When Rev. Richard B. Lucco S鈥�79 came to North Park Theological聽Seminary to pursue a graduate degree in youth ministry, his life took a positive direction in many ways. 鈥淚 said to God that the one thing I鈥檇 never do is become聽a pastor. Then, I fell in love with the Evangelical聽Covenant Church.鈥�
After earning his Master of Divinity, Dick served in various pastoral roles for 25 years and is currently Pastor of Congregational Care and Spiritual Formation at Northwest Covenant Church. He also served the ECC as Superintendent of the Great Lakes Conference (2002鈥�2011) and Executive Director of Ministry Development (2011鈥�2018). Dick also was a member of North Park鈥檚 Board of Trustees (2007鈥�2011).
The alumni award, which will be presented virtually,聽recognizes significant alumni contributions that reflect聽the Seminary鈥檚 core values and mission. 鈥淭his award聽means so much because going to North Park literally聽changed my life,鈥� says Dick. In addition to being called聽to pastoral ministry, Dick met his wife Valerie in the聽Seminary library. Married for 43 years, they have four聽sons, including two North Park graduates.
鈥淚t was a tremendous gift to make my deepest, lasting聽friendships at North Park and to discover a church聽and community I could be part of, and share in the聽freedom of Christ,鈥� says Dick.