He鈥檚 the on-air voice for not one, two, three, but nine different 萝莉社 sports. He鈥檚 the one and only Gregory Sager.
We’re celebrating 130 years of North Park community. You’re invited to share your own story at
Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Blog, Stories
“As a French student studying abroad for a year, I learned so much at North Park, about people听and听about myself.”
“As a French student studying abroad for a year, I learned so much at North Park, about people and about myself. My favorite memories at North Park were Halloween on Campus (we don’t celebrate it much in France), dances at Navy Pier, Spanish classes with Cherie Meacham, and basketball games . . . So many great memories!听
“North Park is special to me because the staff, the teachers, and the students are all the nicest people! And Chicago is a wonderful city that will be in my heart forever. My husband and I had our first baby last November, and I really hope she can have an experience abroad like I did at North Park because I know she won’t regret it!”听
We’re celebrating 130 years of North Park community. You’re invited to share your own story at
Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Blog, Stories
“The Sweden Exchange Program with SVF in J枚nk枚ping, Sweden鈥擜ugust, 1983 to March, 1984鈥攚as the most influential time of my years at North Park.”
“The Sweden Exchange Program with SVF in J枚nk枚ping, Sweden鈥擜ugust, 1983 to March, 1984鈥攚as the most influential time of my years at North Park. In addition to making lifelong friends, the experience of living in Sweden really opened my eyes and mind to the ways other cultures live, and ways that might be better than the systems we have in the USA. Other travels to Greece, the Soviet Union, and around Europe while I was on the exchange program, as well as a mission trip to Haiti during one spring break, were also extremely valuable and enlightening.
“Along with those incredible experiences and the opportunities from living in the wonderful city of Chicago, it was special to be on a small campus where you really get to know people of all ages, including professors. I loved it when I realized that so many of my friends were the children of people that my folks knew or went to North Park with鈥攖he generational connections were unbelievable! Now many of my North Park friends have kids attending North Park. I hope it’s still that way when my daughter is college-age.”
We’re celebrating 130 years of North Park community. You’re invited to share your own story at
Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Blog, Stories
“Dr. John Laukaitis shared with me a 70-year-old bronze plaque discovered in the University Archives. It was inscribed with the names of students and alumni of North Park who were killed during service in World War II.”
“When I met Dr. John Laukaitis, he had been researching and writing about North Park and other Christian colleges during World War II. He shared with me a 70-year-old bronze plaque discovered in the University Archives. It was inscribed with the names of students and alumni of North Park who were killed during service in World War II. I thought it was important that the plaque be restored and re-installed to honor those fallen students and alumni. As a student veteran and an heir of the GI Bill, I saw the project as a way to give back to a generation that came before me.听听听
“Interim President Carl Balsam made the process of restoring the plaque very easy. He generously took care of the refurbishment of the plaque and had it re-installed in a quiet space on campus near the river. Once it was re-installed, we had a small gathering of prayer, and we read General MacArthur’s Tokyo Bay speech.听
“Both of these gentlemen love North Park very deeply. The three of us are also lifelong students of history. It was great collaborating with them to recognize the听Fallen 45. The most memorable part of the project was the re-dedication ceremony we hosted on September 17, 2017. More than 50 individuals attended to pay tribute. This permanently etched the听Fallen 45听into our shared history. “
We’re celebrating 130 years of North Park community. You’re invited to share your own story at
Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Blog, Stories
How thrilling it is to see North Park once again buzzing with life! Our athletes started returning in early August, followed by our Compass cohort and, last week, our Threshold participants.
How thrilling it is to see North Park once again buzzing with life! Our athletes started returning in early August, followed by our Compass cohort and, last week, our Threshold participants. Now, our beautiful, Christian, urban campus鈥攐ne of the most diverse in the nation鈥攊s vibrant again, enlivened by hundreds of new and returning students.
Even though indoor masking and other safety protocols are in place, we have the full range of听University听activities to connect with our campus and each other this fall. Let鈥檚 take full advantage of these opportunities, and do our part to make this year鈥攖he 130th听anniversary of our university鈥檚 founding鈥擭orth Park鈥檚 best year ever.
The campus community came together for Gathering Day 2021 in Anderson Chapel on Tuesday, August 24 to worship and to commit our work and this new academic year to God.
President Surridge delivered a State of the University address outlining our many accomplishments of last year鈥攁nd the positive momentum we bring to this one.
And David Kersten, vice president for church relations and dean of the Seminary, delivered a compelling exegesis of Psalm 133 in his homily on the theme of unity.
Both are 鈥渕ust-see鈥� communications for our campus community as we come together for this new year. If you were not able to be at Gathering Day, or want to revisit, you can听see both videos听on our website.
Yes, North Park is planning for a fully open and operational fall semester 2021, with in-person classes and services, residential living, normal on-campus office hours for employees, and the full range of intercollegiate athletics and student activities! Of course, we are also implementing certain health and safety procedures and protocols, following CDC guidelines, and complying with the governor鈥檚 executive order requiring vaccines鈥攁nd these measures will keep us fully open and operational.
