萝莉社

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萝莉社 and National Science Foundation Support Diversity in STEM

As part of a joint commitment to prepare more undergraduate students in careers as highly qualified scientists, engineers, and technicians, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded 萝莉社 with a $650,000 grant.

As part of a joint commitment to prepare more undergraduate students in careers as highly qualified scientists, engineers, and technicians, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded 萝莉社 with a $650,000 grant. As part of the grant, North Park will select 20 first-year students, each of whom will receive a $5,000 annual scholarship for four years. The grant will fund:

  • $20k over the four-year period
  • Two cohorts of 10 students; 20 students total
  • Undergraduate degree-seeking students majoring in physics/engineering or biology
  • STEM-focused, urban industry immersion program

Guided by faculty, the STEM Scholars Cohort learn on-and off-campus in a hands-on curriculum, with a focus on biology, physics or engineering.

鈥淭he Scholars engage in authentic, immersive, and experiential learning with industry, government, and our partners such as ComEd, Argonne National Lab, and MC Machinery Systems,鈥� said North Park鈥檚 STEM Scholars Cohort Advisor Dr. Eric Brown.

鈥淭he industry partners, combined with working alongside faculty, prepare students for direct entry into the workforce or graduate school,鈥� said Dr. Brown.

The program includes undergraduate research, internships, class projects, and one-on-one academic and career advising. The cohort is guided by faculty to foster strong connections within the industry and to help students develop job skills and knowledge about science and engineering-oriented careers.

As part of NSF鈥檚 initiative, the North Park STEM Scholars Cohort advisory committee is seeking a diverse cohort.

鈥淎ll eligible students entering North Park as freshman during the Fall 2020 semester interested in pursuing a research career in physics, engineering, or the biological sciences are encouraged to apply,鈥� said Dr. Brown.

North Park and its state-of-the-art science facilities, established experiential learning curriculum, and dedicated faculty will be available to the inaugural cohort.

鈥淭his historic award will be absolutely transformational in the lives of our STEM students,鈥� said听President Mary K. Surridge. 鈥淭he grant represents a tremendous amount of excellent work by our distinguished faculty.鈥�

Space is limited to 20 incoming first-year scholarship recipients. Applications now being accepted for the 2020-2021 inaugural cohort.

Author Ellen AlmerPosted on Categories News, StoriesTags ,

North Park Grad Brings Fun and Games to Young Lurie Patients

North Parker Justin Molina C’17 raised $3,500 via family and friends to bring video game consoles to patients at Chicago’s Lurie Children’s Hospital.

North Parker Justin Molina C’17 raised $3,500 via family and friends to bring video game consoles to patients at Chicago’s Lurie Children’s Hospital. Now, he is partnering with a local company to bring more of the consoles to his young patients, many of whom are confined to their rooms due to their illnesses.

“The kids are in isolation…So being able to bring the entertainment to them gives them a sense of normalcy that is very important,” said Molina, whose story was featured recently on NBC Chicago’s evening news broadcast.

Watch the story above.

Author Ellen AlmerPosted on Categories News, Stories

A Message to Our Campus Community

The university鈥檚 mission is to educate every one of our students in the liberal arts and professional studies, and to prepare them for lives of significance and service. Our mission is heartily embraced by our dedicated faculty and staff.听 This mission has also been affirmed by our denomination since 1891.

As many of you may know, late last week at the Annual Meeting of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Omaha, NE, First Covenant Church of Minneapolis was involuntarily removed from the roster of Covenant churches by a vote in executive session for being found out of harmony with the ECC on matters pertaining to human sexuality and pastoral credentialing.

First Covenant鈥檚 staff and multiple community and neighborhood ministries will continue to operate as a church in their own historic building in Minneapolis.

We know that people have many differing opinions on this issue, often very strongly held, and North Park鈥檚 community is no different.听 Though this was a matter of church governance, having to do with ordination and the congregation鈥檚 membership in the denomination, I want to reassure you that it does not change North Park鈥檚 mission in any way.

