister, Jennifer, who works as an RN in the orthopedic unit.
Equipped with BSNs, the sisters are ready to begin their careers serving at Skokie Hospital.
The sisters like working at a small hospital, where they sometimes float to each other鈥檚 units or work the same shifts. They currently live at home in Niles, but they鈥檙e planning to move together somewhere closer to the hospital. Despite all the similarities in their lives, they do differ when it comes to nursing specialties. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 intend on working in the same units,鈥� said Rachel, 鈥渂ecause we don鈥檛 like the same things in the field of nursing.鈥�
North Park鈥檚 , which teaches a caring philosophy grounded in faith, is among the University鈥檚 most popular departments. At this graduation ceremony, nearly a third of the undergraduate degrees conferred were in nursing. The Krawiec sisters say the people at 黑料吃瓜 were the highlight鈥攕taff and students who shaped their outlooks and one-to-one interaction with professors in small classes. 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to graduate,鈥� said Sarah. 鈥淭his is an amazing program, and we think we鈥檙e going to become amazing nurses because of it.鈥�
The gifts donated by students, staff, and faculty served 140 children.
Changes to the Great Gift Shoppe aim at empowerment over charity
CHICAGO (December 23, 2015) 鈥� It鈥檚 a familiar scene this time of year: parents filing into shops to buy Christmas gifts. For the parents gathered on Saturday, December 12, at on Chicago鈥檚 West Side, things were a little different. They shopped with vouchers earned through family involvement in By the Hand鈥檚 community programs, and they purchased gifts donated by 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 students, staff, faculty, and alumni.
At the event, called the Great Gift Shoppe, North Park students served hot chocolate, wrapped presents, and directed traffic. Putting gifts under the trees of Chicago families has been a holiday tradition at 黑料吃瓜 for several years. The University partnered with By the Hand Club in Englewood and New Life Centers of Chicago this year, providing 140 children with gifts.
North Park students volunteering at
the Great Gift Shoppe.
The Great Gift Shoppe is a student-driven initiative, planned by theUrban Outreach Programming Team, 10 students who facilitate campus-wide service events. Over the past two years, the team has redesigned the program. 鈥淲e had some deep dialogue with students about what it means that the only gift that a lot of these children were getting was coming from us鈥攁nd not their family,鈥� said Richard Kohng, the Urban Outreach coordinator at 黑料吃瓜. Out of this, they designed a shop, where the parents could be invested in the process. Parents request specific gifts for their children and buy them with vouchers.
Robert Cager, a student at North Park Theological Seminary and intern with University Ministries, oversaw this year鈥檚 program. 鈥淭his new setup gives the parents the ability to actually gift their children with something rather than just accepting donations,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he parents are empowered and encouraged in this process.鈥�
This shift in approach is part of an overall philosophy of student ministry at the University. According to Cager, 鈥淢issions and outreach ministry at 黑料吃瓜 is not just about helping people, but it鈥檚 about humility and learning from those we鈥檙e called to help and minister to. The students also learn what it means to be content and grateful for what they have been privileged to receive back at home. This is learned by the students and taught by the families.鈥�
Cager says he鈥檚 proud of how North Park students managed the event. 鈥淗ow they unified this past weekend to work for a cause that Christ has called us鈥攍oving our neighbors as ourselves鈥攚as simply amazing. With their outstretched hands this week, that love was displayed.鈥�
黑料吃瓜 Confers 215 Degrees at 2015 Winter Commencement
See the of graduation photos.
Graduates charged to “change the world—always for God’s glory and neighbor’s good.”
CHICAGO (December 21, 2015) — North Park’s gymnasium was full on Friday night as graduates, families, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate the students’ achievements.
The procession began with a display symbolic of North Park’s , the flags of all the countries represented in this year's graduating class: Colombia, Guatemala, India, Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Poland, South Sudan, and Sweden.
The Krawiec triplets together completed their bachelors of science in nursing.
The University awarded 152 bachelor’s degrees from a wide range of majors, including the . Among the graduates was a set of triplets, Brittany, Rachel, and Sarah Krawiec, each of whom received a bachelor of science in . The sisters, whose older sister, Jennifer Krawiec, graduated from North Park’s nursing program in May 2014, will be working together at Skokie Hospital after graduation.
