North Park has served five generations of students and continues to grow in diversity, academic relevance, and Christian commitment. Our Chicago location is a great asset that reflects the School鈥檚 global reach and outlook.
After 125 years, we鈥檝e learned how to streamline the process of helping qualified applicants seek admission to North Park and find affordable ways to attend. If you don鈥檛 see what you鈥檙e looking for on our website, please contact us directly!
North Park offers more than 40 graduate and undergraduate programs in liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. Classes average 17 students. 84% of our faculty have terminal degrees. Academics here are rigorous and results-oriented.
North Park Theological Seminary prepares you to answer the call to service through theological study, spiritual development, and the formative experiences of living in a community with others on a similar life path.
The Office of Alumni Engagement fosters lifelong connections by engaging alumni with the university and one another in activities, programs, and services that support the university鈥檚 mission and alumni needs.
Eva Peroulas, 萝莉社 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) candidate, is using a $70,000 grant from to fund much needed programs to improve the health of women and their newborn babies in underserved and at-risk populations. As part of Peroulas鈥� DNP project, an integral learning requirement to earn a DNP, Peroulas set out to focus on health disparities and identifying pressing women鈥檚 health issues in the diverse 60625 demographic. With a passion for women鈥檚 health, guidance and mentoring from North Park DNP professors, and the financial support from Swedish Hospital, Peroulas is making a difference in one of the most significant stages in a woman鈥檚 lifespan鈥攑re and perinatal health.
Eva Peroulas
Energetic, dedicated, and resourceful, Peroulas began her educational nursing journey spanning over 30 years when she watched, in gratitude, nursing staff care for her young son in the hospital for a month and wanted to return the favor to other patients and their families. She soon after earned her associate’s degree in nursing; 10 years later a BSN; a graduate certificate in healthcare management from North Park; 10 years later a MSN; and another 10 years later her DNP. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about leading with example on a personal and professional level,鈥� said Peroulas. A clinical instructor at North Park from 2013-2015, Peroulas believes in continuous learning to understand the full realm of nursing more fully, which she passed on to her daughter who also became a nurse.
As the Director of聽Women and Newborn聽Services at Swedish Hospital, Peroulas seeks to help anyone who is in need and to communicate the message that we are here for you. This motto has set Peroulas鈥� goals in motion and has been benefitting the diverse community that Swedish Hospital serves, representing 60 languages and 17 ethnic centers.
Armed with the $70,000 grant from Swedish Hospital and the mindset that healthy babies and healthy moms are the very reasons for the healthcare system to recognize a return on their investment, Peroulas set out to support every mother-to-be starting with a breastfeeding clinic. 鈥淭he foundation (Swedish Hospital) is the wind beneath my wings, and they do so much for our community,鈥� said Peroulas.
Lactation Consultation and Doula Services
Peroulas will put the grant to immediate use towards programs marked by long-lasting health and wellness outcomes for mother and baby. After discovering that pregnant women in underserved and at-risk populations are three times more likely to not breastfeed, Peroulas set out to address provider bias, which influences breastfeeding assumptions. With supportive assistance like the breastfeeding clinic at Swedish Hospital combined with lactation consultants on-hand, Peroulas has already seen an increase in breastfeeding rates and a marked improvement in postpartum recovery among new mothers.
In addition, Peroulas聽will be starting聽a doula service program (professional labor assistant providing physical and emotional support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period) to help underserved and at-risk populations recover from childbirth and adjust to motherhood.
Addressing Access and Healthcare Inequities
Seeing that provider bias has a far-reaching effect, even outside the immediate healthcare setting, Peroulas instituted a program to provide bassinets and car seats, after finding the SIDS rate to be higher for at-risk populations.
Peroulas鈥� holistic thinking is on a continuum and with no detail overlooked鈥攆rom accessing services once already in a healthcare setting to getting to/from healthcare facilities. Cab vouchers are being set aside for patients in need, so they can keep and arrive on-time to health and wellness appointments.
