North Parker Winter 2017

WINTER 2017 VOLUME 77/NUMBER 1

Our Celebration. Our Future.

Page 10

FIRST WORD

LEADING BY FAITH— YESTERDAY AND INTO EACH TOMORROW We know well the stories of faith told in the 11th chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews. These are accounts of people who followed God into unchartered territory, to an unknown destination.

There is mention of Abel, who offered “a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain.” We also read of Abraham, who was “called to set out…not knowing where he was going.” Moses led the people across the sea and marched around the walls of the city. Others are mentioned, as well.

Each person acted on the basis of faith, “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). All were “commended for their faith,” though in many cases, the promise they approached by faith was only realized in later generations.

This is the nature of leadership—we lead by faith. Throughout its history North Park University has been blessed by such leadership, within the school itself as well as in its Board of Trustees. In recent months, as we’ve celebrated the University’s 125th anniversary (see pages 10–17 for a recap of our Anniversary Celebration), we have recognized some of these important leaders.

The same holds true for each tomorrow—we lead by faith. At North Park, the process of strategic planning is nothing less than an act of faith: the context in which we identify “things hoped for, things not seen.”

The role of faith in the exercise of leadership by the North Park University Board of Trustees is highlighted in another important story in this issue of the North Parker (see pages 18–23).

I’m confident you’ll enjoy reading about how faith prompted decisions by this group in years past, placed side-by-side with the more recent attention to strategic planning by today’s governance body—always leading by faith.

David L. Parkyn President, North Park University

On the cover: Nearly 80 alumni came together to perform as a very special choir at our 125th Anniversary Celebration. Learn more on pages 10–17.

NORTH PARKER Editorial Board David L. Parkyn President Mary K. Surridge Vice President for Advancement Genaro A. Balcazar Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing Melissa Vélez-Luce C’04 G’12 Director of Alumni Relations Christopher Childers Director of University Marketing

Editorial Staff Mary Nowesnick Editor John Potter C’05 News & Copy Editor Andie Roeder Moody Online Editor Jennifer Carney Art Director & Designer Patty O’Friel Martha Pfister Abram Rabinowitz Designers Leah Emerson C'18 Tricia Koning Chris Padgett Beth Rooney Photographers

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New academic programs launched Deans join North Park NPRESS students share research Four brothers on same Viking team

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125th Anniversary Celebration

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The campus welcomed 600+ alumni and friends on September 23 for an all-day celebration of learning, music, and North Park’s special spirit.

To a Bold and Distinctive Future

Strengthened by its legacy, our University looks forward.

President Parkyn offers the roadmap.

What Trustees Envision

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Homecoming 2016

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Honor Roll

Following the 125th Celebration, alumni returned to campus for annual festivities on September 24.

We recognize your gifts in the online 2016 Honor Roll of Donors and Annual Report.

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New at North Park

Learn about our new logo and redesigned University website.

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2016 Alumni Award Honorees

LIVE!

Ted Ernst A’51 C’54 Janice Phillips C’76 Mary Helwig C’06 Joanna (Ericson) Kanakis C’06

What’s ahead for North Park in the coming years? Our trustees share ideas and inspiration.

Enjoy the North Parker online, too, with back issues for reading or download at www.northpark.edu/northparker

The North Parker is published twice a year for alumni and friends of North Park University, 3225 West Foster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625-4895. For mailing list adjustments, address changes, questions, or suggestions, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (773) 244-5273.

ACROSS CAMPUS CLOSE-UP

New Academic Programs Prepare Students for Urban Engagement and Future Careers This fall, North Park University launched and announced several programs that will uniquely prepare students for a variety of careers and allow them to engage directly with the city of Chicago.

Theatre and Performance Studies Beginning in Fall 2016, the theatre department merged with the art department and the School of Music to form the School of Music, Art, and Theatre. In its new context, the existing theatre and performance studies major has been revamped to focus on ensuring that students have the experiential business skills necessary to manage theatre companies.

North Park’s theatre program is developed around the growing storefront theatre model of creating productions for intimate or varying settings. “Our holistic approach to theatre studies gives students the opportunity to learn the full spectrum of practical skills that production members need to be successful,” said Professor of Theatre Dr. Chad Eric Bergman.

Middle Grades Education The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) recently changed the endorsement structure for teacher education candidates interested in teaching in the middle grades. As a result, North Park’s School of Education has redesigned its middle grades endorsement program, which launched in Fall 2016 as a new major that will meet new ISBE standards, guidelines, and requirements.

Chicago as Classroom Beginning in Fall 2017, the Engage Chicago program will combine classroom and experiential learning in a way unique only to North Park. First-year students may join the Urban Discipleship Living-Learning Community cohort, a practical discipleship program for resident students that will lay the foundation to explore academic, spiritual, and creative formation.

Second-year students can participate in the Chicago Intensive, a semester-long cohort program with all courses, service opportunities, and experiences focused on the city.

“The program taps into the city right here and engages our students in a way not found in the classroom.” — Provost Emerson 2 NORTH PARKER | Winter 2017

Provost Emerson on North Park’s Chicago Intensive Provost Dr. Michael O. Emerson offers an update on the newly expanded Chicago Intensive, which first ran as a pilot program last spring.

What is the Chicago Intensive?

The concept is likened to study abroad, where students have the opportunity to learn about something entirely new in a hands-on, experiential learning format.

The program taps into the city right here and engages our students in a way not found in the classroom.

What does the curriculum entail?

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the cohort takes classes together on campus. The curriculum is designed around best practices of educational goals—both in-the-classroom academic and hands-on experiential learning—and each course is focused in some way on Chicago.

On Mondays and Fridays, students spend time in their assigned nonprofit organizations to engage in service. On Wednesdays, the cohort travels with their instructors to visit specific sites, then spends time talking about how it all fits together.

How does the program reflect North Park’s core values?

Students engage the city not just through academics, but by serving its people through our ministries, and learning from the diverse people of Chicago. The program is designed to provide ample opportunities for students to focus on the meaning of living a life of significance and service.

Read more at www.northpark.edu/across-campus

ACCOLADES

DIALOGUE

Alumnus Wins International Guitar Competition

Acclaimed Chef Alumna Returns to Campus for 125th Anniversary Celebration

An Tran C’14 won first prize at the 2016 Hamilton International Guitar Competition in Ontario, Canada, earning a cash prize, a custom handmade guitar, and an appearance at the 2017 Hamilton Guitar Festival.

After graduating from North Park with a BA in music, Tran went on to earn a master of music last spring at the Yale University School of Music, where he was one of two applicants out of hundreds chosen for the guitar graduate program. While at Yale, he served as a teaching artist for the Music in Schools initiative. He returned to Chicago this fall to pursue a doctor of musical arts at Northwestern University.

“The main purpose of my doctoral degree is to be able to teach at the college level,” he said. “My time at North Park was very important because I truly found my passion, with help from my teacher-mentors. So I'm interested in doing the same for my future students."

When Shanna Horner O’Hea C’94 returned to campus for the University’s 125th Anniversary Celebration, she spoke at an Alumni Panel session about her experiences as a chef while performing a live cooking demonstration, then distributed toasted s’mores to the audience.

“Education is in my bones,” said O’Hea, daughter of former North Park President Dr. David Horner and former faculty member S. Sue Horner. “My desire to continue to learn is something I absolutely got at North Park.”

O’Hea and her husband, Brian, co-own the Kennebunk Inn and Academe restaurant in Kennebunk, Maine. Academe gained national notoriety when O’Hea’s lobster potpie dish was featured on the Food Network series The Best Thing I Ever Ate and her lobster white pizza made O, The Oprah Magazine’s O List. Since then, she has competed on the shows Chopped, Rewrapped, and Beat Bobby Flay.

North Parker: Was there a specific experience at North Park that helped kick off the trajectory of your career?

Shanna O’Hea: I did have an "aha" moment of the importance of pursuing a career in something you love. As a freshman, I started with an art focus because I always loved to create. But I got a little self-conscious with the first classes and wondered if I was good enough to pursue this path. I also fell under some peer pressure of "what kind of job are you going to get after college as an art major?"

I then decided to pursue business and marketing for that post-college job. Although I enjoyed the marketing classes, economics was certainly not my thing. I eventually went back to the arts with encouragement from my mother about truly enjoying my time in college and doing what made me happy. She was right with the advice that keeping true to yourself would lead to a career that I loved.

