ÂÜÀòÉç

Graduation Celebrations, May 2015

Graduation Celebrations, May 2015

Click on any photo to enlarge.

Author tomgabrysiak

University Awards Degrees to 502 Students at Spring Commencement Ceremonies

University Awards Degrees to 502 Students at Spring Commencement Ceremonies

Students celebrate after the Spring Commencement ceremony at ÂÜÀòÉç on Saturday.

Nyvall Medallion presented to alum Rev. Wilfredo De Jesús

CHICAGO (May 11, 2015) — ÂÜÀòÉç culminated the 2014–2015 academic year last weekend by awarding degrees to 502 students, including 320 bachelor’s degrees.

Three commencement ceremonies were held Saturday, May 9, for students from all and programs, including . Combined with the held last December, degrees were presented to 756 ÂÜÀòÉç graduates this academic year.

The weekend began with a baccalaureate service for all graduates, their families, and friends Friday, May 9, at Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago. “We make a bold claim at North Park: that you will find your future here,” said University President in remarks to graduating students. “To find your future, you depend on the center—a center that draws you in, to love God, and a center that sends you out, to love your neighbor. God’s promise to you, tonight on the eve of your graduation from North Park, is sure. Go then, into your future, where God will bless you and where you in turn will be a blessing to many.”

“God is shaping your life for significance and service”

At its undergraduate commencement Saturday morning, the University presented its David Nyvall Medallion to Rev. Wilfredo “Choco” De Jesús, senior pastor of , Chicago. Named for the first president of ÂÜÀòÉç, the medallion is presented for distinguished service to the people of Chicago.

De Jesús, who earned a in 2006 from the Seminary, was appointed senior pastor of New Life Covenant in 2000. Since then the church has grown from a weekly attendance of 120 to 17,000, with more than 135 ministries reaching the most disenfranchised. In 2013, De Jesús was named one of TIME’s in the world and recognizing his leadership and influence.

Rev. Wilfredo “Choco” De Jesús challenged graduates to care for the poor, follow their callings, and choose to do what is right, even if it's not the easy option.

“There are three things that have guided me in my life that I hope will be of inspiration to you today,” De Jesús told graduating students. “One, care for the poor, the marginalized, the less fortunate. Do God’s work and let God take care of you. Two, understand the difference between passion and calling. When times get tough, it will be the calling upon your life that will get you through those hard times. Third, what’s helped me through all my life is courage. Being raised in Humboldt Park, you need courage. Have faith that God will get you through. Never operate in fear—fear is the absence of faith.”

Citing the example of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., De Jesús closed by saying, “There comes a time, students, when we must take a position that is neither safe, political, nor popular. But it’s right. And God is with you. God is shaping your life for significance and service.”

The Ahnfeldt Medallion, given to the senior with the highest grade point average, was presented to Katelynn Laures, Rochester, Minn., bachelor of arts in . North Park's winners Natalie Wilson, Shoreview, Minn., bachelor of arts in and , and Kate Asnicar, Olathe, Kan., bachelor of arts in , were also recognized.

Twenty-seven students from the North Park College (now University), Academy, and Seminary classes of 1965 marched in gold caps and gowns and were recognized for celebrating the 50th anniversary of their graduation.

“You will be remembered by how many lives you touched”

Four graduates addressed the afternoon commencement ceremony for , the , and the , sharing the ways in which their North Park education shaped their lives and careers. Olumide Oluwole, Chicago, a graduate with a , shared his story of turning adversity into triumph. “When I was asked to speak today, I said, ‘Why me?’” Oluwole said. This wasn’t the first time Oluwole had asked himself this question throughout his life, though the motivations behind why he has done so have shifted.

“When I went to school in Nigeria in a building with no air conditioning, I also wondered, Why me?” Oluwole continued. “When my sister said, ‘I can see potential in you; I just need to change your environment,’ I wondered, Why me? When, through her help, I then had the opportunity to come to America, and ultimately to North Park, I wondered, Why me?”

Oluwole called on his fellow graduates to use their education to make a difference in their communities. “People are looking to us,” he said. “You will be remembered by how many lives you touched and saved. I want to challenge you that we have what it takes.”

North Park Theological Seminary graduates process through the center of campus toward their ceremony in Anderson Chapel on Saturday evening.

