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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.
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萝莉社 Core Curriculum requirements have been revised for undergraduate students beginning with the fall semester, 2013.
Curriculum revision groups courses in tiers
CHICAGO (April 8, 2013) — The faculty of 萝莉社 approved a revised —the University's general education requirements—for new students entering the University this fall. The revision will better align the liberal arts character of the University's , Core Curriculum learning outcomes, and academic requirements, according to a report from a committee that developed the revision.
"We want to communicate to students how valuable their liberal arts and sciences education will be for enriching their lives after college and for preparing them for a variety of careers,” said , assistant professor of and director of general education. "Such an education is essential because, most of the time, complex, real-world problems are not solved by one discipline alone but by people working across disciplines."
The revision consists of 46 semester hours, and groups current Core Curriculum courses into three tiers: Foundations, Explorations, and Capstones. In Foundations, courses will provide literacies, skills, and values basic to a Christian liberal arts education, and are ideally taken in a student's first three semesters, Clifton-Soderstrom said. The signature course in this sequence is "Cornerstone Seminar: A Life of Significance," in which students explore the big questions of "What does it mean to be human?", "Who am I?", and "How does the answer to these questions help me think about what I want out of my advanced education?"
Other Foundations courses include topics such as writing, math, biblical studies, modern languages, and a new global histories course. "Early in a student's career, this history course gives students a global and multicultural perspective on how key themes in human societies can be compared across time and cultures," Clifton-Soderstrom said.
In Explorations, courses are focused in certain disciplines, such as art, theology, the sciences, culture and society, and ethical reasoning. In Capstones, students will take two courses, usually in the junior or senior year. One course, "Capstone Seminar: A Life of Service," brings together different skills and values and applies them to real-world settings. A second capstone is a course, project, or performance that integrates advanced learning to the student's major.
The Core Curriculum revision places greater emphasis on writing and ethics, which, in most cases, can be taken up in a student's major, or in other departments. Faculty report that improved writing is critical for upper-level students, and employers say they want students who possess good writing skills. Ethics-related courses will be available to most students in their majors.
The Cornerstone Seminar and Capstone Seminar cross academic disciplines, engage the perspectives of many cultures, and emphasize writing and critical analysis. The courses are important to the University's Core Curriculum, said , professor of and a committee member. Students should consider the Core Curriculum their "first major," before they move into a specific degree program, he added. "You want to make a living, but you also want to make a life," said Dooley.
Faculty will benefit from a clear set of expectations and ways to achieve desired outcomes in the new Core Curriculum, said , professor of arts, and a committee member. "The revision also provides increased opportunities for faculty collaboration across disciplines. For example, we are already seeing increased opportunities for service-learning courses and synthesis-type courses that engage faculty and students," she said. The revision, developed in collaboration with the faculty, also brings North Park into closer alignment with peer colleges and universities, Trujillo said.
The Core Curriculum revision took more than two years to develop, and involved extensive research into current trends in higher education, post-college employment, and the North Park community’s own academic vision. In September 2011, the University faculty asked for a revised set of common Core Curriculum learning outcomes. A committee was appointed, which proposed changes endorsed by the faculty in April 2012. The faculty asked the committee to determine how to implement the revised curriculum, and secure departmental commitments and funds. The committee's proposal was adopted overwhelmingly at the faculty's February 2013 meeting.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
萝莉社 Confers 269 Degrees at 2013 Winter Commencement
Graduates called to continue discovering their dream
For 269 graduates, making it to the commencement stage on Friday, December 13 in the was a dream come true. The hours of planning, saving, and studying finally earned that moment in front of a full house of family and friends.
Bachelor鈥檚 degrees were presented to 180 students, representing a wide range of from across the University, including the . Graduate degrees and certificates were awarded to 89 students from the , , , and .
鈥淵ou鈥檝e made it,鈥� said 萝莉社 President , welcoming the crowd from the stage decorated in poinsettias and flags representing the international diversity of graduates. 鈥淭his is your night!鈥�
But as students are taught throughout their North Park education, their time at the University and the degrees they earned are about much more than individual achievement.