The university鈥檚 mission is to educate every one of our students in the liberal arts and professional studies, and to prepare them for lives of significance and service. Our mission is heartily embraced by our dedicated faculty and staff.听 This mission has also been affirmed by our denomination since 1891.

Our student population is one of the most diverse and intercultural in the entire nation. We deeply value that distinctive characteristic, and we are building on it for our bright future as a Christian institution of higher learning. We welcome, love, educate and support all students who accept our invitation to learn and grow on the campus at North Park.

In the 萝莉社 report to the ECC Annual Meeting, I shared some of the following remarks:

鈥淒ynamic in our Christian identity, with a mission founded in 1891, we are centered in the world-class city of Chicago, distinguished by the rich diversity of our intercultural student community, and dedicated to preparing ALL of our students for their lives of significance, and lives of service.听 This mission has never been more relevant or more imperative than it is today, and your support of that mission is now, more important than ever before.鈥�

鈥淎t 萝莉社, we are prepared to elevate the visibility of our school and focus on the three core distinctives of our Christian identity鈥ur strategic Chicago location鈥nd the rich tapestry of the diverse student population that we serve.鈥�

鈥漈he intensely competitive marketplace of higher education will require us to be 100% focused on the recruitment and retention of our students, the relevant and excellent educational opportunities we provide for them, and the ways we must be devoted to supporting the needs of every student who enters our gates, accepting our invitation to study, to live and learn on the campus at North Park.鈥�

鈥淲e have an extraordinary opportunity, and a corresponding responsibility.听 Students who choose North Park, will have much demanded of them in the classroom and on the campus.听 All of us have the responsibility to support and sustain every one of our students, in every way that we can.鈥�

鈥淚 renew to you, the promise I made one year ago 鈥� to do all I can to serve the students and the mission of 萝莉社.鈥�

鈥淲e are counting on your help.听 The Kingdom of God comes through the front gates of our campus every year. And we are deeply impacting the future through Christian higher education. We must help all of our students develop their unique identities and exceptional gifts — find and pursue their callings — and step into the world prepared to lead and serve in the 21st Century.鈥�

鈥淕od has sustained our mission and our institution for more than 127 years.听 May He guide us now, as we love, educate and champion our students and our mission.鈥�

These remarks, along with the very positive report delivered by Dean Kersten regarding this past year鈥檚 activity at the Seminary, were well received and affirmed at the meeting.

I look forward to our continued work together as we advance the mission of 萝莉社.

With gratitude and respect for all you do,

Mary K. Surridge
President

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Announcement, News, Stories

Swedish Covenant Health and NorthShore Announce Partnership

Under the new partnership announced today, 萝莉社 nursing clinicals and seminarian chaplaincy partnerships will remain unchanged.

NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) and Swedish Covenant Health (SCH) today announced an agreement to form an exciting new partnership that will advance clinical care and patient outcomes in Chicago鈥檚 North Side communities. Under the proposed structure, SCH will join the NorthShore health system and continue to operate its full-service, acute care community hospital. The Executive Board of the Evangelical Covenant Church unanimously approved听the partnership.

萝莉社 nursing clinical partnerships and educational exchange programs at all levels will remain in place and will thrive in this transition. In addition, our seminarians will continue to offer compassion, hope, and a healing presence to patients and families through the chaplaincy program.

For more information about this exciting news for the health systems, the University, and our North Side communities, please click here:


Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Announcement, News, Stories

Lilly Fellows Program Selects North Park Graduate Dawson Vosburg into Cohort of Christian Scholars

Dawson Vosburg C鈥�19 has been selected by The Lilly Fellows Program in Humanities and the Arts as a member of the 10-person 2019 Cohort of Christian Scholars.

Dawson Vosburg C鈥�19 has been selected by The Lilly Fellows Program in Humanities and the Arts as a member of the 10-person 2019 Cohort of Christian Scholars.

