North Park has served five generations of students and continues to grow in diversity, academic relevance, and Christian commitment. Our Chicago location is a great asset that reflects the School鈥檚 global reach and outlook.
After 125 years, we鈥檝e learned how to streamline the process of helping qualified applicants seek admission to North Park and find affordable ways to attend. If you don鈥檛 see what you鈥檙e looking for on our website, please contact us directly!
North Park offers more than 40 graduate and undergraduate programs in liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. Classes average 17 students. 84% of our faculty have terminal degrees. Academics here are rigorous and results-oriented.
North Park Theological Seminary prepares you to answer the call to service through theological study, spiritual development, and the formative experiences of living in a community with others on a similar life path.
The Office of Alumni Engagement fosters lifelong connections by engaging alumni with the university and one another in activities, programs, and services that support the university鈥檚 mission and alumni needs.
Dr. G. Timothy and Nancy Johnson will join the University on October 26 to break ground for the 101,000-square-foot Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, named in their honor.
New building honors North Park alumni Nancy and Dr. G. Timothy Johnson
CHICAGO (October 16, 2012) 鈥� Two well-known 萝莉社 alumni, plus family and friends will join students faculty, staff, and leaders of 萝莉社 October 26 for a that marks the beginning of the construction phase for a new University building. When completed, the will house laboratories, classrooms and offices, plus a variety of student services, including , , , and residence life.
The University will provide a of the groundbreaking ceremony beginning at 5:00 pm CDT.
“The Johnson Center is a project which will transform our University and enhance student learning for years to come,” said , University president. “We are pleased to begin construction of this much-needed academic and student life facility, and also delighted that it is named for the Johnsons who have contributed so much to North Park. We hope Oct. 26 will be as memorable for them as it will be for our community.”
Dr. G. Timothy Johnson is known for his work as chief medical editor for ABC News from 1984 to 2010. He graduated from North Park College (now University) in 1956, and earned a seminary degree at in 1963. He later earned a medical degree, and became one of America鈥檚 best-known physicians, providing award-winning on-air medical analysis on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, Nightline, and 20/20. He was honored with the University’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1991, and is also an ordained pastor of the (ECC), the church denomination with which the University is affiliated. Nancy Johnson was trained as a nurse at the School of Nursing, Chicago, including study in the sciences at 萝莉社. Immediately after receiving her nursing credential, she completed a short-term medical assignment in Indonesia. The Johnsons reside in Marblehead, Massachusetts.
The Johnsons will participate in a in the center of the Chicago campus that will begin at 4:00 pm CDT, with outdoor festivities, food, and music. Following brief remarks and a groundbreaking ceremony at 5:00 pm, invited guests and project contributors will attend an evening reception and program at Hamming Hall, followed by a concert in Anderson Chapel.
“The Johnsons are an extraordinary couple,” said , University vice president for development and alumni relations. “The time is right for us to name this transformational facility in their honor. It includes everything that has been so important to them as alumni, trustees, campaign leaders, medical professionals and lifelong stewards of North Park’s mission. The fact that it will be located in the central part of the campus is dear to their hearts because they know it will serve every student, faculty and staff member in our community.”
The $42 million Johnson Center is the most significant component of , a $57 million comprehensive University fundraising effort. The campaign raised funds for the Johnson Center, the University’s Annual Fund, student scholarships, and Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. Fundraising continues for the building project and a variety of academic needs related to the new building, Surridge said. The 101,000-square-foot Johnson Center is expected to open for the 2014 academic year.
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 Board of Trustees Confirms Decision to Build New Science, Community Life Center
The 101,000-square-foot Nancy & G. Timothy Johnson Center at 萝莉社 is expected to be ready in the fall of 2014, and its design will reflect principles of environmental stewardship and energy conservation.
Trustees name building for alumni Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson
CHICAGO (May 15, 2012) 鈥� The of 萝莉社 confirmed construction of the , addressing a significant, longstanding need for state-of-the-art science laboratories and program facilities to serve North Park students. The board, which met here May 10鈥�11, also acted to name the new building for Nancy and , longtime medical editor and senior medical contributor for ABC News, whom the trustees said “define a life of exemplary service.”
