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萝莉社 Invites You to Celebrate Advent with Lessons and Carols
The Lessons and Carols service will include performances by 萝莉社's University Choir, Chamber Singers, Gospel Choir Touring Ensemble, Women's Chorale, and Lessons and Carols Orchestra.
School of Music ensembles joined by community youth musicians
CHICAGO (November 27, 2013) — 萝莉社 will present its popular Festival of Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 8, at in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood. The event, themed “O Holy Night!” will feature more than 200 musicians from the University, the People’s Music School , and the .
Drawing from an Advent tradition that originated in 19th-Century England, services of lessons and carols pair Scripture readings with Advent and Christmas music and carols. “The annual Festival of Lessons and Carols is a highlight for the 萝莉社 community, and the School of Music looks forward each year to bringing together our ensembles in such a joyous way to celebrate this special season,” said , dean of the University’s .
This year’s festival theme is one of reverence and awe, said , the Stephen J. Hendrickson Assistant Professor of Music. “From the prophecy, to the birth of Jesus, through the arrival of the Wise Men, people who attend can expect a musical journey through Christmas,” she said.
萝莉社 students, faculty, and staff, along with members of Our Lady of Mercy Church, will present Scripture readings. Performers will include University Organist Margaret Martin and University musicians in five : the University Choir, Chamber Singers, Gospel Choir Touring Ensemble, Women’s Chorale, and the North Park Lessons and Carols Orchestra.
In addition, student musicians from the People’s Music School YOURS Orchestra at Hibbard Elementary School and the Chicago Children’s Choir – Albany Park Division, will join University musicians for the service. “We are honored to be able to collaborate with the Chicago Children’s Choir and the People’s Music School Youth Orchestras the for the event,” Johnson said.
“This is a wonderful event that brings the community of Albany Park together,” said Youth Orchestra Albany Park Director Carolyn Sybesma. “It is an enriching experience for our YOURS Orchestra students to work together with North Park and to engage in their community through music. In addition, the event gives our students the opportunity to get to know college students that live in their neighborhood, which raises personal aspirations and goals for their futures.”
Musical selections will include well-known songs, as well as pieces by contemporary composers. Vocal pieces will be sung in English, Latin, and Spanish. Among the program’s highlights will be the Gospel Choir Touring Ensemble’s collaboration with the Chicago Children’s Choir on “Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child,” and a combined performance of “O Holy Night” featuring all of the ensembles and orchestra together.
The Festival of Lessons and Carols is presented by the University as a free event open to the community. However, because of limited seating, attendees are asked to reserve general admission tickets online. More than 800 people attended in 2012.
The event will begin at 4:00 pm. The Chicago Children’s Choir and People’s Music School YOURS String Quartet from Hibbard Elementary School will perform a recital at 3:30 pm, prior to the festival service. Our Lady of Mercy Church is located at 4432 North Troy Street, Chicago, approximately one mile from the 萝莉社 campus. Parking is available in the two church lots and on the street.
University Gospel Choir Touring Ensemble to Visit California Congregations
Spring break tour, March 10-17, features 51 student singers
CHICAGO (February 18, 2013) — The 萝莉社 Touring Ensemble will visit seven California congregations of the (ECC) during its 2013 spring tour, singing in worship and in longer choral performances. The theme of the tour is "Lifting the Highest Praise."
The March 10–17 choir tour schedule includes visits to congregations in Fremont, Modesto, Turlock, Hilmar, Santa Rosa, and Oakland. Of the approximately 130 students in the popular Gospel Choir, 51 students make up the touring ensemble. The choir is directed by , worship coordinator, , and co-directed by , associate professor, . Instrumentalists will accompany the touring ensemble.
Students have committed their entire spring break to be part of the California tour. "It inspires me over and over again to see God at work in the church, and to see these students become the body of Christ, love one another and care for one another, and sing so passionately about the goodness of God. I wouldn't miss it for the world," Kelly said.
