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.
From President Mary K. Surridge: I am delighted to announce today that the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees for 萝莉社 has approved the nomination of Michael S. Carr, Ph.D. as Provost and chief academic officer, responsible for leading the university鈥檚 faculty and full academic program.
From President Mary K. Surridge: I am delighted to announce today that the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees for 萝莉社 has approved the nomination of Michael S. Carr, Ph.D. as Provost and chief academic officer, responsible for leading the university鈥檚 faculty and full academic program. Dr. Carr will join the President鈥檚 Cabinet, partnering with and reporting directly to the President, beginning July 1, 2021.
As chief academic officer, the Provost provides leadership for the development and implementation of all academic planning and policy as well as the academic budget; reviews and approves academic appointments; and makes recommendations to the president on promotion and tenure decisions. Within this role, the Provost coordinates across all academic units鈥擟ollege of Arts and Sciences; School of Business & Nonprofit Management; School of Education; School of Nursing & Health Sciences; School of Music, Art and Theatre; School of Professional Studies; and Theological Seminary.
Dr. Carr is a person of active and expressed Christian faith and has been active for over 20 years in his Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) congregation.听 He is very enthused about the mission and opportunity to serve North Park, lead our faculty and be a strong strategic senior partner with the president now, and into the decade to come.听 He has measurable and demonstrated success in academic program development, personnel management, budget management, and strategic partnerships across higher education in the city of Chicago.听 He has demonstrated success with articulation agreements with two-year community colleges (an important and growing transfer market for North Park) and was the candidate with the deepest understanding and experience with a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) in Chicago.
Dr. Carr emerged as the premier candidate of our campus community from a strong pool of four finalists, after well-attended campus forums and more than 200 submitted feedback forms that overwhelmingly supported him.
I have full confidence in his leadership, our partnership, and his ability to support and advance our Christian mission.
Dr. Carr comes to us from National Louis University in Chicago where he has served as Deputy Provost responsible for advancing change leadership across the academic enterprise and providing direction and executive oversight that promotes academic excellence and positive student outcomes. He earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree from Olivet Nazarene University, his master鈥檚 from Ball State University, and his PhD in molecular biology from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
He is an accomplished scholar, a proven administrator, and the right person to serve in this vital role at this important time in the history of our 130-year-old institution, as we create our future together through North Park Next. I have full confidence in his ability to lead our excellent faculty as we enhance and expand our academic portfolio aligned with student interests and employer needs and emerge as a model for Christian higher education in 21st Century America.
NLU is a designated Hispanic and Minority Serving Institution (HSI, MSI) serving nearly 10,000 students annually at the undergraduate and graduate levels at multiple campuses and online. Among many other accomplishments at that institution, Dr. Carr co-led the development of Accelerate U, a new division focused on the creation of stackable credentials aligned with the bachelor鈥檚 degree and employer needs; developed the 2030 Strategic Plan Pillar 鈥淧reparing Our Students for the Future of Work鈥�; worked with faculty to develop a strategic plan for research and scholarship; and worked with the Faculty Senate Chair and committees to develop Senate yearly goals and update policy revisions as needed. Dr. Carr also mobilized the university鈥檚 remote learning response to the pandemic and led NLU鈥檚 preparation for the 2021 HLC comprehensive site visit.
鈥淚 am grateful for the opportunity to serve at a university which aligns my personal and professional values.听 I look forward to working with the tremendous faculty and the collective community as 萝莉社 becomes a model of urban, Christian education through community engagement and impact.鈥�
Dr. Carr was selected after a national search conducted by a diverse committee of colleagues representing North Park faculty, staff, administrators, and Board of Trustees, in partnership with Academic Search. .
The University is deeply grateful to Dr. Andrea Hamos and Dr. Mahauganee Shaw of Academic Search; to our Search committee co-chairs, Anthony Scola, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing and Dr. Cindy Hudson, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences; and to the members of the search committee: Yoojin Choi, Professor of Biology and Director of Summer Science Academy; Gregory Crawford, Board of Trustees and Adjunct Faculty, School of Business and Nonprofit听 Management; Peggy Kotowski, Assistant Professor of Nursing and Baccalaureate Program Director; Maya Durham Rayner, Assistant Professor of Art and Graphic Design; Aaron Schoof, Senior Director of Data and Administrative Services; Kelly Potteiger, Professor of Athletic Training; Andrea Nevels, Vice President for Student Engagement; Michael Johnson, Professor of History; and Rochelle Robinson-Levant, Associate Dean, School of Business and Nonprofit听 Management. I also thank all in our community who participated in the campus forums.
