North Parker Spring 2010

North Parker The magazine for alumni and friends of North Park University

Haiti

on our hearts SPRING 2010 / Volume 70 / Number 2

Faculty From Around the World – 14 Storefront Theatre – 20

A Place With Soul Without its people North Park University would have no soul.

People have always been central to the mission and identity of this place. We educate toward “lives of significance and service.”

We reach this end only in and through the people who are part of this community of learners.

Our university family reaches in many directions—undergraduates, graduate students, seminarians; faculty, administrators, staff; alumni, parents, friends. These are—we are—the people of North Park.

In this issue of the North Parker we tell the story of the people of North Park. We speak its soul.

• The story of alumni who mourn the personal loss of family members and loved ones in Haiti, and who have been there—in the streets, in the health clinics, in the schools—to serve those who mourn with them . . . those without shelter and food, the injured and the brokenhearted.

• The story of faculty members who bring to North Park classrooms their home and family cultures and perspectives from around the world—India and China, Canada and Nigeria, Greece and Scotland, and far beyond.

• The story of an undergraduate in her junior year who writes for the theatre, studies and acts with troupes from Second City, and is making a name for herself in Chicago’s storefront theatre community.

Through each person’s story we glance at, and stare into, the heart of North Park University—people living with significance, in service.

At its very best, this is the story of North Park University—a place with soul.

NORTH PARKER STAFF MANAGING EDITOR Jessica Allen Bernthal University Editor

EDITORIAL BOARD David Parkyn President Daniel W. Tepke C’70 Senior Vice President Lilian Samaan G’2008 Director of External Relations Joseph Jones Provost Charles Peterson C’73 Dean of the College Mary K. Surridge Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations Melissa Vélez-Luce C’2004 Alumni Relations Manager Marit (Johnson) Awes C’2003 Alumni Stewardship Coordinator

EDITORIAL STAFF Lilian Samaan G’2008 Art Director Emily Wulff C’2009 Designer Rebecca Padgett Publications Project Manager Eric Staswick C’2009 Photographer

The North Parker is published three times a year for alumni and friends of North Park University, 3225 West Foster Avenue, Chicago, Ill. 60625-4895.

For mailing list adjustments and address changes, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (773) 244-5273. Questions, letters, or suggestions for the editor should be directed to the Office of External Relations at the above address, or (773) 244-5796.

On the cover: The earthquake in Haiti hit close to home for Djougine Desrosiers C’2009 (pictured) and two other North Park alumni who share their stories on pages 8–13.

The magazine for alumni and friends of North Park University

Spring 2010 / Volume 70 / Number 2

FEATURES Haiti on Our Hearts

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While the earthquake in Haiti may now seem like old news to most of the world, three North Park alumni with ties to the devastated nation remind us why we shouldn’t forget.

by Stan Friedman S’93 and Jessica Allen Bernthal

Page 14

International Intelligence

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Faculty from around the world reveal how their global perspectives shape their lives and their teaching.

by Jessica Allen Bernthal

Making a Scene

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Student playwright Stephanie Weber C’2011 discusses the inspiration behind her play, “Legitimate Geniuses,” which was performed by the North Park theatre program this spring.

by Stan Friedman S’93

DEPARTMENTS Page 20

News From Around Campus Faculty Essay

2 24

Jennifer Morrissey, Assistant Professor of French

Donor Profile

26

Randy C’61 and Judy (Gotberg) Johnson C’63

Alumni Notes Page 24

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News from around campus

Enrollment for Criminal Justice Programs Begin

and Steinhart expects overlap in some of the coursework for both degrees.

North Park Receives National Recognition for Community Service

If the popularity of crime dramas such as “CSI” and “Law & Order” isn’t enough to substantiate a growing interest in criminal justice, North Park professor of sociology Dr. Frank Steinhart can easily point to much more ubiquitous evidence.

Although he readily admits there is a place for vocational programs, he advises students not to expect police academy-style training at North Park. Graduates will find themselves prepared for careers in everything from Christian ministry, to social work, to positions in the criminal court system.

For the second consecutive year, North Park University was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for its exemplary service efforts to the Chicago community. Launched in 2006, the Honor Roll is the highest federal recognition a school can achieve for its commitment to service-learning and civic engagement.

“From airport scans to email intercepts, we live in a society significantly different than that of our parents,” says Steinhart, who notes that heightened concern for our security is likely a contributing factor.

But there are also academic reasons for the increased fascination, which have led North Park to introduce a new undergraduate degree in criminal justice beginning this fall. Steinhart teaches Research Methods, one of the required courses. Other foundational classes for the degree include American Government, Introduction to Sociology, and Introduction to Statistics.

North Park Provost Dr. Joseph Jones, a criminologist who helped create two criminal justice programs in his career, has been closely involved with the preparations.

Last year, the University also introduced a criminal justice major in the School of Adult Learning (SAL), its adult degree-completion program.

The idea of restorative justice is especially relevant amidst the doubts that many have about the status quo. While the government has been building prisons at a record pace, Steinhart says, that effort will be unsustainable over time, and the “lock ’em up and throw away the key,” method has yet to be proven a viable strategy for maintaining social order.

The Corporation for National and Community Service, which administers the annual Honor Roll award, recognized more than 700 colleges and universities for their impact on issues from poverty and homelessness to environmental justice. Students at North Park joined faculty to develop innovative programs and projects to meet local needs, combining skills gained in “What, exactly, are we to do with all those the classroom with a passion for social justice. ex-offenders who have been released from in- A few of the University’s notable service efforts carceration?” he says. “How do we reengage in 2009 include its annual Community Service them in society? Clearly we need to do that and, Day, a Music for Peace Festival, a sponsored equally clearly, we are often walk to fight human trafficking, and a number not doing that very effec- of additional campus fundraising efforts and tively. . . . Criminal justice independent student initiatives. is a complicated process with many links to other social “Our nation’s students are a critical part of the equation and vital to our efforts to tackle the structures and processes.” most persistent challenges we face,” said Patrick Ultimately, Steinhart an- Corvington, the Corporation’s CEO. “They ticipates the degree will have longevity expressly because of its interdisciplinary nature.

“On the one hand, we will always need folks who “Our courses explore such provide security and who topics as restorative justice, administer our courts or ethics, and diversity,” says prisons,” he notes. “On Dr. Frank Steinhart SAL Dean Elizabeth Ritt. the other hand, this is “They are also taught by pronot a narrow major. It fessionals in the field—attorneys, social workers, blends sociology, politics and government, police officers, sociologists, and administrators.” and criminal justice courses in ways that is very consistent with the liberal arts tradiThe new undergraduate criminal justice major tion. This really does look like a good fit for will likewise have a decidedly liberal arts focus, North Park.”

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North Parker | SPRING 2010

News from around campus

have achieved impactful results and demonstrated the value of putting knowledge into practice to help renew America through service.”

In 2009, 3.16 million students performed more than 300 million hours of service, and college students continue to make a significant contribution to the volunteer sector, the Corporation reports. Each year, it invests more than $150 million in fostering a culture of service on college campuses across the country.

Grant Funding Supports Interdisciplinary Studies in the Sciences The Max Goldenberg Foundation, which last year provided $10,000 in grant funding for North Park University’s chemistry laboratories, recently awarded a second grant to the University to purchase ref lectance In chemistry, reflectance spectroscopy can be spectroscopy instruments for the biology and used to analyze the color of paints, allowing chemistry departments. students to understand how dye molecules cause paint to have certain colors. It can also The foundation supports projects in medical enable a person to match paint samples with research, laboratory science education, and more accuracy than the human eye, as is often charitable endeavors, explains biology profes- done in the field of forensic chemistry for insor Dr. Linda Vick, who applied for the $7,100 vestigations of paint chips found at the scene of award with chemistry colleague Dr. Jonathan car accidents.

Rienstra-Kiracofe.

“Such experiments introduce students to the Ref lectance spectroscopy measures wave- fundamental chemical principle of color and lengths and the intensity of reflected light, how specific molecules are responsible for the Vick describes. It can be used to precisely and colors we see in objects all around us—from objectively determine the color of an object or paint to the color of leaves in the fall, to skin organism noninvasively. and scale colors in animals,” Rienstra-Kiracofe explains.

“In biology, I expect to initially use the reflectance spectroscope in ethology laboratories,” He and Vick have actively discussed the value she says. “In many organisms, body color of developing programs that increase collaboracan be used in individual recognition or in tion between the biology and chemistry departcommunication. For example, the green anole ments, seeking new ways to infuse technology is a small reptile capable of rapid color changes and analytic equipment into basic science from brilliant green to dusk y brown. The courses and to reinforce the integration of the reflectance spectroscope can be used to moni- two fields. tor these changes, allowing the study of the relationship between surface body color and “Biology and the understanding of biological environmental conditions or the motivational processes can be enhanced through a better grounding in chemical concepts,” Vick says. state of the animal.”

“In turn, biology provides a framework for the practical application of chemical principles and methods. With the initiation of the new environmental science major last semester and its interdisciplinary science focus, the impetus for collaboration between our departments has been strengthened.”

Students Share “My Story” in 2010 Campaign North Park unveiled its 2010 Chicago-based outdoor advertising campaign on January 4 with a series of advertisements that feature current North Park students and introduce audiences to mystory.northpark.edu, a website where these students discuss the impact of a North Park education on their lives, goals, and aspirations in brief video segments.

While the University continues to focus its outdoor advertising efforts primarily on El trains, buses, bus shelters, and bridge bulletins, this photographic campaign represents a departure from its text-only campaigns in preceding years.

“We’re allowing the faces and the voices of our students to tell North Park’s story through North Parker | SPRING 2010

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North Park and St. Augustine Partner to Enhance Degree Programs North Park University has partnered with St. Augustine College to increase the accessibility of higher education to Chicago’s Latino and adult students. mystory.northpark.edu

BE INTENTIONAL.

News from around campus

On Thursday, January 28, President David Parkyn and St. Augustine President Andrew Sund signed an articulation agreement that would allow students from both institutions to benefit from course offerings at either location.

Latino, and the majority are adults who speak English as a second language. Many are from low-income backgrounds and are the first generation in their families to attend college.

St. Augustine differs from traditional models of higher education, which typically require extensive English language training before ESL students can begin courses in core subject areas.

At St. Augustine, students can take content classes in Spanish, their first language, while at the same time improving their English. As a result, many can earn their associate’s degrees far more quickly and affordably.

The agreement would ease the transition for students receiving associate’s degrees from St. According to Sund, enrollment is up 14 percent Augustine who desire to complete their un- this semester. Given the current economic clidergraduate studies at North Park. Likewise, mate, he believes the growth is directly related students enrolled in North Park’s School of to the quality of St. Augustine’s programs and Adult Learning (SAL), the University’s adult the competitive pricing. Other personal touchbachelor’s degree completion program, will es make the college inviting—from convenient soon have the option of completing some of morning and evening class schedules, to the their coursework at St. Augustine. Because the availability of childcare, to easily accessible and private junior college is located just three miles ample parking. theirs,” explains Director of External Relations east of North Park’s campus, it is an ideal satelLilian Samaan G’2008. lite location for SAL courses.

