黑料吃瓜

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Standing Out in the Job Market with a Multi-disciplinary Major: Elvin Ahmeti C鈥�15

Working as a senior financial analyst at global healthcare manufacturer Fresenius Kabi USA, Elvin Ahmeti C鈥�15 says it was his combined education in business and life sciences which prepared him for his career.

Alumni Elvin Ahmeti says North Park prepared him to stand out in the job market.

Elvin Ahmeti C鈥�15 took full advantage of North Park鈥檚 multidisciplinary academics and internship opportunities, completing a double major in finance and accounting with a minor in biology. Now based in Chicago and working as a senior financial analyst at global healthcare manufacturer Fresenius Kabi USA, Ahmeti says his combined education in business and life sciences prepared him for his career and helped him to stand out in the job market.

Ahmeti developed his skills in North Park鈥檚 rigorous business and biology classes, and through an internship as a business analyst at Swedish Covenant Hospital. Ahmeti stayed on-board at Swedish Covenant for another year post-graduation before moving over to Fresenius Kabi. As a senior financial analyst, Ahmeti works in a team to ensure the sustainability of the company鈥檚 pharmaceutical product portfolio.

鈥淭he fact that I had a biology minor along with my business major made me stand out as a job candidate,鈥� Ahmeti says. Many of Ahmeti’s classes, including Advanced Finance and Strategic Management, were “exact replicas of what is expected from financial professionals in the real world.鈥�

鈥淭he courses I took at 黑料吃瓜 were challenging and properly prepared me for my future,鈥� says Ahmeti, who encourages students to work hard. 鈥淏e focused on your end goal and eventually you will reach it.鈥� 聽While at 黑料吃瓜, Ahmeti鈥檚 favorite classes were Advanced Finance, Public Speaking, and Management and Leadership.

When not working, Ahmeti enjoys cooking, traveling, watching soccer, and learning about history and politics. He considers himself lucky to live in Chicago because of its cultural and culinary diversity. One day he hopes to own a restaurant specializing in artisan sandwiches and breakfast food somewhere warm like Vietnam.

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Graduate and Degree Completion Open House to be Held Homecoming Weekend

North Park鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 黑料吃瓜 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鈥檚 degree.

鈥淧erhaps it鈥檚 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,鈥� says Dr. Scrementi.

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

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Jamey Lundblad C鈥�95: Chief Marketing Officer, City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

鈥淐hicago is an arts powerhouse and global cultural destination . . . I鈥檓 passionate about making the arts and local culture available to Chicagoans and visitors.鈥�

After graduation, Lundblad got his career off the ground as an editor and event planner for North Park. Then he moved on to roles at marketing agency VSA Partners and as director of marketing for the Chicago Public Library. Now, as chief marketing officer for the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, his job is to promote the city鈥檚 many cultural offerings. It鈥檚 one he relishes. 鈥淲hat really shaped me were my experiences outside the classroom and around the world.鈥�

鈥淐hicago is an arts powerhouse and global cultural destination . . . I鈥檓 passionate about making the arts and local culture available to Chicagoans and visitors.鈥�

鈥擩amey Lundblad C’95: Chief Marketing Officer, City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

Jamey Lundblad C鈥�95 loves Chicago. As chief marketing officer for the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, his job is to promote the city鈥檚 many cultural offerings. It鈥檚 one he relishes.

“Chicago is an arts powerhouse and a global cultural destination鈥攖he birthplace of the skyscraper and modern architecture, storefront theatre, improv, the urban blues, and more,鈥� Lundblad says. 鈥淚’m passionate about making the arts and local culture available to Chicagoans and visitors, and I love going to see exhibits, theatre,聽and dance myself鈥攅very chance I get. So, I’m grateful that my job allows me to advocate for the arts and Chicago every day.”

The communication arts and Swedish double major says North Park prepared him well for his high-profile position with the city, where he鈥檚 responsible for marketing Chicago鈥檚 many festivals and promoting Millennium Park, the number-one tourist attraction in the Midwest.

鈥淢y classes at 黑料吃瓜 were terrific and provided a solid foundation for my career,鈥� says the Minnesota native. 鈥淏ut what really shaped me were my experiences outside the classroom and around the world,鈥� including his semester in Sweden and his role as Student Government president his senior year.

鈥淢y study abroad in Sweden gave me confidence and a more expansive worldview,鈥� says Lundblad, who was mentored by many beloved North Park professors and staff, including David and Sue Horner, Melissa Morris-Olson, and Charles Peterson, among others.

After graduation, Lundblad got his career off the ground as an editor and event planner for North Park. Then he moved on to roles at marketing agency VSA Partners and as director of marketing for the Chicago Public Library.

