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.
香港六合彩开奖直播 Named to Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll
President's honor roll notes University's multiple community service initiatives
CHICAGO (March 27, 2013) — 香港六合彩开奖直播 is among 26 Illinois colleges and universities named to the , honoring leading U.S. higher education institutions and their students, faculty and staff for commitments to make their communities better through service.
"One of the exciting developments we highlighted this year was the continued growth of service-learning initiatives as part of our engagement in the community," said , urban outreach coordinator, . "Faculty members continue to find creative outlets for students to serve in the urban context while fostering learning opportunities." University Ministries provides logistical support for many projects, and helps identify partnerships between departments working to facilitate service-related opportunities, Kohng added.
"Very few awards capture the spirit of who we are as an institution of higher education committed to contributing to the welfare of our city than the president’s honor roll," said , director of University Ministries. "The University recognizes that one of the ways we prepare our students for lives of significance and service is by providing opportunities for them to contribute to the welfare of Chicago. We help solve problems in our community, and we also help to cultivate a spirit of service."
The University's included activities related to Dr. Martin Luther King Day, organized by the , plus a spring neighborhood clean-up service event, an annual block party, and a holiday gift program. Also cited was the University's work with the North Park Friendship Center, faculty and staff service on boards of organizations in Chicago's neighborhood, and student and staff involvement in nearby Chicago public schools as tutors, student teachers and volunteers. The University was recognized for the classes offered by the to teach people working in neighborhood nonprofits, and for students in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management who serve as interns in the surrounding neighborhood and throughout the city.
Also cited was the hosted by the University; North Park's Dialogue II Ethical Consumerism Academic Service Learning Class Project; and the University's partnership with nearby . Through the WITS mid-day mentoring program, North Park faculty and staff volunteered to read to elementary school students each week, focusing on third-grade students for whom English is a second language. This program was organized by 香港六合彩开奖直播 Human Resources.
"We are encouraged that these institutions and their students have made service a priority," said U.S. Secretary of Education , a former chief executive of . "Through reaching out to meet the needs of their neighbors, these students are deepening their impact, strengthening our democracy and ultimately preparing themselves to be successful citizens."
The 2013 president's honor roll includes 690 colleges and universities nationwide. manages the program in collaboration with the and the , as well as the and .
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University Hosts 'Creating Peace on Chicago Streets' March 20
Families affected by violence, University community to discuss ways to promote peace
CHICAGO (March 14, 2013) – Parents of teens who died as a result of violent acts in Chicago neighborhoods are expected to speak at "" March 20, at 香港六合彩开奖直播. The event is intended to engage attendees with ideas to promote peace and nonviolence in the community.
"This event is intended as a day of worship, prayer, discussion, and action for a culture of peace and nonviolence in our city," said , coordinator of outreach ministries, 香港六合彩开奖直播 Ministries. "We’re creating a place for dialogue on peace. There’s no question we must work together for peace for all citizens of Chicago.”
The day-long event will begin with regular worship at 10:30 a.m. in Anderson Chapel. A public forum in the University's Hamming Hall is planned for 3:30 p.m., followed by a neighborhood prayer vigil and walk at 6:00 p.m.
, pastor of New Beginnings Church, Chicago, will speak at the University's regular chapel service. Brooks, known as the "rooftop pastor," was a featured speaker at the at 香港六合彩开奖直播 in 2012.
The afternoon forum will feature a conversation on ways to counteract violence in the city. Confirmed attendees are Cleopatra Cowley-Pendleton, mother of Hadiya Pendleton, killed in a Chicago shooting days after marching in President Obama's second inaugural parade; Ronald Holt, father of Blair Holt, killed when he shielded a friend from gunfire in 2007; and Pamela Hester Jones, mother of Lazarus Jones, murdered by strangers in 2007. Local elected officials, plus representatives of the and , are expected to participate. , a reporter for WBBM-TV, Chicago, will moderate the public discussion, to be live.
After the forum, , professor of communication arts, and Radhika Sharma, a community activist, will lead a prayer walk through the Albany Park community. They plan to stop and pray for peace at spots in neighborhood where people have been killed by violence, as well as visit places of hope.
