North Parker Winter 2023

The North Parker is published twice a year for alumni and friends of North Park University, 3225 W. Foster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625-4895.

773-244-4750, alumni@ northpark.edu.

First Word

FORWARD IN FAITH AND FIRSTS!

With thanks to God for His provision and protection—and great hope and faith in the future—the 2022-2023 academic year is well underway.

For our faithful alumni and friends, this issue of the North Parker magazine celebrates remarkable student achievements, introduces new leaders in our university community and denomination—leaders who are breaking ground and making history—and offers our deep thanks for your

remarkable support during unprecedented challenges.

Our cover illustrates that perfect Chicago day in late August, when North Park University welcomed nearly 600 new students for a successful Threshold move-in day. Opening Convocation in Anderson Chapel saw an overflow crowd of new undergraduate students and their families, surrounded and celebrated by our exceptional faculty in full academic regalia.

Our largest first time, full-time incoming class in our history hails from 30 states and 30 countries, 5 continents, and 2 U.S. territories.

The weekend of orientation, Chicago excursions and campus worship launched the new year with high energy and enthusiasm.

RECORD BREAKING & HISTORY MAKING

A compelling university of choice for prospective students, our largest first time, fulltime incoming class in our history hails from 30 states and 30 countries, 5 continents, and 2 U.S. territories. Eighty new students in our Seminary, and 140 adult and graduate students also joined our community this fall when we opened fully in-person, on campus and in residence.

As alumni of North Park, you will not be surprised to hear that students at all levels are choosing to study with our remarkable faculty, in our rich urban environment, joining our diverse and engaged Christian community, adding to the identity and the ethos of our campus. We seek to make their education excellent and affordable.

NEW LEADERSHIP

In these pages you meet North Park’s senior leadership team, growing in faith, strength, depth, and expertise with each addition. I am grateful and proud of this team and the thoughtful and strategic leadership and partnership they are bringing.

The newest member of that team, Rev. Dr. Dennis Edwards—affirmed at Gather ’22 and installed on campus in late September —has been named new Dean of North Park Theological Seminary and Vice President of Church Relations. (page 21). We were delighted that Rev. Tammy SwansonDraheim, President of the Evangelical Covenant Church, joined for the installation and celebration for Dean Edwards.

Our faculty has new leadership, too! In addition to teaching and advising, Professor Mark Gavoor (Professor of Operations Management in SBNM) was elected this fall as new faculty senate president. A key member of our successful Pandemic Response Team, Mark has been a positive and energizing member of our campus community for many years.

STRATEGIC PLANNING

Strategic Planning continues apace, involving our full campus community and our Board of Trustees. The plan elevates and operationalizes our three core distinctives —Christian, city-centered, intercultural—in everything we do, with initiatives to ensure a transformational educational experience, an exceptional student experience, and overall organizational excellence.

Our new Center for Civic Engagement

will immerse students in learning, engagement, and impact in the city of Chicago.

Campus master planning is bringing clarity for the priority needs in our academic, residential, and co-curricular programs. We are pursuing compelling new opportunities—along with enhancement and renewal of existing facilities—all with a goal of improvement and sustainability.

INNOVATION

After feasibility studies and encouraging enrollment projections, North Park is launching three promising new programs this academic year: Bachelor of Arts in Supply Chain Management (SCM); a Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DEMSN); and a co-ed competitive Esports team within the Athletic Department.

All three are true to our mission, compelling to prospective students,

relevant to employers—and will result in new net revenue, allowing our university to advance as a healthy and thriving institution. Additional programs are currently in design.

A MISSION FOR THE AGES

Last year at North Park, we celebrated the 130th anniversary of our founding. We remembered the faithful community of Swedish immigrants of our early church— who envisioned our school and brought it to life—we honored their devotion to God and their deep commitment to provide for the educational future of next generations, in Christian faith and professional calling.

Across multiple platforms, we told “130 stories” of current North Park students, faculty, staff, and alumni, highlighting the ways God moves and speaks into their lives —leading them to seek ways to significantly serve their families, their churches, their communities, their professions, and their denomination.

Our founding priority and vision 131 years ago—is in fact, North Park’s lived experience, still today. Our “Why?”—our reason for being—in many ways is the same today as it always has been. We are the University of the Evangelical Covenant Church. Founded by a faithful and devoted community of Christians—to provide education to an immigrant population—in the liberal arts, professional studies, and theology—improving life for the next generation who will contribute to their communities of faith, family, and profession.

Our Kingdom Call has been sustained and advanced for well over a century—and we will keep moving forward in faith—ALL for God’s glory and neighbors’ good.

Thank you for your prayers and support of North Park University. I look forward to our continued partnership in mission.

In Christ,

Mary K. Surridge President

Across Campus

Old Main Lobby Gets New Look, New Name

The new look includes modern décor in NPU gold and blue

Meet the newly christened Randall H. Johnson Welcome Center, formerly known as Old Main’s lobby. Named for Randy Johnson C’61, the longtime North Park supporter beloved for his wit and good humor, the new main floor space features modern furniture and walls painted in blue and gold.

A former leader of the President’s Club Executive Committee, Johnson dedicated his career to teaching and mentoring young people, retiring as Director of Student Personnel Services at Maine West High School in Des Plaines, Ill.

The lobby renovation was made possible by a gift from Randy’s brother and sister-inlaw, G. Timothy and Nancy Johnson, who wanted to honor Randy after his unexpected death in 2019. The space is significantly brighter and more welcoming, which was done by design, as Johnson was known for his warm, welcoming personality.

“The idea was to take a space that was not very inviting and make it a vibrant, welcoming space for our prospective students and their families,” said Vice President for Finance and Administration Scott Stenmark. He added that the lobby is important because it’s usually the first place prospective students and their families come to when visiting campus.

Johnson was honored at the center’s dedication for his “Christian faithfulness, devotion to family, kindness to all, and philanthropy on behalf of others.”

News about our students, faculty and staff, and alums.

Welcome Center honors beloved North Park alumnus.

The family of Randall H. Johnson.

Incoming Class of New Students is Largest in NPU History

North Park also earned key rankings in U.S. News and World Report

Amidst a year of record undergraduate enrollment, North Park University has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top Regional University, as well as one of the best schools for Social Mobility and Undergraduate Teaching.

A record 476 first-year students enrolled for the Fall 2022 semester despite challenges including continued effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as a decrease in the number of high school graduates choosing to attend college. Fall 2022 marked the second consecutive academic year that North Park experienced record enrollment.

“This incoming class [of 476 students] means that we have put together backto-back classes at this level, with record numbers of first-time, first-year students,” President Mary K. Surridge said. “In the current higher education landscape and recruiting space, this is a significant achievement and indicates several encouraging things.”

“North Park is a compelling university of choice for prospective students, and our recruitment staff has done a great job of identifying and cultivating new students,” President Surridge said. “Students have choices, and they are choosing North Park.”

“North Park is a compelling university of choice for prospective students, and our recruitment staff has done a great job of identifying and cultivating new students.”

President Surridge

Vikings Off to a Winning Start

Women’s Volleyball, Men’s Soccer reach NCAA Tourney

The North Park Vikings kicked off the year with successful fall seasons for both the women’s volleyball team and the men’s soccer team, with the women winning the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Championship for the first time in program history.

To say 2022 women’s volleyball was a season to remember would be an understatement, with the team’s 22-9 season ending at the NCAA Championship Tournament in November in St. Paul, Minn. The team lost in the semifinals to Northwestern-St.Paul, which was ranked fourth in the nation, but not before beating topseeded Carthage College to take the CCIW crown just a week earlier.

In the women’s dramatic final game,

the Vikings went down early to the Eagles before staging an exciting comeback, but ultimately lost in four sets.

But the loss didn’t spoil an epic season, which saw four players being named to the CCIW All-Conference Team for the first time ever: Christina Gatta, Adriana Rodriguez, Carolina Aviles, and Rhianna Heubner. In addition, Rodriguez, one of the most dominant outside hitters in NCAA Division 3 volleyball, received First-Team All-American honors by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

The women nabbed three of the four 2022 Women’s Volleyball Specialty Awards: Rodriguez, Offensive Player of the Year; Gatta, Defensive Player of the Year; and Coach Michael Sopocy, who received his

career-first Coach of the Year nod. The trio are the first to ever receive recognition in their respective categorical awards for NPU Volleyball.

For the men’s soccer team, their final match was a defensive showcase. After playing to a 0-0 tie through two overtimes, Ohio Northern advanced over NPU via penalty kicks, 4-3.

The biggest moment of the game, prior to the penalty kick showdown, arrived in the 34th minute when Sebastianas Uribe went airborne to save a free kick on goal and responded with another quick save from the ground when ONU managed a follow-up shot in the box.