Now a frequent world traveler, Lundblad also serves on the board of directors of Edgar Miller Legacy, a group whose mission is to preserve the architect鈥檚 鈥渉andmade homes鈥� throughout the country, but especially in the Chicagoland area.

In fact, Lundblad and his husband, Bill Melamed, held their recent wedding in the R.W. Glasner Studio, a building designed by Miller, who was known as a master painter, wood carver,聽and stained-glass maker. Lundblad and Melamed are committed to supporting the arts, as well as a variety of LGBTQ causes.

Lundblad hails from a long line of North Park alumni: his aunt, uncle, brother, and sister-in-law all attended North Park.

鈥淚鈥檓 proud to call myself a North Park Legacy,鈥� Lundblad says.

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From Student Worker to Marketing Professional: Leah Emerson C’18

Leah Emerson C’18, advertising and psychology alumna, shares about applying her undergraduate experiences in a professional setting.

Leah Emerson, C'18, double majored in advertising and psychology and was president of the psychology club her senior year.

Hi, I’m Leah,聽and I鈥檓 a recent graduate of 黑料吃瓜 and currently employed as marketing coordinator at the British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park. I work with the marketing side of our office, where I create promotional materials, take pictures, send emails and mailings, maintain the website, and network with parents and donors.

This opportunity excites me because the international school setting makes a difference in the development of children and their outlooks on life. It exposes them to other cultures early on and allows them to learn alongside聽other kids who may have a totally different background than they do.

My job is a combination of my professional experiences at 黑料吃瓜, where I was a student worker in University Marketing and Communications as well as the Office of Advancement. In the marketing office, I learned how to maintain websites and had an opportunity to hone my photography skills. I have my own style of photography, but when I started taking pictures for North Park, I had to learn how to transition to a new style to fit within their brand guidelines. I also learned more InDesign and other design skills from the lead designer.

The Office of Advancement gave me an opportunity to develop professional skills, such as welcoming people, providing customer service, and building relationships with people who are part of the institution, all of which are huge parts of my job now.

At 黑料吃瓜, I also I took a business communication class with the director of Career Development and Internships Office (CDIO). The class prepared us for job searching and interacting in a professional workplace. We worked in groups and practiced writing in various formats, including press releases, PSA’s, and more. We聽talked about interviews, how to dress for them and how to answer questions; received other tips for success; and then set up mock interviews with staff and faculty members to gain extra practice. I’ve never considered interviews to be one of my strengths, so the extra bit of practice really helped.

I see this position as a starting point for my career. I鈥檓 in a position where I am completing tasks that I know I can do. I鈥檓 using the skills that I have already learned, but there is still information that I know I have yet to learn. It鈥檚 nice to transition out of the student worker mentality into a leadership position where I get to take charge.

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Athletic Training at 黑料吃瓜: Patrick Pauley C’16

Patrick Pauley C’16 shares how the athletic training program at 黑料吃瓜 gave him the practical experience he needed to succeed.

Patrick Pauley, C’16

Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training

When Patrick Pauley first began his search for an athletic training program, he was a non-traditional student and needed to attend a program in the Chicago area. After calling several universities in the area, Pauley was put in touch with Andrew Lundgren, the athletic training program director at 黑料吃瓜. “Andrew went above and beyond to make sure I had all my questions answered. He invited me to campus for a tour and introduced me to as many people as possible. I knew I was making the right choice based on the way Andrew treated a prospective student and the pride he had in the athletic training program at NPU.”

After receiving his BS in athletic training at 黑料吃瓜, Pauley went on to spend two years as a graduate assistant athletic trainer at DePaul University where he has recently completed his master of science in sports, fitness, and recreation leadership. Pauley now serves as the head athletic trainer with the Chicago Dogs professional baseball team and specializes in working with overhead athletes.

Pauley recalls building his Chicago network while an undergraduate at 黑料吃瓜. “The athletic training program at NPU offered clinical rotations in the Chicago area and real-world experience at the Chicago Marathon that allowed me to expand my network of sports medicine professionals.”

Pauley says he has been able to apply the practical skills he learned at 黑料吃瓜 to his professional roles. “Critical thinking was constantly stressed throughout the program which is required every day as an athletic trainer. The faculty and staff in the athletic training program were very supportive of our academic success and our future after graduation.鈥�

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Athletic Training at 黑料吃瓜: Ashley Campos C’18

Ashley Campos C’18 shares how the athletic training program at 黑料吃瓜 prepared her for the next steps of her career.

