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.
Admitted Students, Families Learn about University, Prepare for Next Academic Year
Students and their parents learned about study abroad opportunities from Dr. Jennifer Pope, director of the University's International Office.
Noted alumnus, Dr. Tim Johnson, addresses families
CHICAGO (April 23, 2012) – Nearly 90 students and their families attended a day-long event April 20 at ÈâÂþÎÝ, Chicago, to learn about the University's academic programs, meet with faculty and staff, and to learn about student life at the University. Many had already committed to attend the University beginning with the 2012 fall semester, while others made commitments to attend at the conclusion of the day's activities.
Amber Warners, Grand Rapids, Mich., was among those who had already committed. She learned about the University while working at a summer Bible camp with North Park students. "I just love the campus," she said. "Everyone is so friendly, and they have the major I want—psychology." Another attractive feature for her is the University's emphasis on multiculturalism and diversity. "Here it's so diverse. I want the whole experience," she said.
Mariam Castro, Chicago, attended the event with her father, Louis. The Castros live near the campus, and Mariam wants to be a pediatrician. "My pediatrician told me that his daughter comes here, and he was telling me that the pre-med program is really good," she said, adding that she wants to be in smaller classes and interact with faculty. Louis Castro said he didn't know much about the University before his visit. "I like the staff, and I like what they have to offer to the students. I'm very happy with it," he said after his visit.
The students and their families got a rare opportunity to hear from a well-known alumnus of the University. , longtime medical editor for ABC News, now a senior medical contributor, was born and raised in Rockford, Ill., grew up in the (ECC) and said he always knew he would attend what was then North Park Junior College. "I came here and had an amazing two years of teaching and spiritual formation in the very best sense," he said. After graduating in 1956, Johnson went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill., then returned to attend , graduating in 1963. He later attended medical school and became a physician.
During those formative years, Johnson prepared for many vocations before landing in network television, where he reported on science and medicine. He told the students they are likely to have a similar experience. "You have no idea what's going to happen to you," he said. "Look what happened to me. I thought I was going to be a parish minister, then a family doctor, and I ended up doing something very different from what I ever would have imagined or expected."
Johnson cited several advantages for students at ÈâÂþÎÝ—small classes taught by dedicated teachers who care about students; multiple community service opportunities; and attending college in a large city with academic and ÈâÂþÎÝ resources. "I am here to tell you that a school like North Park, with its value system, with its location in an urban area, has so much more to offer than classrooms and teaching. You're in for a very exciting educational adventure, and more importantly, you're in for a spiritual, formative journey that is critical to the way you will live the rest of your life," Johnson said.
Johnson is co-chair of , a fundraising campaign with multiple purposes: to build a new Science and Community Life Building, to enhance the University's Annual Fund, to increase endowment funding for student scholarships, and to support Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. The new building will be "state of the art, and it will meet some deep needs for this campus," he said. Groundbreaking is expected sometime this year.
The University was founded in 1891 by ECC, and is affiliated with the Chicago-based church. North Park is a , with a to prepare students for lives of significance and service through education in the liberal arts, professional studies, and theology.
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 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) – ÈâÂþÎÝ 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 ÈâÂþÎÝ 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 ÈâÂþÎÝ and nonprofit management. Master's degrees were presented to 137 students who completed at the University, including 34 students at North Park Theological Seminary. , president of the ÈâÂþÎÝ, 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 North Park 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 ÈâÂþÎÝ 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 ÈâÂþÎÝ 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 .
2012 London Olympics Venues Use University Graduate's Software Company
Greg Dolezal will be keeping a close eye on the video screens at the London Olympics. (Photo courtesy Covenant News Service.)
Renewed Vision's Greg Dolezal provided software for CHIC 2012
ATLANTA (July 27, 2012) — While sitting backstage at the recent (Covenant High in Christ) 2012 gathering, ÈâÂþÎÝ graduate Greg Dolezal said that he was a bit nervous about the upcoming . He’s not an athlete nor does he have family members competing.
But the images broadcast on the video screens at each of the 36 Olympic venues will be powered with software designed by the company he co-owns, . Dolezal was at CHIC because the event, which he attended as a teenager, was using the software, and he was in charge of video production.
He also was there because he is tour manager.
Renewed Vision’s gig with the Olympics was one he never could have imagined when the company that makes ProPresenter, now in its fifth release, was formed. The company also makes ProVideoPlayer, and ProVideoSync.
"Our core value is to make software that is affordable to smaller congregations," Dolezal said. The software is now used by thousands of churches around the world ranging in attendance from less than 100 to the largest in the United States.
