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.
The shelter-in-place order isn鈥檛 keeping Elise Ruud, a determined fourth-year track and field athlete from Stjordal, Norway, from staying in shape.
Elise Rudd with coach Omar Lopez and fellow track and field athlete Jose Barrio
The shelter-in-place order isn鈥檛 keeping Elise Ruud, a determined fourth-year track and field athlete from Stjordal, Norway, from staying in shape. Ruud qualified for Indoor Nationals and broke three of her previously set school records. 鈥淭his season has been my greatest season of all time,鈥� said Ruud. But, when COVID-19 emerged and the world shifted under her running shoes, the national meet was canceled, and she traveled back to Norway.
Ruud looks to the positive side of the closure of all gyms and tracks, explaining that it has brought out her creativity when it comes to exercising. In place of the track, she has been running in the woods. During strength workouts in her back yard, Ruud uses car wheels as weights and stairs for jumps. When it is too cold outside, she completes core workouts in her living room.
Competing in the sport since she was about 10 years old, Ruud is a natural leader of North Park鈥檚 track and field team. She specializes in sprints and hurdles. Explaining where her motivation stems from, Ruud said, 鈥淔or over two years, the wallpaper on my phone was a picture of the hurdle finale in CCIW 2018, where I lost the gold medal by only 0.05. Every day I woke up reminded that I needed to work harder.鈥�
Ruud is graduating in May with a BS in business management and plans to spend the summer deciding whether to attend graduate school or begin working. Regardless, she expresses gratitude to her professors for a challenging curriculum and providing encouragement.
During this time of uncertainty, Ruud wishes for the safety and health of everyone and advises, 鈥淓verybody who has the opportunity to go back to North Park after this pandemic is over, make the best out of your remaining time at school.听We are all standing together in this,鈥� said Ruud.
Shout out to North Park’s Director of Campus Safety, a home workout routine from Helwig, and more music to keep our spirits lifted.
In these times of physical separation, we as the North Park community still want to stay emotionally and socially connected! If you have anything to share with the North Park community, please reach out and email us at听UMC@northpark.edu. We鈥檇 love to hear from you and share how all of us are doing while we are apart.
Employee Thank You
Keep Calm and Viking On! Like Dan Gooris, North Park鈥檚 Director of Campus Safety and Auxiliary Services. Thanks, Dan, for keeping the campus safe during this time of uncertainty.
萝莉社 Social
As we begin adjusting to this new normal and find ourselves missing 萝莉社 a little extra, let鈥檚 take time to connect on social media! Our various departments have been hard at work creating daily devotionals, musical playlists, and helpful content like this home workout routine from our Helwig team:
View this post on Instagram
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For more encouraging content like this, give us a follow on these Instagram accounts:
To Lift Our Spirits
In the midst of the coronavirus crisis, people are doing kind things for others, even for complete strangers. If you have been helped, or you have witnessed others going out of their way to help, let us know! Send your short stories to听UMC@northpark.edu, and put Good News in the subject field. We鈥檒l share them here.
Sharing Viking Spirit
We鈥檝e got North Park spirit! Yes, we do! We鈥檝e got spirit! How about you?
Staff members in the Office of Advancement participated in a听听car parade around the North Park neighborhood. Have you seen or participated in a car parade in your neighborhood?
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Inspiring Music for Uncertain Times
Annie Picard has been at 萝莉社 since 1998, teaching our undergraduate and Master of Music students voice lessons and classes. To encourage us now, she has selected music about connection: connection to our earth, emotions, beautiful sounds, joie de vivre, amazing musicians, words, nature, freedom, and peace.
“This journey is so timely and reminds us that the world will be okay, storms included!”
“When I want to feel 鈥榗ool鈥� I put this on.听听It never disappoints!”
Faculty and Staff Virtual Prayer Time
All faculty and staff are welcome to a special time of virtual prayer for our beloved North Park family every Wednesday, 11:30 am鈥�12:30 pm via Zoom. If you have any questions please contact Prof. Boaz Johnson.
Join Zoom Meeting:听
Meeting ID: 597 365 643
Password: 070318
These are times of great angst among our students and colleagues. During times like this, Jesus always took his disciples aside to pray, as in his hour of deepest suffering, during the Passion Week. He said, 鈥淲atch and Pray.鈥�
Scripture of the Week
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
This video was curated by the School of Restorative Arts redemptive storytelling cohort (re)story in collaboration with seminary alumnae Alicia Reese and Cheryl Lynn Cain.