The partnership with North Park can only benefit both schools, he believes. “There is a contiThe students, like Colombian-born sophomore The two schools are a good match, affirms nuity between both institutions that is helpful,” Valentina Rodriguez C’2012, represent a diver- Parkyn, who notes, “Our commitment to stu- Sund says, adding that he hopes St. Augustine sity of backgrounds and interests, as well as a dents is something we each hold very dear, and alumni can inspire their children to be secondvariety of disciplines—from media, to music, to we each have something valuable to offer the and third-generation college graduates. Many ministry. The advertisements also include three other.” messages—“Be Distinctive. Be Intentional. Be Presidents David Parkyn (left) and Andrew Sund Purposeful”—that underscore the University’s Established in 1980 to serve “distinctively Christian, intentionally urban, the Latino community, St. purposefully multicultural” core values.

Augustine was the first bilingual institution of higher Rodriguez, a member of the University’s rowing education in Illinois, and team, explained in her video profile that rowing continues to offer a dualfor North Park has taught her the perseverance language curriculum. The needed to live her life more intentionally. Senior school’s programs in culinary Bishara Kuttab C’2010 noted that North Park arts and social work are has allowed him to explore his creativity in among its most popular, and media studies while intentionally connecting the latter is St. Augustine’s with students from different cultures. sole bachelor’s degree offering.

Profiles of all nine students can be viewed on- Today, 86 percent of the line at mystory.northpark.edu. college’s student body is 4

North Parker | SPRING 2010

News from around campus

students may not think they can complete their associate’s degrees, but when they do, they are encouraged to take the next step. “North Park University can offer our graduates that opportunity,” he says.

Center for World Christian Studies Receives $270K The Center for World Christian Studies (CWCS) at North Park Theological Seminary received a large boost recently, when it was given $270,000 from the Evangelical Covenant Church Department of World Mission.

The funds came from the sale of the Covenant Bible College (CBC) campus in Le Merced, Ecuador. The campus was sold in June 2009 to Ecuador’s National Police for $1.5 million. It was the last of three campuses to be sold.

CBC, which offered a one-year intentional discipleship program, closed the campus in 2007, along with its site in Strathmore, Alberta, Canada. The campus in Windsor, Colo., was closed in 2006. Declining enrollment and increased costs forced the school closure.

Seminary Professor’s Book Gets A Golden Touch Leadership journal, a publication of Christianity Today International, has named Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah’s book The Next Evangelicalism: Freeing the Church from Western Cultural Captivity, one of the top 10 books of 2009.

materialism. These trappings have ensnared megachurches and emergent churches alike.

If evangelicalism is to reflect the body of Christ, he asserts, it must draw from the experience of Native Americans, as well as

The journal bestows its Golden Canon Book Awards on the titles it considers most valuable for church leaders. This year’s winners were selected by a diverse group of more than 100 pastors and leaders, including Leadership’s contributing editors.

“Scholarship gives this book a depth beyond many similar tomes that are based mostly on experience,” judge Katherine Callahan-Howell said of The Next Evangelicalism. “Rah leaves us with real hope.”

Rah is the Milton B. Engebretson Assistant Professor of Church Growth and Evangelism at North Park Theological Seminary and also serves on the board of the social justice ministry Sojourners.

The gift to the Seminary was presented to Carl Balsam, North Park’s executive vice president In his book, he maintains that the North and chief financial officer, and will serve as a American church is captive to Western trust fund for the program. The initial outlay cultural ideologies of individualism and from the fund will be a $25,000 grant this year and $30,000 a year in the future, says Byron Amundsen, World Mission director of adminis- Initial activities sponsored by the center will tration and finance. include a course in which students travel to Ecuador to learn of the ministry challenges Paul de Neui, associate professor of intercul- in that nation. The CWCS also will sponsor tural studies and missiology at the Seminary, a Seminary faculty member to teach at the will direct the CWCS. The cooperative venture Confraternity of Hispanic Covenant Churches with World Mission aims to enhance the ability Triennial that will be held in Argentina later of students to minister cross-culturally abroad this year. and in the United States.

“We feel it is especially important to have a De Neui, who was in Thailand when the cer- multidirectional relationship between the emony was held January 14, said, “It is amaz- Seminary and many national churches that are ing to see the gift of CBC continue to give and now mature and asking us for partners to join promote a new generation of missional leaders.” them,” De Neui said.

the minority and immigrant churches. The resulting change will include incorporating a theology of suffering as well as a theology of celebration.

Rah formerly taught at Gordon-Conwell’s Center for Urban Ministerial Education in Roxbury, Mass., and before moving to Chicago, was the pastor of Cambridge Christian Fellowship Church in Cambridge, Mass., for more than a decade.

The CWCS will also coordinate regional seminars, provide non-formal theological training opportunities around the world, develop a means of testing and measuring improvement of intercultural ministry skills, and develop interdisciplinary courses and ministry experiences.

Students at North Park University also will benefit from the gift. The CWCS will coordinate with the University Ministries Global Partnership Program and open one mission course per year to undergraduate students.

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News from around campus

Nursing Students Assist With Camp for the Young at Heart

which includes volunteer-supported nonprofits “The students love it,” DeWaters says of workaround the country. ing with Little Brothers. “It’s one of the best programs we’ve ever done.”

“Flowers before bread,” may sound like an un- As they outlive their circle of friends and family usual take on the hierarchy of human needs, but members, many senior citizens become isolated North Park Commended for “Advancing for the Little Brothers: Friends of the Elderly from the outside world, DeWaters observes. The Racial Harmony” organization, the motto perfectly reflects its medical problems, financial challenges, funcphilosophy of caring for the aging. tional decline, and other issues compound their North Park University was recently honored by sense of isolation and loneliness. Sometimes the the Council of Christian Colleges and UniverWhat it means is that for those without family staff and volunteers with Little Brothers are the sities (CCCU) with the Robert and Susan Anhelp as they age (which is almost half of Chi- only ones to attend their funeral, she notes. dringa Award for Advancing Racial Harmony. cago’s elderly population), receiving the “special pleasures in life” can provide as much joy as Once the elderly begin with Little Brothers, the Established to recognize CCCU campuses that receiving the basic necessities. organization continues with them until their have “best practice” programs in areas of racial death, says Christine Bertrand, intergenera- and ethnic diversity, the award acknowledges It’s a concept that makes North Park’s partner- tional program coordinator. It facilitates home innovative and effective programs, partnerships, ship with the Little Brothers organization that visits, celebrations throughout the year, and or other strategic initiatives that have helped much more meaningful. Each year, about 15 book and art clubs. Little Brothers also provides to create a welcoming climate for ethnic and students in the University’s nursing program practical services, like running errands. minority students. It was presented to President join the Chicago chapter of Little Brothers for David Parkyn at the Council’s fourth internaa weeklong summer camp for the elderly. Each Students get credit for participating in the tional forum on Christian higher education, student is assigned to a participant, helping program for one summer, but many return to which was held February 23–26 in Atlanta and him or her to various activities that are similar volunteer. “We have students come back over attracted more than 1,000 attendees from 123 to any other summer camp. and over again,” says Bertrand, adding that it is campuses and 25 countries. not unusual for friendships to develop.

The CCCU acknowledged North Park for its This year, the students will spend a Monday through Thursday at the camp, which will be Many of the students also assist with the commitment to “reaching across boundaries held in Mundelein, Ill. On Friday, the students Christmas program. They raise funds to pur- of race, ethnicity, culture, gender, age, and will do home visits and help Little Brothers pre- chase gifts and then hold a “wrap” party before status in the cultivation of communities of life and service.” All told, North Park enrolls pare for the next week. delivering the presents. nearly 3,200 students from 40 states and 33 countries. Underrepresented minority students Although the students don’t comprise 26 percent of the University’s tradiprovide medical care, frequently, the only previous tional undergraduate student body, in addition to multiracial and international students. experience they have had with the elderly is with frail patients Located in one of the most diverse neighborin the hospital. But at the hoods in Chicago, North Park has fostered camp, “They get to experience relationships with a number of community the elderly as people and not as and faith-based organizations, such as Casa patients,” says nursing professor Central, the largest Latino social service Trudy DeWaters. agency in the city. Casa granted North Park its Faith in Action Award last fall for its Little Brothers works with engagement with and service to the SpanishChicagoans 70 years of age speaking community. and older who live alone and who are without meaningful On campus, several academic departments associal or family contacts. Chisist in sponsoring diversity, including the Office cago is also the headquarters of Diversity and the Collaboratory of Urban for the national organization, 6

North Parker | SPRING 2010

News from around campus

and Intercultural Learning. Within the last year, North Park has hosted the Re-Centering: Culture and Conflict Symposium, the Chicago Latino Film Festival, and the Student Diversity Leadership Conference, among other events.

North Park also offers a variety of courses that contribute to students’ knowledge and comfort with diversity, from African History, to Culture and Identity in Korea, to the Politics of the Middle East, and more.

President Parkyn (left) and Provost Joseph Jones are greeted by Robert and Susan Andringa, for whom the award is named.

President Parkyn notes that the Andringa Award reaffirms North Park’s claim on a unique, ownable, and sustainable space in American higher education—one that is “distinctively Christian, intentionally urban, and purposefully multicultural,” like the University’s core values.

The results of the 2009 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) further solidify this claim. North Park markedly outscored 10 benchmark and about 70 peer institutions in the Enriching Educational Experiences category, in which between 50 to 75 percent of North Park students reported they “frequently have serious conversations with students who are different from them in terms of religious, political, or personal beliefs,” “frequently have serious conversations with those of a different race,” and “engage in spiritually enhancing activities such as worship, meditation, or prayer.”

North Park Highlighted in New Book on Christian Colleges Retired University of Minnesota chancellor Samuel Schuman gives North Park University a glowing review in his new book, Seeing the Light: Religious Colleges in 21st Century America (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2010). An analysis of faith-affirming higher education, it evaluates 10 institutions of note from across the country, including Wheaton College, Calvin College, Baylor University, and others.

In the book, Schuman marvels at how North Park’s strong connections to the Evangelical Covenant Church and its Swedish heritage seamlessly coexist with its openness to and encouragement of religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity.

“As a visitor to [North Park] I was impressed and surprised by the way in which NPU has combined a vigorous and unapologetic Christian mission and identity with an openness to a student population that is widely eclectic in terms of race, ethnicity, economic background, and yes, religion,” writes Schuman. “Perhaps most impressive and surprising, not only is North Park University Christian, urban, and multicultural, but it has managed to be all those things and also to be coherent.”

Of all the institutions he researched, Schuman also calls North Park “the most assertively outward looking in its philosophy,” applauding the University for “[working] vigorously to push students out into the complexity of a modern urban environment and to pull into the orb of the university the multifaceted neighborhood around it.”

A day on the fairway for the sake of our children Wednesday, June 9, 2010 • Chevy Chase Country Club Space is limited • Visit us at www.northpark.edu/golf

Continue the 16-year Tradition of golf for kids North Parker | SPRING 2010

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Feature Article

Haiti on Our Hearts

Three alumni with ties to Haiti tell of suffering, solidarity, and life after the earthquake.

by Stan Friedman S’93 and Jessica Allen Bernthal

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North Parker | SPRING 2010

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“Everyone around me was in deep pain . . .”

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here’s something about having too comfortable of a life that makes Djougine Desrosiers C’2009 downright uncomfortable.

Perhaps it’s the feeling of surrealism. After all, she was born and raised in a country now infamously known as the poorest in the Western Hemisphere—whose recent history is marred by military coups, political corruption, various human rights abuses, systemic economic and social inequities, and now, one of the most devastating earthquakes the world can remember.

