One of Jorge Ortiz’s most memorable moments at North Park was the day he graduated. He walked in front of the procession carrying his home-country’s flag, the Ecuadorian colors flying ahead and above him on his way to the stage. “North Park is an institution that has a lot of potential if a student wants to research, develop, or explore; its diversity challenged my perspectives on many of my views.” Jorge counts it a great accomplishment that he “studied and graduated in a foreign country in a foreign language.”

Jorge enjoyed his time at North Park, involving himself in much of what the University has to offer students as far as extracurricular activities. He was president of the Economics Club, as well as a member of the executive team for the inaugural TEDx event held at North Park. Jorge also had this to say about the summer research program he participated in, “the opportunity to do NPRESS with professor Gavoor, studying the relationship between the cost of goods sold and inventory, was one of my favorite opportunities at North Park.”

Life after graduation has served Jorge well, landing a full-time position as a business developer executive at North Side Community Federal Credit Union just two weeks after commencement. Jorge credits North Park’s Career Development and Internships Office with helping him develop a strong resume and offering guidance through his job search. He plans to continue working for the next couple of years and starting graduate school in 2019. “I explored a lot of economic theories at the University. This is a wonderful institution where I made friends for life, including professors who have become mentors.”

CHICAGO, June 5, 2017 — As ������ undertakes a presidential search in the 2017–2018 academic year, Executive Vice President Carl Balsam has been appointed by the Board of Trustees and approved by the Executive Board of the Evangelical Covenant Church, to serve as Interim President of the university, with all rights and responsibilities as president.

“The Board is grateful to Carl for agreeing to continue his deep dedication to the University by serving as president, beginning July 1. Because Carl has so generously stepped up to serve, we will benefit from his decades of experience and his steadfast commitment to North Park’s mission.�� With his leadership, we will continue to move forward with our goals and aspirations during this transition period,” said Dr. Kristine Strand, Chair of the North Park Board of Trustees.

Reverend Gary Walter, president of the Evangelical Covenant Church, added, “Carl is a well-respected and trusted leader in the campus community and beyond.�� I am grateful for his openness to serve.�� This provides important continuity for initiatives underway.”

Carl Balsam joined North Park in 1988.�� As EVP and Chief Financial Officer, he has managed North Park’s annual budget and finances, and has overseen the University’s endowment, continuing its strategic growth to a current value of $75 million. Additionally, he directed architectural planning for significant additions to North Park’s campus, including Anderson Chapel, Brandel Library, Helwig Recreation Center, the Holmgren Athletic Complex, and most recently the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life.

Balsam has committed three-and-a-half decades of professional life to Christian higher education.�� Prior to coming to North Park, Carl served for six years at Barrington College, Barrington, R.I.�� He holds a BS in Engineering Science, Pennsylvania State University; Master of Divinity, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; and an MBA from the University of Rhode Island.�� Carl also serves on the Board of Directors for Covenant Trust Company.

Carl and his wife Barbara are active members of Winnetka Covenant Church.�� They have two children, Aaron and Ashley, both graduates of ������, and six grandchildren.

Spring 2018 is the target date for the identification of a permanent president to succeed Dr. David Parkyn, who retires effective June 30.

May 16, 2017—������ celebrated Gathering Day Spring 2017. Faculty and staff gathered in Hamming Hall to socialize, enjoy lunch together, and recognize the years of service of long-time educators and leading administrators who will soon enter the next phase in their lives–retirement. President Dr. David L. Parkyn celebrated the accomplishments and meaningful impact of the six soon-to-be North Park faculty and staff alum:�� Whipp Johnson, Carol Martin, Mary Adams Trujillo, Rupe Simms, Jay Phelan, and Les Carlstrom. Combined, these six leaders dedicated 110 years of service to ������.

Some Background on the Faculty and Staff Alum

Whipp Johnson

Dr. Johnson loves to teach, and in the second half of his career he discovered that he also loves to instruct others to teach.

Following 25 years of teaching social studies in high schools in Maryland and Illinois, Dr. Johnson came to North Park in 2007 as a member of the faculty in the School of Education.

