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Dr. G. Timothy and Nancy Johnson will join the University on October 26 to break ground for the 101,000-square-foot Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, named in their honor.
New building honors North Park alumni Nancy and Dr. G. Timothy Johnson
CHICAGO (October 16, 2012) — Two well-known ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï alumni, plus family and friends will join students faculty, staff, and leaders of ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï October 26 for a that marks the beginning of the construction phase for a new University building. When completed, the will house laboratories, classrooms and offices, plus a variety of student services, including , , , and residence life.
The University will provide a of the groundbreaking ceremony beginning at 5:00 pm CDT.
“The Johnson Center is a project which will transform our University and enhance student learning for years to come,” said , University president. “We are pleased to begin construction of this much-needed academic and student life facility, and also delighted that it is named for the Johnsons who have contributed so much to North Park. We hope Oct. 26 will be as memorable for them as it will be for our community.”
Dr. G. Timothy Johnson is known for his work as chief medical editor for ABC News from 1984 to 2010. He graduated from North Park College (now University) in 1956, and earned a seminary degree at in 1963. He later earned a medical degree, and became one of America’s best-known physicians, providing award-winning on-air medical analysis on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, Nightline, and 20/20. He was honored with the University’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1991, and is also an ordained pastor of the (ECC), the church denomination with which the University is affiliated. Nancy Johnson was trained as a nurse at the School of Nursing, Chicago, including study in the sciences at ºÚÁϳԹÏ. Immediately after receiving her nursing credential, she completed a short-term medical assignment in Indonesia. The Johnsons reside in Marblehead, Massachusetts.
The Johnsons will participate in a in the center of the Chicago campus that will begin at 4:00 pm CDT, with outdoor festivities, food, and music. Following brief remarks and a groundbreaking ceremony at 5:00 pm, invited guests and project contributors will attend an evening reception and program at Hamming Hall, followed by a concert in Anderson Chapel.
“The Johnsons are an extraordinary couple,” said , University vice president for development and alumni relations. “The time is right for us to name this transformational facility in their honor. It includes everything that has been so important to them as alumni, trustees, campaign leaders, medical professionals and lifelong stewards of North Park’s mission. The fact that it will be located in the central part of the campus is dear to their hearts because they know it will serve every student, faculty and staff member in our community.”
The $42 million Johnson Center is the most significant component of , a $57 million comprehensive University fundraising effort. The campaign raised funds for the Johnson Center, the University’s Annual Fund, student scholarships, and Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. Fundraising continues for the building project and a variety of academic needs related to the new building, Surridge said. The 101,000-square-foot Johnson Center is expected to open for the 2014 academic year.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Board of Trustees Confirms Decision to Build New Science, Community Life Center
The 101,000-square-foot Nancy & G. Timothy Johnson Center at ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï is expected to be ready in the fall of 2014, and its design will reflect principles of environmental stewardship and energy conservation.
Trustees name building for alumni Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson
CHICAGO (May 15, 2012) — The of ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï confirmed construction of the , addressing a significant, longstanding need for state-of-the-art science laboratories and program facilities to serve North Park students. The board, which met here May 10–11, also acted to name the new building for Nancy and , longtime medical editor and senior medical contributor for ABC News, whom the trustees said “define a life of exemplary service.”
A formal groundbreaking ceremony for the 101,000-square-foot Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life is planned for October 26, 2012. Building site preparation will begin this summer, and construction is expected to be completed in time for the 2014 fall semester.
The Johnson Center will support a number of the University’s signature academic programs in , as well as offices for , , , and , said , University president. Strong programs will grow stronger, and effective student learning will be advanced to yet a higher level, he said.
“This new academic building will position ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï to recruit students competitively and educate them effectively,” Parkyn said. “In like manner, this new building will assist us in hiring new faculty in several disciplines and in providing for their effectiveness as teachers and researchers.”
The Johnson Center resulted from the University’s comprehensive fundraising effort, . The $57 million campaign is raising funds for the new building, the University’s Annual Fund, student scholarships, and Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. Fundraising continues.
The new building will be named for Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson, recognizing and honoring their lives of exemplary service.