Perhaps it’s her own esprit de corps—an empathy that charges her to suffer in solidarity with her fellow Haitians, even when she’s thousands of miles away on U.S. soil.

Regardless of her reasons, Desrosiers remains unequivocal about one thing: Haiti is still home. And that means for this recent graduate, confronting the nightmarish realities now facing her blighted country is a priority far greater than chasing the American Dream.

“We have a saying in my country—Lakay se la kod lonbrit mwen antere. In English it means ‘Home is where my umbilical cord is buried,’” she says. “It comes from our custom of burying the umbilical cord after a child is born. My belly cord is in Haiti. . . . Even if I eventually become an American citizen, I will always consider myself ‘Ayisyen’ [Haitian].”

Seeing her homeland in ruins just one month after the disastrous January 12 quake was sobering for Desrosiers, to say the least. The political science and French major had hopes of returning to Haiti to help young girls victimized by sexual abuse, unmasking the culture of shame that often silences their voices and perpetuates the vicious cycle. “My goal is still to someday build homes for young girls in Haiti, to give them spiritual as well as financial support,” says Desrosiers, although she is quick to acknowledge the country and its people now face much more immediate obstacles.

When she visited in July 2009 with Haitian Congress, (an Evanston, Ill., nonprofit with whom Desrosiers serves as a board member) the situation actually seemed hopeful. After President Jean-Bertrand Aristide was exiled in 2004, life for Haitians grew worse before it finally began to improve. But by 2009, Desrosiers says, optimism had actually returned, along with a number of the diaspora with hopes of rebuilding.

Photos by Djougine Desrosiers C’2009

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Photo by Eric Staswick C’2009

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Desrosiers’ mother (left) was forced to live in the streets after the earthquake destroyed her home. Desrosiers herself (right) visited Haiti in February and returned in April.

“Money was starting to flow more freely, and people had every reason to believe the situation was getting better,” she says.

It was a stark contrast to what she witnessed just eight months later—a wasteland of broken buildings and broken bodies, resulting in what has been called one of the greatest humanitarian emergencies in the history of the Americas.

“I’ll never forget the smell of the Caribbean market,” describes Desrosiers. “I’ve never smelled anything like that. I lived in Haiti in the 1990s when people were dying in t he streets, and I remember as a child the scent of rotten flesh, but nothing like this. It’s worse than the smell of any other kind of rotting meat. If you’ve ever smelled a decomposing body, you will never forget it.”

“She told me, ‘I almost died, but God saved me.’”

Another thing she’ll never forget is the look on her mother’s face when she arrived in Haiti, after landing in the Dominican Republic and traveling eight hours by bus from Santo Domingo to Port-Au-Prince.

“I saw misery in her eyes,” Desrosiers says. “Everyone around me was in deep pain, even though they were trying to suppress it. It was a sense of hopelessness and helplessness—nou oblije, as we say. There is nothing we can do.”

Two of her cousins were killed in the earthquake, and her mother only narrowly escaped being crushed by a wall as she cooked rice in her kitchen. When the earth began to shake, she crawled under a table, which protected her from the falling debris. Desrosiers was working at a temp agency in Downers Grove, Ill., when she heard 10 North Parker | SPRING 2010

the news of the quake, and vividly recalls the anxiety and fear she experienced in the two tense days she spent waiting to hear that her mother was still alive.

“They were the worst two days of my life,” she says. “I would call every five minutes, and there would be silence on the other end of the line. In my heart, I believed she was okay, but I was still afraid.”

Finally on Thursday around noon, Desrosiers’ mother called, crying. Six months pregnant, she had walked 15 miles over two days to reach the nearest working phone (a satellite phone in the town of Carrefour), and waited in line for three hours to use it.

“She told me, ‘I almost died, but God saved me,’” says Desrosiers, adding that her mother’s survival is a miracle. “She had bruises, but no open wounds, so I know it was God.” When Desrosiers visited in February, her mother was sleeping on the streets on the steps of a friend’s home. Several nights, it rained.

She notes that many Haitians—even the few whose houses were not destroyed—slept on the streets for weeks, in fear of numerous aftershocks. Months later, some are still living in the streets with no money to repair their homes, including her mother. Desrosiers herself stayed at an undamaged house used as missionary quarters, but confesses that the roof over her head provided little comfort knowing she could do nothing to help her own family.

While in Haiti she gave her mother suitcases to store the remainder of her belongings, and has since sent her a few hundred dollars for the sand, cement, and metal beams needed to build a one-room shelter near where her house used to stand. Unfortunately, the work was short-lived due to inadequate funds. After returning to the Chicago area, lingering concern for her mother prompted Desrosiers to apply for American citizenship, although it comes at a high price.

Feature Article

“This was the first ‘sheet city’ I saw,” says Desrosiers upon arriving home to Haiti.

“It would require me to give up my Haitian citizenship,” explains Desrosiers, a permanent resident who came to the States with her father a decade ago after her parents divorced. She later moved to Chicago with guardians from her church who helped put her through college at North Park University. Ultimately, she wants to bring her mother and her unborn brother to safety in the U.S. Desrosiers says that none of her family has received any aid, although, since her initial visit, a huge donor’s conference was held in March at the United Nations headquarters in New York, drawing government officials, financial institutions, and charitable groups to discuss Haiti’s future.

She hopes that public concern for her country doesn’t wane before hope is restored and Haitians are once again empowered. “There’s still so much to do,” she says.

the agency, along with the Department of Defense, has contributed more than half of $1 billion in aid to Haiti, according to a USAID release.

Boncy works to ensure full cooperation between initiatives “on the ground” and headquarters throughout that region. He also supplies information to Congress and fields queries from the public.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, Boncy was specially assigned to help plan USAID’s transition from disaster relief to recovery efforts—a work that is deeply personal.

Two cousins in Boncy’s large extended family were killed by the earthquake. One was a mother of two children, and another was the father of three. “We lost two wonderful people,” he says.

ellow Haitian native Robert Boncy C’71 also understands that his country has a long road ahead of it. A former North Park University professor, he led the school’s first ever mission trips to Haiti back in the 1980s. Today, he is helping coordinate the U.S. government’s recovery efforts in the island nation, where, like Desrosiers, he lost two relatives.

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He has helped provide assistance to numerous countries following ecological calamities and wars. This is the first time he has been involved in work following a natural disaster such as an earthquake.

Boncy says he is especially grateful for the opportunity to play a significant role in helping his native country. He first learned of the earthquake about 20 minutes after it struck. Since then, he has worked from early in the morning to late at night with little rest.

Boncy graduated from North Park with a bachelor’s degree in political science and taught the subject at his alma mater from 1980 to 1984. He now serves as a desk officer with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in its Office of Caribbean Affairs. He has also worked extensively throughout Africa and in Washington.

Boncy has been working for years to expand others’ understanding of Haiti and to generate assistance for its people. Along with philosophy professor Mel Soneson, he led the first work trips of North Park students to Haiti in 1983 and 1984. The students built a fishpond in Furcy, a rural community located more than a mile high in the craggy Haitian mountains.

USAID is the principal government agency to extend assistance to countries recovering from disaster, trying to escape poverty, and engaging in democratic reforms. In the aftermath of the earthquake,

Although the students knew Haiti was impoverished and a dictatorship under the rule of Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier they could not begin to comprehend the implications until they arrived.

North Parker | SPRING 2010 11

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Boncy, the only Creole-speaking member of the trip, had to navigate the Haitian bureaucracy to get back film that was confiscated at the airport when the team arrived on the first trip. North Park junior Susan Eckhardt wrote in the June 1984 issue of The Covenant Companion that a woman offered to sell one of her children to Boncy for five dollars. She eventually lowered her price to 20 cents in an attempt to lessen the number of family members to feed.

Eckhardt asked of herself, “How does one act—react—to this?

Why am I so privileged? When am I going to take responsibility for this problem? After dinner?”

In a 1983 article for the magazine Boncy wrote, “Being originally from Haiti, the project had special significance to me. It reaffirmed the linkage of my worlds, and in however small a way, represented the possibility of reconciliation through understanding and caring.”

Boncy already knew firsthand the power of getting a helping hand from others. His father, Roger, was a judge in Haiti, but fled with his family to Congo when his life was endangered under the dictatorial rule of FranÇois “Papa Doc” Duvalier.

While in Congo, the Boncys met Evangelical Covenant Church missionaries. Two of them, Daniel and Anne Ericson, met the family at a worship service. They ultimately connected them with North Park Covenant Church in Chicago, which sponsored the family and enabled them to get permanent visas. Boncy’s mother and three siblings arrived in the city in 1963. His father followed later and subsequently taught Latin and French at North Park University.

Boncy married Ginny Westberg C’68— the daughter of Sigurd and Ruth Westberg, two missionaries that helped his family in Congo.

She is now a support services officer in the Casualty Assistance Office of the U.S. State Department, working with families of State 12 North Parker | SPRING 2010

Department employees who die overseas. “She puts a human face on the bureaucracy,” Boncy says.

After the earthquake in Haiti, she was responsible for making sure the body of an embassy employee who was killed was returned to the United States and that all necessary assistance was available to the family.

O

ther Americans in Haiti, like Heather Vruggink C’2005, were fortunate to make it out of the country alive. Vruggink had been serving with a missions team at a mountaintop clinic in Haiti when the earthquake struck. She and her teammates left Port-Au-Prince on January 15 on a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sponsored aircraft thanks to the help of a U.S. Embassy representative.

The team had been spending a quiet week treating common ailments such as skin infections and intestinal problems that are easily healed and preventable in the United States.

“I knew that it was going to be life-changing,” said Vruggink, a graduate of North Park’s School of Nursing. “I was really looking forward to serving a population that truly and badly needed care in even the smallest way. I knew it was going to be a hardworking, busy week.”

They finished seeing the last clinic patients at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 12. At 4:53 p.m., the earthquake struck, killing more than 200,000 people and injuring another 300,000. Over the next several days, Vruggink and her team treated more than 200 injured patients in the most rudimentary conditions.

The experience put her skills to the test. Until recently moving to Michigan, Vruggink worked as a trauma nurse in the emergency room at Chicago’s Children’s Memorial Hospital and was studying

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“This was all over the city in almost every neighborhood,” Desrosiers says of the graffiti above.

to be a pediatric nurse practitioner. That training proved invaluable when the earthquake hit.

On the day of the earthquake, Vruggink and team member Sarah Kane had run down the mountain from the clinic to return to their room, where they began getting cleaned up for dinner.

“The floor started shaking like a big semi was going by,” she recalls.

“Then all of the sudden I was knocked to my knees. The floor rocked back and forth, and Sarah and I looked at each other terrified until someone yelled at us to get out of the house.”

Vruggink and others stood on the lawn trying to guess how bad the earthquake had been. “We didn’t really understand the aftermath of the earthquake until we were deployed to the Mission Baptist Hospital and saw the devastating injuries that awaited us.” When they arrived, there were scores of wounded—and only one doctor, several nurses, and limited medical supplies.

“It was shocking to walk past so many hurt people,” Vruggink says.

“We saw and stabilized more than 100 pretty severely wounded patients that night, working well past midnight.” While treating patients on Thursday, two days after the quake, the team heard the sounds of people singing. It was the funeral for the first girl they had treated.

Vruggink says she hopes to return to Haiti within the next year to continue the recovery work in the country. Above all, she says, she wants to see the people her team helped care for before and after the earthquake, and continue the relationships built with these Haitians.