NP: Do you have a favorite North Park memory?

SO: One of my favorite memories was our Senior Art Show. I volunteered to be responsible for the food, which now seems appropriate. I was just as excited about showcasing my art as I was about the menu-planning and execution.

It’s just another example of the arts and the culinary intersecting.

“ Education is in my bones. My desire to continue to learn is something I absolutely got at North Park.”

— Shanna Horner O'Hea

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ACROSS CAMPUS ACADEMICS

New Dean Joins North Park Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner began his position as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of humanities on August 15. A native of Austria, Thuswaldner had previously held the position of professor of German and linguistics at Gordon College since 2003. In his six years as department chair, he greatly diversified the department faculty, created highly successful major and minor programs, and substantially grew the number of linguistics majors.

So successful is Thuswaldner’s previous department that College Factual, in conjunction with the Wall Street Journal

and USA Today, now ranks Gordon as one of the nation’s colleges “Most Focused on Languages and Linguistics.”

“I am absolutely thrilled to connect with the Chicago community and join North Park University,” Thuswaldner said. “North Park’s three core values—Christian, urban, intercultural—deeply resonate with me, and as a fellow Covenanter, I am very impressed with the University’s heritage and trajectory.

I look forward to collaborating with the faculty on a number of projects in order to heighten the visibility of the College of Arts and Sciences.”

“I am absolutely thrilled to connect with the Chicago community and join North Park University.”

Faculty and Staff Welcomed North Park welcomed new full-time faculty and staff to the University as the 2016–2017 academic year began. They were introduced to the University community on August 25 at the annual faculty and staff Gathering Day. New faculty members include Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of humanities;

Dr. Lindsey Alexander (1), visiting professor of biology; Dr. Michael DeVries (2), professor of psychology and director of the master of counseling psychology; Dr. Karrie Hamstra-Wright (3), assistant professor of athletic training; Dr. Kristina Kaufman (4), assistant professor of marketing; and Dr. Carol Lynch (5), associate professor of nursing.

New staff members were added in the offices of the Center for Online Education, Center for Youth Ministry Studies, Chemistry Department, Enrollment, Information Technology, School of Business and Nonprofit Management, School of Education, Student Engagement, and University Marketing and Communications.

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Faculty Authors Explore a Range of Topics

Eat in Harmony: A Feast of Life, the Arts, and Faith

by Gregory Athnos I Am: A-Z Poetic Confessions for Kids!

by Cherita Banton and Tyrus Goshay Seeking the Unseen: Spiritual Realities in the Buddhist World edited by Dr. Paul de Neui (Un)Making Race and Ethnicity: A Reader

by Dr. Michael O. Emerson, Dr. Jenifer L. Bratter, and Dr. Sergio Chávez

Reflecting the breadth of expertise and interests at North Park, several University faculty recently authored books on a wide range of topics.

Guide to Strategic Planning for Small-and Midsized Nonprofit Organizations

by Dr. Gianfranco Farruggia Intermediate Algebra with Analytic Geometry

by Dr. Alice Gorguis Statistics Tools, 2nd Edition

by Dr. Alice Gorguis Let it Shine: Spirituals for Piano, Vol. 1

by Thomas Jefferson The Adventures of Muffin and Alexander: The Not So Nice New Neighbor

by Dr. Barbara Levandowski Return to Justice: Six Movements That Reignited Our Contemporary Evangelical Conscience

by Dr. Soong-Chan Rah and Dr. Gary Vanderpol Jägerstätter by Felix Mitterer translated by Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner with Dr. Robert Dassanowsky Everyman for Every Child by Hugo von Hofmannsthal, retold

by Werner Thuswaldner translated by Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner and Pamela Thuswaldner Transformation after Lausanne Korean Translation by Dr. Albert Tizon NORTH PARKER | Winter 2017 5

ACROSS CAMPUS ACADEMICS

North Park Joins White House in Launching Nationwide Fair Chance Higher Education Pledge Last summer, North Park University joined with the Obama Administration and 24 other colleges and universities around the country as a founding partner for the launch of the Fair Chance Higher Education Pledge.

The pledge provides higher education institutions with the opportunity to voice support for improving their communities through expanding college opportunity and eliminating barriers for those with a criminal record.

On June 10, U.S. Secretary of Education John King and Domestic Policy Council Director Cecilia Muñoz hosted North Park

at the White House, along with 14 other higher education institutions, to announce the pledge. Together, the 25 founding partner institutions represent and serve more than one million students.

Additionally, North Park announced last summer as one of 67 colleges and universities selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Education’s Second Chance Pell program. First announced in July 2015, the program had received interest from more than 200 colleges and universities by October 2015. North Park is one of two institutions in the

state of Illinois to be selected as a participating institution.

“The Second Chance Pell program is an excellent mission fit with who we are at North Park,” said Dr. Michelle CliftonSoderstrom, professor of theology and ethics.

She spearheaded the University’s application to the program and co-teaches current North Park courses offered in correctional centers.

“North Park is Christian, urban, and intercultural. And to be truly intercultural, we need to address some of the barriers to participation in education from all people.”

VIKINGS

Four Brothers Together on Same Four Brothers PlayPlay Together on Same Viking Team Viking Team

Woody, George, Alex, and Gabe Corey

This season, Vikings football explored uncharted territory: building a squad with four brothers simultaneously playing on the same team. After North Park recruited Alex Corey C’19, a domino effect began. Alex’s brother George Corey C’18 soon followed him to the team, which led to Gabe Corey C’17 transferring to North Park and playing alongside his brothers. Finally, Woody Corey

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C’20 rounded out the coverage this year, with all four classes being represented by the Corey family.

“The Corey boys are emblematic of what a true student-athlete should be,” says Head Football Coach Mike Conway. “They are all outstanding students, exhibit great character, and are proud representatives of our University.”

Gabe Corey Sr. has been a longtime high school football coach in the Chicago area.

“Gabe and Lisa Corey exhibit a strong family dynamic as parents,” says Conway, “and have done an outstanding job of instilling a model of academic excellence, work ethic, commitment, and integrity with all of their sons.”

CAMPUS LIFE

NPRESS Students Share Research Findings At the beginning of the academic year, students and faculty in the North Park Research Experience for Summer Students (NPRESS) presented their findings to their peers, members of the Board of Trustees, and University donors. Students accepted into the eight-week program receive a stipend to conduct specialized research while living on campus.

The program started in 2015, and since then, getting a spot in NPRESS has become increasingly competitive. This year, 13 students were chosen out of 30 applicants.

For both the student and the faculty member,

the one-on-one mentor-mentee framework, along with a student cohort model, is unique, as this type of relationship is traditionally seen at the graduate and doctorate level.

North Park faculty members and NPRESS co-directors Dr. Rajkumar Boaz Johnson and Dr. Aaron Kaestner developed the program to offer undergraduate students a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience, encompassing research, writing, and presenting. “NPRESS gives students the full experience as an undergraduate while also providing students a sense of graduate-level research,” said Johnson.

NPRESS student Rada Malko C'18

New Diversity Team Focuses on Intercultural Campus Initiatives and Student Success In an effort to better serve its intercultural campus community, North Park formed the strategic Diversity Team this academic year.

Consisting of University Dean Dr. Liza Ann Acosta, Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement Dr. Barrington Price C’07, Director of Diversity Jacqueline Strapp C’08, and Director of the International Office Dr. Sumie Song, the team will focus on student success, and recruitment and retention of diverse students and faculty.

Strapp, who joined the staff this fall, calls the University’s approach to diversity programming “cutting-edge.” The Office of Diversity will “conduct focus groups, including a climate survey for diversity groups across campus, and use the results to influence what we’re going to tackle,” Strapp says.

Acosta was appointed University dean last summer. She will continue in her role as professor of English while working with deans across campus to create strategies for faculty development and diversification.

“After 16 years at North Park, I am honored to serve my colleagues and my students in this capacity,” she said, “leading the way to a campus that lives its values of equity and justice, built upon a rich immigrant heritage and a foundational Christian tradition.”

Price, formerly the director of student success, also began in his newly created position over the summer. In this role, he provides leadership for students to effectively navigate college transition and establish clear pathways to graduation.