鈥淒awson鈥檚 selection was in an extremely competitive year鈥攐ne of the best we鈥檝e ever had,鈥� said Joseph Goss, Assistant Program Director of the Lilly Fellows Program, who noted Dawson was chosen from a field of 24 finalists.

Dawson, who graduated with a 4.0 GPA with a dual major in Conflict Transformation Studies and Sociology, will be engaged in doctoral studies in sociology at The Ohio State University for the next five years as part of the fellowship. 鈥淒awson serves as an inspiration for all students of what can be achieved through studying at North Park,鈥� said North Park鈥檚 Provost Michael O. Emerson.

Over a period of two years, 71 candidates were nominated coming from the 100 members in the Lilly Network of Church-Related Colleges and Universities鈥攚ith North Park as its 100th member.

鈥淏eing part of the Lilly Network of Church-Related Colleges and Universities provides 萝莉社 with a number of advantages for our faculty and students. Last year, Dr. Liza Ann Acosta, our University Dean, received a grant for our mentoring program and this year, we have Dawson Vosburg as a Lilly Graduate Fellow,鈥� said North Park鈥檚 Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Gregor Thuswaldner.

North Park鈥檚 Director of Conflict Transformation Program, Dr. Robert Hostetter, appreciates Dawson鈥檚 inquisitive mind, 鈥淕reat questions drive Dawson,鈥� said Dr. Hostetter. Dawson鈥檚 intellectual accomplishments will continue to shine while pursuing graduate work at the intersection of religion, race, and conflict resolution as a PhD candidate at The Ohio State University.

Dawson鈥檚 selection attests to the formation in Christian higher education received at 萝莉社 said Goss. All 10 Fellows are pursuing graduate studies in humanities, social sciences, or the arts while receiving three annual stipends of $3000 ($9000 total).

As part of his selection, Dawson will meet with his cohort of Christian scholars for three days at an Inaugural Conference July 29-August 1, 2019, in Holland, MI, along with their mentors, Jane Kelley Rodeheffer of Pepperdine University and Mark Ruff of Saint Louis University, who will be guiding the Fellows鈥� upcoming studies. Following this Inaugural Conference, the Fellows will participate in a three-year program embarking on a long-distance exchange of learning experiences, engaging in one-on-one mentoring relationships, and participating in three additional conferences.

Dawson expressed his gratitude for receiving the fellowship. 鈥淎t every turn, I鈥檝e been given more opportunities to explore and think,鈥� said Dawson.

A supportive North Park team was instrumental in helping win the fellowship, but it was Dawson who ultimately impressed the committee with his inquisitive mind and passion for justice.

鈥淔or Dawson, learning is an act of personal and communal transformation,鈥� said Dawson鈥檚 professor and advisor Dr. Lida Nedilsky in remarks during the spring 2019 commencement. 鈥淚鈥檝e witnessed him (Dawson) demonstrate this inside the classroom as a student leader through his volunteering and as an intellectual partner,鈥� said Nedilsky.

Dr. Hostetter wrote in his letter of recommendation, 鈥淭he extraordinary scope and focus of his(Dawson鈥檚)community service are witness to this union of thought and action. By working with school children in Houston, TX, immigrant kids in Albany Park, IL, and other Episcopalians in the western suburbs of Chicago, he demonstrates a transformative priority to dealing with Christianity鈥檚 struggle with white privilege,鈥� said Dr. Hostetter.

鈥淚鈥檓 incredibly excited about continuing to do research and asking questions,鈥� said Dawson on being awarded the fellowship. 鈥淏eing part of Lilly鈥檚 excellent network makes the possibility of working in my field as a professor that much stronger,鈥� said Dawson.

The fellowship for Dawson represents an exciting opportunity to talk with other scholars who are serious in their field and, 鈥渨ho want to think Christianly about their discipline,鈥� said Dawson. As a PhD candidate at The Ohio State University, Dawson will be delving deep for the next half-decade into his studies and for the first couple years will be getting settled into the rhythm and working on his first real-world original research.