鈥淪erve, North Park proclaims, and in service you鈥檒l begin to discover your dream,鈥� Parkyn said during his charge to graduates. 鈥淐ontinue to serve after you鈥檝e graduated and you鈥檒l continue to discover your dream.鈥�
Dr. Parkyn talked of Martin Luther King, Jr.鈥檚 famous dream, and its echoes throughout the history of Christian faith and Scripture. 鈥淐all it service, call it loving your neighbor as Jesus does, call it loving kindness as the Hebrew prophet does鈥攃all it anything you like but get ahold of it because discovering your dream starts in serving others鈥攚hile you鈥檙e a student and after you graduate.鈥�
The commencement program included a reading from Proverbs, choral performances by the , a graduation litany, and a presentation of degrees by University deans. Students were led into the gymnasium by a procession of flags of countries and territories in which graduates were born, are citizens, or have been residents. The flags of the United States, the city of Chicago, and 萝莉社 led the procession, followed by the flags of Assyria, Brazil, Finland, Ghana, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Serbia, Slovakia, and Sweden.
The commencement ceremony also featured a benediction from , read by graduates in five languages, including Mongolian, French, Finnish, Swedish, and Tagalog.
2013 University Honors Convocation Recognizes Outstanding Students, Employees
North Park's 2013 Distinguished Seniors are Fatima Kukaswadia, left, and Timothy Ahlberg.
Timothy Ahlberg, Fatima Kukaswadia named Distinguished Seniors
CHICAGO (April 24, 2013) — 萝莉社 honored outstanding seniors April 22 for excellence in academic achievement, service, and leadership at the 2013 Honors Convocation in Anderson Chapel. One faculty member and one staff member were also recognized for outstanding work.
Two students, Timothy Ahlberg, Perrysburg, Ohio, and Fatima Kukaswadia, Chicago, were named recipients of the Distinguished Senior Award, recognizing superior leadership, service, and academic performance. Ahlberg and Kukaswadia were chosen from a group of five finalists.
Ahlberg, a major, with a concentration in , and a minor in , is president of the North Park student body. He was goalkeeper for the Vikings team for four seasons, captain in his senior year, and was named an all-conference and all-district player. Twice he was named an Academic All-American. After graduation next month, Ahlberg will spend time in Thailand this summer through and will intern with . This fall he will begin a nine-month assignment in Mexico as part of a award in international business.
Kukaswadia will also graduate with a bachelor of science degree in , with a concentration in . Kukaswadia, who lives in the North Park neighborhood, was born in Pakistan and moved to Chicago at age three. She is president of the University's , a member of the North Park Business Club, and a lifetime member in Delta Mu Delta, a business honor society.
Two University employees were recognized. The (Campus Life Associations and Student Senate) Service Award was presented to , University career development and internship coordinator. The award is honors a staff member who actively engages with students and embodies the University's mission. , associate professor of finance, School of Business and Nonprofit Management, was presented the Zenos Hawkinson Award for Teaching and Campus Leadership. That award recognizes a faculty member who has made a significant contribution to teaching and leadership at the University.
In addition, top seniors named by departments of the College of Arts and Sciences, and professional schools were recognized:
: Calise Berger, Eagan, Minn.
: Sarah G. Peterson, Eagan, Minn.
: Courtney Petros, Chicago
: Amal Massad, Oak Lawn, Ill.
: Gigi Hoang, Chicago
: Jeffrey Stafford, Fults, Ill.
: Miranda VanderMey, Mount Vernon, Wash.
: Rachel Lindsay, Central Square, N.Y.
: Tiia Sahrakorpi, Coral Springs, Fla.
(J. Scott Wade Memorial Award): Erin Harner, Rockford, Ill.
: Rebekah Bishop Putera, Joy, Ill.
(Lindahl Prize for Excellence): Peter Johnson, Bloomington, Minn.
: Abigail Humber, Omaha, Neb.
Foreign Language: Olena Boryskina, Norridge, Ill.
: Geovanni Montoya, Schiller Park, Ill.
School of Business and Nonprofit Management: Sally Saed, Jerusalem
: Felicia Patton, Chicago
(Delores Johnson Award): Naomi Stirbu, Skokie, Ill.
: Megan Ford, Rockford
Awards recognizing service and leadership were presented to outstanding University seniors:
Servant Leadership Award: Joel Brand, St. Paul, Minn.
Student Laureate Award: Shadae Gatlin, Chicago
Diversity Award: Shadae Gatlin
Music Service Award: Monica Laytham, Timonium, Md.
