North Parker
Your Gift Builds Lifelong Connections
When transfer student and criminal justice major Wilber Reyes Delgado came to North Park, he found “a place where anyone can make a difference and where diversity brings peace and love,” which empowered him to participate in the North Park Research Experience for Summer Students. “I looked deeper into my community and learned how to contribute to helping those around me,” he said.
Your gift to the North Park Fund allows students like Wilber to follow their passions and discover their mission. Support every student, every day by donating to the North Park Fund by December 31.
Winter 2025
16
NPU Loves Chicago
Volunteers unite for North Park’s first campus-wide Service Day.
22
A Small but Mighty Ship
Celebrating Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management’s 25 years of service to nonprofit organizations.
26
A Legacy of Compassion
A look at how Dr. Paul Carlson’s legacy continues to shape global healthcare and inspire North Park’s missionaries.
North Parker
Editorial Board
Mary K. Surridge
President
Michael Nevergall MNA ’13 Vice President for Advancement
Anthony Scola Vice President for Enrollment
Management and Marketing
Editorial Staff
Ana Funduk
Managing Editor
Ellen Almer BA ’94
Kennedy Murphy
Lindsey Post Robinson BS ’05
Editors
Ellen Almer
Scott Baltic BA ’74
Ana Funduk
Andrew Meyer BA ’06, MA ’13
Kennedy Murphy
Eileen O’Gorman
Brett Ravitz BS ’25
Lindsey Post Robinson
Writers
Design Staff
Susannah Kim Art Direction & Design
Karamel Aguila
Graphic Designer
Phil Dembinski
Robin Lee
Photographers
The North Parker is published twice a year for alumni and friends of North Park University, 3225 W. Foster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625-4895. For mailing list adjustments, address changes, questions, or suggestions, please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at (773) 244-4750.
First Word
Preparing our students for lives of significance and service—every student, every day.
As we reflect on our shared North Park history and the enduring values that bind all North Parkers, we see our university’s mission as the common thread for us all. In the stories of our beloved alumni across the arc and life of our school, along with the compelling and inspiring student stories of today, we witness our mission beautifully expressed, leaving us grateful and inspired.
In this issue of the North Parker, you will learn of the measurable impact our outstanding alumni are making today in Chicago, our nation, and around the globe. We will
remember the ministry of Dr. Paul Carlson and his significant life of service and devotion to those he served as a physician and faithful servant of God.
You will read about the many ways we are dedicating this academic year to celebrating and fostering opportunities for service across our campus and alumni community.
And, on our cover and throughout this edition, you will learn about an inspiring Saturday in September when the entire North Park University community—students, faculty, staff, and alumni—joined together in a city-wide Service Day, living out our faith and mission, in glory to God and service to our neighbors.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10
Throughout the academic year, we will offer multiple opportunities for learning, engagement, and collaboration focused on service in its many forms. From volunteering initiatives to leadership programs and thought-provoking discussions, we will provide spaces for students and alumni to share their stories, build connections, and contribute to the thriving mission and future of North Park University.
I invite you to join in support of these efforts—to lead with courage and compassion, support one another, continuing to shape a legacy of service that will last for generations to come.
Thank you for being a part of the vibrant North Park community and for everything you do to support our students.
With gratitude and enthusiasm for the inspiring days ahead,
Mary K. Surridge President
The Viking football team came from behind to win their Homecoming game against Carroll University, 30–26.
Across Campus
United States Department of State Names North Park a Fulbright HSI Leader
NPU has received the Fulbright Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Leaders designation for its engagement with the Fulbright Program—the US government’s flagship international academic exchange program—as an HSI. This is NPU’s first inclusion since the list began in 2021.
North Park Welcomes New Students and Celebrates Rankings
North Park University (NPU) welcomed another strong class of more than 530 new traditional undergraduate students this fall. Forbes Advisor also ranked NPU’s School of Professional Studies as one of the top 10 online Illinois colleges.
School of Restorative Arts Moves to New Location
North Park Theological Seminary’s (NPTS) School of Restorative Arts programming has temporarily moved to Illinois River Correctional Center as work begins on demolishing and rebuilding its previous home, Stateville Correctional Center.
ESL Teaching Cares Program Launches
This fall, NPU began its ESL Teaching Cares program to provide childcare and English classes to migrants who recently arrived in the Albany Park area. Under the leadership of Ben Swihart, coordinator of local and global services and outreach, and NPU student intern Davianna Schuh, students serve as childcare providers or English tutors to migrants living in the former United States Marine Corps facility on Foster Avenue.
Former North Park Volleyball Coach Earns Olympic Silver Medal
Coley Pawlikowski, head coach of North Park’s women’s volleyball team from 2006–09, earned a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Pawlikowski was the team manager for USA Volleyball’s Women’s National Team and is now the director of volleyball operations at the University of Michigan.
COPA Hosts People’s Academy at North Park
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), an independent agency that investigates allegations of police misconduct in Chicago, brought its People’s Academy to North Park’s campus this summer. The academy’s goal is to engage Chicago residents in weekly meetings to educate them about the agency’s work in public safety and accountability. COPA is led by Chief Administrator Andrea Kersten BA ’01.
Welcome New Faculty and Staff
Dr. Farrokh Asadi
Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology
Dr. Cenell Boch
Assistant Professor of Health Sciences
Dr. Jovan Butler
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Kamala Gillen
Assistant Professor of Nursing, DEMSN
Ellen Grover
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Vicki Hamill
Visiting Assistant Professor of Exercise and Sport
Rashad Hanna
Director of Intercultural Student Affairs
Dr. Jerri A. Haynes
School of Education Dean
Dr. Eugenia Jeong
Assistant Professor of Music
Sueen Kelsey
Visiting Assistant Professor of Communication Arts
Dr. Anthony Lazzeroni
Assistant Professor of Math
Dr. Lama Htoi San Lu
Visiting Assistant Professor of Theology
Dr. Sophia Magallanes-Tsang
Assistant Professor of Old Testament
Dr. Jordan Nelson
Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Dr. Megan Stewart
Associate Professor of Education
Tezeru Teshome
Director of Civic Engagement
Dr. Jie Yao
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Vikings Football
Team
Makes History in Italy
North Park’s football team made history this summer, playing the university’s first-ever international game against an Italian League team in Milan. Led by Coach Kyle Rooker, the Vikings competed in a friendly matchup against the Legnano Frogs, with North Park winning 62–0. The game was the highlight of a week filled with culture, food, and tours of Rome and Tuscany.
