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CHICAGO (June 8, 2012) — More than 500 nonprofit leaders and volunteers met in downtown Chicago June 5 to learn new and effective strategies that will help them lead, be innovative, and enhance organizational funding, communication, and growth. They were attendees at 萝莉社's , with the theme, "Reignite Your Vision."
also organized and presented a pre-conference Innovation Institute June 4, and presented awards to three nonprofits. The Axelson Center works to enhance performance and effectiveness of individuals and organizations in the nonprofit sector through education, service, and resources.
The symposium drew a cross-section of nonprofit leaders from large and small organizations, and people planning careers in the nonprofit sector. They heard keynote speakers who addressed the role of nonprofits in rebuilding the U.S. economy, and harnessing pro bono resources for their organizations. Workshops focused on topics such as communication, strategic planning, board engagement, funding, and giving trends.
"I was really inspired by all of the speakers," said Hollen Reischer, assistant director, , Chicago. "I was most inspired by the vision people had for really taking care of the mission and values of their organizations, and using that as a way to build a bridge to corporate and pro bono relationships. This is a great opportunity for networking and hearing from lots of seasoned professionals. I've been taking notes all day."
John Shustitzky, Lake Forest, Ill., has led nonprofits for some 30 years, has been a consultant and is now on the faculty at the . He attended because of the content and the reputation of 萝莉社, he said. "I have a better idea of the potential role of pro bono work in nonprofits," Shustitzky said, adding that remarks by keynoter , president and founder of the Taproot Foundation, New York City, were "particularly helpful."
Also attending was Babette Black, Chicago, a recent divinity school graduate. She was once an accountant for an insurance company, but didn't find corporate work fulfilling. Black said she came to the symposium to learn about nonprofits as she transitions to a career in the sector. "I want my work to have meaning. I've always wanted to have an experience where I feel the human component of what we do matches the benefit of the society. I want to make sure that what I do professionally has meaning," she said.
Keynoter , founder and president, Washington-based DC Central Kitchen, inspired attendees by pointing out the potential influence of U.S. nonprofits in the political process and society. For example, more than 500,000 people work in nonprofits in Illinois, generating $22 billion in payroll taxes in 2010, and yet, nonprofits don't get the economic credit they deserve, he said. "The nonprofit sector is one of the biggest sources of outside investment in cities every single day. We are major drivers of every economy in every city," Egger said. He also challenged nonprofit leaders to be "fearless."
Hurst told the nonprofit leaders how to use pro bono resources to accomplish their organizational missions. "Running a nonprofit today is infinitely more challenging than it's ever been, and the nonprofit sector is being asked to do more than ever before," he said. Hurst presented five principles when using pro bono resources: know and define needs; get the right resource for the right job; be realistic about pro bono deadlines; act like a paying client; and working with pro bono resources is a collaboration where all parties learn.
Winners of annual awards recognizing area nonprofits were announced at a luncheon emceed by Ana Belaval, feature reporter for Chicago's WGN Morning News:
The went to , Chicago. The award is presented to one young organization with potential for growth and greater effectiveness. A capacity building package valued at about $50,000 is presented to the winner. A $2,500 cash grant was also included, funded by a donor on the Axelson Center Advisory Board.
went to (small nonprofits), and (large nonprofits), both in Chicago. The award recognizes nonprofit organizations that embody exemplary management practices. Grants of $7,500 each are presented to the winners, sponsored by Fifth Third Bank.
More than 40 Chicago-area nonprofits were nominated, and a committee determined the winners from 12 finalists.
The Innovation Institute June 4 drew 145 registered participants. Speakers were , president and co-founder, Doblin Inc., who spoke about effective organizations and innovative business practices; , president, Morten Group, who presented best practices for boards of directors; , general director, Jewish Community Center of Chicago, and Carol Levine, principal, Levine Partners Consulting, who discussed ways to reignite organizations through mission focus and planning; and , chief executive officer, Wright, who discussed ways to empower and engage employees in organizational leadership.
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萝莉社 Offers Alumni Grant for Graduate Studies Tuition
Grant applies to students who begin graduate study in fall 2013
CHICAGO (December 26, 2012) – 萝莉社 will offer a 20 percent tuition reduction to undergraduate alumni who enroll in graduate courses, or seek graduate degrees or graduate-level certificates at the University. The tuition grants are available to students who begin coursework for the first time in the fall semester 2013, and can be used for classes students attend in-person or access online.
