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’s global reach and outlook.
After 125 years, we’ve learned how to streamline the process of helping qualified applicants seek admission to North Park and find affordable ways to attend. If you don’t see what you’re 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’s mission and alumni needs.
On March 17 and 18, ϳԹ hosted “Here and Now: Vocation, Work and Career in a Time of Constant Change,” a NetVue symposium led by Dr. Gordon Smith, President of Ambrose University.
On March 17 and 18, ϳԹ hosted “Here and Now: Vocation, Work and Career in a Time of Constant Change,” a NetVue symposium led by Dr. Gordon Smith, President of Ambrose University. The Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education, NetVUE is a nationwide network of colleges and universities formed to enrich the intellectual and theological exploration of vocation among undergraduate students.
When it comes to vocation and providing students with life skills, North Park maintains an ongoing commitment to bring experts to campus for additional practical learning opportunities. “To foster the capacity that our institutions have to equip, empower, encourage, give all the emotional and spiritual and intellectual resources to each student to be able to discern vocation well, there’s hardly a better gift you can give another,” said Dr. Smith.
Through resources such as NetVue, North Park fosters an environment where students can explore their vocational interests and career tracks. Faculty seek out and support outlets like NetVue to stay abreast of current trends in the job market, preparing students to graduate and enter the workforce with a stronger understanding of specific professions. Shaping content within courses to be relevant to today’s world, North Park professors teach vocation so graduates can make connections between what they’re learning in the classroom and their career paths.
During the symposium, Dr. Smith encouraged students to find their own voices along their career paths. “Universities like North Park can celebrate the diverse ways in which God is calling women and men into every sphere and sector of society to participate with what God is doing as Creator and Redeemer in the healing of creation, in the healing of the nations, in the healing and empowerment of families and communities,” said Dr. Smith.
This symposium is made possible by a generous grant awarded to ϳԹ by the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE), the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), and the Lilly Endowment.
The School of Music, Art, and Theatre presents several upcoming opportunities to break from your routine, including the Chamber Opera, spring play, and Gospel Choir concert.
As spring arrives, you may be eager to escape your dorm, classroom, or office. The School of Music, Art, and Theatre presents several upcoming opportunities to break from your routine, including the Chamber Opera. April 12 and 13 at 7:30 pm, in the beautifully renovated Hanson Hall 202, North Park’s opera program presents a double bill—one seldom-performed modern opera and one old favorite presented in a new way. The two features are Humperdinck’s Hansel und Gretel, the familiar story of a brother and sister lost in the woods who encounter and eventually outwit a witch, and Argento’s The Masque of Angels, a humorous story of an unruly troupe of angels who attempt to influence a young couple to marry.
Nyela Basney, artistic director of opera, says that one of the program’s goals is “to give our students as many opportunities as possible to present a range of stories from the point of view of diverse characters.” With every student in the opera program performing at least one role in the upcoming operas and most playing two characters, the goal will certainly be met this spring. Tyler Thress, a student member of the opera, is confident that the productions will be “touching, challenging, and inspiring,” crediting the collaborative spirit of the program’s directors. “I think that’s one of the great strengths of the opera program here,” Tyler adds. “We work with professional directors and conductors from a wide variety of artistic traditions, which prepares us for a highly competitive field in the real world.”
Other upcoming events from the School of Music, Art, and Theatre include the spring play, Tender Rough Rough Tender by Sarah Saltwick, described as a “. . . play built for theatrical gestures and two performers with nerves,” showing April 4, 5, 6, 11, and 12 at 7:30 pm, and April 13 at 2:30 pm in Lecture Hall Auditorium. The Gospel Choir concert, April 6 at 7:30 pm in Anderson Chapel is always a very meaningful event for both the choir, and for the audience. And previously featured in Stories, but still well worth mentioning, are the Senior Thesis Art Exhibitions in the Carlson Tower Gallery, which feature the artworks of 11 senior art students and will run through May 11. Craig Johnson, dean of the School of Music, Art, and Theatre, emphasizes the importance of these upcoming productions saying, “I believe that all of these events allow our students to express their creativity, and to advance their development as performing and visual artists.
The Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life recognizes the talent and dedication of student leaders in diversity on Facebook Live, March 26.
North Park’s Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life (ODIL) celebrates the talent and dedication students have demonstrated throughout the year as leaders in diversity. During the Annual Multicultural Awards Celebration on March 26 via a virtual Facebook live event, select students will be recognized for academics, athletics, campus involvement, community service, and involvement surrounding diversity, advocacy, and justice.