萝莉社 10 students in the touring ensemble are international students from Scandinavia, South America, and Asia, said Kelly. "I love that. Gospel music is an authentic glimpse of God, and anyone from any culture can connect to the words and to the meaning behind the music, because it's God revealed in a unique art form," he said.
The choir tour will feature diverse compositions by well-known and award-winning composers. Among the songs the Gospel Choir Touring Ensemble will sing is "High and Lifted Up," by ; "Faithful," Hold Out," and "Grateful" by ; "Jesus Be a Fence," written by , the legendary American pop and soul singer, and arranged by Fred Hammond; "Total Praise" by Richard Smallwood, a gospel music icon; "More than Anything" by ; "I Will Run" by ; and others. Two favorites are "Awesome God Medley" and "Brighter Day" written by , a seven-time Grammy Award winner. The choir will sing about five songs in regularly scheduled worship services and about 15 compositions during choral performances.
The Gospel Choir, seen here in 2011, is a popular ensemble in the University's School of Music.
Gospel music, rooted in the black church experience, is joyful, filled with praise, and uplifting. Choir members clap their hands and are frequently in "step motion" while singing. Choirs and instrumentalists improvise at times. Audiences participate. There's also a story that goes with every choral piece, Hudgens said. "What attracted me to gospel music is the fact that it comes from a long tradition of a community in a struggle," she said. "It is music that has a history and a certain weight of experience to it. There's an authenticity of having to deal with adversity and struggle, and finding Jesus at the center. It's very Christ-centered music."
School of Music touring ensembles visit parts of the country where there are concentrations of University alumni and ECC congregations, said Rev. Mark Olson, director of church relations.
"This ensemble will give friends of North Park, members of Covenant churches, and prospective students and parents a sense of the quality of our students and faculty, as well as a glimpse into the spiritual life of the North Park student experience, which the Gospel Choir represents," he said. The performed in California in 2008, the most recent University ensemble to tour in the state, 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 .
Next Steps
Learn about and offerings in the 萝莉社 School of Music.
'The Engagement Effect' Theme of Axelson Center Nonprofit Symposium June 3-4
The annual Axelson Symposium in downtown Chicago is a significant networking and learning event for leaders of nonprofit organizations.
University symposium key learning, networking event for nonprofit leaders
CHICAGO (May 14, 2013) – As many as 550 nonprofit leaders are expected to attend the , June 3-4 in Chicago. The event is a growing and significant annual networking and professional development conference for nonprofit leaders in Chicago and the Midwest. This year's theme is "The Engagement Effect."
萝莉社's is hosting the symposium at the . The center provides resources and learning opportunities to enhance the performance and effectiveness of individuals and organizations in the nonprofit sector through education, service, and resources. A "Pre-Conference Revenue Institute" is planned for June 3, followed by the symposium the next day.
The conference theme relates directly to constituent groups that nonprofit organizations work with regularly. "This includes policymakers, donors, the boards, the staffs, and other volunteers," said , director of the Axelson Center. "All of these groups need to be cultivated to strengthen relationships." Participants will be able to choose workshop sessions arranged in categories by constituent groups, she said.
One of the two-day event's primary strengths is the variety of organizational perspectives and experiences that are represented in a diverse lineup of speakers. Another strength is the idea-sharing and conversation that takes place throughout the day, said Christa Beall Diefenbach, associate director of the Axelson Center. "Networking is an appeal of this event, and people come here because of it," she said. "Attendees make connections that will benefit their organizations for years to come."
The June 3 Revenue Institute is focused on trends and strategies related to revenue streams. Speakers are , director, Center on Nonprofits and Philanthrophy, the Urban Institute, and , principal, Spectrum Nonprofit Services. In addition, panelists from Chicago-area nonprofits will address alternative revenue streams and changes in foundations in separate sessions.
