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Stories

Looking to work alongside an already booming gaming industry located in 󾱳,North Park is excited to add Esports as the institution’s first coed and 19th overall sport. Recruiting for incoming student-athletes will begin immediately, with competition to start fall of 2023.

held a graduation ceremony at Stateville Correctional Center for 28 resident scholars in honor of earning their Master of Arts in Christian Ministry from .

When the COVID-19 pandemic spread throughout the world in March 2020, and North Park students were called home from studying abroad in semester-long programs throughout Greece, UK, Argentina, and the UAE, redirected its compass towards creating opportunities for students to apply for study abroad scholarships.

North Park is now offering a with a curriculum focused on solving real operational and logistics challenges impacting the global supply chain.

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and City Clerk Anna Valencia announced a partnership with UN Women’s Global Flagship Program, Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces. “My research expertise will hopefully be a valuable resource for a city and worldwide initiative to improve public space safety, security, and general experiences for women and girls,” said Dr. Purifoye.

 

As its next Director of Advancement Services Julie Fregetto will be responsible for leading strategy, operations, and database management for the Office of Advancement.

The unassuming “millionaire next door” who eventually earned her PhD, Wilma Peterson bequeathed almost her entire estate of more than $2.4 million to North Park, marking a significant gift to the university.

Dr. Gwendolyn Purifoye expertise on transit ridership quoted in article on how public transportation can offer upward mobility, but the current configuration also serves as a buffer and keeps people trapped.

North Park Art and Education student facilitates access to free admission for fellow undergraduates in a University Partner Program which also includesn invitation to AIC’s Jobs at Art Museums Fair.

North Park launched a new initiative that will enable thousands of its college students to access textbooks and course materials at a lower price through the selected course content platform Akademos.

CBS 2 Chicago covers story on North Park’s alum Nicholas, who is also a music teacher at Senn High School.

Children’s rights advocate and poet Yorri Berry to keynote virtual celebration on January 19, 2022.

Kersten talks about his decision to retire as vice president of church relations and dean of North Park Theological Seminary, effective August 1, 2022.

North Park has been awarded a $1M grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support North Park Theological Seminary in establishing the One Thriving Seminary initiative.

In order to improve equity in access to a high-quality college education North Park has announced a new scholarship package.

A partnership between North ParkԻ College of Lake County (CLC), invites  to complete their bachelor’s degree at North Park.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded $413,066 grant to support student success in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math majors (STEM), with a focus on the university’s diverse student population.

Students seeking an education prioritizing diversity, inclusivity, join North Park’s largest incoming first-year class.

Dr. Michelle Clifton-Soderstrom shares the impact that additional funding would have on North Park’s prison education programming in PBS News Hour coverage.

For First-year college students, U.S. News & World Report suggests researching campus resources now for a strong start academically.

North Park – a recently designated Hispanic Serving Institution – has the third most ethnically diverse student population in the Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Report, and the 48th most diverse in the nation according to the Wall Street Journal.

Dr. Carr joins the Senior Leadership Team, partnering with and reporting directly to North Park President Mary K. Surridge, beginning July 1, 2021. As chief academic officer, the Provost provides leadership for the development and implementation of all academic planning and policy.

Dean of Faculty and Professor of Theology & Ethics and Director of School of Restorative Arts, Dr. Michelle Clifton-Soderstrom talks about how North Park’s prison education programming has continued throughout the pandemic.

The May 8th outdoor diploma ceremony held on the field of the Holmgren Athletic Complex, conferred 447 degrees upon 445 graduates, with 293 of those undergraduate and 154 graduated degrees. The diploma presentation ceremony was recorded and incorporated into a DzMay 15th.

North Park Theological Seminary announces two new members will join its faculty this fall: Dr. Jules Martínez-Olivieri and Rev. Michelle Dodson.

North Park is pleased to reopen its vibrant Chicago campus starting , with in-person classes and services, residential living, and a comprehensive range of intercollegiate athletics and student activities.

The decision for North Park to go test optional for Fall 2022 was approved by North Park University President Mary K. Surridge to accommodate all students.

North Park has partnered with SHIELD Illinois to implement a robust COVID-19 surveillance testing program to test approximately 10-20% of faculty, staff, and students.

Live virtual celebrations reflect on the impact of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s work and life.

North Park and UIC co-developed a partnership agreement for selected UIC graduates to gain admission into North Park’s Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program.

North Park concluded its Fall 2020 semester to first-year, returning and transfer students. With the campuscommunity’s health, safety and successful educational progress leading every decision, a sense of gratitude permeated the campus.

Ranked 147th out of 1,000 and 84th percentile for best universities, the also measured: student selectivity, cost and financing, faculty resources, campus safety, campus experience, education outcomes, and career outcomes.