“God has uniquely placed you in a wonderful position”

Dean of North Park Theological Seminary presided at the Seminary commencement, which honored 30 graduates. The Ahnfeldt Medallion was presented to the graduates with the highest grade point averages, Kathryn Isaza, Chicago, , and Chris Hoskins, Omaha, . In addition, academic awards were presented to several students.

An honorary doctor of divinity was conferred to Rev. Debbie Blue, executive minister of the ministries of the Evangelical Covenant Church. “Debbie is a prophetic voice,” said Kersten. “We are honored to present this award to someone who’s served with such distinction, joy, and grace among us.”’

Blue, who received a master of arts in Christian education from the Seminary in 1996, told graduating students that she was reminded of the gospel song “My Tribute” as she accepted her award. “I am humbled and honored. ‘How can I say thanks for all the things you have done for me?’ For this recognition today, I have you to thank for your partnership in the gospel and recognition of me. But this is God’s.”

Rev. Dr. D. Darrell Griffin, pastor of , Chicago, delivered the commencement address, in which he called upon graduating students to not miss the opportunities God may be presenting to them. “Just because you don’t know what you’re supposed to do doesn’t mean you don’t have an assignment,” Griffin said. “God has uniquely placed you in a wonderful position to help usher in a new direction of ministry. Our churches need us.”

Griffin, who received a from the Seminary in 2006, emphasized the lessons found in the service’s Old Testament reading, Genesis 9:18–28. “God was calling on Noah to build a brave new world of justice, love, and peace,” Griffin said. “God was depending on Noah to do this. But Noah could not see God’s will, because there he was, intoxicated. We’re missing opportunities because some of us are intoxicated. Not with wine, but with wrong attitude, with preoccupation with self, with tradition, with success, with narrowness of vision.”

“Look at the favor that God has had upon your life,” said Griffin. “He has a purpose for our lives. He is getting ready to give somebody in here an assignment beyond their wildest dreams. But God is short on people who are alert enough to carry out the task.” 

Use @npu to . Learn more .

Author tomgabrysiak

Two ÂÜÀòÉç Students Earn 2015 Fulbright Awards

Two ÂÜÀòÉç Students Earn 2015 Fulbright Awards

Natalie Wilson, who majored in elementary education and Spanish, will begin an assignment as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Ecuador this fall.

Wilson and Asnicar to teach in Ecuador and Malaysia, respectively

CHICAGO (May 6, 2015) — ÂÜÀòÉç continued its record of Fulbright success this spring, when the  awarded overseas teaching opportunities to two University students. Seniors Natalie Wilson and Kate Asnicar were awarded English Teaching Assistantships (ETA) in Ecuador and Malaysia, respectively.

Combined with previous awards, 14 North Park students and three faculty members in the past seven years have earned Fulbright grants. Last academic year, the University was among the , according to a list announced by the U.S. Department of State.

A double-major in and , Wilson will graduate this week with an endorsement in . Beginning this September, she will serve as an ETA for a 10-month placement in Ecuador. Although the specifics of her grant haven’t yet been announced, Wilson expects to be teaching English and U.S. culture to students at the university level.

“I have had so many opportunities to learn about and experience an array of cultures through coursework, clinical experiences, and activities at North Park,” Wilson says. “Both the School of Education and the Spanish department have really prepared me to teach in a foreign country and culture.”

A native of Shoreview, Minn., Wilson has combined her love of teaching and engaging other cultures throughout her time at North Park. She served as an Urban Outreach site leader for the tutoring program at nearby Peterson Elementary School, taught adult ESL summer courses through nonprofit organization , and studied abroad in Ecuador last year. “I was in Cuenca, Ecuador, for eight weeks with a small group of students,” Wilson says. “Throughout that experience, I lived with a host family, took Spanish courses at the university, and traveled around Ecuador and Peru.”

, professor of Spanish and Fulbright Program associate, attests to Wilson’s skills and character. “Natalie will excel in her year as an English Teaching Assistant in Ecuador,” says Parkyn. “After studying abroad in the country, she is anxious to share her language and culture with Ecuadorian students. I am confident she is chock-full of ideas to share with students about life as an American.”

When Wilson completes her program, she will move back to Chicago, where she hopes to continue teaching. “I have been able to apply what I’ve learned in my education courses to my clinical teaching experiences at Chicago-area schools,” she says. “When I return to the United States, I plan to look for a teaching position in Chicago Public Schools at the elementary level.”