With deep gratitude and respect to Dr. Craig Johnson for his service and leadership as Provost over the last 18 months, we look forward to his engagement with Dr. Carr in a productive and successful transition.
Together, we did it! Read President Mary K. Surridge’s end-of-year message to the campus community.
Together, we did it!
With thanksgiving and glory to God, we offer congratulations to our North Park graduates, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. We have completed this very challenging 2020鈥�2021 academic year safely and successfully鈥攁nd with much to celebrate as we head into summer.
The glorious scene on campus on Saturday, May 8, celebrated the graduating class of 2021, with FOUR consecutive in-person commencement ceremonies on the field of the Holmgren Athletic Complex. By the end of the day, 447 degrees were conferred upon 445 graduates鈥�293 undergraduate and 154 graduate degrees!
The remarkable achievements of this resilient class will be forever noted as part of the rich history and strength of our university.听Our graduates displayed the persistence and perseverance to succeed. We have much to be grateful for, and much to respect and admire in this outstanding class.
If you could not attend this past Saturday, I encourage you to join the celebration at 10 am on Saturday, May 15, 2021, for the full Virtual Commencement Ceremony at .
As one of the few universities in the Chicago area to pursue an in-person commencement, it was a fitting wrap to this academic year and provides acceleration and momentum to propel us forward.
2020鈥�21 Reflections听
With hope in God鈥檚 protection and provision, and the courageous endorsement of our Board of Trustees, we reopened our campus in the fall of 2020, kept Covid-19 cases to a minimum, and worked together to ensure educational progress. In December we celebrated a very moving virtual Festival听of Lessons and Carols: 鈥淎 Light in the Darkness.鈥� We returned in January for a spring semester that was even safer and provided an even more vibrant campus life, including a fire pit, hot chocolate, snowball fights, Viking athletics, and concerts.
Our gratitude and respect go to our Pandemic Response Team for their thoughtful, comprehensive planning and careful execution of our Covid-19 plan. That group, comprising a few dozen faculty, staff, and senior cabinet members, worked tirelessly all year to create the best possible learning and living environment for both remote and in-person learners. They monitored every guideline and case number and adjusted policies successfully. Our students faithfully observed the safety protocols, focused on their studies and campus activities, and helped each other keep moving. It was North Park community collaboration at its best.
What a year it has been!
In April, loyal North Park alumni and friends mounted a triumphant Blue and Gold Day, raising $225,184 for student scholarships.
Last week, 501 students听were听committed to North Park for Fall 2021听by听College National Decision Day鈥攗p from 384 students this time last year.听
We jumped 22 spots in the 2021 Midwest regional rankings of U.S. News; ranked 14th听of 87 Midwest schools in social mobility; and we were one of only 17 Midwest schools cited for 鈥淏est Undergraduate Teaching鈥� by our peers.
We are creating our future together through North Park Next with a collaborative, campus-wide strategic review of all our programs and resources.听
And, thanks to great work and community participation, we had a very positive campus experience with our HLC on-site visit for reaffirmation of our accreditation鈥攁nd we await a final report at the end of June.
And it all culminated in our Commencement celebration on May 8!听 Now we head into summer with strong momentum and high hopes for a close-to-normal semester for students in the fall.
Thanks to all for a job well done! To paraphrase the message painted atop one North Park graduate鈥檚 mortar board Saturday:听
North Park鈥檚 School of Nursing and Health Sciences is pleased to announce Alexis Volpentesta as the outstanding graduate student to be awarded with its first Dr. Joan E. Zetterlund Award in Graduate Nursing.
North Park鈥檚 School of Nursing and Health Sciences is pleased to announce Alexis Volpentesta as the outstanding graduate student to be awarded with its first Dr. Joan E. Zetterlund Award in Graduate Nursing. Volpentesta, selected for demonstrating academic and clinical excellence and commitment to nursing, was honored by the graduate nursing faculty at a virtual ceremony held on May 4th 2021.
Dr. Zetterlund presented the inaugural award to Volpentesta during the virtual ceremony.