Seven students were recognized for undergraduate research excellence, and presented papers April 23 at a research symposium at Brandel Library. , 萝莉社 professor of , addressed the award recipients, focusing her remarks on "activist scholarship." Trujillo was the 2012 recipient of the Hawkinson Award.
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North Park Student Named Best Presenter at Regional Scientific Meeting
Mary Ellis, Sisseton, S.D., was named top student presenter at the Midwestern Section annual meeting of the American Society of Plant Biologists in Chicago.
Mary Ellis honored for presentation on pest-infested plant identification
CHICAGO (March 28, 2013) – Mary Ellis, a junior major at 萝莉社, was named the top undergraduate student presenter March 24 at the 2013 of the . Ellis's presentation, given at Chicago State University, was based on her research project involving plant species that attract destructive .
, North Park assistant professor of biology, worked with Ellis for nearly a year on the project, and heard her winning presentation. "I am very proud of her," he said. "I knew this project was creative, and she was comfortable in presenting it. I was really hoping she could win." Lin added that Ellis is an "outstanding student with a passion for research, and someone who takes initiative."
Ellis, of Sisseton, S.D., spoke to a room full of professors and plant scientists, the first time she had made such a presentation. Ellis said she felt positive about it afterward, including her answers to questions. She was surprised when her name was announced, she said, because the other student presenters had access to more resources to work on their science projects. Competitors were from large research institutions, such as Michigan State University, The Ohio State University, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. The presentation award was based on knowledge, scientific methods, expression, and creativity, Lin said.
Ellis had little time to prepare her presentation. The abstract for her project was among dozens submitted in advance for the plant biologists' regional meeting. 萝莉社 two weeks before, meeting organizers chose hers as one of only five undergraduate projects to be presented orally. "When I got the email saying I was selected to present, it was during spring break, and I was on a to Appalachia," she said in an interview. "I didn't have any access to my computer, to my phone or anything, so I had to figure it out when I got back. I had one week to come up with this presentation."
The project she and Lin worked on involved the Japanese beetle, well-known to residents in the Midwest and Eastern United States as an invasive pest. Ellis collected diverse plant samples infested by the beetles, as well as plants that were not infested. DNA samples from each were sequenced and analyzed, and an amplified gene was put into a scientific data system known as "." That system provided a way of identifying the plant species that the beetles infested.
The real purpose of the project was to develop a model that any scientist could use to predict host plants for invasive pests. Ellis said her project also resulted in interesting, preliminary findings. For example, the majority of the plant species attractive to the beetles were originally from Asia, just as the beetle. "Along with the Japanese beetle, basically the plants were introduced here as well…such as roses and Elm trees," she said. Ellis and Lin plan to continue collecting and analyzing plant samples, and hope to publish their findings next year. The project is funded in part by .
In a matter of weeks, Ellis will be working on yet another scientific investigation. This summer, she will study at the , an independent environmental research organization in Millbrook, N.Y. She was accepted into its highly competitive program, , and will work closely with a scientist on research involving the West Nile Virus. After she finishes her bachelor's degree in 2014, Ellis hopes to attend graduate school to train as a researcher in "Alpine ecology," ecosystems at high elevations, she said.
Lin, who joined the faculty in 2008, said he is appreciative of the University's support of undergraduate research projects such as the one in which he and Ellis have collaborated. "The school has been very supportive of undergraduate research. I consider myself lucky to be here at North Park," he said.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
Timothy Ahlberg, left, and Samuel Auger, are the University's latest recipients of U.S. Fulbright Student Program awards. Ten North Park students have earned awards in the past five years.
Ahlberg, Auger now among 10 University Fulbright grant recipients
CHICAGO (May 10, 2013) — Two 萝莉社 students—Timothy Ahlberg and Samuel Auger—were named recipients this spring of awards, which provides international learning opportunities. Ahlberg, of Perrysburg, Ohio, will begin a business internship in Mexico City this August, the recipient of a . Auger, of Chicago, was named an , and will work in a high school in Haskovo, Bulgaria, beginning in late summer.
Ahlberg and Auger are now among 10 in the past five years who have earned awards in the prestigious Fulbright Program. Ahlberg graduates May 11 as a major, with a concentration in accounting, and a minor in . He was recently named one of two for 2013. Auger also graduates May 11, with a bachelor's degree in , focused on Latin America and the Middle East, and a minor in .
