萝莉社

University Mourns Loss of Former President Lloyd Ahlem

University Mourns Loss of Former President Lloyd Ahlem

Dr. Ahlem at the inauguration ceremony of President Parkyn, 2006.

Ahlem retained and expanded North Park’s strength and stability during challenging decade

CHICAGO (September 30, 2013) — Dr. Lloyd Ahlem C’48, president of North Park College and Theological Seminary from 1970 to 1979, died September 29 in Turlock, Calif., after a period of hospitalization. Ahlem, 83, served as the sixth president of North Park.

As president during a financially challenging decade for many colleges, Ahlem’s leadership was critical to establishing a firm base for North Park’s four-year undergraduate curriculum, granting approval for female students to be admitted to the master of divinity program, and setting the context for the decision in the 1979–1980 academic year to keep the school in its historic urban location. An athlete himself, Ahlem cheered the men’s basketball team to two NCAA Division III national championships during his time as president.

During Ahlem’s presidency, areas of career preparation for the undergraduate programs were broadened. Several new concentrations, including computer science, accounting, and public administration, were added, and a Sweden exchange program was launched. added programs and students as the voted to ordain women.

Students, colleagues, and friends of Ahlem’s were often struck by his open-door office policy, listening ear, and personal warmth. “Even before I officially became president at North Park, Lloyd reached out to warmly welcome me to this community,” said . “It had been two and a half decades since he had led North Park, yet he still loved this school deeply.”

Parkyn continued, “As president, I’ll miss Lloyd’s occasional pieces of communication and encouragement—an unexpected email message to introduce a prospective student, a phone call to inquire about the beginning of the school year, or a knock on my office door whenever he visited Chicago.”

A native of Minnesota and California, Ahlem graduated from North Park Junior College in 1948. While a North Park student, Ahlem was a member of the missionary volunteer group, the choir, the Seminary forum, the football team, and served as North Park College News cartoonist.

Ahlem earned a bachelor of arts in psychology from San Jose State College in 1952, a master of arts in psychology in 1955, and a doctor of education in educational psychology from the University of Southern California in 1962.

Prior to his presidency, Ahlem worked for eight years as an administrator and professor of psychology at California State University, Stanislaus, (then Stanislaus State College), Turlock, Calif. He served there as chair of the division of social science, academic senator, speaker of the faculty, and founder of the school’s basketball and golf programs.

Dr. Ahlem, third from left, at the dedication of the Lina Sandell statue on North Park's campus, 1976.

Ahlem also served on North Park College and Theological Seminary’s board of directors from 1966 to 1970, including terms as chair of the College committee of the board and vice chair of the board of directors. A member of Turlock Covenant Church (originally Beulah Covenant Church), Ahlem also worked in student personnel services in Los Angels County before becoming president.

In 1976, Ahlem was knighted by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden for his interest in “the preparation and enhancement of Swedish culture in America.” He wrote five books on psychology, including two during his presidency: Do I Have to Be Me?: The Psychology of Human Need (Regal, 1973), and How to Cope … with Conflict, Crisis, and Change (Regal, 1978). He also wrote a regular column for throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

After serving as president, Ahlem became director of ., under the Evangelical Covenant Church Board of Benevolence. He joined the County Bank, Merced, Calif., board of directors in 1995, and served as board chair for three years. Upon his retirement in 2002, Ahlem assumed the role of director emeritus.

Ahlem is survived by his wife, Anne, and their five children, Dan (Karen) C'79, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Ted (Gretchen) C'80, Broomfield, Colo.; Carol Eide (Timothy) C'83, Ventura, Calif.; Aileen (Bob) Callahan C'85, Mt. Prospect, Ill.; Mary Jo Lee (Jay), Turlock, Calif.; fifteen grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Arrangements for a memorial service are pending.

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Seminary Launches Doctor of Ministry in Urban Ministry Leadership

Seminary Launches Doctor of Ministry in Urban Ministry Leadership

North Park's Dr. Soong-Chan Rah has developed this innovative doctor of ministry program alongside Fuller Theological Seminary.

Dr. Soong-Chan Rah to lead program

CHICAGO (October 25, 2013) — , in partnership with Fuller Theological Seminary, is launching a new this academic year. The doctoral degree program is designed for ministerial leaders to develop the theological foundation and practical skills for effective urban leadership.