Nonprofit Management Awards Announced at Axelson Center Symposium Last summer, the 17th Annual Axelson Center Symposium for Nonprofit Professionals and Volunteers announced its nonprofit management award winners. The 2016 Excellent Emerging Organization Award, presented to an up-and-coming Chicago-area nonprofit, was given to Muslim Women’s Alliance.

The 2016 Alford-Axelson Award, given for exemplary nonprofit management practices, was presented to Christopher House, with an honorable mention awarded to Elgin Symphony Orchestra.

“ Nonprofit leaders need to figure out a way in our work to create real change for the communities we serve.”

–Keynote speaker Kimberly Bryant, founder and executive director of Black Girls CODE

Jacqueline Strapp C'08 NORTH PARKER | Winter 2017 7

ACROSS CAMPUS

BY THE NUMBERS

Here’s a current snapshot of North Park today, with statistics about Fall 2016 traditional undergraduate students.

62%

44%

female

live on-campus

38%

male

28

countries represented

45.3% 41% identify as students of color

56% commute

39

states represented

$

151

students from abroad studying at North Park

$

$22.8MM

federal/state aid awarded

$

94%

receive NPU financial aid

$17MM

institutional aid awarded

Campus Theme Asks, “What Is Beauty?”

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This fall, North Park’s Campus Theme series began its 14th year, as the campus NORTH PARKER | Summer 2016 community together explored the question “What Is Beauty?”

On October 14, WBEZ South Side bureau reporter Natalie Y. Moore spoke in Anderson Chapel on the topic “The Beautiful City.”

Moore is the author of The South Side: A Portrait of Chicago and American Segregation, this year’s North Park Common Read.

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Beginning November 4, the work of Milwaukee artist Lois Bielefeld appeared in the installation “Beauty Conventions” in Carlson Tower Gallery. In the spring, the University will also welcome, among others, Dr. Reggie Williams of McCormick Seminary, addressing “Beauty, Identity, and Social Change.”

Photo credit: David Pierini

During the week of September 12–17, students participated in North Park’s Week of Significance and Service by giving back to the community.

Service opportunities included assisting with trail preservation at the North Park Nature Center, planting roots at the nearby Global Garden Refugee Training Farm, and singing for seniors at Covenant Homes of Chicago.

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125th Celebration Anniversary

More than 600 alumni and friends joined with the North Park community on Friday, September 23, for North Park's all-day 125th Anniversary Celebration. Morning events included Find Your Fika in Hamming Hall (3), campus tours (2), and lunch on the lawn in front of Old Main. For many, the day was also an opportunity to reconnect with friends and classmates (1).

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3

2

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In the afternoon, three concurrent Alumni Panels featured North Park graduates sharing their accomplishments in the fields of entrepreneurship, health professions, and the arts. Two Back-toClass sessions followed, each offering three concurrent classes taught by current and former faculty members focusing on their areas of expertise— urban sociology, anatomy, theology, nursing, and politics and government.

See photos, video, and more of the celebration at www.northpark. edu/125.

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The Johnson Center featured a special history and heritage exhibit (4, 5), Cultivating Great Intellects & Great Hearts: North Park University’s Quasquicentennial, that traced the evolution of the University through text by North Park historians with photographs, artifacts, and publications from the F.M. Johnson Archives and Special Collections.

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An evening concert and program featured the 80-member Alumni Choir (13), under the direction of Associate Professor of Music Dr. Julia Davids (6), Professor Emeritus Gregory Athnos (11), and former Professor Dr. Rollo Dillworth (12). The University Choir (10) performed a commissioned piece, "In 11

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Thy Light," by Dr. Marvin Curtis C'72 (9) in honor of the 125th anniversary.

The David Nyvall Medallion for Distinguished Service to North Park University was presented to former board chairs Stan F. Helwig C'50 (at l.) and Bruce P. Bickner A’61 (7). Former North Park Presidents (8) William Hausmann (1980–1986) (center) and David G. Horner (1987–2004) also reflected on serving the University.

See and hear the concert at www.northpark.edu/125.

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To a Bold and Distinctive Future Faith-filled leadership ensures North Park’s trajectory as the nation’s leading city-centered university

by David L. Parkyn, President Effective university leadership requires decisionmaking whose merit is often revealed and confirmed only with the passing of time, often measured in years or decades. Leadership at this level—for a president perhaps, but especially for a Board of Trustees—might often be understood as an act of faith. Trustees make decisions with “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

In the story that is North Park, there are abundant examples of such faith-filled leadership. Three are especially notable for us because the outcomes of these decisions have been achieved in our generation. Our University today rests on the faithful shoulders of trustees from some decades ago.

Shall We Relocate Our Campus?

North Park trustees gathered in the spring of 1980 and collectively chose to commit the school to the singular task of “seeking the welfare of the city” (Jeremiah 29:7).

After some 80 years at the corner of Foster and Kedzie Avenues, our institutional leaders wondered whether the college should remain in the city. Land was offered for a new campus in the countryside; should we sell our buildings and construct a new campus further away, or should we remain on our historic campus? The answer, from our trustees, was a resounding affirmation of our historic location. “We’re staying at Foster and Kedzie,” the trustees decided. And with this single acclimation, the voice of North Park College and Seminary was confirmed as a voice in and for the city.

Now, some 35 years later, we recognize what a critical force—a true tipping point—this

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decision was for identifying and securing the school’s future trajectory. In 2008, for the first time in world and American history, 50 percent of people around the globe and in America live in cities. By 2050 (which is securely within the working lifetime of today’s undergraduate), more than 80 percent of the world’s population will live in cities. (See Chart 1, at right.)

Like no other time in history, cities shape the world in our day, and Chicago shapes our students. Because of a bold decision by the Board of Trustees in 1980, North Park University today is ideally situated to embrace this future reality.

Shall We Welcome Others?

In the summer of 1980 when the Chicago Tribune covered the news that North Park would remain in Chicago, a reporter noted that “if the school left the city it would lose its rich diversity of students.” Interim President Art Nelson responded to the reporter, “We do not follow the course of a lot of other denominational colleges who simply want to resource their own people.”

Fifteen years later the Board of Trustees returned to this commitment in earnest.

Reminded that David Nyvall, our first president, described North Park in its infancy as a school where “hospitality is especially insisted upon,” trustee Kristine Strand (now chair of the Board) prompted her colleagues to adopt a more intentional commitment to welcome others to North Park.

One early step by the Board, in 1995, was to establish a multicultural committee as part of the Board’s organizational structure. Within a year this committee recommended that the University administration undertake a “census of ethnic/cultural representation in all

areas (students, faculty, and administration) and determine what are the procedures and processes being developed to culturally inculcate a growing multicultural presence at North Park.”

Initial progress toward meeting these objectives was slow; it came through a gradual change extended over two decades. Yet, time would tell the strength of this commitment. In February 2016 The Chronicle of Higher Education called attention to the fact that North Park is “one of the few evangelical colleges where the number of minority students now equals white students.” Indeed, 20 years after the Board’s initial attention to this commitment, North Park has achieved an undergraduate and graduate student body in which there is no single ethnic or racial majority. (See Chart 2, at right.)

Today North Park mirrors the community Jesus described in Luke 13: “And then the people will come from east and west, from north and south to eat in the Kingdom of God.” Shall We Advance in Science and Health?

In recent decades one popular claim about North Park has been that it has strong programs in science and nursing. The bachelor of science in nursing program was introduced in 1958, in partnership with Swedish Covenant Hospital.

Programs in the sciences were greatly improved in 1966 with construction of Carlson Tower and the Wikholm Laboratories, and with highly effective teaching, students became competitive in applying for graduate study in the sciences or medical school.

Decades later, however, these strong programs required expanded technologically advanced facilities. Upon assessment of the need, in 2008 the Board of Trustees approved initiation of a $47 million campaign to raise funds for construction of a new science and community life building. By the spring of the next year, however, the American economy had collapsed in a global economic crisis. During the first two months of 2009 the S&P dropped in value by 18.62 percent, and by March the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index had dropped by more than 50 percent from its peak in October 2007.

Clearly, this did not appear to be the right time to launch the University’s largest fund-raising venture.

The Board of Trustees gathered in May 2009 to assess the environment. Rather than retreat, the Board chose to step forward by faith. The need for a new facility remained; yet because the University’s invested resources had declined in the economic crisis, the target for the campaign needed to be increased. In faith, the Board affirmed moving forward with the campaign, and increased the goal to $57 million.