North Park Receives $413k NSF Grant

North Park Community is Reading

Book by Rev. Dominique Gilliard S’12

North Park has received a $413,066 grant from the National Science Foundation to support underrepresented students pursuing a degree in science.

The grant was awarded based on North Park’s designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution and will be used to increase diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields by increasing student retention and removing barriers to student success.

To do this, North Park is enhancing the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program, a peer-led teaching model in which undergraduate Supplemental Instruction leaders are trained to support students in “gateway” STEM courses. Success in these courses is critical to further success in STEM majors.

“Our hope is that in addition to providing insight into how SI benefits underrepresented student groups in STEM, this work will also guide us in better serving current and future North Park students to prepare them for success in STEM fields,” said Assistant Chemistry Professor Matthew Van Duzor.

As part of the grant, 12 SI leaders underwent paid training with Dr. Evelyn Aucutt, Senior Director of Academic Engagement and Student Success and Dr. Ami LeFevre, adjunct faculty in the School of Education. The students learned pedagogical methods of science instruction which will better equip them to lead SI activities in gateway courses. While the primary goal of the project is to increase persistence and success in STEM disciplines, the project is also studying how the enhanced SI impacts students’ sense of belonging, science identity, and self-efficacy.

This fall, North Park provided students, faculty, and staff with a copy of Subversive Witness, a book by Dominique Gilliard, an alum of North Park Seminary.

The North Park community is encouraged to use the book as a means to engage in meaningful events throughout the academic year.

So far, Gilliard was the featured preacher in the first Seminary chapel service of the year, followed by a “Fireside Chat with the Author” facilitated by Dr. Rich Kohng, Assistant Vice President for Civic Engagement. Both events were available online for alumni who wished to tune in virtually. Next semester, Dominique returns for an under-

The North Park community is encouraged to use the book as a means to engage in meaningful events throughout the academic year.

graduate chapel service, a faculty-staff fika discussion, and will lead a panel discussion in the late spring.

Before earning his Master of Divinity at North Park, Gilliard earned a bachelor’s degree in African American Studies from Georgia State University and a master’s degree in history from East Tennessee State University, with an emphasis on race, gender, and class in the United States. Dominique is the Director of Racial Righteousness and Reconciliation for the Evangelical Covenant Church. In 2015, the Huffington Post named him one of the “Black Christian Leaders Changing the World.” Earlier this year, Gilliard received North Park Theological Seminary’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

The campus-wide reading effort launched in the fall, with all members of the community welcome to join in for periodic discussions.

Subversive Witness, Dominique Gilliard S’12

Students, staff, and faculty can receive free copies of Gilliard’s latest book and participate in events

The funds will support students seeking science degrees

President Surridge Announces Formation of Staff Council

The group consists of employees from multiple departments

Eighteen staff members were named last winter to North Park’s new Staff Council, which will provide leadership and representation in supporting the university’s full-and part-time staff.

In making the announcement, President Mary K. Surridge said she was “delighted” about the new council, whose members work closely with with liaison Ingrid Tenglin, Assistant Vice President of Human Resources.

The staff council, which consists of staff members from a variety of departments, will foster communication and collaboration between the administration and staff, as well as contribute to university governance in an advisory capacity.

So far, the council has formed a handful of committees, including Communications, Membership, and Bylaws. The council meets monthly, with each member’s term lasting two years.

Evangelical Covenant Church Names New President

Swanson-Draheim is an alum of North Park Theological Seminary

North Park Theological Seminary alumna Rev. Tammy SwansonDraheim S’03 has been named President of the Evangelical Covenant Church, becoming the first woman to hold the position.

Swanson-Draheim, who was voted in at the ECC annual meeting in Kansas City, Mo. this past June, earned her MBA and Master of Divinity degree from North Park. She has served the ECC for 23 years in several capacities: as chaplain at Covenant Home of Chicago; as lead pastor of First Covenant

Church in Mason City, Iowa; and most recently as superintendent of the Midwest Conference.

She was selected by the ECC’s 27-member Presidential Nominating Committee from a pool of more than 40 excellent candidates and six finalists.

“The Holy Spirit confirmed in our votes what we had prayed for—clear discernment and unity of mind,” Committee Chair Steve Dawson said. “Our process was bathed in prayer.”

Staff Council Co-Chair Leah Blanchfield Staff Council Co-Chair James Meyer

Nursing Students Receive White Coats

The iconic ceremony celebrates nursing students as they embark on their education

This fall, students in North Park’s nursing program received their white coats in an iconic ritual honoring them for their “compassion and scientific excellence.”

“This ceremony confirms the support and mentoring you will receive from us as nurses and as your faculty,” said Dr. Peggy Kotowski, the Baccalaureate Program Director for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Schools across the country hold similar ceremonies for new nursing students.

Keynote speaker Kathy Donofrio, a nurse at Swedish Hospital for nearly 30 years in cardiac care, said that she kept at her challenging job because colleagues become

“like family. It becomes your home away from home.”

“Have fun, be part of a team, ask a lot of questions, and make friends, not only with your fellow nurses, but other staff and even the physicians,” she advised. “They will become your team.”

Fourth-year nursing student Nicole Hansen offered words of encouragement to the new students.

“These have been the most challenging but rewarding years of my life,” Hanson said. “My classmates and I have persisted through all kinds of adversity.”

“This is just the beginning. You’ve just finished your third week of nursing school.

At times you will feel overwhelmed and stressed and say ’why did I choose nursing?’” Hanson said. “We’ve all been there. The stress will all be worth it after your first patient. Everyone has to start somewhere.”

Hanson summed up: “Being a nurse is not just helping people but advocating for your patients and making sure they receive the best possible care.”

After receiving their white coats, the students were given a blessing by Campus Pastor Terence Gadsden. Dr. Kotowski had some final words of advice: “Go forth and set the world on fire.”

“Go forth and set the world on fire.”

Dr. Peggy Kotowski, Baccalaureate Program Director for SNHS

Bricault Receives Second Fulbright

Professor of Spanish Dennis Bricault is spending the fall semester at a university in Kyrgyzstan, a small country in Central Asia, where he is teaching linguistics on a Fulbright Scholarship.

After a transition period in which he had to learn Russian, the native language, Bricault said he settled in and has enjoyed teaching at the International University of Central Asia.

“‘Be flexible,’ someone told me when I got here, after ‘welcome to Kyrgyzstan,’” said Bricault, who is in his 42nd year of teaching. “That was a key phrase, and it basically means, things could change at any minute.”

He arrived in August, and spent time before school started exploring the

mountainous country, which he described as “the Switzerland of Central Asia.” He took architecture tours and sampled the Turkish-inspired cuisine, but said he was startled by the prevalence of KFC restaurants.

Bricault’s students have varying degrees of English proficiency, which is an added challenge. He will be working in the English linguistics department preparing students for careers as teachers.

Bricault was awarded his first Fulbright in 2014, which he used to teach in Guatemala. He admitted, modestly, that receiving two of the awards is “rare, but not unheard of” especially since the process of applying is long and difficult. He will return to North Park for the spring semester.

Rev. Dr. Donna Harris, president of Minnehaha Academy, a private Christian K-12 school in Minneapolis, has joined North Park’s Board of Trustees.

An alum of San Jose State University, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Dr. Harris also received her Doctor of Education in Learning and Instruction.

Rev. Dr. Harris gave a moving message at a special Chapel service during President Surridge’s inauguration, in which she urged the congregation to “Spur one another toward love and good deeds.”

Minnehaha is the K-12 school of the ECC, and Dr. Harris’s presence on the board of the university of the ECC is a natural bridge that strengthens the connection between the denomination and its two schools.

This time his travels have taken him to Kyrgyzstan

Rev. Dr. Donna Harris

Elected to

Board of Trustees Minnehaha president returns for a second term of service

Faculty Authors

Our faculty have published books and articles on a wide variety of topics over the past two years.

Hauna Ondrey

Sacred Migrations: Borderlands of Community and Faith, Essays in Honor of Philip J. Anderson. Swedish-American Historical Society, 2020.

John Phelan

Separated Siblings: An Evangelical Understanding of Jews and Judaism. Grand Rapids, MI. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2020.

Elizabeth Pierre with Dwight Perry. Even the Best of Us. Wipf & Stock, 2021.

Jonathan Teram

Illuminating Counsel: How the Least Holy Books of the Hebrew Bible Explore Life’s Most Important Issues. Wipf & Stock, 2021.

Theodoros G. Zervas

Educating Greek Americans: Historical Perspectives and Contemporary Pathways. Palgrave MacMillan, 2021.