A formal groundbreaking ceremony for the 101,000-square-foot Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life is planned for October 26, 2012. Building site preparation will begin this summer, and construction is expected to be completed in time for the 2014 fall semester.
The Johnson Center will support a number of the University’s signature academic programs in , as well as offices for , , , and , said , University president. Strong programs will grow stronger, and effective student learning will be advanced to yet a higher level, he said.
“This new academic building will position 萝莉社 to recruit students competitively and educate them effectively,” Parkyn said. “In like manner, this new building will assist us in hiring new faculty in several disciplines and in providing for their effectiveness as teachers and researchers.”
The Johnson Center resulted from the University’s comprehensive fundraising effort, . The $57 million campaign is raising funds for the new building, the University’s Annual Fund, student scholarships, and Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. Fundraising continues.
The new building will be named for Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson, recognizing and honoring their lives of exemplary service.
Dr. G. Timothy Johnson graduated from North Park College (now University) in 1956, and earned a seminary degree at in 1963. After completing a medical degree, he served as chief medical editor for ABC News from 1984鈥�2010. Johnson became one of America鈥檚 best-known physicians, providing award-winning on-air medical analysis on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, Nightline, and 20/20. He was honored with the University’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1991, is the founding editor of the Harvard Health Letter, and the author of several books on medicine and faith. He is also an ordained pastor of the (ECC), the church denomination with which the University is affiliated. He chaired a task force in 1979鈥�1980 that recommended the University remain in its historic location on the North Side of Chicago.
Nancy Johnson was trained as a nurse at the School of Nursing, Chicago, including study in the sciences at 萝莉社. Immediately after receiving her nursing credential, she completed a short-term medical assignment in Indonesia. The Johnsons, residing in Marblehead, Mass., have volunteered considerable time to the University through their service on the board of trustees and on behalf of North Park鈥檚 two most recent fundraising campaigns, including Campaign North Park.
“North Park was the first stop for both of us in our long academic journeys,” the Johnsons said. “It gave us a moral and intellectual foundation that has lasted a lifetime 鈥� and for which we will always be grateful. We are both very pleased but humbled by this naming honor.”
Naming the building for the Johnsons recognizes their service to the University, and as lifelong stewards of its mission and values, said , Thousand Oaks, Calif., chair of the University’s board of trustees and a member of the class of 1978. “Tim has tirelessly championed the need for this new facility to prepare North Park’s students for demanding careers in modern science, medicine and nursing. Nancy likewise is deeply committed to this important mission,” he said.
The Johnson Center will be located in the heart of the campus, and will be constructed to reflect environmental stewardship and energy conservation. The project will target , demonstrating characteristics such as lower operating costs, resource conversation, and healthful and safe working conditions. The center will feature 30 technology-enhanced laboratories, academic facilities, and faculty and staff offices. Student co-curricular services will be housed in the new facility, as will a caf茅, plus conference and meeting spaces.
Through the summer months prior to the start of construction, the University will complete the building design with the architectural team, finalize a finance plan, and continue fundraising.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
Dave Kersten Installed as Dean of North Park Theological Seminary
Rev. David W. Kersten was installed as the Dean of North Park Theological Seminary on Sunday, September 16, 2012.
Rev. Dr. Dave Kersten greets University Dean of Students Andrea Nevels after the convocation worship service.
New leader installed as part of annual Fall Convocation
CHICAGO (September 18, 2012) 鈥� was installed as the 11th dean of (NPTS) September 16 as the Seminary celebrated its annual Fall Convocation, welcoming new and returning students for the academic year. The event, held at the University’s , was to an international audience by 萝莉社.
“I am profoundly aware of the many shoulders I stand upon, and I’m grateful for the heritage and legacy of North Park Theological Seminary,” Kersten said in response. “I want to express my deep appreciation to the entire faculty, staff, and the interim leadership team that guided the Seminary through a season of transition and a lengthy search process. In this new role, my goal is to keep student formation and learning the focal point of our work.”