1 Changing Urban Population

1950

2008 25%

20% 50%

50% 75%

80%

Urban

Urban

Urban

Other

Other

Other

2 Shifting Undergraduate Diversity: First-Year Students

3 Five-Year Progress of Campaign North Park

1996 Caucasian - 75%

African American - 5% Asian American - 3% Latino - 7% Two or more races - 0

Five years later, in the summer of 2014, Campaign North Park topped out at commitments of more than $63 million, and the doors were opened for the Johnson Center for Science and Community Life. (See Chart 3, at right.) Not only had the Board of Trustees led as an act of faith, generous friends of the University from across the country responded in like manner, giving as an act of faith at unprecedented levels.

The addition of the Johnson Center permits us to advance curricula in science and health.

In recent years we have added undergraduate programs in biochemistry, molecular biology and biotechnology, sports management, and health science, along with a post-bachelor’s program in medical science and a master’s degree in counseling psychology. In the near future we have potential to introduce programs in community health education, nutrition, special education, medical writing, and gerontology, along with new graduate programs in occupational therapy, athletic training, and health care administration, among others.

2050

Pacific Islander - 1% Unreported - 6%

$63MM

International - 3%

$57MM Goal

2016 Caucasian - 42%

African American - 9% Asian American - 6% Two or more races - 5%

Latino - 32%

Unreported - 1%

Pacific Islander - 2% International - 3%

Final Giving Number

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Our Aspiration North Park University will be distinguished as the nation’s leading city-centered Christian university during the coming decade and beyond.

The University’s learning community is differentiated by adopting the city as both subject and place of learning as a foundation for academic excellence. Within this framework, the University educates students from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and prior academic experiences, practicing Christian hospitality with students of all faith traditions while centering in the Affirmations of the Evangelical Covenant Church.

The University will be known through its graduates, who are equipped in their respective careers to advance the vitality of the world’s people and their cities, prepared to cross cultures, and formed in Christian community for leadership and service in the church and the world.

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How Do We Act in Faith Today?

Today North Park affirms an identity framed by three intersecting values: Christian, citycentered, and intercultural. Throughout our history, we have sought to nurture Christian faith. More recently, as affirmed in 1980 and 1995, we are dedicated to engaging Chicago as our classroom and to embracing and valuing all people. Building on these shoulders, where will an act of faith today direct us for tomorrow?

In May 2016 the Board of Trustees affirmed a new aspiration: North Park University will be distinguished as the nation’s leading city-centered Christian university during the coming decade and beyond.

Within this context we expect that the University will: • be differentiated by adopting the city as our place of learning and service, • educate students from diverse backgrounds, and • practice Christian hospitality with students of all faith traditions while affirming our longstanding commitment to Christ.

Student Access and Success—Supporting programs that foster engaged learning experiences and maximize student achievement.

Expanded programs in academic advising, career development, internship opportunities, and diversity initiatives are already well underway. Additionally, for Fall 2017, we have restructured merit-based financial aid initiatives to better serve students at all levels of financial need.

Faith Journey—Nurturing spiritual growth for all students, faculty, and staff.

Complementing a robust program in University Ministries, in Fall 2017 we will introduce a new living-learning community located in a campus residence hall, dedicated to advancing Christian discipleship in an increasingly urban and global world.

Institutional Reputation—Increasing visibility as a Christian university offering the nation’s leading city-centered educational program.

In like manner, we expect our graduates will be: • equipped in their careers to serve the city and its people, • ready to cross cultures, and • formed in Christian community to serve the church and the world.

This semester we will launch a new brand identity and messaging platform for the University at large, followed by a unified athletic logo to be introduced in the spring.

Additionally, this semester we will introduce a renewed device-ready website.

In this context the Board of Trustees identified seven areas targeted for priority attention, with plans to be developed annually for approaching our aspiration.

Enrollment—Annually achieving strategic recruitment and graduation targets.

Student Learning and Engagement— Leveraging the city as a place of learning, for both in-class and out-of-class programs.

Early examples include a semester-long Chicago Intensive curriculum, piloted in spring 2016 (see page 2); a new format of the weekly class schedule permitting all students to Engage Chicago through every course, to be introduced in Fall 2017; and ongoing program expansion in the sciences and health.

Adoption of a new CRM has enhanced our ability to connect and communicate with prospective students, track their progress toward admission, and encourage their selection of North Park as school of choice.

Partnerships—Forging strategic, collaborative, and mutual relationships with external partners.

We continue to strengthen our recent collaboration with One Goal, Chicago’s premiere college-readiness program, and partner worldwide with organizations such as Spark Ventures to support our Global Partnerships initiative.

Trustee Vision

Resources—Stewarding our resources— financial, faculty and staff, technological, and physical—to support the educational needs of students.

A comprehensive student-housing review is underway; a new signage system will be introduced to the campus during the coming year; an assessment of student financial need and scholarship requirements is underway; and the Board of Trustees is evaluating the potential for our next fund-raising campaign.

A Work Just Beginning In 1941, 50 years after North Park’s founding, historian Leland Carlson described North Park in its very earliest days as “a work just beginning.” We are wise to continue to think of North Park today as Leland Carlson thought of it in his day—to envision North Park today as “a work just beginning.” In doing this, we can hold an aspiration for North Park’s future as bold as the 1980 decision to remain in Chicago, as inspiring as the commitment in 1995 to become a university for all students, and as outlandish as the choice in 2009 to advance a fund-raising campaign in the midst of an economic recession—all and always for God’s glory and neighbor’s good.

Who we are today is rooted in the legacy of our first 125 years. North Park University is strong today because this school was formed as a city-centered learning community, nourished by its church heritage, framed by an immigrant sensibility, and guided by a commitment to extend access and equity in education.

Acts of faith in years past, demonstrated by trustees and many others, have guided North Park along each step of its journey. The future of North Park now rests in our hands. Acts of faith undertaken today, some larger and others smaller, mark the trajectory of our institutional future.

We aspire today to a bold and distinctive future for North Park, emboldened by the faithfulness of those who have come before us. We stand on the shoulders of many, holding in our hands the future of “a work just beginning.”

Past, Present, and Future

By Kristine E. Strand, EdD, CCC-SLP Chair, Board of Trustees The critical foundation on which North Park University has built the past, supports the present, and will scaffold its future is chiseled into the cornerstone of Old Main and reflected in the lives of all who are part of our community—faculty, administration, staff, and most of all, students: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10).

It is our faith that binds our mission as a Christian university to our core value of nurturing Christian faith while welcoming students from all traditions. Our faith is also the foundation for our educational ideal that North Park is a place where “Christian faith, learning, and service meet” in a community that “is rooted in and committed to the Christian faith and its sacred text, the Bible.”

Søren Kierkegaard famously wrote, “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” The life of North Park University going forward must be understood and embraced within the Pietistic and Covenant history on which the mission, values, and ideals of this Christian university have been formed. It is within this context that our aspiration for North Park “as the leading city-centered Christian university during the coming decade and beyond” will be lived out, as stated in one of the seven planning objectives adopted by the Board of Trustees: North Park will “nurture spiritual growth for all students, faculty, and staff by advancing a University-wide community of learning centered in the Christian gospel and engaged in dialogue with the religious diversity characteristic of the 21st-century urban world.”

I envision that North Park University in the next decade and beyond will continue to encourage students to follow their curiosity, ask questions, try different things, and grasp new concepts firmly grounded in a Christian faith community. We are all familiar with the saying that the more things change, the more they stay the same. No matter what new things come along, there are some truths that never change. It is my hope and prayer for North Park that all connected with its future will continue to think outside the box but, at the essential core, forever remain the same—embracing justice, grace, and mercy as our founding Christian values, operationalized in new ways for new generations.

Kristine E. Strand EdD, CCC-SLP is an associate professor in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at Boston University. She is also a senior speech-language pathologist in the Learning Disabilities Program, Neurology Department at Boston Children’s Hospital. Kristine is the former director of the Department of Hearing, Communication and Reading, Franciscan Hospital for Children, Boston, and former president and member of the board of trustees for New England Seafarers Mission. She is a member of Cape Cod Covenant Church, Brewster, Mass., where she is co-chair of the Missions Commission.