Ilsup Ahn

The Church in the Public: A Politics of Engagement for a Cruel and Indifferent Age. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2022.

John Laukaitis, ed. Denominational Higher Education

During the Vietnam War. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2022.

Daniel White Hodge

Marveling Religion: Critical Discourses in the MCU. Lexington Academic, 2022.

Theodoros G. Zervas

With Grit and Big Heart: A Beginners Guide to Teaching. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield, 2022.

A conversation with Jamie Kratowicz C’11, North Park’s Director of Alumni Relations

Aproud graduate of North Park, Jamie (Bacon) Kratowicz joined the Office of Advancement last fall as the new Director of Alumni Relations.

Q. What did you do before you accepted this position at North Park?

A. At Swedish Hospital, I organized highlevel donor appreciation and recognition events, including the Annual Benefit Gala. After that, I worked at LM Catering and events, where I oversaw 50-plus weddings and private events a year.

Q. What attracted you to this position?

A. It combines areas that I enjoy most: working within a nonprofit; event-planning; and working in a service- and communityrelated capacity. North Park holds a special place in my life as my alma mater and where I met my husband and closest friends.

Q. What are your priorities here?

A. I hope to re-engage alumni; work with campus partners to build relationships with students to create lifelong engagement as alumni; and reestablish some traditional alumni events while creating new opportunities for alumni to connect. The Advancement team is a group of gifted, hardworking, and supportive coworkers who have welcomed me with kindness and compassion as I stepped into this new role, and my role as a first-time mom.

Faculty were honored at the Academic Convocation last fall

Esports, which essentially turn video games into a spectator sport, has multiple players compete against each other in various online games. The sport has been embraced by many colleges and universities, including fellow CCIW members Illinois Wesleyan University and Carthage College. Local universities DePaul, Northwestern, and Olivet Nazarene also have teams. “What I really want to promote most heavily with Esports is the level of cooperation and camaraderie you can form by being on a team,” said Esports Varsity Coach Peter Casella. “I want people to understand the friendships you can make playing a sport.”

Casella, who has big recruitment plans for

a small game room with perhaps six PCs and several gaming consoles, such as the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. The space would also include a lounge area for those waiting to play.

According to projections, Esports is expected to net 29.6 million monthly viewers in 2022, up nearly 12% from 2021. North Park will join the National Association of College Esports, the largest member association of college and university sponsored Esports programs that promotes student education and development through intercollegiate Esports.

Chicago has been a hotspot for Esports for many years, with Chicago hosting the League Championship Series for high level League of Legends players this fall. “It’s a very competitive region,” Casella said, “something that puts North Park in an advantageous position.”

“It’s a ground-breaking movement taking place across the country, and North Park wants to be on the leading edge,” he said.

“It’s a ground-breaking movement...North Park wants to be on the leading edge.”

Peter Casella, Esports Coach

First Stateville Cohort Graduates with Master’s Degrees

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx gave address

The first group of students in North Park’s innovative School of Restorative Arts program graduated last June, cheered on by their jubilant families in a ceremony at Stateville Correctional Center in Joliet, Ill.

The ceremony was attended by North Park President Mary K. Surridge and presided over by Seminary Dean Dave Kersten. The featured Commencement speaker was Kim Foxx, Cook County State’s Attorney. “What North Park University understood with this program is that we achieve our highest calling as a community when those who have the least among us are leading the

charge to get us there,” Foxx said. “We are interconnected. We are one another.”

The program, initiated by Seminary leadership seven years ago, is designed to provide an education in theology to the “most invisible, most impacted by intersecting social ills—poverty, racism, abuse.”

Although other universities have prison-based educational programs, North Park’s is the only one to offer a master’s degree. Coursework includes Bible studies and theology as well as classes on race relations, non-violent communication skills, and conflict resolution.

As part of the program, which is open to both free and incarcerated students, graduates receive a Master’s in Christian Ministry with Restorative Arts degree. This year, the free four-year program was offered to 80 men at Stateville and 20 women at Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln, Ill.

“Let today’s event be an example of what happens when opportunities are created, potentials are unignored, and complete restoration is always the aim of justice,” said Jamal Bakr, one of the program’s graduates who spoke during the ceremony. “Our potential is not defined by our worst mistakes.”

Golden Circle Inductees Honored

President Surridge honored the classes of 1970, ’71, and ’72 as they were inducted into North Park’s Golden Circle after a three-year pause due to the pandemic. President Surridge reminisced about some events of those times, from Watergate to the illustrious career of Chicago Cub Ernie Banks. She thanked this special group of alums not only for

supporting North Parkers with internships and jobs, but for giving some 14,000 gifts totaling $3.8 million over the past 50-plus years.

Additionally, University Trustee Gregory Crawford ’70 represented the Golden Circle inductees by reading Scripture in the undergraduate commencement ceremony.

North Park’s Senior Leadership Team

Enthusiastic, Focused, and In Sync

By Dr. Hunt Helm

There is an old maxim in higher education that the best University Presidents are those who walk across campus with a resolute look on the Vice Presidents’ faces.

In other words, the best Presidents identify and recruit an exceptionally strong senior leadership team (also known as the President’s Cabinet).

Only the President is aware of—and accountable for—the entire University and all its diverse constituencies. Leading a university is not just about running the school—in itself a complex, missional, teaching and learning enterprise. It is also like managing a small city—its health and safety, food and nutrition, transportation and housing, equity and justice, athletics, and recreation—and all the many other important, legitimate wants and needs competing for finite resources.

The best Vice Presidents understand that. If they have that resolute look on their faces, it is because they have committed themselves to performing at the highest level in their respective areas individually

and collectively as a senior leadership team. They are focused on functioning as leaders who love their roles, embrace their responsibilities, support each other, and model the university’s values and culture.

That means sharing their best thinking in a free and open discussion of competing ideas around the senior table, arriving at consensus, and then executing strategy, in solidarity, once final decisions are reached. It means leaders who understand that they are officers of the University, with care for the big picture—supportive representatives of their own areas, while champions and standard bearers of institutional wellbeing.

When a President’s Cabinet functions as a collective leadership team— enthusiastic, generous with their own ideas, focused and in sync with each other in support of the university’s success—all of that sets a strong example for other teams and team leaders throughout the University.

And that is exactly the dynamic being realized today on the Senior Leadership Team at North Park.

“It is so important to identify and recruit

strong senior leaders with exceptional skills in their respective areas, and then allow a strong working unit to emerge by providing the appropriate environment, empowerment and encouragement to grow,” President Surridge said. “We are very blessed indeed to have a strong and talented senior team on our campus—a team with truly exceptional expertise, with complementary leadership styles, and with great chemistry. Putting together a high functioning team takes some time, but getting it right is critical. And we are working very intentionally to get it right.”

All of these leaders embrace President Surridge’s practice of beginning and ending every meeting in prayer. (A different Vice President brings the devotional to each meeting on a rotating basis.) They thank God for each other and for the opportunity to advance, together, His mission at North Park.

And all of these leaders were drawn to North Park by the opportunity to advance the University’s mission, its three distinctives—Christian, city-centered, and

intercultural—and by the opportunity to help North Park succeed as a compelling and highly visible model for Christian higher education.

Let’s meet this team of leaders.

MICHAEL S. CARR, PHD, PROVOST

As Provost, Michael Carr is the University’s chief academic officer, whose job is to interpret faculty wants and needs for the President—and to explain and advocate for the President’s decisions, and the administration’s rationales, in his interactions with the faculty. Dr. Carr and his team work with faculty, staff, and students to support academic excellence at North Park. He is also a builder, already helping to launch three new programs and studying the feasibility of several more. He is helping the University build and reinforce sound operational systems—and he is working with the President and the other senior leaders to build a thriving faculty and a flourishing campus community through North Park Next, the University’s strategic planning process.

“The development of the institutional strategic plan is exciting,” Dr. Carr said. “This is a critical time in higher education and at North Park. After being here for a short time, even with the pressures on higher education, I have complete confidence that North Park has a significant place in the higher education landscape. Our distinctives truly differentiate us.”

“Years ago, when I was finishing my Ph.D. in molecular biology, I thought my career arc was in private industry research. While I was interviewing in industry, I was offered a position in higher education. Prior to deciding, I was invited to attend a graduation ceremony, and the impact of that event changed my career. I witnessed the results of a transformational educational experience on individuals and families. Since then, this deliberate decision to go into higher education stays with me, and the mission of an institution is equally important to the position. North Park’s mission, service—orientation, and distinctives align completely with my personal philosophy.