Dr. G. Timothy Johnson graduated from North Park College (now University) in 1956, and earned a seminary degree at in 1963. After completing a medical degree, he served as chief medical editor for ABC News from 1984–2010. Johnson became one of America’s best-known physicians, providing award-winning on-air medical analysis on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, Nightline, and 20/20. He was honored with the University’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1991, is the founding editor of the Harvard Health Letter, and the author of several books on medicine and faith. He is also an ordained pastor of the (ECC), the church denomination with which the University is affiliated. He chaired a task force in 1979–1980 that recommended the University remain in its historic location on the North Side of Chicago.
Nancy Johnson was trained as a nurse at the School of Nursing, Chicago, including study in the sciences at ºÚÁϳԹÏ. Immediately after receiving her nursing credential, she completed a short-term medical assignment in Indonesia. The Johnsons, residing in Marblehead, Mass., have volunteered considerable time to the University through their service on the board of trustees and on behalf of North Park’s two most recent fundraising campaigns, including Campaign North Park.
“North Park was the first stop for both of us in our long academic journeys,” the Johnsons said. “It gave us a moral and intellectual foundation that has lasted a lifetime — and for which we will always be grateful. We are both very pleased but humbled by this naming honor.”
Naming the building for the Johnsons recognizes their service to the University, and as lifelong stewards of its mission and values, said , Thousand Oaks, Calif., chair of the University’s board of trustees and a member of the class of 1978. “Tim has tirelessly championed the need for this new facility to prepare North Park’s students for demanding careers in modern science, medicine and nursing. Nancy likewise is deeply committed to this important mission,” he said.
Through the summer months prior to the start of construction, the University will complete the building design with the architectural team, finalize a finance plan, and continue fundraising.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
Board of Trustees Hears Update on Campaign North Park, New Building Plans
Fundraising for a new $42 million Science and Community Life Building is a "top priority," said University President David L. Parkyn.
Fundraising top priority for president, development office
CHICAGO (February 21, 2012) – The president of ºÚÁϳԹÏ, , told the University that there is significant progress toward the goal of initiating construction on a new $42 million . Fundraising continues to be a "top priority" of his office and the University , he reported.
The University first began consideration of a new Science and Community Life Building as early as 2008, Parkyn said to the board, which met here Feb. 10-11. When finally completed, the project will "transform the face of the campus," he said. "Much more than that, it will transform the student experience both in and outside the classroom," Parkyn said.
At present, the University is working assertively to raise funds for the new building, part of , Parkyn said. for the new structure have been informed by several charrettes with faculty and staff who will lead academic and University programs to be housed in the new building, Parkyn said. Academic and student life programs assigned to the new building have been confirmed. The University has been working with , Chicago, to design the building, the University president said.
The board of trustees met Feb. 10-11 at ºÚÁϳԹÏ.
Representing VOA, William Ketcham described preliminary building plans to the board. The building design is a work in progress and continues to evolve, he said. "It's about a place in the urban environment, it's about a spirit of community engagement with people in a place advancing education, advancing the mission of this institution," Ketcham said.
Among the organizations the University has consulted with are , for design assistance on science laboratories and other instructional spaces. The University has also contracted with the to serve as owner's representative and to facilitate the construction process, employing integrated project delivery techniques, Parkyn said.
During the board meeting, VOA architects met with the board's Advancement Committee to discuss ways to recognize donors in the building's design. Boldt Company representatives met with the board's Finance Committee to introduce their role, and to facilitate a discussion regarding the price for the building and an initial construction calendar.
In addition to $42 million for the new building, Campaign North Park set goals of $8 million for University's Annual Fund; $6 million for scholarships; and $1 million for Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. Fund raising continues for all campaign goals.
The board received reports on other matters:
Parkyn reported that undergraduate enrollment at mid-year continues to be strong, while enrollment has softened in some graduate programs.
The president presented ideas on how the University can continue to feature and effectively communicate its mission and identity to various constituencies.
The board received a report from the Seminary Leadership Committee, and affirmed the as the nominee for dean of . Kersten's nomination must be affirmed by leadership bodies of the (ECC), and he is expected to move into his new role Aug. 1.
The ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï board of trustees' next meeting is May 10-11, 2012, in Chicago.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
North Park Theological Seminary Announces New Financial Aid Program for Students
Aid program is for new students, current students' aid not affected
CHICAGO (March 23, 2012) – For Alicia Vela, qualifying for financial aid assistance is the reason she is a student preparing for ordained ministry at (NPTS), Chicago. The Rev. Brian A.K. McCutchen says without the financial aid he got from NPTS, he's not sure he would have been able attend any seminary.