The symposium's opening keynote address, "Founders Fired Up" will feature leaders of local nonprofits. "Six founding executive directors are going to talk about the ideas they had to start their nonprofits," Rogers said. "They'll discuss the strategies they used to build momentum, and the extent to which it is important to keep that community engaged." The six are , Twist Out Cancer; , Silk Road Rising; , Imerman Angels, and also a ";" , Inspiration Corporation; , Backbones; and , Jimmy Insulin.
Following the keynote, symposium participants will attend concurrent workshops and forums led by nearly 50 experts. Subjects include board engagement, communication, fundraising, staffing and volunteers, engaging young leaders, management strategies, strategic partnerships, and government funding. At the symposium's conclusion, , co-founder, Sagawa/Jospin Consulting Firm, will address "The Charismatic Organization." Some organizations believe a charismatic individual is needed to lead an organization to be successful, Rogers explained. "She really believes the notion that charisma can be infused into the organization itself," Rogers said.
At the June 4 symposium luncheon program, the will be presented to two nonprofit organizations that embody exemplary management practices. This year, there were a record 55 nominations. The Axelson Center will be presented to one young organization with potential for growth and greater effectiveness. Twelve organizations were nominated.
The late , a North Park alumnus who died unexpectedly last December at his Chicago home, will be honored at the luncheon. For 50 years, he devoted his life to the betterment of nonprofit organizations throughout the United States. Alford was founder and chair of , and executive-in-residence at the 萝莉社 School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM), where he taught graduate courses and workshops.
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 University's nonprofit academic programs for and graduate students, plus certificate programs.
Senior Gwen Munoz-Arroyo is leading the University's Summer Writing Camp, helping Chicago high school students prepare for the college application process.
Next year's high school seniors work on essays for college applications
CHICAGO (July 25, 2013) — This summer, 萝莉社 has been partnering with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to help next year’s high school seniors with their college application process. For four weeks, students have gathered in the University’s Brandel Library to work on writing skills for personal statements and essays, cover letters, and resumes needed for school and scholarship applications. They’ve also had the opportunity to meet and learn from current North Park students, faculty, and staff, getting a firsthand look at the college experience.
萝莉社 senior Gwen Munoz-Arroyo is heading up the program, having designed it alongside Carol Martin, the University’s director, and , director of outreach programs and international admission, who works closely with Chicago Public Schools’ college and career specialists. “Through collaborations like this we’re trying to answer the question, ‘What do high school students need to get ready for college?’” Moy said.
“One of our biggest goals is that students will end the program with something complete—a solid essay or personal statement that they can use as a framework or example for other applications and essays,” Munoz-Arroyo said. “We want to help students in the community and local high schools with their goal of getting into college.”
Juniors from the high schools in CPS’s north/northwest network were invited to participate in the Summer Writing Camp, two hours a day, three days a week. This voluntary, free program drew 15 to 20 students each week. They followed a syllabus that moved through the process of researching schools and scholarships; developing a personal life timeline to help tell their own unique stories; goal-setting; understanding college applications; and writing personal statements, essays, resumes, and cover letters.
Jolene Del Rosario will be a senior at Lane Tech High School in the fall, and wants to be a nurse. She chose to attend the Summer Writing Camp to improve her writing skills and work on her applications for colleges and scholarships. Del Rosario plans to stay in the Chicago area for school, and has spent much of the summer getting organized for her college search.
“I’ve been visiting colleges and doing more research this summer, paying attention to deadlines so I don’t miss opportunities,” she said. She said the Summer Writing Camp fit right in with these plans. “Participating in this program gives me a great advantage. I get a head start on application and scholarship essays,” she said.
The Summer Writing Camp has been a “great collaboration,” according to Moy. “Students are getting ready for their college searches during their senior years, meeting other students, and getting in touch with North Parkers,” she said. “Not only are we exposing future college students to North Park, we’re giving back to the community in an area where our resources meet a real need.”