Dr. Johnson views teaching as a combination of practice, profession, and calling. As a teacher of prospective teachers, he takes time in his classroom to develop in his students a bonded commitment to hard work and persistence. He is fond of telling his students: “The journey to the other side of the desk will challenge you in unexpected ways. At the same time, it’s a journey well worth making because of the difference you can make in the lives of students.”

Carol Martin

Dr. Martin’s calling in life brought her to North Park in 2003 as professor of communication arts, yet her students know her best, and love her most deeply, as director of the writing center.

Dr. Martin leaves a legacy of strong writing advisors with majors from across the whole of our academic program. She is called on often for counsel, is colleague to many—and especially colleague to her students.

Dr. Martin’s expert contribution to teaching at North Park was recognized a year ago with presentation of the Zenos Hawkinson Award for Distinguished Teaching.

Mary Adams Trujillo

Dr. Trujillo has served as professor of communication arts at North Park since 2003. Her courses build on a belief that a combination of service, experiential learning, and cultural immersion helps students engage with the world—starting with the city of Chicago.

Dr. Trujillo’s primary interest, and her scholarly expertise, is in conflict transformation. Throughout her teaching in this area Dr. Trujillo promotes opportunities for cultures and communities to meet—within the classroom and far beyond. One example comes from her course in Conflict Transformation, in which she brings together 24 high school students to a retreat with her North Park students to nurture within all an understanding of how to transform violent environments.

Dr. Trujillo’s scholarship is well-illustrated through a volume she co-edited in 2008 with colleagues from across the country, a book titled Re-Centering: Culture and Knowledge in Conflict Resolution Practice.

Rupe Simms

Dr. Simms joined ������ as professor of Africana studies in 1997. He brought with him an impressive set of academic credentials: two bachelor’s degrees, a master’s degree, and two doctorates.

Dr. Simms has taught many students what it means to have our voice, our story, and our identity, validated – which has uplifted students through their educational journey at North Park, and has encouraged many of his colleagues.

In Dr. Simms’ classroom, students expanded their worldviews, along with their understanding of social injustice and the discrimination that groups of Americans experience because of race, class, or gender. To reach these outcomes, Dr. Simms has always built on Chicago as classroom, infusing student learning with the current culture and long history connecting African Americans and Mexican Americans to the city.

Dr. Simms’ scholarship is centered on the politics of religion in the history of African people, as well as the sociopolitical and religious experiences of Afro-Americans and Mexican-Americans. In 2010 Rupe wrote a substantial text on these topics, A Gramscian Analysis of the Role of Religion and Politics: Case Studies in Domination, Accommodation, and Resistance.

Dr. Jay Phelan

Dr. Phelan finds it is easy to divide seminaries into the categories of “academic” or “practical.” One prepares for ministry through a rigorously intellectual process without the life of the church. The other is a training program that teaches “how,” but not “why.” As a pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church, Dr. Phelan knows the value of theological education, particularly in the serious study of the biblical text. He came to North Park because he believes their Theological Seminary has found a way to combine both. According to Dr. Phelan, “The intellectual, the practical, and the spiritual come together here. And I wanted to be a part of this process of engaging text and culture.”

Having served as the Seminary’s dean of students from 1981 to 1986, Dr. Phelan then returned in 1996. He served as the seminary’s president and dean until 2010, when he became a full-time faculty member. Dr. Phelan oversaw the Seminary’s chapel program. “Worshiping together is critical,” says Dr. Phelan. “This is a place where we come to pray, sing, break bread, and celebrate.” From 2010-2017, Dr. Phelan served as Senior Professor of Theological Studies.

Les Carlstrom

Les Carlstrom graduated from North Park in 1976 and returned to North Park in December 1990 as Controller and Director of Finance. The need for good financial accounting and controls were paramount, and Les’ arrival proved to be an incredible blessing.