“I will never forget the faces of the patients and families we saw,” she says. “They were faces searching for hope.”

Call and Response

North Park partners with Covenant World Relief to lend a helping hand.

N

orth Park University students, faculty, and staff recently contributed $10,000 to benefit relief work in Haiti. More than half of that total was collected during a special chapel service on January 27. By the following week, more than $9,000 had poured in, and that number continued to climb.

“Students heard the cry of those in need and opened their hearts and bank accounts to meet that need,” says Campus Pastor Judy (Howard) Peterson C’92 S’2001.

One student had stayed in Chicago over Christmas break to save money for a new laptop and felt God prompting her to give it to the offering instead. Another took $1,000 from savings to contribute, and still others gave the money they had for food that week.

“I am always amazed and constantly encouraged by the generosity of the North Park community,” says Peterson. “It consistently goes above and beyond, and I couldn’t be more thankful that these are my brothers and sisters in Christ.”

The funds were distributed through Covenant World Relief (CWR), a ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church with a 60-year history of providing relief, rehabilitation, and transformational development.

Within hours of the devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti, CWR funds were already at work through a partnership with World Relief International. CWR maintains a crisis response fund with World Relief that the agency can immediately tap to purchase and provide basic necessities like food, water, and medicine.

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Feature Article

International Intelligence North Park faculty bring a world of wisdom to their classes—and we mean literally.

by Jessica Allen Bernthal

The international migration of students and faculty is a major trend in higher education, U.S. News and World Report announced just prior to publicizing its ranking of the world’s best universities last year.

“International reputation is an undeniable component of today’s world-class universities,” the magazine noted. “How better to evaluate that than to assess to what degree international students and international faculty are attracted to a given institution?”

By this criteria, North Park University does more than hold its own among its liberal arts peers. Not only do students come from 40 states and 33 countries, but the faculty also represent an equally eclectic mix. Hailing from as nearby as Canada and as far away as Taiwan (not to mention from dozens of nations in between), North Park professors bring with them perspectives as rich as their culural backgrounds. They have come to teach in Chicago for a variety of reasons, not least of which is its reputation as a worldclass city (and the second best global city for getting an education according to Foreign Policy magazine in 2008). They have come to teach at North Park for the high caliber of its student body, whose commitment to faith and learning is equally impressive.

Meet just a few of North Park’s international faculty “ambassadors,” and learn how their experiences from living abroad not only enhance the life of their classrooms, but also enrich their approach to mentoring students and teaching them what it means to be global citizens.

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Rajkumar Boaz Johnson, Professor and Chair of Biblical and Theological Studies Home County: India

He is casually known as the “slumdog professor”—a take on the 2009 Academy Award winning movie, “Slumdog Millionaire.” That’s because, like the title character in the film, Boaz Johnson grew up in the slums of India. Most of his childhood friends were illegally trafficked into slavery, and none that he can recall lived beyond age 30.

“I pinch myself every day to see whether this is a reality—teaching at North Park,” says Johnson. “God must have a purpose!”

His classes are filled with international illustrations from his younger days in India and teaching experiences in different parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe. In March, Johnson took a group of North Park students to India to visit the New Delhi slum where he was raised and to see the high school he attended as a teenager.

“My style of teaching is quite ‘Indian non-linear,’” he describes.“It is more in line with making disciples, just like the rabbis in the Bible and the gurus in India.”

Although he has taught around the world, Johnson says North Park University is still one of the most fascinating places to educate. “We have the world here,” he says. “We have Christian students who are very serious about their faith, and non-Christian students who are quite keen on learning about Christianity, all based in this huge center of rich culture called Chicago. I would not want to teach at any other place.”

Ida Maduram, Associate Professor of Education Home Country: India

Ida Maduram knows it was God’s guidance that brought her to Chicago all the way from Nagercoil, a small town at the southern tip of India.

She teaches the first courses of the teacher education program as well as method courses, and observes students from the time they begin their studies until they graduate as prospective teachers. As students prepare to teach the children of the world in Chicago and beyond, she helps facilitate their shifts in perspective on diversity and their ability to adapt to other cultures.

“India is a potpourri of many cultures, languages, traditions, religions, and ethnicities,” Maduram says. “It has added rich and intimate perspectives to my understanding of the universal similarities within different cultures and how to celebrate human experiences that make us who we are.”

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Feature Article Before coming to teach at North Park Theological Seminary in 2006, Stephen Chester spent all of his life in Great Britain—a fact that his accent, if not his teaching style, betrays. “I suspect my students feel that British educational culture has left me with a regrettably robust attitude toward grade inflation!” jokes Chester, who was born in Liverpool, England, lived in Wales, and studied at the University of Glasgow in Scotland.

In addition to spending 18 years in Scotland, he married a Scottish wife (Betsy, with whom he has two sons, Iain and Mark), and became a minister of the Church of Scotland. He and his family currently worship at Immanuel Evangelical Covenant Church/Community Covenant Church—a partnership of two diverse congregations. “It has been a privilege and a joy to see the reality of the grace of God cutting across all human distinctions and bringing together those so different from each other in the name of Christ,” he says.

Stephen Chester, Professor of New Testament Home County: England/Scotland

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Chester adds that he has been thoroughly impressed with the North Park students he’s had the pleasure of teaching. “I most enjoy their commitment—to understanding the Bible, to ministry, to truth, and to Christian service.”

Feature Article Anyone who thinks that art and science make strange bedfellows might enjoy a conversation with Tom Zelle. This longtime musician and skilled conductor is also a closet scientist, taking lessons in quantum physics and global scaling in his spare time. The subjects are deeply intriguing, says Zelle. “I seek some sort of Renaissance diversity in my studies and life—such as looking through a telescope at night, understanding nature, writing literature and poetry, learning other languages, and much more,” he explains.

Tom Zelle, Professor of Music Home County: Germany

Zelle, who hails from Hamburg, Germany, says his German European heritage figures prominently in his pedagogical approach. “I remember all things that served me as a student and that helped me in my education and I try to pass them on,” he says simply. Strong influences include German language, grammar, and literature; philosophy; nature; and European Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical music. An international perspective, Zelle notes, is a lens that “creates more relativity”— although not the type we associate with a famous physicist. It’s an attitude of “not knowing rather than knowing,” he explains. “The ability to see things from other points of view can be quite liberating.”

French, Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian—Anne Marie AndreassonHogg has an impressive repertoire of languages that she can speak as well as teach. The daughter of Scandinavians, she was raised and educated in France. Today she teaches Scandinavian language courses (primarily Swedish), as well as literature and Viking mythology, and an occasional course on French pronunciation. Her interest in English first blossomed in high school, when, to improve her listening comprehension, she would tune in to American radio broadcasts such as “Unshackled,” from Chicago’s Pacific Garden Mission. “I can still remember the voice of the announcer welcoming the ‘many listening friends at home and abroad,’” she says.

“I never thought that one day I would live and work in that very city and even get to see the Pacific Garden Mission building!”

Watching her own students realize the wonders of another culture still excites Andreasson-Hogg. “Some students have no prior knowledge of Scandinavia. . . . Others have Scandinavian ancestors, and for them, learning the language and deepening their understanding of the culture is an important part of understanding who they are as young adults. I really enjoy sharing this process of self-discovery.”

Anne Marie Andreasson-Hogg, Professor of Scandinavian Studies Home Country: France

From philosophy, to democracy, to the arts and medical sciences, Greek contributions to Western civilization go on an on. And students in Dimitra Loukissa’s undergraduate, graduate, and RN-completion nursing classes are sure to benefit from several aspects of this fruitful legacy. “I incorporate the Socratic dialectic method in my teaching approaches to promote analytical and critical thinking,” says Loukissa, a native of Athens, Greece.

“I encourage my students to be intellectually curious—ask a lot of ‘why’ questions and search for possible answers, and make connections between relationships and facts. Missing to see even a small correlation can make a huge difference on someone’s state of health and its progression.”

Dimitra Loukissa, Associate Professor of Nursing Home County: Greece

While still living and practicing in Athens, Loukissa participated in World Health Organization (WHO) projects in various European countries.

“This exposure offered me the opportunity to collaborate with other professionals having a variety of perspectives and cultural backgrounds,” she explains. Another unique story she can share with her students is her experience attending the 2004 Olympics in her hometown. “This was a life-altering experience that will stay with me forever!”

North Parker | SPRING 2010 17

Nnenna Okore, Assistant Professor of Art Home Country: Nigeria

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” is more than just a well known axiom—it’s also a truth upon which Nnenna Okore has built her reputation as an internationally acclaimed sculptor and installation artist. Born in Australia, raised in Nigeria, and educated in Swaziland and the United States, Okore creates works that incorporate materials found in urban environments, reflecting the way natural and man-made materials evolve, decay, and transform.

“I try to broaden my students’ understanding and perspective of art by showing them non-Western art, especially works, techniques, and processes by African artists,” she says. “I enjoy the great sense of community at North Park, the high level of engagement and enthusiasm of my students, and the collegial and collaborative spirit promoted across disciplines.”

Nursing is a profession based on caring for others, which is perhaps one of the reasons Ching-Eng Wang was drawn to it.

A native of Taipei, Taiwan, Wang remembers going with her grandmother to deliver food to poor neighbors as a child. “We were poor, too, but she always told us that we needed to share food with those who were less fortunate than us,” remembers Wang, whose grandmother passed away at the age of 105. “She was the most kind person I’ve ever known.”

Ching-Eng Wang, Associate Professor of Nursing Home Country: Taiwan

18 North Parker | SPRING 2010

Wang adds that she enjoys the “creativity, spontaneity, and kindness” of the students she teaches at North Park. She came to the University because of its Christian identity, but notes that growing up overseas has helped her to “see things from many different perspectives.”

Her decision to teach was ultimately a cultural one. “Educators are well respected in my native country,” she explains, “and we follow Confucius’ philosophy about setting high standards for students.”

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Linda Cannell, Professor and Seminary Dean of Academic Life Home Country: Canada

As the leader of CanDoSpirit Network, an international community of Christian leaders seeking to transform congregational life and theological education worldwide, Linda Cannell understands the challenges of promoting unity in the face of diversity. She also knows the importance of seeing singular issues from myriad perspectives. “Since I have been to several countries, I’ve found that having an international perspective makes a great deal of difference on how one views things,” says the Winnepeg, Manitoba native. “And by the way, Canada and the United States really are different!”

In addition to serving as academic dean of the Seminary, Cannell also teaches educational ministry. She says it’s a pleasure to work with North Park students. “They are bright and committed to ministry.”

Jim Dekker, Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Center for Youth Ministry Studies Home county: Canada

Canada may be popularly known for maple leaves and hockey, but it is also a country defined by diversity. Like its neighbor to the south, it is a country populated by immigrants and their descendants.

“Diversity is woven into our history, politics, religions, and economy,” says professor Jim Dekker, an Ontario native who teaches undergraduate and Seminary courses in youth ministry.

“My parents knew we were a minority among many minorities so we needed to listen closely to pick up nuances of differences,” he explains. “I find myself offering our students more diversity in thinking about issues, going beyond arguing the poles—seeing beyond the single apparent factor and learning to listen to the nuances.”

While Dekker enjoys travel and likes to visit the Philippines “whenever I can,” when he’s States-side, students might find him indulging in a number of other unique interests.