North Park appoints Dr. Cynthia Hudsons its Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Bringing exemplary achievements in scholarship and service, Dr. Hudson succeeds Dr. Linda Duncan’s over four decades of service.

North Park’s Midwest Regional Rankings Climb 22 Spots. In the sum of its three distinct attributes – Christian, city-centered, and thoroughly intercultural – North Park finds its unique value, its competitive advantage, and its opportunity to continue this upward trajectory and emerge as the model for Christian higher education in 21st Century America.

Students, faculty and staff gratefully follow COVID-19 wellness protocols, as North Park welcomed its Fall 2020 class of first-year, returning, and transfer students to its Chicago campus. 

North Park ensures equitable access to higher education for 2020-2021 applicants and continues to review its applicants on a holistic basis—grade point average, rigor of high school curriculum, perseverance, extra-curricular activities, and standardized test scores all are considered towards meeting admission criteria.

Julian Villagrana, studying at ϳԹ to become a math teacher, says the Supreme Court’s ruling is a major relief to him, fellow DACA recipients, and their families.

North Park has awarded scholarships to a cohort of 17 students recognized by the nation’s largest college scholarship program for DREAMers—undocumented students/persons brought to the United States as children.

Documentary photographer Sandra Steinbrecher captured three CPS seniors and their nascent activism in all its glory in photo hanging in the National Portrait Gallery, but coronavirus kept them from a trip to see it.

North Park has been recognized for its honorable commitment to engaged, experiential education by , which is celebrating its 20-year anniversary as a one-of-a-kind guide for college-bound students.

Collaborative, skillful, passionate, ethical, knowledgeable— embodies this mission as alumni and faculty serve the community and COVID-19 front lines.

“In the Evangelical Covenant Church, graduating seminary students wait two years before they are ordained,” said Kersten.

Representing future scientists and healthcare practitioners, students adapt to a rapidly changing COVID-19 world by learning directly from experts working in the frontlines.

Paul’s letter to the Romans encourages prayer, patience, and hope. North Park’s President, Mary K. Surridge, reminds students, faculty, and staff to care for the entire self—mind, body, and soul.

Dr. Ann Ownby Hicks, North Park’s Dean of (SBNM) and Professor of Accounting, says small businesses can take immediate action to saddle shoe-string budgets with doing social good.

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) and Prison Fellowship includes ϳԹ’s Master of Arts Degree in Christian Ministry at Stateville Correctional Center as part of coalition for prison education leaders at CCCU institutions.

 has been named a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, a designation that recognizes North Park’s commitment to equitable outcomes for Hispanic students.

As part of a new Christian Ministries Studies (CMS) major being offered at ϳԹ, students develop their spiritual formation and a comprehensive ministry skill set in classes taught by practitioners working in their field of expertise.

Abound: MBA, a college search and guidance resource for MBA-seeking professionals, has honored North Park as a prime institution for professionals. Inclusion in the system signifies North Park’s commitment to providing even the busiest of adults efficient, engaged, and valuable career-building experience.

The success rates look more encouraging at a nearby private college, ϳԹ, which is less than a 10-minute walk away from Northeastern Illinois. Visitors to the campus on the north side will first see an ornate, black metallic gate, leafy trees and rolling green lawns.

A Seminary alum, Professor of Theology and Ethics, and Director of the School of Restorative Arts, Rev. Clifton-Soderstrom brings 15 years of teaching and leadership experience while spearheading innovative programs both on- and off- campus.

John Mjoseth from the Peace Exchange visits the North Park students at Stateville to learn how they are practicing peace and resolving conflict.

Covenant Companion magazine features President Surridge’s respect for faculty and shared governance in securing the university’s bright future.

As part of the grant, North Park will select 20 first-year students, each of whom will receive a $5,000 annual scholarship for four years.

President Surridge shares the University’s vision on preparing a diverse student body with innovative programs.

North Park Gospel Choir comes to Galesburg March 22.

The Chicago Tribune features commentary by Gregor Thuswaldner, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at ϳԹ.

Covenant Companion features North Park’s student discipleship community.

Covenant Companion reports on the opening of the first full degree program through North Park Theological Seminary’s School of Restorative Arts.

Emerson’s new book, Market Cities, People Cities: The Shape of our Urban Future, explores differences in how Houston and Copenhagen treat their residents (and what it means for the rest of us.)

High School students gain college-level skills and learn to love science in hands-on classes.

The Chicago Sun-Times features Birding Conference held at ϳԹ amongst other signs of spring.

Chicago Sun-Times celebrates the growing influence of the Chicago film community at Sundance Film Festival.

North Park professor and artist Nnenna Okore shares her creative process and passion for the environment at a public interactive presentation.

ʱʱѲԱshares Dean Thuswaldener’s insights into experiential learning and North Park’s new curriculum.