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Trustee Vision

Connecting Work and Faith

By Megan Tamte C’95 Member, Board of Trustees As I think about the future of North Park and its mission to prepare students for lives of significance and service, l immediately start dreaming about how the University can deepen its commitment to the next generation of leaders.

Every North Park student has the power to influence others and the potential to make the world a better place. In the coming years, I would love for North Park to devote even more resources to preparing students to become leaders who add value to the world and create positive change. Perhaps North Park could create a leadership institute that builds partnerships, shares ideas, cultivates powerful conversations that help students to realize their vision, and teaches them how to lead through mentorship programs, leadership skill development, and inspiring speaker events.

Smart and purpose-driven leaders are in high demand, and North Park has a unique power and presence—as a Christian university located in the city of Chicago—to shape future leaders. We can inspire and challenge students to think about how they will make their work matter, transform lives for good, and lead through empathy, humility, and love, no matter what vocation they choose.

As members of a Christian university community, our students are able to see that work and faith can be connected and that, in addition to churches and mission fields, our office buildings, retail stores, banks, and theaters can become sacred, holy spaces that serve others and offer Christ’s love.

With the role of women dramatically changing in recent years and with more women in leadership positions, I see an exciting opportunity for North Park to become a leader within the Christian university community in equipping young women. I’d like to see North Park seriously consider creating a center for women in leadership that brings training and opportunity to young women and helps them find their voice, “lean in,” and close the confidence gap so they can thrive in the workplace, advance in their careers, and influence for good.

Imagine North Park leaning into a generation of leaders to inspire and prepare them to use the unique talents they have been given to honor God, love others, and be part of transforming families, communities, churches, workplaces, and the world for Christ.

Megan Tamte C'95 is the co-founder and CEO of Evereve, a contemporary retail brand that inspires moms to realize and embrace their power and beauty. Megan and her husband, Mike Tamte C’93, launched the enterprise in Edina, Minn., in 2004 with a first store called Hot Mama. Rebranded as Evereve in 2014, the company now has 63 brick-and-mortar stores across the country, a growing e-commerce business (evereve.com), and a styling subscription service for moms called Trendsend (trendsend.com). Megan received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 Retail Award, Upper Midwest Region, and is a member of the Young Presidents’ Association (YPO).

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Trustee Vision

The City as Laboratory

By William N. Werner C’69, MD, MPH Member, Board of Trustees One of the aspirations of North Park University’s strategic plan is “adopting the city as both subject and place of learning as a foundation for academic excellence.” I envision the University expanding further into the city to embrace Chicago as a laboratory.

In my profession of medicine, Chicago is home to world-class hospitals and medical research centers. Even as a pre-med student in the 1960s, I experienced the city as my learning lab.

A local hospital gave assistance in analyzing specimens for my senior research project in immunology. Argonne National Laboratories provided me with access to state-of-the-art scientific instrumentation. Imagine our future health professional students continuing to benefit from the city’s extensive resources in medicine, health, and science as their expanded laboratory.

Off-campus access would not supplant the classroom, but enhance it. The concept of the “flipped” classroom incorporates texts and lectures being pushed to students digitally to study outside the classroom. Class time is spent in problem-solving exercises and discussion groups based on didactic material. Chicago as a laboratory provides the potential for students to explore academic and clinical projects in a more expansive, real-world classroom.

Our students already benefit from the collaborative efforts of Professor Jeff Nelson’s work with Rush University. North Park’s extensive network of alumni in health care could provide more opportunities for our students to experience firsthand the work of providing care to the diverse populations of Chicago. Mini-internships would give students insights into both the rewards and challenges of a profession in health care in the 21st century. Volunteer activities in the city could fulfill our students’ desires to engage in missional outreach as part of a Christian academic community.

North Park will be distinguished as a leading learning center not only for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) students, but also for all students who will explore and embrace our city as their laboratory and classroom.

William N. Werner C'69, MD, MPH, is the retired vice president of clinical transformation at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, which he joined in 1986 and where he also held positions as vice president of medical management and chief medical officer. A graduate of UIC’s College of Medicine and School of Public Health, Bill has been in active private practice since 1976 on Chicago's Near North Side.

He is a past president of the Illinois State Medical Society, 2012–2013, and served as president of the Chicago Medical Society in 2009–2010. Bill is a member of North Park Covenant Church in Chicago.

NORTH PARKER | Winter 2017 23

HOMECOMING Hundreds of North Park alumni returned to campus September 23–24 to celebrate the University’s 125th anniversary (see page 10) and Homecoming 2016, which included an alumni art exhibit, the River Run 5K, and Homecoming Fest. At the annual Homecoming Brunch, four Distinguished Alumni Award recipients for 2016 (see pages 28–29) were honored for their contributions to North Park and for leading significant lives of service. To see more Homecoming photos, visit www.northpark.edu/homecoming.

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NORTH PARKER | Winter 2017 25

THE 2016 HONOR ROLL

OF DONORS AND ANNUAL REPORT: AVAILABLE ONLINE North Park University is grateful for the generous support received from many individuals, families, and organizations each year. We are proud to recognize your gifts through the Honor Roll of Donors and Annual Report, published online.

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Gifts from our donors support all of our student scholarships and campus activities, and ensure the vital mission of our University. We offer our deepest gratitude for your generosity and faithfulness.

Please visit www.northpark. edu/honorroll.

We make every effort to accurately recognize your gifts. For questions, comments, or further information, please contact the Office for Advancement at (866) 366-8096 or email advancement@northpark.edu.

LIVE! North Park’s New Branding and Redesigned Website This year, North Park embarked on an effort to define, update, and strengthen our branding. Extensive research and surveying helped us develop a strong, recognizable brand—with a new logo as the cornerstone of the new visual identity. This mark harkens to our legacy by highlighting the cupola, presented in a fresh way.

To that end, we’re pleased to announce the launch of North Park’s newly redesigned website!

The site was built to improve the University’s presentation to prospective and current students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the wider North Park community.

On our new website, you’ll find: • Content displayed in a mobile-

responsive, user-friendly way • The ability to easily apply for

admission, make a gift, and request information • A virtual reality campus tour, aerial

video tour, and interactive map • An expanded Stories section, with

news and blog posts • Alumni stories highlighted in a new

Outcomes section

TAKE A LOOK: www.northpark.edu

NORTH PARKER | Winter 2017 27

HONORS North Park Salutes 2016 Alumni Honorees

“I knew turning back was not an option.”

—Janice Phillips

Janice Phillips C’76 PhD, MS, RN, FAAN North Park University Distinguished Alumni Award Her first day at North Park is a vivid memory for Dr. Janice Phillips. “I left my foster family with two five-dollar bills and a bag of clothes,” she says. “When I got to campus, I didn’t see a lot of students who looked like me, an African American. But I knew turning back was not an option.”

Phillips hoped to earn a nursing degree, but recalls early struggles, including low grades and “being frightened I didn’t fit in.” But God “dispatched angels,” she says, including a caring roommate (and now lifelong friend, Dr. Kathy Reeves) and nursing professors,

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including nursing school founder, the late Delores Johnson, who “showed me mercy and helped me get my grades up. She taught me that with perseverance and hard work, you can accomplish anything.”

Phillips went on to earn her BSN at North Park, then pursued graduate study, culminating in receiving a doctorate in public health nursing.

Her career accomplishments are noteworthy, including earning one of the nation’s most prestigious health policy fellowships at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and receiving the Martin Luther King, Jr., Humanitarian Award from the University of Chicago Medical Center, where she held positions as nurse researcher, research associate, and assistant professor. She also worked at the National Institute of Nursing

Research and taught graduate nursing at Rush University College of Nursing.

Today, as director of government and regulatory affairs for CGFNS International in Philadelphia, she oversees issues related to the global nursing workforce.

Phillips looks back with deep gratitude to North Park for a “solid nursing foundation” and for supporting an “inner-city girl with low confidence.” She keeps a letter she received more than 40 years ago from former nursing professor Sandy Granstrom, which reads, “I’m confident you’ll be as great a nurse as you are a great person.” Phillips still reads it as a reminder: “I’ve been blessed to accomplish things because it was the people at North Park who reached out to me.”

