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ÈâÂþÎÝ Introduces New Graduate-Level Nursing Curriculum
The University's new master-level nursing curriculum includes concentrations in leadership and management, plus family nurse practitioner and adult-gerontology nurse practitioner specialties.
Curriculum includes adult-gerontology nursing practice track, leadership training
CHICAGO (June 6, 2012) – To better equip nurses to work with an aging population and changes in the health care arena in the United States, the at ÈâÂþÎÝ, Chicago, will initiate a new this fall. The changes are in response to new master's-level competencies approved by the , which sets accreditation standards for schools of nursing. The changes will affect most students already in the master's program, as well as incoming students.
The new curriculum, which includes revised core and clinical courses, includes concentrations in leadership and management, plus family nurse practitioner and adult-gerontology nurse practitioner specialties. Other revisions include an increased emphasis on interdisciplinary and interprofessional communication and care, said , professor of nursing and graduate program director. For example, Zeller said every student will take a course in professional communication and collaboration, focusing on group work, how to lead within a team, and how to bring up difficult and challenging topics for discussion.
Zeller explained that the focus on the adult gerontology nurse practitioner prepares graduate nurses to care for the growing number of elderly people and their diverse health care needs. "The spectrum of care has intentionally been broadened," she said. "Although nurse practitioners have been caring for older adults, now there is a need for greater emphasis because of the aging population."
Behind the nursing education changes is the 2010 report, "The Future of Nursing," issued by the , said , professor and dean, ÈâÂþÎÝ School of Nursing. It states that nurses should practice to the fullest extent of their education and training, achieve higher levels of education and training through an improved education system, and be full partners with physicians and other health care professionals in redesigning the U.S. health care system. It also states that nursing education programs should prepare nurses for leadership positions in health care.
Nurse practitioners are key players in front-line, primary care in hospitals, clinics, schools, community centers, and workplaces. "What is clear is that we need, as a society, to be better poised to be able to provide primary health care to the people out there that need it, whether it's the vast increase of people who will be on the Medicare rolls or the increase in the number of underinsured," she said. Duncan added that the University's nurse practitioner curriculum is already focused on primary care.
Chicago-area health professionals say the University's new master's concentration to train nurses to work with older populations is significant. Christine Bertrand, intergenerational coordinator, , said North Park nursing students work with the organization's elders while elders are on vacation, visit them in their homes, or volunteer throughout the year. Students see first-hand the health-related concerns of elders, and learn how to communicate with them effectively, she said.
"North Park has realized there is a big need for gerontology classes," Bertrand said of the new curriculum. "Anyone who has the opportunity to be trained for this population will be ahead of other nursing students or professionals down the road." There are not many trained adult gerontologist nurse practitioners now, she added.
is a faith-based, federally qualified health center on Chicago’s west side which serves older adults, and patients with lower incomes and no health insurance. Lawndale has hosted North Park students in community health rotations, and University faculty have helped train Lawndale staff on changes in geriatric nursing. The University's new master's curriculum, including the adult gerontology nurse practitioner track, is an important step, said Jewel Scott, a family nurse practitioner and director of nursing, Lawndale Christian Health Center.
"If you look at the changing trends in our country, it makes sense that North Park is training nurses to be able to care for the aging population," she said. "People are living longer with more complex medication regimens, and we want nurses to be prepared to care for this population." There is also a positive career outlook for trained geriatric nurses, with more and more primary care settings developing geriatric specialties, Scott added.
A strength of the ÈâÂþÎÝ nursing program is that it "invests" in students directly through face-to-face classroom and clinical experiences. "Our job is to equip our students to rise to a level of performance that is going to be asked of them," said Duncan. "These changes are going to be exciting. Our students will help mold and guide the primary health care for the neighborhoods in which they work. Many of our graduate students live and work here on the north side of Chicago. We're really meeting the needs of the community in which we're living."