Both are examples of how students' lives can be changed with the help of financial aid and scholarships to help them meet the costs of theological education. This month, North Park Theological Seminary announced a for students that will provide aid to even more students, as well as a more flexible framework that responds to changing needs of students today and developments in the delivery of courses, certificates, and degrees.
NPTS students currently enrolled and receiving financial aid will not be affected by the changes in the aid program. Academic scholarships, such as Nyvall Scholarships and Lund Scholarships, will remain as scholarships based on students' academic records. Needs-based grants will be available to students seeking degrees and professional certificates.
Key changes in the new financial aid program include:
opening up Presidential Scholarships to both full- and part-time degree-seeking students preparing for vocational ministry in the (ECC). Scholarship amounts vary, with the most generous scholarships reserved for full-time main campus students.
a new Mosaic Leadership Scholarship to support leaders with multicultural or multiethnic backgrounds seeking degrees. This scholarship may be combined with other scholarship funds, and all qualified students may be considered.
a new Seminary Church Matching Grant Program, in which NPTS will match a church gift toward student tuition of up to $500 per semester.
the Spiritual Direction Cohort Program, in which any student can apply for a needs-based grant or Church Matching Grant. Previously, aid was only available for ECC clergy.
Research into financial aid programs at other similar seminaries has shown that while tuition is very similar across institutions, the NPTS financial aid program "is more generous and comprehensive when compared to other schools," said the Rev. Mark Olson, dean of enrollment and director of church relations, ºÚÁϳԹÏ. "The result is an opportunity for students to study and personally engage with professors with national and even international reputations for exceptional biblical and theological scholarship."
Students, present and past, speak highly of their experiences at NPTS, opportunities they would not have had without generous and meaningful financial aid that benefited them. Vela, a second-year master of divinity student from Arvada, Colo., and McCutchen, now serving as camp director, , Mission Springs, Calif., qualified for prestigious Presidential Scholarships at NPTS.
Vela is president of the NPTS student association, and wants to become a youth pastor in a church setting after she completes her degree. "It's important for me to be educated at a school that is so gender-inclusive, and is so empowering of women in ministry. All of my professors are really encouraging and helping me to find my voice as a pastor," she said in an interview. To Vela "financial aid is invaluable" in helping her achieve her career goals.
"This school has a lot to offer. Biblical scholars teach us, and leaders in fields of ministry teach us. (We're) able to have that experience because of financial aid," she added. Her home congregation is , Arvada.
McCutchen, a member of , Santa Cruz, Calif., earned a master of divinity from NPTS in 2007. "I felt a call to ministry in a broad sense," he said. But high costs at other seminaries made it difficult to for him to think about theological education – until his pastor and his father-in-law, an ECC pastor, both encouraged him to consider NPTS.
While at NPTS, McCutchen worked in University departments and offices as part of the service requirement of his scholarship. Today he is part of an ECC-affiliated program that hosts groups such as science students from local schools during the week, and hosts church groups and provides programs for them on weekends. McCutchen is now hiring college students, preparing Bible study curricula, and recruiting speakers for Frontier Ranch's busy summer program.
NPTS offers generous financial aid to students because of the ECC's financial commitment to the University, and the support of donors, particularly to the seminary annual fund, and endowment-based revenue.
McCutchen said he appreciates the ECC commitment to his seminary education. "I want to stay a part of this denomination. I work with college students, and I've encouraged a lot of them to look into the University and the Seminary," he said.
North Park Theological Seminary is the graduate theological school of ºÚÁϳԹÏ, Chicago, and of the Chicago-based Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC).
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
Ahmed Rehab, executive director, CAIR-Chicago, was the guest speaker at the awards banquet.
Awards presented to University community and partners
CHICAGO (May 1, 2012) – ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï presented its to students, faculty, staff, and community partners in recognition of their commitments to diversity, cultural advocacy, and justice. Award winners represented various areas of campus life such as academics, athletics, campus involvement, community service, spirituality, and leadership. The awards were presented April 20 at a banquet at the , Chicago.
Award recipients and their awards included:
Academic Excellence Award: Kelly Reichel, Bloomington, Minn., and Danerra Hill, Miami, Fla.
Cultural Advocacy Award: George Habash, Jerusalem
Faculty Commitment to Diversity Award: Dr. Rupe Simms, professor of Africana studies
Staff Commitment to Diversity Award: Ann-Helen Anderson, assistant director, International Office
Cultural Arts Award: Jennifer Velker, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Athletic Excellence Award: Bridgette Gray, Prospect Heights, Ill.