The celebration features awards in:
Multicultural Student Leader Recognition
ODIL Director’s and Assistant Director’s Awards
Honors Convocation Diversity Award
Reflecting the University’s core values—Christian, intercultural, and city-centered— North Park is committed to highlighting the significance of diversity through the work of the ODIL, numerous cultural clubs, and events such as the Annual Multicultural Awards Celebration. Marcus Payne II, the Assistant Director of North Park’s ODIL, highlights the importance of recognizing intercultural leaders.
“The Office of Diversity would not be without the diversity club leaders and dedicated faculty and staff who live out the true mission of the University. I am extremely grateful to learn from and walk alongside these talented leaders,” said Payne.
Multicultural Student Leader Recognition Award
The Multicultural Student Leader Recognition award honors graduating seniors that currently hold or have held leadership positions in a cultural club, student workers in the Office of Diversity with at least 1.5 years of service, or Diversity Representatives in the Student Government Association.
This year’s recipients include:
Mallory N. Coakley, Spring 2021, Bachelor of Music Education (Voice)
Ngbarezere “Fritz” Frezar, Spring 2021, BA in Communication Studies
Michelle Gonzalez, Spring 2021, BA in Early Childhood Education (incl. IL certif.)
Kathryn S. Gustafson, Spring 2021, BA in Sociology
Yuzhen “Selena” Han, Spring 2021, BS in Business (Accounting and Finance)
Haobitai “Melody” Haobitai, Fall 2020, BA in Education
Ayrianna S. Longs, Spring 2021, BA in Sociology
Emilia I. Ohia, Fall 2020
Kosisochukwu “Kosi” C. Okeke, Fall 2020, BA in Psychology
Emily M. Ostercamp, Spring 2021, BA in Communication Studies
Iga Szelag, Spring 2021, BS in Business (Accounting)
Helen H. Uriostegui, Spring 2021, B.S in Business (Accounting)
Jordan N. Williams, Fall 2020, BS in Business (Marketing)
“I went from being a member of LASO to becoming its president for twoyears, and I have grown a lot from it. I want to accept the award on behalf of those who are underrepresented to let them know that we can push forward and follow our dreams as minorities,” said Michelle Gonzalez, president of the Latin American Student Organization (LASO). LASO celebrates Latinx culture through conversation, movies, dance events, and food events that are open to all students.
By continuing the Swedish tradition of Fika—a daily break from work to enjoy coffee, treats, and conversations—Kathryn Gustafson, president of the Scandinavian Student Association, hopes to foster a rich community where people can connect with each other. “I feel lucky to be honored at the 2021 Multicultural Awards Celebration. North Park is a very diverse school, and I am proud to continue sharing part of my heritage,” said Gustafson.
Champion of Diversity Award
Formally known as the ϳԹ Martin Luther King, Jr. Award, the Champion of Diversity Award recognizes a faculty member, staff member, or administrator that has conducted exceptional work in the areas of interculturalism, restorative justice, or racial recognition. Dr. Liza Ann Acosta, University Dean and English professor, has been selected as this year’s recipient.
ODIL Director’s and Assistant Director’s Award
The ODIL Director’s and Assistant Director’s Award honors a person or group for outstanding contributions to the campus community through their involvement in promoting an inclusive and intercultural campus culture at ϳԹ.
This year, Iga Szelag has been selected as the recipient of the ODIL Director’s Award for her leadership and su
stained commitment as the Rising DREAMers United (RDU) President, COMPASS Mentor, Lighthouse Scholar, DreamUS Cohort Student Mentor, 2020–2021 Student Government Association (SGA) Diversity Representative, and member of SGA’s Advocacy and Finance committees at ϳԹ. In addition to developing a positive intercultural environment on campus and demonstrating high academic achievement, Szelag embodies the ODIL’s 2020–2021 theme of ‘Impact Over Intent.’
Honors Convocation Diversity Award
Honoring a graduating senior, the Honors Convocation Diversity Award recognizes a person that demonstrates leadership and sustained commitment to advancing North Park’s intercultural core identity on campus as well as throughout the Chicago community.
As the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) Vice President, Lighthouse Scholar, member of the Hispanic Serving Institution Student Auxiliary Board, and a principal charter member of the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA) at ϳԹ, Helen Uriostegui’s leadership has significantly impacted North Park. Based on her contributions to intercultural life, high academic achievement, and embodiment of ‘Impact Over Intent,’ Uriostegui will receive the 2021 Honors Convocation Diversity Award at the celebration.