Women’s Tennis Wins First-Ever CCIW Title
North Park’s women’s tennis team won a share of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) title for the first time in its program’s history. The Vikings ended the fall 2024 season in a three-way tie with Wheaton College and North Central College and an overall record of 8–2, the most successful in program history.
Brandel Library and NPU Archives Receive Two Grants
Dr. Evan Kuehn helped secure a two-year, $141,823 grant for Brandel Library from the Illinois State Library—through the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois—to fund the development of Open Educational Resources in partnership with NPU faculty and staff.
Archivists Sarah Hawkinson BA ’20 and Andrew Meyer BA ’06, MA ’13 received a one-year $3,171 grant from the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board for a digitization project. They will create access points to audio recordings of Evangelical Covenant Pastor Douglas Cedarleaf’s sermons at North Park Covenant Church from 1955–70.
New Transfer Partnership with Triton
College
NPU is partnering with Triton College to guarantee Triton transfer students admission to North Park. As part of the program, North Park’s admissions counselors will help Triton students transfer their credits to ensure they complete their bachelor’s degrees as quickly as possible. “This new partnership provides clarity and streamlines the admissions process for Triton students looking to complete their bachelor’s at North Park,” said Anthony Scola, vice president for enrollment management and marketing.
Engaging Covenant Youth at Unite 2024
Eighteen North Park staff, faculty, and students attended the Unite 2024 youth events this summer, held in Bowling Green, Ohio, and San Diego. NPU sponsored the welcome party to kick off the week as Covenant youth groups arrived from across the country. North Park engaged in worship, prayer, and acts of service, while also leading breakout sessions and hosting a tent at both locations to connect with students and alumni.
University Ministries Receives Two Grants
North Park’s University Ministries received two grants. A $50,000 grant from the Educating Character Initiative of the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University will create a credit-bearing course related to the Sankofa trip, which promotes racial reconciliation. A $40,000 grant from the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education will help pay the salaries of 16 students who will intern at local churches over two years.
New Programs Launch at NPU’s Center for Civic Engagement
The Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) held two round-table discussions this summer on “The Legacy of Faith-Based Social Impact and Pathways to Sustainability,” bringing together 130 faith leaders across Chicago. CCE also received a five-year, $1,125,000 grant for a project titled Elevating Church Outreach for the Next Generation Black Church. This program promotes congregational flourishing among Black churches throughout Chicagoland.
MEET THE STAFF
Coping with a Curveball
At North Park University, the Office of Financial Aid has always been committed to helping students navigate the complex world of tuition, grants, and loans. However, in the past year, the team faced an unexpected challenge when the changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) required a quick response and creative problem-solving.
In December 2023, the United States Department of Education rolled out a significant revision to the FAFSA,
which had been delayed by several months. This change was designed to simplify the application process, but its timing and complexity created hurdles for many students.
Carolyn Lach, director of financial aid, explained, “While the changes were intended to make the process easier, they created some extra challenges for the students who needed help the most.”
In response to the new FAFSA rollout, North Park formed a special
task force dedicated to streamlining the process for students. The Office of Financial Aid and partners from Information Technology, the Division of Student Engagement, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, and other departments worked quickly to ensure students still received the support they needed.
“We were able to adjust our approach and keep the financial aid process moving forward,” said Lach. “Being a smaller school allowed us to pivot quickly and provide personalized support.” The team’s collaborative efforts helped minimize delays and ensured students received the financial support needed to pursue their studies at North Park without disruption.
“It was a unique year,” said JoseJose Palma BA ’10, MM ’15, financial aid senior counselor, “But we all came together to make sure students could still get the financial support they needed to continue their education.”
Emily Anderson MBA ’17, assistant director of financial aid process, added, “It felt like we were starting from scratch, but our team’s ability to adapt quickly helped us stay ahead of the curve.” North Park was one of the first schools to send out new financial aid packages for incoming students.
Despite the challenges, the financial aid office remains a welcoming space for students. “Our team is always ready to sit with students, answer their questions, and find solutions,” Anderson said.
In the end, the FAFSA adjustments have highlighted the flexibility and dedication of North Park’s financial aid team and reinforced the university’s commitment to supporting students as they pursue their academic and personal goals.
From left to right: Kristen Resendiz BS ’11, Danica Todorovic BA ’22, Carolyn Lach, Jose-Jose Palma (not pictured: Emily Anderson)
Providing a Foundation for Teachers
In June 2024, North Park University appointed its new School of Education dean, Dr. Jerri A. Haynes, an accomplished education professional with corporate experience.
Haynes, who holds a Doctor of Education in Child and Youth Studies, began her career in K–12 education. Although she enjoyed her time in the classroom, working directly with students, her desire to impact the greatest number of students possible led her to an administrative path.
As a Title I program specialist for one of the largest school districts in the United States, Haynes worked with administrators, teachers, and parents to increase students’ test scores through various strategies. After her first year in this role, all nine schools she worked in were no longer on the persistently low-performing list.
Haynes said, “I’ve always worked with students who were not successful in school, which drew me to higher education. I felt universities were supposed to be sharing research to support K–12, but the research wasn’t addressing the concerns I had: looking at what you can do to support at-risk kids and close the gap for them to be successful.”
As a dean at Tennessee State University and Jackson State University, Haynes used her data-informed approach to implement teacher residencies through the Grow Your Own initiative, a teacher preparation
program designed to develop teachers from a school’s surrounding community. For this work, Haynes received recognition from the U.S. Department of Education.