Munoz-Arroyo is a major (minoring in ) and has worked as a writing advisor in the Writing Center for the past two years. She is also one of the student co-coordinators for the Center and working with the Summer Writing Camp has been a natural progression from these activities, giving her valuable leadership experience and internship credit. Munoz-Arroyo said she wasn’t looking for a “typical” psychology internship; after volunteering with a nonprofit organization tutoring individuals going through the process of applying for U.S. citizenship, she knew she wanted to work directly with people in an educational setting again.
As she is developing daily lesson plans, teaching skills and concepts, and working one-on-one with students completing writing exercises, Munoz-Arroyo is reminded of being in their shoes not too long ago. “It takes me back to how intimidating writing essays for college applications was for me, as well,” she said.
Working alongside Munoz-Arroyo and the students are a team of Writing Advisors, University faculty and staff that lead focused workshops, and career and college coaches from Chicago Public Schools.
Patrick Phelan, the college and career coach at Foreman High School, spent a week at the Writing Camp providing feedback and guidance to students. “As college and career coaches, we try to give students knowledge through exploration and experiences so they’re ready to apply for college,” he said, adding that programs like the Summer Writing Camp support these efforts by providing extra enrichment in focused areas. “I love that these things are available for our kids,” Phelan said. “It really is a worthwhile experience for everyone who comes.”
Antonio Samaniego is a rising senior at Kelvyn Park High School. He is anticipating studying physics and math in college—even looking far enough ahead to think about earning a doctoral degree and a career in research. He chose to attend the Summer Writing Camp to work on his writing style, grammar, and development. “Reading and writing have not been my strongest points in high school,” he said, “and I know colleges are interested in seeing these skills on applications.”
“The writing camp has helped me to develop writing skills. I’ve written a lot more here than I’ve ever written before!” Samaniego added.
As the program wraps up, Munoz-Arroyo reflected that it was a challenging internship, but absolutely worth it. “It’s been really rewarding to work with students and to see them coming back each week,” she said. “One of the best things is finding out what they’re passionate about and interested in, and then to help them write about those things in their essays.”
TIME Cover Story Focuses on North Park Theological Seminary Graduate
Rev. Wilfredo De Jesús is a 2006 graduate of North Park Theological Seminary.
Rev. Wilfredo De Jesús, pictured, quoted in April 15 issue
CHICAGO (April 9, 2013) — , who earned a in 2006 from , the graduate theological school of 萝莉社, is prominently featured in the April 15, 2013, cover story in , "¡Evangélicos!" De Jesús is senior pastor, , Chicago, the country's largest Assemblies of God congregation.
The article notes that large numbers of people who are Latino are joining evangelical Protestant churches. Similarly, the numbers of enrolled at 萝莉社 are increasing, comprising more than 16 percent of the diverse undergraduate student body, according to University figures. North Park is affiliated with a growing and diverse Protestant church, the , based in Chicago.
New Life Covenant Ministries has grown from a congregation of 100 members in 2000—when the congregation first called de Jesús and his wife, Elizabeth—to more than 17,000 members who attend one of the congregation's four campuses each Sunday, according to TIME. New Life offers 11 weekly services, nine in English and two in Spanish, the magazine said. "If one Evangélico church has made the leap from immigrant barrio to booming American megachurch, it is New Life Covenant Church in Chicago," the magazine reported.
De Jesús grew up in Chicago's neighborhood. When he began his ministry at New Life, the congregation bought a farm and converted it into a home for recovering addicts and prostitutes, and purchased a nearby liquor store, converting it into a café. The congregation started English services to reach third-generation Latinos, added services in Spanish for first-generation Latinos, and began streaming services online. "New Life didn't just grow—it exploded," the TIME article noted.
New Life has "over 135 ministries that reaches the poor in every place in the city of Chicago," De Jesús said in an . The congregation also has a number of international ministries in India, Africa, Peru, Haiti, and Santo Domingo, he added.