"This idea aligns with North Park's emphasis on lifelong learning," said , the University's director of . Continuing education, including graduate education, is key for success in many vocations, he said. Nicholson also pointed out that a growing number of the University's graduate programs are available to alumni living anywhere in the world.
The tuition grants apply only to graduate-level programs, and are available to alumni who do not have other University grants or scholarships to meet the costs of graduate education, Nicholson explained. Some University schools already offer to alumni, he said.
The tuition grants to University alumni for graduate study may provide an extra incentive to 萝莉社 graduates considering advanced degrees, said Nate Mouttet, University vice president for enrollment and marketing. "The confidence our alumni had in the faculty as undergraduates is the same kind of confidence they will have in the graduate faculty. We're offering continuation of a great undergraduate experience with more depth at the graduate level," he said.
The University offers graduate education programs in its School of Business and Nonprofit Management, , , , and . This past semester, more than 140 alumni were enrolled in graduate-level courses and certification programs.
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Key component of grant includes University civic engagement center
CHICAGO (August 2, 2012) — awarded 萝莉社 a to help the University expand existing outreach programs and lay the groundwork for a civic engagement center housed on the 萝莉社 campus.
The fellowship includes a $7,000 seed grant for one year beginning in August 2012. Rich Kohng, urban outreach coordinator in North Park's University Ministries, explained that the idea behind the grant is to more fully embrace one of the University's — "intentionally urban." Other University core values are "distinctively Christian" and "purposefully multicultural."
"We have a lot of people on campus doing different things, and this can be a hub through which we can engage the urban context," Kohng said. A civic engagement center at the University would likely include three components, he said. They are:
A curricular component, which may lead to offering majors and minors related to urban engagement.
An engagement component, which encourages students, faculty, and staff to volunteer in different service organizations and to get involved in the community in different ways.
A research component, which promotes faculty and student work on projects regarding issues pertinent to the local community.
Kohng hopes that the grant will enable the University to offer more service-learning opportunities. Already the University has nearly 20 partnerships with community service organizations, and at least 150 students regularly volunteering with local organizations who serve more than 400 people a week. "The idea is we can enhance that through service-learning. Professors can offer courses that have a service component written into their classes. Students will be able to earn credit as they serve and do this as part of their coursework," Kohng said.
The grant will be administered by a three-person University team, including Kohng. Assisting them is , professor of , a service learning fellow of the University. Ankney led a cohort of five faculty who engaged in service learning during the 2011–2012 academic year.
Illinois Campus Compact, based at DePaul University, Chicago, is a coalition of colleges and universities that promote the civic development of students and each campus as an active and engaged member of its community. The organization's grant program to promote civic engagement in the Chicago region is supported by the .
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University Professor's Book Named a 'Resource of the Year' by Outreach Magazine
Scot McKnight's latest book examines the meaning of 'gospel'
CHICAGO (March 2, 2012) — magazine named book, as "Resource of the Year" in the evangelism category. McKnight is the Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies, , 萝莉社.
McKnight said he was honored that his book was recognized by Outreach. "When I was told, I was pleased to hear that someone had the courage to rank my book at the top for books on evangelism, because this book shifts what evangelism means," he said.
"The message of this book is that the standard gospel – 'God loves you, you are sinner, Jesus died for you, respond in faith and you can be reconciled to God and go to heaven when you die' — is not what the New Testament means by 'gospel,' McKnight said. In his book, McKnight focuses on , where Paul said the gospel is "the Story of Israel coming to completion in the Story of Jesus who is King (Messiah), Lord and the one who saves his people from their sins," he said.
"The 'standard' gospel has created the church as a 'salvation' culture, focusing on who is in and who is out. The second approach creates a gospel culture, one noted by living under Jesus as king," McKnight said.
McKnight joined the University in 1994. He is a New Testament scholar, author, teacher and sought-after speaker. He has authored more than 30 books, including the award-winning , which won the book of the year in 2005 for Christian Living. McKnight also writes a titled, "The Jesus Creed."
Outreach gave special recognition to 20 resources in categories that include compassion and justice ministries, missional living, and cross-cultural ministries. The list is published in the magazine’s just-released March/April 2012 issue. 萝莉社 170 resources published between Nov. 1, 2010, and Oct. 31, 2011, were submitted to Outreach for consideration – the most submissions in the last four years, according to the magazine.