Presiding at the Convocation, , University president, described the convocation as having two parts 鈥� the installation of the dean and the reception of new students. With a smile, he described these components as “the dean in waiting, and the dean at work,” he said. “This convocation today in all of its parts is a moment of true joy. Make this a wonderful, joy-filled gathering today, and we’ll praise God as we do so.” The congregation 鈥� those attending in-person and those watching in the United States and globally via webcast 鈥� were “a representation of a host of God’s people,” Parkyn observed.
In a homily titled “Nothing is Impossible with God,” , pastor of , Oak Lawn, Ill., said the day was about God. “God has gifted you 鈥� given you all the gifts needed at this pivotal point,” he said. Sandberg challenged Seminary students, Kersten, and the faculty to carry in their hearts that “nothing is impossible with God.”
Kersten began his duties at the seminary August 1. He was formally called into his new role at the of the (ECC) this past summer after he was nominated by the University , following a process of study and deliberation. Both the University and the Seminary are affiliated with the ECC.
Parkyn led the installation litany that included sections delivered by , Green Oaks, Ill., vice-chair of the University board of trustees, speaking on behalf of University leaders; , NPTS associate professor of theology and ethics, on behalf of the Seminary community; and , ECC president, on behalf of the ECC. , NPTS associate director of field education, led a prayer of dedication. Parkyn presented Kersten a Celtic Cross as a symbol of his leadership appointment. As many as eight representatives of seminaries of other denominations and faith traditions were represented.
New and returning Seminary students were introduced and welcomed by , acting dean of academic programs, and , dean of students and community life.
In his charge to students, Kersten cited : ‘Arise, my love, my fair one,聽and come away.” While acknowledging that the verse has been interpreted in many ways, he characterized it as a call to action, and urged students and faculty to hear God’s voice, and allow themselves to receive God’s love.
“Hear the invitation, the charge, even the command: ‘Arise my love, my fair one, and come away’ in this new season of your lives,” 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 .
'Reignite Your Vision' Theme of University's Axelson Symposium June 4-5
'Innovation Institute' opens two-day event
CHICAGO (May 4, 2012) – More than 500 nonprofit leaders are expected to attend the 13th Annual , June 4-5 in Chicago. The event is a key networking and professional development conference focused on effective strategies for leadership, innovation, funding, communication, and growth in the nonprofit sector. This year's conference theme is "Reignite Your Vision."
Hosting the event is 萝莉社's , which works to enhance performance and effectiveness of individuals and organizations in the nonprofit sector through education, service, and resources. A pre-conference Innovation Institute on June 4, and the Symposium on June 5, will be held at the .
, director, Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management, said a goal of the conference is for participants to learn at least one "best practice" they can implement in their organizations. "We want attendees to think outside of the box. The language of management and best practices is something that we really want to encourage," she said.
The Symposium provides a "mind-opening opportunity" for nonprofit leaders to share ideas for excellence, said , Axelson Center advisory board member and president, Kathy Schaeffer & Associates, Inc., Chicago. "Every year, participants praise the Symposium for its on-target focus on the issues that matter most today. No other conference in Chicago attracts such a talented and diverse gathering of thoughtful, caring leaders dedicated to learning new and better ways to carry out their nonprofit missions," she said.
Harold Rice Jr., executive director and chief executive officer, Albany Park Community Center, said the Symposium will help to better position agencies to be "viable and relevant" for years to come. "The significance for nonprofit leaders at all levels to attend this year’s Axelson Symposium is because it's filled with critical information and tools for those in the leadership position to make significant impact and critical gains with the negative headwinds that this sector will face for the next 2 to 5 years," said Rice, also an Axelson Center advisory board member.
Highlighting the June 4 Innovation Institute is an internationally known speaker on workplace innovation, , who is president and co-founder, Doblin Inc., Chicago. Other speakers that day are , president, Morten Group, Chicago; , general director, JCC Chicago; and , chief executive officer, the Wright Institute, Chicago.
Presenting the opening keynote address at the June 5 Axelson Symposium is , founder and president, Washington-based DC Central Kitchen, the nation's first "community kitchen." "We think he will really add to what we hope this conversation will be about — innovation, and about reigniting the vision of your organization going forward," Rogers said. , president and founder, Taproot Foundation, New York City, will also speak June 5. Taproot connects pro bono business talent with organizations working to improve society, and has a Chicago location.