Please visit our听Pandemic Response Planning Page for the latest information and read the Fall Planning Guide. If you have questions, email feedback@northpark.edu.
This academic year marks the 130th anniversary of the founding of 萝莉社, and one of the ways we will celebrate is by sharing 130 stories of North Park students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. Stories of our community, across generations, academic fields, staff departments, professions, and faith journeys. It鈥檚 a great way to learn more about the intrinsic values, the high impact, and the global reach of the University we love. UMC asked President Surridge鈥攚ho has served our school in many roles over 25 years 鈥攖o launch the 130 Stories project with this short video. Look for these stories on all our platforms and on the web site.
And please celebrate with us! Share your North Park story at听www.northpark.edu/share130/
Today, Sept. 3, is College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin College Colors Day! So put on your snazziest gold and blue apparel, then post a snap to social media with the hashtag #CCIWWins. You might even win a free hat.
Until next week: mask up in doors, and socialize smartly!
Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Community Updates, Stories
“I made a later in life career change into the Senior Living industry, and I credit my time visiting my 鈥淕randpa Pete鈥� at Covenant Home with preparing me for a career that inspires me daily.”
“The Adopt-a-Grandparent program that I participated in for outreach has impacted me in ways I never expected. I made a later in life career change into the Senior Living industry, and I credit my time visiting my 鈥淕randpa Pete鈥� at Covenant Home with preparing me for a career that inspires me daily.
“Grandpa Pete was a lifelong bachelor and ran the elevator at the old Covenant Home (so he could see all the ladies). He was a tall man who gave big hugs and always offered to buy ice cream or to give you a piece of candy. We spent much of our time together walking and talking or just sitting and visiting. He would introduce me to other residents as his 鈥渁dopted granddaughter.”
“Grandpa Pete took away some of my own fear of growing old. When you asked him how he was doing he invariably replied, “fit as a fiddle and ready for love.” I knew that I wanted to have that kind of zest for life as I aged. Now in my work, I look for opportunities to give more seniors and their families joy in their later years.
“North Park gave me urban experiences with a small community as home base. Now, as I travel between nearly 40 senior living communities, I am more at ease in whatever city or area I am visiting. I didn鈥檛 realize the passion that I had for seniors during my college years, but God was cultivating that passion even back then.”
We’re celebrating 130 years of North Park community. You’re invited to share your own story at
Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Blog, Stories
Tuesday, August 24, North Park faculty and staff gathered in Anderson Chapel to kick off the new academic year.
Tuesday, August 24, North Park faculty and staff gathered in Anderson Chapel for a time of worship and fellowship to kick off the new academic year. President Mary K. Surridge delivered a State of the University address and Dean Kersten’s homily was a moving, Bible-based call to unity. Watch the videos below to hear the messages each shared.
Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories News, Stories
The day I picked up my cap and gown was magical. It was the middle of the pandemic, but I took a half day at work and drove to the city with my parents.
“The day I picked up my cap and gown was magical. It was the middle of the pandemic, but I took a half day at work and drove to the city with my parents. I am a first-generation college student and the first in my family to obtain a graduate level degree. It was really special to share that moment with my parents. When I spoke with Tanya in Student Services, I think I cried. We took pictures and, of course, stopped at the bookstore for more 萝莉社 swag.
“My MBA program was already virtual, so the pandemic didn鈥檛 drastically change my experience, but it did give me more time to dedicate to my studies. Finance and numbers are not my strong suit, so I reached out to my professors for additional resources and support. The advice and perspectives they shared have really stuck with me.”
We’re celebrating 130 years of North Park community. You’re invited to share your own story:
Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Blog, Stories
This academic year marks the 130th anniversary of the founding of 萝莉社鈥揳nd one of the ways we will celebrate is by sharing 130 stories of North Park students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. Stories of our community, across generations, academic fields, staff departments, professions, and faith journeys.
This academic year marks the 130th anniversary of the founding of 萝莉社鈥揳nd one of the ways we will celebrate is by sharing 130 stories of North Park students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. Stories of our community, across generations, academic fields, staff departments, professions, and faith journeys.
You鈥檙e invited to watch this video, and to join in the celebration by sharing your own story here: www.northpark.edu/share130/
Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Announcement, Blog, Stories
From President Mary K. Surridge: I am delighted to announce today that the Executive Committee of 萝莉社鈥檚 Board of Trustees, acting on behalf of the full Board, has approved the nomination and appointment of Francisco X. Gayt谩n, PhD, as Vice President for Student Engagement (VPSE).
From President Mary K. Surridge:
I am delighted to announce today that the Executive Committee of 萝莉社鈥檚 Board of Trustees, acting on behalf of the full Board, has approved the nomination and appointment of Francisco X. Gayt谩n, PhD, as Vice President for Student Engagement (VPSE). Dr. Gayt谩n will join the President鈥檚 Cabinet, partnering with and reporting directly to the President, beginning August 23, 2021.