MICHAEL S. CARR, PHD PROVOST

Doctor of Philosophy, Molecular Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago Master of Arts, Human Physiology, Ball State University, Muncie, IN Bachelor of Arts, Zoology, Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, IL

PREVIOUS POSITION

Deputy Provost, National Louis University, Chicago, IL

After this first year, I have found that this alignment is deeper than I imagined.”

REV. DENNIS ROBERT EDWARDS, PHD, VICE PRESIDENT FOR CHURCH RELATIONS & DEAN OF THE SEMINARY

Rev. Dennis Edwards—Vice President for Church Relations and Dean of the Seminary—is a pastor, a church planter, and an accomplished New Testament Scholar, whose intricate portfolio includes serving as a primary liaison to the Evangelical Covenant Church and as the senior administrative officer of the North Park Theological Seminary. His faith journey and professional advancement include years of pastoral ministry and administration, followed by a move into theological teaching and scholarship.

REV. DENNIS

VICE

Rev. Dennis Robert Edwards

“These three projects on my agenda are especially ambitious and exciting,” Rev. Dr. Edwards said: “Figuring out how the undergraduate and seminary Bible programs will sync together; collaborating to invigorate the overall seminary experience for all students—whether on campus, studying inside Stateville or Logan Correctional Facilities, or studying online from a distance; and contributing to tight bonds between the Seminary and local churches.”

"After years of interactions with NPU, even prior to being a pastor of an ECC church, I have been impressed with the sense of community and the expressed desire and value for diversity—of people and viewpoints. Conversations with a variety of people, ranging from long-time friends

ROBERT

EDWARDS, PHD

PRESIDENT FOR CHURCH RELATIONS & DEAN OF THE SEMINARY

Doctor of Philosophy, Biblical Studies, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC Master of Arts, Biblical Studies, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC Post-graduate studies in Theology, Fordham University, Bronx, NY Master of Divinity, Urban Ministry, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY Ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church

PREVIOUS POSITION

Associate Professor of New Testament, North Park Theological Seminary

FUN FACT

Many people don’t know that several years ago I was a contestant on Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

“I have been impressed with the sense of community and the expressed desire and value for diversity.”

FRANCISCO XAVIER GAYTÁN, PHD VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

Doctor of Philosophy, Applied Psychology, New York University, New York, NY

Master of Education, Harvard University Graduate School of Education, Boston, MA

Completed coursework at Harvard Business School, Entrepreneurship in the Social Sector and Effective Leadership of Social Enterprise

Master of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley

Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Loyola University, Chicago, IL

PREVIOUS POSITION

Associate Provost for Student Success and Retention, Northeastern Illinois University

FUN FACT

I enjoy traveling and adding to the countries I’ve visited (13 so far).

to people in academic as well as denominational leadership, to some brothers at Stateville Correctional Facility, to family members—those conversations persuaded me that I could be a good fit for the current season.”

FRANCISCO XAVIER GAYTÁN, PHD VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT

ENGAGEMENT

Vice President for Student Engagement Francisco Gaytán is responsible for helping students find and form enduring connections to the University and to their peers, so that they experience a sense of belonging, engage with the community, persevere, advance, and succeed in their educational goals. A skilled and strategic student life administrator and a champion for student success, Dr. Gaytán has a proven track record of dramatically improving student retention rates, closing equity gaps in retention, and improving student completion and success.

“I have a hardworking and dedicated group of people that I lead in student engagement,” Dr. Gaytán said, “and they bring a whole variety of skills and experiences. Working to support them and building a strong system for student success is my biggest project.”

“North Park being intentionally intercultural and city-centered were big attractions,” he said, “as was the mission-driven Christian foundation. I attended Loyola University as an undergraduate and I found the Christian value of integrating service to the least among us with intellectual contemplation and rigor to be inspiring and motivating to this day. I saw that same expression of Christian ideals at North Park, which was a huge draw to me. Also, President Surridge is incredibly bright, energetic, and thoughtful. She remembers individual student names, their family backgrounds, and their stories. To me that indicates someone who is highly relational, which I value. As a relational person, she also does her best to read people’s character and follows up with trust. Her willingness to get to know me and my family well, to see me as a person, and to put trust

in my experience and leadership cemented that I would be a good fit on her team.”

ANTHONY SCOLA VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT

& MARKETING

As Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing, Anthony Scola leads a team that has recruited and enrolled a record number of full-time first-year students in each of the last two years – a remarkable achievement in today’s highly competitive higher education landscape. He oversees a massive portfolio that includes first-year enrollment, transfer enrollment, international enrollment, seminary enrollment, adult and graduate enrollment, enrollment systems and operations, university marketing and communications, financial aid, and athletics.

“When I first started, I thought North Park needed me,” Scola said, “but I quickly realized that I needed North Park. I was drawn by its deep roots in the Christian faith—North Park does an outstanding job of fostering a strong Christian faith in its students while preparing them for the future. And I was drawn by President Surridge —her faith commitment, her institutional

Scola

knowledge, her stellar background in fundraising, her work ethic, and her willingness to invest in me as an employee and as a person.”

“Of all the many projects on my agenda right now, the most ambitious and exciting are adding Esports and Women’s Golf, enhancements to our historic gymnasium, and the development of personalized, customized, financial aid videos for prospective students.”

ANTHONY SCOLA

VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING

Master of Science, Management and Organizational Behavior, Benedictine University, Lisle, IL

Bachelor of Arts, Corporate Communications, Dominican University, River Forest, IL

PREVIOUS POSITION

Associate Vice President of Admissions and Financial Aid, Benedictine University, Lisle, IL

FUN FACT

My favorite place on campus is the Holmgren Athletic Complex and the gymnasium, where I love to cheer on our Vikings.

“I was drawn by NPU’s deep roots in the Christian faith.”

Anthony

SCOTT STENMARK

VICE

PRESIDENT FOR FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION/CFO

Master of Business Administration, Financial Management and Control, DePaul University, Chicago, IL

Bachelor of Arts, Accounting, North Park University, Chicago, IL

PREVIOUS POSITION

CFO

BMO Global Asset Management

FUN FACT

When I was a student here, I played varsity basketball from 1987–1991.

SCOTT STENMARK

VICE PRESIDENT

FOR FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION/CFO

As Vice President for Finance and Administration since 2017, Scott Stenmark is responsible for the short-term and long-term fiscal health of the University. He oversees North Park’s business practices and ensures that the budget is aligned with the University’s strategic initiatives. He is responsible for financial planning and reporting to the Board of Trustees, budget preparation, investment, cash and debt management – and recently he has led the University’s pandemic response team, keeping our campus among the safest in the nation for the past two-plus years.

“North Park’s mission is what drew me back to the University, I wanted to work for an entity that had a mission I believed in.”

Scott Stenmark

“North Park’s mission is what drew me back to the University,” Stenmark said. “I wanted to work for an entity that had a mission I believed in. I think I am the only Cabinet member who started serving before President Surridge’s selection as president of the University. That being said, no one is a bigger supporter of our students and our mission than President Surridge, we are very aligned in that, and it is a privilege to support her leadership.”

“I think the project that excites me the most is the work on the campus master plan. There is a lot of forward thinking and dreaming that goes along with that type of work. It takes a very long time for these plans to come to fruition, but the payoff is a lasting piece of history that you can say you were a part of putting together.”

Seminary Dean Retires

Rev. Dr. David Kersten C’77 S’82 S’97, Vice President for Church Relations and Seminary Dean, recently retired from service to North Park after 10 years. He arrived in 2012 with a mission to shape a generation of vocational leaders for the whole church and a generation of people going into Covenant ministry. During commencement weekend, he received the David Nyvall Medallion for Distinguished Service to North Park University, and delivered the homily at the Seminary commencement ceremony, which included the inaugural class of the School of Restorative Arts (SRA). Board of Trustees Chair David Otfinoski presented Rev. Dr. Kersten with the Nyvall Medallion, noting that “innovation has been the hallmark of his time as dean,” including

the SRA and Ignite programs that began under his leadership.

Before coming to North Park, Kersten served as a Covenant pastor in Alabama, Florida, Washington, and Minnesota. He then served the ECC for 11 years as Executive Minister of Ordered Ministry and Develop Leaders.

After more than 13 years of service and leadership for North Park University, Melissa Vélez-Luce C’04 G’12 has recently accepted a new opportunity as Chief Operating Officer at Topiarius, Inc.

Melissa joined the Office of Advancement in August 2009 as Alumni Relations Manager and helped to build a robust Alumni Relations program that included social media presence, local and regional alumni events, the creation of the Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) program, and North Park’s annual Blue & Gold Day tradition.

In addition to supporting the efforts and events of Campaign North Park, Melissa was asked to lead the planning committees and execution of the 125th Anniversary and 2019 Presidential Inauguration.