Kate Asnicar, who studied history and global studies, will begin an assignment as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Malaysia next January.

“A thoughtful and engaging ambassador”

Asnicar will graduate this week with a bachelor of arts in and a minor in . In January 2016, she will travel to Malaysia to serve as an ETA through next November. “Although most of the details are still to come, I know that I will be placed in a primary school, secondary school, or university to help students improve their English skills as well as share cultural experiences and practices,” Asnicar says.

Like Wilson, Asnicar’s experience studying abroad helped her determine her plans following graduation. “The opportunities provided to me through studying abroad in Turkey last year, as well as the support and guidance from the faculty, have shaped the path I'm about to embark on,” says Asnicar. “I’m thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to see the world and cannot wait to get there.”

While at North Park, Asnicar, of Olathe, Kan., has worked in the , served as a worship leader, and sung as a member of the Touring Ensemble. “There are so many decisions to wonder about, but coming to North Park and fulfilling my degree here is, without a doubt, the best decision I have made in my adult life,” she says. “I feel that even after I leave, I’ll stay in contact with faculty I’ve grown close to, and will continue to be supported in all of my future endeavors.”

, professor of history, agrees. “Kate will be a wonderful mentor for her students in Malaysia. She has a curiosity and sensitivity toward other cultures that will serve her well,” Rabe says. “She will be a thoughtful and engaging ambassador of America for her students.”

Although she’s unsure of what her precise next steps will be following her Fulbright experience, “graduate school is definitely on the horizon,” Asnicar says. “But I see myself seeking out more opportunities to work and live abroad before making any decisions.”

The Fulbright Program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1946, and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. It is the largest U.S. international exchange program offering opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools worldwide.

Use @npunews to . Learn more .

Author tomgabrysiak

Honors Convocation Recognizes Outstanding Senior Achievement

Honors Convocation Recognizes Outstanding Senior Achievement

Mary Aldugom, a psychology major from Chicago, will begin work at the Children’s Research Triangle after graduation.

Mary Aldugom and Daniel Raymond honored for embodying University mission of significance and service

CHICAGO (April 30, 2015) — Last week, the ÂÜÀòÉç community gathered in Anderson Chapel for the annual Honors Convocation, a celebration recognizing students who demonstrated excellence in the classroom and community.

Director of Alumni Relations Melissa Vélez-Luce presented the 2015 Distinguished Senior Awards to Mary Aldugom, Chicago, and Daniel Raymond, Stillman Valley, Ill. This honor is bestowed each year to one male and one female from the graduating class, recognizing extraordinary leadership, dedicated service, superior academic performance, and embodiment of the University’s of living lives of significance and service.

Aldugom, a currently finishing a senior thesis with Dr. David Bennett, earned the distinction because of her strong academic record and the leadership she provided to various campus groups. As a commuter student, she was committed to finding community at North Park. She served as president of both the Psychology Club and Middle Eastern Student Association, and was actively involved in student government and the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Programs. This commitment to the North Park community was in addition to two professional internships at Swedish Covenant Hospital’s Neuro-Rehabilitation Center and Children’s Research Triangle.

“Mary’s experiences as a leader across campus speak to a dedication to her involvement in the community at North Park, a desire to learn and grow intellectually and socially, and her professional attitude,” said , professor of psychology and associate dean for the Division of Sciences. “Mary is well-liked and respected by her peers and the psychology faculty and works well in groups and independently.”

A first-generation college student, Aldugom is close to her family, especially her two younger sisters she helps care for. She has continued this care for others at North Park this semester—and paired it with her passion for psychology—by hosting weekly study sessions for her peers as they prepared for their comprehensive exam. Mary has accepted a position at Children’s Research Triangle following graduation, and has plans to complete a PhD in cognitive psychology in the future.

“In seven years as a professor at ÂÜÀòÉç, I have never met a more talented, hard-working, and bright student,” said , associate professor of psychology and Aldugom’s internship supervisor.

When asked about the most rewarding part of her time at North Park, Algudom said, “It’s the relationships. Anyone can work hard and get a good GPA, but life is about more than what you fill your resume with. The people at North Park are always there for each other. At North Park, you can look back on difficult times or struggles and because of the people you’re surrounded by, you don’t remember the struggle. You remember the conversations, the support, and the care you received.”

Daniel Raymond, a music education major from Stillman Valley, Ill., will return to Covenant Harbor Bible Camp this summer as worship director.