The program’s cohort model allows students to learn and build relationships with peers also committed to urban ministry. are being taken now, and the first cohort will begin coursework in April, blending online learning throughout the year with face-to-face intensive courses. Students will meet annually in June in three different cities—Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta—for one week. This combination of online and in-person courses allows students to continue serving while they study, and immediately apply what they are learning in their ministry setting.

After completing three cohort years, students work with faculty on an independent study project, then begin a two-to-three-year doctoral project that focuses on individual ministry interests. The doctoral project will culminate in a paper that represents individual learning, theological reflection, and response to a significant issue in ministry.

, the Seminary’s Milton B. Engebretson Associate Professor of Church Growth and Evangelism, was approached by Dr. Kurt Fredrickson, associate dean for the doctor of ministry program at Fuller, about developing a joint program. Rah and Frederickson, both ordained ministers in the , share a belief that urban ministry is of growing importance to the University’s sponsoring denomination.

“Our denomination has seen significant growth in urban areas,” said Rah. “This degree is a great opportunity to connect with the work that God is already doing within the denomination. This may be a unique calling that God has given to us as a Seminary and University.”

, dean of the Seminary, believes the degree program is a significant asset to the Seminary. "Dr. Rah is one of the leading urban, multicultural scholars and missiologists of our day,” Kersten said. “We are thrilled to offer this important and practical resource to pastors and practitioners around the country."

While the Seminary already offered a certificate in urban ministry, Rah sees the doctoral degree as an opportunity for students to delve deeper into integrating theological preparation and ministry practice, enabling them to more effectively serve urban congregations. “This is for seasoned pastors,” Rah said of the degree, “and folks willing to get a renewed sense of calling for ministry in an urban context. They may be saying, ‘I want to go deeper into what I’ve already experienced, so that I can continue in ministry.’”

Rah finds the program to be ideal for pastors who have made a long-term commitment to active engagement with urban ministry. “This is not necessarily so that you can find a new job, but to go deeper into the job you already have,” he said. “It will strengthen the work you’re already doing.”

The doctoral degree enables students to identify the skills necessary for practicing sociocultural analysis, said Rah, expanding their understanding of the relationship between the church and the urban environment. “After being in ministry for a little while, you start to ask good questions that you don’t have easy answers to,” Rah said. “The questions you’re asking are deep, important questions. This program will examine real-life scenarios that people encounter in ministry, allowing for theological engagement of practical ministry.”

Rah brings extensive experience and scholarship in urban and multicultural ministry as director of the new program. A nationally recognized author, speaker, church planter, and professor, Rah was the founding senior pastor of Cambridge Community Fellowship Church, Cambridge, Mass., a multi-ethnic church committed to ministry in the urban context. He served on a church-planting team in the Washington, D.C., area, and worked with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in Boston.

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Lilly Endowment Awards Significant Grant to North Park Theological Seminary

Lilly Endowment Awards Significant Grant to North Park Theological Seminary

Seminary to use grant to address economic challenges for ministers

CHICAGO (January 7, 2013) – recently was awarded a three-year, $250,000 grant by Indianapolis, to address ways to reduce burdens of student educational debt, to develop financial education programs, and to explore creative ideas to finance theological education.

The Seminary was one of 16 seminaries nationwide awarded grants in Lilly Endowment's pilot program, the Theological School Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Future Ministers. The aim of the initiative is to help theological schools to examine and strengthen their financial and educational strategies and practices to improve the economic well-being of future pastoral leaders.

North Park Theological Seminary, the graduate theological school of 萝莉社 and the (ECC), was invited by Lilly Endowment to apply for the grant, said , seminary dean. "An emphasis on holistic health already exists in the Seminary curriculum, but we sincerely believe that it must include a financial literacy component," he wrote in the Seminary's application. In addition, offering financial literacy skills training seeks to give confidence to move forward with their educations, Kersten said. Initial work with the grant funds will start early this year.

The Seminary plans to begin by learning more about students and graduates, and how finances affect their lives, Kersten said. With that information, the Seminary will use the Lilly Endowment grant for three purposes:

• To develop a proactive approach to reduce the burden of student educational debt, and explore curricular possibilities in particular

• To educate and better prepare ministers to be leaders and managers of personal, family, and congregational finances throughout their pastoral careers. This will include courses and coaching opportunities provided through the Seminary in partnership with the University, the ECC, , , and other partners

• To engage key partners to share ideas and re-think ways in which theological education should be financed. This could include the possibility of clergy compensation models that include loan repayment or development of loan programs through ECC partners.