The event will stream live March 26, 10:30 am CDT at
ϳԹand theUniversity of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) have co-developed a partnership agreement for selected UIC graduates to gain admission into North Park’sMaster of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program. Through this agreement, graduating seniors and alumni from UIC’s Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition have the opportunity to joinNorth Park’sestablished MSAT program taught by leaders in the field of athletic training.
ϳԹand theUniversity of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) have co-developed a partnership agreement for selected UIC graduates to gain admission into North Park’sMaster of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program. Through this agreement, graduating seniors and alumni from UIC’s Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition have the opportunity to joinNorth Park’sestablished MSAT program taught by leaders in the field of athletic training.
The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)requires students, interested in becoming athletic trainers, to graduate from a CAATE-accredited master’s program to take the Board of Certification (BOC) exam; earning a MSAT will prepare students to pass their BOC exam.Interest in the partnership program is expected to be high, as Gen Z college students are passionate about pursuing healthcare-related careers working directly with athletes.
“North Park’sand UIC’s partnership represent the coming together of two higher ed institutions providing students access to a quality education and advance their careers,” said Dr.Kelly Potteiger,North Park’sProfessor of Athletic Training.
ճequips graduates with tools and experiences to contribute to the evolution of athletic training and societal health. Students learn through clinical experiences and hands-on training – all taught by a seasoned faculty in the world-class city ofChicago.
“A MSAT degree gives students the opportunity to develop confidence in a challenging, accredited, competency-based program while simultaneously building preparedness for a direct and clear career path,” said Dr.Karrie L. Hamstra-Wright, UIC’s Visiting Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Criteria to the Partnership Program includes
Initial selection materials submitted to UIC faculty and staff selection committee
Final admissions decision and ATCAS voucher generated fromNorth Parkfaculty first week of April
Prerequisites forNorth Park’sMSAT program completed at UIC
Transfer credits approved by UIC to meet course requirements permitted
Benefits of the North Park UIC Admissions Partnership
Seamless transition: all UIC Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition courses meet MSAT admission requirements
Simple application: admission fees are waived for selected UIC graduates
Strong foundation: UIC Kinesiology science-based curriculum prepares students for MSAT program
Pre-health advising: customized to assist students in their academic journey
ϳԹ has been named a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, a designation that recognizes North Park’s commitment to equitable outcomes for Hispanic students.
ϳԹ has been named a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, a designation that recognizes North Park’s commitment to equitable outcomes for Hispanic students.
“The Hispanic-Serving Institutiondistinctionis an enviable one, sought by many institutions, and we are proud of this designation,” said North Park President Mary K. Surridge. “Most important, though, is our striving for equitable outcomes as we live into our intercultural distinctive. And that is the effort these federal grant dollars will fund on this campus.”
With the designation, North Park is now eligible to apply to federal funding opportunities that are only available to Hispanic Serving Institutions, according to Renee Cox, North Park’s Government, Corporate, and Foundation Relations Manager. Over the next year, North Park hopes to explore funding opportunities that are now available at the U.S. Department of Education, National Science Foundation, and National Endowment for the Humanities.
Sharee L. Myricks, M.Ed, ϳԹ Director of Diversity and Intercultural Life, says the designation underscores North Park’s commitment to diversity.
“ϳԹ has a long history of supporting a diverse and intentionally intercultural student population. North Park’s recent designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution enables us to expand future opportunities that supports student recruitment, retention, and completion further,” Myricks said.
To become a designatedHSI, an institution’s undergraduate enrollment must be at least 25% Hispanic (defined as an individual of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American or other Spanish culture or origin).
Hispanic Serving Institutions were created in 1995 to expand the educational opportunities of the country’s rapidly growing Hispanic population and to improve Hispanic students’ measures of academic attainment.
Emmy Jonasson, a fourth-year biology major from Sweden, originally came to North Park to study theatre. But all that changed when she started taking science classes here, and before she knew it, she was taking part in a research fellowship in Taiwan this past summer.
Emmy Jonasson, a fourth-year Biology major from Sweden, originally came to North Park with a background in studying acting. At first, she had little interest in science or biology. But all that changed when she started taking science classes here, and before she knew it, she was taking part in a research fellowship in Taiwan this past summer.
Encouraged to apply to the program by Associate Professor of Biology Timothy Lin, Jonasson sent an application and letters of recommendation and ended up being one of the six people selected for the program.
She traveled to Tunghai University, where she spent hours in the Cell Lab performing colorectal cancer research by growing, taking care of, and studying cells in small petri dishes.