Attendees will learn from more than 40 experts leading concurrent workshops and forums on a variety of topics important to nonprofit leaders, such as board leadership, funding models, volunteer engagement, succession planning, communication, philanthropy, and a debate titled, "How Corporate Should Nonprofits Be?" A resource center includes more than 20 corporate and nonprofit exhibitors that will provide cost-saving resources and strategies for nonprofits.
At the Symposium luncheon program, the will be presented to two nonprofit organizations that embody exemplary management practices. will be presented to one young organization with potential for growth and greater effectiveness. The luncheon emcee is , morning news anchor for Chicago's WGN-TV.
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 Welcomes Students, Faculty, Staff for 2012–2013 Academic Year
Dr. David Parkyn, president of 萝莉社, Chicago.
President addresses enrollment, recruiting realities
CHICAGO (August 23, 2012) — 萝莉社 will open its 121st year when classes begin August 27. The University is welcoming more than 3,200 undergraduate and graduate students this year. More than 550 students are entering college for the first time or are transfer students, representing more than 30 states, and at least seven countries outside the United States.
First-year commuter and residential students, as well as transfer students, began arriving August 22, and are participating in , an orientation program for new students, through August 26. Returning students will arrive as early as August 25. Some athletes and international students arrived earlier this month.
Faculty and staff met at the Chicago campus August 21 for the University's annual Gathering Day activities at. , president of 萝莉社, presented his annual State of the University address, discussing several topics of interest.
Looking ahead, Parkyn cited the October 26 groundbreaking for the as a indicator of a great year, and a "transformational" project for student learning at the University. The building project is the significant component of , a comprehensive $57 million fundraising campaign for the Johnson Center, the University's Annual Fund, student scholarships, and Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development.
Parkyn also noted complexities in academic enrollment, reporting that undergraduate retention is up, recruitment results are mixed in , , and programs, and new enrollment is below the target set for this academic year. The University will begin the school year with 110 fewer new undergraduate students than one year ago, and 35 fewer new students than its recent five-year average. Faculty and staff will be invited to fall community gatherings to discuss enrollment data, recruiting of students, and to share ideas to effectively address the challenge of student recruitment in the years ahead, Parkyn said.
Parkyn told the faculty and staff that challenges in both undergraduate and graduate enrollments are signs of a rapidly changing marketplace and learning environment. The University "must update the way we recruit students, tell our story, what we offer to students, and how we approach teaching and learning," he said.
"We must discover how we need to change, and we must embrace this necessary change deeply and quickly," Parkyn said. "Our responsibility is to imagine new ways of being North Park, and to engineer these into a renewed North Park."
As evidence of the need for change, the University president cited rapidly expanding use of mobile devices for communication, access to information, and for learning. He also cited recent studies that suggest young adults raised in evangelical churches have "a deep love for Jesus and a growing ambivalence about the church." Both are concerns, Parkyn said, "because at North Park we love Jesus and the church, and because we are a church-related university."
萝莉社 is "an exceptional institution" for educating students into faith and preparing them for church vocations, he said. "Our responsibility is clear: to make sure that after their formative years with us, today's young adults love Jesus more deeply than they ever have, and to assure that the future of the church, now in their hands, is in good hands. This is no small responsibility, but we're among the very few who can address it because of the critical, timely, and formative role we have in the lives of young adult Christians," Parkyn said.
The University values the expertise and experience of its employees, the president said. "In every challenge before us we must not forget the talent in this room, the intelligence our community will bring to these challenges, and the creativity we will draw on to address these opportunities together," Parkyn said. Quoting business writer and author , Parkyn added that he has "a deep and abiding confidence that we will reach the tops of our mountains because we will climb together."
Gathering Day activities also included worship, a performance of hymns led by the Children's Choir of , Chicago, and introductions of new faculty and staff. New undergraduate students and their parents were welcomed to the University August 22, at an opening convocation. New Seminary students were welcomed at a breakfast August 23, with additional orientation activities to follow.