“A humble Christian spirit”

Raymond, a , was honored with a Distinguished Senior Award for his leadership across North Park’s music programs and outside communities. He served in various roles at throughout the last five years, and is currently a music assistant at First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest. During his time at the University, Raymond spent two years directing the , served as bass section leader in the University Choir, was the assistant chorus master for the in 2014, and was chosen to be the student conductor at the .

He also played on , North Park’s Ultimate Frisbee team, throughout his four years, which he says is made rewarding because of the travel and friendships it afforded him.

“Beyond Dan’s considerable achievements, he is an exemplary human being, who has distinguished himself at North Park and beyond,” said Dean Craig Johnson, on behalf of the faculty. “He embodies a truly humble Christian spirit.”

Raymond completed an internship during the summer of 2012 at “to have the experience of working in a corporate environment.” He recently completed a student teaching assignment at Niles North High School, with a goal of teaching choral music at the secondary level. He will return to Covenant Harbor Bible Camp this summer to serve as worship director.

When asked how North Park has shaped him, Raymond said, “Academically, I’ve learned so much content, but more than anything, I’ve learned how to learn. At a very small high school, I had a lot of different opportunities to shine as a musician. Coming to North Park was humbling. It showed me how many very talented people there are in so many different areas of study and application.”

In addition to the Distinguished Senior Awards, the Honors Convocation ceremony also noted the top graduating students from each department and school, and service and leadership awards were given to seniors embodying excellence in co- and extracurricular activities. View a complete list of students recognized in this year's .

The University’s graduation ceremonies, including the presentation of the Ahnfeldt Medallion given to the senior with the highest grade point average, will officially close the year on .

Use @npunews to . Learn more .

Author tomgabrysiak

North Park to Host ‘On the Table’ Conversations

North Park to Host ‘On the Table’ Conversations

North Park will host five discussions in Hamming Hall as part of 'On the Table 2015,' with topics that include education, healthcare, peace and justice, nonprofits, and diversity in higher education

Part of citywide discussion to reimagine philanthropy

CHICAGO (April 24, 2015) — On Tuesday, May 12, thousands of people from around Chicago will gather at various locations to discuss ways to make our region the most compassionate and generous in the nation. This imaginative public square is known as “,” organized for the second consecutive year by the , a 100-year-old organization that looks for innovative ways for concerned citizens to put charitable dollars to work for the benefit of metropolitan Chicago.

Similar to last year, ÂÜÀòÉç will host five concurrent “On the Table” conversations. Discussion topics include education, healthcare, peace and justice, nonprofits, and diversity in higher education, and were chosen with local partners and . The goal is to bring together North Park faculty and staff with community leaders to further collaboration and benefit the community at large.

, senior program manager at the at ÂÜÀòÉç, was chosen to serve as an official ambassador of “On the Table 2015” by the Chicago Community Trust. A longtime partner of North Park, the Chicago Community Trust has supported the important role the Axelson Center plays as a resource for Chicago’s nonprofit sector. The Chicago Community Trust is a major sponsor of the as well as . 

“Philanthropy, the ‘On the Table 2015' theme, is an action word at ÂÜÀòÉç,” Williams says. “Students, faculty, and staff give in a variety of ways throughout the year because of a personal commitment to service. Collectively, we as an institution are a natural hub for divergent intersections. As a convener and connector on May 12, we have the opportunity to help our community discover new ways to extend the measure of its impact throughout Chicago.”

The event will take place from 8:30 to 10:30 am in ÂÜÀòÉç’s Hamming Hall. It is made possible thanks to the support of Whole Foods Market Sauganash. If you have any questions or are interested in attending, please contact Crystal Williams at crwilliams@northpark.edu or (773) 244-5799.

 Travel Information

• to North Park's campus.
• Download a .

Use @npunews to . Learn more .

Author tomgabrysiak

North Park Partners with Noble Network to Expand College Opportunities

North Park Partners with Noble Network to Expand College Opportunities

The mission of Noble Network of Charter Schools is to "prepare low-income students with the scholarship, discipline, and honor necessary to succeed in college and lead exemplary lives, and serves as a catalyst for education reform in Chicago."

CHICAGO (April 15, 2015) — ÂÜÀòÉç, along with 13 other colleges nationwide, was chosen to partner with the to provide greater access to higher education for Noble Network’s undocumented graduating seniors.