“I got to learn a lot about the culture, a lot about the science, and it was a lot of fun. I really enjoy cancer research now because of it,” Jonasson said.
At the end of the project, Jonasson and the other students involved in the fellowship presented their research. Based on the work that was done and how it was presented, she won an award for having the best research presentation.
As an international student, Jonasson was drawn to North Park’s connections with Sweden. She’s grateful for being exposed to science here.
“I definitely feel like North Park has helped me have an appreciation for science,” said Jonasson, who is also president of the Tri Beta Biology Honors Society and a member of the American Medical Student Association at ϳԹ.
Jonasson plans on entering an MD/PhD program and conducting research related to either cancer or cell biology after graduating in May.
“I feel that I’ve been really lucky in all the opportunities that I’ve had here, and I think a part of that is because I have read emails and posters and make sure that I apply to every little thing,” Jonasson said.
President Mary K. Surridge served as the keynote speaker at the University Club of Chicago to address preparing graduates with skills matching employer needs. As part of a new initiative, North Park is partnering with the Alliance of Businesses and Colleges in Illinois.
November 13, 2019–CHICAGO — ϳԹ President Mary K. Surridge opened the conversation about how to prepare students for in-demand careers at a roundtable sponsored by the (ACI) last Friday at the University Club of Chicago.
North Park is leading the way in a new initiative, the Alliance of Businesses and Colleges in Illinois. The initiative is inspired by Capital CoLAB in the Greater Washington, D.C area, which pairs colleges with the tech industry to equip graduates with skills matching employer needs.
“We are gaining a closer understanding of what employers want and how we as institutions can better prepare our students,” said Gregor Thuswaldner, North Park’s Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.
The roundtable included local business representatives, who agreed students should develop a career plan prior to graduation, and to think of how they can apply their major to an actual job.
Recruiter Kate Rinnan with offered, “invite industry to co-develop a curriculum.”
“Our mission is very sound: we leverage every aspect of the city and prepare our students to be innovators as they study, live and work in an intercultural environment,” said Surridge, referring to North Park’s city-centered mission.
Integrating in-the-classroom with off-campus experiential learning opportunities shows students first-hand how to apply their skills to meet real business needs.
“As a Christian, city-centered, intercultural university, our faculty and staff are committed to graduating students to be ethically sound, while balancing both independent and collaborative decisions,” Surridge said.
Equipping students with resources like resume writing, internships, and interview preparedness is important.
“Graduates emerge strong and inspired with skills to make an immediate contribution,” Surridge said.
Darrell Radson, Dean of the Goodwin College of Business at Benedictine University, encouraged students to create a career roadmap.
“More talk about careers and less on majors can match skill development with career development,” Radson said.
To address these needs, North Park has instituted a hands-on experiential learning curriculum.
“With the pressure of justifying the value of a degree, we make it a priority to offer students in-the-field learning experiences to take back to their current and future employers,” Surridge said.
Full-time undergraduate student raising two young children and studying biomedical science. A native of Iraq and a first-generation college student, Hawra Alshamary is in her third year at ϳԹ.
As a non-traditional full-time undergraduate student at ϳԹ, Hawra Alshamary has overcome many challenges when it comes to juggling both family life and studies. A native of Iraq and a first-generation college student, Alshamary is in her third year of studying biomedical science while raising two children. A love for biology and a desire to work in the medical field inspires Alshamary to pursue her goals. Alshamary maintains a full class schedule, while also caring for her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter and four-year-old son.
While her mother and sister have helped her significantly, she also praises the North Park faculty.
“The professors are very accommodating, says Alshamary. It’s a very supportive environment. They definitely take my circumstances into consideration.”
Before attending North Park, Alshamary took classes at a community college. She describes feeling flustered while researching and applying to universities until she discovered North Park’s strong STEM department. Soon after, she applied and was accepted.
“I just really believe in taking the good that comes your way,” she says. “I felt like I was guided this way, so I just took it.”
After North Park, Alshamary plans to earn at least a master’s degree. She is debating between the respiratory care program at Rush University, or taking a more research-oriented route in order to spend more time with her children. Whatever direction she chooses, Alshamary wants to make a difference.
As a first-generation college student, Alshamary is determined to be the first in her family to earn a college degree. She was born in Iraq but grew up in Chicago, accentuating how grateful she is to be at ϳԹ with the opportunity to receive a quality education.
Reflecting on the importance of education to her, Alshamary says, “It’s such a blessing that you really don’t understand growing up. It helps me know who I am, interact with others and just have a better outlook on life in general.”