Spiritual Leadership Award: Karen Kelly, Mexico City
CLASS Student Senator Commitment to Diversity Award: Jacob Gustafsson, Göteborg, Sweden
Commitment to Diversity as an Adult Learner Award: Adriana Ramirez, Chicago
Vernard Jones Award for Leadership: Ericka Rodriguez, Chicago
Students, faculty and staff were recognized at the 2012 Multicultural Awards banquet.
, executive director, the (CAIR), Chicago chapter, spoke to the nearly 400 people who attended the awards banquet, commenting on the challenges of his work and his own life story that led him to the United States. Rehab, born in Egypt, has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Chicago universities. CAIR was established in 1994 to challenge stereotypes of Islam and Muslims. The organization has a nationwide presence and is headquartered on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. In addition, musical selections were performed by undergraduate Leslie Moore.
The Multicultural Awards Banquet is sponsored by the ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï .
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Choir Tours, Performs in New England March 10–12
Ensembles to perform in Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts
CHICAGO (February 20, 2012) – The 45-member North Park will tour and perform in New England locations March 10-12 with the theme "Towards a Peaceable Kingdom: Songs of Faith, Inspiration, and Community." The University Choir, including the , will perform in congregations of the (ECC), sing in worship at Boston's historic , and lead a workshop with area high school choirs during a stop in Massachusetts.
Four performances are planned during the tour, and each is free and open to the public:
March 10, 6:30 p.m. , Berlin, Conn.
March 11, 11:15 a.m. (during worship), Trinity Church, Boston
March 11, 6 p.m., , Bedford, N.H.
March 12, 7:30 p.m., , Quincy, Mass.
Concerts will include traditional and lesser-known choral repertoire, and will highlight some contemporary Chicago-area composers and arrangers, said , the Stephen J. Hendrickson Endowed Chair of Choral Activities, ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï . Concert-goers will hear music from Christian and other perspectives, sung in English, Latin, French, Spanish, and Hebrew, she said.
The tour's theme is derived from a composition written by , a professor of music who studied and taught at colleges and universities in the eastern United States. "Every student should sing Randall Thompson's music," Davids said. "It is great music. I love the whole concept behind his 'Peaceable Kingdom.' We're doing just a couple of the movements from it. I think it holds with the focus of ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï — that we're part of a peaceful and knowledgeable co-existence with our urban location, with a diversity of students. We're a very outward-looking institution. That's what this program is hoping to showcase."
Dr. Julia Davids directs choral activities at ºÚÁϳԹÏ.
A few students will share some of their ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï experiences with audiences at each performance, Davids said. Among the students in the choir is Peter Palmatier, Quincy, Mass., a freshman majoring in creative writing. "I'm really excited to go back home and see my family and all my friends from my church again," he said. "It'll be nice for them to finally hear some of the music that we've been singing this year." Several members of Palmatier's family have attended the University, he said.
Each concert will conclude with the traditional Swedish hymn, Alumni will be invited to sing with the choir, in both Swedish and in English, a tribute to the University's history, Davids said. The University is affiliated with the Chicago-based ECC, which was formed by Swedish immigrants.
During the tour, Davids and the University Choir and Chamber Singers will lead a workshop March 12 with two high school choirs at , Braintree, Mass. The high school students will learn singing techniques, and work on a specific choral repertoire, she said. North Park students will also share their student experiences with the high school students.
University Choir members will stay with host families throughout the tour. Staff with the University School of Music will accompany the choir and make recruiting visits. Staff with the will also be present at each concert and host a networking event in Boston March 9 for ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï alumni.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Presents Degrees to 434 Graduates at Spring 2012 Commencements
Degrees were presented to 434 students at Spring Commencement, for a combined total of 626 for the 2011–2012 academic year.
University honors outstanding students, faculty, and Chicagoans
CHICAGO (May 14, 2012) – ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï concluded the 2011–2012 academic year by awarding degrees May 12 to 434 graduates at the University's Spring Commencement ceremonies. Separate events were held for students who earned undergraduate degrees; students who earned graduate degrees and degrees through the School of Adult Learning; and graduates of . Including the , degrees were awarded to 626 ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï graduates this academic year.