High educational debt is a serious problem for seminary students across many denominations, Kersten said. Professional church leaders often don't have the earning capacity of other professions, limiting their ability to pay educational loans. Personal debt and lack of financial knowledge also affects their ability to serve effectively in congregations, church-related organizations or nonprofits, he said. "The integrity and credibility of the pastoral leadership office is a real issue when these skills are not present," Kersten said. "It hampers many pastors from being effective." In some cases, experienced and respected pastors facing personal economic crises leave the vocation, Kersten added.

The grant could "reset the future not only for clergy but for the local church," said Rev. Mark Novak, executive minister, . "By increasing the financial acuity of pastors, they gain credibility with lay (members) in the church, and by having their finances in order, they will be set free to address issues of generosity in the church more freely," he said. "It helps to remove one of the main stress points in a pastor's life that sometimes leads to poor ministry decisions."

Ann Wiesbrock, president, Covenant Trust Co., said the organization is excited about the Lilly Endowment grant, and believes it will have a significant impact on seminarians and the wider church. "From managing debt and being an informed consumer, to becoming a saver and a prudent investor, our students need to have a foundational understanding of finance," she said. "Each individual is called to be a wise steward. Prudent money management, the use of sound business principles—when these are employed, I find generosity is empowered. That is why Covenant Trust Co. is so excited about this." Wiesbrock said she strongly favors the idea of building a financial literacy curriculum for leadership in congregations.

ECC financial leaders were pleased to help the Seminary prepare its grant application, Kersten said. "They were all thrilled to be part of this, and there was great enthusiasm," Kersten said. "It's also important that this be sustainable over time."

Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private philanthropic foundation created in 1937. It supports the causes of religion, education and community development. The Endowment affords special emphasis to projects that benefit young people, and promote leadership education and financial self-sufficiency in the nonprofit, charitable sector.

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萝莉社 Named to Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll

萝莉社 Named to Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll

President's honor roll notes University's multiple community service initiatives

CHICAGO (March 27, 2013) — 萝莉社 is among 26 Illinois colleges and universities named to the , honoring leading U.S. higher education institutions and their students, faculty and staff for commitments to make their communities better through service.

"One of the exciting developments we highlighted this year was the continued growth of service-learning initiatives as part of our engagement in the community," said , urban outreach coordinator, . "Faculty members continue to find creative outlets for students to serve in the urban context while fostering learning opportunities." University Ministries provides logistical support for many projects, and helps identify partnerships between departments working to facilitate service-related opportunities, Kohng added.

"Very few awards capture the spirit of who we are as an institution of higher education committed to contributing to the welfare of our city than the president’s honor roll," said , director of University Ministries. "The University recognizes that one of the ways we prepare our students for lives of significance and service is by providing opportunities for them to contribute to the welfare of Chicago. We help solve problems in our community, and we also help to cultivate a spirit of service."

The University's included activities related to Dr. Martin Luther King Day, organized by the , plus a spring neighborhood clean-up service event, an annual block party, and a holiday gift program. Also cited was the University's work with the North Park Friendship Center, faculty and staff service on boards of organizations in Chicago's neighborhood, and student and staff involvement in nearby Chicago public schools as tutors, student teachers and volunteers. The University was recognized for the classes offered by the to teach people working in neighborhood nonprofits, and for students in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management who serve as interns in the surrounding neighborhood and throughout the city.

Also cited was the hosted by the University; North Park's Dialogue II Ethical Consumerism Academic Service Learning Class Project; and the University's partnership with nearby . Through the WITS mid-day mentoring program, North Park faculty and staff volunteered to read to elementary school students each week, focusing on third-grade students for whom English is a second language. This program was organized by 萝莉社 Human Resources.

"We are encouraged that these institutions and their students have made service a priority," said U.S. Secretary of Education , a former chief executive of . "Through reaching out to meet the needs of their neighbors, these students are deepening their impact, strengthening our democracy and ultimately preparing themselves to be successful citizens."

The 2013 president's honor roll includes 690 colleges and universities nationwide. manages the program in collaboration with the and the , as well as the and .