萝莉社 offers and a variety of minors, pre-professional programs, and certificates. Graduate students can earn master's degrees in , , , business, nonprofit management, , and . Working professionals and can earn bachelor's degrees in eight majors through courses offered in evening and weekend classes in , , and , all in Illinois, plus online formats. The University is comprised of a college of arts and sciences, five professional schools, and a theological seminary. It is affiliated with 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 .
萝莉社 Campus Buildings Renovated, Updated this Summer
Renovations in Anderson Hall were extensive, including a newly refurbished lobby.
Meanwhile, site prep continues for the Johnson Center
CHICAGO (August 20, 2012) — As site preparation proceeds for the highly anticipated , several notable improvements were also made to existing campus facilities this summer, said , 萝莉社 executive vice president and chief financial officer.
Residents moving into the this month will see significant changes, including code-mandated infrastructure improvements — such as a retrofit of fire sprinkler systems and the upgrade of an obsolete elevator — combined with substantial improvements to the living spaces of the building, Balsam said. "The entry lobby was completely redesigned and furnished. The rooms were freshly carpeted and repainted. Perhaps most notable was the installation of new furnishings in all of the rooms, including modular furniture that can be stacked in a variety of combinations," he said.
New wood doors with Salto locking devices were added throughout Anderson Hall, allowing residents' access to their rooms via the proximity chip in their ID cards. Also added was a new mechanical room which houses the fire sprinkler pump and associated gear, as well as hot water heaters that were added after flooding in 2008, Balsam said.
Outside Anderson Hall, a small parking lot for institutional vehicles was added, since coordination for institutional vehicles was transferred to and will be under the direction of , director of campus security and auxiliary services. Gooris and his team will administer driving tests for those wishing to drive institutional vehicles.
Other improvements include continuing refurbishment of various campus offices, including the IT offices in . Code-mandated fire sprinklers were installed in the and some Seminary apartments were renovated.
Site preparation for the Johnson Center began shortly after the conclusion of the 2011–2012 academic year. Large trees were relocated from the north berm area of the proposed construction site to other locations on campus, clearing the way for the building site. The University worked with electric supplier ComEd to relocate a significant electrical conduit before the began on the north side of the Greenspace.
A formal groundbreaking ceremony for the 101,000-square-foot Johnson Center is planned for October 26, with construction expected to be completed in time for the 2014 fall semester.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
Mark Meyer, seated, a 萝莉社 history and secondary education major, was among those who met with Aaron Brendenkamp, center, Department of Education representative, and Dr. John Laukaitis, right, assistant professor, School of Education.
Engages education students in dialogue on future of teaching profession
CHICAGO (November 29, 2012) — A secondary school teacher from Nebraska, representing the , met with a group of 萝莉社 students this month. purpose was to engage the students, preparing to be teachers, in a national project aimed at informing future education policy and programs for the betterment of the teaching profession in the 21st century.
The meeting was part of a "," a recent initiative of the Department of Education. The goal is "to identify and ultimately implement strategies to strengthen the profession by dramatically changing how teachers are recruited, selected, supported, compensated, promoted, and retained in the profession," according to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. To start the conversation, teachers created a vision statement, "."
Brendenkamp accepted an invitation from , assistant professor of education, to visit the University and meet with "pre-service teachers," students who will soon begin student teaching. Laukaitis made the connection at a recent professional conference, knowing it would be good to have the students meet an exemplary classroom teacher. Brendenkamp holds a one-year teaching fellow appointment with the Department of Education and is an experienced classroom teacher.
"What I was hoping for was that as our students listened to the discussion, they would think about how they can become highly effective teachers, and see some of the challenges of working with students in both urban and rural communities," Laukaitis said. "What we want to do is bring in experienced teachers who have some unique experiences to share, and have our students be engaged in those conversations as much as possible, especially before their clinical experience."
For more than 40 years, the School of Education has provided academic programs for students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who share a passion for teaching. prepare teachers for early childhood, elementary, and secondary teaching careers, as well as specialized certification to teach specific subjects. offer opportunities to advance teaching careers, including a new master's degree program in . The University also offers non-degree programs for teacher certification and endorsements.