Providing more than 35 years of distinguished service to North Park as faculty, Director, and Paul W. Brandel Professor of Nursing, Dr. Zetterlund is the first North Park nursing faculty to earn a doctorate and awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Theological Seminary.
An oncology nurse at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Volpentesta鈥檚 call to nursing resonates with her daily. 鈥淚鈥檓 on this earth to serve, and I鈥檓 where I鈥檓 supposed to be so I can help the most people that I can,鈥� said Volpentesta.
鈥淰olpentesta is an excellent student embracing the philosophy of the North Park鈥檚 School of Nursing,鈥� said Dr. Cynthia Hudson, North Park鈥檚 Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Volpentesta鈥檚 commitment to nursing was demonstrated throughout her studies and while working with vulnerable populations at the Lawndale Clinic. Faculty was also impressed with her positive attitude toward academic excellence. While discussing additional assignments, Volpentesta expressed to her professor, 鈥淚 want to do everything I need to do to be a great Nurse Practitioner.鈥�
To survive, and thrive, businesses require resilient and rapid responses to an ever-changing environment along with highly-functioning, well-prepared teams by their side. Acquiring these leadership skills starts with learning in an environment modeling adaptability.
At North Park鈥檚 School of Professional Studies (SPS), we practice what we teach鈥攅specially when it comes to preparing leaders to readily adapt to a changing business landscape.
Leadership classes focus on adaptability as a key take-away skill that will be applied right away in the workforce and is now the norm of hiring expectations. To survive, and thrive, businesses require resilient and rapid responses to an ever-changing environment along with highly-functioning, well-prepared teams by their side. Acquiring these leadership skills starts with learning in an environment modeling adaptability.
Melissa Feltner
鈥淪PS has taught me that we can no longer just do as we have always done in the past, we must learn to adapt and change as quickly as the environment around us is changing,鈥� says SPS student Melissa Feltner.
Covering relevant topics such as managing change and conflict; understanding group and organizational behavior; and leadership and management, SPS courses teach students how to be adaptive leaders.
鈥淢y professors emphasize how necessary preparation is as a leader, and my approach to problem solving has evolved. I am empowered to go after more opportunities and not let anything limit me from reaching for the stars,鈥� says SPS student Mika Lenorr.
Online learning for SPS students is the culmination of over 12 years of online teaching experience with ongoing real-time conversations. 鈥淢y professors regularly engage with us in discussion boards and other forums, which add more depth and perspective to the conversations,鈥� says SPS student Ryan Canfield.
Mika Lenorr
Engaging in a multi-media online model, students participate in a weekly structure of discussion forums, group work, videos, and lectures. 鈥淭he professors all provide tutorials in the beginning of each course ensuring that we are all comfortable with the required software and technology requirements,鈥� says Lenorr.
While nurturing diverse learners in a supportive environment, classmates delve deep into material, conversing and connecting with one another developing their critical thinking and communication skills. 鈥淓ach course is structured in a way that gives students the opportunity to collaborate and the independence and confidence to complete their tasks,鈥� says Lenorr.
Ryan Canfield
With specific courses geared towards understanding what it means to be a leader, students learn more about themselves and the type of leader they aspire to be. For Canfield, the courses he took in Leadership & Management, Understanding Group & Organizational Behavior, Servant Leadership, and Business Ethics strengthened his understanding of how to function as a leader in his career. 鈥淥ne of the greatest impacts on developing as a leader was learning about servant leadership and how this style allows me to align my approach with my core values of helping others,鈥� says Canfield.
鈥淢y Strategic Management and Servant Leadership course have both been the biggest influence for how I have reshaped my approach in the way that I engage with people within my personal life and in my career,鈥� adds Lenorr.
An attentive learning environment, with a shared goal to develop personally and professionally, fosters close relationships between faculty and peers for an all-around valuable experience. 鈥淏eing part of such a supportive environment has allowed me to truly absorb the content of my courses and use that information in my everyday life,鈥� says Feltner.
On March 17 and 18, 萝莉社 hosted 鈥淗ere and Now: Vocation, Work and Career in a Time of Constant Change,鈥� a NetVue symposium led by Dr. Gordon Smith, President of Ambrose University.
On March 17 and 18, 萝莉社 hosted 鈥淗ere and Now: Vocation, Work and Career in a Time of Constant Change,鈥� a NetVue symposium led by Dr. Gordon Smith, President of Ambrose University. The Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education, NetVUE is a nationwide network of colleges and universities formed to enrich the intellectual and theological exploration of vocation among undergraduate students.