Ted Ernst A’51 C’54

Mary Helwig C’06

Joanna (Ericson) Kanakis C’06

North Park Academy Distinguished Alumni Award

North Park University Distinguished Young Alumni Award

North Park University Distinguished Young Alumni Award

For more than 60 years, Ted Ernst has been cycling, racing, and promoting the merits of a healthy mind and body. His early influences were his father, Ted Ernst, Sr., who owned Northwest Cycle on Irving Park Road in Chicago, and his years at North Park Academy and College.

This past March, Mary Helwig became one of only 765 mushers—including just over 115 women—to cross the finish line for the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, covering 1,000 miles across the Alaskan wilderness. The summer before this extraordinary achievement, a devastating wildfire tore through Mary’s neighborhood in Alaska, destroying everything she owned.

A pivotal moment for Joanna Kanakis came after defending her senior philosophy paper.

“I clearly remember the gleam in Professor Greg Clark’s eye,” she recalls, “telling me in his quiet way how far I had come and how I was ready to start living.”

North Park was a positive environment, Ernst recalls. “We all came from various backgrounds, yet we all felt at home and welcomed.” He believes that North Park’s philosophy and beliefs helped students to “think more about ‘the we’ instead of ‘I’ or ‘me.’ North Park taught us how to be a positive part of society.”

North Park College News reported on “North Park’s champion bicycle racer” in 1952, praising Ernst for carrying “the name of North Park to many different lands,” and asserting that “his fine record has always been a credit to his school.”

In 1960, Ernst relocated to California and purchased a shop he named Ted’s Manhattan Cycles, which he owned for more than 50 years. He started the South Bay Wheelmen cycling club and organized the Manhattan Grand Prix in 1962, one of the largest and longest-running cycling races in the country.

In 2006, Ernst was inducted into the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame. But he’s quick to point back to his North Park lessons: “You don’t do things to get rewards. Do what you do because you enjoy it, and try to be a decent person and set a good example.”

She puts both in perspective: “Following God has taken me to some breathtaking places, introduced me to a beautiful culture and amazing lifestyle, and prepared me for extreme physical and mental challenges.”

Helwig harks from a long line of North Parkers, including her grandparents, parents, brother, aunts, and uncles. “There was no question in my mind that I, too, would attend the beloved University.”

But finding Chicago “cold and dark” compared to her home in California, she considered transferring. A campus job and a new roommate changed her mind, although another challenge emerged: she was diagnosed with depression. “The people of North Park, students and faculty alike, are such a caring group. Some of my most meaningful friendships are with those who helped me in my struggle.”

She went on to participate in SVF, the Swedish exchange program, broadening her worldview and putting her on a path “I never dreamed of for my life.” After graduation, she joined the nonprofit organization Covenant Youth of Alaska and “fell in love with everything about Alaska.” Today, she feels at peace, knowing that “somehow I am doing God’s work and spreading the light.”

North Park provided Kanakis with a “fostering environment for my determined nature.” She learned how to connect with people, she says, as well as how to build meaningful community and start a network that launched her career in the global financial market. A North Park Presidential Scholar, Kanakis was able to grow intellectually through her “rigorous” philosophy major. She credits North Park with teaching her how to easily and successfully connect with people around the globe.

Following graduation, Kanakis joined Calyon Financial, Inc. as an analyst, and moved on to Newedge USA, LLC, where she became vice president and sales trader. Currently, she is a vice president and account executive at Societe Generale Americas Securities LLC, where she leads sales in Latin America, including Brazil, Chile, Peru, Mexico, and Colombia.

Kanakis says she holds her friends from North Park in the highest esteem. “North Park seems to draw in and cultivate compassionate, deeply rooted, good people who live intentionally in the world.” Kanakis is grateful for all that North Park provided, and happy to now be “on the giving side of the equation.” She serves on the advisory board for North Park’s School of Business and Nonprofit Management.

NORTH PARKER | Winter 2017 29

ALUMNI NOTES

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1940s

Dorothy (Field) A’47 and Russ Skallerup A'48 celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on September 29, 2016. The Skallerups have two children, four grandsons, and three greatgrandchildren. They have lived in Hot Springs, Ark., since 1978.

1950s

On a recent Viking (what else?) River Cruise in Europe, these former North Parkers surprisingly met up and exchanged tales about their travels. From left, Linda (Bowman) Voges A’59, Juris Pulins A’52, and Rev. Aina Pulins S’86. (1)

1960s

George Esplin C’69 joined with Scott Sanderson, former major league pitcher and now players’ agent, at the elite Perfect Game Baseball Tournament in Georgia. George coached Scott at Glenbrook North High School. (2) “The Ziltches” spent six days together in Fox Lake, Ill., sharing a rental home and enjoying a wonderful reunion among longtime friends.

"The Ziltches" is the nickname the group

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adopted (and no longer remember why) more than 55 years ago during their sophomore year at North Park while living together in the Lundholm women’s dorm, now Olsson House. From left to right, front row: Mary Ellen Ostrom C’65, Jean Shutters C’65, Phyllis Bruce C’65, Judith Schreiber C’66, Nancy Arsenault C’67; back row: Bev DeSarbo C’63, Lynne Springer C’66, Alyce Johnson C’65.

The group hopes to continue their reunion trips every other year to celebrate their gift of friendship and their gratitude for a North Park education. (3) Celebrating the 125th day of North Park's 125th year (May 4) with lunch in the Ridgway, Pa., area were: Don Ostrom C’66 S’73, Barry Anthony S’15, Darlene (Nicoletto) Madvig Ostrom C’78, J.T. Madison S’10, Gloria (Benson) Almquist-Shull C’53, Craig Duffield S’97, and Rachel (Madvig) Zimmerly C’09. (4)

1970s

Janis Anderson Rueping C’76 G’15 is celebrating four generations of North Parkers in the family, including her mother, Dorothy Ericson Anderson C’49, and her daughter, Emily (Rueping) Burger C’14.

Janis’s grandfather, France Ericson, was a Covenant pastor who graduated from North Park Theological Seminary in 1915. Janis says this North Park legacy means a lot to her and to her mother Dorothy, who passed away in September. See In Memoriam, page 35. (5)

1980s

Beth (Windmiller) Fredrickson C’80 is the new executive director of Harbor Point Ministries, which connects Central Conference Covenant churches to Covenant Harbor and Covenant Point Bible camps. In the role, Beth leads strategic direction for the shared ministry of the camps and strengthens relationships between the camps and their owner churches. Beth and her husband John Fredrickson C’75 live in Wisconsin. All three of their children are North Park graduates. (6) While backpacking recently with the Sierra Club, some North Parkers took to the top: Cheryl (Johnson) Walton, Roy Bodett C’81, and Karl Radnitzer C’80 were up 11,500 feet in the Bear Tooth Mountain Range in Montana. (7)

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1990s

Margaret (Johnson) Anderson C’91 S’98 and daughter Sjea Anderson, age 16, earned AAA ratings, the highest level of play, from the California Beach Volleyball Association in summer 2015. Margaret is amazed to be competing against college athletes on the beach in Santa Cruz, Calif., and “representing moms in our 40s.” She encourages everyone to invest in a hobby that “gives you much joy in your life.” (8) Aaron Olson C’96 spoke at the National Press Club in April 2016 at an event sponsored by Business Champions and the Lumina Foundation. Focusing on improving access to higher education, Aaron shared a new apprenticeship program being introduced in Chicago and modeled on similar work he has done in the UK. Established in partnership with Aon Corporation and the mayor of Chicago, these apprenticeships allow students to "learn and earn" by attending community college while also working at Aon and other local employers. Aaron’s presentation can be seen at luminafoundation.org/win-winconvening-2016.

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2000s

Michael Jennings C’01 and Kjersten (Anderson) Jennings C’04 welcomed Katarina Teagan Jennings on March 26, 2016. Katarina weighed 8 lb. 9 oz. and was 20 inches long.

She joins big brother Zachary, age three. (9) Dan Stegbauer C’02 G’09 has been named associate executive director and director of assisted living at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes, a faith-based, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community located in Grand Rapids, Mich., and operated by Covenant Retirement Communities. Dan says the Covenant Church has been a part of his life since childhood and helped “mold me into the person I am today.” With family members living in Covenant Village of Golden Valley, Minn., and Covenant Village of Northbrook, Ill., he is especially excited to be part of the Covenant organization.

