1 minute read
Alumni Association
North Park University Alumni Association is proud to introduce its brand new alumni directory and website, the premier place for reconnecting to campus and fellow North Parkers.
Advertisement
Connect with more than 13,000 alumni, faculty, and staff. Message users directly.
Keep up with upcoming alumni and campus events. Search and locate your classmates and friends. Explore the interactive alumni map. Find out about upcoming volunteer opportunities.
Head to alumni.northpark.edu and start connecting.
Lois Ekstrand A’47 C’49, passed away July 11, 2022, in Evanston, Illinois. Born on August 11, 1929, she taught for 30 years at Avoca West Elementary School in Glenview, Illinois, and upon retirement, she served as a docent for the Chicago Architectural Foundation. The Lois Ekstrand Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for future teachers, was established in her honor.
Dr. Gianfranco Farruggia passed away unexpectedly January 15, 2023, in his Chicago home. He was 69 years old. He leaves behind his daughter, Mora, a 2021 graduate of North Park University. Farruggia served North Park as a professor of nonprofit management since 2003. He was granted tenure in 2009 and became a full professor in 2013. While at North Park, Farruggia taught, published, consulted, and frequently presented on management and leadership in the nonprofit sector.
Coach Joe Hakes passed away on January 23, 2023. He was called home after a long illness by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His final days were spent at home in Bristow, Virginia, surrounded by his family. Hakes was North Park's first men's soccer coach in 1981, elevating the club program to a full varsity sport. He also coached women's basketball and men's tennis, and was a resident director in Burgh Hall.
James S. Nelson, associate professor of religion and philosophy at North Park University for 34 years, died January 29, 2023, after a long illness. He was 85 years old. Nelson was the beloved husband of Sandra Nelson for 60 years, loving father of Kimberly (Robert O’Brien) Nelson, and proud grandfather of Emily Margaret O’Brien.