The article states that more than two-thirds of the 52 million Latinos in the United States are Catholic, and the percentage is expected to grow considerably by 2030. Many are now joining evangelical Protestant churches, created a "Latino Protestant boom (that) is transforming American religious practices and politics," TIME reported.
De Jesús is at least the second North Park graduate to be featured in a TIME cover story. Another North Parker featured by the magazine was , who earned an associate's degree from North Park in 1949. Carlson later became a medical missionary with the , and was killed in 1964 by rebel insurgents in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Carlson was featured on the of TIME in December 1964 as part of its report, "The Congo Massacre."
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 students to perform in first-ever festival concert in Chicago
CHICAGO (April 16, 2013) — 萝莉社 will host a at 2:30 pm, May 5, at the University's Anderson Chapel, the first time a festival performance will be held in the city of Chicago. The North Park concert—featuring works by the renowned German Baroque composer —will include performances by University musicians as well as professionals from the and .
The is an annual event held in the Chicago area in spring. Now in its 40th year, the festival is a signature blend of solo, concerto, orchestral, and choral performances in concerts, according to a Bach Week news release.
"The North Park School of Music is honored to collaborate with the Bach Week Festival to present this concert," said , dean of the University's and professor of music. "This event is a wonderful example of the advantages that North Park music students have to experience the artistic excellence so prevalent in Chicago—right on the campus." Johnson added that all undergraduate School of Music students will be able to attend and hear the musical excellence offered by the Bach Week performers.
The North Park concert features Margaret Martin, University organist. Making her Bach Week Festival debut, she will open the concert with Bach’s Toccata in F Major, BWV 540. Her spouse, Christopher Martin, principal trumpet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, will perform in Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, BWV 1047. Cellist Katinka Kleijn of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will perform Bach’s Suite No. 3 for solo cello, BWV 1009.
The finale will be Bach’s Magnificat in D, BWV 243, a 12-movement work for vocal soloists, chorus, and orchestra. Among the soloists is , who will make her debut with the Bach Week Festival. Davids directs the University's choral activities and holds the Stephen J. Hendrickson Endowed Chair in Music. The 萝莉社 , directed by Davids, will perform with the festival chorus and orchestra, directed by , director of music and organist at Boston's historic , and the festival's music director since 1975. This will be only the second time in Bach Week history that a guest ensemble has sung with the festival’s own chorus, and the first time for a student group, according to festival organizers.
The Chamber Singers' participation "adds a touch of historic resonance" to the festival’s first Chicago concert, Webster said. "Bach himself conducted ensembles of local university students, professionals, and guest artists at weekly public performances at Zimmermann’s Coffee House in Leipzig, Germany. This collaboration honors that tradition and will be a wonderful experience for performers and audience alike," he added.
The 2013 Bach Week Festival also features concerts April 19 and April 21 at , Evanston, Ill.
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 School of Music academic programs for and students.
Axelson Center to Honor Nonprofits for Exemplary Managerial Practices
Porchlight Counseling Services was awarded the 2013 Excellent Emerging Organization Award. Accepting the award for the organization at the Annual Symposium were Anne Bent, founder and board chair; Dr. Maria Nanos, therapist and LCSW; and Diana Newton, executive director; pictured above with Dr. Pier Rogers, director of the Axelson Center; Maree Bullock; and Dr. Wesley Lindahl, dean of the School of Business and Nonprofit Management at 萝莉社.
Applications due December 3 and January 10 for awards
CHICAGO (October 11, 2013) 鈥� The is now accepting applications for the Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence and Excellent Emerging Organization Award鈥攖wo prestigious awards that honor nonprofit organizations in the Chicago area that have built a strong management and leadership capacity.
Applications for the Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence are due Tuesday, December 3, 2013. Two winners will receive up to a $7,500 cash award, including a large nonprofit with a budget over $3 million and a small nonprofit with a budget under $3 million. The deadline for the is Friday, January 10, 2014. One winner will receive a $2,500 cash award and a package of services designed to build organizational capacity that is valued at up to $50,000.