North Park senior Noor Alyasiry received two prestigious scholarships to study abroad this past summer: the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship and the Fund for Education Abroad.
North Park senior Noor Alyasiry received two prestigious scholarships to study abroad this past summer: the and the . As Noor prepared her applications for study abroad, she wasn’t sure how she would source the travel funds. Study Abroad Advisor Tessa Zanoni stepped in to help Noor identify and secure the scholarships she needed.
Tessa knew that as a commuter student, Muslim American woman, and pre-med biology major, Noor would be a strong applicant for the prestigious Gilman International Scholarship — a US Department of State grant with a focus on supporting students who have been historically underrepresented in education abroad. Similarly, the Fund for Education Abroad, while selecting from a competitive application pool, was a strong match for Noor’s qualifications and needs.
Tessa was also able to assist Noor in choosing the best study abroad program for her. Noor was set to graduate in December 2019, so her study abroad courses needed to match her final credit requirements. “Tessa gave me hope and reassurance about the applications and essays.” said Noor. “She always had time to see me and was with me throughout the entire process, checking classes to ensure they met my requirements.”
Noor chose to study at the American College of Greece, one of few schools that she found to offer upper level biology courses during the summer term. Noor would attend the college along with a group of students from across the globe, experiencing Greece and its culture together. “It was a big culture shock when I first arrived there. Not everyone spoke English, so it was a bit of a roadblock. We were able to communicate with locals through hand gestures, so it worked out in the end.”
Along with the culture shock came Noor’s first truly independent experience. Traveling on her weekends breaks, Noor visited Rome, Paris, Vienna, Cairo, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Barcelona, and more. “My favorite place was Amsterdam. Although we walked 12 miles that day, it was amazing.” It was travelling from city to city, country to country that helped Noor become more independent quickly. “I benefited a lot from the trips because we had to control it ourselves. Being on my own made me more independent.”
Noor attributes much of her decision to study abroad to the support she received from NPU’s Office of International affairs. “Tessa was a big part of it all. If it wasn’t for her support, the scholarships would have seemed out of reach.” The support didn’t stop after Noor began her journey to Greece, as Tessa continued to check in with her throughout the summer.
Noor is now busy in her last semester and getting ready to take the next steps towards becoming a physician: studying for the MCAT and applying to medical school. Looking back at her time at ϳԹ, Noor is grateful for the experiences that have prepared her for what’s next. “I came to NPU last minute, and when I got here it felt like the best decision of my life.”
You can read more about Noor’s summer travels on her .
As part of a joint commitment to prepare more undergraduate students in careers as highly qualified scientists, engineers, and technicians, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded ϳԹ with a $650,000 grant.
As part of a joint commitment to prepare more undergraduate students in careers as highly qualified scientists, engineers, and technicians, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded ϳԹ with a $650,000 grant. As part of the grant, North Park will select 20 first-year students, each of whom will receive a $5,000 annual scholarship for four years. The grant will fund:
$20k over the four-year period
Two cohorts of 10 students; 20 students total
Undergraduate degree-seeking students majoring in physics/engineering or biology
STEM-focused, urban industry immersion program
Guided by faculty, the STEM Scholars Cohort learn on-and off-campus in a hands-on curriculum, with a focus on biology, physics or engineering.
“The Scholars engage in authentic, immersive, and experiential learning with industry, government, and our partners such as ComEd, Argonne National Lab, and MC Machinery Systems,” said North Park’s STEM Scholars Cohort Advisor Dr. Eric Brown.
“The industry partners, combined with working alongside faculty, prepare students for direct entry into the workforce or graduate school,” said Dr. Brown.
The program includes undergraduate research, internships, class projects, and one-on-one academic and career advising. The cohort is guided by faculty to foster strong connections within the industry and to help students develop job skills and knowledge about science and engineering-oriented careers.
As part of NSF’s initiative, the North Park STEM Scholars Cohort advisory committee is seeking a diverse cohort.
“All eligible students entering North Park as freshman during the Fall 2020 semester interested in pursuing a research career in physics, engineering, or the biological sciences are encouraged to apply,” said Dr. Brown.
North Park and its state-of-the-art science facilities, established experiential learning curriculum, and dedicated faculty will be available to the inaugural cohort.
“This historic award will be absolutely transformational in the lives of our STEM students,” saidPresident Mary K. Surridge. “The grant represents a tremendous amount of excellent work by our distinguished faculty.”
Space is limited to 20 incoming first-year scholarship recipients. Applications now being accepted for the 2020-2021 inaugural cohort.