Now, Illinois is one of the states implementing Grow Your Own statewide, about which Haynes said, “It’s fulfilling being on the forefront of making a difference.”
At North Park, Haynes believes the combination of her curriculum development and accreditation experience and the institution’s student-centered
values will pave the way for relevant programming and actionable partnerships. She envisions School of Education students experiencing real-life situations in innovative, rigorous programs that challenge the status quo.
“Higher education is the nucleus of every individual seeking knowledge. We provide the foundation for the teachers we train, who implement those strategies with their students,” Haynes said. “North Park has the opportunity to impact so many through its programming.”
SEMINARY SPOTLIGHT
The Practical Theologian
For Dr. Max Lee, theological training and pastoring are mutually dependent and help strengthen pastors and the communities they serve. Appointed in February 2024 as the Paul W. Brandel Chair of Biblical Studies at North Park Theological Seminary (NPTS), he has been a New Testament professor at the seminary since 2006.
“At NPTS, we are training capable, critically thinking, engaging pastors who not only read Scripture well and think theologically for the church but also pastorally care for their flock and love their neighbor,” Lee said.
Ordained as a Baptist minister, Lee believes seminary education is crucial to the formation and longevity
of ministry and is grateful for NPTS Professor Emeritus Klyne Snodgrass’ mentorship. “He taught me that rigorous study and interpersonal engagement do not compete, that theological education can bring joy, and that seminary education strengthens pastors to face the challenge of ministry faithfully,” Lee said.
Always looking for ways to improve his teaching, Lee recently developed a course on the Book of Colossians, which he tested in different church groups and filmed for the Seminary Now video teaching series.
He also taught some of the material in his “New Testament 2: Texts and Their Theology” class. “When my
At NPTS, we are training capable, critically thinking, engaging pastors who not only read Scripture well and think theologically for the church but also pastorally care for their flock and love their neighbor.
research can inform my teaching and vice versa, these two pillars of a theological educator generate excitement, insight, and joy,” he said.
Engaging with and serving seminary students is something Lee takes seriously. He developed one of his favorite courses to teach, “Intercultural Readings of the Bible,” from discussions with NPTS students in 2012.
In the course, students learn how people of color have read the Bible as Christian communities and been formed by it. They also reflect on how the Bible speaks to diverse groups of people and how the Scriptural insights generated from one cultural location is meaningful and applicable to the whole church.
Lee also takes the opportunity to serve fellow NPTS faculty. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped seminary colleagues prepare to teach virtually. Lee had serendipitously completed an online teaching fellowship with the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion in 2018, preparing him to step up when the pandemic began.
“I thank God I did that training because not only did it help me be ready for what came, but I could also serve my community in its vision today to bring theological education to the world,” Lee said.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Base Camp: Brandel Library
Brandel Library provides North Parkers books and course materials and serves as a base camp for various student clubs. Here’s a day in the life of our beloved Brandel:
7:30 a.m. – Student workers power up printers and unlock doors to prepare for the library’s 7:45 a.m. opening. There’s a calm before the storm as a few students mull outside, waiting to print off last-minute assignments, check out laptops, and microwave morning meals.
“Students have shared that they want the library to be somewhere they can come to get their work done,” said Director Matthew Ostercamp. “So, we’ve created pockets throughout the building that serve different purposes.”
8:30 a.m. – Things immediately slow
down as the first classes begin. Commuter students settle in to claim their favorite spots as they start their days.
“For commuters, being on campus and making connections is essential to the college experience,” said fourth-year student Ayesha Irizarry, commuter representative for North Park’s Student Government Association. “They often live with their families in busy homes, and lead busy lives, and the library is a safe place to come focus.”
10:30 a.m. – Philosophy Club students come together on the third floor in Norsten Tower to debate, discuss, and drink coffee. Once a week, they review a new philosophical topic.
“Our shared memories connect to the circular table in that room. It’s a consistent, guaranteed space to meet where we know we’re welcome,” said Philosophy Club co-president Jaden Perdue
12:00 p.m. – As the day continues, the library breathes and moves much
like a living body—and eats like one, too. A student worker brings treats to share with friends while studentathletes cluster in a study room with endless pizza boxes surrounding their textbooks.
3:00 p.m. – Back downstairs, a Writing Center appointment begins. Assistant Director Mia Santiago leads the group of 15 student advisors to help edit and transform student papers.
“We have two writing advisors on drop-in duty when we’re open,” Santiago said. “It’s an invaluable resource to our students.”
7:00 p.m. – Students settle down in comfy clothes and chairs to prepare for late-night studying. The vibe is quieter than in the morning, and students are grateful for the air-conditioned solace of the space.
11:00 p.m. – The library closes for the day. The last few students straggle out following a study session as student workers lock up, turning off the lights until early morning tomorrow.
Mandisa Timba Philosophy Club student members
VIKING STRONG
Leveling Up
From left to right: Victoria Perry, Agnes Bäck, and Jereme Ombogo
Esports, short for electronic sports, refers to competitive video gaming where individuals or teams compete in organized tournaments and leagues.
North Park’s newest athletics program might differ from what you would expect; they don’t practice on a court, on a field, or even in the water. Meet the North Park University Esports team.
Esports, short for electronic sports, refers to competitive video gaming where individuals or teams compete in organized tournaments and leagues. These competitions range from local events to massive international tournaments with professional players and millions of viewers.
In 2020, when many sports became inaccessible due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Assistant Vice President for Athletics and Sport Management John Born turned to Peter Casella BA ’10, MBA ’14, who has worked at North Park since 2010 and has nearly 20 years of experience in the Esports industry.
For two years, Casella consulted Born about what a program would need to be successful at North Park. When it came time to hire a director, Casella was a natural choice.
“I accepted the position not only because of my experience but because
I know what it takes for the individual athlete to succeed while being part of a team,” Casella said.
North Park announced its inaugural Esports roster in January 2023.
With just eight student-athletes, the team competed in VALORANT, a team-oriented, first-person shooter strategy game. At the end of the season, they posted an impressive 7–2 record.