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
ÈâÂþÎÝ Congratulates Mike Holmgren on Packers Hall of Fame Honor
Mike Holmgren was inducted July 21 into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame at a ceremony at Lambeau Field. (Photo courtesy of the Green Bay Packers)
Former head coach and family well-known to ÈâÂþÎÝ community
CHICAGO (July 25, 2012) — The inducted former head coach Mike Holmgren into the July 21. Holmgren, now the president of the , and his family, are known to the ÈâÂþÎÝ community as leaders and longtime supporters of the University.
Holmgren was the only inductee to the Packers Hall of Fame this year. He turned more than two decades of losing into one of the best winning percentages in National Football League (NFL) coaching history with seven consecutive winning seasons and six consecutive playoff seasons, according to Packers.com. Holmgren coached the 1996 team, which posted a 13-3 record in the regular season, and defeated the in the, 35-21.
Holmgren thanked many people, including Ron Wolf, the Packers' general manager who hired him as head coach. "He took a chance on a young coach who was five years removed from coaching in high school," Holmgren said. He began his career as Packers coach with consecutive losses, the second of which was by a 31-3 score in Tampa. The following week, Holmgren inserted at quarterback. Favre rallied the Packers to a 24-23 win with "two of the most beautiful passes I’ve ever seen, and we win the game," Holmgren said.
, the Packers’ most recent head coach to have won a Super Bowl title, was in attendance to applaud Holmgren’s induction. Holmgren left the Packers following the 1998 season to become head coach and general manager of the .
Holmgren and his wife, Kathy, are longtime members of the ÈâÂþÎÝ , and have been important partners in several University , including the Brandel Library, the Helwig Recreation Center, and the (the University has begun initial preparation of the building site). The University's athletic complex, named for the Holmgrens, is home to ÈâÂþÎÝ football, baseball, softball, and soccer teams. The University also presented him an honorary doctorate in 1997.
Kathy Holmgren earned an undergraduate nursing degree at the University, was recognized as a Distinguished Alumna in 2006, and served on the University's . The Holmgrens' four daughters, Calla, Emily, Gretchen, and Jenny, earned degrees at the University. Calla Holmgren, Salt Lake City, is in her second year as a University trustee.
"North Park remains profoundly grateful to Mike and Kathy Holmgren for their exemplary lives of significant service and support to the University, and all of its students and programs," said Mary Surridge, University vice president for development and alumni affairs. "We join so many others in offering deep congratulations to Mike on this significant honor of induction to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, on his leadership in the restoration of the Packers legacy, and his relentless pursuit of excellence in his profession."
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University Student Promotes Intercultural Learning through Her Own Nonprofit
Crystal Buffington started her own nonprofit organization, and supports an orphanage in Kenya.
Crystal Buffington organizes March 10 fundraiser for Kenyan orphanage
CHICAGO (March 5, 2012) — Crystal Buffington listened as her grandmother, Bettye Olds-Green, described her community when she was younger. It was a place where neighbors knew each other, and helped each other as if they were family, Olds-Green would say. As she listened to those stories, Buffington wondered, "How can we get back to that place?"
Inspired by her grandmother's stories, Buffington started a nonprofit organization in 2009, , thanks to some pro bono assistance from a Chicago law firm. Her vision of building an organization to help children living in challenging socio-economic conditions in the United States and abroad had become a reality. Buffington, from San Diego, Calif., is a ÈâÂþÎÝ senior majoring in with a minor in .
"Basically what I'm trying to do is create intercultural learning opportunities for school-age children, and also connect and partner with organizations domestically and internationally to help meet their needs financially," Buffington said in an interview. While it's important that children be able to function well in a globalized society by knowing people who live in different cultures, Buffington said it's also important to "empathize" with people who are culturally different.
One way Buffington is putting her vision into action is by doing hands-on work in Africa, providing encouragement and support to an orphanage in Wangige, Kenya, managed by the . Buffington got connected to the orphanage in 2009 through a friend. Our Village, Our World raised $900 through t-shirt sales, and contributed the funds toward the establishment of a library at the orphanage. That summer, Buffington visited the orphanage, which is home to about 40 at-risk adolescents from Kenya and Tanzania.