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University Hosts ‘Creating Peace on Chicago Streets’ March 20

University Hosts 'Creating Peace on Chicago Streets' March 20

Families affected by violence, University community to discuss ways to promote peace

CHICAGO (March 14, 2013) – Parents of teens who died as a result of violent acts in Chicago neighborhoods are expected to speak at "" March 20, at 萝莉社. The event is intended to engage attendees with ideas to promote peace and nonviolence in the community.

"This event is intended as a day of worship, prayer, discussion, and action for a culture of peace and nonviolence in our city," said , coordinator of outreach ministries, 萝莉社 Ministries. "We’re creating a place for dialogue on peace. There’s no question we must work together for peace for all citizens of Chicago.”

The day-long event will begin with regular worship at 10:30 a.m. in Anderson Chapel. A public forum in the University's Hamming Hall is planned for 3:30 p.m., followed by a neighborhood prayer vigil and walk at 6:00 p.m.

, pastor of New Beginnings Church, Chicago, will speak at the University's regular chapel service. Brooks, known as the "rooftop pastor," was a featured speaker at the at North Park in 2012. 

The afternoon forum will feature a conversation on ways to counteract violence in the city. Confirmed attendees are Cleopatra Cowley-Pendleton, mother of Hadiya Pendleton, killed in a Chicago shooting days after marching in President Obama's second inaugural parade; Ronald Holt, father of Blair Holt, killed when he shielded a friend from gunfire in 2007; and Pamela Hester Jones, mother of Lazarus Jones, murdered by strangers in 2007. Local elected officials, plus representatives of the and , are expected to participate. , a reporter for WBBM-TV, Chicago, will moderate the public discussion, to be live.

After the forum, , professor of communication arts, and Radhika Sharma, a community activist, will lead a prayer walk through the Albany Park community. They plan to stop and pray for peace at spots in neighborhood where people have been killed by violence, as well as visit places of hope.

A concluding reception, with performances and an art exhibition, is planned for 7:00 p.m., in Hamming Hall.

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萝莉社 Senior Music Major Named Lincoln Academy Student Laureate

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Mayor Emanuel Joins River Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Mayor Emanuel Joins River Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Mayor Rahm Emanuel cut the ceremonial ribbon to celebrate the re-opening of the River Park track and soccer field, a facility shared by 萝莉社 and local neighborhood residents.

CHICAGO (October 21, 2013) — 萝莉社 joined Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Alderman Deborah Mell (33rd Ward), Chicago Park District Superintendent Michael Kelly, and members of the local community at River Park on Monday, October 14, to celebrate the rehabilitation of the River Park track and soccer facility located two blocks from North Park's campus. Representing the University were Jack Surridge, director of athletics, John Born, head men's soccer coach, Steve Imig, head cross country coach, and Geoffrey Masanet, head track and field coach.

Originally built in 1999–2000, the artificial turf and running track were in need of serious repair; an estimated $1.26 million was invested in the project by the University and the City of Chicago. "The track and field had basically worn out from use, and exceeded its predicted life of eight to 10 years," said Surridge. "The field was resurfaced with the second-generation of FieldTurf synthetic grass, which has more durable fiber. It also has a longer fiber; this improves the resilience of the surface. The drainage system had been an issue since 2001, and that was addressed in the rehab project," he added.

The facility re-opened for use in early August with an 84,240-square-foot artificial turf soccer field and a resurfaced eight-lane running track. The facility is used by University track and soccer teams, as well as programs of the Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Schools.

“This investment will ensure that children, teens, and adults in the neighborhood will have state-of-the-art fields for playing a variety of sports,” said Mayor Emanuel at the ceremony. “Community investments in our parks are essential because they promote active and healthy lives for residents.”

Superintendent Kelly praised the longstanding community partnership between North Park and the Chicago Park District for this facility, and Mayor Emanuel encouraged the University to continue to nurture this relationship for the good of the whole neighborhood.

The updated track and soccer field is located at River Park in the Albany Park neighborhood.

"We are excited about all of these improvements, and also to partner with the Albany Park community in this project. River Park Director Vera Onate has been a terrific person to work with over the years and we look forward to sharing the facility with her many programs," Surridge said.

This rehabilitation is part of the Building a New Chicago initiative, a $7.3 billion infrastructure renewal program championed by the mayor. Last year, Mayor Emanuel announced a comprehensive plan to build and improve parks across the city so that every resident is within a short walk of a park facility.