Timothy Ahlberg
Ahlberg was president of the North Park student body this year, a standout student and volunteer with homeless ministries. He studied abroad in Guanajuato, Mexico, during his sophomore year. During his 10-month business internship in Mexico City he also plans to take MBA classes. "Fulbright is all about building relationships between the United States and other countries, and for me that's one of the main goals. I think it will be invaluable to have those relationships, and understand a different perspective," Ahlberg said. He plans to finish his MBA after he returns to the United States, and work in business-related career.
, associate professor of accounting, said of Ahlberg, "He approaches each learning activity not only with the goal of meeting the requirement of the course, but with the goal of maximizing his educational experience and that of his student colleagues," she said in nominating Ahlberg as a Distinguished Senior. Ahlberg maintained a 3.9 grade point average.
Ahlberg was also a standout goalkeeper on the while at North Park. This year, he was team captain, was named an all-conference and all-district player, and was twice named an Academic All-American.
After graduation, Ahlberg goes on a mission trip to Thailand through the University's program. He will return to Chicago to work in the auditing department of , before leaving for Mexico.
Alberg's parents are Jon and Carolyn Ahlberg. He has one brother, Andrew, and a sister, Tiffany.
Sam Auger
Auger grew up in Ecuador, and transferred to North Park after his freshman year at Azusa Pacific University in California. He studied abroad in Argentina in 2011, learning about Argentine literature and art history. Auger has never been to Bulgaria. "I wanted someplace that would be new, culturally challenging, and where I'd have to learn a new language," Auger said.
"I picked some places that seemed interesting and eventually narrowed it down. I went to the (Chicago) , and saw a documentary about folk music using bagpipes. I met some great people who told me interesting things about Bulgaria. It seemed that would be a great place to spend a year."
Auger's international experience in Ecuador, where his parents worked at in Quito, influenced his decision to apply for the Fulbright program. "I grew up knowing that there is so much more," he said. "You become more curious culturally. That was my experience."
Auger has spoken to North Parkers who have worked abroad through the Fulbright program. In Bulgaria, he will help teach students English and host conversation clubs. He will also share information about living in the United States and learn about life in Bulgaria.
Before leaving, Auger plans to take the (MCAT). He will go to Ecuador and Peru, and travel with friends until his Fulbright experience begins. After he returns in mid-2014, Auger plans to begin the application process for medical school, and hopes to work in a program, designed to teach students about the medical profession and recordkeeping by working directly with physicians in emergency room settings.
One of Auger's professors, , North Park professor of , met Auger when he took Schau's introductory cell biology class. "What stuck out to me early on about Sam was his unusual level of maturity. Over the last two years, I have been very impressed with his passion for global issues. Just conversing with Sam regularly has expanded my own worldview. I have no doubt that Sam will represent North Park and the United States well during his year in Bulgaria."
Auger's parents are Robert and Rev. Debra Auger, dean of students and community life at . He has three siblings, Hannah, Zach, and Libby.
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 . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
Next Steps
Learn more about the Fulbright program from the Fulbright program faculty associate, .
University's 14th Axelson Center Symposium Draws More than 500 Nonprofit Leaders
Jonny Imerman, founder of Imerman Angels, speaks at a symposium plenary session featuring founders of Chicago-area nonprofit organizations.
Nonprofit founders, author among keynotes; top organizations recognized
CHICAGO (June 7, 2013) — Nonprofit leaders and volunteers from throughout Chicago and Midwest met here June 4 at the to learn how to engage and motivate key stakeholders in their organizations. Nearly 570 attendees learned from keynote speakers and a variety of workshop leaders who addressed the conference theme, "The Engagement Effect."
The symposium is organized and presented annually by 萝莉社's . The Axelson Center also presented a June 3 Pre-Conference Revenue Institute, at which speakers addressed trends and strategies related to nonprofit revenue streams.
The symposium drew a cross-section of nonprofit leaders from large and small organizations, and people planning nonprofit careers. Attending his fourth Axelson Symposium, José Segarra, manager for government and external relations, , Chicago, said he learned about a Web-based database with information to help nonprofit organizations collaborate and expand their reach. "I always come out of these sessions with practical things I can apply in my job or pass on to somebody else. This gives me a chance to use these resources and apply what I'm learning," said Segarra, a 2012 University graduate with a degree.