Stations of the Cross: This video was curated by the School of Restorative Arts redemptive storytelling cohort (re)story in collaboration with seminary alumnae Alicia Reese and Cheryl Lynn Cain.
As we enter Holy Week isolated, alone, and confined to our homes, could there be a better time to reflect upon the modern day equivalent of the cross and the experiences of those who know it best. Join us in this journey through the Stations of the Cross and the stories of those who sit closest to where Jesus would be if Good Friday were today.
We thank all the friends and faculty of the School of Restorative Arts who took the time to give voice to these stories, Pastor Cheryl Lynn Cain and Pastor Alicia Reese for compiling this resource. And we thank Jess Fogel for production and editing.
In these times of physical separation, we as the North Park community still want to stay emotionally and socially connected!
In these times of physical separation, we as the North Park community still want to stay emotionally and socially connected! If you have anything to share with the North Park community, please reach out and email us at UMC@northpark.edu. We鈥檇 love to hear from you and share how all of us are doing while we are apart.
Employee Thank You!
Keep Calm and Viking On . . . Like Meghan Pillow, North Park鈥檚 nurse. Meghan has continued working from home and on campus when necessary, monitoring the health of students and staff who remain on campus. Thanks, Meghan!
Let’s Thank Our Alumni in Health Care
So many North Park alumni are serving as doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals on the front lines of this pandemic鈥攁nd we want to encourage and thank them. If you have stories about North Parkers who are serving in this way, or if you are one, and want to tell a story or send a photo or a video message, please send them to UMC@northpark.edu and we will share them here.
萝莉社 Social
As we begin adjusting to this new normal and find ourselves missing 萝莉社 a little extra, let鈥檚 take time to connect on social media! Our various departments have been hard at work creating daily devotionals, sample workout routines, musical playlists, and helpful content like this DIY Face Mask video:
For more encouraging content like this, give us a follow on these Instagram accounts:
Inspiring Music for Uncertain Times
Annie Picard has been at 萝莉社 since 1998, teaching our undergraduate and Master of Music students voice lessons and classes. To encourage us now, she has selected music about connection: connection to our earth, emotions, beautiful sounds, joie de vivre, amazing musicians, words, nature, freedom, and peace.
To Lift Our Spirits
In the midst of the coronavirus crisis, people are doing kind things for others, even for complete strangers. If you have been helped, or you have witnessed others going out of their way to help, let us know! Send your short stories to UMC@northpark.edu, and put Good News in the subject field. We’ll share them here.
This week鈥擜ndy Meyer, Director of Archives at North Park, searched the archives store of supplies and found a handful of gloves, cleaning supplies and N95 masks that will be donated to Swedish Hospital. Thanks to everyone who is donating PPE!
Community Questions
How are you staying connected with your professors and peers?
Any tips to share with our community on working and/or studying from home?
So听do not fear,听for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen听you and help听you; I will uphold you听with my righteous right hand.
A Q&A guide for students regarding transition to virtual instruction and housing updates.
For ongoing updates regarding COVID-19 and how it affects North Park’s campus, please visit www.northpark.edu/covid-19.
Q&A for Students Regarding COVID-19 on North Park Campus
Q: I鈥檓 a residential student 鈥� what do I need to do? A:ALL RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS must complete the听 This form must be completed prior to Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 10pm. Students who believe they have a compelling reason to return to campus housing should provide a thorough explanation as to why on the form. Students will be notified via email of the status of their application as soon as possible.
Q: How and when can I get my belongings from my on-campus housing? A: For safety and security purposes, please contact your Resident Director via email prior to returning to campus. You may return to campus any time between now and Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 10pm to collect your belongings, including academic materials and personal items. You may not stay overnight in your campus housing during this window of time without prior approval from your Resident Director or the Office of Residence Life and Housing. If you have a reason to remain in campus housing overnight between now and Sunday, March 15, 2020, please note this request on the . 听Access to the residence halls, apartments, and houses will not be available after Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 10pm.
Q: What if I need to stay on campus because I鈥檓 an international student, or I am student teaching, or I have no other place to stay? A: Please fill out the and explain your current situation. The University will review your case and try to accommodate special circumstances. We will respond to your request by Tuesday, March 17.
Q: Will planned student activities still be taking place? A: Most campus activities, including all Catalyst and Chapel events, have been postponed or canceled. This decision is in keeping with CDC recommendations that large, non-essential gatherings be suspended or canceled. As this is a fluid situation, please check here for updates as specific event dates approach.