Building off that momentum, the program now rosters 30 players across four games with hopes to soon reach six games. There are even options to contribute outside of playing, as you’d see in a typical football or basketball game. In addition to players and coaches, Esports requires color commentators and analysts, production teams to orchestrate live streams, and event staff to schedule games and matches.
“We work best when we can trust each other. Like any team, our biggest challenge in the beginning of a season is getting to know each other and how we play, that way we can work together as a team to win,” said fourth-year
We work best when we can trust each other. Like any team, our biggest challenge in the beginning of a season is getting to know each other and how we play, that way we can work together as a team to win.
Isaac Ingerson
student Isaac Ingerson, whose game is Overwatch 2.
The Esports program at North Park offers students the opportunity to work in all aspects of the Esports industry, helping provide new and exciting experiences to students who are eager to learn.
“It’s been awesome seeing the program grow from a student-run organization that struggled to find interested players to an organized sport growing at lightning speed. I’m excited to see where the future takes us,” said graduate student Nolan Baumgartener BME ’24, whose primary game is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. While Casella helped to start organized online gaming at North Park, the players themselves carried the torch and demonstrated the capabilities the Esports team can offer current and future students interested in the gaming industry.
NPU LOVES CHICAGO
By Ellen Almer BA ’94
More than 230 students, staff, faculty, alumni, and neighbors served 27 sites throughout Chicago.
On a bright Saturday morning in September, more than 230 North Parkers gathered outside the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, gospel music thumping in the background, to participate in the first-ever campus-wide North Park University Service Day.
As Rev. Dr. Terence Gadsden DMin ’23, campus pastor and athletic
chaplain, DJ’ed on the Green Space, groups of student-athletes clustered with teammates and sipped coffee while others donned blue T-shirts specially designed for the day.
University Ministries organized the event under the joint leadership of Ben Swihart, coordinator of local and global services and outreach, and third-year student Davianna Schuh.
“The groups we landed on took inspiration from the university’s climate survey. We heard across all demographic backgrounds that people wish they had more of a chance to give back to their communities.”
—Davianna Schuh
“It was a great opportunity to see the heart of North Park and how many people were excited to love their neighborhood,” Swihart said after the event. “Everyone had something they could feel excited about helping with.”
The volunteers comprised North Park University (NPU) students, staff, faculty, alumni, and neighbors. Together, they boarded buses or walked to 27 different sites across the city, serving food at homeless shelters, picking up trash, and making craft kits for refugee children. Swihart and Schuh started planning the event months in advance, organizing lists of local volunteer sites, recruiting volunteers, and communicating with local alderpeople and community groups.
“The groups we landed on took inspiration from the university’s climate survey,” Schuh said, referring to the Culturally Engaging Campus Environments Survey, the results of which the campus community reviewed in spring 2024.
NPU Loves Chicago
“We heard across all demographic backgrounds that people wish they had more of a chance to give back to their communities.”
Many North Parkers are commuter students from nearby neighborhoods, so Swihart and Schuh chose organizations primarily on the North and West Sides. Volunteers could choose from sites such as the Friendship Center Food Pantry in Lincoln Square, the Brown Elephant
secondhand store in Andersonville, and Sarah’s Circle, a women’s shelter with multiple locations on the North Side.
Fourth-year student Magrady Ellis selected the river clean-up as his service site. He said, “It taught me to not just care about myself but also about the environment around me and what we have. I liked that Service Day let me give back to the community around me.”
“It was a great opportunity to see the heart of North Park and how many people were excited to love their neighborhood. Everyone had something they could feel excited about helping with.”
—Ben Swihart
“The day was special because it shows what the North Park community is capable of. It was especially nice that I could do this with my daughter, who saw firsthand what it means to give back.”
—Lindsey Post Robinson
Swihart said he hopes this year’s event is the first of many and that North Park continues to build relationships with the partner organizations.
“The idea is for them to get to know us, to say, ‘Oh, this North Parker came and built this shelving unit for us last year, or painted this room,’ and they trust us and what we do,” he said, adding he hopes the service also leads to internships and other opportunities for students.
President Mary Surridge, her husband Jack, and Provost Michael Carr served alongside NPU students representing four nations at North Park Covenant Church by painting and doing minor repair projects. Nearby, in the church’s basement, volunteers worked with Exodus World Service, a group that provides support services for foreign refugees who have settled in the United States.
After an informational session, where Exodus leaders spoke about the group’s mission, North Parkers assembled craft kits, cutting tissue paper flowers and making coloring books. Volunteers visiting refugee
families will use the kits to entertain young children while helping their parents settle into their new lives by sorting mail and interpreting documents.
After spending the morning at their chosen sites, volunteers returned to campus, where they ate tacos and took part in prize giveaways. Many said the event encouraged them to continue volunteering throughout the year.
“The day was special because it shows what the North Park community is capable of,” said Lindsey Post Robinson BS ’05, director of marketing at NPU, who brought daughter Maisie, 10, along with her to the Exodus event. “It was especially nice that I could do this with my daughter, who saw firsthand what it means to give back.”
“It taught me to not just care about myself but also about the environment around me and what we have. I liked that Service Day let me give back to the community around me.”
—Magrady Ellis
A SMALL BUT MIGHTY SHIP
North Park’s Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management’s programming has helped nonprofits thrive for more than 25 years.
By Ellen Almer BA ’94
From left to right: Emerson Cobbley BA ’24, Evelina Stromberg BS ’21, Pier Rogers, Adam Joyce, Lynn Stevenson
Small but mighty, North Park University’s Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management this year celebrated 25 years of helping nonprofits grow and thrive.
During that time, Axelson has earned such a stellar reputation that it’s one of the first organizations to appear in internet searches of “nonprofit workshops.”
This is a point of pride for Axelson Director Pier Rogers, who joined Axelson in 2007.
“We’ve been doing this longer than a lot of people, and it’s grown immensely, so our SEO (search engine optimization) is pretty high,” Rogers said. “And many people have been pleased with the services they’ve gotten here and talk about us online,” she said, adding “We’re known for reasonable prices that are affordable for smaller organizations.”