Beginning this fall, North Park will work with Noble, a Chicago-based network of public schools, and its Pritzker Access Scholarship program, to help close the financial aid gap for these students who are unable to obtain federal loans and scholarships. Currently at North Park, more than 96 percent of undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance, which can include federal aid and loans.

“We are committed to supporting Noble students even after they graduate high school,” said Michael Milkie, superintendent and CEO of the Noble Network of Charter Schools. “Undocumented students across the country often miss out on a college education because of their ineligibility for financial aid. We are grateful to our college partners for providing the opportunities for these students.”

In fall, with the Pritzker Foundation and The Pritzker Traubert Family Foundation that will allow 70 Chicago high school students who are currently undocumented immigrants to attend college.

The agreement will be available to Noble seniors who have qualified for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (a temporary federal relief from deportation) and are accepted to one of the four-year colleges in the agreement. ÂÜÀòÉç will provide five undocumented students who received the Pritzker Access Scholarship with the financial support necessary to close the need for direct costs.

“North Park is a community founded by immigrants over a century ago who were looking to better their lives through education,” said ÂÜÀòÉç President . “This partnership is an opportunity to continue that tradition and serve the students of Chicago.”

These incoming students will also participate in the University’s , an intensive nine-day program that helps first-year students prepare for the academic and social challenges of college and adjust to life on campus.

“Our mentoring programs at North Park focus on identifying student needs, helping them understand who they are, what their skills, interests, and abilities are, and find social and academic opportunities that lead toward students feeling a fit at the University,” said Director of Student Success Dr. Barrington Price. “We look forward to welcoming these Noble Network students to campus and providing the support they need to excel in the classroom and long after they graduate.”

Along with ÂÜÀòÉç, partnering institutions include:

• Lafayette College (Easton, Pa.)
• Carleton College (Northfield, Minn.)
• Dominican University (River Forest, Ill.)
• Franklin & Marshall College (Lancaster, Pa.)
• Holy Cross College (Notre Dame, Ind.)
• Illinois College (Jacksonville, Ill.)
• Luther College (Decorah, Iowa)
• Lycoming College (Williamsport, Pa.)
• Monmouth College (Monmouth, Ill.)
• ÂÜÀòÉç (Chicago, Ill.)
• Ripon College (Ripon, Wis.)
• Wabash College (Crawfordsville, Ind.)
• Western Illinois University (Macomb, Ill.)

Additional information regarding the Noble Network and its programs may be found at .

Use @npu to . Learn more .

Author tomgabrysiak

Master of Organizational Leadership Degree to Launch in Fall 2015

Master of Organizational Leadership Degree to Launch in Fall 2015

The master of organizational leadership, one of five master's degrees in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management, will be available online or face-to-face beginning in Fall 2015.

Program combines leadership theory, ethics, and the advanced skills necessary to become effective leaders in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors

CHICAGO (April 8, 2015) — A leader inspires in others not only a commitment to perform a task, but to be a part of something larger. They exert influence across an organization through meaningful relationships with others, and develop shared purposes in terms of mission and organizational identity. They possess the ability to move an organization from where it is, to where it wants to be.

“A leader has to develop a whole different skill set,” says , who brings three decades of industry experience to the classroom as a professor of business and nonprofit management at ÂÜÀòÉç. “Leaders ask: ‘How do we get people to do jobs well? How do we inspire people to take risks? How do we see new possibilities?’ There is a need for people who have developed these competencies.”

Drawing on ÂÜÀòÉç’s long history of preparing its students to become effective leaders in their careers and communities, the is rising to meet that need with a new launching in Fall 2015. Designed for senior executives and entry-level employees alike, the program combines leadership theory, ethics, and the advanced skills necessary to prepare students to become effective leaders in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

“This degree teaches someone to engage constituents in multiple groups in a way that makes them feel like they are being led, not managed,” says , assistant professor of management and leadership, whose own research interests lie at the intersection of career success and self-leadership. “There is a difference, and the coursework at North Park speaks to that difference.”

Amid shifting demographics and an increasingly global economy, the industry-driven curriculum will have immediate relevance in the marketplace and focus on how to lead change initiatives, implement strategic plans, increase organizational effectiveness, make decisions, build relationships with stakeholders, and cultivate the interpersonal skills that are needed to inspire commitment. “This program has direct applicability in areas of training and development, and working with departments around best practices,” Hubbard says.