A concluding reception, with performances and an art exhibition, is planned for 7:00 p.m., in Hamming Hall.
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香港六合彩开奖直播 Senior Music Major Named Lincoln Academy Student Laureate
Senior An Tran, classical guitarist, is a music major.
An Tran honored at ceremonies in Springfield
CHICAGO (November 4, 2013) 鈥� An Tran, a 香港六合彩开奖直播 senior major from Vietnam, was honored as a November 2 by the .
A ceremony was held in the Illinois House of Representatives Chamber in Springfield. Student Laureates also attended a luncheon at the Governor鈥檚 Executive Mansion following the ceremony.
鈥淭he School of Music faculty nominated An for this prestigious honor because we believe he is an outstanding student, both academically and artistically,鈥� said , dean of the University鈥檚 . 鈥淗e has distinguished himself through the many awards and prizes he has won as an exemplary classical guitarist.鈥�
Born and raised in Hanoi, Tran is completing a with classical guitar as his major instrument. 鈥淚 am honored to be the Student Laureate from 香港六合彩开奖直播 and to represent 香港六合彩开奖直播 at the ceremony,鈥� said Tran. 鈥淣orth Park has been helping me realize who I am, and pushes me to become a better musician and human being.鈥�
When he first visited the University, Tran knew that he wanted to come to North Park after meeting and talking with . 鈥淭he professors here were exactly the people who I wanted to study from,鈥� Tran said. 鈥淭hey are passionate about music and about changing the world with music. They inspired me to become a better musician right when I first met them.鈥�
Tran has excelled academically while pursuing a busy and demanding practice and performance regimen. He received first prize in the Vietnam National Guitar Competition at the age of 12; Vietnam鈥檚 Best Overseas Student Award in 2010; a certificate of merit granted by Vietnam鈥檚 vice president in 2010; first prize in the 2013 Society of American Musicians Guitar Competition; and first prize in the 2013 香港六合彩开奖直播 Performance Awards.
This winter, Tran will tour throughout Vietnam on behalf of the . The Red Cross originally contacted Tran about the possibility of his performing at a benefit concert in Vietnam. Instead, Tran said, they developed the idea of doing a tour. 鈥淲e will be doing charity concerts and visiting many places, including villages of orphaned children, hospitals devoted to victims of Agent Orange, and humanity centers,鈥� he said.
Tran hopes that the Red Cross tour can become an annual event, featuring different artists and visiting other countries with the same charitable intention. 鈥淭his is an amazing opportunity for me to grow as a musician,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 think the power of music is huge, and it can change and heal many people鈥檚 lives. Music helped me realize that it is much bigger than just my guitar and me. It brings happiness, joy, and peace to people, and brings people together. I鈥檝e experienced it myself, so I want to do that for others.鈥�
After graduation, Tran plans to pursue graduate school, then hopes to teach. 鈥淚 want to become a professor to teach music and guitar, and also continue to provide music for people,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 want to share with others what I am learning from my teachers right now.鈥�
Student Laureates are honored for their overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities. Each student is presented with a medallion, a certificate of achievement, and a $1,000 grant at the award ceremony. This is the 39th year in which the Lincoln Academy has presented the Student Laureate awards.
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Mayor Emanuel Joins River Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Mayor Rahm Emanuel cut the ceremonial ribbon to celebrate the re-opening of the River Park track and soccer field, a facility shared by 香港六合彩开奖直播 and local neighborhood residents.
CHICAGO (October 21, 2013) — 香港六合彩开奖直播 joined Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Alderman Deborah Mell (33rd Ward), Chicago Park District Superintendent Michael Kelly, and members of the local community at River Park on Monday, October 14, to celebrate the rehabilitation of the River Park track and soccer facility located two blocks from North Park's campus. Representing the University were Jack Surridge, director of athletics, John Born, head men's soccer coach, Steve Imig, head cross country coach, and Geoffrey Masanet, head track and field coach.