Lilly Endowment Inc. has launched a national initiative to help clergy working in congregations thrive in their roles as pastoral leaders.

ǰٳPark University is preparing for its first-ever Final Four appearance in the men’s NCAA Division III soccer tournament this weekend in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Following a record-breaking 20-1-1 season, ϳԹ’s Men’s Soccer Team will make its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division III Final Four tournament in Greensboro, North Carolina, Dec. 1.

Two leading religious scholars explore how Christian identity is shaped by the current culture in a ϳԹ-sponsored forum.

Education DIVE interviews ϳԹ’s Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Gregor Thuswaldner, regarding the University’s innovative curriculum.

WFLX Fox 29-TV shares the news of North Park’s rededication of WWII plaque on campus.

Lucy Mucino, a North Park student, is working with Girls in the Game. Girls in the Game is improving the lives of those who might otherwise get left behind.

The Chicago area’s 44th annual Bach Week Festival, opening April 28 in Evanston, Ill., will feature festival debuts of local and visiting artists of international stature in concerts devoted to the music of the festival’s namesake, German Baroque composer J. S. Bach.

Undergraduate students prepare to launch careers with covetable skills

Inside Higher Ed calls attention to a letter—Confessing Faculty—circulated among Christian college professors who pledged support for marginalized people. The letter was inspired by the North Park Theological Seminary Post-election Statement.

Tom Zelle, professor of music, interviewed by NBC local news about the SHIFT/Englewood orchestra program.

Professor John Laukaitis facilitated a conversation with historian Chris Gehrz about the Pietist vision for Christian higher education.

North Park Vikings can finally call themselves CCIW Men’s Basketball Champions.

Faculty and staff offer statement in response to current national climate.

A new Covenant Scholars pilot program will provide 0 percent interest loans to 10 North Park Theological Seminary MDiv students a year over the next three years to cover tuition costs, it was announced at the Midwinter Conference.

North Parker Steven Luce designed the “Hate has no home here” poster, and neighbors quickly printed and posted them — in North Park, Albany Park, West Ridge, Rogers Park. Now, they can’t keep up with requests for the posters.

Dr. Angelyn Balodimas-Bartolomei, coordinator of the ESL and Master of Arts in Literacy, Language, and Culture programs at ϳԹ is interviewed on her forthcoming book, Greek Communities of the World. The book focuses on the demography and history of the people while also providing information on their religious, community and cultural lives.

David L. Parkyn, president of ϳԹ, spoke at the City Club of Chicago along with Donna M. Carroll, president of Dominican University. Dr. Parkyn discussed aspects and outcomes of a liberal arts education at ϳԹ and similar institutions.

ϳԹ alumnae, Kirstin Franklin, now serves as the company’s new co-artistic director. Joe Giovannetti, another alumnus, was also added as a new associate company member.

In 2015 North Park Theological Seminary began offering theology courses at Stateville Correctional Center outside Chicago. The letters that follow are from incarcerated students and their professor on their transformative experiences of faith.

Dr. Wesley Lindahl, dean of ϳԹ’s School of Business and Nonprofit Management, comments on the Obama Foundation fundraising campaign. Dr. Lindahl is an expert in nonprofit fundraising.

Merrill Powers, a graduate of North Park’s masters in business administration and nonprofit administration programs, was surprised by TODAY show and Bobby Flay. In an edition of “Hoda’s Bucket List Granted,” TODAY’s Hoda Kotb had a heartwarming surprise for Merrill Powers, head of a Salvation Army center in Chicago.

Cindy Salas, graduate of ϳԹ’s master of arts in educational leadership program, has been hired as the west suburban school’s new assistant principal. Rhodes is an elementary school in River Grove, and Salas hopes to use her bilingual skills and Hispanic heritage to help connect with the community.

Dr. Michael Emerson, ϳԹ provost and author of Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America, is interviewed by Reuters for their story in the wake of the Charleston, South Carolina massacre.

On Friday, June 19, Dr. Boaz Johnson, professor of biblical and theological studies at ϳԹ, sat down with the radio host to discuss what Christians can learn from Ramadan. Tune in to the 38:00 minute mark to hear from Dr. Johnson.

Following his article in Christianity Today (see below), Dr. Brad Nassif, professor of biblical and theological studies at ϳԹ, discussed the topic in depth in an Ancient Faith Commentaries podcast.

Caliper magazine explores the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center’s use of LabQuest 2 and the Connected Science System in its laboratories.

Dr. Brad Nassif, professor of biblical and theological studies, writes in the April issue of Christianity Today that “No matter how monotonous, unseen, or ordinary, our jobs can powerfully transform us into Christlikeness.”

Professor John Born, assistant professor of sports management, was recently interviewed by WalletHub and gave his thoughts on March Madness and the issues surrounding compensation for student athletes.

Green Building News shares the news of the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life achieving LEED Gold Status.