Grooming of Leadership Skills
Described as down-to-earth, warm, hard-working, and funny, Peroulas understands the issues of not being part of the mainstream culture. 鈥淧eroulas put information together logically and ran with it beyond all expectations. She is a very passionate, accepting person,鈥� said Dr. Maryann Gierloff, 萝莉社 Associate Professor of Nursing and Director of Graduate Programs.
Peroulas, on track to earn her DNP in December 2022, has built a steady career on the premise that in order to learn it has to be challenging. 鈥淚鈥檓 really happy I chose North Park. It鈥檚 (DNP) not an easy program but it鈥檚 a very warm environment and a university that is also like family,鈥� said Peroulas.
“I have fond memories of my time playing for the Vikings football team, and I carry my school pride to this day.”
Shazad Carbaidwala, Business Management, C鈥�01
“I have fond memories of my time playing for the Vikings football team, and I carry my school pride to this day. I still have my game jersey, practice jersey, practice shorts, and other North Park paraphernalia. I remember the camaraderie with all my teammates and all the rigorous training sessions that molded me into who I am today.
“My mentors and coaches taught me about hard work and dedication 鈥� a recipe for success not only on the gridiron, but in life. My hours training and learning allowed me to become regional champion bodybuilder and gave me the intellect to start my own personal training business.
“It means the world to me being part of the North Park community. Being a North Park Viking has taught me discipline, hard work, and an Iron Will attitude to accomplish everything I set out to do.”
“Dr. John Weborg came back to me and said, ‘We do not walk in according to seniority. Come and walk in up here with me.’ That has been my experience as a member of the Seminary faculty since 2005.”
Paul De Neui, Professor of Missiology
“During my first convocation as a new faculty member of the , I was at the end of the line and one of my former professors (I was a student in the seminary in ’81) Dr. John Weborg came back to me and said, ‘We do not walk in according to seniority. Come and walk in up here with me.’ That has been my experience as a member of the Seminary faculty since 2005.”
“Classes with Charles Wiberg and Zenos Hawkinson were an incredible experience. I learned how to learn from these men.”
Robert Craig C’75, History and Urban Studies
“I grew up in Chicago and attended high school a mile or so down Foster Avenue from North Park at Amundsen High. Nothing in my high school history classes could have prepared me for my first history lecture at North Park鈥攁n American history class taught by Dr. Wiberg in the auditorium. It must have been a 101 class because there were over a hundred students. Dr. Wiberg sat on a stool on the stage鈥攏o lectern, no notes鈥攁nd just started speaking. It was the most incredible thing I had ever heard. I was mesmerized! I happened to look around and everyone else had their heads down and were writing in their notebooks. I thought to myself ‘they should be listening to this; it’s wonderful!’ 萝莉社 then the person next to me whispered and told me I should be taking notes. ‘Notes?! What is that?’ I didn’t have a clue! Luckily, I had some great friends who rolled their eyes, laughed at my plight, and then pitched in to give me a crash course in note-taking. It must have worked.
“Being a history major influenced me greatly, not only in my knowledge and understanding of history but in how to research and most importantly to write. Classes with Charles Wiberg and Zenos Hawkinson were an incredible experience. I learned how to learn from these men. Every class required a research paper, and we were taught to write clearly and succinctly. Neither would accept anything but grammatically correct and structurally sound papers. There was no such thing as good writing, only good re-writing. Papers were to be properly annotated and footnoted. It was only after your paper passed muster in these areas that content was examined. When your paper was finally accepted, it was a cause for celebration. The ability to write well was crucial in my chosen profession, and after having those classes I was prepared for just about anything.”
“North Park has served as a community that has aided the growth and development of me as a student and a musician, both professionally and personally.”