Originally built in 1999–2000, the artificial turf and running track were in need of serious repair; an estimated $1.26 million was invested in the project by the University and the City of Chicago. "The track and field had basically worn out from use, and exceeded its predicted life of eight to 10 years," said Surridge. "The field was resurfaced with the second-generation of FieldTurf synthetic grass, which has more durable fiber. It also has a longer fiber; this improves the resilience of the surface. The drainage system had been an issue since 2001, and that was addressed in the rehab project," he added.
The facility re-opened for use in early August with an 84,240-square-foot artificial turf soccer field and a resurfaced eight-lane running track. The facility is used by University track and soccer teams, as well as programs of the Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Schools.
“This investment will ensure that children, teens, and adults in the neighborhood will have state-of-the-art fields for playing a variety of sports,” said Mayor Emanuel at the ceremony. “Community investments in our parks are essential because they promote active and healthy lives for residents.”
Superintendent Kelly praised the longstanding community partnership between North Park and the Chicago Park District for this facility, and Mayor Emanuel encouraged the University to continue to nurture this relationship for the good of the whole neighborhood.
The updated track and soccer field is located at River Park in the Albany Park neighborhood.
"We are excited about all of these improvements, and also to partner with the Albany Park community in this project. River Park Director Vera Onate has been a terrific person to work with over the years and we look forward to sharing the facility with her many programs," Surridge said.
This rehabilitation is part of the Building a New Chicago initiative, a $7.3 billion infrastructure renewal program championed by the mayor. Last year, Mayor Emanuel announced a comprehensive plan to build and improve parks across the city so that every resident is within a short walk of a park facility.
North Park Theological Seminary Graduate Named to 2013 TIME 100 List
Rev. Wilfredo De Jesús is senior pastor of the country's largest Assemblies of God congregation.
Rev. Wilfredo De Jesús also featured in magazine's cover story this month
CHICAGO (April 25, 2013) — , a graduate of , was named this week to TIME's list of the , along with other honorees such as singer Jay Z, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, actress Jennifer Lawrence, and tennis star Li Na. Earlier this month, De Jesús was featured in the magazine's , "¡Evangélicos!," which noted rising numbers of Latino members in evangelical Protestant churches.
De Jesús is senior pastor, , Chicago, the country's largest Assemblies of God congregation. He earned a in 2006 from the Seminary, the graduate theological school of 香港六合彩开奖直播. De Jesús is known to his congregation and friends as "Pastor Choco."
Writing about De Jesús for TIME, , pastor of Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, Calif., said De Jesús "embodies the true definition of what Christ said the church should be … Pastor Choco encourages others to go out into the community not just with words but with his own actions. Under his leadership, New Life is reaching out to the outcasts and forgotten in our society—the homeless, women suffering with addiction and prostitution, and young people in gangs," Warren wrote.
"But his influence spreads far beyond the Chicago area as vice president of social justice for the nation’s largest Hispanic Christian organization, the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference," Warren observed. "With Hispanics playing such a large role in the expansion of the evangelical church in the U.S. and their vast influence on the political landscape, Pastor Choco is and will continue to be a strong, ardent voice on the direction of our country."
Warren, a prominent U.S. church leader, is the best-selling author of .
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University Launches Certificate in Music for Social Change
The School of Music expands its undergraduate program offerings with a certificate and four degree concentrations
CHICAGO (September 27, 2013) — Students in 香港六合彩开奖直播’s are the first in the nation to have an undergraduate academic certificate option to prepare them to teach classical music using El Sistema-inspired methods, the new . Growing out of a social movement in Venezuela, El Sistema is a philosophy of providing free music education to school-aged children as one way of bringing communities together and inspiring young students to achieve great things.
“El Sistema isn’t really a technique, it’s a philosophy. You give young students these intensive experiences—usually every weekday after school—so that in the critical late-afternoon part of the day when they could be doing any number of things, they are occupied becoming young musicians,” said , dean of the School of Music. “Programs are offered free, which is a part of the philosophy, but there are many different iterations that grow out of what is most appropriate for each individual setting.”