Brendenkamp teaches mathematics at an alternative high school in Omaha, and once taught at Chicago's through the program. His role with the Department for Education is to meet with teachers and prospective teachers, listen to their comments and concerns about the teaching profession, and report findings to the department. "One of the things I hear a lot of officials say is 'the answers aren't in D.C. — the answers are in the classroom.' Our goal is to make sure we go get the answers and bring them back," he said.
The conversation with the North Park education students included subjects such as possible changes in traditional school grade levels, possible changes in traditional school days to ensure program effectiveness, how the RESPECT vision will be implemented, and reasons why some teachers shift their careers.
"Education, in my opinion, has always been very locally driven," Brendenkamp said. "At the same time, we all need to get together and work together to make sure we're all moving forward. That's something I'm very passionate about in this role."
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
the School of Education for more information about its academic programs.
Chicago Better Government Association Honors University SBNM Faculty Member
The Chicago BGA honored Jimmie Alford October 2 at its annual luncheon. (photo by Wesley Lindahl)
Jimmie Alford presented Lifetime Achievement Award
CHICAGO (October 2, 2012) — The (BGA) of Chicago presented its 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award to Jimmie Alford, executive-in-residence, 萝莉社 School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM). Alford is founder and chair of , a consulting firm that works exclusively with nonprofit organizations.
This year marks Alford's fiftieth year of working with nonprofits. The award was presented October 2 at the BGA annual luncheon in Chicago.
"This award is most thrilling because of the broad impact that the Better Government Association has in our community," he said. "Their recognition of my career which embodies 萝莉社’s mission of education for a life of significance and service is a wonderful tribute." Alford said he is pleased that two outstanding civic leaders, Renee Crown and Ron Gidwitz, will present the award to him.
"The faculty and staff of the School of Business and Nonprofit Management are very proud of Jimmie Alford and his accomplishments at the Chicago Better Government Association. The story of their growth over the past few years is amazing, and Jimmie played a big role in making this happen. Congratulations to Jimmie on the Lifetime Achievement Award," said Dr. Wesley E. Lindahl, SBNM dean.
Alford will be the keynote speaker at the University Breakfast Series event October 30 at the , Lindahl added. The topic, "Trends and Headwinds: Implications for the Nonprofit Sector" will focus on the business environment for nonprofit organizations, along with trends, constraints, opportunities, and the possible impact of the upcoming elections. The session will also include forecasts about the next three to five years for nonprofits.
Alford founded his own consulting firm to serve the nonprofit sector in 1979 after serving 16 years with the . The firm, now known as The Alford Group, quickly grew into one of the premier consulting firms in the United States and has served more than 3,000 nonprofit clients since its creation. In 2007, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University, as well as an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Aurora University, Aurora, Ill.
Alford has been recognized twice by as "one of the 50 most influential people in the nonprofit sector." The (AFP) in 2009 named Alford the recipient of the prestigious Chair’s Award for Outstanding Service, given to individuals for exceptional service to AFP, the fundraising profession, and the philanthropic community. Alford is active as a volunteer, as chair, CeaseFire Chicago (now ), and as senior advisor to the BGA.
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 SBNM and graduate programs and the University's .
University Commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Life and Legacy
Dr. Reginald Blount, left, delivered the sermon at the University's Jan. 16 observance of Martin Luther King Jr., Day.
'Find the strength to love,' says Garrett-Evangelical seminary professor
CHICAGO (January 19, 2012) – 萝莉社 remembered the life and legacy of Jan. 16 with a special worship and service day event at involving students and adult leaders from the Chicago area. , , Evanston, Ill., challenged the congregation to "find the strength to love" to help fulfill King's dream for all people.
Blount said King was "a shining example of what can happen when one commits his or her life to something worth dying for." Blount, an assistant professor of formation, youth and culture at Garrett-Evangelical, and senior pastor of , Waukegan, Ill., told the packed chapel that King accomplished much to advance civil rights in 13 short years, and was a catalyst for changing the world. In the 44 years since his death, great strides have been made to advance King's vision and dreams, Blount said, including the election of Barack Obama as president.
However, Blount insisted that King's dream still remains "a dream deferred" for many people of color because of racism, high unemployment, the dismantling of affirmative action, growing numbers in prison, declining college enrollment and inadequate funding for schools. Blount warned against becoming complacent about civil rights.