When Axelson’s former senior vice president, Melissa Morriss Olson, established the center in 1999, it was one of only a few academic centers of its kind. The center’s mission was and
remains to enhance the performance and effectiveness of organizations and individuals in the nonprofit sector.
“People often think of the programmatic side of nonprofits but forget about the infrastructure and management needed to deliver those programs,” Rogers said. “That’s our area of focus.”
One of the benefits of running a small ship—besides Rogers, the only other full-time staffer is Assistant Director Adam Joyce—is that Axelson can pivot quickly to address emerging needs.
“We can do custom training for organizations with unique needs,” said Lynn Stevenson MBA ’16, parttime assistant director of programs. “Say their board needs training in fundraising; we can put a team together to address their specific goals.”
Listening to what organizations want, and what skills are in demand, is a large part of why Axelson thrives.
For instance, after sensing a demand, Rogers and her team recently
1300%
INCREASE IN PROGRAMMATIC REVENUE IN TWO YEARS
$575,000
GIVEN TO CHICAGO AREA NONPROFITS
pivoted to offering companies bespoke training. They learn an organization’s specific needs and bring in outside speakers and trainers to provide tailored instruction.
Another tweak Axelson’s staff made after listening to clients was to make the courses more advanced. They recently upped the complexity of courses, taking them from basic to a “201 level,” Rogers said.
Axelson is prized for the flexibility of its workshops, hosting an annual series on a specific topic and offering the first session for free. Last spring, the subject was fundraising. Presenters gave a capsule about their session, and participants chose which they’d like to attend, from one to all.
The center is especially known for its professional development workshops and seminars. Its BootCamp for New Nonprofit CEOs offers participants knowledge from experts in the fields of fundraising, board governance, strategic planning, and human resources management.
Another highlight of each year is the nonprofit conference. The title of this year’s event, held in October,
reflected topics of interest within the nonprofit sector: “More Than Money: Philanthropy, Fundraising, and Justice.” It explored employment, racial justice, and resource generation. Sessions included speakers from Indiana University and the MacArthur Foundation who discussed how nonprofits can create resources to sustain societal justice.
Each year, the center recognizes nonprofits with its coveted AlfordAxelson Award (AAA) for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence—for which a committee of civic volunteers selects the winners—and the newer Excellent Emerging Organization award, designed to acknowledge newer, smaller organizations. Axelson chooses winners whose values match theirs.
The 2023 AAA recipient, Girls on the Run Chicago, bolsters the mental and physical health of adolescent girls.
“Their practices reflect an organizational priority that life-thriving wages are necessary for all its staff,” Rogers said in awarding the prize.
Axelson has an academic side, as well. Rogers teaches undergraduate and graduate nonprofit management
courses in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management. This makes sense, Rogers said, at a university whose mission is to produce graduates who pursue lives of significance and service.
Last spring, Rogers, her team, and Axelson alumni took a moment to reflect on and celebrate their accomplishments with a fundraising gala hosted by Provisio Partners, whose chief strategy officer is on Axelson’s board.
The event had a silent auction and raised $10,000, including donations for the center to fund programs. One of the guest speakers was Mary Santana, an alumna from the 2006 cohort and founder of The Miracle Center, an organization that transforms communities through visual arts. She reported her organization is going strong, largely thanks to Axelson.
Despite the praise, Rogers and her team are always searching for ways to improve their offerings.
“What we do is solid, but we’re always tweaking, in pursuit of continuous improvement,” she said.
6,000 NONPROFIT LEADERS ATTENDED PROGRAMMING
8,500 ANNUAL CONFERENCE ATTENDEES
A Legacy of Compassion
North Park University students and faculty on a medical mission trip to Zambia
Dr. Paul Carlson’s life continues to impact global healthcare and North Park’s missionaries.
By Ellen Almer BA ’94
Among the many treasures preserved in the F.M. Johnson Archives and Special Collections—located in the basement of Brandel Library—is a well-worn, bullet-riddled New Testament.
It belonged to Dr. Paul Carlson, the North Park University (NPU) graduate and Covenant missionary who gave his life in 1964 to protect the patients in the Congolese hospital he helped found. He relocated his young family to the now-Democratic Republic of Congo, embedding himself in the community, becoming such an integral figure that his legacy remains intact.
“The people of Congo remember the story of Paul Carlson,” said Becky Dangel, director of partner communications for the Paul Carlson Partnership (PCP). “Even the president of Congo remembers his death.”
The legacy of Carlson, a medical doctor who died after being captured, tortured, and killed by dissidents, has
set the tone for global mission work at NPU for the past six decades. This fall, the Evangelical Covenant Church held a fundraising dinner on North Park’s campus in honor of the anniversary of his death.
Their goal: to raise $600,000 for the Covenant Church of Congo, the sole financial supporter and provider of medical volunteers to the PCP, whose mission is continuing the work Carlson started in the 1950s.
A North Park Nurse in Zambia
Since 2009, Professor of Nursing Heather Duncan has spent two weeks each year in Ndola, Zambia, accompanied by NPU nursing students and others to volunteer at the Hope Fellowship Compound.
The small village comprises an orphanage, school, and church. There, they administer some of the best— and only—healthcare many of the schoolchildren will receive all year.
Like Carlson, Duncan seeks to form a relationship with her hosts.
“This is a partnership, not a mission trip,” Duncan said. “We have a relationship of trust. If someone from Harvard came down here, they’d look at them and say ‘Where’s North Park?’ That’s how strong the connection is.”
Duncan said students get out of their bubbles by living with local families and immersing themselves in the Zambian culture.
While Duncan hasn’t taken a group to Zambia since 2020, she hopes to return in May 2025 if she can raise the funds to cover not only student travel but all the medicine, malaria tests, and supplies they use in Zambia.
Dr. Paul Carlson AA ’49
This is a partnership, not a mission trip. We have a relationship of trust. If someone from Harvard came down here, they’d ask, ‘Where’s North Park?’ that’s how strong the connection is.