Buffington, top, worked with students at the Kenyan orphanage when she visited there in 2010.
Her work with the orphanage continues today. On March 10, at 7:00 p.m., Our Village, Our World and the ÈâÂþÎÝ will cosponsor a benefit concert for the orphanage in the University's . Among the performers are the , , , , and others.
, dean of the University's Office of Diversity and Intercultural Programs, has known Buffington for three years, including working with her when she was president of the . "She has a passion for and is committed to working with elementary school-age students to help them acquire the knowledge and essential skills needed to develop meaningful relationships with individuals who are culturally different than themselves," he said.
"Her professional attitude and ability to get along well with those with whom she worked are among the qualities I respect and admire about her," Lindsay added.
Funds raised from the benefit will be used to help improve the food served to the children at the orphanage, Buffington said. When she visited there in 2010, Buffington noticed that the children ate the same foods every day, such as porridge, and rice and beans. "I want to do something that's lasting," she said. "I figured the best way to do that was to provide them with a chicken coop and vegetable garden. That way they get the variety of nutrition they need." The garden and chicken coop may also serve as a source of income for the orphanage, she said.
"I've been to different places in Africa. But when I was in Kenya, I felt like I belonged. I have a heart for children. In some of these children, I saw my own story of similar things I've gone through in my life. I'm able to connect with them on another level," Buffington said.
This summer, Buffington plans to return to Kenya to visit the orphanage with members of her church, . Among her long-term hopes for Our Village, Our World is the possibility of providing grants and scholarships to community service-minded young people, here and abroad, to visit and work in other countries.
"This work is something that I'm very passionate about. I'm hoping when I graduate, it's something I'm able to become more involved in," she added.
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North Park Graduate Nominated by President Obama to National Library Board
Suzanne E. Thorin earned a bachelor's degree in music education from ÈâÂþÎÝ. (Syracuse University photo)
Suzanne Thorin C'63, earned music education degree from University
CHICAGO (March 16, 2012) – nominated , a 1963 graduate of North Park College (now ÈâÂþÎÝ) to the . Thorin, who holds a bachelor's degree in from ÈâÂþÎÝ, is currently dean of libraries and at Syracuse (N.Y.) University.
Thorin is one of three people nominated by the president to serve as an advisor to the on general policy and practices, and on selections for the , according to a Syracuse University . The board includes the IMLS director, deputy directors, and 20 members of the general public with expertise and commitment to libraries or museums, the release said. She was nominated for a term that ends in December 2015.
"These dedicated individuals bring a wealth of experience and talent to their new roles, and I am proud to have them serve in this Administration. I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come," President Obama said.
Thorin was born in and grew up in Detroit. She attended North Park College from 1959-1963. While here, she sang in the 16-voice choir at the , Chicago. After graduation from North Park, she attended the University of Michigan where she earned a master's degree in music history. Thorin returned to Chicago where she taught music for four years, first at Marshall High School and then at Senn High School.
Thorin returned to the University of Michigan for a second master's degree in library science, and moved into music librarianship and then, administration. She grew up as a member of the , and later became a member of United Methodist Church. ÈâÂþÎÝ is affiliated with the ECC. Her late brother David, and her sister Christina, Hoffman Estates, Ill., both graduated from North Park College. David also graduated from .
In her role at Syracuse, Thorin also serves as a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet and oversees the . Previously, she was the Ruth Lilly university dean of libraries and associate vice president for digital libraries at Indiana University. Thorin was formerly chief of staff to the and the official U.S. representative for the G-7 electronic libraries project, one of eleven G-7 pilot projects for the Global Information Society.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
ÈâÂþÎÝ Mourns Loss of Jimmie Alford, Nonprofit Leader, Teacher, and Alumnus
The Chicago Better Government Association presented Alford its Lifetime Achievement Award in October 2012.