Q: I鈥檓 a commuter student. Will I be able to use campus facilities during the next few weeks? A: We hope to keep some facilities open, but as this is an ever-changing situation, facility availability might change on a daily basis. Please, check back here for updates.
Q: How will online instruction work? A: 听Starting today, and through April 9, there will be no more in-person classes. All coursework will be conducted online. Your professors will use Canvas to keep you informed, and will notify you via email about how your course will be structured, and what you can expect in terms of assignments and tests.
Q: How do I stay updated on how COVID-19 and its impact on North Park鈥檚 campus? A: Security, support services, and staff will remain on campus to assist you throughout this challenging period. Please reach out to individual departments for any assistance you might need. In addition, we will be making constant updates on this webpage. Please monitor email and social media as well. Thank you for your patience on this matter. Please consult the Faculty and Staff directory to find contact information.
Like other universities in Chicago and across the nation 鈥� and based on the latest advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 鈥� 萝莉社 has canceled all university-sponsored international听spring break travel due to the rapidly evolving nature of the new coronavirus, COVID-19.
North Park Cancels International Spring Break Trips Due to COVID-19 Virus
Check back here for future updates about the COVID-19 virus and how it is affecting 萝莉社鈥檚 students, faculty, and staff.
March 5, 2020: Like other universities in Chicago and across the nation 鈥� and based on the latest advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 鈥� 萝莉社 has canceled all university-sponsored international听spring break travel due to the rapidly evolving nature of the new coronavirus, COVID-19.
Domestic travel will take place as planned.
Health Advice
There are simple actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. It cannot be emphasized enough that good self-care habits are vitally important, including:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Wash your hands often with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
Cover your cough with your sleeve, not your hands
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
Don鈥檛 share food or drinks
If you get sick, stay home and rest
All daily operations on the campus will continue. The University will provide regular e-mail updates to students, faculty and staff.
萝莉社 has been named a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, a designation that recognizes North Park鈥檚 commitment to equitable outcomes for Hispanic students.
萝莉社 has been named a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, a designation that recognizes North Park鈥檚 commitment to equitable outcomes for Hispanic students.
鈥淭he Hispanic-Serving Institution听distinction听is an enviable one, sought by many institutions, and we are proud of this designation,鈥� said North Park President Mary K. Surridge. 鈥淢ost important, though, is our striving for equitable outcomes as we live into our intercultural distinctive. And that is the effort these federal grant dollars will fund on this campus.鈥�
With the designation, North Park is now eligible to apply to federal funding opportunities that are only available to Hispanic Serving Institutions, according to Renee Cox, North Park鈥檚 Government, Corporate, and Foundation Relations Manager.听 Over the next year, North Park hopes to explore funding opportunities that are now available at the U.S. Department of Education, National Science Foundation, and National Endowment for the Humanities.
Sharee L. Myricks, M.Ed, 萝莉社 Director of Diversity and Intercultural Life, says the designation underscores North Park鈥檚 commitment to diversity.
鈥溌芾蛏� has a long history of supporting a diverse and intentionally intercultural student population. North Park’s recent designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution enables us to expand future opportunities that supports student recruitment, retention, and completion further,鈥� Myricks said.
To become a designated听HSI, an institution鈥檚 undergraduate enrollment must be at least 25% Hispanic (defined as an individual of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American or other Spanish culture or origin).
Hispanic Serving Institutions were created in 1995 to expand the educational opportunities of the country鈥檚 rapidly growing Hispanic population and to improve Hispanic students鈥� measures of academic attainment.
Emmy Jonasson, a fourth-year biology major from Sweden, originally came to North Park to study theatre. But all that changed when she started taking science classes here, and before she knew it, she was taking part in a research fellowship in Taiwan this past summer.
Emmy Jonasson, a fourth-year Biology major from Sweden, originally came to North Park with a background in studying acting. At first, she had little interest in science or biology. But all that changed when she started taking science classes here, and before she knew it, she was taking part in a research fellowship in Taiwan this past summer.
Encouraged to apply to the program by Associate Professor of Biology Timothy Lin, Jonasson sent an application and letters of recommendation and ended up being one of the six people selected for the program.
She traveled to Tunghai University, where she spent hours in the Cell Lab performing colorectal cancer research by growing, taking care of, and studying cells in small petri dishes.