Bachelor's degrees were presented to 297 students representing a variety of undergraduate majors in the University's , and the schools of , , , , and business and nonprofit management. Master's degrees were presented to 137 students who completed at the University, including 34 students at ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Theological Seminary. , president of the ºÚÁϳԹÏ, presided at the ceremonies.
The graduation weekend began with a Baccalaureate Service May 11 at , Chicago. In his address to graduates, Parkyn commented on the University's mission statement, "to prepare students for lives of significance and service," and Jesus's instruction on this educational ideal as reflected in the four gospels in the New Testament. "If after your years at ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï you're still just a bit vague on what it means to live with significance and in service, then listen to Jesus: be a healthy tree, one that bears good fruit; run away from the possibility of a being a diseased tree, one that bears worm-infected fruit," Parkyn told the graduates.
University President David Parkyn, right, presents the Nyvall Medallion to Daniel Alvarez Sr., center, and Ann Alvarez, left, both of Casa Central, Chicago.
The University recognized its for outstanding academic achievement and leadership and service, Hannah Haugen, Milwaukie, Ore., bachelor of science in business and economics, and Joshua Startup, Chesterton, Ind., bachelor of science in chemistry. The Ahnfeldt Medallion, presented to a senior with highest grade point average among undergraduates, went to Emily Shakal, Chicago, bachelor of arts in biblical and theological studies. Winners of were recognized — Karen Kelly, Mexico City, who will teach English in Andorra, and Nnenna Okore, associate professor of art and department chair, who will teach and work on environmental art projects in Nigeria.
The University presented the David Nyvall Medallion to two leaders of , a Chicago nonprofit organization that serves 20,000 Hispanic people through an array of community services. Daniel Alvarez Sr., founder, and Ann R. Alvarez, president and chief executive officer, were honored for 48 years of distinguished service to the people of Chicago. Casa Central maintains a partnership with ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï and is a venue for undergraduate programs for adults. "We feel privileged, honored and grateful to our Lord for the opportunity to dedicate our lives to this mission," said Ann Alvarez, also a member of the University's .
Several students from the North Park College (now University) class of 1962 were recognized as they celebrated the 50th anniversary of their graduations. "Today, you honor us, and you especially honor the members of the graduating class by your presence with us today," Parkyn said.
Four students who earned degrees addressed the commencement ceremony for graduate programs and the School of Adult Learning, sharing how their University educations have shaped their lives and careers. Speakers were Kathleen Ferrarell, Glenview, Ill., bachelor of arts in counseling psychology, School of Adult Learning; Molly Philosophos, Oak Park, Ill., master of nonprofit administration, School of Business and Nonprofit Management; Clara Casas-Maya, Vernon Hills, Ill., master of arts in education, School of Education; and LaRhonda Hrobowski, Chicago, master of science in nursing, School of Nursing.
Joel Johnson, Chicago, master of divinity, was presented the Ahnfeldt Medallion for the highest grade point average among graduates of North Park Theological Seminary.
, distinguished professor of Old Testament, Denver (Colo.) Seminary, presented the Seminary commencement address. In his charge to the graduates, Rev. Gary B. Walter, president of the (ECC), commented, "God's asking for you to be found faithful. That means you hold nothing back from God, and you give it your all." The University is affiliated with the ECC.
Drawing from the life example of retiring professor , and building on Jesus’s instruction, "Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of," Parkyn challenged graduates to be "faithful in risking, faithful in dreaming, faithful in trusting, faithful in hearing God’s call, faithful in taking the first step, and then another, and still another."
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
'Come to the Manger' Theme of University's December 2 Festival of Lessons and Carols
About 200 musicians, including five University music ensembles and other musicians, are featured in the December 2 Festival of Lessons and Carols at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Chicago.
School of Music ensembles joined by community youth musicians
CHICAGO (November 19, 2012) — Focusing on Advent, Christmas and Epiphany celebrations, ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï will present A Festival of Lessons and Carols, December 2, at , 4432 N. Troy St., Chicago. The event will begin at 4:00 pm, and features the theme, "Come to the Manger."
The Festival of Lessons and Carols is presented for free by the University. However, because of limited seating, attendees are asked to reserve general admission tickets . More than 800 people attended in 2011.
is a worship format first used in the Church of England in the late 1800s. "The celebration of lessons and carols is an ancient tradition shaped by faith-filled Christians over many generations," said , University president. "The story of Christian faith — from the creation of the world to the birth of savior of the world — is retold as words of Scripture and poetry are read and sung. Coming out of the Christian church in the West, at ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï the Festival of Lessons and Carols is transformed into a wonderful offering of Advent praise and anticipation as the music of many cultures trumpets the birth of Christ."