Dolezal graduated from ÈâÂþÎÝ in 2001 with a degree in ÈâÂþÎÝ and communications, and planned to attend law school.
Then he decided that wasn’t the career for him.
Dolezal, who grew up in a small in Joliet, Ill., eventually moved to Atlanta where he began working with Tomlin and , who had started the Passion movement.
Dolezal became acquainted with the two men during his last two years at North Park. He was in charge of Week 26, which featured special speakers and other faith-focused activities. Giglio spoke the first year, and Tomlin performed the year after that.
During that time, the school also was a satellite location for the gathering that drew 40,000 college students. "I think one of the reasons Giglio chose North Park was he was so impressed with the school," Dolezal said.
After Dolezal moved to Atlanta, he began doing video work for the Passion gatherings. That was about the same time that Tomlin became a headline performer. "He just asked me to be his tour manager," Dolezal said.
Backstage at last week’s CHIC conference, Tomlin said he was fortunate to have Dolezal working for him. "Greg keeps it in line," he said. "We definitely couldn’t do this without him."
A lot of Dolezal’s job is logistical, including booking bus companies and venues, arranging the local crew, and serving as general manager onsite. Tomlin added that Dolezal is far more than a tour manager.
"He helps me think creatively about the tour and the shows," Tomlin said. "I bounce everything off of Greg."
Dolezal is able to manage a tour and his company due to scheduling priorities and the 12-member team that now makes up Renewed Vision. Tomlin is rarely on the road more than several days a week, and almost always is in Atlanta on Sundays because he co-pastors with Giglio.
Managing tours that can visit as many as 50 cities, handling the ÈâÂþÎÝ end of a successful company, and spending time with his wife, Natalie, and three-month-old can be difficult. “My wife owns her own company, so we have to be pretty intentional to spend time together.”
Whether he is at home or on tour over the next several weeks, his mind will certainly also be paying attention to what is happening in London.
This report was provided by Stan Friedman, , 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 .
ÈâÂþÎÝ Athletic Trainers, Physicians Staff Chicago Marathon
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and physicians from the ÈâÂþÎÝ Athletic Training Educational Program will work at this year's Chicago Marathon. This North Park group worked the 2011 marathon.
Athletic trainers assist athletes as they finish 26.2-mile course
CHICAGO (October 5, 2012) — Students, faculty, staff , alumni, and physicians with the ÈâÂþÎÝ (ATEP) will be among more than 1,300 medical volunteers working at the October 7. ÈâÂþÎÝ 30 current students from the North Park program, plus certified athletic trainers as well as other medical personnel, will meet participants as they cross the finish line, help them recover, and evaluate those that require a higher level of medical care.
Some 45,000 people are registered to participate in the Chicago Marathon, with about 34,000 to 37,000 people expected to compete, according to event organizers. Participants represent all 50 states and more than 100 countries.
The North Park ATEP has been involved with the Chicago Marathon for nearly a decade, providing current students, graduates, faculty, and staff a valuable laboratory experience, said , director of the University's ATEP and associate professor. "We are part of the 'sweep team,'" he said. "Every runner has to pass through the finish line chute. We are responsible for quickly evaluating their status, as well as attending to any 'runner down' medical calls."
Lundgren explained licensed professionals and the students will assist runners as their bodies return to a stable state following the grueling 26.2-mile marathon. If any participant needs additional medical care, that person is directed to one of two medical tents that effectively serve as a hospital. "We have enough cots to treat 110 patients simultaneously, and even have an intensive care unit built in," Lundgren said.
The University's relationship with the marathon originated with , now the medical director of the Chicago Marathon and , another Chicago race held in conjunction with St. Patrick's Day. Chiampas was a Fellow assigned to ÈâÂþÎÝ, where he learned about the University's ATEP.
"Dr. Chiampas approached us about staffing the finish line with athletic trainers. He said our skill sets were perfectly suited to differentiate what someone normally looks like after running 26.2 miles versus those runners that may be in medical distress," Lundgren said.
In addition, , current North Park athletic medical director and head team physician, is responsible for 21 aid stations throughout this year's marathon course. , head athletic trainer at North Park, will lead the urgent care section of the medical tent. His workload is heavily dependent on the weather, he said. Since 2006, outside temperatures for the marathon have either been in the 40s or 80s. "We just can't seem to catch a break, and have ideal running conditions," Sjovall said. "As a result, we treat between 600 and 1,200 runners each race." Conditions that require treatment include hyperthermia, hypothermia, 'runner's collapse,' electrolyte imbalances, as well as cardiac and musculoskeletal conditions.