Courses such as Change Leadership, Diversity and Conflict, Talent Development and Retention, Negotiation and Influence, and Measuring Outcomes and Assessment are . Students will take 13 core courses and five electives, providing an opportunity to customize the program to suit their professional interests and career goals.

North Park offers the MOL degree online and in person at our Chicago campus, allowing students to continue to work while advancing their education. All courses are taught by experienced full-time and adjunct faculty who have extensive industry experience and offer a personalized teaching experience. “There is a real, genuine investment in our students' learning and outcomes, and that distinguishes us,” Hubbard says.

Additionally, the program helps students develop and apply their own ethics to decision making. “It can be difficult to discern the appropriate action in a fast-paced and diverse environment,” Marsh says. “Our leadership curriculum is focused on helping students discern, ‘How do I lead and make decisions without all of the information that I’d want to have? How do I develop key relationships that can bring about change?' A leader is someone spending time on growing the self, not just growing their skills.”

Use @npunews to . Learn more .

Author tomgabrysiak

Student Looks to Build on South Africa Experience

Student Looks to Build on South Africa Experience

Over 100 ÂÜÀòÉç students will embark on nine global partnership trips this year, to places including India, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and South Africa (pictured above). .

Jameson Coslow among more than 100 students who will venture on Global Partnership trips this year

CHICAGO (April 2, 2015) — Last month, Jameson Coslow, a sophomore at ÂÜÀòÉç, walked through the faded white bars and onto the cold stone floor that was Nelson Mandela’s 7-foot-by-8-foot cell on Robben Island in South Africa. He spent time weaving baskets with women from the Zimele organization, a group whose mission is to confront the root causes of poverty and remove the barriers to economic self-sufficiency for women in South Africa’s rural communities. And he spent time with local political activists who taught him about the historical and current racial and economic struggles in the country.

Jameson experienced all of these things along with seven other North Park students and two faculty advisors, and . It was part of North Park’s , which provides students opportunities for cross-cultural experiences that expand their faith, their views of the world, and their commitment to a lifestyle of justice. This year, students will go on trips to India, Mexico, Washington D.C., Appalachia, Zambia, the Dominican Republic, and South Africa.

“Our hope is that these trips are an opportunity to open student’s eyes to the vastness of the kingdom of God,” says Jessica Wheelwright, global partnerships coordinator. “It is bigger than what we imagine and what is familiar to us. These experiences challenge students to continue to engage in their faith with whomever they meet.”

Last year, at North Park. Jameson’s trip to South Africa was part of a for-credit course taught by Dr. Johnson titled Truth and Reconciliation. It is a learning experience that includes a classroom component before and after the trip. In preparation, Jameson and his classmates studied and discussed the history and cultural tensions of South Africa. The experience so far has been transformational, Jameson says, but he’s still processing what it means for himself and for the community around him.

“It was great going, but it was one of those things where you come back and only a handful of people get it,” he says. “It was such a powerful experience, and you see all of these important places. You care about these things a lot and you come back and try to figure out how to really get across what it was like and do the entire experience justice. You want to explain and tell the whole story but people only want to hear bits and pieces.”

One story Jameson tells is about the group’s visit to district six in Cape Town. He describes it as the equivalent of New Orleans with its blend of cultures. The apartheid government had made it a white-only area during the 1970s.

“Our tour guide grew up there before it was segregated and told of how her brother got beaten for playing the saxophone on the street, and in the distress of the situation, her mother had a heart attack and died. Our tour guide had hate and anger towards the white government,” Jameson says.

Students have embarked on two trips to India (pictured above) this year, over winter and spring break. .

But her story, much like South Africa’s story, didn’t end with hate and anger, but with redemption and reconciliation. Their tour guide told them after a number of years, she walked into an old church, a place she didn’t go very often, and sat down. She prayed and felt her anger disappear and was finally  able and willing to forgive those who hurt her family and her community.

“You could sit down and read a book about South Africa and probably have a decent perspective on it, but there’s something about being in South Africa and feeling this racial tension,” Jameson says. “Living in that and then hearing the emotion behind people’s words changes the way you feel toward them and their situation.”

Jameson's experience with the South Africa trip won’t end with his return home. Global Partnerships offers several debriefing opportunities for students.