“I love being in nature and building computers, and I invented a multilayer strategy game,” he says. “Any challengers?”

North Parker | SPRING 2010 19

Feature Article

Making a Scene

Up-and-coming stage talent Stephanie Weber C’2011 demonstrates how to construct a play from scratch.

by Stan Friedman S’93

20 North Parker | SPRING 2010

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orth Park student Stephanie Weber C’2011 may not be widely considered a legitimate genius yet, but her work as a comedienne and writer is catching people’s attention.

“She’s on the cusp of going national,” says professor of communication arts Chad Eric Bergman, who calls Weber “a wonderfully talented improvisation performer and writer.”

Her play “Legitimate Geniuses” was this year’s spring performance for North Park’s theatre program, and was performed at the Neo-Futurarium in April. The local storefront venue is home to the Neo-Futurists, a well-known Chicago troupe.

Weber’s ability to tell a multifaceted story is evident in “Legitimate Geniuses,” which Bergman calls an “amazing script.” He first caught a glimpse of just how talented she was during her freshman year, when he cast her as the “young ingénue” in Tom Stoppard’s play “Arcadia.” Says Bergman, “She did a brilliant, brilliant job.”

Bergman recalls asking her to write a piece last summer for nine women, given the student composition of North Park’s program at the time. “Two weeks later, she hands me a script with nine women,” he marvels. Weber then asked if he would read another one of her plays. When he finished, she told him of a third play she had authored, which turned out to be “Legitimate Geniuses.”

The 21-year-old Weber has supplemented her experience at North Park by taking classes through the nationally known Second City Conservatory and Annoyance Theatre. Second City has trained numerous performers including Steve Carrell, Amy Poehler, Mike Myers, Tina Fey, and Stephen Colbert. In only her second year with Second City, the troupe invited Weber to perform with one of their teams. She has also performed at numerous other theatres in Chicago.

“She is a wonderfully talented improvisation performer and writer,” says Bergman.

“Legitimate Geniuses” tells the Millennial Generation’s story of transition, relationship, transportation—and burritos. The unpredictable, quirky romantic comedy follows the relationship of three Chicago couples that are at different “stops” on the relationship “route.” Using the CTA as a central image of storytelling, the additional characters the audience meets on the bus underscore the idea that it is not the destination that matters, but the verve we share on life’s journey.

“Especially for a Chicago audience, it’s really brilliant,” notes Bergman. “It’s tense, it’s funny—there are some really poignant, sad moments, and romance.”

Weber and her boyfriend, Brad Einstein, make up the eponymous duo of Weber and Einstein. They received rave reviews in February at Penn State, where he attends, when they opened an evening of improv comedy that included several groups. A reviewer for The Daily Collegian wrote that the two “brought the audience to tears as they went from characters such as a southern socialite couple, to high school students who are awkward with each other—all without missing a beat.”

Weber and Einstein were chosen to participate in this September’s first-ever Chicago Fringe Festival, where they will perform, “Please Love Me, High School Boyfriend,” which they co-wrote. Similar festivals have become fixtures in cities, including New York and San Francisco, and target primarily new talent. Shows are performed in small, unusual venues throughout the cities.

Stephanie Weber C’2011 and Professor Chad Eric Bergman

“The thing that was really remarkable to me was that the three plays she wrote for me last summer were all different,” Bergman says.

“They were all different styles, and they all represented different aspects of her. Her interior process shifted so drastically from story to story, that by the time I got to the third one, I was ready for that voice.”

Bergman says he was immediately struck by Weber’s awareness of her generation, which comes from having a well-tuned ear. She carries a notebook everywhere so that she can capture ideas as well as conversations she hears. “I really do like sitting in crowded coffee shops,” Weber says somewhat sheepishly. “It might not be a conscious effort. I might just overhear something and have to write it down.”

Naturally, some of the lines for “Legitimate Geniuses” came from hours spent riding the bus. If the notes she takes don’t make it into North Parker | SPRING 2010 21

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her plays, they are frequently fodder for other performances. “I use them in improv as opening lines all the time,” Weber says.

She began writing “Legitimate Geniuses” after her freshman year, but didn’t realize it then. She was working at Trader Joe’s and would spend her breaks writing random scenes, again rooted in conversations she heard. In November 2008, she began to realize the stories could be strung together.

“Once I started to look at it as a whole, I couldn’t believe these things worked together,” Weber reflects. “There were so many times I would look at it and say, ‘Why am I writing this?’”

Unlike traditional theatre, storefront theatre is done in what Bergman calls “unrefined and intimate environments.” Small budgets make it necessary for participants to possess multiple skills. This is why North Park cross-trains students across the technical, acting, and writing disciplines, explains Bergman.

The University’s philosophy of performing storefront productions is preparing its students for the “real world” of theatre, he adds.

While many school programs focus on training for large productions, most actors and designers will likely work in smaller venues during their careers.

Bergman has experience in both realms. While a doctoral student She was also hesitant to share the play because it was heavily inat the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, he directed several fluenced by a relationship that had ended. “I guess just because it plays and had a budget of more than $50,000 for a single producwas so collected and pulled together and personal, I didn’t know if tion. The stage size was similar to that of Lincoln Center or the anyone else would be interested,” explains Kennedy Center.

Weber, who had completed the rough draft months before handing it to Bergman. He Then there was reality. His first job in Chicago quickly assembled a group of Chicago We are at the center of the was directing a play for a theatre with only 49 actors for a read-through. seats and a budget of $200 that was supposed storefront theatre capital of to cover building materials, costumes, props, the world.

“Everyone at the reading was really excited sound, lights, and publicity. about this play,” he recalls. “They were pretty much bowled over that she was a junior in college.”

Bergman says he had to develop the storefront program due to economic necessity. North Park didn’t have the funds or facilities Chicago professionals are also becoming excited about the North to consistently put on large productions. “I’m especially grateful Park program, which focuses on training students for storefront theto professor Bob Hostetter and the administration who have unatre. With more than 200 producing theatre companies, Chicago derstood that this is a vision that works particularly well at North is world renowned for its contribution to the storefront movement.

Park,” Bergman says.

“We are at the center of the storefront theatre capital of the world,” says Bergman. He recently received a phone call from a representative of the critically acclaimed Halcyon Theatre, which wants to establish a storefront presence in Albany Park.

22 North Parker | SPRING 2010

Nevertheless, his design staff is comprised of working professionals, who know the capabilities of the students and readily grab them as assistants. “On any given weekend, we’ll probably have a student or two who is working side by side with these designers,” notes Bergman.

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Weber especially appreciates the instruction she’s receiving. “It’s so do-it-yourself,” she says. “You’re in a small space. You have to problem-solve. You do your own lights . . . do your own sets. I’m glad that we’re all prepared to that.”

Weber says she is very self-motivated. Despite carrying a full load of classes at the University, she has also made time to study with the other programs and perform. “I have to keep doing the things I love,” she explains.

The program makes the students more marketable, she adds, noting she now has a better eye for design because of this kind of training.

“People were impressed that I could put on a show with basically nothing, and I learned that here.”

She adds that the improv training has contributed significantly to her personal growth, especially when it comes to taking chances and being vulnerable. “You just can’t be afraid to fail because nothing is ever really failure. Everything is a learning experience. If you don’t try—that is failure.”

Bergman says having a small program provides other advantages.

“Because our program is small and yet strong, I can see where the talents of my students are and push them in that direction.” Weber is a prime example.

North Park’s storefront philosophy helped attract Weber to the school, she says. She also appreciated that the University, unlike another school in the city, would let her take classes at places like Second City and Annoyance Theatre. “I knew for some reason I wanted to try improv classes but I don’t know where that came from,” she says.

Weber grew up in the small town of New Lenox, Ill., and there certainly were no early signs that she would one day be acting on stages across Chicago. Quite the opposite, in fact.

“I was cripplingly shy,” Weber says. “I would want to cry every time the teacher called on me.”

But Weber developed a vivid imagination and began to write scenes about what her fellow students might do when they got home. “It was nothing fantastical. It was, ‘T. J. went home and had a birthday party.’” She began to get more serious about writing when she was in high school and penned scenes with her brother and a friend.

Improv and sketch comedy has also taught her to trust her choices and her peer performers, and that the key to improvisational comedy is not going for the easy laugh. “The worst thing you can do is try to go out and be funny,” she says. “That was a huge lesson to learn. It’s about being truthful, actually. That’s where you find your comic voice. Vulnerability is actually very funny.”

In addition to experiencing personal and professional growth, training at Second City also gave Weber an evening she will always remember. The company celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, and numerous graduates returned for the event. “They let the students volunteer there, and we got to meet our idols while doing coat checks and other jobs,” she says. For Weber, that was Amy Sedaris and Stephen Colbert. A friend had to coax her into talking to them.

“I was so starstruck,” she says.

As for her future, Weber says she eventually would like to write comedy for television but also perform. “I see myself as both a writer and a performer. Tina Fey, who started as a writer for “Saturday Night Live,” says if you don’t write, you won’t get very far in this business.”

Bergman has no idea what lies ahead for Weber, but says, “I feel really privileged to be part of her journey.”

North Parker | SPRING 2010 23

Faculty ESSAY

24 North Parker | Spring 2010

Faculty ESSAY

Who Is My Neighbor?

by Jennifer Morrissey, Assistant Professor of French

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ujourd’ hui, nous sommes tous haïtiens! A rallying cry for solidarity with Haitians in the midst of one of the greatest humanitarian emergencies in the history of the Americas, the words hang in the air. Today we are all Haitian! But what of yesterday? What of tomorrow? Does it take devastating earthquakes for us to turn our attentions to the plight of our neighbors?

How long until we cast our eyes elsewhere?

As politicians, the military and nongovernmental organizations scramble to address Haiti’s immediate and long-term needs, so too have ordinary citizens pledged to help. The outpouring has been tremendous.

Hundreds of millions of dollars from nations all over the world will help Haiti rebuild its capital city, its residential areas and infrastructure, and its industry. All hope that Haiti will ultimately have stronger buildings, better services, and more jobs.

What enmity

never saw a soul visit him. Then one August, I called the janitor because the smell emanating from the fourth floor was noxious. The old man had died.

I was never unkind to the old man. But not once had I knocked to see that his heat was on or that his air conditioning was working. Never once had I left a bag of groceries at his door or shared a bowl of soup from my crock-pot. It never occurred to me to invite him to my annual “stray dog” Thanksgiving gatherings. I simply went about my business and let him go about his.

When he passed, I mourned the old man. I wondered what his life must have been like. What sorrows and joys had he known? I marveled at his resilience and his digdo we sow in the nity. I imagined he might have been a fighter pilot or a musician or a beatnik when he was young. world by our indifference to Had he had a family? Where were they? I wished human suffering?

I had even once offered him a small kindness.

Yet will the giving meet the need? Already, the same media that projected into our every waking moment wrenching images of the devastation in Port-au-Prince now bandies about “donor fatigue.” Official estimates suggest that rebuilding Haiti will require 10 years of sustained effort and resources.

How long before we as nations and as individuals are worn out by the mere mention of Haiti? We have a track record of complacency vis-à-vis our little neighbor to the south. Haiti has long been the poorest country in the Americas. Before natural disasters came colonialism, war and, finally, an improbable freedom. Yet even in the midst of the earthquakes, American cynics publicly disparaged Haitians for their plight.

So what is the responsibility of the rich nations toward nations in need?