Terrance Smith, Conducting and Voice C鈥�15, MA in Christian Formation S鈥�22
“North Park has served as a community that has aided the growth and development of me as a student and a musician, both professionally and personally. I had the opportunity to tour nationally and internationally with the gospel choir and with the university choir. We went to Sweden, California on the west coast, and New Jersey and Boston on the east coast. Singing, leading, and playing a role in the community really helped me grow as a person.
“Dr. Helen Hawkins, who retired last year, also made my time at North Park memorable. Because of our relationship, I was recommended for her position as the Director of the Gospel Choir, which is how I am now a part of North Park faculty and staff. Dr. Julia Davids is a great mentor, too, and is now one of my colleagues. I am excited and grateful that North Park gave me the opportunity to develop my story and that I now have the privilege of sharing my experiences and joy that have been a part of my journey with students and generations to come. We are better together.”
“When I look back at my life, my foundation is in Christ, but I have to give credit to North Park for believing in me.”
Joan McPherson S鈥�97, Master of Arts in Theological Studies and a Master of Management
I had been serving as an associate minister and wanted to attend seminary to improve my knowledge of the Bible, but I had two small children and only a high school education. Even my pastor said he didn鈥檛 think this could happen, but for me this was a faith journey. I wanted to be an example of what God can do.
I quit a really nice job with the US Treasury and went to North Park. I was an older student, from a Pentecostal background, with no undergraduate degree. I was so impressed with the warmth in how they received me. They recognized my experience in business and public speaking and let me enroll.
One day I accepted a ride home from a classmate, and my husband became jealous. He was verbally abusive and threatened me. I was not physically hurt, but emotionally devastated. I had my pride and didn鈥檛 want to tell the school, but I had to. I had to look for a place to stay. I was not working. My church of 25 years abandoned me. I was undone.
North Park was the stranger that picked me up when I was in the middle of the road. They cared for me. They bandaged my wounds. I stayed on campus, and my kids grew up at North Park. I worked for two years at Covenant headquarters, I made new friends, and the faculty helped me realize I had not been called by my church, I had been called by God.
With master鈥檚 degrees in theology and management, I wound up with a job as the Director of Education for the African American Leadership Partnership supporting African American pastors pursuing graduate degrees. Since then, I鈥檝e had the opportunity to speak and serve at churches of almost every denomination.
When I look back at my life, my foundation is in Christ, but I have to give credit to North Park for believing in me. The University, Seminary, and North Park Covenant Church supported us, loved us, and gave me hope in a very difficult time in my life. I will always love this school!
After two years of hosting the Annual Multicultural Awards Celebration virtually, North Park鈥檚 Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life (ODIL) resumed the event in person with community, food, and awards on Friday, March 25th, at Olsson Lounge in Nyvall Hall. Students, staff, and faculty members involved with academics, athletics, campus involvement, and community service were honored through the presentation of various distinct awards for their outstanding commitment to diversity, advocacy, and justice.
Multicultural Student Leader Award
The Multicultural Student Leader Award recognizes graduating seniors who are current or prior executive members of North Park鈥檚 cultural clubs; student workers with at least one and a half years of service in the Collaboratory or the Office of Diversity; or prior Diversity Representatives in the Student Government Association.
This year鈥檚 Multicultural Student Leader Award recipients include:
Rukhayya Adil
Irma Bahena
Mallory Coakley
Destiny Correa
Jennifer Fuentes-Rivas
Michelle Gorges
Megha Hans
Lien Landin
Mylan Nguyen
Amanda Rahana
Emily Ramirez
Zoha Raza
Annika Sager
Kiersten Stenmark
Each award recipient is unique in their own way. Some of the awardees shared additional background on what this award means to them.