Dawson looks forward to advancing in his field and becoming a professor. 鈥淚’m incredibly excited about continuing to do research and asking questions but teaching others to start asking those questions excites me as well,鈥� expressed Dawson.

I think being a part of Lilly’s excellent network makes the possibility of that hope much stronger,鈥� stated Dawson.

萝莉社 the Lilly Graduate Fellows Program

The Lilly Graduate Fellows Program is a part of the Lilly Fellows Program in Humanities and the Arts that supports outstanding students who want to explore the connections among Christianity, higher education, and the vocation of the teacher-scholar as they pursue graduate degrees in humanities and the arts.

萝莉社 萝莉社听

萝莉社听is a Christian, city-centered, intercultural University located in Chicago.听听/

Contact: Christopher Childers, Assistant Vice President University Marketing and Communications, 萝莉社, 773-244-5750, cchilders@northpark.edu

Author Ellen AlmerPosted on Categories News, Stories

Mayor Lightfoot Attends People’s Music School Event at North Park

Mayor Lori Lightfoot attended the fourth annual Performapaloozathon held on North Park鈥檚 campus Saturday, enjoying performances by young musicians who are students at The People鈥檚 Music School of Chicago.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot attended the fourth annual Performapaloozathon held on North Park鈥檚 campus Saturday, enjoying performances by young musicians who are students at The People鈥檚 Music School of Chicago.

鈥淭he arts are so critically important to the vibrancy of our city,鈥� said Mayor Lightfoot, who attended the event with her wife and daughter, and praised the 鈥渁bsolutely fantastic鈥� energy in Hamming Hall, where some of the day鈥檚 850 performers were gathered.

Melissa Velez-Luce and Mayor Lightfoot

Mayor Lightfoot was introduced by Melissa Velez-Luce C鈥�04 G鈥�12, Director of Alumni Relations and Presidential Liaison, who noted that North Park has partnered with the People鈥檚 Music School for 10 years, providing mentors, volunteers, and scholarship funds to its students.

The student orchestra then performed several pieces, including a crowd-pleasing version of “Don鈥檛 Stop Believin'” by Journey.

Saturday鈥檚 event, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., included food tents and games on North Park鈥檚 green space. Performances were broken into three segments starting at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m.

Jennifer Kim Matsuzawa, President and Artistic Director of the People鈥檚 Music School, joined Rebecca Ryan, North Park鈥檚 Director of the School of Music, Art, and Theatre in introducing each musical segment.

In addition, Erin Matonte, SMAT Admissions Counselor, was on campus recruiting potential students.

Mayor Lightfoot stands in front of Old Main buildingMayor Lightfoot, who played trumpet as a child, encouraged the students to keep up their musical studies, saying that kids like them were the best part of Chicago.

鈥淭his is what makes Chicago vibrant and special.鈥�

The People鈥檚 Music School is the only tuition-free music school in the city. It believes in a society where all children have access to the unique social, emotional, and intellectual benefits achieved through musical excellence.

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories News, Stories

North Park Allihopa, Places Third Nationally at the USA Ultimate Division III College Championships

“Coming in as the 14 seed with only 12 girls, we had two goals. One was to have fun and take in the experience of Texas and Nationals, and the second was to give us a chance to win at the end of games.”

(Back row:) Simone Carroll, Julie Spencer, Michaela Scholte, Kara Lownsberry, Abby Gentile, (Middle row:) Hannah Sahyouni, Vikky Young, Abby Imperial, Erin Staurseth, (Front row:) Kajsa Meyer, Maggie Johnson, Ellie Manderfeld

Hard-earned congratulations are due to the women’s ultimate frisbee club team, North Park Allihopa, for placing third nationally at the USA Ultimate Division III College Championships this past weekend.

called Allihopa鈥檚 performance “the best kind of Cinderella story鈥� in recapping the team鈥檚 championships weekend.