Over the intervening��years, Les has demonstrated keen financial acumen, keeping impeccable financial records and executing financial policy and financing initiatives with unusual skill. “Les’ high character and commitment to North Park’s mission will be remembered, and he has always remained a kind, respectful, and compassionate professional,” says Executive Vice President Carl Balsam and Les’ close colleague during his entire time at North Park. His Business Office colleagues would describe Les as a joy with which to work. Les has had an amazing, maybe historic, run as controller of ������. “We are incredibly blessed by Les’ presence with us these past 26 years” expresses Executive Vice President Carl Balsam.

Partnership with OneGoal-Chicago Celebrates its First Graduates at Spring 2017 Commencements

CHICAGO (May 15, 2017) — ������ honors 567 undergraduate, graduate, and seminary students in its 124^th Spring Commencement Convocation held at the Chicago campus. For the 2016-2017 academic year, 797 degrees were awarded—a North Park school record. A commencement ceremony for undergraduates began the day followed by a commencement ceremony for advanced degree graduates, both presided over by President Dr. David L. Parkyn.

Undergraduate degrees were awarded to 357 students represented from the College of Arts and Science; School of Business and Nonprofit Management; School of Education; School of Music, Art, and Theatre; School of Nursing and Health Sciences; and School of Professional Studies.

Advanced degrees were awarded to 173 graduate students who attended the School of Business and Nonprofit Management; School of Education; School of Music, Art, and Theatre; School of Nursing and Health Sciences; and School of Professional Studies as well as 37 degrees awarded to North Park Theological Seminary students.

Academic Procession

The day began with a standing, vibrant Procession of Colors, displaying the flags of the United States of America, the city of Chicago, ������, followed by flags representing the countries and territories in which graduates were born, are citizens, or have been residents. President Parkyn welcomed graduates and guests followed by an Invocation by Gary B. Walter, President, Evangelical Covenant Church; mid-afternoon, Provost Michael O. Emerson led the Invocation for the Graduate and School of Professional Studies Commencement Convocation.

When Faith, Learning, and Service Align—We Find Truth

At the Baccalaureate Service on Friday night, held at Fourth Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue, President Parkyn welcomed the class of 2017 and guests with reflecting on the idea, “Seek Truth.” President Parkyn then pondered some truth-related phrases he read in the New York Times such as:

• The truth is hard.
• The truth is hidden.
• The truth must be pursued.
• The truth is hard to hear.
• The truth is rarely simple.
• The truth isn’t so obvious.
• The truth is necessary.

Acknowledging that seeking truth is a process, President Parkyn summarizes, “We’re talking of seeking truth—a mandate that requires a journey as long as life itself.” He then continues describing the education at North Park as one in which faith, learning, and service meet. He adds, “When these three meet—faith, learning, and service—we find truth.”��

North Park and OneGoal-Chicago:�� Partnering to Bring Students to Graduation

Spring 2017 Commencements marks its first year of graduating two students as part of . The partnership is built on “increasing enrollment, diversifying student body, and getting students to graduation,” says President Parkyn.

OneGoal-Chicago and North Park began their partnership over four years ago by being selected as an institution for believing in educating the diverse needs of low-income, first-generation, and students of color. “We have since embarked on a collaborative journey to ensure that we stay grounded in our shared commitment to prioritize student needs and ultimate success in all that we set out to do,” says Nandi Bhargava, Director of Postsecondary Partnerships��at OneGoal-Chicago.

North Park and OneGoal-Chicago support the whole student on a path to graduation. “Having participated in internships and gaining workplace skills has enabled these new graduates to be fully prepared for the next phase of their lives. Moreover, they are incredibly thoughtful and kind adults who are truly ready to emerge from ������ as global citizens,” says Bhargava.

Ahnfeldt Memorial Medallion Citation Presented to Hannah Hawkinson

Kristine E. Strand presented the Ahnfeldt Memorial Medallion to senior Hannah Hawkinson. With a cumulative 4.0 grade point average, Hannah earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Biblical and Theological Studies and English. Dr. Mary Veeneman and Dr. Reinhold Dooley, Hannah’s advisors, refer to Hannah as a voracious reader, highly ethical, and concerned about social justice. Dr. Dooley adds, “When I grade her exams, I am the one who does the learning. Ultimately, Hannah is the best kind of student because she is absorbed not in herself, but in the quest for knowledge and truth.”