Irma Bahena, who serves as the Treasurer of the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) and as a Resident Assistant. Bahena works to maintain that at LASO everyone feels welcome and open to learning about the identities and backgrounds of its members. Bahena applies her interest in learning about different cultures to plan intercultural events and develop meaningful relationships. 鈥淚 would like to thank those who acknowledged me for this award and everyone who gave me an opportunity to demonstrate my capabilities as a leader. North Park will always be a place I consider home. I will definitely miss the friendships and great mentors I had throughout my college years that guided me through this journey,鈥� said Bahena.
As President of Rising DREAMers United (RDU), Destiny Correa works to create an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity. Correa says anyone is welcome in RDU and all students are welcome to join. Members can obtain important resources shared through the club. 鈥淏eing part of RDU is a great way to connect with students across campus, so receiving this award means a lot to me because they see who I am and hear what I have done and that means something,鈥� said Correa.
Lien Landin, who served as both the Vice President and President of Queers and Allies (Q&A) before graduating in December 2021, shapes an open and welcoming environment through the cultural club where everyone is encouraged to participate. 鈥淏eing honored at the celebration is something that I never dreamed of, and I am overwhelmed by all the love and support this campus provided to me and others in Queer and Allies,鈥� said Landin.
Utilizing her position as President of the East Asian Student Association (EASA), Mylan Nguyen, celebrates diversity through the club鈥檚 values of discipline, balance, ambition, and togetherness and by connecting with the community to learn about cultures.
Mylan Nguyen
鈥淩eceiving this award is meaningful to me as my efforts show that I cherish interactions. I carry my East Asian culture with me every day to show how dedicated I am to being a role model of EASA,鈥� said Nguyen.
Champion of Diversity Award
The Champion of Diversity Award, formally known as the 萝莉社 Martin Luther King, Jr. Award, highlights a faculty member, staff member, or administrator that has conducted exceptional work in the areas of interculturalism, restorative justice, or racial reconciliation on campus. The recipient is selected by ODIL professional and student staff.
Dr. Peter K. B. St. Jean was selected as the recipient of the 2022 Champion of Diversity Award for his research and leadership in community outreach efforts through the Urban Peace Lab within the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, along with his commitment to diversity within curriculum, and a bold conviction towards facing and addressing issues on campus for transformative change. Dr. St. Jean serves as an elected member of the Faculty Senate and has been selected to lead the North Park Conversation Steering Committee, a task force that holds important conversations about race on campus. This academic year, Dr. St. Jean hosted multiple jam sessions in collaboration with the Black Student Union and the ODIL.
Dr. Peter K. B. St. Jean
鈥淥rganizers, thank you for recognizing my role in this important collective work. The struggle continues to significantly reduce the victimizations that toxic legacies of white supremacy and arrogance in leadership have directly imposed as a career gravesite for People of Color on our beloved 萝莉社 campus. These growing pains are hopefully necessary precursors to our future triumphs of excellence,鈥� said Dr. St. Jean.
ODIL Director鈥檚 and Assistant Director鈥檚 Award
The ODIL Director鈥檚 and Assistant Director鈥檚 Award recognizes a person or group for their outstanding contributions to the campus community through their involvement in fostering an inclusive and intercultural campus culture.
Casey Reeves received the Assistant Director鈥檚 Award for their strong commitment to diversity as an ODIL student worker. Embodying outstanding hospitality and leadership, Reeves led several ODIL social night events and served as programming support.
Casey Reeves
Reeves represents the LGBTQIA+ and commuter communities, advocating for equity, inclusion, and belonging. Reeves creates and keeps educational materials on hand that advocate and educate on disability rights, non-binary persons, and interfaith.
鈥淚 love the people I鈥檝e met at North Park and they鈥檝e made this place a home for me. It just makes you want to do what you can to make sure the environment at North Park is not only welcoming but has a sustainable energy to make sure that people for years will feel at home at this school,鈥� said Reeves.
Honors Convocation Diversity Award
The Honors Convocation Diversity Award honors a senior for outstanding leadership and sustained commitment to advancing North Park’s intercultural core identity on campus and/or throughout the Chicago community. The recipient of the award is determined by the university鈥檚 Office of the Provost and the ODIL.