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North Parkers who attended the wedding last year included Aaron Boock C’13, Alicia Tilson C’11, Craig Dirksen C’90, Paige Swan, Dallas Burright Jr. C’72, Marna Burright C’74, Adina (Neal) Bryant C’05, Donnie Bryant, Natalie (Keefe) Aydin C’03, and Joanna Lowry C’03, with Pastor Jose La Luz. (10) Jessica Lalitha Chinnaswamy Boock was born to Andrea Chinnaswamy C’03 and Joshua Steven Boock on August 12, 2016. Jessica weighed 8 lb. 7 oz. and was 20.5 inches. (11) Sarah Snow C'04 recently accepted a position as development director for Covenant Harbor Bible Camp. In this role, she looks forward to supporting ministry advancement at Covenant Harbor through her faith and combined passion for Christian camping, education, and development. Sarah resides in Chicago. (12)

Andrea Chandra Chinnaswamy C’03 married Joshua Steven Boock on Saturday, October 24, 2015, in North Park's Anderson Chapel.

Andrea and Joshua have backpacked through 12 countries in Europe and have traveled throughout the United States together.

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Connect with North Park 1

1

We’re eager to keep all of our alumni informed and involved in the University and the Seminary. Here are all the ways you can stay in touch with us—and with classmates and other alumni: North Park Connect is an online community just for alumni.

Update your contact information when you move, earn a graduate degree, or accept a new job; view and register for alumni events; and join the online alumni directory, where you can reconnect with classmates or build your professional network by connecting with fellow alumni in your area or industry. Go to https://connect.northpark.edu.

You can also connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/northparkalumni and on Twitter at twitter.com/npualumni.

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North Park University’s new Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) program creates opportunities for young alumni to stay connected, access services for professional advancement, and participate in social and networking events year-round. Go to www.northpark.edu/Alumni/GOLD. To stay up-to-date anytime on upcoming alumni events and reunions, benefits and resources available to alumni, issues of the North Parker, ways to give to North Park, and more, visit www.northpark.edu/alumni.

For more information, alumni can contact Melissa Vélez-Luce C’04 G’12, director of alumni relations, by phone, email, mail, or by making an appointment to visit in person. For details, go to www.northpark.edu/alumni/contact.

ALUMNI NOTES

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Carissa (Esmon) Gomez C'05 and Anthony Gomez announce the birth of their daughter, Abigail Maya Gomez, born August 6, 2016.

Abigail weighed 9 lb. 4 oz. and was 21.25 inches long. The family currently resides in Chicago, where Anthony is the assistant trust/ IRA administrator at Covenant Trust Company, and Carissa is the stewardship manager in the Office of Advancement at North Park. (13)

More than 10 years after meeting at North Park, Kayla Steinke C’07 and David D'Antonio C’08 were married in Rockton, Ill. North Park friends in the wedding included Jonathan Moreen C’07, Laura Smith C’04, April Kunieda C’07, Angela (Robinson) Moreen C’08, Sarah Bauer C’08, Nick Oswald C’08, Christine Kanownik C’07, Ben Richmond C’08, Jon Ecker C’04, and Tyler Sampson C’08. (16)

Carri (Behal) Edmiston C’07 married Scott Edmiston on August 22, 2015, in Blacksburg, Va., at the historic Rockwood Manor. Other North Park alumni in the wedding included Alicia (Hanson) Sturdy C’07 and Esther (Wise) Ortlund C’07. (14)

Hannah (Leman) C’09 and Josh Eloge C’07 welcomed their beautiful twin girls, Ezra and Olive, into their family on April 18, 2016. Josh is in his third year at Rush Medical College in Chicago, and Hannah is enjoying working from home and helping others navigate the adoption process through her website, Kindred + Co. (17)

The Duchennes were recently interviewed

by Wisconsin’s Janesville Gazette about their mission work in Belgium and their proximity to terrorist attacks in Brussels this past May. Havalyn (Nesler) Duchenne C’08 has been working as a missionary in Belgium since 2010. Her husband, Jean-Louis, is currently attending Bible college in Brussels and was only a few blocks away from the metro station when it was bombed. The article highlighted their work with youth, whom they encourage to fight fear through faith and forgiveness. (15)

Stefan C’09 and Kiera (Johnson) C’10 Fritz announce the birth of their daughter, Eliana Marie, who was born on August 10, 2016. They are all enjoying their life as a family of three in New Hampshire. (18)

2010s

Kelsey (Holloway) Rorem S’10 and Tom Rorem C’10 welcomed their first son, Lucas Godwin, on December 23, 2015. The Rorems live in Seattle, where Kelsey serves as the

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associate director for Campus Ministries at Seattle Pacific University, and Tom is the front man for the band Lowlands (wearelowlands. com). (19) Kristen Van Putten C’10 and Mike Nellis were married on August 7, 2015, in Omaha, Neb. The reception was held April 16, 2016, and North Parkers in the wedding included Mary (Hakanson) Wells C’09 G’15, Kristin Englund C’10, Emily Persson C’10, Christine (Wahlskog) Wallace C’10, Sarah Van Putten, Will Howell C’94, and Kristen’s parents, Amy (Olson) C’82 and Jeff Van Putten C’82. (20) Peter Schamp C’10 married Natalie Renee Sherer in Glen Ellyn, Ill., on May 22. Ryan Roberts C’10 and Tim Mata C’10 were in the wedding party. Peter and Natalie live in North Center/Ravenswood in Chicago, where Peter is the store manager for Marbles: the Brain Store, and Natalie works at Roosevelt University as a collaborative pianist. Among their greatest joys are playing music, enjoying visits to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, and taking road trips. (21)

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ALUMNI NOTES

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Desiree Bakken C’12 and Zachary Robertson were married on July 16, 2016, at Northbrook Evangelical Covenant Church in Northbrook, Ill., where the couple attends and Desiree serves as director of music and youth ministries. North Parkers in the wedding include Julia Bakken C’14, Abigail Austin C’12, Sarah Ekstrand C’12, Abbie (Mosurinjohn) Currie C’12, Jessica Peters C’13, Tommy Bakken, David Elowson C’54 S’60, Tom Beckstrom S’77, Steve Elowson C’91, Teel Short C’12, Josh Hiben C’12, Deborah McPherson C’12, Valerie Persson C’85, Rollie Persson C’83, and Tyler Warnygora C’11. Desiree is the daughter of Keith C’85 G’06 and Laurie (Elowson) C’84 Bakken and the granddaughter of David and Marge (Gustafson) C’55 Elowson. The couple resides in Palatine, Ill. (22) Christian Gieseke C’12 and Haley Anderson C’13 were married on July 16, 2016, at North Park Covenant Church in Chicago. North Park alumni in the wedding party included (left to right): Mark C’07 and Hannah (Anderson) Edgren C’07, Lars Anderson C’10, Lauren Cacciola C’13, Jeffrey Erickson C’14, Caroline Love C’14, Carl Gieseke C’12, Erin Gieseke,

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Chris Burlet C’13, Kyra Anderson C’11, Neal Johnson C’11, Carisa Hogberg C’14, Gunnar Anderson, and Sam Vetter C’11. Haley is a special needs educator at Avoca West School in Glenview, Ill., and Christian is a registered nurse in the ICU at Swedish Covenant Hospital, Chicago. They currently reside in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago. (23)

Persson C'10, Russ Persson C’77, Jan (Stacey) Persson C’79, Tara Johnson C’84, Greg Johnson C’78, and Susan (Christoferson) Johnson C’77. North Parkers not pictured but in attendance: Keith Bakken C’85 G’06, Laurie (Elowson) Bakken C’84, Chris Baer C’85, and Andrea (Roe) Baer C’84. (25)

Anthony Anderson C’12 and Carmen Anderson were married on August 20, 2016, at an outdoor ceremony in Minneapolis, Minn.

North Park alumnus Erick Abramson S’12 officiated the ceremony. Other North Parkers included groomsmen Joe Chybowski C'09, Erik Brorson C'13, and Erik Sager C'13, bridesmaid Chelsea (Anderson) Chybowski, and ushers Jonathan Saldner C’12 and Thor Lindstam C’12. Carmen is a 2012 graduate of the University of Wisconsin. They reside in Minneapolis, Minn., where Anthony works as a consultant and Carmen is in sales. (24)

Ashley Rewolinski C’14 was crowned Miss New Berlin, a local title within the Miss America Organization, on February 27, 2016.

