North Park honored its faculty at the annual University Convocation September 17, installing new and tenured faculty and administrators, and recognizing those who have published books and articles in the last year.

In her address to the nine professors who attained promotions or tenure at the ceremony in Anderson Chapel, President Mary Surridge commended them on their hard work and devotion to North Park.

Provost Michael O. Emerson recognized the 10 faculty members who have recently published books, which ranged in topic from mathematics to Hip Hop music and its application to theology.

“Words are precious and valued, holy and sacred,” Emerson said. “To write is to contribute to the divine creation, to be a writer is to be called by God’s hand to be co-creator.”

Ingrid Tenglin, assistant vice president of human resources, installed two new administrators: Lisa Ncube, associate provost for enrollment management; and Anthony Scola, vice president for enrollment management and marketing.
“We need the expertise and skills, the passion and commitment you bring to this place,” Tenglin said. “We are thankful you have chosen to serve with us.”
The faculty members were honored at a reception after the service.

Recognized Faculty:

Eric Brown—Tenure
Yoojin Choi—Tenure and full professor
Julia Davids—Full professor
You-Seong Kim—Tenure
John Laukaitis—Tenure and associate professor
Dimitra Loukissa—Tenure and full professor
Sunshine Silver—Associate professor
Kezia Shirkey—Tenure and associate professor
Theodore Zervas—Tenure and full professor

Faculty Authors:

Ilsup Ahn
Rachelle Ankney and Aaron Kaestner
Chad Eric Bergman
Paul H. De Neui
Michael Oluf Emerson
Alice Gorguis
Daniel White Hodge
Hauna Ondrey
Gregor Thuswaldner
Theodore G. Zervas

ÂÜŔňÉç faculty and staff welcomed new students and their families in a warm, rousing Welcome Convocation on Aug. 24.

In her opening remarks, President Mary Surridge encouraged students to “say yes” to all that North Park has to offer, from playing a sport or starting a club, cheering on athletes at events, or participating in North Park’s Catalyst__606 program.

Provost Michael O. Emerson, whose daughter Leah graduated from North Park last spring, told parents to let their child explore different majors.

“Every major we offer here leads to a job,” Dr. Emerson said. “My own daughter came here as a scared child and left as a confident adult. She found her dream job after just two weeks.”

Representatives of the Student Government Association also addressed the students, encouraging them to be open to opportunities to engage with fellow students.

SGA President Rakiiba Vaalele ’19 came to North Park from American Samoa without a winter coat and temporarily questioned her decision to come here. Eventually, though, she says she was warmed by the friendships she made through various clubs and activities.

Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dean of Arts and Sciences, prayed for the students, after which everyone sang North Park’s Alma Mater, “The Blue and The Gold.”

The Convocation kicked off Threshold Weekend for North Park’s new students.