Megha Hans was selected as the recipient of the Honors Convocation Diversity Award for her many achievements incuding: leaderships and commitment as the South Asian Student Organization (SASA) President; Student Government Association (SGA) 2021-2022 Diversity Representative and Advisory Committee Co-Chairperson; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Institutional Council member; and concert band member.
Megha Hans
Hans also completed prior service to the Commuter Student Association, as the SGA Commuter Representative, and as one of the SGA leadership team charter sponsors of the Muslim Student Association at North Park.
Initially joining SASA during her first year to connect with students of similar interests and tastes in food, Hans鈥檚 involvement in the club led her to various leadership roles. 鈥淚 feel very thankful to be chosen, and I am excited to be honored! I have accomplished so much with my involvement on campus throughout my four years here, and this is all because I was inspired to create a change in whatever way possible,鈥� said Hans.
Josephina 鈥淛osie鈥� Summerville also received the 2022 Honors Convocation Diversity Award. She is a four-year member of the North Park Women鈥檚 Basketball Team, an elected member of the Student Athletics Advisory Committee (SAAC), a Resident Assistant, a Threshold Orientation leader, and a member of Q&A. Known as a member of the most talented and accomplished Viking Women’s basketball classes in recent history, Summerville also works to bring awareness of the positive all-inclusive and diverse identities of student-athletes. She has championed the promotion of LGBTQ+ inclusion and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), advocating for belonging for all students at 萝莉社.
Josephina Summerville
In addition to this award, Summerville has also been nominated for the NCAA Division III LGBTQ Student-Athlete of the Year Award by ODIL Director, Sharee L. Myricks, who serves as the NCAA Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee at 萝莉社.
鈥淲hen I received聽this award, I immediately called聽my mom. She has been my backbone, but I have been her teacher in what it means to be me in this changing world. This award shows my identity, and I am honored, blessed, and hope that the next person will take this role and honor it fully,鈥� said Summerville.
Outstanding Intercultural Alumni Award
The Outstanding Intercultural Alumni Award annually honors and recognizes an alum who has shown outstanding involvement, initiative, and/or collaboration to give back to the ODIL at North Park in the areas of interculturalism.
This year, Katelyn Johnson 鈥�04 was selected as one of two inaugural recipients of the Outstanding Intercultural Alumni Award. Johnson graduated from North Park with a B.A. in English and served as a devoted member of the Black Student Union and the President of the Student Government Association (SGA). Johnson currently serves as the founding Executive Director for BlackRoots Alliance, a nonprofit organization committed to the safety and liberation of all Black people through collective work that builds political, social, and economic power in Black communities. Additionally, Johnson advocates for racial equity, is the author of at least six publications, is the leading advocate for the campaign to raise the Illinois minimum wage to $15, and is an instrumental role in the success of the 鈥淕row Your Own Teachers鈥� program intended to diversify the teaching profession in Illinois.
Katelyn Johnson
For years, the BlackRoots Alliance has offered internship opportunities for students for experience in non-profit management, civil engagement, and grassroots organizing. Additionally, Johnson has offered personal mentoring opportunities to students. In collaboration with the ODIL, she has provided directional guidance for successful outreach to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) alum engagement, such as the upcoming Diversity Alumni Caucus. Johnson鈥檚 efforts have directly increased communication, financial contributions, and involvement from BIPOC alums to the ODIL and diversity clubs.
鈥淭his award is incredibly meaningful to me. North Park created the conditions that inspired me to work for racial justice and a lot of that inspiration came from clubs and programs that now exist within the Office of Diversity,鈥� said Johnson.