As the University鈥檚 chief student development officer, the VPSE provides leadership for the development and implementation of all student engagement planning and policy as well as the budget management and overall supervision of staff in the Center for Student Engagement. Within this role, the VPSE coordinates across all Student Engagement units鈥擠ean of Students, Student Activities, Housing and Residence Life, Health Services, Counseling Support Services, University Ministries, Diversity and Intercultural Life, Student Success, and Career Services and Internships.
Dr. 鈥淔rank鈥� Gayt谩n听is a person of expressed Christian faith and has been an active member of St. John鈥檚 Episcopal Church for nearly 10 years. He is very enthusiastic about the mission and opportunity to serve North Park, to lead our student engagement staff, and to听be a strong strategic senior partner with the president and her Cabinet now, and in the years to come. A skilled and strategic student life administrator and a champion for student success, Dr. Gayt谩n has a proven track record of dramatically improving student retention rates, closing equity gaps in retention, and improving student completion and success. Dr. Gayt谩n brings deep understanding and connection for our Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) in Chicago, and has proven experience in successfully managing the external funding available to HSI鈥檚 through federal grants.
Dr. Gayt谩n emerged as the premier candidate from a strong pool of finalists, after well-attended campus forums and dozens of submitted feedback forms that overwhelmingly supported his candidacy.
I have full confidence in Dr. Gayt谩n鈥檚 leadership and our partnership — and in his ability to support and advance our Christian mission and our commitment to the success of every student.
Dr. Gayt谩n comes to us from Northeastern Illinois University, where he served most recently as听Associate Provost for Student Success and Retention 鈥� the University鈥檚 lead student engagement strategist.
Through innovative advisor training, and strategic management of financial aid, academic and financial barriers, and improved coordination and communication, he and his team improved first year to second year retention rates by 20.5 percentage points (a 44% increase in retention) in just three years. He earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology from Loyola University, master鈥檚 degrees from Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley, and his PhD in Applied Psychology from New York University.
A highly engaging team-builder and collaborator, he brings more than 20 years of professional experience in higher education, more than a decade of teaching experience and eight years of progressively more complex administrative responsibilities. He has drawn on his own experience as a first-generation college student from a Mexican immigrant family to be a culturally competent role model for students and colleagues. He is an accomplished researcher, a proven administrator, and the right person to engage our students and staff at this important time in the history of our 130-year-old institution, as we create our future together through听North Park Next and emerge as a model for Christian higher education in 21st听Century America.
During his interview process, Dr. Gayt谩n expressed admiration for what he called 鈥渢he parallel history鈥� that Swedish immigrants to Chicago in the late 19th听Century share with the current wave of immigrants from Latin America 鈥� education, community, shared values and a sense of purpose 鈥� students seeking a life for themselves that they could translate to leadership and service to their communities.
Dr. Gayt谩n shared his enthusiasm for our future in this way: 鈥淚 am delighted to join the 萝莉社 community during this exciting time in its history. As a first-generation college student from an immigrant family, I know firsthand the path that twenty-first century students take in pursuit of their dreams of a better life through education for themselves and their families. North Park鈥檚 Christian values, commitment to the city of Chicago, and its increasing diversity called me to this position. I look forward to working with the Student Engagement team to make North Park a university that is known for providing all students an opportunity for growth and success that they can then carry out and share with the world.鈥�
I have full confidence in his ability to lead our excellent student engagement staff as we bring new energy, focus and strategies to student success through enhanced intercultural connections, improved retention rates, graduation rates, and career placement. .
Dr. Gayt谩n was selected after a national search conducted by a diverse committee of colleagues representing North Park faculty, staff, administrators, and students, in partnership with Academic Search.
The University is deeply grateful to Dr. Mahauganee Shaw and Dr. Thomas Shandley of Academic Search; to our Search committee co-chairs Melissa V茅lez-Luce, Chief of Staff听and Ingrid Tenglin, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources; and to our search committee members, Joseph Butler, Director of Student Services; Laura Ebner, Director for Health and Wellness; Dr. Al Kamienski, Professor of Finance; Dr. Richard Kohng, Director of Civic Engagement, Catalyst Hub; Ja鈥橵ida Morris, Associate Director of Admission Services; Dr. Gwendolyn Purifoye, Associate Professor of Sociology; and Brooklynn Seals, President, Student Government Association.
Finally, my deepest gratitude and respect goes to Vice President Andrea Nevels.听VP Nevels returned to North Park just as she was settling into a well-earned retirement, and she has served our students and our Cabinet with dedication, compassion, and wisdom. I am grateful for her leadership.
Dr. Gayt谩n鈥檚 appointment accelerates our momentum as we approach the 2021-2022 academic year. Please join me and the Cabinet in welcoming him to our community!
Mary K. Surridge
President
Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Announcement, News, Stories