—Heather Duncan
The trip lasts two weeks, in part, so that Duncan and her team can build trust among the local people.
“We don’t want just to come in and jab them with a needle first thing,” said Duncan. Instead, they play with the kids at recess and compete in friendly soccer games, which NPU always loses, even the year a couple of Viking soccer players were in the group.
Their work has an effect; the local malaria rate has dropped from 78% to 15% in the years they’ve visited. Part of that is thanks to Duncan and her team. The rest is due to a decrease in mosquitos and an increase in education and testing.
The reward is significant for the students. “They realize their place in the world and the impact they can have internationally,” Duncan said.
A Pastor’s Kid Fulfills Her Destiny
Erika Clauson BA ’98, MA ’03 came to North Park from Minnesota as a business major, with visions of suits, train commutes, and high-rise office suites in her future.
However, an encounter with a Spanish professor shortly after arriving on campus slightly shifted her path. Erika had done so well on the Spanish language placement exam that the professor said she might want to consider it as a second major. So, she did, and she fell in love.
She met her future husband, Nils Clauson BA ’98, MA ’18, during their first year, and the two bonded over a spring break trip to Mexico. By their senior year, it seemed Erika was headed down the corporate path, about to complete her business degree and an internship lined up, when God asked her: “What about your Spanish?”
She also comes from a family that modeled service, with her greatgrandfather serving in Alaska as a Covenant missionary and her father as a Covenant pastor.
After Erika spent time in prayer, God called her to be a Covenant missionary; she went to Mexico just after she and Nils became engaged. During that assignment, she worked to help local women secure micro-enterprise loans to support their families.
Following their marriage, Nils and Erika spent 17 years in Mexico as Covenant missionaries. Nils continues to serve in the Covenant as director of Covenant World Relief and Development, and Erika is a hospital chaplain.
Not Your Grandpa’s Missionary Work
The Clausons said they learned to approach mission with a spirit of listening and coming alongside local ministry partners. More handson work with the community, less preaching to villagers.
It’s a similar approach to that taken by the PCP, Dangel said. Her group’s work depends on listening to those they are serving rather than telling them what they think they need. After all, people living on the other side of the world have different diets, health needs, and concerns.
“One of the core things we must remember is we only do what we’re invited to do; we’re not coming up with projects on our own,” she said.
Nils seconds that, stressing the importance of seeking counsel from residents of the country you’re serving.
“If you’re going and doing something as an American cross-culturally, it’s crucial a local person monitors you, otherwise all we’re doing is perpetuating paternalism.”
A Lifelong Legacy
Paul Carlson’s widow, Lois, who is 95, lives in California. Paul, who was 34 when he died, ensured she and his family were safely away from the hospital before he returned to protect his patients.
Dangel visited Lois in April and was awed at her strength and perspective:
“Lois said to me, ‘Paul did more in his death than he ever dreamed of doing in his life. More has been done in his memory than if he had lived.’”
From left to right: Nils Clauson, Erika Clauson, and their children
SNAPSHOT
Homecoming 2024
1 | Ragnar the Viking poses in front of packed stands at the Homecoming football game against Carroll University.
2 | Participants sketch images of a horse as part of the Homecoming Academic Open House.
3 | Dogs from Chicago Canine Rescue lift spirits before the annual Viking River Run/Walk 5K.
4 | A cheerleader throws T-shirts into the Homecoming crowd.
5 | North Park alumni pose for a photo in front of Old Main.
6 | A student gets her face painted blue and gold at the Homecoming Festival.
7 | A future Viking plays mini golf next to an inflatable obstacle course.
8 | A football player shows his Viking pride.
9 | Three alumnae take a moment to sit and reflect at the Homecoming Festival.
10 | The dance team smiles for a photo. North Park’s 100th Homecoming is October 2–4, 2025
A Leap of Faith
From the idyllic Belgian countryside, Charlotte Manning BA ’17 reflected on her time stateside at North Park University. The writer and model recently concluded a vacation in Spain but said she missed North Park’s treelined campus more.
Manning studied creative writing
and global studies with a minor in Swedish. She considers herself lucky to utilize the skills she gained through each area of study.
“As a freelancer, I focus on a mix of everything I learned,” said Manning. “I write, edit, moderate panels, speak at events, and run workshops. It all falls under the umbrella of my degree, but I also have the flexibility to try new things.”
A Covenant camp kid, Manning had countless family members
It really is true that one extraordinary teacher telling you you’re good at something can put you in the right direction for life.
attend North Park. When she chose to become a Viking herself, she said finding her place in North Park’s Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) community was effortless.
After graduation, Manning took “a leap of faith.” She moved to Stockholm for a social media job, then strived for a writing career. Recently, she hosted a writing workshop at art museum Fotografiska Stockholm, where she spoke about her favorite professors.
“I shared my story about becoming a writer, and I couldn’t do that without mentioning my English professor, Kristy Odelius,” Manning said. “She was the first to tell me I should pursue a writing career. It really is true that one extraordinary teacher telling you you’re good at something can put you in the right direction for life.”
Manning said she’s especially grateful for the values North Park and the ECC instilled in her.
“North Park was the perfect school for me, my career, and my life. I’m still close friends with my North Park classmates and former camp counselors,” she said. “It’s a special piece of my life I will always hold close.”
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
A Legacy of Advocacy and Service ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
For Ted Helwig BA ’77, legal aid has been a central part of life for decades. Recently, he was honored as the 2024 Champion of Justice from Legal Aid Chicago, celebrating his years of service.
Helwig graduated from North Park University with majors in history and mathematics. He said he chose North Park because it was “known, comfortable, and got me back to Chicago after spending a large portion of my childhood there.”
He went on to law school at Loyola University Chicago, worked as a law clerk for a federal judge, and then as an assistant United States attorney. Later, Helwig became a partner in the litigation department at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, from which he retired in early 2022 after 32 years.
Alongside his legal career was his tenure with Legal Aid Chicago, focused on civil matters for those unable to afford representation. During Helwig’s 15 years on the board, Legal Aid made considerable changes, such as expanding its services and cen-
tralizing its operations to downtown Chicago.