After all, the U.S. is in the worst recession since the end of World War II. And what is our responsibility as individuals toward other human beings in need? How we respond to these questions both as a people and as individuals demonstrates our beliefs about what it is to be rich, to be human, and to be persons of faith.

I am struck by how deeply the news of the earthquakes in Haiti unsettled me. Yet the images that woke me in the middle of the night were not Haitian. The disaster in Haiti made me relive a human tragedy that unfolded while I was a student in New York. A lone resident from my building still held onto his rent control apartment decades after the university had bought the building and gentrified it for student use. He was an old stooped Asian man. Maybe he was Korean? I don’t know. I never spoke to him.

I remember noticing that the old man sure liked onions. He would carry bags and bags of them from the train, across the expanse of the large campus, and up four flights of stairs. The janitor mentioned once that the old man was a widower. I figured he didn’t know how to cook. Year after year, I saw the man trudge up those stairs, thinner and thinner. I

The experience of turning a blind eye taught me to at least try to be fully present to my fellow sojourners in this life. I want to pay attention.

I want to notice. I want to help out. As an individual, I have grown to feel a spiritual imperative to love others, even when love demands putting myself out. Embracing this visceral need to connect—despite competing priorities—has put me in touch with my own humanity, has brought me meaningful relationships, and has affirmed my faith in a loving God. As a nation, I wonder whether we too might ultimately be restored to health and stability by tightening our belts, rolling up our sleeves, and helping out in the world. It is worth considering the toll of ignoring our neighbors in need. What remarkable leaders, artists and inventors, and great thinkers do we go without because they do not survive poverty, injustice, or despair? What enmity do we sow in the world by our indifference to human suffering? How does our negligence actually dehumanize us?

When I reflect on the faith and courage and strength and dignity of the Haitian people, those proud descendents of heroic slaves who attained freedom against all odds and then elected a priest as president, I am humbled and grateful to take part in North Park University’s campuswide initiatives to establish a benevolent relationship with Haiti and to help rebuild Haiti—however long it takes.

Dr. Jennifer Morrissey heads the department of French and French studies. She holds a Ph.D. in French and romance philology from Columbia University, a D.E.A. in French literature from the Université de Paris, and a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania.

Recently, she was nominated to the executive committee of the American Association for Teachers of French. Her passions include French advocacy and volunteer work.

North Parker | SPRING 2010 25

DONOR Profile

Agents of Change

These alumni not only embraced North Park University’s growth over the years—they are contributing to it.

by Melissa Vélez-Luce C’2004

L

egacy and faith have been predominant themes in the lives of Randy C’61 and Judy (Gotberg) Johnson C’63. Each was inspired to attend North Park by their older brothers Dr. G. Timothy Johnson S’63, H.M. “Marv” Gotberg C’53, and Russell Gotberg C’56. Neither Randy nor Judy visited campus before submitting their applications, but trusted it was the right choice. Little did they know that decades later, their relationship with North Park would continue to play a vital role in their lives.

While Randy and Judy were students, North Park’s campus underwent several significant changes. Randy came to North Park Junior College and moved into Burgh Hall, a building that had only been in use for one year. The campus continued to evolve throughout the Johnsons’ time at North Park. Randy recalls that he was one of an assembly line of students who helped pass books from the third floor of Old Main to the newly built Wallgren Library in 1958.

Three years later, when Randy crossed the stage at commencement, North Park had transitioned to an accredited four-year program.

The Johnsons annually visit campus for Homecoming and attend concerts throughout the year, taking note of the exceptional progress still being made. In October 2001, they were present for the dedication of Brandel Library.

“I bet they didn’t have students move all the books into the new library this time around!” jokes Randy.

Judy reflects that the changes throughout the years bring new life to campus. “As students, we didn’t think about the efforts required to provide the buildings we lived and studied in, but now we realize just how important it is to support the University and provide exceptional facilities for new students coming in.”

Eventually, these students included the Johnsons’ sons and their wives, Peter C’88 (who married Julie Nilsen C’93) and Mark C’92 (who married Jodi Monkowski C’2007).

“They were familiar with the campus because we brought them to basketball games as they were growing up,” says Judy, “but we never pushed them to attend North Park. We wanted them to make the choice that was right for them. In the end, I believe they observed our appreciation for North Park and wanted that experience for themselves.”

Randy and Judy agree that what North Park has given to them and their children is much more than a degree. “The relationships we formed at North Park are so special to us,” she says. “In fact, when we brought each of our boys to campus for college I think we had more fun than they did—reconnecting with so many classmates who were dropping off their children as well!”

These special friendships and memories are all part of the reason Randy and Judy wish to give back to the school that has given so much to them. Randy, who serves as co-chair of North Park’s President’s Club executive committee, says it has always been an easy decision. “North Park fostered our faith and provided us with an education, and continues to do that for others,” he says.

For 20 years, the Johnsons have been proud members of the President’s Club, one of many giving clubs that allow alumni and friends to partner with North Park financially.

There are numerous opportunities to give back, and Judy encourages those who wish to get involved that no gift is insignificant.

“If everyone could consider giving something—even something small— it would make a meaningful difference in the lives of students,” she says. “North Park has added so much to our lives. . . .We want it to be around for years to come so others may benefit from all it has to offer, as well.”

For more information on the President’s Club and other giving opportunities, visit www.northpark.edu/Giving.

26 North Parker | SPRING 2010

alumni@northpark.edu

Alumni Notes

alumni@northpark.edu

| SPRING | Fall 2006 North North Parker Parker 2010 27

Alumni Notes

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Swedish Covenant Hospital recently welcomed Charles L. Adair C’74 and Rev. Mary C. Miller S’80 to its 20-member board of directors. Adair has an M.S. in resource economics from Michigan State University, and nearly 30 years of experience in the food and agribusiness marketplace. Over the years he has been responsible for executing investment banking transactions in these sectors in North America, but he also served as director of mergers and acquisitions for Elders Grain, Inc., an Australian agribusiness firm. The former senior vice president and manager of the Harris Capital Markets Group, Adair is currently managing director in the BMO Capital Markets Mergers & Acquisitions Group. He previously served on the board at Swedish Covenant

28 North Parker | SPRING 2010

Hospital for 16 years, which included a term as chairman.

Miller has nearly 20 years of pastoral experience and serves as the director for the Making Connections Initiative at North Park Theological Seminary. A former vice-president for administration in the Evangelical Covenant Church, she has also been a columnist for The Covenant Companion and has written and contributed to several books. She received her master of divinity from North Park Theological Seminary and her doctor of ministry in spiritual direction from the Graduate Theological Foundation. Miller also studied at University of Detroit Law School and DePaul University College of Law. She and her daughter, Elizabeth Coyle, currently live in Lake Forest, Ill.

alumni@northpark.edu

Alumni Notes 40s 1. Lenore (Johnson) Larson A’46 married Robert S. Johnson C’47 on November 28, 2009. The wedding was officiated by Dr. Arthur A. R. Nelson A’52 C’54 S’60 at the Winnetka Covenant Church in Wilmette, Ill., and followed by a reception at the Swedish American Museum in Chicago.

50s 2. Wanda (Peterson) Hollensteiner A’50, a 1954 graduate of Beloit College, was awarded the Distinguished Service Citation from her alma mater. The highest honor bestowed by Beloit upon its alumni, the award recognizes Hollensteiner’s service, personal and professional achievements, and civic contributions. She also presided over the dedication of the Wanda Hollensteiner Gallery at the Wright Museum of Art at Beloit, known for its world-class works of art.

North Park alumni in attendance included her husband, Jim A’49, Louise (Shumaker) Woodier A’50 JC’52, Vivian (Anderson) Johnson A’50 JC’52, Ernest Johnson JC’47, Judy (Erickson) Anderson A’50 JC’52, Howard Anderson JC’52, Marilyn (Mueller) Pojlhammer A’50 JC’52, and Donald Pohlhammer JC’52.

70s 3. Cy Taggart has released two CDs, “It’s Alright,” and “Beet the Meetles.” He performs regularly as a solo musician and with his band, The Cy Taggart Band. Taggart and his wife, Connie, have been married for 25 years, have two children, and reside in Richmond, Va. 4. Judith Johnson C’71 has been named health care administrator for Covenant Village of Florida, a nationally accredited continuing care retirement community.

Johnson serves on the board of the Florida Association of Homes and Services for the Aging and is chairperson for the Plantation Chamber of Commerce. Before joining Covenant Village, she served in a variety of academic and clinical settings, including a position as vice president for patient care services at a 150-bed acute-care community hospital in Turlock, Calif. She resides in Plantation, Fla. 5. Marvin Curtis C’72, director of the South Bend Symphonic Choir in South Bend,

Ind., was invited to bring 20 members of the 44-voice ensemble to perform at the White House on December 21, 2009. The 75-minute concert included a repertoire of holiday selections performed on the State Floor of the presidential mansion.

6. Candace (Langenberg) Cesarz C’73 retired from General Motors in October 2009 after 32 years with the company.

7. The Connecticut Association of Notfor-Profit Providers for the Aging named Burton P. Johnson C’73 recipient of its 2009 Humanitarian Award. Johnson is the executive director of Covenant Village of Cromwell, and has served there since 1996. The award recognizes his personal integrity, decency, and contributions to the elderly. “This is truly an honor for Burt and the Covenant Village community,” said Terri Cunliffe, Covenant Retirement Communities senior vice president. “He exemplifies our commitment to senior adults and to the service and care we provide residents at Covenant Village of Cromwell.”

8. Tim J. Johnson C’79 S’98, who currently serves as curator of special collections and rare books at the University of Minnesota, has been named E. W. McDiarmid Curator for the Sherlock Holmes Collections at the university, where he oversees the world’s largest collection of memorabilia related to the detective. Johnson and his wife Beth (Holmberg) C’79 have a daughter, Clarisa C’2012, in her second year at North Park, and a son, Joel, who is a Kern Scholar at North Park Theological Seminary.

80s 9. Diane (Swanson) Kleinke C’84 was accepted into the Fine Art Competition at the 2009 Minnesota State Fair with her painting “Nature’s Mountain Song” (pictured). Diane continues to work from her studio in Stillwater, Minn., and has some original work at the Stillwater Art Guild Gallery, which can be viewed online at artguildgallery.com. Diane’s husband, James, specializes in family law and estate planning at his law firm, Lighthouse Law, PLLC, located in White Bear Lake, Minn.

10. Kathryn (Schwartz) Abele C’85 lives outside of Rockford, Ill., with her husband Bob and three children. Bob is an engineer and small business owner, and Kathy is a

new products administrator turned stay-athome mom. The family welcomed son John Emmanuel in October 2008. He joins siblings Lucas (4) and Claire (12).

11. John C’85 and Lida (Bond) C’85 Kuehn live in Aurora, Ill., and are parents to teenagers Scott, Stephanie, and Justin. John works for SUA Insurance Co., and Lida works part time as a nurse for a home health agency and enjoys swimming in her free time. She had five first place finishes at the Illinois Masters State Swim Meet in April 2009, and many other wins in the last year.

90s 12. Kristin (Anderson) C’91 G’93 and Paul C’92 Hawkinson welcomed Carson Gustaf Hawkinson on December 20, 2009. Carson weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces, and was 20 3/4 inches long. He joins proud siblings Annika (12), Colin (9), and Kajsa (7).

