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.
Site Preparation for 香港六合彩开奖直播's Johnson Center Underway
Preparation for the Johnson Center construction site has included the demolition of campus apartments.
Groundbreaking set for October 26
CHICAGO (June 28, 2012) — Site preparation continues at 香港六合彩开奖直播 this summer for the greatly anticipated .
Shortly after the conclusion of the 2011–2012 academic year, large trees were relocated from the north berm area of the proposed construction site (an area sometimes referred to as the University's temporary nursery) to other locations on campus, clearing the way for the building site in the center of the campus. "The berm of trees was designed more than a decade ago with the thought of relocation at some point in the future," said , 香港六合彩开奖直播 president. "It showed considerable forethought on the part of those involved at that time, including our landscape architects. It has served us very well, and it now provides a great bonus to select parts of the campus."
The University also worked with electric supplier ComEd, to relocate a significant electrical conduit, said , 香港六合彩开奖直播 executive vice president and chief financial officer. This week, work to remove some campus apartments began, and is expected to take several days, Balsam said (). "These are among a series of steps necessary for clearing the site in preparation for construction," Balsam said.
A formal groundbreaking ceremony for the 101,000-square-foot Johnson Center is planned for October 26, with construction expected to be completed in time for the 2014 fall semester.
The Johnson Center will support a number of the University's signature academic programs in , as well as offices for , , , and residence life. It resulted from the University's comprehensive fundraising effort, . The $57 million campaign is raising funds for the new building, the University's , student scholarships, and Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. Fundraising continues.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
Board of Trustees Nominates David Kersten to Lead North Park Theological Seminary
The Rev. Dr. David Kersten is the nominee to become dean of North Park Theological Seminary.
Nomination goes to the Evangelical Covenant Church for further action
CHICAGO (February 13, 2012) 鈥� The of 香港六合彩开奖直播, Chicago, nominated the Rev. Dr. David W. Kersten to be the dean of . Kersten, 56, is currently executive minister of the , (ECC). He holds degrees from the University and the Seminary, both of which are affiliated with the ECC.
The board nominated Kersten at its Feb. 10-11 meeting here, following a search process initiated last fall. Kersten鈥檚 nomination will now be presented to the ECC Executive Board in March and to the ECC annual meeting in June. As his nomination is approved, Kersten will move into the Seminary leadership position Aug. 1.
Introducing Kersten as “a pastor’s pastor,” , University president, said, “Perhaps I can say it best this way: Dave Kersten comes to the academy from and for the church.” Among Kersten’s qualities, Parkyn said, is a commitment to theological education. “This begins with a deep personal commitment to learn, and learn again, through all of life. He knows the value of initial preparation for and orientation to ministry. He knows the deep need for learning which sustains and nourishes pastoral excellence over a lifetime. He is well prepared to lead because as he leads he will teach, and as he teaches, he will pastor.”
, ECC president, said there is a renewed understanding and ownership of the challenges facing the Seminary and theological education, and commitment to align the Seminary with the University and the mission of the ECC. “This means very good things for our future,” he said to the board. “I’m grateful to (him) for his openness to this call. We’re poised for the strongest season ever in terms of the Seminary’s role with the church.”
Hoping to use his ECC leadership experience, the “wonderfully useful” Seminary education he got at 香港六合彩开奖直播, and a caring commitment to the pastoral community, Kersten said in an interview he looks forward to working in the challenging role of leading North Park Theological Seminary.
An early priority for Kersten will be to cast “a vision that connects the Seminary more centrally to the pastoral community, not just in producing student pastors and graduates, but also in a robust lifelong learning piece,” he said. In particular, Kersten said the Seminary and the ECC should work together to help establish continuing education standards for pastoral leaders, and deepen theological education for key lay leaders.
The ECC is a growing Protestant denomination, which Kersten attributes to the church’s closeness to its “missional roots,” and its renewal emphasis, which has kept the denomination “fresh and vital,” he said.
“We stay close to the biblical text, we stay close to each other, we stay open to the Holy Spirit. That ethos keeps us on the missional edge,” Kersten said. The ECC is “warmly evangelical,” affirms the role of women in the church, has a strong justice voice, and is part of the multicultural movement in a significant way, he added.
Kersten was born in Detroit. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and human services in 1977 from North Park College (now University). In 1982, Kersten earned a Master of Divinity from the Seminary, and in 1997, he earned a Doctor of Ministry in preaching from the , which includes North Park Theological Seminary.
Following his ordination in 1982, Kersten served as senior pastor, , North Miami, Fla.; senior pastor, , Bellevue, Wash.; and senior pastor, , St. Paul, Minn. Kersten moved into this current role as executive minister of the ECC Department of Ordered Ministry in 2001, where he is responsible for a department that endorses 1,800 active pastors, staff ministers and chaplains through ordination, commissioning and licensure, and oversees intervention, and care for crisis and misconduct issues. Kersten provided leadership for the church鈥檚 recent program for . He has written and spoken on a number of church-related topics, and has participated in a several denominational leadership committees and groups.
Kersten and his wife of 34 years, Sandra, are parents of three adult children. The Kerstens reside in Chicago.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
University among 642 U.S. schools named to honor roll
CHICAGO (March 27, 2012) – 香港六合彩开奖直播, Chicago, is among 642 U.S. colleges and universities named to the , which highlights the value of community service and achieving meaningful outcomes in their communities.