Another significant move was creating Legal Action Chicago, a separate nonprofit, to pursue activities Legal Aid is barred from engaging in, such as class action lawsuits and lobbying. Helwig said one of their recent critical cases involved advocating for property owners subject to forced real estate sales because of delinquent taxes.
In addition to his extensive legal
career, Helwig served 25 years on the board of a food pantry that North Park Covenant Church formed. Though the pantry has moved several times and is now independent, it’s still in the same neighborhood under the name The Friendship Center. Since retiring from his full-time law career, Helwig makes a point of working there at least one day a week—hands-on.
Helwig received the 2024 Champion of Justice award from Legal Aid Chicago.
HONORS
North Park Recognizes Outstanding Alumni
Tim Nelson BA ’74 Distinguished Alumni Award
The son of an Evangelical Covenant Church pastor, Tim Nelson spent his childhood in various locations throughout the United States and Germany. When he arrived at North Park University (NPU) as an undergraduate student, it quickly became another place to call home.
“North Park is in my blood,” Nelson said at the ceremony. “I love it. My time here was just wonderful.” He and his wife, Linda (Metcalf) Nelson BA
’75, met while NPU students.
The academics were wonderful, too, Nelson said, adding that after graduation, he applied to four dental schools and received acceptance to all four. He chose the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry, earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1978 and transitioning to a general practice dental residency at Youngstown Hospital Association.
Another residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Oregon Health & Science University brought Nelson and his family to the West Coast, where he practiced in various Washington cities for 33 years. Now retired and living in Sartell, Minnesota, he and Linda spend time with their three daughters and eight grandchildren. He has served on the NPU, St. John Medical Center, and Cornerstone Christian School boards and has taken six medical/dental mission trips to Honduras.
Mark Lee MBA ’14
Distinguished Young Alumni Award
Mark Lee is deeply committed to enacting social change. As CEO of Radiant Futures, the oldest domestic violence nonprofit in Orange County, California, Lee has advocated for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking for almost 20 years.
Lee, who holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in nonprofit management from North Park University, has been a leader in expanding Radiant Futures’ reach and enhancing its effectiveness in addressing the complex challenges survivors face. He has served in both direct service and management roles at the organization.
A graduate of the University of California, Irvine, he chose North Park’s MBA program because, at the time, it was one of the only online programs available.
“It was a perfect program for me,” Lee said at the ceremony. “I learned so much from my classmates, who were all over the world, and I was able to apply academic concepts in real-world situations, which helped advance my career in the nonprofit sector.”
Lee and his husband, James, are avid foodies who spend their free time exploring Southern California’s rich and vibrant food scene.
I learned so much from my classmates, who were all over the world, and I was able to apply academic concepts in real-world situations, which helped advance my career in the nonprofit sector.
—Mark Lee
For Laura and Krist Werling, attending North Park University was a family tradition, both members of long Viking legacies.
Krist, a leading authority on healthcare and life sciences law specializing in mergers and acquisitions, is a partner at McDermott Will & Emery, where he serves as the practice group leader of the healthcare group. An attorney with a law degree from the University of Illinois and a Master of Business Administration, he serves on the Board of Trustees of North Park and on the boards of Harbor Point Ministries and the Covenant Harbor Foundation.
After graduating from North Park,
Laura started teaching at East Prairie Elementary School. She later taught at-risk preschool children in Schiller Park, Illinois. She is active in the community, several diabetes-related charities, and Winnetka Covenant Church.
“Laura and I are so grateful to be here tonight,” Krist said at the awards ceremony held during Homecoming. “We’re so grateful for everything North Park has given us over the years—first and foremost, the relationships with so many wonderful friends.”
The couple lives in Winnetka, Illinois, with their sons Jakob (19), Eli (16), and Caleb (13).
Laura Werling BA ’99 and Kristian “Krist” Werling BA ’99 Distinguished Alumni Award
Hoops, Heart, and Home
You would be hard-pressed to find bigger NCAA Division III basketball fans than Doug Palm BA ’68 and Nancy Palm BA ’69. They moved to Wisconsin in 1977, but the long drive back to campus didn’t prevent them from cheering on their beloved Vikings.
“We would drive down to Chicago at least twice a week to attend games,” Doug recalled. Nancy added, “Having just moved away and started new jobs, it was important to us to come back to campus to see familiar faces, catch up with our friends, and enjoy the game.”
Doug and Nancy met at North Park in the mid-1960s and married in 1970 while Doug served in the United States Army. They returned to Chicago for a few years in the mid-70s before settling in Wisconsin. “I always found it ironic that North Park started winning men’s basketball championships right after we moved away!”
Doug said.
Doug was always a sports fan, but Nancy took a little longer to come around. “I used to bring a book to games, and if the book was too thick, our friends would predict overtime,” Nancy recalled.
Over the years, they traveled to multiple Division III basketball finals and in 2016, Doug received a surprising request. “I got a phone call from a gentleman asking me to join the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame selection committee. I was stunned because the other committee members had all worked in basketball or played, and I’m just a fan.” Doug said. He especially enjoyed being on the
committee that selected Viking and former NBA player Michael Harper BA ’80 in 2019.
Doug and Nancy are passionate about supporting athletics and ensuring first-generation college students can access the same opportunities they did. “Who I am, in many respects, came from being at North Park
and the people I met there,” Doug said. “It was life-changing.”
“Giving is a way to say thanks for what we experienced in the hopes that others can also attend North Park. If donating to help enhance the gym attracts a few more people to consider North Park, we have done our job,” said the couple.
Building a Culture of Champions
The costs of staying competitive continue to rise, including facility upgrades, team travel, uniforms, and critical safety equipment. Your support of the Viking Club provides outstanding experiences to our student-athletes and invests in their overall well-being and success, on and off the field.