鈥淭he second-time D-III Championships qualifiers, North Park Allihopa, the 14th overall seed, found themselves facing the top seeded heavy favorites from Bates in the semifinals this afternoon. Allihopa arrived in Texas with a roster of 12 people, went 1-2 in pool play, squeaking into their pool’s final spot in bracket play, and got two huge upsets in the pre-quarterfinals yesterday afternoon and the quarterfinals this morning. Running almost exclusively a zone designed to preserve their legs, they overtook third-seeded Williams in the quarterfinals and fifth-seeded Middlebury in the quarterfinals. But they finally ran into a wall they couldn’t tear down in Bates. Cold Front was too much for them to handle early, and understandably tired in their seventh game of the weekend, couldn’t find the energy they needed to put together a comeback. But they did cement themselves in the public eye. Everyone will be excited to see what they can do next year.”

Coaches Cameron Hodgkinson C鈥�11 and Jimmy Sykora shared their pride in both the team鈥檚 accomplishment and the rally of community support.

鈥淐oming in as the 14 seed with only 12 girls, we had two goals. One was to have fun and take in the experience of Texas and Nationals, and the second was to give us a chance to win at the end of games. We accomplished both of those, with the girls playing for each other and showing off their athleticism and heart throughout the tournament. It was also amazing the support we received from family and friends, who traveled from all over the country to watch and cheer the team on! We had over 20 in attendance.鈥�

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Announcement, News, StoriesTags , ,

Bridge Communities and Dream On Education Honored with Nonprofit Management Awards at Axelson Conference

The Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management announced the winners of its Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence and its Excellent Emerging Organization Award as part of the Center鈥檚 20th anniversary conference for nonprofit professionals and volunteers on May 2, 2019.

Brenda Asare, The Alford Group; Maree Bullock, The Alford Group; Pier Rogers, Axelson Center; Kelli Haywood, Dream On Education

The Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management announced the winners of its Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence and its Excellent Emerging Organization Award as part of the Center鈥檚 20th anniversary conference for nonprofit professionals and volunteers on May 2, 2019.

The 2019 Alford-Axelson Award, given for exemplary nonprofit management practices, was presented to Bridge Communities with an honorable mention awarded to Chicago Children鈥檚 Advocacy Center. The 2019 Excellent Emerging Organization Award, presented to an up-and-coming Chicago area nonprofit, was presented to Dream On Education with an honorable mention awarded to Shift: Englewood Youth Orchestra.

The Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence recognizes nonprofits serving the seven county Chicago region who exemplify outstanding nonprofit management practices. This year鈥檚 award winner, Bridge Communities, helps homeless families in DuPage County transition to self-sufficiency by working with partners to provide mentoring, housing, and supportive services. The award review committee believes Bridge鈥檚 ongoing success can be attributed to a clear understanding of the connection between strong organizational infrastructure, strategy, and quality programs. For over 30 years, the organization has operated with a balanced budget. Bridge鈥檚 sound financial performance and diversified funding model enable the organization to secure sustainability into the future.

The winners of this year鈥檚 Alford-Axelson Award received a $10,000 cash prize and commemorative award symbolizing the organization鈥檚 dedication to nonprofit managerial excellence. This award honors and continues the legacies of Nils G. Axelson, a devoted community health care leader and visionary, and Jimmie R. Alford, a leading contemporary thinker and practitioner in the nonprofit arena.

Dream On Education, the 2019 Excellent Emerging Organization Award winner, prepares high-performing, low-income 6th鈥�8th grade students for the rigor of a high school and college curriculum.

Dream On鈥檚 unique curriculum focuses on scholastic development, mentoring, career exposure, and cultural exposure to keep high-achieving, low-income 6th鈥�8th graders鈥攁n underserved and often forgotten demographic鈥攆rom falling through the cracks.

The award committee attributes Dream On鈥檚 success to strong leadership, a rigorous theory of change with clear outcomes and accountability, resourceful collaborations, and a determined mission combined with creativity and innovation.

Dream On Education received a $5,000 cash prize, a commemorative award and a capacity-building package that will support improvement of services and efficiency.