The School of Music’s involvement in the El Sistema movement has grown from the idea of one student into an ongoing collaboration with , a Chicago organization dedicated to providing free music lessons to young people. In 2008, North Park student Deborah Wanderley dos Santos C’10 helped found the youth orchestra program at nearby Hibbard Elementary School, which operates under the El Sistema philosophy. dos Santos and other students volunteered and formed a partnership with The People’s Music School that has persisted and grown; the orchestra at Hibbard is now the Albany Park Nucleo of The People’s Music School Youth Orchestras: El Sistema Chicago, and University students continue to serve as mentors and teachers for aspiring string players. , the University’s director of orchestral activities, has also become their artistic director.
The philosophy of El Sistema music programs fits closely with the mission and core values of North Park, offering University students a hands-on way to join their love of music with their desire for a life of significance and service. According to Zelle, it’s a musical experience for youth that is not dependent upon socioeconomic factors for access, in a time where private lessons and instruments are costly.
“El Sistema inspires a dynamic of community and social change that is rare,” Zelle said. “We are moving away from what separates toward what unites, with an emphasis on a shared experience of the orchestra practicing and performing together.”
The will introduce North Park music majors to this El Sistema philosophy through teaching stringed instruments to elementary-aged students. Through theory and methods courses, as well as three semesters of internship, graduates of the program will gain the tools and experience to use El Sistema-inspired techniques throughout their career, developing young musicians who might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn classical music. The partnership with The People’s Music School will help provide internship opportunities at the Hibbard School orchestra as well as at orchestras in Logan Square and Evanston. Any student majoring in music can pursue this 8-credit-hour certificate alongside their degree.
New concentrations in bachelor of arts degree
The School of Music is also now offering an enhanced (BA) degree, providing concentration options for students to focus their studies. According to Johnson, 35 percent of music majors are in the BA program. Now, along with a broad option, students can select concentrations in , , or .
The composition track replaces a bachelor of music in composition degree that was focused heavily in classical music. The new program allows space for majors to experiment with a range of pieces, from writing and performing singer/songwriter material all the way to large orchestral or choral arrangements.
Along with music curriculum, students choosing arts administration will take focused courses in topics like nonprofit leadership, volunteer management, and complete an arts administration internship in a music-focused venue. This program draws on the strength of the University’s resources in nonprofit coursework and connections that have grown through the School of Business and Nonprofit Management.
The instrumental jazz studies concentration is a performance-focused track, but distinct from the classically oriented bachelor of music in performance. According to Johnson, this is an important way to respond to the varied interests of students.
“Right now, students can come and get a really top-notch performance degree, go audition for grad schools, and pursue that dream of being a classical musician or opera singer. But they can also come pursue this enriched BA with a much broader approach and free themselves up to experiment with many more options,” Johnson said.
Substantial Progress Reported to 香港六合彩开奖直播 Trustees
The 香港六合彩开奖直播 board of trustees met here February 8-9.
University building project moving ahead, milestones in giving achieved
CHICAGO (February 14, 2013) — With the sounds of new building construction outside, 香港六合彩开奖直播 administrative leaders told the about significant financial milestones, plans aimed at increasing enrollment for the next academic year, and positive results from a national student learning survey. The trustees met here at the University's campus February 8-9.
"Certainly there’s great excitement on campus with the beginning of construction for the Johnson Center," said , president of 香港六合彩开奖直播. The $44 million , now under construction in the center of the campus, is expected to be completed for the 2014 academic year. Funds to support construction of the Johnson Center have been provided through , the University's comprehensive fundraising effort.
After the City of Chicago issued the foundation permit late last year, the Johnson Center construction team began excavation and concrete foundation work and installed 78 concrete caissons for the building's foundation, said , executive vice president and chief financial officer. Next, the construction team expects to complete foundation walls on the east-west wing, and to excavate the lower level of the north-south wing. In March and April, the team plans to pour the slab-on-grade for the lower level. In May, steel erection should begin, and in July, the team expects to start work to enclose the structure, he said.
Two milestones announced, Annual Fund donors grow
To date, commitments to Campaign North Park are now more than $60 million, said , vice president for and . Thus far, $39.8 million has been committed for the Johnson Center, she said, adding that additional giving was inspired by the in October 2012. The campaign has also secured $12.6 million for , $2.6 million for , and $5.7 million for the . The number of donors participating in the Annual Fund to date is about 1,600, twice as many as the previous year, Surridge said. She noted that Campaign North Park has helped broaden the University's donor base.