President Surridge says, “It has been my great joy and privilege to work closely with Melissa in all five of her increasingly impactful roles of leadership and service. Her presence and professionalism have elevated North Park University at every level, and she will be greatly missed. We rejoice with Melissa in this new opportunity and give thanks to God for her lasting impact at North Park.”

Vélez-Luce moves forward after 13 years of dedicated service to NPU Her most recent position was Chief of Staff

Kersten honored at spring commencement

“Innovation has been the hallmark of his time as dean.”

David Otfinoski, Board of Trustees Chair

North Park Honors 2022 Graduates

Together Again in Celebration

For the first time in two years, the North Park community celebrated a fully in-person commencement weekend in May.

Approximately 500 students, including 74 seminarians, graduated in three vibrant, music-filled ceremonies. The undergraduate and graduate ceremonies were held in Helwig Recreation Center, which required a tremendous amount of collaboration from departments across campus and resulted in a room full of excited graduates and their guests.

The services kicked off with the customary procession of flags, carried by international graduates who hailed from each of those countries. After an opening prayer,

President Mary K. Surridge welcomed the 300 undergrads, 200 graduate students, and their friends and families.

In her remarks, President Surridge encouraged each graduate to make his or her own mark in the world.

“Equipped with your many talents, gifts, strengths, and measure of resolve, on behalf of the full community of North Park University, it’s my privilege to congratulate you and to offer a charge upon the occasion of your graduation,” she said.

“We cannot presume to know all of the paths you will travel, or the opportunities you will seize. But we can offer the assurance that you have done a great deal to prepare yourselves for these opportunities.”

Provost Michael Carr and University Dean Liza Ann Acosta presented the Ahnfeldt Medallion at the undergraduate ceremony. The Ahnfeldt Medallion is awarded to the student with the highest grade-point average, which this year was a three-way tie. Recipients were: Macayla Dowling, Bachelor of Arts in English and Sociology; Sarah Ann Fitzmaurice, Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Secondary Education; and Annika Sager, Bachelor of Science in Business. The Seminary student receiving the Ahnfeldt Medallion was Kate Norten. Kate’s medallion was presented by President Surridge at the Seminary commencement ceremony on Saturday evening.

North Park supporters showed up in a big way for the seventh annual Blue & Gold Day in May, raising a quarter of a million dollars in aid for current and future North Parkers.

Dr. Francisco Gaytán, vice president of Student Engagement, pledged money to the Student Emergency Fund, which helps students pay for emergency travel or housing and other unforseen events, “so students can focus on their education and academic success.”

The day also raised funds for student athletics.

“It’s expected that we provide our student-athletes with a first-class experience, including continual enhancements to our facilities and equipment which allow them to be successful on and off the field,” said Anthony Scola, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing.

In addition to the individual donations from alumni, parents, faculty and staff, Blue & Gold Day inspired several matching challenges. The Board of Trustees Challenge gift pledged $100,000, which was matched by donors.

Generous gifts were designated to student scholarships, the Student Emergency Fund, and Viking athletics

VIKING REUNION

Viking Athletes Reunite for Hall of Fame Induction

Dozens of former North Park athletes came together for a special Viking reunion luncheon in September, a highlight of the Hall of Fame induction weekend.

Inductees honored at the event were John Born, Assistant Vice President for Athletics and Sport Management; Sonya Le C’13, Softball; Daniel Mulkerin C’88, Basketball; Jeff Pearson C’92, Basketball and Baseball; Emma (Lundeen) Woodley C’15 G’17, Soccer. A short program followed the buffet lunch, with an opening prayer by Terence Gadsden, athletic chaplain and campus pastor, and welcoming remarks by President Surridge. Attendees then enjoyed a video of highlights featuring past and present athletes.

The celebration continued into the afternoon, with a men’s soccer game and socializing at a local restaurant.

“It was a truly special event, one made even better by the fact that we hadn’t been able to be together for a couple of years,” said John Born, Assistant Vice President for Athletics and Sport Management.

“It was a truly special event, one made even better by the fact that we hadn’t been able to be together for a couple of years.”

John Born, Assistant Vice President for Athletics and Sport Management

From L to R: Jeff Person C’92, John Born, Daniel Mulkerin C’88, Emma (Lundeen) Woodley C’15 G’17, Sonya Le C’13

Distinguished Seniors

Megha Hans and Naomi Haight were chosen from a pool of 14 nominees as the class of 2022 Distinguished Seniors.

Awarded to two students each year, the finalists are nominated by staff and faculty across the many offices and disciplines that make up North Park’s campus. Megha was nominated by the entire SBNM faculty, who noted that “her academics are superb, and she has embraced North Park in terms of service to the school.” Biology Professor Dr. Drew Rholl nominated Naomi by saying they were “one of the most intelligent, hardworking, and proactive students I’ve come across in my 10-plus years of teaching.” Both students were involved across campus throughout their four years and exemplify living lives of significance and service.

Megha Hans earned a B.S. in Business and Marketing with a GPA of 3.8. She was a member of the Delta Mu Delta Society in Business; served in the Student Government Association with the South Asian Student Association and as an orientation leader; had several internships, including the People’s Music School; and held jobs at Oberweis Dairy and the Hornblower Group.

Megha currently serves as the Volunteer and Alumni Programs Coordinator at One Million Degrees, a nonprofit higher education organization.

Naomi Haight graduated with a B.S. in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and a minor in Fine Arts, with a cumulative GPA of 3.9. Throughout Naomi’s four years at North Park, they have participated in Women in STEM, as Treasurer their sophomore year and then President in 2018–2022.

During their time at North Park, Naomi also took part in several theater productions; sang in the Gospel Choir; worked in the Writing Center; served as the liaison to the Cell Biology Department; and as a member of the Queer Voices group. They plan to pursue a PhD in Immunology or a similar field.

Megha Hans, left; Naomi Haight, right

Generous Support Inspires North Park University Community

Throughout the last few years—especially during the pandemic—North Park University and its students have been sustained and supported by the steadfast faith and loyal investment of alumni, parents, family and friends. The entire North Park University community is incredibly grateful for the willingness of its extended family to dig deep during uncertain times and continue giving to support students,

faculty and staff. Gifts support everything from North Park faculty, to innovative programs like the Promise Scholarships, to even the infrastructure needed to ensure campus operations run smoothly. Thank you to our donors!

For more information about giving, please visit www.northpark.edu/giving, email advancement@northpark.edu, or call 773-244-5790.

ENDOWMENT GROWTH

North Park’s endowment has achieved significant milestones over the decades. From a total of $68.2 million in fiscal year 2011, the endowment increased to $94.9 million as of the close of fiscal year 2021. Every year, North Park’s endowment supplements thousands of dollars of tuition for each student and helps attract and retain stellar faculty.

Donor Contributions to the Endowment

Blue & Gold Day raised more than $230,000 that will fund scholarships, athletics, and the Student Emergency Fund. In addition to the individual donations from alumni, parents, faculty and staff, Blue & Gold Day inspired several matching challenges. The Board of Trustees Challenge gift pledged $100,000, which was matched by donors.

BLUE & GOLD DAY | MAY 4, 2022

Planned Giving Highlights

Born to a large Canadian farming family in rural Saskatchewan in 1921, Peterson was the first in her family to go to university in 1942.

A lifelong Covenanter, a former nursing supervisor at then-Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, the pioneering career nursing educator established endowed faculty chairs in both the School of Nursing and North Park Theological Seminary with a more than $2.4 million bequest of almost her entire estate. She passed away in 2020 at the age of 99.

An alum in the Portland, OR area, Hamann donated approximately 10 acres of buildable land to North Park in August 2021, which was then sold by North Park for approximately $307,000. Funds were used to help endow the Promise Scholarships, which are merit based and awarded to incoming students for the duration of their North Park academic careers, with preference given to those students from a Covenant background or interested in STEM fields. Bill passed away in August 2022 and made provisions for North Park in his estate plan.

DR. WILMA PETERSON

WILLIAM HAMANN A’57 C’62

Alumni News and Notes

The Academy Class of 1962 enjoyed a wonderful 60th reunion the weekend of June 25–26, attended by 29 classmates and organized by classmates Susan Nilson Francisco, Jane Tann Michaels, and Judy Lindberg Elmer. Classmate Frank Allgauer hosted a reunion luncheon on Saturday, June 25 at Allgauer’s by the Riverside restaurant at the Hilton in Northbrook, Ill. The luncheon program featured former campus newspaper editor-in-chief Ken Shaleen reviewing old issues in a video presentation. There was also a class photo and singing of the alma mater. On Sunday, classmate Dennis Markos and his wife Carol invited the class to lunch at their home on Lake Geneva, Wis., followed by a 90-minute sightseeing boat ride. Back on land afterward, the group enjoyed dessert and more conversation. Classmates treasured a delightful weekend of reminiscing, entertainment, and fun together.