鈥淚 got to learn a lot about the culture, a lot about the science, and it was a lot of fun. I really enjoy cancer research now because of it,鈥� Jonasson said.
At the end of the project, Jonasson and the other students involved in the fellowship presented their research. Based on the work that was done and how it was presented, she won an award for having the best research presentation.
As an international student, Jonasson was drawn to North Park鈥檚 connections with Sweden. She鈥檚 grateful for being exposed to science here.
鈥淚 definitely feel like North Park has helped me have an appreciation for science,鈥� said Jonasson, who is also president of the Tri Beta Biology Honors Society and a member of the American Medical Student Association at North Park.
Jonasson plans on entering an MD/PhD program and conducting research related to either cancer or cell biology after graduating in May.
鈥淚 feel that I鈥檝e been really lucky in all the opportunities that I鈥檝e had here, and I think a part of that is because I have read emails and posters and make sure that I apply to every little thing,鈥� Jonasson said.
In the past two years, Dr. Purifoye has analyzed how public transportation creates transit boundaries that support the boundaries of racial segregation.
Professor Gwendolyn Purifoye
While working towards her PhD five years ago, Dr. Gwendolyn Purifoye, a sociology professor at North Park, completed a small project regarding public transportation, specifically how people behave badly in wide open public spaces. The research, which later became the basis of her dissertation, took a new turn because of her frequent use of public transportation.
Soon, her use of CTA trains and buses inspired her to study confined, mobile spaces, resulting in 鈥淓xamining Racial Residential Segregation Through Public Transportation in Chicago.鈥�
Dr. Purifoye completed field research by riding and studying six bus lines, two Metra lines, and two CTA lines for a few years.
鈥淒oing that,鈥� she says, 鈥淚 paid attention to who was getting on, but also where the rides were going.鈥� She also researched CTA and Metra archives, studying how they distribute their services and resources.
In the past two years, Dr. Purifoye has analyzed how public transportation creates transit boundaries that support the boundaries of racial segregation. Through her research, she noticed favoritism toward wealthier, predominantly white communities. For instance, the CTA services the suburbs better than they do the South Side of Chicago, and transit-dependent communities are provided with fewer resources and older buses. She notes how these transit inequalities are keeping low-income racial minorities unable to get the places they need to be.
Metra Ogilvie Station
“For Chicago to really move as a city and to grow as a city, transit equity needs to be a part of that conversation,鈥� Dr. Purifoye says. In order to see change, she explains that the conversation needs to take place city-wide, not just at the community level.
Train station servicing south side and south suburbs
Dr. Purifoye presents her research in her urban sociology class to teach students about the intricate connections between transit, housing, education, and government, as well as their influences on cities. Engaging with North Park鈥檚 core values of being Christian, city-centered, and intercultural, she hopes to show that 鈥渏ustice is for everyone, and we all do better when we all do better.鈥�
Dr. Purifoye recently presented 鈥淓xamining Racial Residential Segregation Through Public Transportation in Chicago鈥� at the American Association of Geographers Conference in Washington D.C. and plans to continue researching mobility and inequality.
North Park celebrated the achievements of more than 250 graduates at the Winter 2019 Commencement Friday, Dec. 13 in the University gymnasium.
North Park celebrated the achievements of more than 250 graduates at the Winter 2019 Commencement Friday, Dec. 13 in the University gymnasium.
Upon being presented by Provost Michael O. Emerson, President Mary K. Surridge addressed the graduates and their friends and family.
鈥淭his is indeed a glorious moment,鈥� President Surridge said. 鈥淵ears of diligent work have led to this milestone; you have reason to be proud of your accomplishment.鈥�
Julia Janina Koza, a commuter student who works in retail and hotel management to help pay for her education, was the recipient of the prestigious Ahnfeldt Medallion, awarded to the graduate with the highest grade point average. Koza, who received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, also sang in the University Choir and played clarinet.
Koza was introduced by David Otfinoski, chair of the Board of Trustees, who noted that Koza 鈥渋s not afraid of hard work, but is also someone who sought to help others excel in their work as well.鈥�
In addressing the graduates, President Surridge encouraged students to remember their professors, who 鈥渂egan praying for you literally before you arrived on campus,鈥� and to cherish their time here.
鈥淟ook with joy upon your years here, celebrate this milestone night, and look forward with hope to the bright future,鈥� she said.
The ceremony was followed by receptions in Anderson Chapel and Hamming Hall celebrating the graduates.
Author Ellen AlmerPosted on Categories Stories