Managerial excellence is a critical, yet often unrecognized, element of nonprofit organizational success, said Axelson Center Director , when describing the awards, which honor the legacies of nonprofit leaders Nils G. Axelson and Jimmie R. Alford.
鈥淭here is often a great deal of attention paid to nonprofit organizations for excellence in programs, however such programs require excellence in management and leadership in order to be sustained for the longer term,鈥� Dr. Rogers said. 鈥淭he awards are intended to elevate organizations that are models of excellence in how they are being managed.鈥�
Alford-Axelson Award honors established nonprofits, large and small
鈥淧roud鈥� was how Brenda Swartz, president/CEO of , described the feeling of winning the 2013 Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence. 鈥淲e are very proud to have been this year鈥檚 recipient and want to share the excitement with our donors, partners, friends, and those we serve,鈥� she said.
The community organization began more than 30 years ago as a childcare center to support children and families and now provides an array of programs for at-risk individuals of all ages and economic levels. The agency鈥檚 growth and adherence to guiding principles helped them expand their reach into more neighborhoods and develop programming that inspires confidence, compassion, and independence.
The award has enhanced Concordia Place鈥檚 fundraising efforts and increased the agency鈥檚 visibility. They used the cash prize to develop a newsletter and create a summary for board members to share with donor prospects. 鈥淲e have had a number of people congratulate us on the award that might not have otherwise known us,鈥� Swartz said.
The rigorous two-part application process was valuable for emphasizing the significance of strategic planning. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 a reminder to an organization of the importance of a longer-term vision than just the day-to-day,鈥� she said. 鈥淎n organization can too easily become obsolete when it is so absorbed in the here and now that it can鈥檛 maintain a focus on the future and incorporate these into its regular activities.鈥�
, winner of the 2013 Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence in the small category, provides resources and educational programming for domestic violence survivors, youth, health care professionals, and community members. With 20 full-time staff and two part-time staff, the organization also works to prevent domestic violence from occurring in the first place. Between Friends served 10,000 people last year and more than 156,000 individuals since its inception in 1986.
Cited for strong leadership, effective strategic planning, and positive board relationships, winning the award sent a strong message to clients and board members about the importance of paying attention to governance issues and provided a boost for a dedicated, compassionate, and mission-driven staff, said Kathleen Doherty, executive director. 鈥淧eople were ecstatic,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 one thing to say you are doing great work, but it鈥檚 another for nonprofit experts in the community to validate the work you are doing.鈥�
The award application was a learning process for Between Friends, which had applied once before and used the feedback to reevaluate its policies and practices. 鈥淓ven if you don鈥檛 win, you will get another perspective on how [well] you鈥檙e doing things,鈥� Doherty said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 not a whole lot out there like this award that validates the great work that agencies are doing.鈥�
Excellent Emerging Organization Award supports young, promising nonprofits
The Excellent Emerging Organization award honors and supports a nonprofit that shows promise in managerial excellence. 鈥淲hat we want to encourage is the attention to building a strong foundation for the organization so it is sustainable in the long term,鈥� Dr. Rogers said. 鈥淕iving an honor to a small or young organization helps to encourage these organizations to build both on the program side and the internal infrastructure to support those programs.鈥�
The 2013 winner, , is a 10-year-old organization that provides counseling services for college survivors of sexual assault. The agency has one full-time staff member and contracts with seven therapists who provide at least six months of counseling to 30-50 students per year. Recognized for its use of resources, staying true to its mission, and data-driven decision-making, Porchlight Counseling Services has become a significant resource for a number of college campuses, based on its knowledge and expertise in the area of support for survivors of sexual assault.
Porchlight Counseling Services used the cash award to provide two clients with six months of free therapy and has begun to utilize the capacity-building services offered by the Axelson Center, including an organizational assessment, legal assistance, and software development.