1950s

Bernard Rappa C’56 is proud to announce the release of his novel, Secrets of the Louvre The self-proclaimed history buff has a special fascination with World War II and a strong appreciation for art, culminating in his first novel about the stolen art business during the war. Richard and his wife, Diane (Holmes) Rappa C’59, currently reside in Minnesota.

1960s

Jackson McAfee C’61 and Esther (Tungseth) McAfee C’62 celebrated

60 years of marriage in 2021. They were married at Isaacson Chapel (NPC) on June 14, 1961. Attending the 60th celebration were their children, Bret McAfee and family and Michele McAfee Costner C’86 and family, and John Tungseth C’67 and Joan Kenyon Tungseth C’70.

Karen Tafejian A’65 has received an award for 40 years of service with the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District in Carbondale, Colo. Karen has served the department for the past 20 years as volunteer Incident Safety Officer and has trained and tested firefighters to the international IFSTA standards. She has held wildland firefighting and

HazMat Ops certifications and also serves as department secretary and president of the Pension Board.

1970s

Rev. Joseph Miller C’71 currently resides in North Carolina with his wife Marcia. They have two sons and two granddaughters. Rev. Miller grew up on Foster Avenue, near the Lake, and every time he would pass the North Park campus, he’d say, “That’s where I’m going to college some day.” Rev. Miller is now retired, having served as a parish pastor at congregations in Illinois, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Carolina. He likes to travel, play the accordion, and collect U.S. commemorative stamps. Rev. Miller proudly celebrated the 50th anniversary of his graduation from North Park College in 2021.

Margie (Warner) Olson C’74 is excited to announce the publication of her late husband Paul Olson’s C’71 fiction book, Nestlings: Stories of Expatriate Life in Africa. Paul, pictured on the cover at age five, grew up in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where his parents were Covenant missionaries. He and Margie worked together for 25 years in international schools in Africa and Latin America: Paul as a teacher and school director, and Margie as a teacher. All proceeds from the sale of Nestlings will be donated to educationcongo.org, an organization that provides scholarships to Congolese university students. The book is available in paperback or Kindle eBook from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or through your favorite local bookstore.

1980s

1990s

Anderson Hall roommates from 1994–1997 Denise Gambs C’98 and Rebecca Hoden C’98 C’99 were reunited in Pittsburg, California in September 2022 after many years – and recalled that they talked for about three days straight. Denise retired in August 2022 after 20 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. On that same day, Rebecca completed her Doctorate in Nursing Practice. While they have both traveled and lived all over the world, Chicago remains their favorite city. They often remark how grateful they were to be paired as roommates at North Park, which they credit with shaping their lives and careers.

Bonnie (Bladel) Sparrman C’82 C’86 and husband, Eric Sparrman C’81 S’87 gathered in October 2021 with the SVF/North Park exchange class of 1980-1981. The group spent time at Södra Vätterbygdens Folkhögskola in Jönköping, Sweden. This joyful reunion was attended by: Anette Johansson Tidefors, Maria Person, Maria Johnsson Nestorzon, Christer Häll, Helena Bergman Folcker, Marie Lindbäck, Håkan Nordström, Bonnie Bladel Sparrman, Eric Sparrman & Åsa Thuresson Linbro. Not pictured: Lena Ek and Stefan Nääf. Lively conversations rekindled friendships and confirmed the valuable impact of the SVF/NPU exchange program on each of our lives.

2000s

Rev. Dr. Rose LeeNorman C’06 earned her Doctor of Ministry in Transformational Leadership from Boston University in January 2021. Her research addressed the issue of white hegemony in multiethnic churches by creating a pathway of discipleship for white congregants exploring the original topic of White Followership, which seeks to reorient power structures to more acutely dismantle white normativity toward racial justice. She serves at Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis, Minn. as Pastor of Formation.

Stina

AND NOTES

John Montejo C’15 completed the national exam and is now a registered environmental health specialist/sanitarian.

Oliver Chell C’19 started JandO Client Shoppers during quarantine, and it has been extremely successful. Selling high-end items to an extensive repertoire of clients that includes NFL players, celebrities, and multi-platinum recording artists has been a real test of business endurance. Thanks to the business school, classes, and professors at NPU, Oliver was able to create a successful entrepreneurial venture.

Reverend Ira Acree S’12 is celebrating his 34th wedding anniversary with his wife, Margaret Acree.

Shazad Carbaidwala published a book titled Row in January 2021. Row is a work of fiction which incorporates stories from Shazad’s life and is inspired by the journey that he traveled between studying at North Park and completing the writing and editing process. Shazad hopes that Row and his life story will help others as they make choices in their own life. Row can be purchased on Amazon.

2010s

Rev. Jorden J. Meyers C’10 G’12 S’12, the director of ministry services for the President’s Office of the Evangelical Covenant Church, has been selected to participate in the Wabash Pastoral Leadership Program, a Lilly Endowmentsponsored program at Wabash College.

Dr. Stina (Peterson) Dufour C’08 and John Dufour welcomed their second child, Joshua Francis, on June 1, 2021, in New York, NY. Weighing in at 9 pounds 11 ounces and 21 inches long, Josh joined big sister Elizabeth Jean. The Dufour family now resides in Chicago, near grandma and pop pop Sharon C’79 and Dr. Charles Peterson C’73

joined CEA Study Abroad in April 2021 as Academic Dean of Global Programs. In this role, she monitors the academic experience of 5000 students annually, establishes policies, and trains staff and faculty at CEA’s study sites worldwide. Additionally, she authored a chapter in the NAFSA Guide to Education Abroad, 5th Edition, published in March 2022.

The Wabash Pastoral Leadership Program invites Indiana pastors with between five to 10 years of experience following ordination to apply to a two-year program of leadership development and theological reflection. The Wabash Pastoral Leadership Program engages pastors in the exploration of critical economic, educational, and political challenges that face Indiana communities. Pastors involved in the program will meet on the Wabash College campus 10 times during a two-year period to meet with civic, government, business, and religious leaders to discuss issues that affect local Indiana communities.

Allison

Robert

NOTES

create a more equitable Moody for all students. Robert is also the CEO and Founder of an organization called I Am Man and the author of a children’s book called Little Brown Boy (www.roberthmarshall.com/ littlebrownboy) which teaches its young readers the importance of confidence, family, diversity, justice, kindness, education, and courage.

Alex Sertic C’12 G’20 and Danielle Sertic welcomed twin girls, Rowan and Reese, on August 4, 2020. After 38 days in the NICU, the girls were welcomed home. The girls are strong and thriving.

Cecilie is

9th, 2022.

(Ford) Joly C’10 Big brothers Henry and Theodore are excited to announce the arrival of their little sister, Adeline, on 7/1/22.

Marshall C’12 serves as the first Associate Dean of Retention and Operations at Moody Bible Institute. His role is to work alongside the Vice President of Enrollment Services to lead retention initiatives that

Christopher Butz C’15 and Cecilie (Garcia) Butz C’16 married on May 15, 2021. Chris is currently the Head Wrestling Coach at Morton College and a Social Studies Teacher at St. Bartholomew Catholic School in Chicago.

currently a Behavior Analyst at a pediatric therapy clinic in the Chicagoland area. Christopher and Cecilie welcomed their first child, Christopher, into the world on August

Sarah Corinne (Tenglin) C’15 and Bjorn Peter Larson C’16 welcomed Connie Britt Larson on September 29, 2020 at 5:32 am. She was 8lbs 1oz and 20 inches long.

In Memoriam

on Dec. 24, 1937 in Chicago. The couple made their home and raised their four daughters in Tichigan. In 1960, Shirley and Frederick built and opened Val-Win Drive In, named for their two youngest daughters, which Shirley operated with pride, proving to be a great businesswoman. She enjoyed participating in Tichigan’s annual summer parade, and eagerly planned her Val-Win’s float each year. In recent years, Shirley revisited the tradition by appearing in the parade as a centenarian. Shirley is survived by her daughters, Sharon (Calvin) Davies, Jean (Ronald) Lewis, Winifred (Douglas) Sheeder, and Valerie (Michael) Iverson; 13 grandchildren, 27 greatgrandchildren, one great-great grandchild; her sister, Marion Martin; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Frederick, and her longtime companion Donald “Andy” Enkosk.

Valerie (Brandon) Smith; great-grandfather of Madeline and Jack Galuchie, Lily and Liam Johnsen and Eleanor Lightfoot; and brother of the late Vernon (Doris) Soderstrom. His entire life was lived in dedication to his family, church, and faith.