In addition, 香港六合彩开奖直播's has passed the $70 million mark, Balsam reported. The endowment was $6 million when Balsam joined the University staff nearly 25 years ago, he noted.
Enrollment news shows promise
The University welcomed 93 new undergraduate students for the spring semester, the second largest mid-year new student enrollment in eight years, said , vice president for and marketing. In addition, 1,653 undergraduate students returned for the spring, he said, a 95 percent persistence rate of students eligible to return from the fall semester for the spring semester. Early trends for fall 2013 undergraduate enrollment are positive, similar to the record traditional undergraduate enrollment in 2011, he said. Mouttet emphasized that more work is needed to secure student commitments for fall. The University is also working on a multi-year strategic enrollment planning process with , a higher education consulting group, he added. That process is being carried out in concert with a multi-year University strategic planning effort.
Student survey results positive for North Park
The University presidentreported results of the (NSSE), which asks first-year and senior students about their participation in certain student activities, and the activities' relationship to the students' learning and personal development. The 2012 results showed North Park students reported high levels of satisfaction in active and collaborative learning, student-faculty interaction, enriching educational experiences, as well as a supportive campus environment, compared to results from three years earlier, Parkyn told the trustees. "We have long held, and now have research to show, that how students interact with faculty makes a difference. We need to walk alongside our students," Parkyn said, adding the 2012 results provide "lots of encouragement."
Institutional planning, leadership transition
Parkyn said he is in dialogue with University faculty and staff on an initial draft of an overall University strategic planning document, a five-year plan that includes the University's 125th anniversary year in 2016. He also reported that Andrea Nevels will leave the University this month after 10 years as vice president of and dean of students, to begin a new role at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Elizabeth Snezek, assistant dean of student development, is interim dean through the remainder of the academic year.
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Astrophysicist Reflects on Science, God, and Jesus in North Park Lecture Series
Dr. Jennifer Wiseman discussed her own views regarding science and faith from the perspective of a Christian astrophysicist.
Campus Theme speaker Dr. Jennifer Wiseman comments on 'What is Nature?'
CHICAGO (March 4, 2013) — New telescopes have enabled humans to see billions of miles into the universe and billions of years back in time, said , director of the , American Association for the Advancement of Science. Being able to witness God's creation in this way has led to her conclude that "God is a grand and creative God," she said.
Wiseman made the comments in a March 1 presentation to 香港六合彩开奖直播 students, faculty, and staff. She was invited to speak as part of the 2012–2013 on the topic, "What is Nature?" Wiseman is also senior project scientist for the at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. She was the 2001–2002 , American Physical Society, and served with staff of the Committee on Science of the U.S. House of Representatives. Wiseman spoke her own views from the perspective of a Christian astrophysicist.
"It's an exciting time for science in general," Wiseman observed. Astronomers generally agree that the universe began with "a spectacular energetic burst" about 13.7 billion years ago, she said, and much has been learned about its origins through the Hubble Space Telescope. Wiseman highlighted her comments by showing the audience several images from the Hubble Telescope, as well as her own cell phone video of the launch of a mission to maintain the telescope.
Images from telescopes such as the Hubble remind people of the sense of wonder, she told the audience. "We're getting some kind of message from the heavens declaring the glory of God. That is the first and foremost response we ought to have as we look at the heavens above and nature around us," Wiseman said. Newer, infrared telescopes enable scientists to see distant galaxies, and to see farther back in time and space. A new infrared space telescope with expanded capacity is expected to be launched into Earth orbit in 2018, she said.
Though Wiseman cautioned against using science to try to "prove God," she said that based on her own faith perspective and inferences, science can contribute ideas about the nature of God. "I do think we can at least understand from a faith perspective that our God is a grand and creative God," she said. She urged that people of faith talk about issues involving science. Wiseman also noted that when nature is mentioned in Scripture, such as in , it is often brought up in the context of praise.
Jesus fits well in God's creation story, Wiseman observed. "There's a strong connection. Jesus was not just an afterthought of God's, but actually, he was the focus of creation for all time in terms of the Scripture, and that it is in Christ that the whole universe is sustained," she said, quoting .