Alford was University executive-in-residence, Axelson Center leader, contributor
CHICAGO (December 19, 2012) — Jimmie R. Alford, who for 50 years devoted his life to the betterment of nonprofit organizations throughout the United States, died suddenly December 18, following an apparent heart attack at his Chicago home. Alford, a North Park alumnus, was founder and chair of the , and he was executive-in-residence at the ÈâÂþÎÝ School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM), where he taught graduate courses and workshops.
A memorial service for Alford is planned for 2:00 pm, Saturday, December 22, at , Chicago. , president of ÈâÂþÎÝ, will speak. Visitation will precede the service at 1:00 pm.
Alford, 69, was well-known nationally. The Alford Group, which he founded in 1979 to serve the nonprofit sector, quickly grew into one of the premier consulting firms in the United States. It has served more than 3,000 nonprofit clients since its creation. He was twice recognized by as "one of the 50 most influential people in the nonprofit sector." This past October, the presented Alford its lifetime achievement award.
Alford's legacy is the many people he touched through his life and work, Parkyn said. "He loved people. Jimmie devoted his life to the nonprofit sector because here he found an avenue through which to care for others. Because he loved others, he lived a life consistent with the mission of his alma mater. Through his uncompromising care for the well-being of others, Jimmie modeled the mission of ÈâÂþÎÝ: his life was one of 'significance and service.'"
Dr. Wesley E. Lindahl, dean of the School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM), said Alford was an important leader in the school and a frequent speaker on nonprofit topics. Lindahl recalled Alford's recent presentation on nonprofit trends before a large audience University Club, Chicago, as part of the ÈâÂþÎÝ Breakfast Series. "His recent speech will stay with me as I remember Jimmie," Lindahl said. "He was able to speak with authority about the nonprofit sector, and the audience was taken with his knowledge and connections to the field. Jimmie was one of the most networked people I’ve ever known. He used his connections across the city of Chicago to continually strengthen the nonprofit organizations that serve those in need. We will miss him tremendously."
Alford was also an influential leader with the University's , which works to enhance the nonprofit sector through education, service, and resources. He was a founding member of the advisory board for the Axelson Center. Each year, the University presents an award that bears his name: the . These awards are presented to two nonprofit organizations at the Axelson Center's .
"Jimmie welcomed me when I began at the Axelson Center in 2007," said , director of the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management. "He opened so many doors for me in introducing me within numerous networks of nonprofit leaders in Chicago."
Rogers said in recent years Alford enjoyed spending time with his family and teaching. "He loved to teach, and share his knowledge and experiences with others. He often mentioned how he talked with or met with individuals who sought his counsel as they navigated through various stages of their careers. I often used him as a sounding board to discuss various ideas for Axelson Center programs." Just last week, Rogers said, she spoke with him about a presentation at the 2013 Axelson Symposium. Now, she and others are thinking about how best to honor Alford's numerous contributions to the University, the Axelson Center, and the nonprofit community.
Alford was born in Madisonville, Ky. He graduated from North Park in 1967, earning a bachelor's degree in psychology. In 2006, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws by the University, and served on the , completing his term in 2010. He also was a board member at Aurora University, Aurora, Ill., and had been awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by the school.
Alford served with the before he founded The Alford Group, and was an early advisor to the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, Bloomington. He was a longtime member of the (AFP), and in 2009, was the recipient of the prestigious Chair’s Award for Outstanding Service, given to individuals for exceptional service to AFP, the fundraising profession, and the philanthropic community.
Alford was active as a volunteer with , Chicago, and was senior advisor to the Better Government Association. Last month, Alford and his wife, Maree Bullock, were presented the 2012 "Spirit of Youth" award by the , a Chicago organization that recognized their work to keep runaway, homeless and at-risk youth safe.
Alford is survived by his wife and their three children, Ann (Sean) Reardon, and Joshua, Chicago; Alan, Breckenridge, Colo.; and two grandchildren. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, be sent to benefit the Jimmie R. Alford Scholarship at ÈâÂþÎÝ (designate "Jimmie R. Alford Scholarship Fund").
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ÈâÂþÎÝ School of Adult Learning Helps Busy Dads Finish Degrees
The University's School of Adult Learning offers evening and online classes to busy students, including dads, who want to complete degree programs.