Evangelical Covenant Church News contributed to this report.
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North Park Offers Nonprofit Management Degree Online Beginning Fall 2012
Violet Ricker said she stays in touch with students who studied with her in the SAL undergraduate nonprofit management program.
Undergraduate degree option available through School of Adult Learning
CHICAGO (August 16, 2012) – A popular 萝莉社 bachelor's degree program for professionals who aspire to leadership positions in the nonprofit sector can be completed exclusively online beginning with the 2012-2013 academic year. The University's undergraduate will be among other that students can earn online through the (SAL).
萝莉社 is known in the Chicago area for many academic programs, including educational offerings in the nonprofit arena. With this new option, SAL students will be able to earn nonprofit management degrees through a combination of online and in-person classes, or exclusively online. The online option is a plus for students who may not be able to attend classes in-person or who live outside the Chicago area, said , SAL associate professor and chair of the school's nonprofit management and criminal justice majors.
SAL students in nonprofit management gain a foundational understanding of the nonprofit sector, plus specific skills and professional contacts to be successful managers, said Ransom. "What is different about our program is that we have a real-world component, and a real-world focus about not-for-profit management," she said.
SAL nonprofit management students learn how to work with boards of directors, manage volunteers, raise funds, manage finances, organize special events, write grant proposals, and develop advocacy skills for their organizations. Students typically range from young adults to more experienced professionals who want an accelerated program that fits their life schedules.
Students who have earned the degrees have moved into interesting and fulfilling careers. Violet Ricker earned her degree in 2010 through a combination of online and in-person classes, which she took at the University's and at the Chicago campus. Today, she is executive director of , a nonprofit organization that works for community and economic development in downtown Waukegan, Ill., her hometown. It's part of the Main Street Network that works to revitalize communities across the United States.
Ricker entered the 萝莉社 program from George Washington University, Washington, D.C., where she had been studying political science. While there, she did nonprofit community work, and found that was her calling. Ricker learned of North Park's nonprofit management program through an online search, and returned home to study in the University's program.
The degree program brought together many disciplines, Ricker said. "I understand the connectedness of volunteer development, fundraising, communication, and community outreach," she said. "To have that in a program versus learning on the job is very valuable. The best part for me was collective expertise from my fellow students in the program." Ricker still remains in touch with others who studied with her, trading advice and sharing business ideas.
Lindsay LeVally earned a degree in nonprofit management in 2009 through the SAL, attending classes in-person and taking at least one course online. She is currently in the process of moving to Springfield, Ill., where she will manage a new branch office for , a national wholesale sign supply company. LeVally heard about 萝莉社 from a colleague when she was an volunteer. After AmeriCorps, LeVally worked in different roles, before landing at Grimco, where she got into sales by writing marketing plans for her nonprofit classes.
"I was able to get this job with the degree, and I've been here a year and a half," LeVally said. "I'm now being given a chance to manage a branch in Springfield. I wouldn't even be working for Grimco without this degree. Every paper I did was on my company when I was at North Park."
LeVally began work on a master's degree in management at the University in 2010, part of a "continuum" of education available to University students who want to go further. "Students can get a bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, and then move to the master's program in nonprofit management," Ransom said, "plus, we have the for continuing education."
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University Scientist Chairs National Meeting on Computer Programming Language
Professor Johnny Lin
Johnny Lin leads 'Python' symposium at New Orleans meteorological meeting
CHICAGO (January 18, 2012) – A 萝莉社 physicist is chairing a national meeting this month devoted to , a fast, powerful and versatile computer programming language growing in popularity among people working in the atmospheric and oceanic sciences. The symposium and two short courses in uses of Python are part of the annual meeting of the (AMS), Jan. 22-26, in New Orleans.
, professor of physics, will teach an on Python, and chair the New Orleans symposium, at which scientists from around the country will present papers highlighting the programming language's use in modeling and analysis. Last year, the AMS annual meeting was the site of the first Python which Lin also chaired. Lin, who uses Python in his own teaching and research work at 萝莉社, helped write the proposal to AMS to create the symposium. At that time, there were virtually no scientific meetings in the atmospheric sciences to discuss Python. Colleagues formerly at the University of Chicago, where Lin did postdoctoral studies, and , worked with Lin to organize the symposium.