Wiseman was the fourth and final speaker in an impressive lineup of Campus Theme lecturers who addressed the nature topic this academic year, said , director of the Campus Theme Lecture series, assistant professor of philosophy, and director of general education. Previous speakers were Sir Peter Crane, dean of Yale University's School of Environmental Studies, author, and former director of the Royal Botanical Gardens in Great Britain, Chicago's Field Museum, and of the University of Chicago's geophysical science program; Dr. Vandana Sheeva, an internationally known environmental activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee; and Barry Lopez, a best-selling nature writer and National Book Award winner.
Speakers for next year's Campus Theme Lecture series will address the topic, "What is Peace?"
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University Hosts Forum to Seek Solutions to Chicago Street Violence
Cleopatra Cowley-Pendleton was among parents of slain Chicago teens who addressed the North Park audience. The shooting death of her daughter, Hadiya Pendleton, became a national story earlier this year.
Families affected by violence represented, students hold neighborhood prayer vigil
CHICAGO (March 22, 2013) – Parents of Chicago teenagers killed in acts of violence spoke about their sons and daughters to a large audience at 香港六合彩开奖直播 March 20, as did activists and elected officials working to stop community violence. They were part of a daylong series of educational activities, "Creating Peace on Chicago Streets," aimed at promoting a culture of peace and nonviolence.
Richard Kohng, urban outreach coordinator, , said "Creating Peace" initiated dialogue on ways to prevent community violence. "Throughout our nation's history, students have been involved in large movements when there has been change, and I think a lot of the students really wanted to be part of this movement," he said in an interview.
A central piece of the event was a public forum in Hamming Hall which included testimony by parents and family members of murdered teenagers. Ashley Douglas, a North Park student majoring in communications, recited a poem recalling her twin brother, whom she was with when he was shot and killed at a high school basketball game in Chicago. She was 16 years old at the time. "The violence has to cease before it spreads any more like an incurable disease. Please use your resources to help our community be free and build unity," she said.
A case that attracted national attention was the shooting death in a Chicago park of Hadiya Pendleton, 15, just days after her school band performed at President Obama's inauguration. "I have not yet accepted the fact that my daughter has been murdered," said her mother, Cleopatra Cowley-Pendleton, to the North Park forum. "Violence is very real. It tears families apart."
Pendleton said she was proud of her daughter, whom she said loved variety, reflected in her choices of music and interest in different cultures. In her memory, the family is creating Hadiya's Foundation, focusing on social, educational, and economic services, Pendleton said.
Klyn Jones, Hadiya's classmate and friend, was with her in the park when the shooting occurred. "It's been very hurtful for me. I can't hear her laugh. I can't see her smile. It hurts. It's probably never going to stop hurting," she told the North Park audience. Students and others performed "Never Again!" (Hadiya's Song), an original musical piece written by Asim Allakim, a student in the University's program, and others.
Other parents who spoke were Ron Holt, a veteran police officer, whose son, Blair, 16, was shot and killed in 2007 when a gunman fired at a city bus, and Pamela Hester Jones, mother of Lazarus, 13, who was beaten to death by strangers in 2007.
Speakers included 47th Ward Alderman Ameya Pawar; Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr., representing the city's 27th Ward; plus representatives of the , and . , reporter for CBS 2, WBBM-TV was the forum's moderator.
Several students joined Dr. Mary Trujillo, professor of communication arts, in an evening prayer vigil and walk through the Albany Park community. They prayed for peace at spots in the neighborhood where people have been killed by violence, and they prayed at places of hope in the neighborhood, such as schools.
The day's activities concluded with a reception in Hamming Hall highlighting individuals and organizations using the arts to address violence. Trujillo's conflict transformation class hosted the event as a service-learning initiative.
Earlier, Rev. Corey Brooks, Sr., pastor of New Beginnings Church, Chicago, was guest speaker at the University's regular chapel service. The day before, Brooks said, he had officiated at the funeral of Jonylah Watkins, a 6-month-old girl killed while his father was changing the baby's diaper. The infant was fatally wounded by a gunman who opened fire on the minivan they were in. The father, Jonathon Watkins, was seriously wounded.