Katelyn Burger was presented the prestigious Ahnfeldt Medallion, which is given to the graduate with the highest grade-point average. Burger earned a bachelor of science in with a GPA of 3.987. , professor of exercise and sport called her “an individual who makes everyone around her better.” The medallion is named in honor of Alfred Nelson Ahnfeldt, North Park’s first undergraduate professor.
Graduate degrees and certificates were awarded to 63 students from the , , , and .
Ahnfeldt Medallion awardee Katelyn Burger and President Parkyn.
In his address, North Park President David L. Parkyn charged the graduates to live out their calls to significance and service. “The most direct journey to both of these—to significance and to service—is through hospitality, through welcome, through embrace.” Addressing the global immigrant crisis, Parkyn said, “Today more than ever before, the world needs graduates who will assure that in every neighborhood, in every city, in every state across our nation, people in need from around the world will find a new home in America.” He quoted North Park’s first president, David Nyvall, as the source of this conviction, “Because in this land, as in our school, ‘hospitality is especially insisted upon.’”
The service included performances by the University Choir, under the direction of , the traditional commencement litany, a Scripture reading from Proverbs, and the Aaronic Benediction (Numbers 6:24–26) read by students in Bulgarian, Dutch, Norwegian, and Swedish. “Bring people together, and change the world,” Dr. Parkyn said to the graduates, “Always for God’s glory and neighbor’s good."
黑料吃瓜’s School of Adult Learning Celebrates Student Excellence
Sixteen students and over 80 guests attended the Honors Celebration, held annually at the University Center of Lake County.
Honors Celebration held Saturday, December 5, in Grayslake
CHICAGO (December 18, 2015) — Faculty, staff, and students from gathered on Saturday, December 5, at the University Center of Lake County in Grayslake to celebrate graduating students for their leadership, service, and academic excellence. The School of Adult Learning recognized students who are earning their bachelor’s degree this month with honors, many of whom were also inducted into the North Park chapters of two honor societies: , the International Honor Society for Psychology, and , the oldest national honor society for non-traditional undergraduate students.
Additionally, six students were honored as School of Adult Learning Outstanding Students for Fall 2015: Steve Christian, Charles Culotta, Angela Mazzacano, Connie Serbia, Charles Tayona, and Denise Walsh. These students embody not only academic excellence, but also perseverance, leadership, and commitment to lives of significance and service.
Sixteen students and over 80 guests attended the Honors Celebration, held at the . 黑料吃瓜 Provost Michael Emerson and School of Adult Learning Dean Lori Scrementi addressed the students and families. In addition, Dr. Gary Grace and Dr. Hilary Ward Schnadt, dean and associate dean of the University Center, also participated in the ceremony.
“It takes tremendous courage and perseverance to return to school and complete a degree,” said "Our students must balance the demands of work, family, and other interests. Doing so with honors, while embodying the values of North Park, can inspire us all. I have no doubt the next phase of their journey into the careers and lives they desire will be equally as inspiring.”
The School of Adult Learning (SAL) at 黑料吃瓜 is dedicated to helping students finish their degree and succeed in a competitive job market. With , and courses available and at , in addition to a , the School of Adult Learning offers a fast, convenient, and affordable path to completing a degree. SAL's welcoming campus community and supportive learning environment is shaped by North Park’s Christian identity, urban location, and intercultural community, and prepares students for lives of significance and service.
Students graduating from the School of Adult this semester, including those recognized at the Honors Celebration, will participate in a University-wide commencement this Friday, December 18, at 7:30 pm. For more information on commencement, please visit .
Literature Students Share the Books that Shaped Them
The Senior Seminar in Literature created the exhibit “Reading for a Lifetime,” currently on display in Brandel Library.
Senior Seminar students create the exhibition 鈥淩eading for a Lifetime鈥�
CHICAGO (December 15, 2015) 鈥� Why do we read literature? How does literary study serve the common good? What is of value in our reading of literary texts? These are among the questions that 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 Senior Seminar in Literature students grappled with this semester as they created the exhibit 鈥淩eading for a Lifetime,鈥� currently on display at .