Also attending was Sandra Davis from , Chicago, an organization that reports African American philanthropy. A workshop on individual and organizational behavior helped her consider her work differently, she said. "Your behavior has to align with your mission. People talk about organizational behavior, but individual behavior has to align with the organization's mission. That is really fundamental," Davis said. The symposium is a place to meet people, and for each attendee "to learn some actionable items to take back to the office, to elevate themselves and to innovate," she added.
Axelson Center presents annual nonprofit awards
Each year, the Axelson Center presents awards recognizing the achievements of Chicago-area nonprofits. A committee of nonprofit and community leaders determine the recipients:
: This award recognizes nonprofit organizations that embody exemplary management practices. Awards were presented to (small nonprofits with budgets under $3 million), and (large nonprofits with budgets above $3 million), both of Chicago. Winners were presented grants of $7,500 each, sponsored by Fifth Third Bank. Honorable mentions went to (small nonprofits) and (large nonprofits). This year, a record 55 organizations were nominated, with winners selected from 12 finalists.
: One young organization with potential for growth and greater effectiveness is recognized. The winner was, Chicago. A capacity building package valued at $25,000 was presented to the winner, along with a $2,500 cash grant. An Honorable Mention award was presented to . Twelve organizations were nominated.
Honors for Jimmie Alford, nonprofit leader and advocate
Symposium attendees honored the late of Chicago, for his 45 years of service to nonprofits. An Axelson Center founding advocate, executive-in-residence with the University's (SBNM), and well-known U.S. nonprofit leader, Alford died unexpectedly at his Chicago home in December 2012.
"Jimmie was instrumental in the early days of the Axelson Center, and worked tirelessly to help lay the foundation for it to become the premier center in the Chicago region for nonprofit professional education," said , SBNM professor and dean. Alford, a North Park alumnus, once served on the and founded The Alford Group, a nonprofit consulting firm.
"Jimmie is here with us because each of you represent what he loved and adored about this field," said Alford's widow, Maree Bullock, addressing symposium attendees. "As I look out over your faces, I see good—good work, good deeds, good intentions—and Jimmie would have loved to see the sea of good that I see."
Founders, author address nonprofit engagement in plenaries
Six Chicago-area nonprofit leaders opened the symposium in "Founders Fired Up," discussing how they started their nonprofits, and strategies for keeping their communities engaged. Forming partnerships led to success for Jonny Imerman, a "CNN Hero" and founder of , a community that provides one-on-one support for cancer survivors and caregivers. "It's all about teams. It's all about finding your niche. If it's already being done, join them. If it's not being done, build it," Imerman said. Also speaking were Jenna Benn of , an online cancer support organization; Malik Gillani, , which uses theater and online plays to share stories of Americans from the Middle East and Asia; Lisa Nigro of , which serves restaurant-style meals to people who are homeless; Reveca Torres of , a support organization for people living with spinal cord injuries and their caregivers; and Jeremy Weisbach of , which supports people living with diabetes.
, co-founder, Sagawa/Jospin Consulting Firm, discussed key points in The Charismatic Organization, a book she co-wrote. She noted some organizations may be led by charismatic leaders, but they're not necessarily growing. She advocated for a different leadership style, in which leaders focus primarily on the mission and the organization before themselves; recruit the "right people in the right jobs," and nurture them; share power and responsibility; and build a strong community, which Sagawa said is critical to success. "What we're trying to do is develop leaders of charismatic organizations," she said.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
Next Steps
Learn more about , , and programs for nonprofit management.
Creating 'A Beloved Community' Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Rabbi Andrea London quoted from Martin Luther King's 1958 comments when he visited the Evanston, Ill., synagogue she now serves.
North Park community, high school students urged to seek pluralism, new 'narratives'
CHICAGO (January 22, 2013) — Focusing on the legacy of , and what he meant to them, speakers at the 2013 萝莉社 celebration of the civil rights leader's life spoke of his dream of 'a beloved community," a pluralistic society in which people celebrate and honor their differences.
Worship, prayer, inspiration, performance, and discussion highlighted the University's Martin Luther King Day celebration, "Created in God's Image," in Anderson Chapel. One speaker, , senior rabbi of , Evanston, Ill., began by stating that the University values pluralism, a dream of King's. "Pluralism means to celebrate our difference, to honor that difference, and to see that those differences make us stronger," she said.