Dads testify to program's flexibility, faculty understanding, family support
CHICAGO (June 13, 2012) – Ramiro Medrano appreciates that he's been able to include his daughter in his classroom studies, and says his family life has been enhanced. Anthony Isla said his professors were understanding, and enthusiastically talks up his degree program with colleagues. Clinton Frank said convenience and family support helped him finish a degree, and he sees greater career opportunity with his longtime employer.
Thanks to ÈâÂþÎÝ's (SAL), all three dads have made substantial progress toward or completed bachelor's degree programs, each after years of on-and-off college study elsewhere. They have managed to balance the responsibilities of being fathers, employees, and students with help from their families and a program that works and is facilitated by caring and understanding faculty.
"This is at the core of why we have an adult-degree completion program," said , associate professor and SAL dean. "Education is important, and so are other priorities. We have to recognize that and offer a program that allows people to balance all of those." It helps that many SAL faculty have been adult learners themselves, experiencing the same pressures of being parents, employees, and students, he added.
Medrano is studying in SAL and expects to finish his degree in 2013. He is senior facilitator at , and volunteers at his church. Medrano and his wife are parents of a daughter, 9, and a son, 3, and the family resides in Mount Prospect, Ill.
More than 25 years ago, Medrano came to ÈâÂþÎÝ as a Young Life volunteer, and began to follow his call to youth ministry. Knowing of the University's Christian, multicultural, and urban core values, and recalling his earlier experience, Medrano returned to North Park with a group of youth he was working with, and challenged them to go to school in the city on a diverse campus. "Afterwards, I thought, 'it's time for me to go back and finish what I first started in 2006,'" he said. "If I'm asking students to come here, then I had to be part of the diversity of which I referred. I looked into SAL and I thought it was a great way to connect the dots." The SAL's evening classes were ideal, Medrano said.
Medrano's family life was enriched, too. "The sharing of caregiver responsibilities for my children with my wife has been a great blessing for me," he said. He was able to include his daughter in a psychology course exercise. In another course, he involved his children in learning about plant and animal life, and this summer Medrano will share jazz and classical music selections with his daughter, part of a musical connections class.
Medrano has participated in other University offerings such as the program and the recent conference, things he's passionate about. And he may pursue a master's degree in social work. "I really have appreciated my time at North Park," he said, adding that he'd like for part-time adult students to have more on-campus opportunities.
Students can select from seven majors offered by the School of Adult Learning.
Isla learned about the ÈâÂþÎÝ SAL program when his wife, a bilingual teacher, got a notice in the mail for a continuing education program at the University. He knew about North Park, but never considered attending until prompted by the mailer to take a look. Isla had attended college in the 1990s, but stopped and went to work during the growth of the dot-com industry. The Islas are parents of three girls, ages 6, 3, and 1. He works in information technology in the . With support from his family and extended family, Isla entered the SAL three years ago, and recently earned a bachelor's degree in .
SAL professors were very much aware of Isla's family and work responsibilities. "They were accommodating. If you needed more time, they were understanding of the circumstances of an adult student," he said. Isla's North Park degree program was tough, but worthwhile. "There are easier routes to get your degree. I think North Park is more challenging than other adult programs. If you want to learn something, I definitely think North Park is the way to go."
Having a college degree to back up his IT experience has given Isla more career options, and he tells his police department colleagues about North Park's SAL whenever he can. Most need college degrees to advance in the department. "I've had this conversation with numerous people. I'm a big advocate for ÈâÂþÎÝ. I've always recommended it as a route to go to if you want to finish your degree," he said.
Frank, who attended many different colleges previously, earned a bachelor's degree in ÈâÂþÎÝ administration after 18 months of study in SAL. He is a product manager with , Chicago, a company he's been with for 19 years. Frank lives in Grayslake, Ill., with his wife and two daughters, 14 and 5. He attended several SAL classes at the University's , and took others at the University's Chicago campus or online.