When it comes to vocation and providing students with life skills, North Park maintains an ongoing commitment to bring experts to campus for additional practical learning opportunities. 鈥淭o foster the capacity that our institutions have to equip, empower, encourage, give all the emotional and spiritual and intellectual resources to each student to be able to discern vocation well, there鈥檚 hardly a better gift you can give another,鈥� said Dr. Smith.
Dr. Gordon Smith, President of Ambrose University
Through resources such as NetVue, North Park fosters an environment where students can explore their vocational interests and career tracks. Faculty seek out and support outlets like NetVue to stay abreast of current trends in the job market, preparing students to graduate and enter the workforce with a stronger understanding of specific professions. Shaping content within courses to be relevant to today鈥檚 world, North Park professors teach vocation so graduates can make connections between what they’re learning in the classroom and their career paths.
During the symposium, Dr. Smith encouraged students to find their own voices along their career paths. 鈥淯niversities like North Park can celebrate the diverse ways in which God is calling women and men into every sphere and sector of society to participate with what God is doing as Creator and Redeemer in the healing of creation, in the healing of the nations, in the healing and empowerment of families and communities,鈥� said Dr. Smith.
This symposium is made possible by a generous grant awarded to 萝莉社 by the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE), the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), and the Lilly Endowment.
The alumni award, which will be presented virtually,听recognizes significant alumni contributions that reflect听the Seminary鈥檚 core values and mission.
When Rev. Richard B. Lucco S鈥�79 came to North Park Theological听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听a pastor. Then, I fell in love with the Evangelical听Covenant Church.鈥�
Rev. Richard B. Lucco
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,听recognizes significant alumni contributions that reflect听the Seminary鈥檚 core values and mission. 鈥淭his award听means so much because going to North Park literally听changed my life,鈥� says Dick. In addition to being called听to pastoral ministry, Dick met his wife Valerie in the听Seminary library. Married for 43 years, they have four听sons, including two North Park graduates.
鈥淚t was a tremendous gift to make my deepest, lasting听friendships at North Park and to discover a church听and community I could be part of, and share in the听freedom of Christ,鈥� says Dick.
Reinstating a sense of face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers, Synchronous Summer will mirror the format of in-person classes, building into the schedule a number of synchronous virtual meetings.
Online learning is a skill of its own. Learners and instructors need to have the right technology, understand how to use e-learning platforms, and be fully engaged. Success starts with a faculty trained in online teaching supported by an environment that has been offering distance learning even before it became a new reality. Staying in tune with the progress of each student informs faculty on what they need to provide to deliver the best possible e-learning experience.
In the School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM), we care; we listen; we respond. When SBNM Associate Dean Rochelle Robinson-Levant was preparing the 2020鈥�2021 academic year schedule, she included course offerings reflecting requests to simulate face-to-face instruction. Synchronous Summer 2021 was born from this very planning exercise, incorporating feedback from students to best support their learning and flexible class options.
Having made the shift during the pandemic to all online classes, many students felt they were missing a human connection. Reinstating a sense of face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers, Synchronous Summer will mirror the format of in-person classes, building into the schedule a number of synchronous virtual meetings. Frequency and length will be determined by the faculty based on what they believe would provide the greatest benefit to students. For one class, that might mean a virtual meeting during weeks one, four, and seven for an hour at a time, addressing complex topics or providing opportunities for discussion. For another class, there could be a virtual meeting for the first week to set the stage and the last week for student presentations.
鈥淭he idea was to build flexibility into the classes so that faculty could use the synchronous meetings in a way that was most advantageous for the learning experience in their particular class,鈥� said Robinson-Levant. Looking ahead, there are many advantages to continuing with the synchronous online format even when it is deemed safe to return to in person classes. 鈥淪tudents living further away from campus will be able to take classes that offer the synchronous component and it will allow more flexibility for those students who do prefer face-to-face learning,鈥� said Robinson-Levant.
Juanita Koziol
鈥淚 feel confident that synchronous summer will be fully supported by the SBNM program and staff and students,鈥� said Juanita Koziol, MBA candidate with certificates in finance and nonprofit governance.鈥�
Important to Koziol is the ability to continue establishing relationships with her classmates. 鈥淒uring synchronous summer, students can have the reassurance of knowing that their classes will always be meaningful, in a learning platform that offers real business experience from professors working in their field,鈥� said Koziol.