"Creating Peace" was sponsored by University Ministries, the conflict transformation class, and Faith Rooted Chicago.
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During the weekend retreat, the group used Sylvania National Forest as a setting for a discussion on framing. Photo by Karl Clifton-Soderstrom
North Parkers sought the peace of nature to hone writing techniques and find inspiration.
By Keir Quackenbush Student Reporter for the North Park Press
CHICAGO (November 21, 2013) — On Friday, October 25, a group of 14 North Park students and four professors interested in nature, , and allowed themselves to retreat. No, not from an argument, the prose of Heidegger, or writer’s block, but from the realm of exhaust, excitement, and excess: they retreated from the city.
Their destination was Covenant Point, a bible camp located in the North Woods of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Located beside Hagerman Lake, the camp is idyllic, cozy, and accommodating, providing a perfect fit for their escapist purposes.
For two days they lived quite like Thoreau, simply, deliberately, and with home-cooked meals just a stone’s throw from their living quarters. These meals provided the skeleton structure of their schedule, which they planned out collaboratively to include frequent ‘sessions’ of learning and discussion, intermittent immersion in the forest, and lengthy periods of time spent by the fire.
The focus of the retreat was writing, particularly nature writing. Each of the accompanying North Park professors led sessions about various aspects of nature and writing, from nature journaling and the diverse meanings of ‘wonder,’ to the Native American Trickster folklore and how Arctic landscape mirrors the human soul.
After breakfast on Saturday morning, Covenant Point staffer and North Park alum Dustin Johnson led the first session by recounting how, as a young teenager growing up in the Upper Peninsula, he had stolen an egg from a crow’s nest and raised the bird to maturity. Dustin explained how the crow would cause mischief, pestering the dog for attention and burying his toys, pecking at the window when it felt ignored. He named the bird ‘Homer.’
Through stories like this and a collective intention to be attentive to their environment, the group established a sense of place in the forest. Together they weaved a new, rural weekend narrative, set apart from the urban one that had engrossed them just the day prior.
With the city’s grasp carefully peeled away, junior Anna Sardar enjoyed the calming and wild aura of the North Woods. “I felt dislocated from the glorified world of busyness and felt comfortable to fully rest,” she said. “It was a gift to get away from the man-made and revel in the world that exists without man's permission.”
Freshman Caleb McCoy expressed a similar, more succinct sentiment: “It was a nice break from the city. The total solitude was really refreshing.”
This retreat represents North Park's practice of experiential learning, a teaching technique that , professor of philosophy, has been employing in classes such as Zen and Archery, Intentional Christian Communities, and Philosophy of Nature. These courses instill knowledge that is learned outside of the classroom. Clark also helped organize the Covenant Point retreat.
English professor was impressed by how well the retreat went. “This is the kind of high impact learning experience that sticks with you well beyond the classroom. Such experiences make my profession both meaningful and joyful, not just because of the contact with nature, but because I can better appreciate the quality of students at 香港六合彩开奖直播.”
Adding to the voices of praise for experiential learning, , associate professor of English, considers this writing retreat as “a highlight of [her] nine years of teaching at 香港六合彩开奖直播,” adding, “I was so impressed by the students—to see them thinking, dwelling, and growing together incited gratitude and wonder in all of us.”
This retreat was made possible by a grant given to the philosophy and English departments by the , a Christian organization that operates mainly in the Chicago area and central and eastern Europe. Clark and others hope that the retreat can become an annual event. He emphasizes that there is a "mutual desire to strengthen the connections between North Park and Covenant Point," adding, "[Covenant Point offers] us a setting where we can reflect on the ways [that] our city lives affect and are affected by the human and non-human lives in rural areas."
During the final evening of the retreat, both students and professors sat around the warming hearth, taking turns reading their own pieces of writing and reflecting upon the weekend. Each expressed a strong sense of gratitude and renewal, and that the fruits of the experience would last far longer than the two days spent in the North Woods.
This article first appeared in the November 15, 2013, print edition of the , the University's student newspaper.
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