For the young organization, winning this award provided a renewed sense of excitement and determination to take Porchlight Counseling Services to the next level. 鈥淚t made us feel more confident that we are going in the right direction,鈥� said Diana Newton, executive director. 鈥淣ow we will be able to enhance our organization and services even more.鈥�
The process of applying for the award provided Newton with a 鈥済reat snapshot鈥� of the organization. 鈥淵ou are able to see your strengths and weaknesses in multiple areas,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e felt proud of how far we have come in 10 years and are excited about where we can be in another few years with the opportunities that this award offers.鈥�
Applicants must have 501(c)3 status and benefit the Chicago area. The winners of all three awards will be announced at the on June 3, 2014.
萝莉社, founded in 1891, prepares students for lives of significance and service, expressed through three core values: distinctively Christian, intentionally urban, and purposefully multicultural. North Park offers more than in the liberal arts, sciences, and pre-professional preparation; options that include nonprofit and programs; and graduate degrees and certificates in , , , , , , and . Courses are offered at North Park鈥檚 four campuses throughout northeastern Illinois, including the , plus satellite campuses in Arlington Heights, Grayslake, and Waukegan.
University Trustees Hear Positive Recruiting News, Building Progress Report
Board of trustees member David Otfinoski, Chester, Conn., joins other board members and signs a steel beam to be used in the construction of the Johnson Center.
Campaign North Park nearing completion, trustees told
CHICAGO (May 29, 2013) — News about student recruiting for the 2013 academic year, progress on the University's newest academic building, election of officers, and recognition of outgoing board members were topics of the 萝莉社 spring meeting. The trustees met here May 9–10, and participated in activities May 11.
In his report, , University president, said recruiting of students through early May for the upcoming academic year "is on a good trajectory," with more work continuing through the summer. New student enrollment for the fall semester is expected to be higher than in 2012. The news follows spring semester enrollment of 1,653 undergraduate students, plus 93 new undergraduate students, the University's second largest mid-year new student enrollment in eight years.
Parkyn also noted that the University's 125th anniversary is in 2016, and commented on some preliminary ideas related to the anniversary. He said he plans to discuss more information in greater detail with the board and campus community in the coming year.
, a comprehensive $57 million fundraising effort, is nearly complete, Parkyn said. The centerpiece of the campaign is the $44 million , now under construction. Bruce Bickner, University trustee from Sycamore, Ill., told the trustees that about $40 million has been committed to fund the building project, with additional gifts expected this summer. The new building's foundation is complete, and a steel infrastructure is being put into place. The Johnson Center is expected to open in 2014. Other components of the campaign included giving to the , , and .
Annual giving remains a continuing priority for University's fundraising activities, Bickner reported. The number of donors to the University has significantly increased over a year ago, due to the momentum of donor participation in Campaign North Park. Ongoing annual giving efforts will focus on student success, highlighting scholarships for University students, students, and student and faculty enrichment initiatives, he said.
, dean of the Seminary, said the Seminary faculty and staff are working on specific priorities resulting from a strategic planning report. Priorities include establishing metrics for stabilizing and building Seminary finances, adjusting academy time for students, developing a robust plan for lifelong learning, and moving appropriate parts of the curriculum to online learning. He also reported that Hauna Ondrey will join the faculty next January for a two-year teaching fellowship in church history. Ondrey, who brings considerable teaching and writing experience to her new role, holds a bachelor of arts degree in from the University and a from the Seminary. She is completing a doctorate at the in Scotland.
The board of trustees recognized members completing five-year terms: Ann Alvarez, Chicago; Donna Erickson, Minneapolis; Dave Hanson, Granite Bay, Calif.; Karen Tamte, Chanhassen, Minn.; and Louise Wilson, Arden Hills, Minn.