For her senior project as an English major, Hannah wrote on Maya Angelou. Hannah commented, “Maya’s Spirit is a Spirit who sustains the weak and challenges the strong. This is the God I worship, the Jesus I follow, and the Spirit I love.”

Hannah will be continuing her academic work next year as a graduate student at Princeton Theological Seminary where she has received a full scholarship.

Two North Park 2016-2017 Academic Year Grads Win Fulbright Awards ��

Highlighted annually in The Chronicle of Higher Education, North Park was named alongside two other Illinois institutions, University of Chicago and Northwestern University as a top Fulbright producer. The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program.

Two of our ������ 2016-2017 academic year graduates won Fulbright awards: Katie Bast and Bethany Joseph.

Charge to Graduates: Sojourn in Truth

Commencements symbolize for new graduates a step out into one’s own sojourn. President Parkyn encourages graduates to, “Sojourn in truth. Begin in faith—love God with your heart. Continue with learning—love God with your mind. Finish in service—love God with your soul. And along the way be keen to listen to the story that comes when you love your neighbor as yourself.”

 

 

2017 Distinguished Senior Awards Presented to Rachael Evangeline Greco and Nicholas A. Collar

Director of Alumni Relations Melissa Velez Luce presented the 2017 Distinguished Senior Awards to Rachael Evangeline Greco, Batavia, Ill., and Nicholas A. Collar, Deerfield, Wis. during the Honors Convocation on April 24. This honor is bestowed each year to one woman and one man from the graduating class, recognizing extraordinary leadership, dedicated service, superior academic performance, and embodiment of the University’s mission of preparing students for lives of significance and service.

“As part of the selection process, six nominees were invited for interviews, where a committee had the chance to learn about fascinating research projects, passions for social justice and teamwork, volunteerism, honors they’ve received and challenges they’ve overcome,” Melissa said.

Rachael Evangeline Greco, a business and economics major, has spent her North Park years in academic overload just about every semester. She co-leads North Park’s chapter of International Justice Mission, raising awareness about the international, national, and local issue of human trafficking. She’s a Fellow for the Future of the Carnegie Council Global Ethics Network, working under Dr. Ilsup Ahn to raise awareness on campus about selected global ethics issues. When she’s not participating in these North Park responsibilities, she’s been working 25-hours a week and volunteering at the Vietnamese Association of Illinois, teaching English to Vietnamese immigrants.

She was also granted a Fulbright U.S. Student Award for 2017-2018. She will be spending the next year teaching English in Vietnam and plans to continue working at Morningstar, Inc. where she’s interned. She hopes that working in finance will give her opportunities to “create a positive social impact in developing communities through business ventures.”

Rachael was nominated by Professor Pam Schilling. “There is not a better example than Professor Schilling that demonstrates the depths that the faculty here are willing to go for their students. I have spent countless hours in her office as she mentored me through degree changes, course selections, and pushed me to pursue challenging opportunities. I am forever grateful to her and the other faculty here at North Park that have supported me through my academic career.”

She says that she chose North Park for three reasons: its location, the faculty, and the Fulbright reputation. “It was very obvious to me after visiting campus back in 2013 that the professors here��want��to be engaged by and interact with their students.” She remembers the advice of Dr. Linda Parkyn early in her pursuit of a Fulbright Award: “I remember her telling me to just keep doing what I was doing.”

Her North Park highlight? Her relationships with faculty members. “My experience with the faculty is hands down the best experience I’ve had at North Park. Again, the faculty-student interaction was one of the reasons I decided to come here but I never anticipated how close I would end up getting with my professors.” She is grateful for opportunities she’s had to conduct research with a philosophy professor, work closely with an education professor, and to be mentored by a Spanish professor.