Learn more about both the Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence and the Excellent Emerging Organization Award, and review lists of past award winners at the Axelson Center website.

The Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management at 萝莉社 is the source for informative and engaging nonprofit professional development in the Chicago region. Through regular workshops, webinars, and an annual two-day conference, the Axelson Center delivers a superior educational experience for nonprofit managers, leaders, and frontline staff, covering a vast array of topics including program evaluation, strategic planning, communications, and financial management. The valuable information presented through these programs enhances the impact of both the nonprofit sector and its professional staff. Visit www.northpark.edu/axelson for more information.

Author Ellen AlmerPosted on Categories Announcement, News, Stories

North Park Honors Grads During Commencement Weekend

More than 550 North Parkers received their diplomas, graduate degrees, and certificates during a celebratory commencement weekend filled with family, friends, and University faculty and staff.

More than 550 North Parkers received their diplomas, graduate degrees, and certificates during a celebratory commencement weekend filled with family, friends, and University faculty and staff.

The celebratory weekend began with the Baccalaureate Service, held Friday evening at the historic Fourth Presbyterian Church downtown, and continued Saturday with the undergraduate commencement ceremony.

The Procession of Colors kicked off the ceremony, with graduates carrying the flags of the countries in which they were born or had been residents. In all, 25 countries, from Rwanda to South Korea, were represented, the flags serving as a visual embodiment of North Park鈥檚 intercultural distinctive.

These students were followed by 300 of their classmates, who took their seats at the front of the assembled crowd.

鈥淭his indeed is a glorious moment,鈥� President Mary K. Surridge said, addressing the graduates. 鈥淵ears of diligent work have led to this milestone; you have reason to be proud of your accomplishment.鈥�

President Surridge continued: 鈥淥ur vision, building on our core institutional identity 鈥� Christian, city-centered, and intercultural 鈥� is to fashion a university of uncommon character and enduring excellence where faith, learning, and service meet. You are evidence that we are advancing this vision.鈥�

President Surridge then took a moment to honor members of the Class of 1969, many of whom were in attendance, dressed in golden robes and sitting just behind the members of the Class of 2019. President Surridge noted that in 1969, gas was 30 cents a gallon, the median income was $8,500, and it was the year of Woodstock and the first year Yale University admitted women.

Before the Class of 1969 stood to applause, she lauded the 鈥淟egacy of our faithful alumni.鈥�

This year, a three-way tie meant that three students received the Ahnfeldt Medallion, awarded to the graduate with the highest grade point average. This year鈥檚 recipients were Aseel Hussein, a politics and government major; Katelyn Jo Truex, a psychology major; and Dawson Vosburg, a sociology major.

Following the conferring of undergraduate degrees, the David Nyvall Medallion for Distinguished Service was awarded to Dr. Linda Duncan in recognition of more than 40 years of service to North Park.

Under Duncan鈥檚 leadership as dean, the undergraduate nursing program was redesigned and undergraduate enrollment doubled, becoming one of North Park鈥檚 largest majors. Lab space was significantly expanded, including the addition of the cutting-edge Kathy Holmgren Nursing Simulation Center.

The morning ceremony was followed in the afternoon by the Graduate and School of Professional Studies Commencement Convocation. During the commencement litany, graduate students vowed to continue to live the North Park mission.

鈥淲e will strive to show reverence for all human life, to treat all people with dignity and respect, and to work together for the common good,鈥� the graduates said in unison. 鈥淎s we leave this place, we will continue to explore the world and learn from the perspective of others.鈥�

The day ended with the Seminary Commencement and Consecration Service, where recently retired Directory of Ministry Services Carol Lawson received an honorary degree. The commencement speaker, Cecilia Williams, serves as the Executive Minister for the Love Mercy Do Justice mission of the Evangelical Covenant Church.

At the Baccalaureate Service, President Surridge addressed graduates on the eve of their graduation.