“This is a crucial part in understanding and fully engaging in the experience,” says Wheelwright. “Learning how to put words to an experience, helping to process emotions, and helping to understand them moving forward. Students need to continue to ask, ‘what does this mean, how do I share these stories, and how do I continue to engage with this ministry if I feel called to do it and continue to engage in the larger kingdom of God?’”

Jameson’s dream is to work in disaster relief for the Red Cross. He has an international outlook, owing in part to the fact that his father served in the Peace Corps and he lived in Finland and Latvia before coming to the United States. But an important piece for him now, and for his Truth and Reconciliation class, is how to relate the experience of South Africa to his current community in the U.S.

“I come back from this trip, recover from the jet lag, and I can’t stop thinking about whether what is happening 9,000 miles away means anything to us here,” Jameson says. “There’s so much racial tension in America, and learning about South Africa helps me think about how we can work through it here so everyone can have healing.”

Use @npunews to . Learn more .

Author tomgabrysiak

Nonprofits Invited to Disrupt the Norm at Axelson Center Symposium

Nonprofits Invited to Disrupt the Norm at Axelson Center Symposium

This year's Axelson Center Symposium for Nonprofit Professionals and Volunteers will take place on Monday, June 22, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

Early-bird registration available now through April 1

CHICAGO (March 25, 2015) – If nonprofits are to successfully innovate, disrupt the norm, and be change agents for the communities they serve, their leaders and staff must go beyond big goals and lofty visions. Results and impact require thoughtful and empowered decision-making informed by nonprofit managerial excellence. The , a one-day nonprofit management conference in downtown Chicago, equips the sector’s leaders with the knowledge required to create organizational excellence and translate strategic plans into results.

The Symposium, hosted by ÂÜÀòÉç’s , will take place Monday, June 22, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The conference is one-of-a-kind in the Midwest, bringing nonprofit professionals together from across the sector to discuss management issues that affect all types of organizations. Symposium programming is designed with this diversity in mind, and executive directors, fundraising and marketing professionals, program staff, and volunteer managers will all find topics of interest to them at this year’s conference.

This year’s Symposium features a keynote address by Nick Tasler, internationally acclaimed author of Why Quitters Win and The Impulse Factor and creator of the Think Strategically & Act Decisively team learning system. In his talk, “Everyday Decisiveness: Decision-Making for Organizational Excellence”, sponsored by BMO Harris Bank, Tasler will deliver a powerful presentation equipping you to overcome all types of challenges with future-focused thinking and decisive action, resulting in a renewed sense of professional purpose and greater personal and organizational effectiveness from the inside out.

Following the keynote session, breakout sessions will offer programming across four diverse topic tracks: Accountability and Integrity; Resource Generation; Your Leadership: Your Impact; and Communicate Your Story. . This year’s Symposium also features some unique sessions: a program track exclusively for C-Suite leaders; a collaborative networking session sponsored by that will bring attendees together to solve problems; and a live “Make Your Pitch” session where nonprofits will compete for a $1,000 cash prize sponsored by .

This year's Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence and the Excellent Emerging Organization Award will be presented during the annual luncheon.

In addition to educational programming, the Axelson Center’s nonprofit management awards—the  and the —will be presented during the luncheon portion of the Symposium. These annual awards recognize outstanding nonprofit management practices and a young nonprofit organization with potential for growth and greater effectiveness, respectively.

The Early Bird registration rate of $249 is available through April 1. Regular registration is available April 2–June 12. Review the entire event program and register at .

The Symposium is made possible with significant support from , , , , , and .

The Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management at ÂÜÀòÉç is the source for informative and engaging nonprofit professional development in the Chicago region. Through regular workshops, custom trainings, a BootCamp for New Nonprofit CEOs, and the , the Axelson Center delivers a superior educational experience for nonprofit managers, leaders, and frontline staff, covering a vast array of topics from program evaluation to strategic planning, and communications to financial management. The valuable information presented through these programs enhances the impact of both the nonprofit sector and its professional staff. Visit  for more information, including a full schedule of upcoming events. 

Use @npunews to . Learn more .

Author tomgabrysiak

Campus Theme Day Focuses on Food, Faith, and Our Future on Earth

Campus Theme Day Focuses on Food, Faith, and Our Future on Earth

Events will include a ‘Poverty Banquet,’ examining the diversity and disparity of how the world eats

CHICAGO (March 18, 2015) — One of the first volunteer opportunities freshman Marisa Bowden participated in at ÂÜÀòÉç was making, serving, and sharing food with people experiencing homelessness in Chicago. Last fall, Bowden joined 36 other students from North Park’s for first-year students in the Anderson Hall dormitory kitchen to prepare hot meals for over 100 people in the city’s Uptown and Wicker Park neighborhoods. “We delivered the food to our neighbors through the local organization the Night Ministry,” Bowden said. “When it was served, we engaged in conversation with them, and students’ hearts and minds were truly opened.”