The second recipient of the 2017 Distinguished Senior Award, Nicholas A. Collar, is a biology major and a busy guy. He’s worked in clinical lab research at Swedish Covenant Hospital designing and implementing studies, investigating diagnoses, and gaining proficiency in interpreting medical information. He had the Hugh Edmondson Research Fellowship at the UC Davis Medical Center during his 2015 summer break where he implemented a study sequencing data from blood samples that were positive for Hepatitis B. There he also participated in several shadowing experiences ranging from observing a tumor board meeting, bone marrow biopsy procedure, and the daily tasks of cytology and histology specialists. Nicholas has his sights set on medical school after taking a couple of years off.

His experience isn’t only academic. For several years, Nicholas traveled to rural parts of Honduras, to bring adequate medical care to the local residents in need. He led the 2017 trip as the president for the Honduras Medical/Public Health Brigade, coordinating logistics of the 25-person group, planning and carrying out meetings with group members, board members, and advisors from Honduras and ������. While in Honduras, he staffed a multi-station rural clinic that treated 729 patients in three days and worked with the group to construct three sanitation stations all of which significantly improved the public health standards in the region.

When Nicholas isn’t doing lab research or serving his community, he’s a teaching assistant in North Park’s science department. He worked under Dr. Rholl as a microbiology assistant which taught him the behind-the-scenes work in preparing and maintaining a microbiology laboratory. He’s also worked as an anatomy and chemistry tutor and a summer pre-medical student advisor. Nicholas was one of two student advisors responsible for planning, coordinating and orchestrating a 10-day pre-academic year camp for incoming freshman interested in pursuing pre-medical routes at ������, and he’s enjoyed continuing relationships with the participants of this program — all of whom are still enrolled and succeeding at North Park.

Nicholas has had wonderful opportunities to work alongside North Park’s accomplished faculty people. One year, he met Dr. Nelson two mornings a week in the Cadaver Lab to dissect Rush Medical College cadavers. “Utilizing this non-class related resource was one of the most significant learning experiences I’ve had at North Park.” Nicholas shadowed Laura Zakowski M.D at University of Wisconsin Health, Mark Collar M.D. at St. Mary’s Hospital, and several others at UC Davis Medical Center. “All of these experiences gave me insight to the level of professionalism needed in my future line of work.”

Dr. Perry to begin July 1, 2017.

CHICAGO, IL (April 20, 2017) – Rev. Dr. Dwight Perry has been called to be the new dean of faculty at North Park Theological Seminary, as well as professor of homiletics and leadership.

Starting July 1st 2017, Rev. Dr. Perry will serve as Dean of Faculty and Professor of Homiletics and Leadership. “Dr. Perry is an exceptional choice, he comes with extensive pastoral experience, denominational leadership, and academic administration experience,” says Rev. Dr. David Kersten, vice president for church relations and dean of the Seminary. “Rev. Dr. Perry wants to make a significant legacy contribution to the community of pastors and feels particularly called to NPTS and the ECC,” adds Kersten.

Both scholar and practitioner, this rare combination fills a need in theological education. Rev. Dr. Perry is ready to, “serve in academic leadership within an evangelical seminary that is urban in its context, biblical at its foundation, and seeks to equip men and women for the work of the gospel,” notes Rev. Dr. Perry as his career objective. As the first African American to graduate with a PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL, Rev. Dr. Perry has persevered across many barriers on race and diversity.

Prior to joining NPTS, Rev. Dr. Perry served as regional president/executive minister of Converge Great Lakes where he was known for his straight-talk approach to ministry. He also served as a professor of pastoral studies at the Moody Bible Institute, as a denominational executive with the Baptist General Conference, and as a senior pastor and associate pastor in several churches in Illinois. He is a sought-after national speaker and is passionate about proclaiming God’s Word. As a pastor and teacher in homiletics, he is one of the premier expository preachers in the U.S.A. He has spoken across the country in the area of diversity and inclusion, homiletics, organizational and systems development especially within a not for profit setting along with strategic planning and leadership development.

Rev. Dr. Perry and his wife Dr. Cynthia Perry, a tenured professor in the College of Education at Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin have four adult children and five grandchildren.