Balancing graduate school with family and professional life, has become even more apparent during COVID-19. SBNM faculty recognize this added layer of responsibility and the importance of offering a flexible schedule.
Bryan Carlson
鈥淚 would not have been able to continue to take classes without the flexibility component of online classes this past year. My schedule changed dramatically when I was redeployed for several months with different hours,鈥� said Bryan Carlson, MBA candidate, who works in a hospital.
Adult learners like Koziol appreciate SBNM鈥檚 flexible class offerings. 鈥淗aving peace of mind knowing that logging into a class can be at my leisure and the class is always available 24/7.听 This means for an adult student who has a busy schedule with family, health, career, volunteering, or other life goals, they can trust SBNM to provide an enriching learning experience and most importantly continuing their studies during a pandemic crisis,鈥� said Koziol.
Whether seamlessly pivoting to fully online due to the pandemic or simulating closer connections through Synchronous Summer, SBNM faculty are preparing future leaders to respond to a changing landscape while maintaining the rigor of graduate programming.
Rebecca Headrick
鈥淚 am inspired by the richness of the program relevant to critical aspects of business leadership such as ethical decision making, understanding diversity, conflict, team strengths and weaknesses, and more. I feel better prepared to do well in leadership roles now than I would have without this experience,鈥� said MBA candidate Rebecca Headrick.
With an innovative mindset and readiness to lead positive change, graduating MBA candidates Koziol, Carlson, and Headrick are well prepared to embrace new challenges and make a difference in their fields.
The School of Music, Art, and Theatre presents several upcoming opportunities to break from your routine, including the Chamber Opera, spring play, and Gospel Choir concert.
As spring arrives, you may be eager to escape your dorm, classroom, or office. The School of Music, Art, and Theatre presents several upcoming opportunities to break from your routine, including the Chamber Opera. April 12 and 13 at 7:30 pm, in the beautifully renovated Hanson Hall 202, North Park鈥檚 opera program presents a double bill鈥攐ne seldom-performed modern opera and one old favorite presented in a new way. The two features are Humperdinck鈥檚 Hansel und Gretel, the familiar story of a brother and sister lost in the woods who encounter and eventually outwit a witch, and Argento鈥檚 The Masque of Angels, a humorous story of an unruly troupe of angels who attempt to influence a young couple to marry.
萝莉社 Opera Production of "Cendrillon"
Nyela Basney, artistic director of opera, says that one of the program鈥檚 goals is 鈥渢o give our students as many opportunities as possible to present a range of stories from the point of view of diverse characters.鈥� With every student in the opera program performing at least one role in the upcoming operas and most playing two characters, the goal will certainly be met this spring. Tyler Thress, a student member of the opera, is confident that the productions will be 鈥渢ouching, challenging, and inspiring,鈥� crediting the collaborative spirit of the program鈥檚 directors. 鈥淚 think that鈥檚 one of the great strengths of the opera program here,鈥� Tyler adds. 鈥淲e work with professional directors and conductors from a wide variety of artistic traditions, which prepares us for a highly competitive field in the real world.鈥�
Gospel Choir Performance
Other upcoming events from the School of Music, Art, and Theatre include the spring play, Tender Rough Rough Tender by Sarah Saltwick, described as a 鈥�. . . play built for theatrical gestures and two performers with nerves,鈥� showing April 4, 5, 6, 11, and 12 at 7:30 pm, and April 13 at 2:30 pm in Lecture Hall Auditorium. The Gospel Choir concert, April 6 at 7:30 pm in Anderson Chapel is always a very meaningful event for both the choir, and for the audience. And previously featured in Stories, but still well worth mentioning, are the Senior Thesis Art Exhibitions in the Carlson Tower Gallery, which feature the artworks of 11 senior art students and will run through May 11. Craig Johnson, dean of the School of Music, Art, and Theatre, emphasizes the importance of these upcoming productions saying, 鈥淚 believe that all of these events allow our students to express their creativity, and to advance their development as performing and visual artists.
The Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life recognizes the talent and dedication of student leaders in diversity on Facebook Live, March 26.