The board elected new officers, including Virgil Applequist, Palatine, Ill., who succeeds Hanson as finance committee chair and treasurer, and Kathryn Edin, Brookline, Mass., who succeeds Tamte as secretary. Continuing as officers are David Helwig, board chair, Thousand Oaks, Calif., and Paul Hawkinson, vice chair, Green Oaks, Ill. Dawn Helwig, Chicago, is the board's liaison to 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 .
North Park Student Awarded Critical Language Scholarship by State Department
Isaac Bauer, Normal, Ill., will study Arabic in Morocco this summer.
Isaac Bauer to study Arabic in Morocco
CHICAGO (May 9, 2013) – Isaac Bauer, a first-year and major, with a minor in , will spend this summer in Morocco, studying the language and learning about Moroccan culture. Bauer, of Normal, Ill., was awarded a (CLS), and will leave for 10 weeks in Morocco in early June.
Bauer is one of about 610 U.S. undergraduate and graduate students awarded CLS scholarships in 2013 by the State Department. Recipients are assigned to one of 13 countries to become more proficient in a specific language.
Bauer, who is interested in the Middle East and Africa, has been learning Arabic only since he entered North Park last fall. He hopes to become proficient in the language and use it in a future career. In particular, Bauer's interest in the Middle East relates to the history of the region, and interactions between governments of that region and the West that have often produced mixed results. "I think that comes from a lack of understanding," Bauer said. "To a certain extent, learning the language, and knowing history and culture goes a long way toward greater understanding."
This will be Bauer's first time in the Arab world. He will live with a host family in , and study at a language institute there, with individualized tutoring and field experiences using Arabic, he said. After his CLS experience, Bauer said he hopes to continue language study by volunteering with neighborhood organizations in need of people with language skills, and study abroad in North Africa or the Middle East through North Park. He also plans to continue participation in the , where he is currently an officer.
Students learn much through participation in a complete language immersion program such as the CLS, said Anis Said, University fellow for Middle Eastern Studies, and Arabic language instructor. In addition to excelling in Arabic class, Bauer is also a talented student athlete, according to Said. "Isaac is an extraordinary student who found the perfect balance between his academic duties and his extracurricular activities," he said. "I am also confident that when Isaac comes back to North Park in the fall, he will bring with him a new perspective on the Middle East and on Morocco."
Bauer's parents are Robert and Shelley Bauer, of Normal. He has three older brothers, Jesse, Matt, and Levi.
The CLS program is part of the U.S. government effort to expand the number of Americans studying and mastering critical languages, according to the State Department's . It provides fully funded, group-based intensive language instruction and cultural enrichment experiences. Program participants are expected to continue their language study after the scholarship, and apply their language skills in future professional careers.
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 plans to be open Friday, April 19, for classes and other activities at all locations, and all University offices will be open. The University’s Emergency Management Team said the Chicago campus experienced minor flood damage. Cleanup has begun in buildings that took on water.
The University is advising students and employees of the following area traffic concerns:
Cars parked on streets along the Chicago River are being towed and relocated to the Salvation Army parking lot, 5040 N. Pulaski Road.
Sandbags are being placed on streets adjacent to the Chicago River.
A portion of Foster Avenue has been closed near Pulaski Road.
Please use caution when traveling to and from the University for classes tomorrow.
Update: 11:00 am, Thursday, April 18
The 萝莉社 Emergency Management Team closed the Chicago campus April 18, canceling daytime and evening classes, plus other activities, because of area flooding. Students, faculty, and staff were informed via text and email messages earlier today.
The University community was advised to follow for further updates and information.
The Emergency Management Team determined that high water around the campus made it advisable to close so students and employees could avoid flood dangers. Students who are on campus should use caution when approaching the North Branch of the Chicago River, and any standing water.
For students at the campus today, please note the following announcements:
Helwig Recreation Center is open and observing normal hours.
ARA, Aramark food service, is serving meals in the cafeteria.
The Library will be open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.
In addition, the University announced all evening classes April 18 at the Grayslake Campus were canceled.
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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For a in 2008 and 2013 in the North Park area, see a report from , professor of physics.
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