The festival theme provides attendees an opportunity to focus on the simplicity of the manger and the infant Jesus, said , assistant professor and the Stephen J. Hendrickson Endowed Chair in Music, . Lyrics from John Rutter's "," highlight the theme and its simplicity, she said: "Shepherds and wise men will kneel and adore him, Seraphim round him their vigil will keep; Nations proclaim him their Lord and their Savior, but Mary will hold him and sing him to sleep."
Scripture readings from Genesis, Isaiah, Micah, St. Luke, St. Matthew and St. John will be presented by ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï students, faculty, and staff, as well as representatives of Our Lady of Mercy Church. Music will be performed by about 200 musicians, including Margaret Martin, University organist, and University musicians in five ensembles:
and the , both directed by Davids
, directed by
, directed by Thomas Tropp
Lessons and Carols , directed by
The musical selections in the service are well written and arranged, and provide something for everyone, Davids said. "The variety of Christmas music for all ensembles is so incredible," she said. "To choose a dozen pieces of music to highlight Christmas Scripture is challenging, because there is so much great music out there."
Musical selections begin with the processional hymn, "O Come All Ye Faithful," followed by "Overture" from . Throughout the service are well-known pieces such as "Go Tell it on the Mountain," "Ave Maria," "Mary Had a Baby," "Silent Night," and "Joy to the World!," as well as music written by contemporary composers. Vocal pieces will be sung in English and Latin, as well as Spanish selections to be performed by the University Choir, accompanied by harp, marimba and guitar, Davids said.
Preceding the benediction is "The First Nowell," a piece to be performed by combined choirs and orchestras. The selection was arranged by Mack Wilberg, an American composer, arranger and conductor. "This is a stunning piece, with beautiful orchestration, written for the ," Davids added.
The North Park musicians will be joined by professionals, plus student musicians from the at Hibbard Elementary School, Chicago, and the , Davids said. The Chicago Children's Choir will perform a recital at 3:30 p.m. prior to the festival service.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Graduate Reflects on Journey since Fulbright Award
Rebecca Miller taught English at a school in Indonesia as part of her Fulbright experience.
Rebecca Miller taught English in Indonesia
Editor’s note: Recent ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï graduates and , and faculty member , received to teach internationally this year. To see how receiving a scholarship can impact a life in unexpected ways, Stan Friedman of the spoke with , one of the first ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï students to receive the honor.
CHICAGO, IL (July 26, 2012) — ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï professor of Spanish, , a former Fulbright scholar who has guided students through their process of applying for the U.S. Fulbright Awards, told Rebecca Miller that receiving the honor would change the her life forever. Neither woman imagined how true those words would prove to be.
Miller, an honors music major at the University, grew up attending in Clay, N.Y. She wanted to learn more about teaching in a multicultural context, so she applied for the prestigious international scholarship in 2007. After receiving the award, she spent her Fulbright year (August 2008-May 2009) teaching English at a school in an Indonesian city run by one of the world’s largest gold-mining companies.
Several thousand Americans and Indonesians lived in the city and worked at the mine.
Many of the students were children of executives and other top-level workers. Miller was assigned to be the first-ever Fulbright scholar to teach there after being hand-picked by corporate leaders.
Outside the boundaries of the city lay another community that Miller compares to an Old West town, filled with brothels, poverty, acute malnutrition, and high crime. The area has the highest HIV/AIDS infection rate in Indonesia, Miller says.
The differences between the two communities dismayed Miller. "It was power and wealth next to kids without protein."
Her exposure to abject poverty and the disparity in living conditions was to be the first in a series of events that altered her future. Ever since, she has been on multi-year, multinational journey to medical school.
"I sure didn't see that coming," she says, laughing.
Miller was exposed to even more malnutrition in Papua, Indonesia, as she traveled around parts of the country with an anthropologist and met the people, whose primary nutrition came from sago palms that were chopped up and processed into an edible starch. Most of their protein comes from eating live mollusks.
During a vacation break from her work, she traveled to Bangalore, India, with two other Fulbright scholars, one of whom was related to a woman who directed a music school. The woman initially offered Miller an opportunity to teach, but she declined.