The ODIL also selected Bree Yoo-Sun McLuen 鈥�10 as one of two inaugural recipients of the 2022 Outstanding Intercultural Alumni Award. McLuen graduated from North Park with a B.A. in English with a focus in Creative Writing and served as a devoted member of the Black Student Union and as a student-athlete on both the Women’s Track and Women鈥檚 Cross-Country teams. McLuen currently serves as the Immigration & Development Coordinator for the Hanul Family Alliance, a nonprofit organization that provides support to Korean and Korean American seniors and families. She also works to uplift the Korean American community, advocates for women and children, is an emerging author, and recently became the CEO of Wonhwa Warriors, LLC.
Bree Yoo-Sun McLuen
McLuen and the Hanul Family Alliance hosted immigration and legal services sessions for students during the second annual Undocumented Student Awareness in collaboration with the ODIL, which aided undocumented students to become better informed on current DACA processes and community immigration services. Her efforts have also led to engaging students and staff in community service at the Hanul Family Alliance, where participants volunteer as food packers and drivers to support local seniors.
“The lessons I carry with me from being an RA are so vital as I get to continue to work alongside others and give them resources catered to their story while creating a new chapter.”
Michelle Norton C鈥�18, Communications and Psychology
My favorite memories are of being a Resident Assistant on campus. My first year living on campus set the tone for me because my RA was such a light. I was a first-generation college student leaving home for the first time. It was difficult to adjust, but my RA was so helpful in my transition. There were so many new opportunities that I was overwhelmed by navigating all I wanted to do, so she helped me stay on track and balance everything.
I had the opportunity to give back to students by being selected to be a RA the following year. As a communications/psychology major, I was gaining real-world experience caring for all types of students with different needs, including working alongside international students who go through even more transitions. I learned the depth of patience required for navigating a new country and culture.
Now I鈥檓 a Director of Recruitment for Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland. Each and every day I get the privilege to learn an applicant鈥檚 story and lead them to a career path where they continue to grow and discover who they are and what they want to accomplish for their future.
The lessons I carry with me from being an RA are so vital as I get to continue to work alongside others and give them resources catered to their story while creating a new chapter.
“I鈥檓 proud of saying I graduated from 萝莉社 and get to be a part of such a phenomenal community.”
Alyssa Juergensen C鈥�13, Bachelors in Business Administration
“I had taken a semester off from my first college for my mental health. I only had one year left, but I was depressed and dealing with a lot of anxiety. I found North Park鈥檚 accelerated program because I could attend classes at the Grayslake campus from where I lived in Waukegan, and it seemed like the right program for me at the time.
“I thought I would do enough to get by and graduate, but my professors, especially Christopher Hubbard, challenged the heck out of me. They were hard on me, not to the point I was anxious, but to where I felt driven. They pushed me because they saw that I could do more. They didn鈥檛 accept anything less than what I could do. I felt more confident and driven to do better for myself.
“After everything, I ended up graduating magna cum laude. I鈥檓 proud of saying I graduated from 萝莉社 and get to be a part of such a phenomenal community.”
“North Park is not only helping me to prepare for my future career but to prepare for life.”
Katrina Annemarie Giannoni, Nursing, C鈥�22
“North Park takes learning to a whole new level. During my freshman year, I had the opportunity to spend every weekend in our very own cadaver lab. This is by far the most memorable part of my academic career at North Park. It’s great for students wanting to pursue careers in the sciences and gain hands-on experience while receiving guidance from experts in the field.
“North Park is not only helping me to prepare for my future career but to prepare for life. Life will have rough seas and smooth sailing, but North Park has taught me that while rowing the ship might not always be easy, we Vikings must hold each other up, and together we can rise.
“My tapestry at North Park includes Rowing team, Women’s Chorale, The American Medical Student Association, experience as a nursing supplemental instructor and President of the Student Nurses Association, and so much more. Through all of this I鈥檝e experienced one thing in common鈥攁mazing people.”
We’re celebrating 130 years of North Park community. You’re invited to share your own story at
Author Ellen AlmerPosted on Categories Stories