London noted that at age 28, King spoke at Beth Emet when he was pastor of the , Montgomery, Ala. In his 1958 comments, King spoke of great hope and optimism, she said, and of his dream of real integration, where differences are honored and celebrated. He would later call this "the beloved community," London said. Despite segregated neighborhoods, prejudices, and stereotypes that exist today, she said the present day is also filled with hope, and said "the new world order" King spoke of can still be realized. "Our communities and our lives will be enriched by honoring and learning from the unique image of God that is stamped on each of our faces and souls," she said.
She concluded by quoting King from his Beth Emet comments: "'God is interested in saving and freeing the whole human race, a world where all men will live together as brothers … and all women will live together as sisters,'" London added.
Speaking as "a witness," told how his personal and professional life was inspired by King. DeYoung, professor of reconciliation, Bethel University, St. Paul, Minn., said at age 12, he saw a television documentary on King's life that focused his attention on the civil rights leader and the realities of racism, poverty, and segregation. For DeYoung, it began a lifelong fascination with King, and a desire to learn more from mentors, students, and others, by bringing their "narratives" into his own life experience.
Through King's writings, DeYoung said he learned of the significance of social justice in Christianity. He said he has witnessed King's global influence in places such as South Africa and in the Middle East.
The Bethel professor encouraged the audience to bring a "great cloud of witnesses" () and their diverse narratives into their lives, too. "As a witness, I say invite King's narrative into your life. Read King. Understand King. But don't just stop at King. Invite those other folks who have walked ahead of us and have worked for social justice and reconciliation, and let them shape your journey." DeYoung later addressed students and staff at .
After worship, about 40 students from and , Winnetka, Ill., led by North Park students, held discussions on justice-related topics. The students, most of whom are members of Beth Emet, also learned about "," the University's educational program that focuses on the struggle for racial justice during the civil rights era and its contemporary implications. Chaperones discussed challenges in education, including charter and public school options, for people living in underrepresented communities.
The program included comments, creative expressions, and responses by University students Brandon Wrencher and Deima Thompson; , Seminary dean of students and community life; , assistant professor of youth ministry and director, Center for Youth Ministry Studies; and , University provost. Student Tatianna Hughlett led a closing song. The , Chicago, performed.
萝莉社's 2013 observance of Martin Luther King Day was organized by the , and the .
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
Next Steps
Learn more about organized through the Office of Diversity and Intercultural programs.
Dr. Jodi Koslow Martin greeted students and their families as they arrived to campus for Welcome Day during last week’s new student orientation activities.
Vice President for Student Engagement encourages students to get involved in the year ahead
CHICAGO (August 27, 2013) 鈥� When Dr. Jodi Koslow Martin was an undergraduate student, she felt that her student government advisor had 鈥渢he best job in the world,鈥� she said. After one meeting with the advisor during her senior year, Koslow Martin thought, 鈥淗ey, maybe I could do that.鈥� That realization would eventually set her on a path toward graduate school and a career in higher education and student services.
Koslow Martin, who was, chooses to work in higher education for the students, she said. This was obvious when Koslow Martin greeted incoming students on the University鈥檚 Welcome Day last week, sharing her excitement about the year ahead. 鈥淚 view my work on a college campus as a gift that I鈥檝e been given,鈥� she said. 鈥淭o be a part of this special time in people鈥檚 lives and watch them grow and develop into the people that they want to become is incredibly rewarding.鈥�
As new University students settle into campus in the coming days, Koslow Martin encouraged them to not only dive into their classes, but challenged them to consider student organizations and activities that they could be involved in. 鈥淔all is a season of hope and excitement on an academic campus, and of promise,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 encourage students to look into student groups to determine what their place might be, and to join something, to become connected to others within the larger North Park community. There are a lot of ways to help figure out who you are at this small school in a big city.鈥�
Koslow Martin told students that the University鈥檚 Student Engagement offices will be a resource to them as they find their fit during college. 鈥淚 made the decision to work in this area and lead student engagement because I know that the college experience doesn鈥檛 just happen within the walls of the classroom,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t happens with the development of new friendships and in relationships with faculty and staff. Students will learn about themselves, and also about how the world works and their place within it.鈥�
Part of the reason Koslow Martin was drawn to North Park was to serve as a source of students鈥� spiritual growth. 鈥淚 appreciate the opportunity for students to grow their faith as part of their college experience,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 think that goes hand in hand with figuring our your purpose in life, which is often what college becomes a time to do. It鈥檚 a time when students may start to sense where God is leading them in life, beyond school.鈥�
Empowering students to understand 鈥渉ow you get from the opening convocation to the graduation stage鈥� is an essential part of the work that the University鈥檚 Division of Student Engagement will do under Koslow Martin鈥檚 leadership, she said. 鈥淪tudents have to find a fit,鈥� she continued. 鈥淲hat helps them find a fit is when their expectations are met, and when they are open to new experiences.鈥�
University staff will serve as a resource to students as they achieve their goals, Koslow Martin said. 鈥淎s a university, we don鈥檛 believe in the promise of a North Park education if you don鈥檛 finish what you start. It鈥檚 not just important that you got admitted and you start, but that you finish your degree with us,鈥� she said. 鈥淪o, my work as the leader of the Student Engagement Division is about programmatic opportunities and providing for students a community of care that ensures they reach that graduation stage.鈥�
Dr. Koslow Martin, vice president for student engagement, oversees a number of areas that come alongside students in their academic and social lives, providing a well-rounded college experience.