North Park鈥檚 Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life (ODIL) celebrates the talent and dedication students have demonstrated throughout the year as leaders in diversity. During the Annual Multicultural Awards Celebration on March 26 via a virtual Facebook live event, select students will be recognized for academics, athletics, campus involvement, community service, and involvement surrounding diversity, advocacy, and justice.
The celebration features awards in:
Multicultural Student Leader Recognition
ODIL Director鈥檚 and Assistant Director鈥檚 Awards
Honors Convocation Diversity Award
Reflecting the University’s core values鈥擟hristian, intercultural, and city-centered鈥� North Park is committed to highlighting the significance of diversity through the work of the ODIL, numerous cultural clubs, and events such as the Annual Multicultural Awards Celebration. Marcus Payne II, the Assistant Director of North Park鈥檚 ODIL, highlights the importance of recognizing intercultural leaders.
鈥淭he Office of Diversity would not be without the diversity club leaders and dedicated faculty and staff who live out the true mission of the University. I am extremely grateful to learn from and walk alongside these talented leaders,鈥� said Payne.
Multicultural Student Leader Recognition Award
The Multicultural Student Leader Recognition award honors graduating seniors that currently hold or have held leadership positions in a cultural club, student workers in the Office of Diversity with at least 1.5 years of service, or Diversity Representatives in the Student Government Association.
This year鈥檚 recipients include:
Mallory N. Coakley, Spring 2021, Bachelor of Music Education (Voice)
Ngbarezere “Fritz” Frezar, Spring 2021, BA in Communication Studies
Michelle Gonzalez, Spring 2021, BA in Early Childhood Education (incl. IL certif.)
Kathryn S. Gustafson, Spring 2021, BA in Sociology
Selena Han
Yuzhen “Selena” Han, Spring 2021, BS in Business (Accounting and Finance)
Haobitai “Melody” Haobitai, Fall 2020, BA in Education
Melody Haobitai
Ayrianna S. Longs, Spring 2021, BA in Sociology
Ayrianna Longs
Emilia I. Ohia, Fall 2020
Kosisochukwu “Kosi” C. Okeke, Fall 2020, BA in Psychology
Emily M. Ostercamp, Spring 2021, BA in Communication Studies
Iga Szelag, Spring 2021, BS in Business (Accounting)
Helen H. Uriostegui, Spring 2021, B.S in Business (Accounting)
Jordan N. Williams, Fall 2020, BS in Business (Marketing)
Michelle Gonzalez
鈥淚 went from being a member of LASO to becoming its president for two听years, and I have grown a lot from it. I want to accept the award on behalf of those who are underrepresented to let them know that we can push forward and follow our dreams as minorities,鈥� said Michelle Gonzalez, president of the Latin American Student Organization (LASO). LASO celebrates Latinx culture through conversation, movies, dance events, and food events that are open to all students.
Kathryn Gustafson
By continuing the Swedish tradition of Fika鈥攁 daily break from work to enjoy coffee, treats, and conversations鈥�Kathryn Gustafson, president of the Scandinavian Student Association, hopes to foster a rich community where people can connect with each other. 鈥淚 feel lucky to be honored at the 2021 Multicultural Awards Celebration. North Park is a very diverse school, and I am proud to continue sharing part of my heritage,鈥� said Gustafson.
Champion of Diversity Award
Formally known as the 萝莉社 Martin Luther King, Jr. Award, the Champion of Diversity Award recognizes a faculty member, staff member, or administrator that has conducted exceptional work in the areas of interculturalism, restorative justice, or racial recognition. Dr. Liza Ann Acosta, University Dean and English professor, has been selected as this year鈥檚 recipient.
ODIL Director鈥檚 and Assistant Director鈥檚 Award
The ODIL Director鈥檚 and Assistant Director鈥檚 Award honors a person or group for outstanding contributions to the campus community through their involvement in promoting an inclusive and intercultural campus culture at North Park.
Iga Szelag
This year, Iga Szelag has been selected as the recipient of the ODIL Director鈥檚 Award for her leadership and su
stained commitment as the Rising DREAMers United (RDU) President, COMPASS Mentor, Lighthouse Scholar, DreamUS Cohort Student Mentor, 2020鈥�2021 Student Government Association (SGA) Diversity Representative, and member of SGA’s Advocacy and Finance committees at North Park. In addition to developing a positive intercultural environment on campus and demonstrating high academic achievement, Szelag embodies the ODIL鈥檚 2020鈥�2021 theme of 鈥業mpact Over Intent.鈥�
Honors Convocation Diversity Award
Honoring a graduating senior, the Honors Convocation Diversity Award recognizes a person that demonstrates leadership and sustained commitment to advancing North Park鈥檚 intercultural core identity on campus as well as throughout the Chicago community.