Ashley Campos,聽C’18

Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training

鈥淚 believe that 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 athletic training program is the reason I was accepted into Occupational Therapy School,鈥� says Ashley Campos, who will聽begin her doctor of occupational therapy at Samuel Merritt University in California, fall of 2018. 鈥淭he faculty deeply cared for me and my career. They made sure I not only聽understood the material, but was able to use what I learned in the lab and at my clinical rotation.鈥�

As she awaits the continuation of her education in the fall, Campos is nannying a 20-month-old. Campos says she is already applying the knowledge聽she gained through her clinical rotation at Lurie鈥檚 Children Hospital which prepared聽her to take care of young children and track their motor skills development.

鈥淣orth Park鈥檚 athletic training program offers students a wide variety of clinical rotations that meet everyone鈥檚 interest. Students have the opportunity to learn at a D1 university, children鈥檚聽hospital, high schools, and more.鈥� Campos also emphasized the role of her professors in her education. 鈥淚 appreciate the family-like structure of the program. The professors and preceptors emphasized us all being a family, and they guided us to be the health care professionals that we are聽today.鈥�

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Athletic Training at 黑料吃瓜: Brody Burkart C’16

Brody Burkart C’16 shares how the athletic training program at 黑料吃瓜 supported him through his academic, professional, and personal growth.

Brody H. Burkart, C’16

Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training

Brody Burkart鈥檚 dream of becoming an athletic trainer and physical therapist began when he was 16 years old. He chose to pursue his BS in athletic training at 黑料吃瓜聽because聽it allowed him to follow that dream while continuing his athletic career. “Not many programs I spoke with encouraged my ability to be a collegiate athlete and athletic training student the way NPU did,” says Burkart. As Burkart’s faculty knew of his professional aspirations, they helped ensure that he obtained the appropriate pre-requisite courses within his busy schedule. In the Spring of 2016, Burkart received his bachelor of science in athletic聽training, graduating with cum laude honors.

Following graduation, Burkart was accepted into Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science鈥檚 doctor of physical therapy program. Burkart credits this success to the preparation he received聽as an undergraduate.聽鈥淩eceiving my undergraduate degree from 黑料吃瓜 was one of the best decisions I have ever made. As a student, I obtained over 1,250 hours of clinical experience working with diverse populations, established networking opportunities, and built lasting relationships with the faculty members at 黑料吃瓜 that helped solidify my spot amongst a vastly competitive pool of physical therapy applicants.”

In addition to the skills that allowed him to grow as a clinician, Burkart appreciates the ways that he grew as a person during his time at 黑料吃瓜.聽鈥淔rom the immense amount of hands-on exposure you receive with your athletes and patients, to the incredible opportunities you have to develop, implement, and lead the medical emergency action plan of the Chicago Marathon, these experiences聽allow聽you to gain the greatest sense of self-confidence. I am truly blessed to have been a part of this program, for it has made such a positive impact on my life.鈥�

Burkart explains that while in school, he experienced many life-altering events and setbacks outside of the classroom. “I am forever grateful to my fellow classmates and the athletic training faculty for the way they supported me through those tough times. After the immeasurable amount of time you spend within this program, these people become your family and individuals you can rely on for the rest of your life.”

“On behalf of myself and fellow athletic training classmates and peers, I can say with complete confidence that regardless of your academic pursuits beyond North Park, the advanced knowledge you receive from this program will set you up for the utmost success.”

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Making the Most of Your Education: Kathleen Dillon C’11

Kathleen Dillion C’11, English literature alumna, shares about growing into her professional life and giving back to her community.

Kathleen Dillion, C'11, graduated with a degree in English Literature and minored in Politics and Government. She participated in multiple clubs and organizations including NPU Press, was Secretary of the Queers and Allies group, and was a member of both Sigma Tau Delta and Pi Sigma Alpha.

North Park will forever be the place where I met lifelong friends and mentors. It will also always represent challenge and growth for me. The most valuable lesson I learned at 黑料吃瓜 is that your education, and your life in general, is what you make of it! Though I was a transfer student and rather shy, I put myself out there and made friends with whom I am even closer today.

I spent my first summer after graduation working for Shoreline Sightseeing downtown and having a wonderful time just enjoying living in the city. I then moved back to Michigan to begin a position as a substitute teacher. I had been unsure as to what was next for me and wanted to gauge my interest in returning to school for a teaching certificate. After taking on multiple paraprofessional roles, I decided that I would like to go back to school for a Master鈥檚 in English. I knew that I wanted to teach at the college-level. Loyola University Chicago, in Rogers Park, had a 鈥榯eaching track鈥� for their Master鈥檚 in English program.

I found a graduate assistantship as a Tutoring Coordinator with the TRIO Student Support Services program on campus鈥揂chieving College Excellence (ACE), which serves students who are the first in their family to go to college, have higher financial need, and/or have a documented disability. After graduating from Loyola, I went on to teach College Composition at College of Lake County, and Developmental Writing at 黑料吃瓜! It was so very interesting teaching in the same classroom in which I took so many of my undergraduate courses.