"I've been lucky enough to move up with experience and knowledge of the ÈâÂþÎÝ," he said. "But in the last few years, I've been running out of runway without a degree. The competition was getting tough. Some people in my position have master's degrees, and I didn't want to miss an opportunity because I didn't have a degree." What attracted Frank to North Park was the University's Christian emphasis, small classes, and convenient satellite location, all with solid support from his family and colleagues.
The SAL's 7-week quad structure allowed him to complete two classes per semester. Knowing the instructors personally helped Frank remain engaged in school, even while he and his family attended to a close relative living out-of-town who was ill during much of that time, he said. Like Medrano, Frank was able to include his older daughter, who will enter college in a few years, in a strategic management class.
Frank may return to the University for an advanced degree, possibly an MBA. "If I'm going to work on a master's degree, I won't even look anywhere else," he said.
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ÈâÂþÎÝ Confers Degrees at 2012 Winter Commencement Convocation
Degrees were presented December 14 to ÈâÂþÎÝ graduates at Winter Commencement.
245 students expected to earn graduate and undergraduate degrees
CHICAGO (December 17, 2012) — Before a full house in the and a significant audience watching a , ÈâÂþÎÝ presented degrees December 14 at its 2012 convocation. The University expected to confer undergraduate and graduate degrees to 245 students.
Bachelor’s degrees were presented to an anticipated 168 students representing a wide range of and the . Master’s degrees were presented to an expected 77 students from the School of Business and Nonprofit Management, , , and .
In his charge to the graduates, the president of ÈâÂþÎÝ, , cited the biblical stories of creation in Genesis and Jesus’ birth in the Gospel of Luke. God stopped on the seventh day, according to the creation story, and Mary paused to ponder after the shepherds left the manger, he noted. In both cases, each stopped to claim as holy the creation and the infant Jesus, Parkyn suggested. The same can be said of significant life events, such as graduation, he observed.
“On this night we stop, ever so briefly, to mark learning, to mark your life as a student, as holy. We stop to ponder, we stop to remember, we stop to claim the act of learning as holy, and to claim as holy all you have learned,” the University president told the graduates. Graduation is “a sacred moment in your life, even as each day of the past years of learning at North Park has been a holy time,” Parkyn added.
The convocation included Scripture and prayers, choral performances by the , a graduation litany, and presentation of degrees by University deans. Students led the procession with the flags of countries and territories in which graduates were born, are citizens, or have been residents. The flags included those of the United States, Brazil, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Nigeria, Palestine, the Philippines, Romania, Serbia, and Sweden. The commencement program included a benediction from , read by graduates in nine languages, including Arabic, Hebrew, Mongolian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish, and Swedish.
The University began its commencement with a recognition of the tragic school shooting earlier in the day at , Newtown, Conn. “As an educator, I have always thought the adventure of learning is meant to give life, yet today for 26 people, school became a place where life ended,” Parkyn said. “I’m also reminded as an educator of the … individuals who died having dedicated their lives, like many in the room tonight, to helping students fulfill their dreams.” The president’s comments were followed by a moment of silence and prayer.
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Zipcar's location on the University campus is at the corner of Kedzie and West Foster Avenues, Chicago.
Cars available for University students, personnel, area residents
CHICAGO (March 21, 2012) – , a national company that makes it possible for qualified drivers to rent cars for short-term use, now has a car located on the ÈâÂþÎÝ campus available to Zipcar .
Zipcar representatives will be on the University's Chicago campus beginning this week to answer questions and assist people to become Zipcar members. The company will also send information to University students and personnel to help introduce the program.
"We want to be good stewards of the urban environment," said , ÈâÂþÎÝ executive vice president and chief financial officer. "There are two reasons why we wanted this — stewardship and sustainability. If we can provide cars this way to people who need them, we can reduce our carbon footprint in this part of the city. We can also provide students with a tool to access the city."
Zipcar operates nationally on some 250 colleges and university campuses, including ÈâÂþÎÝ and other college campuses in the Chicago area.
Zipcar service expansion on the campus could ultimately help relieve crowded campus parking lots, provided students, faculty, and staff choose to access the available cars, Balsam said.