"Could it be that many of us have stopped acting on the dream? Could it be that many of us have decided that we've achieved enough?" he said. Quoting King, Blount also spoke of a kind of social "schizophrenia," in which people talk about peace, but prepare for war; say they want children to have an adequate education, yet hold down funding for public schools; say children are the future, but deny and block opportunities for them; and say every life is precious, then question whether health care if a right or privilege.
King's dream will not be fulfilled "unless we find the strength to love," Blount said. He called on people to make sacrifices for the good of others. "That means that we ought to be willing to make enough of a sacrifice that no one goes hungry. That means we ought to be willing to make enough of a sacrifice to let those who are sick have access to adequate health care. That means we ought to make enough of a sacrifice that no child is truly left behind," he said.
"Let's claim the strength to love so that when we come back again next year, this time we can declare that we have moved Dr. King's dream further and further towards being fulfilled," Blount added.
Readings and prayer at the service were contributed by Rev. Deborah Penny, Dr. Mary Adams Trujillo and Rev. Michael Thomas, University and Seminary faculty, staff, and students. Mittie Cowan, a 萝莉社 student, sang two hymns.
After worship, about 35 high school students and their chaperones participated in a youth leadership service day experience at the University, said , director for justice and intercultural learning. Youth and adults represented , and , all in Evanston. Also present were students and adults from and , both in Chicago. They viewed King's well-known speech, and discussed their own dreams with Blount.
The high school students then met in small groups with 萝莉社 student leaders who discussed what it mean to be courageous leaders in school, at home, and in the world. The adults met separately to talk about challenges in teaching and raising their children, and incorporating faith practices into the lives of young people. The groups also discussed multicultural, multiracial and multi-faith issues they face. They concluded the day with a tour of the 萝莉社 campus.
The University's Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities were sponsored 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 .
萝莉社 Professor Attends Easter Prayer Breakfast at White House
萝莉社's Dr. Scot McKnight met President Obama at the April 4 White House Easter prayer breakfast. (Photo by Kristen McKnight)
Scot McKnight invited to president's annual Easter event
CHICAGO (April 5, 2012) – A 萝莉社 professor attended President Barack Obama's third annual at the White House April 4. , Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies, , was among the invited guests.
"That President Obama is willing to host an Easter breakfast, invite only Christian leaders, and include a personal address himself, and involve singers like Sarah Groves and a sermon by Joel Hunter, is a symbolic way for President Obama to express his faith," McKnight said afterward. "Events like this do not impose faith on Americans, or even privilege the Christian faith, but they do give the President an opportunity to express his faith and support the Christian message of the death and resurrection of Christ."
It was clear that Obama did not invite only "progressive Christians," to the breakfast, McKnight said. "I was impressed by the spectrum," he added. Others in attendance included Rev. Eugene Cho, lead pastor of , Seattle, a congregation of the (ECC), McKnight said. 萝莉社 is affiliated with the Chicago-based ECC.
In his remarks, the president thanked the Christian leaders for "the compassion and the kindness" they express through their ministries. "I’ve seen firsthand some of the outstanding work that you are doing in your respective communities, and it’s an incredible expression of your faith. And I know that all of us who have an opportunity to work with you draw inspiration from the work that you do," Obama said.
Reflecting on the "wonder of Easter morning," the president said, "It’s an opportunity for us to reflect on the triumph of the resurrection, and to give thanks for the all-important gift of grace. And for me, and I’m sure for some of you, it’s also a chance to remember the tremendous sacrifice that led up to that day, and all that Christ endured—not just as a Son of God, but as a human being."
McKnight attended the breakfast with his wife, Kristen. "It was an honor to be invited, and we will treasure this the rest of our lives," he said.
McKnight joined the University in 1994. He is a New Testament scholar, author of more than 30 books, teacher and sought-after speaker. This year, his book, , was named resource of the year in the evangelism category by magazine. Another book, , won the book of the year in 2005 for Christian Living. McKnight also writes a titled, "The Jesus Creed."
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
Author tomgabrysiakPosted on Categories Stories
Rev. David W. Kersten was installed as the Dean of North Park Theological Seminary on Sunday, September 16, 2012.