The exhibit, a collaborative project for senior students, gave majors鈥攁long with Arnesen, University President David L. Parkyn, and Provost Michael O. Emerson鈥攖he opportunity to define themselves using the 10 to 12 books that have mattered the most to them.
Inspired by My Ideal Bookshelf by Thessaly La Force, the exhibit featured personal 鈥渂ookshelves鈥� representing the ways in which identities are formed through literature. Along with Bookshelf, seminar students read Audrey Niffenegger鈥檚 graphic novel The Night Bookmobile, in which the Chicago author imagines a mysterious Winnebago filled with every book the narrator has ever read.
At the exhibition鈥檚 opening, each student told the story of their bookshelf, explaining the enjoyable but challenging task of choosing the books that had most shaped them. 鈥淚t was great to hear lively conversations at the opening reception as people talked about their own books, as we hoped they would,鈥� said Arnesen.
鈥淭hrough their work on this project, these students have asked some of life鈥檚 big questions, which we actively encourage everyone here at 黑料吃瓜 to do,鈥� said Parkyn. 鈥淏y sharing the books that have had the most impact on their lives, our students have drawn upon their personal histories, reflected on the ways in which their experiences at 黑料吃瓜 have changed them, and pointed toward the lives they will lead after graduating.鈥�
The library鈥檚 first floor featured physical bookshelves that represented the past, present, and future works of literature that seminar students had read, are reading, and hope to read, while the second floor displays photos of the bookshelves (shown below, with highlights of the curators鈥� statements).
鈥淢y students and I really appreciated working with Annie Wilkinson, Brandel Library鈥檚 head of circulation and communication, on this project,鈥� Arnesen said. 鈥淗er enthusiasm, as well as the library’s generosity in making the gallery space available, helped us imagine a wider audience for our bookshelves. It was inspiring to have this gorgeous public stage on which to present our very personal ideas about how literature matters.鈥�
Photos by Brittani Worley
Click on any image to get a closer look.
Katie Bast
鈥淢any of the titles on my bookshelf reflect works from various stages and places in my life; these are the books that I think of and have some form of emotional reaction to. Some of these works are fresh in my mind and some I haven鈥檛 read in years, but I know that at one point in time, every work was incredibly important to me.
“This is the beauty of literature. It provides a snapshot into who I am thus far; I look forward to the ways it will expand and evolve.鈥�
Jireh Kruse
鈥淚 always hear people making comments like, ‘Reading is just so boring.’ Reading is a new part of my life. Truthfully, I do not have a lot of experience with reading鈥擨 was one of the people making those comments.
“Today, I believe that if absolutely any person picks up the right book, they too will become a book lover. I encourage you to find yours!鈥�
Edith Martinez
鈥淔or me, it was not until middle school that I really enjoyed reading, and the first types of books I truly liked were Japanese manga. Most of the books on this bookshelf are my absolute favorites.
“The rest are books that have taught me much about literature and teaching literature. All have shaped me in some way and mark different stages in my life; each have wonderful memories attached to them, and each book has been a joy to read.鈥�
Stephanie Wirkus
鈥淭he process of curating my 鈥業deal Bookshelf鈥� was a practice in honesty and self-reflection. As I prepared to share something rather personal with the North Park community, it was important that my choices were an authentic representation of the literature that formed the basis of my understanding of and reverence for the written word. In doing so, I leaned toward texts that were intellectually and creatively impactful.
Underpinning it all is The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory, the ideal companion text for readers seeking technical input.鈥�
Brittani Worley
鈥淏etween school and my free time, I read a generous number of books, some of which have left a lasting impression. Classics introduced me to a world of complex themes, drama, and characters. Poets captivate me with their ability to use words and form to convey such powerful, and sometimes silly, sentiments.
“The remainder of the books are some of my favorites because they use a form or style that is unique from most popular books. I am enthralled with inventive writing, regardless of time or genre, because it encompasses the freedom and power writers have.”
Professor Nancy Arnesen
鈥淎mong others, my bookshelf includes:
-the book my parents gave me when I turned six
-the book I have read every year since 1979
-the book in which the antagonist turns to butter
-the book which includes the line ‘Reader, I married him.’