13. Ken C’94 G’2004 and Jenny (Rippe) C’95 Henrikson welcomed Andre and

Gregory (born in Kazakhstan in 2005 and 2006, respectively) as their sons on February 4, 2009.

14. Daron C’94 and Kristin (Halverson) Jagodzinske C’96 adopted children Fia and Kwame in February 2009. They traveled to Ghana in 2008 to meet the children before Kristin and her mother returned in 2009 to bring them home. The Jagodzinske family lives in Poulsbo, Wash., where Daron serves as pastor of Alive Covenant Church (www.kitsapalive.com), a church plant that they began in 2005.

15. Dan O’Keefe C’95 received the Tony Lawless Award as the coach of the year in the Chicago Catholic League White. O’Keefe, the head football coach at De La Salle Institute in Chicago, also won the award in 2007.

This season he guided De La Salle to a 9–3 overall record, as well as its third consecutive Catholic League White championship and third straight state playoff berth.

16. Nate Anderson C’98 married Morgan Nothwehr on November 7, 2009, at Community Covenant Church in Lenexa, Kan. Brother of the groom, Joshua Anderson C’2001, served as best man, and father of the groom, Rev. Thomas B. Anderson C’67 S’71, officiated. Also participating in the wedding were grandfather of the groom,

| SPRING | Fall 2006 North North Parker Parker 2010 29

Alumni Notes

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Rev. Glenn Lindell C’42 S’46, and mother of the groom, Sandie (Lindell) Anderson C’71. Nate is a finance/accounting recruit-

ing consultant with Access Search Inc., in Chicago, and Morgan works as an account executive with EuroRSCG. They currently live in downtown Chicago.

17. Amy R. Coty G’99 is serving as chief financial officer for Tehiyah Jewish Day School after many years working in the investment management and financial services industries. This is Coty’s first time working with a nonprofit, and she says she is “grateful every day for my North Park degree hanging on the wall.” Coty has two children, ages three and six, and lives in the San Francisco Bay area.

18. Mai (Khader) Kakish C’99 resides in Chicago with her husband, David, and their two daughters, Neda (9), and Julia (4). Mai works as a PR freelancer for small businesses and nonprofit organizations and David owns an IT consulting business. Mai also serves as director of

30 North Parker | SPRING 2010

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TEE (Teach, Engage, Explore), a program teaching children Arabic language and culture.

19. Erin (Murakami) C’99 and Jason C’2001 Oleniczak welcomed Kira Noelle on De-

cember 5, 2006, and Emelia Ainsley on May 19, 2009. The family resides in Chicago.

20. Lieutenant Charles Sikorski C’99 married Melissa Mack at Edgebrook Lutheran Church in Chicago on August 23, 2008. A reception at The Cliff Dwellers on Michigan Avenue followed. North Parkers in attendance included Chris Lutz C’99, Ryan Wells C’99, Dana (Gooris) Wells C’99, Sarah Sikorski C’2001, and Brian Greene C’2001. The couple resides in Pensacola, Fla., where Melissa is a station manager with Clear Channel Radio and Charles is a flight instructor with the U.S. Navy. He began a year-long deployment to Afghanistan in March.

21. Rev. Derek White C’99 and his wife, Carolyn, were married September 24,

2004. They welcomed Silas Henry White on February 9, 2010. Silas weighed 7 lbs., 13 oz. Derek is now the head pastor of First Congregational Church in Kennebunkport, Maine. He is completing his doctor of ministry at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary.

22. Kirsten (Nelson) Wagenius G’99 S’00 and her husband, Reuben, welcomed twins Bjorn David Barnes and Soren Fredrik on December 7, 2009. They join older brother, Henry.

2000s 23. Sally Carlson C’2000 S’2012 married Daniel Larson S’2009 on May 30, 2009, at Sojourner Covenant Church in Evanston, Ill. North Parkers participating in the ceremony were Rev. Bret Widman S’92, Rev. Kathy Brawley S’94, Angie Wysocki C’2004 S’2009, Rev. Nils Peterson S’2005, and Rev. Jodi (DeYoung) Moore S’2006. Dan and Sally live in Norquay, Saskatchewan, Canada.

alumni@northpark.edu

Alumni Profile

Double Play

Two championship baseball titles in one season make the thrill of victory twice as nice for Dan Gooris C’73.

by Jessica Allen Bernthal

S

ome would call it irony. Others might suspect it was the Curse of the Billy Goat.

Dan Gooris C’73 can’t say for sure. But the retired chief of police and head of North Park University security has played baseball most of his life, including more than 20 years in national travel leagues. And when his team went undefeated in the 2008 season, only to lose in the Men’s Senior Baseball League (MSBL) World Series game, he couldn’t help but wonder if it was time to change the team’s name.

“We had been calling ourselves the Chicago Cubs, which may have had something to do with it,” jokes Gooris, who is the team’s starting catcher. His team is comprised of doctors, lawyers, and other professionals who all played college or professional baseball and still share a passion for the sport.

Fortunately, small changes can make a big difference. And after honing their skills, acquiring new uniforms, and changing their name to National Pastime, by early November 2009 Gooris and his fellow players were once again ready for a trip to Arizona and a World Series berth. And this time they took the championship.

“Certain things came too easy to us,” says Gooris, reflecting on how the 2008 title slipped through their fingers. “We needed to work for it.”

That intentionality certainly paid off— and in more ways than one for Gooris.

Just weeks later, in Fort Myers, Fl., he won a second championship at the Roy Hobbs World Series with yet another amateur team for which he plays.

“We were elated,” he says. “I basically went from a heartbreaking loss to winning two rings within two weeks of each other.”

It’s no small achievement, given that the MSBL is the fastest growing adult baseball organization in the country, with

45,000 members. The schedule is intense and the competition, rigorous. But that’s part of the fun of it for the seemingly ageless Gooris, who is planning to play on two teams again this year, one in the 55+ and one in the 60+ age categories.

As the head coach of North Park’s women’s softball team for 14 years, Gooris practices what he preaches, and vice versa. He himself played baseball for the Vikings as a student, leading the conference in hitting and serving as team captain in 1972. Today he’s in the University’s athletic Hall of Fame.

“I know what my players’ limits are, because I see what I’m still doing at this age,” he laughs.

Under Gooris’ leadership, North Park’s softball teams have produced 15 All-Conference players and four All-Region players, as well as more than 40 College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Academic All-Conference players, including his daughter Dana (Gooris) Wells C’99, a twotime All-CCIW outfielder and hitting champion.

It would seem that the talent runs in the family. Gooris and his wife Leslie (Brostrom) C’72, a former volleyball player at North Park, also have a son named Danny who played in the minor leagues. A graduate of Creighton University, he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds and played for the San Diego Padres in 2002. Today, he is a high school teacher and baseball coach in Libertyville, Ill. Although Gooris spent 30 years as a policeman, he admits he can still be a bit of a softie when it comes to coaching. “I tell the girls you’re here first to get an education,” he says. “I want to develop character in these young ladies. We don’t make a lot of cuts. If I see someone who loves to play and loves being out there, I’ll keep her on the team. . . . That’s the most important quality our players have to have—a love of the game.”

| SPRING 2010 31 North Parker alumni@northpark.edu

Alumni Notes

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alumni@northpark.edu

Alumni Notes 27. Erik C’2001 G’2007 S’2007 and Courtney (Mecher) C’2000 Strom welcomed Emmett Mecher on September 20, 2009. He joins brothers Caleb and Jackson.

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28. Krissa (Harwood) C’2002 and Jonathan Barnes C’2003 welcomed Oliver on

37. Jokya C’2004 and Solagne (Acero) Sanders C’2005 welcomed Jacob Anthony on February 1, 2010. He weighed 8 lbs., 10 oz.

29. Ysenia (Ramirez) Lopez C’2002 and her husband, David, welcomed David Jovani II on October 29, 2009. He weighed 9 lbs., 2 oz. and was 21.5 inches long.

38. Stacy Hadley C’2005 married Scott Birney in 2007. The couple now lives in Kearney, Neb., where Stacy is a stay-at-home mom to son Elijah Khalil, born April 30, 2009.

October 28, 2009.

30. Annika (Nelson) C’2002 and Lukas McKnight C’2004 welcomed Aksel Donovan Nelson McKnight on October 8, 2008.

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24. Joshua T. Anderson C’2001 married Miranda Bickford on September 19, 2009 at Community Covenant Church in Lenexa, Kan. Brother of the groom Nathan Anderson C’98 served as best man. North Parkers Ben “Coat” Johnson C’2001, Erik Ha lverson, and Chad Tebbe served as groomsmen. Father of the groom Rev. Thomas B. Anderson C’67 S’71 officiated, while grandfather of the groom, Rev. Glenn Lindell C’42 S’46, and mother of the groom, Sandie (Lindell) Anderson C’71, also participated. Josh is a finance and logistics manager for Kimberly-Clark Corporation, and Miranda works as an account manager for Imaginasium advertising agency. They currently live in Green Bay, Wisc.

25. Ron Guerrier G’2001 was featured in the second edition of Who’s Who in Black Los Angeles, released in November 2009. Ron serves as corporate manager and divisional Information officer for Toyota Financial Services.

26. Peter Jackson C’2001 and his wife, Dana, welcomed Leah Marnae on May 3, 2008. The Jackson family currently lives in Morton Grove, Ill.

Appeals in Nashville, and then pursue a career as a prosecutor.

31. Mark Roberson C’2002 S’2008 and Kerrie Ann Ellingsen C’2003 were married on July 17, 2009, at Living Stones Fellowship Church in Crown Point, Ind. North Parkers in the wedding included Karin Johanna Campbell C’2002, Tyler Erickson C’2002, Andrea (Sheldahl) Kaiser C’2002, Kristen Rae Nelson C’2002 S’2006, Nate Stockamp C’2002, Ernest Sherman C’2005 G’2007, and Hayley (Hastey) Jones.

32. Ryan Cooper C’2003 and his wife, Sunni, welcomed Benjamin Stephen to their family. He was born on February 4, 2010, and adopted on February 22, 2010.

33. Jessica Jafari C’2003 married Patrick Mottley on July 25, 2009 in Grayslake, Ill. North Parkers in the wedding included Sarah Johnson C’2002, Becky Wells C’2002 , Ashley Balsam C’2002, Diana Dimas C’2003, Jenny (Wallgren) Evenhouse C’2002, and Kirsten (Anderson) Sands C’2003.

34. Elizabeth Munn C’2003 G’2008 and Jason Bulthuis were married on October 24, 2009 at St. Clement Church in Chicago.

They currently reside in Villa Park, Ill. 35. Greta (Wallgren) Bailey C’2004 and her husband, Scott, welcomed Addison Marie (4 lbs., 5.5 oz.) and Caroline Sere (5 lbs., 3 oz.) on December 8, 2009. The Bailey family resides in Arlington Heights, Ill. 36. Lesley Foglia C’2004 is currently in the top 11 percent of her class at the University of Tennessee College of Law. After she graduates in May, Foglia will work as a judicial clerk for the Tennessee Court of Criminal

39. Kristin (Brorson) Johnson C’2005 and her husband, Ryan C’2005, welcomed Elsa Elin on November 6, 2009. Elsa weighed 7 lbs., 3oz. and was born at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago.