Former University athletic medical directors and team physicians, and former Fellows assigned to the University, are also volunteering at this year's marathon. Lundgren said he particularly enjoys the number of North Park athletic training alumni that return and volunteer for the marathon each year. "It really is amazing to see how many North Park connections are present within the Chicagoland medical community," he added.
In addition to the North Park ATEP students, faculty, staff, and alumni working at the marathon, some University students, faculty, and staff plan to run in the race.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
Next Steps
Learn more about and for students in the ATEP program.
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) – ÈâÂþÎÝ 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 ÈâÂþÎÝ .
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 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, ÈâÂþÎÝ . 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 ÈâÂþÎÝ — 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 ÈâÂþÎÝ.
A few students will share some of their ÈâÂþÎÝ 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 ÈâÂþÎÝ 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 .
ÈâÂþÎÝ Spring Theatre Production Set for Chicago Storefront Space
Mandy VanderMey and Jake Sanders portray the lead characters in the ÈâÂþÎÝ theatre production of To Damascus, to be staged at a Chicago storefront theatre.
Production is based on August Strindberg's To Damascus
CHICAGO (April 13, 2012) – ÈâÂþÎÝ theatre students will take their skills off campus in late April and early May to perform an original adaptation of Swedish playwright in a Chicago storefront space. It's the second time in two years that University theatre students have staged a production in the intimate setting provided by such a space, commonly used in Chicago theatre productions.
In addition, University theatre alumni working in the Chicago theatre circuit have been working with student designers the past few months, as the production takes shape, said Dr. Chad Eric Bergman, professor of communication arts, . This year is also the 100th year of Strindberg's death. Strindberg was a significant and prolific writer who penned more than 60 plays, and is credited with writing more than 30 novels, autobiographies, poems, and other artistic works. Performances of Strindberg's works are being staged throughout the world this year.
Working in storefront settings is part of students' training in the University theatre program. In 2010, the North Park production of Legitimate Geniuses was staged at the Neo Futurarium, Chicago. "It was the most successful talking play, other than a musical, that we had done in a long time," Bergman said. "People wanted to go. It was 'an event' to be off campus." This year, the University spring theatre production is , Chicago.
Last fall, Bergman translated To Damascus from Swedish to English. Bergman, 13 theatre students, and several designers then rewrote the script into a 21st century story to which students can relate, keeping the main themes of Strindberg's original piece. To Damascus describes a spiritual pilgrimage in which the main character, The Stranger, experiences Christ, similar to Paul's conversion to Christ described in the in New Testament.
"The source material these students came up was profound and topical, and really struck a chord. It's student-driven, and we're really excited about that," Bergman said.
Jake Sanders, a creative writing and theatre major from Worcester, Mass., plays the role of The Stranger. Many people had a role in reworking Strindberg's original story, he said. "It's been such a collaborative effort between not just Chad and the production team, but also the actors have had a hand in creating the world we want everyone to experience," he said in an interview.
Sanders, a junior, was in Legitimate Geniuses two years ago, and experienced first-hand the excitement of performing in a storefront setting just as Chicago professionals do. "We're actually getting off campus and doing something that's a little more radical than we normally do," he said. "It definitely jumps the energy level for everyone."
Particularly significant for Sanders and other students has been the opportunity to work on this production with alumni professionals who work in Chicago theatre. One of them is Sarah Nelson, actor, designer, and company manager for , Chicago. She graduated from ÈâÂþÎÝ in 2011, where she was a student with a double major in communication arts theatre, and ÈâÂþÎÝ and economics.
Nelson, along with other alumni and designers, has been working with the North Park students since February, helping them as they adapted Strindberg's original script, and to build sets and work on sound design. "Everyone is working as an ensemble to put this together. In Chicago you can find this sort of thing happening in many spaces," Nelson said. "I think this is a really fun, relatable piece because it's written by students and adapted from Strindberg's play."
Nelson recalled her own experiences when she was a North Park student, and how that has translated into her professional theatre career. "What I remember most is working as true collaborators," she said. "I don't think as far as I can tell from other friends at other universities that they had opportunities to work with professional directors and designers. That was a huge aid after college. I have a lot more outside connections."
Performances of the students' adaptation of To Damascus are April 27, 28 and 29, plus May 3, 4 and 5 at The Storefront Theatre Experience at Rivendell Theatre, Chicago. All performances are at 7:30 p.m., except April 29, which is at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available by email at tickets@NPUtheatre.org or at the door. General admission is $10, students, $5 with a University identification card. Seating is limited, with about 50 seats available for each performance.
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
Dr. Julia Davids directs choral activities at ÈâÂþÎÝ.