Among the areas that Koslow Martin oversees鈥攕uch as Student Success, , and the 鈥攕he is eager to further develop聽, , , and Residence Life. She is also excited to take advantage of the newly renovated this year and connect with students there. 鈥淭he brand new dining hall is for both resident and commuter, undergrad and grad, all the students that come to North Park, so that they can share a meal together and break bread in the place where they learn,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 going to eat lunch there as much as I possibly can, so that students can see faculty and staff having their meals in the same space as they have it.鈥�
Like many in the University community, Koslow Martin is also excited for the opportunities that the will afford. Opening in fall 2014, the Johnson Center will house the new Center for Student Engagement, with enhanced services for students. Citing the intentionality of the space, Koslow Martin said, 鈥淲hile it will be great to be in new offices, it will be even better to symbolize the kind of collaboration that our offices will engage in, in order to give students a well-rounded college experience.鈥�
The Center for Student Engagement will also provide a place for students to wrestle with big questions, Koslow Martin said. 鈥淚t will present students with a space where some tough questions can be answered for them, whether it be 鈥榃hat am I supposed to do with my life?鈥� or 鈥楽hould I take this internship or not?鈥� Whether it鈥檚 鈥楬ow am I going to make it through my class?鈥� or 鈥楬ow am I going to employ these new test-taking strategies when I鈥檝e never been faced with this kind of challenge before?鈥欌�� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 all those kinds of questions. The people that work in the Center are there to help you answer those questions.鈥�
But perhaps most important to Koslow Martin is her belief that the University will experience growth as mentoring relationships are developed. In addition to improved campus facilities, she said, 鈥淚 think where we will also grow is in nurturing the ways in which we develop relationships on campus. When a student is new to North Park, it鈥檚 important that they receive the right advice and learn what it takes to make it work here.鈥�
As she did with her college advisor, Koslow Martin wants University students to learn how to become good mentees. 鈥淭hey learn from mentors what it means to seek out good mentoring,鈥� she said, 鈥渁nd they know it isn鈥檛 just going to come to them, and that someone isn鈥檛 just going to give them an internship鈥攖hey have to be open and seek some things out.鈥� In the coming year and beyond, Koslow Martin doesn鈥檛 want to focus only on 鈥渕ore,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 want to think about the quality of the relationships that students have on campus, among each other, and with the faculty and staff.鈥�
University Hosts 'In Search of Genius' School Science Competition
A student in the May 16 ISOG competition at 萝莉社 shows her weather project to a volunteer judge.
Program designed to teach elementary school students about science, technology
CHICAGO (May 22, 2013) — 萝莉社 hosted hundreds of Chicago elementary school students from at least 17 schools May 16 in a competition designed to show what they have learned in a school-based science enrichment program, "" (ISOG).
ISOG provides students who live in under-served areas with opportunities to learn about science and related disciplines in enrichment sessions during regular school hours or in after-school programs. University faculty and staff became interested in the program as a way to possibly connect University students with neighborhood schools, and as a way to introduce potential students to the University, especially when it opens the new, state-of-the-art in 2014.
One of the volunteer judges was Rob Davies of Winnetka, Ill., a sophomore major at North Park. Davies said he volunteered for the experience, and recalled his own excitement about science at a young age. "The students get a great learning experience, and they learn how to use their knowledge in the field," he said. "It's also a prerequisite to how they're going to work in the field in the future."