40. Genevieve Lechner C’2005 and Austin Klein were married July 18, 2009, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Wilmette, Ill. Linnea Ericson C’2003 performed “Clair de Lune” during the ceremony, Kirsten Boyd C’2004 served as a bridesmaid, and flowers were provided by the family of Stephanie Sheffield C’2004.

41. Erin (Thorson) Rodriguez C’2005 and her husband, Ramon, welcomed Lucia Rose on August 19, 2009.

42. Tim King C’2006 recently participated in the writing of Rediscovering Values: On Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street by Jim Wallis. The book was released on January 5, 2010.

43. Karl Brorson C’2007 and Greta Lund C’2009 were married on July 25,

2009, in Mount Vernon, Wash. The ceremony was held at Bethany Covenant Church and the reception was held at the La Conner Flats. North Parkers in the wedding included parents of the bride Rick C’77 and Vicki (Oldenburger) Lund C’78 , parents of the groom Jon C’79 and Linda (Carlson) Brorson C’80, Kristin (Brorson) Johnson C’2005 , Ryan Johnson C’2005, Tyler Krumland C’2006 , Erik Hjelm C’2007, Anders Rosenquist C’2007, Hannah Landecker C’2010, and Erik Brorson C’2012.

44. Roseann Ocampo C’2012 welcomed daughter Lanaeya Skyy on September 2, 2009, She weighed 5 lbs., 12 oz. and measured 19 inches.

| SPRING | Fall 2006 North North Parker Parker 2010 33

Alumni Profile

Extreme Cycling

One young alumnus is determined to bike the world. . . and live to blog about it.

by Stan Friedman S’93

M

att Kelly C’2006 is riding his bicycle up to 18,000 miles from Alaska to the Argentinean city considered the southernmost in the world—because he sat one cold January night in front of his computer reading blogs.

Kelly’s love of cycling grew relatively recently. Although he had a bike as a child, “It wasn’t much more than a toy or a way to get around the neighborhood,” he says. Once he moved to Chicago to go to North Park, he slowly began to ride around the city.

The websites were published by people who had pedaled trips of more than a year. “I told myself, ‘I’m going to do it, too,” he says.

The summer prior to his senior year, Kelly embarked on his first extended trip, riding with friends from Chicago to Minneapolis and back again. He biked trips of several days in length after that.

Kelly started last summer in a town called Deadhorse, along Prudhoe Bay on the Arctic Ocean. He hopes to conclude his sojourn less than a year from now in the city of Ushuaia, considered the southernmost city in the world.

“Ideally I’ll make it to the southern tip of Argentina, in Tierra del Fuego,” says Kelly, although he notes, “I try to focus on the journey itself, as the idea of so many thousand miles left can be overwhelming.”

There have been a number of times since starting out on June 30, 2009, that Kelly wondered about his decision. The questioning began almost from the very beginning, in Alaska.

“All of my previous biking could not have prepared me for the ruggedness of the road, most of which was unpaved,” Kelly says. “For the first 500 miles there were only two truck stops, so you have to take all your food with you, and that is heavy. I had no notion of what it meant to climb a couple thousand feet through a mountain pass, and I had to get used to the multitudinous amounts of mosquitoes.”

Then he read the blogs that night in January 2008. “It is kind of hard to describe, but I became pretty consumed with the idea,” he says. “I knew I wouldn’t be able to leave for another year and a half, so I had a lot of time to think about what I had just told myself I had to do, and to research the trip.”

Kelly, who had worked as a computer systems administrator since graduating, saved money to help fund his trip and has received assistance from friends and family. He has also depended a lot on the kindness of strangers he meets along the way.

He is maintaining his own blog as he travels so others can follow his journey (www.pedalpanam.com). Though Kelly still has months to go and thousands of miles yet to bike, he already has plans for when he gets home: “Reconnect with friends and family, and eat some deep dish pizza.”

Bouts of cold and wet weather or illness have taken enjoyment out of parts of the trip. “These are the times when I question having set out to do this and whether it is all worth having left a more stable and predictable life and friends back home,” he says. “These have been the times I’ve told myself I’m flying back to Chicago the next time I get to an airport. Of course this has happened in the middle of nowhere, and then after a few days of self-pity, I feel pumped about the trip and want to keep on with it.”

34 North Parker | SPRING 2010

alumni@northpark.edu

Alumni Notes

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Obituaries 45. Marjorie (Hjerpe) Amato A’35 C’37 died on December 5, 2009. She was born in Chicago on February 3, 1918, to Lucille and Charles Hjerpe, and married Anthony Amato on February 24, 1945. She was also a longtime member of the North Park Covenant Church and attended First Covenant Church in Iron Mountain. She was preceded in death by brother, Warren Hjerpe A’39.

46. Elenor (Westberg) Peterson C’40 died on November 8, 2009. Elenor was born January 2, 1912. She served as a missionary with the Evangelical Covenant Church in Congo, working at the Karawa Hospital and Gbado Dispensary between 1940 and 1950.

She left Congo when she married Werner Peterson, who preceded her in death. Elenor is survived by her sister, Gertrude (Westberg) Habbestad C’46.

47. Gordon Frank Templeman C’42 died on December 27, 2009. He was a Navy veteran who served during World War II, and was a former employee of the Schiele Graphics Corporation and Continental EMSCO. 48. Elaine (DeMet) Anderson A’44 died on July 9, 2009, at home in Middletown, N.J. Anderson worked as a chemical engineer for Bell Telephone Laboratories. After retiring, she spent considerable time working in the Middletown area on the library board, and served as vice president for the Middletown Landmark Commission. She also volunteered at Sandy Hook and was a member of the League of Women Voters.

49. Marilyn Jane (Weiberg) Peterson C’50 died on October 31, 2009, after a long

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struggle with Parkinson’s disease. She is survived by her husband, Donald Peterson C’50, and several children, including Debra (Peterson) Seelig C’86 and Bruce Peterson C’78. She and Don met on their first day at North Park in 1948, and married in 1952. She spent every summer of her life except the last at Bethany Beach on the shore of Lake Michigan. A teacher for her entire career, Marilyn was also a foster parent to more than 20 children over several decades. She was preceded in death by her sister-in-law Margaret Peterson, who served as associate professor of speech and drama at North Park for 40 years and died in 2006.

50. Joyce (Bjorlien) Jordal A’54 died on November 4, 2009. Born on March 22, 1936 in Chicago, Jordal was a beloved mother, wife and grandmother.

51. John H. Nordquist A’49 C’51 died on August 17, 2009, at the age of 77. He served in the U.S. Army under the Surgeon General’s office and was honorably discharged in 1963. Nordquist was self employed and started the L. P. James Company, named after his children. He was very active in his community, serving as city councilman in Edmonds, Wash., for 35 years. Nordquist also served on multiple boards and was an active member of his church.

52. James Robert Olson C’71 died December 27, 2009, at the age of 61. Born April 10, 1948, in Denver, Olson was the director of operations for Rockford Public Schools, and later director of marketing at Bradley and Bradley Architectural firm. He was an avid golfer, artist and singer. Olson is survived by a large family, including his wife, Lorane

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(Turnquist) Olson C’69, and brother, John Olson C’72.

53. Camille B. Conway C’84 died on October 18, 2009. He worked as an attorney for many years, most recently with Barnes & Thornburg LLC, in Chicago. He also taught at Northwestern University Law School.

Conway was a gifted musician who played the viola and was known for his beautiful singing voice. He was also an avid golfer.

He is survived by his wife, Karen (Hansen) Conway C’84, whom he married on August 14, 1992.

54. Robert Vernard Jones C’95 died on November 16, 2009. A student at North Park Theological Seminary, Jones served as Seminary student housing coordinator and chaplain to the varsity football team. As an undergraduate student, he was a founding member of the Gospel Choir.

55. Kathryna Elizabeth “Kat” Perez C’2010 died on January 29, 2010. Born February 1, 1987, Perez enjoyed scuba diving, horseback riding, and skiing. She was a nursing major who was eager to help others. Services for Perez were held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Chicago.

56. Jessica A. “Jessie” Stotler C’2011 of Lafayette, Ind., died on Thursday, February 4, 2010. She was born August 2, 1987, to Judith Stotler and the late Dale Stotler, and was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Lafayette. An avid fan of the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Cubs, Stotler enjoyed attending baseball games and Christian music concerts.

| SPRING | Fall 2006 North North Parker Parker 2010 35

Alumni Profile

Serenading the Sox

The alumna has made a successful career of playing organ for Chicago’s South Side ball club.

by Stan Friedman S’93

W

manager Stu Holcomb heard Faust and offered her a job. Until then, she had only attended one ball game in her life.

It was she who inspired the tradition of Harry Caray singing, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” during the seventh-inning stretch. The playing of, “Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye),” when a pitcher is pulled from a game—she started that, too.

It was in the late 1970s when Caray first started to lead the fans in “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” Most people associate the tradition with Caray and the Cubs, but it began during his days with the White Sox. Faust, whose organ was located behind center field at the time, played a rousing rendition. An inspired Caray would belt out the words to himself in the broadcast booth.

hen Nancy (Peterson) Faust C’69 retires as the organist of the Chicago White Sox at the end of her 41st season with the team this year, she will leave behind a legacy that should earn her a spot in the Hall of Fame.

Faust has been called the “Sweetheart of Comiskey Park,” and Sports Illustrated once named her the Most Valuable Organist. Some maintain that she was the first ballpark organist to play pop songs at the games. She has Cal Ripken numbers for game appearances, performing at more than 3,000 and missing only five—when her son was born.

She even has a World Series ring from when the team swept the Houston Astros in 2005. Faust wears it on occasion, but adds, “It’s very big and very heavy.” Playing during the series was a thrill, and Faust’s only regret from the season was that the Sox won the final game in Houston.

Faust was a psychology major at North Park but started playing for the Sox in 1970, shortly after she graduated. She was hired when she filled in playing organ for her mother at a banquet. The general

One day, owner and master promoter Bill Veeck heard Caray bellowing the tune and put the public address microphone in front of him, telling the broadcaster to sing for the crowd. Until the day he left the team, Caray began every seventh-inning stretch by leaning out the booth, waving his arms to Faust, and yelling, “Okay, Nancy!” A YouTube video featuring a collection of these moments can be found on the site by searching for Faust and Caray.

Faust is famous for applying her wit and spontaneously playing songs as the situation dictates. She tries to apply certain songs to specific visiting batters when they come to the plate. In the offseason, Faust works up arrangements of pop songs. She learns by ear, which is a good thing because there are no arrangements for organ.

Fans can expect to hear Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift selections at some point this year.

Fans have come to adore her and often stop by her booth directly behind home plate on the 100-level concourse at U.S. Cellular field, and she loves to take time to talk with them. The fans will sometimes suggest songs. Some even mounted a “Get Nancy a Driver” campaign when she began playing only day games following the World Series season. Faust said she made the switch because the drive was too long from her home in Mundelein, and travel to the park could take up to two hours depending on traffic.

Playing the last game at the old Comiskey Park was “very emotional,” Faust says. She is sure that will be true when she plays her last notes at the end of this season.

There’s something about hearing the organ that is part of being at the ballpark. Faust has already imagined what her last day will look like. The White Sox players will be celebrating their World Series-winning game—at home.

36 North Parker | SPRING 2010

alumni@northpark.edu

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Save the Date!!!

Homecoming 2010, September 27 – October 3 For more information, visit www.northpark.edu/alumni, or contact the Alumni Office at (773) 244-5273 or alumni@northpark.edu.