The AMS symposium is a place where users can call attention to Python "as a real platform for doing scientific work in the atmospheric sciences," Lin explained. Speakers will share Python techniques and ideas, help build a support community for users, and help grow the language as an atmospheric sciences programming platform, he said.
萝莉社 also teaches the Python programming language in beginning classes, in part because it's easier for students to learn and apply to other programming languages.
Alan Iliff, 萝莉社 professor of computer science, said he first began teaching the programming language five years ago after a University computer science alumnus suggested he look into it. Students learn how to write computing programs faster using Python, he said. "It's very easy to write programs with Python. What makes it a good teaching language is what makes it popular for programming," he said.
"A real solid approach in teaching computer science is to teach the things that won't change – in Python we teach things that are quite similar in other programming languages. After I use Python first, then I use Java (or another programming language) in the next semester," Iliff added.
Python is also part of the "" movement, which allows users access to information about the product's design so they can contribute ideas to its improvement, Iliff said.
Programmers have used Python for nearly 25 years, Lin explained, and the recent development of scientific computing packages in the language has helped increase its use among atmospheric scientists. This has given atmospheric scientists the ability to do their scientific work and couple it with a variety of other computer-based tools and interactive applications, making the science more useful. Python is the "critical glue" that makes it all happen, Lin said. "It's more versatile than anything that atmospheric scientists have used traditionally."
At the New Orleans symposium, a notable expert in the field will speak, Lin said. Already, planning has begun for the 2013 Python symposium at the AMS meeting in Austin, Texas.
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Check out current weather from North Park's , used for research by physics students.
Marcus Crone, center, was honored on Good Morning America April 9. With him is GMA co-host George Stephanopoulos, left; Mary McComb, second from right, and Crone's prom date, Chelsea McComb, right. (Good Morning America video)
Freshman Marcus Crone recognized for special prom invitation
CHICAGO (April 11, 2012) — Marcus Crone, a freshman at 萝莉社, Chicago, was stunned April 9 on national TV when Good Morning America named him a winner of the contest for an act of kindness — in which he invited a girl with Down syndrome to her prom last spring after she had been turned down by another young man.
Crone is a member of Crossroads Community Church, an (ECC) congregation in Yelm, Wash., and a staff member at the ECC's . 萝莉社 is affiliated with the ECC.
Crone and his mother, Stephanie, were part of the crowd outside the taping of the show when he and several others were called to step forward and told they had been named winners. Each winner was awarded a trip to a Disney theme park.
One of the show’s hosts, George Stephanopoulos, then told Crone, "Your story is so amazing. You had us all just welled up." Stephanopoulos had another surprise: Crone's prom date, Chelsea McComb, and her mother, Mary, appeared from the crowd, and ran to hug Crone.
In a videotaped segment recorded before the presentation, Chelsea said the prom "was the best moment in my entire life."
"He made her feel like Cinderella that night," said Mary, adding that her daughter had never had a date. "When they walked out to the car, I truly, truly don’t believe her feet touched the ground."
Crone, who did not know he had been nominated, was chosen from among several thousand entries. Another member of the Crossroads congregation — Mary McComb — nominated him.
Crone’s mother, Stephanie, was in on the ruse to get him to New York City. She told her son that she had won a contest called Whisk Your Mom Away that awarded her the opportunity to travel and take a family member. The two were treated to limousine service, tickets to live performances, and to Good Morning America.
In an interview, Crone, a former high school state wrestling champion, said, "It was a blessing for me to be able to have the opportunity to take Chelsea to the prom. We danced the entire time. It was so much fun."
Crone says he hopes it can be arranged for Chelsea and her family to travel to Disney World with his family.
The North Park student said he hopes to delay his sophomore year by serving in Asia, Africa, and South America, as part of a mission trip experience with .
"Marcus has just been just a key kid in our youth group prior to going to North Park. He would champion youth group Bible study and bring kids left and right," said Crossroads Pastor Russell Blake.
Stan Friedman, news editor for the Evangelical Covenant Church, Chicago, is the writer of this article.
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萝莉社 Choir, Chamber Singers to Tour Northern Illinois
The 2012 University Choir Tour is October 19-21, and will include performances throughout northern Illinois.
October 19-21 tour includes performances in Naperville, Batavia, and Rockford
CHICAGO (October 4, 2012) — 萝莉社's and will perform in northern Illinois congregations in Naperville and Rockford, and at an retirement community in Batavia, Ill., during their Fall 2012 tour. "A Choral Celebration" will feature performances of choral works by several international composers.