鈥淭onight is a gift from God,鈥� President Surridge said. 鈥淕athered on the eve of a milestone, we offer to God what we have to give 鈥� ourselves and the stirrings of our hearts and minds.鈥�

The Baccalaureate Address was given by Craig R. Johnson, the retiring Dean of the School of Music, Art, and Theatre. Afterward, the graduates received Prayers of Blessings from University faculty and staff.

Earlier in the week, a special athletics commencement ceremony was held for members of the baseball and rowing teams, whose members were participating in a tournament and a regatta, respectively, during the traditional ceremony.

Watch Commencement Videos

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories News, Stories

CDIO Introduces Annual Internship Awards

The Career Development and Internship Office honored an intern of the year and an internship host of the year at the Eighth Annual Networking Dinner.

The Career Development and Internship Office (CDIO) walks alongside students from the beginning of their academic careers at North and even after they graduate, offering guidance for career goals and assisting with resumes, internships, and interviewing strategies, and more. One of their valuable offerings to students is the annual CDIO Networking Dinner鈥攁n event where students have the opportunity to sit over a meal with professionals for networking opportunities. Evelyne Peterson, the career programs manager of the CDIO, highlights the benefits of the event. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a lot of skill development that students don鈥檛 necessarily get just through the classroom experience, so this one of those good guidepost experiences while they鈥檙e at North Park.鈥�

This year, a new aspect was incorporated into the dinner: internship awards. On April 4, the CDIO honored an intern of the year and an internship host of the year at the Eighth Annual Networking Dinner. According to Renee Tucker Martinez, the CDIO鈥檚 career education specialist, the awards were created to recognize students鈥� hard work at internships as well as the internships that host North Park students. 鈥淭his is the city of Chicago; there are boundless opportunities for students to build preprofessional resumes,鈥� she says, in hopes that the awards will encourage more students to explore internship opportunities.

Winner of the Intern of the Year Award, Mi Ran Choi C鈥�20 is a cello performance major also working towards a certificate in music for social change and human values. Choi was nominated by Dr. Tom Zelle based on her internship with The People鈥檚 Music School. With the help of resources from the CDIO and conversations with Dr. Zelle, Choi got connected with Ewa Sarota-Raczek, program manager of the non-profit organization dedicated to making music education accessible to communities.

With immense gratitude for her internship experience at The People鈥檚 Music School, Choi says, 鈥淚n the two years I have worked with them, my perspectives on music, social change, and human values have greatly expanded, and it is always a delight to see the students I work with growing into caring young adults.鈥� Primarily working with the Albany Park Youth Orchestras, Choi assisted with administrative tasks and in music theory and strings classes, where she learned about the inner workings of music education. In regard to her future, Choi mentions that the internship has further enhanced her interest in nonprofit music organizations as well as connecting music education to social justice. 鈥淭his has served as a humbling reminder to me that music is so much more than what is written on pages; rather, it is what connects us all through a common, underlying pulse of humanity.鈥�

Sean Cari帽o, an infection control practitioner at the Swedish Covenant Hospital, won the Internship Host of the Year Award after being nominated by his intern Eduardo Vaca C鈥�20, a biochemistry major. Cari帽o emphasizes the importance of data and experience to his interns, saying, 鈥淚t’s not the formulas you memorize that make you better, it’s how creative you are with what you’ve got.鈥� In order to decrease the risk of infection in patients, Cari帽o taught Vaca how to collect and analyze his own data regarding the hand hygiene of the hospital employees; he also invited to Vaca to meetings, where he could expand his network and was challenged to learn about professionalism and real-world problems.

Cari帽o, who has been working with North Parkers for a year, recalls his own meaningful internship experiences. 鈥淚t really was the mentors who took care of me that made me appreciate where I am now, so one of my biggest impetuses is to be who I needed when I was young.鈥� Which goes hand in hand with what Vaca says about his internship experience. 鈥淪ean鈥檚 mentorship and just genuine friendship has been a priceless support for me right now, and I could not be more grateful.鈥�

Learn More 萝莉社 the CDIO

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories News, StoriesTags ,