Throughout her year as Miss New Berlin, she will promote her platform, which focuses on Music Matters!, raising awareness of the importance of music education. This June, she will compete at the Miss Wisconsin competition, with hopes of going on to the Miss America competition. (26)

Jessica Persson C’13 and Jeff Hass were married on July 2, 2016, at the home of Jeff’s parents in Bloomington, Minn. North Parkers included Rollie Persson C’83, Valerie (Johnson) Persson C’85, Emily

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David Stanley Gotaas C’47 passed away at the age of 92 on April 16, 2016. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Iona Lois Gotaas, and their 64-year-old son, David John Gotaas. David Stanley was a missionary, pastor, professor, and perpetual student. He received two doctorates, the first in theology when he was in his 20s, and the second in international studies (specifically, Russian studies) at the age of 72. He loved his family, especially his great-great-grandchildren. (27)

her grandfather’s homestead and raise their family. The family moved to Sioux Falls in 1966.

Dr. Roger Thorpe C’51, who served for 30 years in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, died on October 7, 2016, at age 84. He was born on February 19, 1932, in Stephenson, Mich. After completing two years at North Park College, Roger attended the University of Michigan and graduated with his MD. Following his internship, residency in general surgery, one year in seminary, and two years in the Air Force as a flight surgeon, Roger answered the call to become a medical missionary. In 1966, the Thorpe family began serving in Congo, where Roger performed two to three surgeries a day.

Dorothy (Ericson) Anderson C’49, 86, of Sioux Falls, S.D., died at her home on Wednesday, September 14, 2016. Dorothy was born on July 14, 1930, in Worcester, Mass., the daughter of Rev. France A. and Elvie C. (Sandstrom) Ericson. She was baptized and confirmed in Salem Square Covenant Church by her father, and lived in Massachusetts until the family moved to Jamestown, N.Y. In 1946, her family moved to rural Brandon, S.D., where her father pastored Swedona Covenant Church. After graduating from North Park with an associate’s degree, she returned to Sioux Falls and was employed by the Veterans Administration. She was united in marriage to John Eldon Anderson in 1951, and they moved to Brandon to farm

Though she held several secretarial and accounting positions after all her children started school, Dorothy’s lifetime vocation and passion was that of a church musician.

An organist, pianist, and vocalist, Dorothy loved participating in worship through music and loved her church and denomination, the Evangelical Covenant Church. She was the lone remaining charter member of First Covenant Church in Sioux Falls.

Survivors include Dorothy’s loving husband of 65 years, J. Eldon Anderson, and their five children, Janis (Anderson) Rueping C’76 G’15 (Frank), Karin (Anderson) Youngberg C’78 (Mark C’77), Luanne (Anderson) Fondell C’80 (Dan C’76), Mark Anderson (Andria), and Julie Anderson Friesen (Curtis); 13 grandchildren, including North Parkers Emily (Rueping) Burger C’14 (Nick C’14), Joel Youngberg C’05 (Carrie C’03), Kia (Youngberg) Hofer, Nathaniel Fondell C’07 (Ellen C’07), and Elisabeth Fondell C’09; and six great-grandchildren. Dorothy's brother, F. Robert Ericson C'48, also survives.

Roger and his wife, Eileen (Adell) Thorpe C’52, retired from missionary service in 1996, and he went on to work for another five years at Swedish Covenant Hospital. In 2007, Roger and the former executive minister of World Mission, Curt Peterson, were taken hostage by a militia, and barely escaped, during an uprising in Kinshasa. In retirement, Roger made many medical mission trips, enjoyed music and singing, and traveling with his family. Roger is survived by his wife, four children and their spouses, and nine grandchildren. (28)

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Gwendolynn (Lynn) Easson Anderson A’53 C’55 passed away on March 23, 2016, as the result of a brain hemorrhage. Lynn met her future husband, Quentin D. Anderson, Sr. A’53, in 1951 while they were students at the North Park Academy. She later graduated from the National College of Education with her bachelor's degree, then earned a master's degree in education from the University of North Alabama. She spent 45 years teaching elementary students in Illinois, California, Kansas, Arkansas, and Alabama, retiring in 2002. Lynn and her husband traveled to various countries throughout the world. She was very proud of her years at North Park and her lifelong friends, as well as her teaching career. She is survived by three children and five grandchildren.

The Reverend Raymond W. Nyquist C'60 S'64 passed away on March 11, 2016, after serving churches for more than 40 years, both in the Evangelical Covenant Church and in the United Church of Christ. As a teen, he was hospitalized for six years for tuberculosis, and also lost his parents. After recovering, he came to North Park, which he always felt was his spiritual home. He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Hazlett); daughter, Jennifer (Nyquist) Blum C'82 (Adam C'82); son, Timothy; grandchildren, Courtney, Jordan, and

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Stephanie Blum; two stepdaughters and two stepgranddaughters; and his first wife, Elaine Nygard Teschner C'60. A memorial service at Faith Covenant Church in Wheaton, Ill., will be held at 11:00 a.m., April 16, 2017. Memorial gifts are requested to be sent to North Park University.

Warren T. “Ted” Hedin C’65 died August 30, 2015, at age 71. Ted received his master’s degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1971. He served 20 years in the United States Air Force with overseas assignments in South Korea, England, and Saudi Arabia, as well as many stateside locations. He retired from the Air Force in 1987 and retired from his second career with Northrup Grumman in 2005. Ted loved spending time with his family, relaxing at the beach, cheering on his New England Patriots, and reminiscing about his days at North Park and the many lasting friendships. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kay; three children, Kari (Hedin) Krauss C’97, Matthew Hedin C’99, and Ryan Hedin; six grandchildren; and sisters, Karen and Joanne (Hedin) Peters C’70.

Kristine (Appel) Gustavson C’71 passed away in January 2015 in Lewiston, Maine.

Daughter of the late Dr. Robert L. and Joyce (Broman) Appel C’45, Kristine was part of the North Park community while her father was principal of the Academy and taught in the College from 1958 to 1968. She received her bachelor of arts in biology and Spanish from North Park College in 1971 and later earned a master’s degree in adult education and school psychology from the University of Southern Maine. Kristine was a lifelong teacher and will be remembered for her passion for education and her eagerness to share knowledge and encourage others. She is survived by husband Charles, two daughters, two granddaughters, her mother, and sister Kathleen Bengtson. (29) Dominicht “Nick” Johnson passed away on May 12, 2013. He is survived by two wonderful children, Benjamin, age 17; and Grace, age 12, who live in Willmar, Minn. Nick had a brilliant mind for investing money and running his business, Nick's Lawn Maintenance. His greatest memories from North Park included late-night hockey games, RHA (Residence Hall Association) meetings, and economics classes with Lee Sundholm. He is survived by his sister, Margaret Johnson C’91 S’99. (30)

For Every Student: Make a Difference.

Now, more than ever, giving to the North Park Fund makes an invaluable impact: You can ensure that students enroll, earn their degrees from North Park University and North Park Theological Seminary, and go on to meaningful lives and careers.

With your gift to the North Park Fund, we can: • Meet students’ highest need for financial assistance to make education affordable.

• Award more than $13 million annually in scholarships to our students.

• Provide financial aid to 95% of undergraduates and 78% of Seminary students.

• Fulfill students’ dreams for an outstanding education and a bright future.

Make an impact. Make your gift today. www.northpark.edu/give

Park is where lifelong relationships are formed and where “ North personal milestones are achieved. When you give your gift, you’re really giving us the experience of discovering who we are and who we want to be as we enter the world. Thank you!

Curtis Pederson C’18 Double Major: Politics & Government and Business & Economics

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North Park Fund: Your Support Counts! #npu125day | May 4, 2016 North Park’s First Annual Day of Giving Total: $136,906 from 466 donors #blueandgoldday | May 3, 2017 Save the date and participate in our Second Annual Day of Giving 37 NORTH PARKER | Summer 2016

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NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY

ANGEL VOICES

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A FESTIVAL OF LESSONS & CAROLS ADVENT 2016

Sunday, December 4, 2016, at 3:30 pm St. Hilary Church | 5601 North California, Chicago Free and open to the public Please reserve tickets at www.northpark.edu/FOLC or by calling (773) 244-5625.