-the book I named my daughter after
-the book which portrays gender politics better than any I know
-the best book I鈥檝e read this year
-a book that I loved, though I don鈥檛 remember why.鈥�
President David L. Parkyn
鈥淵ou can鈥檛 have a bookshelf if you can鈥檛 find the books. Amazon is easiest, of course, but not most pleasurable of book-hunting experiences. I prefer holding a book before I buy it, so The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop anchors my bookshelf.
“In addition to poetry, memoirs, books that explore vocation, guides to prayer, and books on past and present in Chicago, I have a couple of aids for cooking my favorite meals.
“On top of it all, in honor of North Park鈥檚 approaching 125th birthday, is A History of North Park College.鈥�
Provost Michael O. Emerson
鈥淭he Bible is my life鈥檚 most influential book, but that seems too obvious. So I selected books that have shaped my research. They range across three main areas: religion, race/ethnicity, and urban issues.
“Within and across these areas, the books I selected fundamentally altered my thinking when I read them. They were all 鈥榓h-ha,鈥� light-bulb moments.鈥�
The North Park Combined Women鈥檚 Ensemble was one of several to participate in the Festival of Lessons and Carols.
Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols emphasizes hope in a time of global unrest
CHICAGO (December 8, 2015) 鈥� Sunday was a night of reflection and joy for those who filled the pews of St. Hilary Catholic Church at 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 eighth annual Festival of Lessons and Carols.
As children鈥檚 voices opened the concert softly singing, 鈥淥nce in royal David鈥檚 city / Stood a lowly cattle shed / Where a mother laid her baby / In a manger for his bed,鈥� the audience of approximately 1,000 could begin to see that the event was about more than seasonal cheer. This year鈥檚聽 theme, 鈥淕athering at the Manger,鈥� was intended to recognize and respond to a time of global turmoil with the hope of a humble nativity.
鈥淭here is so much homelessness in Chicago and the world鈥攕o many people displaced from their countries,鈥� said Dr. Julia Davids, associate professor of music. 鈥淲e can draw a comparison to Mary and Joseph as they tried in vain to find a place for her to have her child, eventually gathering in the humblest of spots鈥攁round a manger.鈥�
The Gospel Choir performs “Have You Heard about the Baby,” featuring soloist Quincy Cochran.
President David L. Parkyn echoed this intention in his opening prayer: 鈥淏ecause this of all things would rejoice his heart, let us at this time remember in Jesus鈥檚 name, the poor and the helpless, the cold, the hungry, and the oppressed.鈥�
The service structure of alternating lessons (Scripture readings) and carols originated in the Anglican church and tells the story of Christ, from the creation of the world to the birth of Jesus. 鈥淭he music performed changes from year to year, while the readings stay the same,鈥� said Davids. 鈥淎 number of the musical pieces for the service express the humility of Christ鈥檚 nativity鈥攅specially 聽that the first beings on earth to see the son of God were the animals in the stable. Such a humble beginning.鈥�
The service included more than 20 compositions in English, Latin, Polish, Spanish, and Russian. 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 six student ensembles, composed of about 150 students, performed throughout the service. Music education student JiaYi Liang stepped up to the podium to conduct the choir and congregation in 鈥淪ilent Night,鈥� and the audience couldn鈥檛 hold their applause after the University Gospel Choir, featuring music in worship student soloist Quincy Cochran, finished 鈥淗ave You Heard about the Baby.鈥�
Thomas Tropp conducts the Combined Women’s Ensemble.
The joined North Park鈥檚 ensembles, offering a pre-service recital as well as selections throughout the program. This year marked the beginning of a new collaboration for North Park with St. Hilary Catholic Church. 鈥淲e especially rejoice tonight in the hospitality of the Church of St. Hilary,鈥� Dr. Parkyn said in his opening remarks.
In addition to North Park community members, the service鈥檚 readers included a St. Hilary parishioner and the music directors from the children鈥檚 choir and the church.
鈥淲e hope the effect will be one of great comfort and joy in a time of global unrest and darkness,鈥� said Davids before the concert. 鈥淭his is a special event for all of us鈥攁 bringing together of the North Park community.鈥�
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