As the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) Vice President, Lighthouse Scholar, member of the Hispanic Serving Institution Student Auxiliary Board, and a principal charter member of the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA) at North Park, Helen Uriostegui鈥檚 leadership has significantly impacted North Park. Based on her contributions to intercultural life, high academic achievement, and embodiment of 鈥業mpact Over Intent,鈥� Uriostegui will receive the 2021 Honors Convocation Diversity Award at the celebration.
The event will stream live March 26, 10:30 am CDT at
Jelitsa Legarreta, G鈥�18, has carved out a niche in the highly competitive health and beauty space.
Energetic, passionate, and positive, Jelitsa Legarreta, G鈥�18, has carved out a niche in the highly competitive health and beauty space. Inspired by her family matriarchs, and with her own young daughter serving as the benchmark for safety and efficacy, Legarreta distributes her good-for-you facial products at boutiques and via her e-commerce website. Legarreta鈥檚 Latina-founded skin care brand, is inspired by culture, confidence, and self-love.
鈥淚 knew from my business entrepreneurship and marketing courses that I would need to distinguish my brand and products that reflected a real understanding of my target market well,鈥� said Legarreta.
Legarreta, who grew up in Chicago, realized that there was market share yet to be captured in the ethically and naturally-sourced skin care arena reflecting and celebrating Latina culture.
Pursuing dual graduate degrees simultaneously, MSN in Leadership and Management with an MBA, Legarreta found North Park to be the perfect choice to enhance her skills and make a difference. 鈥淚 really value learning in an environment with smaller class sizes and instructors who truly care about your mastering of the material and your success,鈥� said Legarreta.
Over a decade of experience in nursing, Legarreta applied her knowledge of the human body towards a passion near and dear to her heart鈥攈er family. 鈥淚 was about to apply a product on my daughter when I stopped to question a product鈥檚 safety. After discovering that I wasn鈥檛 satisfied with what was out on the market, I decided to launch Uvi帽a,鈥� said Legarreta.
Honing her nursing skills through North Park鈥檚 School of Nursing and Health Science (SNHS) and business acumen in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM), Legarreta worked hard while earning the dual master鈥檚 degrees in nursing and business administration鈥攁nd is loving what she has been able to accomplish.
鈥淢y education at North Park not only strengthened the skills I use in the nursing profession but also instilled the knowledge and confidence that I apply everyday towards developing, promoting, and distributing Uvi帽a products,鈥� said Legarreta.
Legarreta鈥檚 dedication as a nurse and leadership as an entrepreneur is visible. She currently is the Associate Director at the Joint Commission and Uvi帽a is a growing brand being embraced by the community.
鈥淚 am so fortunate that I get to do every day what I love鈥攎aking a difference in the nursing field and helping people feel good about what they apply on their skin,鈥� said Legarreta. 鈥淣orth Park holds a special place for me as I take on my day with knowledge, support, and confidence,鈥� added Legarreta.
From President Mary K. Surridge: I am delighted to announce today that the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees for 萝莉社 has approved the nomination of Michael S. Carr, Ph.D. as Provost and chief academic officer, responsible for leading the university鈥檚 faculty and full academic program. Dr. Carr will join the President鈥檚 Cabinet, partnering with and reporting directly to the President, beginning July 1, 2021.
Author lcpostrobinsonPosted on Categories News, Stories
Providing more than 35 years of distinguished service to North Park as faculty, Director, and Paul W. Brandel Professor of Nursing, Dr. Zetterlund is the first North Park nursing faculty to earn a doctorate and awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Theological Seminary.
Energetic, passionate, and positive, Jelitsa Legarreta, G鈥�18, has carved out a niche in the highly competitive health and beauty space. Inspired by her family matriarchs, and with her own young daughter serving as the benchmark for safety and efficacy, Legarreta distributes her good-for-you facial products at boutiques and via her e-commerce website. Legarreta鈥檚 Latina-founded skin care brand, is inspired by culture, confidence, and self-love.