Instead, when her Fulbright term was completed, Miller returned to Chicago, where she worked with a nonprofit organization that provided health care on the city’s South Side. She primarily was doing administrative work, however, and realized that was not a future she wanted.
"I decided I wanted to be the person giving services," she says.
That experience also caused her to reflect further on her time of living with North Park associate professor of art , his wife, and their disabled daughter, Temma, for eight months between graduating and heading to Indonesia. Miller cared for Temma. "The most fulfilling job I've ever had has been working with Temma," she says.
Miller left her job at the clinic to accept an invitation to return to the music school in Bangalore. She gave lessons and directed children’s and adult choirs.
The students thought the only form of Western music was classical, so Miller introduced them to others, including gospel and spirituals. "We actually did a Rollo Dilworth piece," says Miller, referring to the popular former ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï music professor. "That was exciting."
She also started an early childhood music program for which she wrote the curriculum. The program continues, and Miller says, "That was a highlight of working there."
But Miller again was being exposed to the desperate health needs of people in extreme poverty. She volunteered at a hospital for which she did community outreach. Twice a week, she also observed an obstetrician and pediatrician working at clinics in the slums.
The still small voice that had whispered to her about the possibility of entering medical school grew louder. She knew her future was in medicine.
Asked if she had ever considered medicine as a career before her Fulbright scholarship, Miller declares, "Absolutely not. I would not have arrived at that had I not had those experiences."
Miller hopes to provide primary care for urban underserved populations when she finishes school. She currently attends medical school at in Brooklyn, New York.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï to Host Annual Sankta Lucia Pageant December 8
The University's Sankta Lucia pageant features University students in the Scandinavian Studies program, Swedish language program, and students who are from Scandinavian countries.
Washington senior to be 'Sankta Lucia' in University and city pageants
CHICAGO (November 30, 2012) — ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï senior Eva Larson will play the role of Sankta Lucia, a patron saint of Christian churches, in the University's annual at 4:00 pm December 8, in Anderson Chapel. The pageant is a traditional Advent celebration similar to events honoring the saint held in Scandinavian and other European countries.
Following the pageant is a traditional Scandinavian smörgåsbord in Hamming Hall. Both events are sponsored by the University's .
According to , Lucia was a young girl who was persecuted for her faith in God, and died a martyr in 304 A.D. She is associated with light in the darkness, and the hospitality of food and drink. The traditional date of the festival of Sankta Lucia is December 13, celebrating light returning to the world on the darkest day of the year, just as her faith brought light to a dark period for early Christians. In pageants, the Sankta Lucia wears a crown with lighted candles, and is accompanied by a court, including "star boys," who carry stars.
Each year, a senior woman in the Scandinavian Studies program is chosen to represent Lucia. Larson, of Vashon Island, Wash., will graduate from the University next month, with a double major in and . "Lucia is very close to my heart," she said. "I have been participating in various Lucia pageants since I was in the first grade. I think that it is a really beautiful service and a lot of fun for everyone involved." Larson's home congregation, , Seattle, hosts a similar event – Julfest – that celebrates ancestors and the Swedish Christmas traditions, and includes a Lucia procession, children's and adult choirs, and Scripture readings, she said.
At the North Park pageant, students in the Scandinavian Studies and Swedish language programs will read the Christmas story in English and Swedish from the Gospel of Luke, tell of Christmas traditions in Scandinavia and here in the United States, and recall the story of Sankta Lucia. Swedish Christmas carols will be sung. Students from Sweden, Norway, and Iceland will also participate. About 400 people are expected to attend.
Tickets for the pageant are $5 per person, $10 per family, and may be or at the door the day of the performance. Tickets for the pageant and smörgåsbord are $15 for adults, and $10 for children under age 12. Tickets must be purchased or reserved in advance or by calling (773) 244-5592.
Larson will also represent the University in the City of Chicago's Sankta Lucia pageant, December 13 at the Daley Center. That event will include a performance by the ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï , directed by , assistant professor and the Stephen J. Hendrickson Endowed Chair in Music, .
ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï was founded in 1891 by the (ECC), a Christian denomination formed by Swedish immigrants. ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï is affiliated with the ECC, and maintains a connection to its Swedish and Scandinavian roots through academic programs and other cultural exchanges.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
Author tomgabrysiakPosted on Categories Stories
The board of trustees met Feb. 10-11 at ºÚÁϳԹÏ.
Dr. Julia Davids directs choral activities at ºÚÁϳԹÏ.