Shirley Lorraine (Cardy) Schmidt A’34 C’36, passed away peacefully at the age of 104 on March 5, 2021, surrounded by family in her daughter’s Tichigan, Wis. home. Shirley was born to Dr. Charles and Elsie (Englert) Cardy of Chicago on July 10, 1916. Her childhood was filled with fond memories, spending every summer on Tichigan Lake, where her parents built one of its very first cottages in 1924.

In the city, she attended North Park Academy High School followed by North Park College, graduating in 1936. Shirley was united in marriage to Frederick R.A. Schmidt

In 1960, Shirley and Frederick built and opened Val-Win Drive In, named for their two youngest daughters, which Shirley operated with pride, proving to be a great businesswoman.

Raymond Carl Soderstrom C’47, 94, a longtime resident of Mount Prospect, passed away peacefully in Schaumburg, Ill. on Friday, January 15, 2021. He was born June 27, 1926 in Chicago to Elin (Bolinder) and Harry Soderstrom. He was a charter member of

His entire life was lived in dedication to his family, church and faith.

the Northwest Covenant Church of Mount Prospect. Raymond was the husband of the late Laurine Joan (Clark) Soderstrom C’50; father of Alan (Jamie) Soderstrom, Jo Anne (John) Lightfoot and Brian (Linda) Soderstrom; grandfather of Laura (Jack) Galuchie, Jennifer (Dennis) Johnsen, James and Jeffrey (Simona) Lightfoot, Michael Soderstrom,

C’49

Harriet Louise (Settergren) Olson C’49, wife of Covenant minister the late K. Wesley Olson C’49 S’54, died peacefully on April 12, 2021 at her daughter’s home in Grand Rapids, Minn. She was 91.

Harriet was born on September 17, 1929, at the Community Hospital in Hutchinson, Minn. to Victor and Mabel (Mattson) Settergren. She grew up on her family farm in Lake Jennie, Minn., was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at Lake Jennie Covenant Church, and continued serving her church family faithfully throughout her life. After graduating from Dassel High School in 1947, she attended North Park Junior College in Chicago, Ill. where she earned an Associate in Arts degree in 1949. In 1950, she received her Associates in Education degree from St. Cloud State Teachers College in St. Cloud, Minn.

Although they grew up within 45 miles of each other, it was at North Park in Chicago

Shirley Lorraine (Cardy) Schmidt A’34 C’36

Harriet Louise (Settergren) Olson

Raymond Carl Soderstrom C’47

where she met the love of her life, K. Wesley Olson. They were married on June 29, 1951 and following K. Wesley’s Covenant ordination, together served churches in Elgin, Ill.; Roseville, New Brighton, and Mankato, Minn.; as Midwest Conference Superintendent in Omaha, Neb.; and as interim pastor at several congregations in Minnesota and Colorado after retiring in 1995. They were blessed with four children: Lynda (Jason) Olson-Lee; DiAnn (Tom) Bloomquist; Kent (Debra) Olson; and Brenda (Olson) C’85 and Gary Redding C’85

In addition to her significant role in the church, Harriet loved children and taught kindergarten through third grade. She enjoyed teaching her students skills that would see them through life. She was not afraid of hard work! Once her own children arrived, she worked as a substitute teacher, a Title 1 Tutor, a nursing home aide, a Target associate, a grocery store clerk, and a caregiver for her mother Mabel Settergren and for an elderly church member in Omaha.

Harriet was a doer, and there was not much she couldn’t do. She was an accomplished seamstress, teaching herself at a young age after her father stated he would either buy her one dress or the fabric for two. As a mother, she sewed clothes of all kinds for her family including many of Wes’ threepiece suits and even her daughter DiAnn’s wedding dress. She was skilled at knitting and completed her signature precious baby blankets for all nine grandchildren and eight of her great-grandchildren. Harriet created a beautiful home for her family, restoring family heirlooms and antiques from both her own family farm in Lake Jennie and from the Olson family farm in Bird Island long before it became fashionable to do so. She had a green thumb, was blessed with great musical ability, and loved spending her days singing in church, creating beautiful works of art through decoupage and flower pressing, reading a good book, conquering word puzzles, or winning in a friendly game of Uno.

Her greatest earthly joy was her family, and she centered her life around them. She loved her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with all of her heart; they were her deepest treasure. She enjoyed

Christmas, Easter, and other holiday and family celebrations at which the family could gather to celebrate Christ’s love. Describing his beloved Harriet, Wes wrote in his memoir, “She has been a wonderful soulmate to me. She is gifted and dedicated, kind and thoughtful, gracious and peace-loving. She has been a great pastor’s wife and continues to be a wonderful friend.” He goes on to describe the awe he had in her parental ability and great sensitivity. She was a woman of great integrity who loved Jesus and had a faithful servant’s heart. She was selfless; often putting others’ needs far above her own. She was a person of great faith and a powerful prayer warrior.

Describing his beloved Harriet, Wes wrote in his memoir, “She has been a wonderful soulmate to me. She is gifted and dedicated, kind and thoughtful, gracious and peace-loving. She has been a great pastor’s wife and continues to be a wonderful friend.”

Stuart R. Kortebein, M.D. A’50 S’56

Stuart R. Kortebein, M.D. A’50 S’56, age 90, passed away Saturday, April 3, 2021. He was born in Evanston, Ill. and was a proud Veteran of the U.S. Navy, a longtime member of Northwest Covenant Church (Mt. Prospect, Ill.) and First Evangelical Covenant Church (Grand Rapids, Mich.), and loved Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Stuart graduated from North Park Academy in

Harriet is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law; nine grandchildren: Kristopher Olson, Emily (Dusty) Gould, Brianna (Nate) Kirt, Hannah (Troy) Barnes, Chelsea (Redding) C’10 and Aaron McDowell C’11, Joshua, Mikayla, Samantha (DiBona) C’18 and Samuel Redding C’17, and Grace Redding C’20; and 11 great-grandchildren: TJ, Preston, Leila, Wyatt, Rorie, Dahliah, Jacob, Peyton, Katreyus, Gemma, and Maleigh. She is also survived by several cousins and other family along with numerous friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Kent; husband, K. Wesley; and brother- and sisters-in-law, Roger, Marie, Deloris, and Carrol.

1950, where he met the love of his life and wife, Alice (Johnson) Kortebein C’50, in a Zoology class. Stuart was an orthopedic surgeon, practicing in the Chicago and Milwaukee areas, with many accomplishments and achievements during his life, and unforgettable times with his family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice; his parents, Rowland & Alma Kortebein and Grace & Stan Munson. Stuart is survived by his sons, William (Carol) Kortebein, David (Karen) Kortebein, six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, his brother, Bruce Kortebein C’57 and Marty, and several nieces and nephews.

Stuart was an orthopedic surgeon with many accomplishments and achievements during his life, and unforgettable times with his family.

Marvin Gotberg C’53

Marvin Gotberg C’53 passed away peacefully on March 30, 2021. Marv grew up in Detroit, Mich. where he attended the Detroit Covenant Church. After graduating from North Park College in 1953 with a BS degree in associate arts, he attended the University of Detroit where he received a business degree, eventually working as a Manufacturers Rep for American Standard. He then had his own business in overseas exporting. He loved to ski at his place in Vail, Colo. and golfed in The Villages in Florida where he lived for the last 16 years next door to his brother, Russ. Marv was 88 years old. He is survived by his brother, Russ Gotberg C’56 and sister, Judy (Gotberg) Johnson C’63

State School of Science, and the University of Minnesota. Dan grew up at Ben Wade Covenant Church, and was later a member at Bethlehem, Salem, and Winnetka Covenant Churches. Dan enjoyed rooting for Minnesota sports teams, fishing at Big Swan Lake, collecting Watkins memorabilia, and traveling the world with Joan. He reached the rare accomplishment of traveling to over 100 countries, all seven continents, and all 50 states. Upon graduation from “The U”, Dan worked for Honeywell, Control Data, and NJK Holdings until his retirement at age 70. His testimony helped Control Data win a case in front of the World Court in The Hague. Dan was known for musing after dinner, “There is always room for ice cream.” Most importantly, Dan will be remembered by family and friends for his faith in Christ, kindness and generosity.