Join Doug and Nancy and other loyal North Parkers with a gift to the Viking Club at northpark.edu/give and become part of the new Gold Level supporters club. Contact the Office of Advancement at advancement@northpark.edu or (773) 244-5790 for more information.
Doug Palm, Juwan Henry BA ’17, Nancy Palm
Alumni Notes
1970s
Mark Chaffin BA ’77 was installed as the settled minister of First Baptist Church of Hudson Falls, New York, in October after serving two years as interim minister. He is also the full-time chaplain of Baptist Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Scotia, New York, where he has served for 26 years.
James “Jim” Chaloupka BA ’70 was inducted into the Illinois Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in October. He received the Lifetime Service To Wrestling award.
1980s
Rus “Lou” Bradburd BA ’80 released his fifth novel, Big Time, in November. The book, a satirical novel, centers on a football
team that takes over a university. Bradburd was a basketball coach at the University of Texas at El Paso and New Mexico State University before pursuing a successful career in writing.
Dr. Michelle Gonzalez BA ’86 was awarded the Rita L. LeBlanc Philanthropist of the Year Award from the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Foundation.
1990s
Rebecca Vreeman Hoden BS ’98, BA ’99 received the Distinguished Nursing Practice Award from the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association. She has specialized in hospice and palliative care since 2000 and leads educational initiatives for healthcare professionals and family caregivers. She and her husband, Steve Hoden BA ’00, MDiv ’11, live and work in the San Francisco Bay Area.
2000s
Marit Johnson Awes BA ’03, MA ’11 and Seth Awes BS ’04, MM ’10 live in Chicago’s Sauganash neighborhood with their three sons: Gus (12), Axel (10), and Oscar, born on July 27, 2021—an unexpected joy from the pandemic years.
Johan Eldebo BA ’07 is the new global director of the security operational support team at World Vision in Sweden. He is responsible for monitoring security developments to enable the organization’s work in high-risk and fragile contexts to ensure humanitarian assistance can reach the most vulnerable communities
Rayshauna Gray BA ’08 has mapped 400 years of African American history as a Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at Tufts research team member. She is also one of the researchers delving into Harvard University’s Legacy of Slavery at the Longfellow House and George Washington Headquarters. Gray contributes to research and commemoration efforts with the Cambridge Historical Society and the New England Museum Association. She is the creator of The Heart Work, a workshop series that helps people examine how imposter syndrome impacts them, and Modus Operandi, a question deck, app, and braille booklet for meaningful solo and group reflection.
2010s
Georgianne Harms MA ’10 recently wrote and selfpublished a book titled Heart Homes: A Mother’s Essays on Living with Love & Loss. It contains recent and retrospective essays covering a span of four decades during which Harms worked in print and television journalism and bilingual/ESL education in Texas, California, and Illinois.
Jonathan Heaps BA ’08 was appointed the new director of the Bernard J. Lonergan Institute at Seton Hall University in 2023. In April 2024, the Catholic University of America Press published his first book, The Ambiguity of Being: Lonergan and the Problems of the Supernatural
Jessie Oliver BM ’04, MM ’06 and Dr. Gretchen Windt BME ’03 presented a session titled “26 commercial songs and un-arias” at the 58th National Association of Teachers of Singing National Conference.
The North Parker magazine is published twice a year for our alumni and friends, and we would love to share your news. Tell us about your growing family, professional update, educational achievement, and other milestones in your life. Photos are encouraged.
In Memoriam
1940s
Lucille M. Brundine C ’47
Lois R. (Christell) Guderley A ’43
Greta E. (Hellberg) Sandberg A ’48
1950s
Judith A. (Gedde) McCarrell AA ’53
Dr. C. Donald Powers AA ’54
Ethel M. (Erickson) Radmer AA ’55
1960s
Tom H. Anderson BA ’66
Vernamae (Adee) Johnson BA ’66
Kenneth E. Moffatt BA ’64
Sheryl J. (Noreen) Moffatt C ’65
1970s
Barbara J. (Vanderveld)
Deschamps BA ’78
Russell W. Johnson BA ’71
Rev. Tom E. Kelly BA ’72, MDiv ’78
Pat L. Lagerstrom BA ’72
Eloise Nelson NPU ’78 passed away on May 1, 2024. She was director of publications at North Park College from 1977–87, editor of the North Parker, and wrote and edited all campus publications. All three of her daughters are North Park alumnae: Sonja Nelson BA ’83, Sandy Nelson BA
’85, and Stephanie Nelson BA ’91. Her husband, LeRoy Nelson AA ’52, BDiv ’58, worked in Evangelical Covenant Christian publications.
1980s
Tom M. Colander BA ’86
Rev. David A. Potts MDiv ’82
1990s
Rev. Ann S. (Carlson) Maleski MDiv ’97
2000s
Derek J. Feichtinger BA ’06
Rev. Jerry O. Nelson MA ’02
From the Archives
Ninety-nine years ago, in November 1925, North Park celebrated its first Homecoming. Coinciding with this year’s Homecoming, a North Park University Archives exhibit featured records and artifacts related to the event, including a button collection and early alumni efforts to support North Park, such as a 1935 edition of the North Parker and an earlier publication called The Alumnus. It also glimpsed into the changing student traditions and events that mark Homecoming.
A 1986 article reflecting on past Homecoming traditions in the North Park College News concludes with the hope that Homecoming will give “North Park students, faculty, and alumni a sense of pride and accomplishment for being a part of the progressive yet timeless tradition of North Park College.”
From the maturation of North Park College into North Park University in 1997, to the beautiful campus and grounds, to the changing face of the student population, North Park has
made tremendous progress.
Homecoming is a time to celebrate those changes. Simultaneously, it is a time for experiences that transcend generations: rooting for Viking student-athletes, celebrating student expression in the arts, and feeling connected to the larger North Park community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and neighbors.
Homecoming is a unique juncture of looking to the past and future and being a part of something bigger than ourselves.
Viking for a Lifetime
Join the North Park Alumni Association website to connect with almost 14,000 other Vikings worldwide.
• Find fellow alumni in your area.
• Share life updates.
• Reflect on North Park memories.