Earlier this year, some 萝莉社 faculty and staff went to in Chicago to observe the ISOG program. "Students were excited to be involved in science," said one of the observers, , professor of chemistry and Chemistry Department chair. "It was also hands-on. This after-school program gave the students a chance to really explore science and do experiments in a way that got them very excited about science." The students were also curious and wanted to learn more, he added.
The North Park faculty and staff who went to the Rogers school were told there is a waiting list for students to join the ISOG after-school program, said , assistant professor of . "When we're looking at what is exciting students about the sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics, we're looking at what gets students invested and engaged. We saw that with ISOG," he said. Laukaitis added that "a collaborative relationship between 萝莉社 and ISOG has the potential to help prepare student teachers for their future careers by helping them learn many best instructional practices in teaching science."
, ISOG founding director, Chicago, said North Park's interest in science and related fields, plus its city location, made it a natural to host the competition. He said the ISOG curriculum focuses on ""—science, technology, engineering and mathematics—because science education today includes these disciplines. "In Search of Genius is a unique, living example of how to involve several generations, including the youngest at a key age, with STEM," he said.
Joining the University as cosponsors of the 2013 ISOG competition were several corporate and community-based organizations. Among those who welcomed the students were , University provost, and , Cook County board president, who reminded the students she was a schoolteacher for 10 years before her political career. "It's great to see so many young people out here today. I came to encourage and support you, and wish you all very good luck. I want to thank the teachers and staff who are here, and parents who enabled our young people to participate in this program," she said.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
University Offers New Master's Program for Aspiring Illinois School Principals
The School of Education's new MAEL program begins in July with the first cohort.
Principal endorsement, MAEL program cohort launches July 13
CHICAGO (May 2, 2013) — This summer, 萝莉社's will begin preparing certified teachers to "think like a leader, act like a leader, and be a leader," a phrase that appears throughout its new academic program for aspiring school principals. Beginning July 13, the University will offer a new program that enables a certified teacher to earn a principal endorsement on the new , and earn a (MAEL) degree.
The new degree program is a successor to the Type 75 general administrative certificate program, which is being phased out by the State of Illinois, said , dean of the School of Education and associate professor of education. The new state-approved MAEL program "is absolutely a missional match because preparing people to serve in leadership roles is congruent with North Park's mission," she said. Students who will enter the MAEL program are highly motivated, and want to learn as much as they can about the demanding and complex jobs of school principals, Nelson added.
Meeting in cohorts, students will learn through classroom instruction taught by educators and other professionals, plus an internship experience. While other colleges and universities may offer similar programs to prepare school principals, North Park offers smaller cohorts and individualized support for students in its MAEL program. "Small class sizes during the coursework sessions allow us to have a lot of dialogue, interaction, and feedback," said , MAEL program coordinator, and associate professor of education. "During their internships, we go to their schools and meet with them on-site, and in our classes, we discuss what they're learning through their internship experiences." The University's program also provides instruction in ethical leadership, and its instructors are all current or retired public school administrators in Illinois, she added.
MAEL classes will meet on Saturdays, with summer-intensive classes. The program can be completed in 22 to 24 months, including the internship. The first cohort for North Park's MAEL program will start with an accelerated educational leadership course that will meet at the University's on three successive Saturdays: July 13, 20, and 27. That course is intended to provide a foundation for what it means to be an educational leader. Students will also begin to develop a portfolio reflecting experience and achievement, Pryor said.
"The state requires that teachers who enter these programs be able to demonstrate they have had a positive impact on student achievement in two of the last five years of their teaching experience by showing growth," Pryor said. "They must demonstrate they have had leadership opportunities in their teaching positions, and how they've done that."
As part of its MAEL program, the University is working with three Illinois partner schools that helped develop the educational program, and will aid in instruction and the program's ongoing evaluation. The schools are , Park Ridge, , Skokie, and, River Grove.
Meanwhile, students in the final cohort of the old Type 75 program begin internships this month and are expected to finish no later than June 30, 2014. Sixty people went through North Park's program to earn administrative certificates, Pryor said. North Park students who took the Type 75 exam have all passed. "They're telling us that they feel very well prepared based on what they've learned in the program. They go into interviews with confidence and are able to convey the knowledge and skill they have, as well as the heart to be a principal," she added.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
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