Presently, a Zipcar is available on the University campus at 5141 N. Kedzie. Zipcars are also located at a nearby location at Kimball and Lawrence Avenues, Chicago.
Zipcar was founded as a new category in urban transportation, designed "to offer a convenient, flexible, affordable, and sustainable solution" for occasional urban drivers seeking alternatives to high costs and challenges of owning a car in a city, said Jessica Margolis-Pineo, Zipcar public relations associate. Zipcar operates on some 250 colleges and university campuses, some of which are in the Chicago area. Members can also use Zipcars in other areas of country where Zipcar operates, she said.
Drivers must be at least 21 years of age, and have a Zipcar membership to use its cars. Members can drive cars starting at $7.75 per hour or $72 a day. Each trip includes gasoline, insurance, and up to 180 free miles. Thanks to Zipcar's with Ford Motor Co., a portion of the membership fee will be waived for the first 100,000 new University members nationally who sign up, plus the company will offer $1 off the hourly rate for the first 1 million hours of use on any of the new Ford vehicles at participating colleges and universities.
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 Alumnus Dr. G. Timothy Johnson Discusses the Future of Health Care Reform on Chicago Tonight
Dr. G. Timothy Johson was interviewed by Phil Ponce, host, for a segment of Chicago Tonight which aired on WTTW Channel 11 in Chicago Wednesday night.
CHICAGO (November 1, 2012) — Dr. G. Timothy Johnson and his wife, Nancy, were in Chicago last week for the groundbreaking celebration of the at ÈâÂþÎÝ. While in town, Johnson took the opportunity to sit for an interview with Phil Ponce, host of WTTW Channel 11's popular show Chicago Tonight, discussing the future of health care reform in the United States.
The segment, which aired on Wednesday, October 31, focused on Johnson's expertise and experience as a medical expert and chief medical editor for ABC News.
Watch the ; near minute 10 of the video, Ponce and Johnson discuss the Johnson Center, North Park, and show several of the architectural renderings of the building.
Read more from Johnson's interview, and watch another video segment, on the .
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
University Hosts New Testament Scholar for Annual Kermit Zarley Lectures
Dr. Simon Gathercole presents the Zarley Lectures at the University November 14 and 15.
Dr. Simon Gathercole to deliver lectures November 14 and 15
CHICAGO (November 12, 2012) – A senior lecturer in New Testament studies at the in the United Kingdom will present lectures at ÈâÂþÎÝ focusing on early Christinity. will address "Jesus in canonical and extra-canonical gospels," November 14, and "Who are the Gnostics?" November 15, at the University's Anderson Chapel. Each lecture begins at 3:30 pm.
Gathercole is the presenter for the twelfth annual Kermit Zarley Lecture series, sponsored by the University's . Both lectures are free and open to the public.
Gathercole's recent research work is in early Christianity, said , ÈâÂþÎÝ associate professor of biblical and theological studies. One of the lectures will be about interpretations of Jesus in the New Testament, and in texts such as the – one of the early "" — which contains a number of sayings attributed to Jesus. The second lecture will address the Gnostic Gospels and their Christian influence. The Gnostic Gospels are a collection of 52 texts based on teachings of several early prophets and spiritual leaders. While they do not appear in standard Bibles of Christian denominations, they have gained greater public attention in recent years.
Gathercole was asked to present the lectures because "he's an academician who is also committed to the church," said Willitts. "He also teaches at a university, and has broad experience in relating to students through teaching undergraduate and graduate students, and supervising doctoral students," he said. "We wanted someone who could communicate with younger people who may not have much experience with the New Testament."
The lecture series is named for Kermit Zarley, a professional golfer, with an interest in biblical and theological studies. Zarley has provided support for the lectures, hosted by the University since the series began in 2001.
Past presenters have included , bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago; , author and emeritus professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif.; , contributing editor in religion for Publishers Weekly, noted authority in religion, author, and lecturer; and , an English bishop of the Eastern Orthodox Church and theologian.
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