Daniel Harold Erickson

Daniel Harold Erickson, born December 14, 1934, in a farmhouse near Lowry, Minn., passed away October 8, 2020 after a lengthy illness. Beloved husband of

Joan (Sorensen) Erickson C’55 for 60 years and loving father of Mark Erickson C’85 and Patty (Davis) G’10, Jim Stanley-Erickson C’87 S’95 and Cathy (Stanley) S’97, and Sue (Erickson) C’90 and Bill Kelly. Cherished grandfather of Sean, Frederik, Chris, Nikolas, Rob, Hannah, Will, and Kajsa. Fond brother of John (Janet) and Theodore (Marilyn); and loving uncle to many. Dan attended Glenwood High School in Minnesota, North Dakota

Dr. Peter Paige C’57

Dr. Peter Paige C’57, 83 of Lincolnton, Ga. entered into rest on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Augusta University Medical Center. He was the son of the late Herman Paige and Sara Richards Paige and was born in Boston, Mass. He spent his career in education administration and even continued to do so after retirement. Dr. Paige was a faithful member of First Assembly of God Church in Lincolnton, Ga. Dr. Paige was preceded in death by his sister, Caroline Malloy. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Phyllis Blankenship Paige; a son, Philip (Larisa) of Evans, Ga.; a daughter, Pam, of Marietta, Ga.;

Dan enjoyed rooting for Minnesota sports teams, fishing at Big Swan Lake, collecting Watkins memorabilia, and traveling the world with Joan.

(L to R) Marv Gotberg C’53, Judy (Gotberg) Johnson C’63, and Russ Gotberg C’56

brothers, Paul (Alice) of Phoenix, Ariz. and Phillip Paige of Conn.; a sister, Margaret Bond of Brooklyn, Conn.; two granddaughters and one grandson.

Carol Brushwyler C’62

Carol Brushwyler C’62, passed away in Carol Stream, Ill. on July 29, 2022. Carol taught kindergarten for 25 years in California, Massachusetts, and Illinois. Carol served as deacon and girls middle-school Bible teacher at First Presbyterian in Wheaton, Ill., and as an active member of an educational sorority that supports women’s education goals. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Ron, and three married children and six grandchildren. One of Carol and Ron’s daughters is Lisa Brushwyler Larson, C’90, married to Mark Larson, C’86

Dick was a beloved member of his community who gladly offered warmth and friendship to those who knew him. After graduating from North Park College in 1963, he went on to spend over 40 years counseling and guiding the students of Buffalo Grove High School. He was a dedicated member of Northwest Covenant

Richard “Dick” Person C’63 was born on January 27, 1941 in Chicago to Ernest Person and Ethel Lager. He married his best friend and true love, Jeanne (Usher) Person C’65, on December 18, 1965 at the Hinsdale Covenant Church. Together they raised two sons, Greg and Eric.

Church, where he joyfully sang in choir and inspired many with his faith and devotion to Christ. He loved to swim, play golf, and most of all spend time with his children and grandchildren. He was known for his kind, positive and compassionate spirit, and he is dearly missed by his friends and family.

He was preceded in death by Jeanne, his wife of 52 years. In addition to his sons, he is survived by his grandchildren Emma, Theo, and Elliot.

Rev. John Irving Erickson C’37 S’41, she was born on January 19, 1949 in Chicago, Ill. Raised in Chicago, she graduated from North Park Academy in 1966 and subsequently earned her B.A. in Art and English from North Park College in 1970. She was united in marriage with Dennis William Anderson A’64 C’69 on June 22, 1969 in Chicago. Following their honeymoon in the British Isles, the couple settled in Chicago with Jenanne managing The Beehive, an antique shop, for her mother. They resided there until relocating to Wisconsin, first in Beaver Dam in 1977 and later in Sun Prairie in 2009. Jenanne also earned a Master of Library Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and worked as a librarian for Cambria-Friesland School District from 1986 until her retirement in 2010. She previously had served as a library staff member at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam and a tutor for the Beaver Dam Unified School District.

Jenanne found great joy and fulfillment in her family and friends, as well as in singing, music, art (painting), antiques, interior decorating, traveling in the United States and Europe, her pet Standard Poodles, reading, film, and good comedy. She was a member and participant of the former Beaver Dam Oratorio Society. She especially loved her times at Hagerman Lake in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where she spent numerous summers beginning as a child.

Jenanne Inez (Erickson) Anderson A’66 C’70, 72, of Sun Prairie, Wis. died peacefully in her sleep on March 3, 2021. The daughter of Myrtle (Hulting) A’39 C’41 C’61 and

She is preceded in death by her husband Dennis, in 2013. She is survived by her twin

Richard “Dick” Person C’63

Dick was a beloved member of his community who gladly offered warmth and friendship to those who knew him.

Jenanne Inez (Erickson) Anderson A’66 C’70

Jenanne found great joy and fulfillment in her family and friends, as well as in singing, music, art (painting), antiques, interior decorating, traveling in the United States and Europe, her pet Standard Poodles, reading, film, and good comedy.

daughters, Jessica (David) C’94 and Karin (Brandon) C’94 and son Joseph (Lisa); grandsons Kendall and Beckett Rodin and Charlie Johnson. Additionally, she is survived by her sister, Karin (Erickson) Deitrick A’60 C’64; niece Kristina Sterling, nephew, Daniel Deitrick; and an aunt and several cousins.

S’79

Dennis K. McMillan S’79, born October 19, 1948, was received into the arms of Jesus on October 17, 2021, after a brief course of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. On October 21, a heavenly birthday party and celebration of life was held at First Covenant, Mason City, Iowa, Revs. John Peterson, Heather McMillan, and Greg Reiner officiating. He is survived by his wife, Melody Skalla, C’72 and children Keith, Erin C’97, Heather C’98, S’10 and Shannon C’00. Well done good and faithful servant.

Pastor Richard

Lucco S’79

Pastor Richard (Dick) Lucco S’79, On Tuesday, May 17th, Pastor Richard (Dick) Lucco, 70, of Chicago, Ill., passed peacefully surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer. Pastor Lucco was born Richard Brent Lucco on May 18th, 1951, to Harriet & Giorgio Lucco in Webster Groves, Mo. Dick excelled in both football and tennis in high school. He graduated in 1969 and went on to play both sports at Monmouth College before graduating from University of Missouri St. Louis in 1973.

Pastor Lucco’s faith led him to North Park Theological Seminary in 1974. At North Park he met his wife of 47 years, Valerie Sanchez Lucco of Bridgeview, Illinois. Dick and Val were married November 29th, 1975. In 1979, Dick graduated and was ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church. In 1982 the young Lucco family moved to Elgin, Illinois, where they would stay for the next 10 years. Dick served as senior pastor at Elgin Covenant Church until 1991, when he became program coordinator at the I Have a Dream Foundation. In 1992 Dick returned to ministry as Senior Pastor at Trinity Covenant in Salem, Ore.

In 2002 the family moved to Canton, Michigan where Dick began as Superintendent of the ECC Great Lakes Conference. In 2012, he returned to Chicago to serve at ECC headquarters. Dick served in numerous roles before retiring as Executive Minister of Ministry Development in 2018. He also served as associate pastor at Northwest Covenant Church in Mount Prospect, Ill., until 2021. In 2021, Pastor Lucco was honored by North Park Theological Seminary with the Seminary Alumni Award for Distinguished Service.

Dick was smart and serious—offering wise council and steady guidance. But he was also humorous and warm and took special joy in his children and grandchildren. Beyond his family, his greatest passion was sports, particularly the St. Louis Cardinals.

Dick is survived by his wife Valerie Sanchez Lucco and sons Zach (Tracy) Lucco,

Drew Lucco, Jeff Lucco, Chris Sanchez (Chelsea Hotmann), and grandchildren Emerson and Grayson. A memorial service was held on June 11, 2022, at North Park Covenant Church in Chicago.

Louise Voss Vigen

Kathryn Louise Voss Vigen, a former nursing professor and director of the School of Nursing from 2001 to 2006, passed away on Aug. 12 with her daughters at her side. Kathryn was born September 24, 1934 in Lakefield, Minn. Kathryn graduated magna cum laude from St. Olaf College in 1956 and became a nurse. In 1970, she discovered her love of teaching at the Sioux Falls School of Practical Nursing, later becoming assistant director. At age 46, she was recruited to establish a nursing program in Huron, S.D. She received the prestigious Bush Fellowship Award in 1979. Ultimately, she earned two Master’s degrees and a Ph.D. She was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in 1991, which enabled her to teach and mentor students in Malta. She received the Rozella Scholtfeldt Leadership Award from the Midwest Alliance in Nursing in 1993. In 2003, Kathryn was honored with the St. Olaf Distinguished Alumni/ae Award. She chaired or was a faculty member at Huron College, Luther College, Graceland University and North Park University. A funeral service was held Oct. 9 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chicago.

Dennis K. McMillan

Kathryn

(Dick)

Dick was smart and serious —offering wise council and steady guidance. But he was also humorous and warm and took special joy in his children and grandchildren.