The service experience was one of many related to food and justice that has partnered with departments across campus and nonprofit organizations to provide for North Park students. The University community’s concern for these issues was part of what led to centering this year’s around the question “What Is Food?”

The yearlong Campus Theme program includes a series of events, lectures, and discussions related to an enduring and ultimate question of human experience. Wednesday, March 25, will mark the climax of this year’s program with .

Dr. Norman Wirzba, professor of theology and ethics at Duke Divinity School, will address the intersection of theology, philosophy, ecology, and agrarian and environmental studies.

"Campus Theme Day brings a variety of perspectives to bear on this issue, including faith, culture, justice, and economics,” said , associate professor of  and the director of the Campus Theme program. “Between the morning chapel service, the afternoon panel discussion, and the evening Poverty Banquet, we will offer a comprehensive view of the ways food affects our lives now and in the future.”

The day’s events will begin with a 10:30 am chapel service in Anderson Chapel featuring Dr. Norman Wirzba, professor of theology and ethics at Duke Divinity School. Dr. Wirzba’s talk, “Food and Faith: A Theology of Eating,” will address the intersection of theology, philosophy, ecology, and agrarian and environmental studies.

“Food is God’s expression of love for us,” said Wirzba. “When we eat well, we participate in this love, and by sharing, extend God’s love to others. Eating is not simply about ingesting calories. It is about witnessing to God’s hospitable and nurturing ways with creatures. Good eating matters for Christians because it makes for healthy bodies, vibrant communities, and healthy lands.”

Wirzba will return to Anderson Chapel at 3:30 pm for “The Ethics and Economics of the Land,” a panel discussion on food justice. Panelists will include Wirzba; alumni Ryan Anderson, ecological economist at the Delta Institute, and Tim King, farmer and former chief strategy officer at Sojourners; and Seminary student Ericka Elion, formerly of Bread for the World.

“The panel discussion will be about systems—agricultural, economic, rural-to-urban food transfer systems,” Clifton-Soderstrom said. “Each panelist has a relationship with the question of what it means to respect the land, and how that relates to faith and policy.”

Campus Theme Day closes with a 6:00 pm “Poverty Banquet” in Hamming Hall, a unique dinner experience that examines both the diversity and disparity of how the world eats. “The Poverty Banquet is designed to create a dramatic, interactive event that enables participants to experience the extent of global poverty, the degree of inequality in the world, and the interconnectedness of the three income tiers—20 percent high-income, 30 percent middle-income, and 50 percent low-income,” said Tony Zamblé, director of University Ministries.

Seminary student Ericka Elion, formerly of Bread for the World, will serve as a discussion panelist and Poverty Banquet master of ceremonies for Campus Theme Day.

Adjunct Youth Ministry Professor Cynthia Stewart will be the Banquet’s keynote speaker, and Ericka Elion will return as master of ceremonies, leading participants through an interactive program that Zamblé believes will be “a very realistic and impactful evening. Without divulging too much, different groups will be served accordingly, resulting in a powerful experience for all involved.” 

For North Park students, the Poverty Banquet will provide another experience in a regular series of service-oriented activities around shared meals and food. This week, the African Student Club cooked a traditional African meal together, tying into the Campus Theme and empowering students to make food as an expression of culture. In April, Residence Life and University Ministries will partner on a Greater Chicago Food Depository volunteer experience for students, allocating food to the Friendship Center in Albany Park, and directly impacting the North Park community.  

Marisa Bowden, who served with other COMPASS students last fall, was so impacted by her volunteering experience that she became a participant in the University’s weekly Friday Night Street Ministry. Through this ongoing, relational program, she helps prepare and serve food for hungry people on Lower Wacker Drive, engaging in conversation over meals. 

The experience has taught Bowden that “you don’t need to be an international missionary to make this world a better place. It can start within the kitchen of our own homes.”

All Campus Theme events are free and open to the public. For more information, please visit .

Use @npunews to . Learn more .

Author tomgabrysiak