Performance dates and locations are:
Friday, October 19, 7:30 pm, , Naperville, Ill.
Saturday, October 20, 11 am, , Batavia, Ill.
Saturday, October 20, 7:00 pm, , Rockford, Ill.
Sunday, October 21, 9:30 am, (worship) Second Congregational Church
Sunday, October 21, 3:00 pm, , Rockford
"The performances include a wide variety of choral repertoire," said , University director of choral activities, and holder of the Stephen J. Hendrickson Endowed Chair in Music, School of Music. "If you're someone who has heard some choral music before, you will likely recognize some of the music to be performed during the tour."
The 14-member Chamber Singers will perform a capella "Suite de Lorca," a set of poetic pieces by Spanish poet , set to music by a Finnish composer, . The Chamber Singers will also perform works such as "If Ye Love Me," by English composer ; "Ain't Got Time to Die," by American composer Hall Johnson; "Longing," by , a young Canadian composer; and other compositions. Emery's piece is an unpublished composition that the Chamber Singers have been granted rights to perform, Davids said.
The University Choir will feature a performance of English composer "Te Deum," which Davids characterized as "a great text of praise." The 41-member choir will also perform compositions such as setting of Ave Verum Corpus, and a similar setting by ; "Keltic Song" by Canadian composer , and other compositions. University organist Margaret Martin is featured on some selections, Davids said.
One unusual piece the 41-member choir will perform was written by American composer , based on Psalm 23. The piece was written for three choirs. "We have three different choirs singing this Psalm in three different keys at one point. On the last page it breaks into 13 parts for the end, and the choir stands in a big circle," Davids commented.
During the tour, the University Choir and Davids will visit in Naperville October 19 to lead a workshop and perform with the school's choral ensembles. In addition, Davids and the choir will attend the convention in Naperville October 20. Davids will speak to the conference on vocal technique for choral conductors and singers, and the University Choir will also perform as part of an interactive presentation. Davids recently published a new book on the subject with Stephen LaTour, .
The Fall 2012 University Choir Tour is made possible by 萝莉社. Staff with the University's will accompany the choir and make recruiting visits. Choir members will stay with host families throughout the tour.
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University's Hispanic Heritage Month Observance Begins September 18
Eduardo Arnal Palomera, consul general of Mexico, will speak Sept.18 at 萝莉社. (Photo courtesy of Consulate General of Mexico, Chicago)
Consul General of Mexico leads month's activities this week
CHICAGO (September 17, 2012) — 萝莉社 will join the official United States celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of free events for students, faculty and staff beginning this week. The University's month-long observance includes addresses on campus by official government representatives of Mexico, and , as well as cultural events featuring cuisine, entertainment and music.
or "El Mes de la Hispanidad," is observed September 15 through October 15. "It is a time to highlight and share the many cultures of Latin American and Spain," said , 萝莉社 professor of and faculty fellow for Latin American Initiatives. "This year we are bringing some special events to campus. We have made these events free to all of our students, and many professors are asking of their students to write about the events they attend."
Hispanic Heritage Month is a reflection of the University's multicultural identity, one of its . "We hope these events will raise awareness of the struggles of Latinos throughout the Americas and in the United States. We want to show diversity not only compared to other cultures but also within Latin cultures, that will bring an appreciation and an understanding for all."
Three University events are featured during this first week of Hispanic Heritage Month:
Tuesday, September 18, 2012: Eduardo Arnal Palomera, consul general of Mexico, Brorson Lounge, 11:40 am
Tuesday, September 18: Comida Latina, Latin cuisine from around the world, Magnuson Campus Center, 5:00 pm (normal apply)
Thursday, September 20: James Sanders & Conjunto, Afro-Latin jazz concert, Anderson Chapel, 7:30 pm (free for University students, faculty, and staff with ID; $10 general admission for the public)
Later events planned include an address by Marcelo Suarez Savlia, counsel general of Argentina, September 25; Global Giggles: The Other Side of Diversity, comedy, October 4; Fiesta Latina dance lessons, October 5; Latino Chapel, October 10; and an address by José Fernando Gomez Mora, counsel general of Colombia, October 16.
The University's Hispanic Heritage Month observance is coordinated by the office of , , the , and the .
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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.
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Rev. David W. Kersten was installed as the Dean of North Park Theological Seminary on Sunday, September 16, 2012.