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North Park Theological Seminary Graduate Named to 2013 TIME 100 List

North Park Theological Seminary Graduate Named to 2013 TIME 100 List

Rev. Wilfredo De Jesús is senior pastor of the country's largest Assemblies of God congregation.

Rev. Wilfredo De Jesús also featured in magazine's cover story this month

CHICAGO (April 25, 2013) — , a graduate of , was named this week to TIME's list of the , along with other honorees such as singer Jay Z, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, actress Jennifer Lawrence, and tennis star Li Na. Earlier this month, De Jesús was featured in the magazine's , "¡Evangélicos!," which noted rising numbers of Latino members in evangelical Protestant churches.

De Jesús is senior pastor, , Chicago, the country's largest Assemblies of God congregation. He earned a in 2006 from the Seminary, the graduate theological school of 萝莉社. De Jesús is known to his congregation and friends as "Pastor Choco."

Writing about De Jesús for TIME, , pastor of Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, Calif., said De Jesús "embodies the true definition of what Christ said the church should be … Pastor Choco encourages others to go out into the community not just with words but with his own actions. Under his leadership, New Life is reaching out to the outcasts and forgotten in our society—the homeless, women suffering with addiction and prostitution, and young people in gangs," Warren wrote.

"But his influence spreads far beyond the Chicago area as vice president of social justice for the nation’s largest Hispanic Christian organization, the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference," Warren observed. "With Hispanics playing such a large role in the expansion of the evangelical church in the U.S. and their vast influence on the political landscape, Pastor Choco is and will continue to be a strong, ardent voice on the direction of our country."

Warren, a prominent U.S. church leader, is the best-selling author of .

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University Launches Certificate in Music for Social Change

University Launches Certificate in Music for Social Change

The School of Music expands its undergraduate program offerings with a certificate and four degree concentrations

CHICAGO (September 27, 2013) — Students in 萝莉社’s are the first in the nation to have an undergraduate academic certificate option to prepare them to teach classical music using El Sistema-inspired methods, the new . Growing out of a social movement in Venezuela, El Sistema is a philosophy of providing free music education to school-aged children as one way of bringing communities together and inspiring young students to achieve great things.

“El Sistema isn’t really a technique, it’s a philosophy. You give young students these intensive experiences—usually every weekday after school—so that in the critical late-afternoon part of the day when they could be doing any number of things, they are occupied becoming young musicians,” said , dean of the School of Music. “Programs are offered free, which is a part of the philosophy, but there are many different iterations that grow out of what is most appropriate for each individual setting.”

The School of Music’s involvement in the El Sistema movement has grown from the idea of one student into an ongoing collaboration with , a Chicago organization dedicated to providing free music lessons to young people. In 2008, North Park student Deborah Wanderley dos Santos C’10 helped found the youth orchestra program at nearby Hibbard Elementary School, which operates under the El Sistema philosophy. dos Santos and other students volunteered and formed a partnership with The People’s Music School that has persisted and grown; the orchestra at Hibbard is now the Albany Park Nucleo of The People’s Music School Youth Orchestras: El Sistema Chicago, and University students continue to serve as mentors and teachers for aspiring string players. , the University’s director of orchestral activities, has also become their artistic director.

The philosophy of El Sistema music programs fits closely with the mission and core values of North Park, offering University students a hands-on way to join their love of music with their desire for a life of significance and service. According to Zelle, it’s a musical experience for youth that is not dependent upon socioeconomic factors for access, in a time where private lessons and instruments are costly.

“El Sistema inspires a dynamic of community and social change that is rare,” Zelle said. “We are moving away from what separates toward what unites, with an emphasis on a shared experience of the orchestra practicing and performing together.”

The will introduce North Park music majors to this El Sistema philosophy through teaching stringed instruments to elementary-aged students. Through theory and methods courses, as well as three semesters of internship, graduates of the program will gain the tools and experience to use El Sistema-inspired techniques throughout their career, developing young musicians who might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn classical music. The partnership with The People’s Music School will help provide internship opportunities at the Hibbard School orchestra as well as at orchestras in Logan Square and Evanston. Any student majoring in music can pursue this 8-credit-hour certificate alongside their degree.

New concentrations in bachelor of arts degree

The School of Music is also now offering an enhanced (BA) degree, providing concentration options for students to focus their studies. According to Johnson, 35 percent of music majors are in the BA program. Now, along with a broad option, students can select concentrations in , , or .