Read about this news on Covenant Companion News.

Look for more on Dr. Perry when he begins his new role in July 2017.

Hannah Hawkinson C’17, a biblical and theological studies major, shares about her experience at North Park.

Meeting so many people who challenge the way I think, and who are open and anxious to dialogue with each other; there are people who think so differently, but are willing to talk with each other in and outside the classroom.

I feel at home here, at North Park, seeing so many different people, and hearing so many different languages; I wanted to learn in an environment like that. Being around students who want to learn, are invested, and care about classes as much as I do is something that has been a positive surprise.

As I have refined my interest within theology, I’ve noticed I’m passionate about narrative, about who is speaking this narrative, and searching for the biases that contribute to this narrative. Being able to read literature provides a different way of looking at things, but it has been very helpful.

If you’re considering majoring in BTS, take a class or two on top of the required, and try to take them from as many different professors within the department as you can. Also ask other BTS students about their experiences, I promise we’re a nice bunch. There is no pressure to continue to pastoral duties if you choose it as your major, there are so many other tracks you can take. Hopefully, you’ll see that it’s a rigorous program, but I think that BTS is an important program, especially for this University.

What surprises me most at North Park is meeting so many people who challenge the way I think, and who are open and anxious to dialogue with each other; there are people who think so differently but are willing to talk with each other in and outside the classroom.

Thuswaldner is��dean of arts and sciences and professor of humanities at ������.

He is now an active member of the Academy’s Class I (Humanities). The ceremony took place at the University of Salzburg, Austria. The European Academy of Sciences and Arts promotes excellence in fields such as the humanities, medicine, arts, sciences, economics, law, and religion.

The European Academy of Sciences and Arts’��1,900 members include 29 Nobel Prize recipients and former Pope Benedict XVI. The members of the Academy have a distinguished academic publication record and an impeccable reputation in academia. The Academy’s nominating committee nominates potential members who are then voted on by the Senate of the Academy. Funded by the European Union, the Austrian State as well as by private donors, the European Academy of Sciences and Arts is one of the biggest academic think tanks in the world that is dedicated to interdisciplinary research and regularly discusses pressing issues in the academy and civic society.

Being voted into the European Academy of Sciences and Arts is regarded as a great honor.

Carl Wistrom honored for 35 years of service in Physical Plant, following his��father and grandfather

CHICAGO (February 27, 2017) — Carl Wistrom has served in Physical Plant since 1981, first as assistant director and then as director. Physical Plant is responsible for all of the behind-the-scenes work keeping North Park’s spaces functioning. Winter after winter, Carl oversees snow removal. Summer after summer, Carl’s led his team in the maintenance of campus buildings in preparation for the new school year. For 35 years and counting.

But the Wistrom family legacy at North Park stretches further back still: three generations of Wistroms have served North Park by supporting its campus. Carl Wistrom came to North Park just three years before his father, Ivar, retired from his role as campus engineer, a position similar to Carl’s. Ivar’s tenure began in 1947, shortly after his own father, Carl Wistrom (the elder), retired from that same role.

Carl does have fond memories of his own father, who trained him in his work at North Park. “My dad was the master. He taught me a lot and had know-how that I don’t have.” More than knowledge, though, Ivar had a “great passion for North Park.” Indeed, this passion was hereditary. Carl notes that he has been truly blessed by the people he works with, and he remembers how his “dad had great people working with him” too.

At an all-staff gathering last month, President David L. Parkyn acknowledged that “as we celebrate Carl’s 35 years at North Park, we simultaneously want to recognize and honor the nearly century of service extended to North Park by each of these three men, Carl, Ivar, and Carl.”

In honor of the Wistrom family, Dr. Parkyn presented a plaque to Carl, which will be located near the entrance to the Physical Plant building.

The plaque reads:

Carl said that he was humbled to have his family honored in this way.

RELATED MATERIAL:

• . 1928 North Park Press, page 8.
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Historical photos courtesy of ������ Archives.