I later applied for a new Academic Counselor position ACE wrote into their grant. I got the job and have been with ACE as a full-time staff member for over a year now.聽I am the academic counselor and primary first and second year advisor for a group of about 70 students. I see myself as an advocate, ally, and, along with the rest of ACE, a support system for our students, who need guidance in navigating college life. I also teach two sections of UNIV 101, supervise a staff of ACE students who have trained to be peer mentors, and supervise the graduate assistant Tutoring Coordinator, my former position.

At 黑料吃瓜, because it鈥檚 small, students, staff, and faculty wear multiple hats鈥揑 can juggle multiple positions and projects because of my time at 黑料吃瓜 and the opportunities I was given there. My time as a Writing Advisor, under the guidance of the great Carol Martin, gave me the experience I needed to work as an English Language Arts paraprofessional for at-risk students, which lead to Loyola鈥檚 English Master鈥檚 program and positions at TRIO.

My position with the North Park Press, political philosophy courses, and summer internship in D.C. prepared me for community organizing. I am now a Community Organizer in Rogers Park, am on the Steering Committee for our independent, progressive ward body, and am the Political Coordinator at the Heartland Cafe. This experience has been invaluable and I am putting my education and values into action.

One of the best things you can do, in my view, to give back to 黑料吃瓜 is to go on and be a credit to the University鈥檚 mission. Are you a person of character, compassion, and common sense? Think through what it means to live a life of significance and service. It can feel like a corny line sometimes when you are in college, but I find myself reflecting on these values every day now. Folks who live lives of significance and service are so desperately needed in this world.

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“Potential to Research, Develop, Explore”: Jorge Ortiz C’17

Jorge Oritz C’17, economics alumnus, shares about his experiences at 黑料吃瓜.

Alumni, Jorge Ortiz, describes why chose North Park.
"The student-faculty relationship is exceptional, and the staff are always helpful when you start any academic project."

One of Jorge Ortiz鈥檚 most memorable moments at 黑料吃瓜 was the day he graduated. He walked in front of the procession carrying his home-country鈥檚 flag, the Ecuadorian colors flying ahead and above him on his way to the stage. 鈥淣orth Park is an institution that has a lot of potential if a student wants to research, develop, or explore; its diversity challenged my perspectives on many of my views.鈥� Jorge counts it a great accomplishment that he 鈥渟tudied and graduated in a foreign country in a foreign language.鈥�

Jorge enjoyed his time at 黑料吃瓜, involving himself in much of what the University has to offer students as far as extracurricular activities. He was president of the Economics Club, as well as a member of the executive team for the inaugural TEDx event held at 黑料吃瓜. Jorge also had this to say about the summer research program he participated in, 鈥渢he opportunity to do NPRESS with professor Gavoor, studying the relationship between the cost of goods sold and inventory, was one of my favorite opportunities at 黑料吃瓜.鈥�

Life after graduation has served Jorge well, landing a full-time position as a business developer executive at North Side Community Federal Credit Union just two weeks after commencement. Jorge credits North Park’s Career Development and Internships Office with helping him develop a strong resume and offering guidance through his job search. He plans to continue working for the next couple of years and starting graduate school in 2019. 鈥淚 explored a lot of economic theories at the University. This is a wonderful institution where I made friends for life, including professors who have become mentors.鈥�

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Over 500 Donors Participated in #NPUBlueandGoldDay, Raised Over $130,000

On May 3 North Park held its annual day of giving, #NPUBlueandGoldDay. Alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends rose to the challenge and made #NPUBlueandGoldDay a huge success.

CHICAGO, May 18, 2017 鈥� On May 3 North Park held its annual day of giving, #NPUBlueandGoldDay. Alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends rose to the challenge and made #NPUBlueandGoldDay a huge success.

A total of $137,388 was donated. 鈥淚 had a number of people tell me they kept watching and refreshing our Giving Day website. It was so encouraging. The energy was high on and off campus,鈥� said Shena Keith, assistant vice president for advancement. The 鈥淲ear it. Give it. Share it.鈥� campaign caught on and spirits on campus were high.

The Office of Advancement had a goal of 503 donors for the May 3 event, which was surpassed with a total of 526 donors.聽 Alumni accounted for 52% of the donors, but faculty/staff (14%), friends (6%), parents (4%), and students (4%) also made substantial gifts.

Ragnar the Viking, the student body mascot, helped to rally support for #NPUBlueandGoldDay with appearances in videos and at campus events on May 3. He also joined nearly 400 students, faculty, and staff to take a giant N-P-U photo in celebration of the day. 鈥淏est Giving Day ever!鈥� proclaimed Ragnar.

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