The composition track replaces a bachelor of music in composition degree that was focused heavily in classical music. The new program allows space for majors to experiment with a range of pieces, from writing and performing singer/songwriter material all the way to large orchestral or choral arrangements.

Along with music curriculum, students choosing arts administration will take focused courses in topics like nonprofit leadership, volunteer management, and complete an arts administration internship in a music-focused venue. This program draws on the strength of the University’s resources in nonprofit coursework and connections that have grown through the School of Business and Nonprofit Management.

The instrumental jazz studies concentration is a performance-focused track, but distinct from the classically oriented bachelor of music in performance. According to Johnson, this is an important way to respond to the varied interests of students.

“Right now, students can come and get a really top-notch performance degree, go audition for grad schools, and pursue that dream of being a classical musician or opera singer. But they can also come pursue this enriched BA with a much broader approach and free themselves up to experiment with many more options,” Johnson said.
 

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Substantial Progress Reported to 萝莉社 Trustees

Substantial Progress Reported to 萝莉社 Trustees

The 萝莉社 board of trustees met here February 8-9.

University building project moving ahead, milestones in giving achieved

CHICAGO (February 14, 2013) — With the sounds of new building construction outside, 萝莉社 administrative leaders told the about significant financial milestones, plans aimed at increasing enrollment for the next academic year, and positive results from a national student learning survey. The trustees met here at the University's campus February 8-9.

"Certainly there’s great excitement on campus with the beginning of construction for the Johnson Center," said , president of 萝莉社. The $44 million , now under construction in the center of the campus, is expected to be completed for the 2014 academic year. Funds to support construction of the Johnson Center have been provided through , the University's comprehensive fundraising effort.

After the City of Chicago issued the foundation permit late last year, the Johnson Center construction team began excavation and concrete foundation work and installed 78 concrete caissons for the building's foundation, said , executive vice president and chief financial officer. Next, the construction team expects to complete foundation walls on the east-west wing, and to excavate the lower level of the north-south wing. In March and April, the team plans to pour the slab-on-grade for the lower level. In May, steel erection should begin, and in July, the team expects to start work to enclose the structure, he said.

Two milestones announced, Annual Fund donors grow

To date, commitments to Campaign North Park are now more than $60 million, said , vice president for and . Thus far, $39.8 million has been committed for the Johnson Center, she said, adding that additional giving was inspired by the in October 2012. The campaign has also secured $12.6 million for , $2.6 million for , and $5.7 million for the . The number of donors participating in the Annual Fund to date is about 1,600, twice as many as the previous year, Surridge said. She noted that Campaign North Park has helped broaden the University's donor base.

In addition, 萝莉社's has passed the $70 million mark, Balsam reported. The endowment was $6 million when Balsam joined the University staff nearly 25 years ago, he noted.

Enrollment news shows promise

The University welcomed 93 new undergraduate students for the spring semester, the second largest mid-year new student enrollment in eight years, said , vice president for and marketing. In addition, 1,653 undergraduate students returned for the spring, he said, a 95 percent persistence rate of students eligible to return from the fall semester for the spring semester. Early trends for fall 2013 undergraduate enrollment are positive, similar to the record traditional undergraduate enrollment in 2011, he said. Mouttet emphasized that more work is needed to secure student commitments for fall. The University is also working on a multi-year strategic enrollment planning process with , a higher education consulting group, he added. That process is being carried out in concert with a multi-year University strategic planning effort.

Student survey results positive for North Park

The University president reported results of the (NSSE), which asks first-year and senior students about their participation in certain student activities, and the activities' relationship to the students' learning and personal development. The 2012 results showed North Park students reported high levels of satisfaction in active and collaborative learning, student-faculty interaction, enriching educational experiences, as well as a supportive campus environment, compared to results from three years earlier, Parkyn told the trustees. "We have long held, and now have research to show, that how students interact with faculty makes a difference. We need to walk alongside our students," Parkyn said, adding the 2012 results provide "lots of encouragement."

Institutional planning, leadership transition

Parkyn said he is in dialogue with University faculty and staff on an initial draft of an overall University strategic planning document, a five-year plan that includes the University's 125^th anniversary year in 2016. He also reported that Andrea Nevels will leave the University this month after 10 years as vice president of and dean of students, to begin a new role at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Elizabeth Snezek, assistant dean of student development, is interim dean through the remainder of the academic year.

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