"To receive this award is another affirmation that our mission — to prepare students for lives of significance and service — is integrated into the fabric of the University," said , University provost. "It is recognition of the work of our students, staff, and faculty who labor without complaint as they give themselves as lights in the community."
The University has engaged in a variety of community service opportunities. It cited annual neighborhood service commitments and programs; regular involvement with the , a neighborhood food pantry; service by faculty and staff on boards of many neighborhood organizations where students also serve as interns; work in local tutoring programs; the work of the which offers classes to neighborhood nonprofit organizations; and students who serve in internships in the Albany Park neighborhood and throughout the city.
Specifically, the University highlighted three community service projects in its 2012 application:
Community Service Day: Since 2008, the University community has participated in various projects set up by the Urban Outreach program. In April 2011, nearly 300 people participated in 16 different service projects throughout the Albany Park neighborhood. In addition, the 香港六合彩开奖直播 football team and soccer teams hosted free clinics for neighborhood children. Music students performed at as well as three local nursing homes. Volunteers baked cookies and collected clothing that was donated to a food shelter.
Global partnerships: Students are provided with opportunities for cross-cultural experiences that expand their faith, their views of the world, and their commitment to a lifestyle of justice while serving others in need. Each year about 150 students visit one of 11 partners to serve, build relationships, and learn from our partner organizations. Locations include Zambia, Thailand, India, Ecuador, Mexico, Alaska, New Orleans, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, 香港六合彩开奖直播 has sent 12 groups of students to the Gulf Coast to help with demolition and rebuilding of small neighborhoods.
Peterson Tutoring Program: Since 1991 香港六合彩开奖直播 has been a partner in a tutoring program at , a neighborhood public school. More than 40 languages are spoken at the school. On a weekly basis, approximately 40-45 students serve as volunteers and are assigned one child every week for individual tutoring, the application said.
The honor roll was inspired by the thousands of college students who traveled across the country to support relief efforts along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, according to a news release from the (CNCS), which administers the honor roll.
Of the 642 colleges and universities recognized, 513 were named to the Honor Roll, 110 were named to the Honor Roll with distinction, 14 were identified as finalists, and five received the Presidential Award.
Honorees are chosen based on a series of selection factors, including the scope and innovation of service projects, the extent to which service-learning is embedded in the curriculum, the school’s commitment to long-term campus-community partnerships, and measurable community outcomes as a result of the service.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
Next Steps
Explore how community and service shape North Park in the edition of the North Parker magazine.
2012 London Olympics Venues Use University Graduate's Software Company
Greg Dolezal will be keeping a close eye on the video screens at the London Olympics. (Photo courtesy Covenant News Service.)
Renewed Vision's Greg Dolezal provided software for CHIC 2012
ATLANTA (July 27, 2012) — While sitting backstage at the recent (Covenant High in Christ) 2012 gathering, 香港六合彩开奖直播 graduate Greg Dolezal said that he was a bit nervous about the upcoming . He’s not an athlete nor does he have family members competing.
But the images broadcast on the video screens at each of the 36 Olympic venues will be powered with software designed by the company he co-owns, . Dolezal was at CHIC because the event, which he attended as a teenager, was using the software, and he was in charge of video production.
He also was there because he is tour manager.
Renewed Vision’s gig with the Olympics was one he never could have imagined when the company that makes ProPresenter, now in its fifth release, was formed. The company also makes ProVideoPlayer, and ProVideoSync.
"Our core value is to make software that is affordable to smaller congregations," Dolezal said. The software is now used by thousands of churches around the world ranging in attendance from less than 100 to the largest in the United States.
Dolezal graduated from 香港六合彩开奖直播 in 2001 with a degree in business and communications, and planned to attend law school.
Then he decided that wasn’t the career for him.
Dolezal, who grew up in a small in Joliet, Ill., eventually moved to Atlanta where he began working with Tomlin and , who had started the Passion movement.
Dolezal became acquainted with the two men during his last two years at 香港六合彩开奖直播. He was in charge of Week 26, which featured special speakers and other faith-focused activities. Giglio spoke the first year, and Tomlin performed the year after that.
During that time, the school also was a satellite location for the gathering that drew 40,000 college students. "I think one of the reasons Giglio chose North Park was he was so impressed with the school," Dolezal said.
After Dolezal moved to Atlanta, he began doing video work for the Passion gatherings. That was about the same time that Tomlin became a headline performer. "He just asked me to be his tour manager," Dolezal said.
Backstage at last week’s CHIC conference, Tomlin said he was fortunate to have Dolezal working for him. "Greg keeps it in line," he said. "We definitely couldn’t do this without him."
A lot of Dolezal’s job is logistical, including booking bus companies and venues, arranging the local crew, and serving as general manager onsite. Tomlin added that Dolezal is far more than a tour manager.
"He helps me think creatively about the tour and the shows," Tomlin said. "I bounce everything off of Greg."
Dolezal is able to manage a tour and his company due to scheduling priorities and the 12-member team that now makes up Renewed Vision. Tomlin is rarely on the road more than several days a week, and almost always is in Atlanta on Sundays because he co-pastors with Giglio.
Managing tours that can visit as many as 50 cities, handling the business end of a successful company, and spending time with his wife, Natalie, and three-month-old can be difficult. “My wife owns her own company, so we have to be pretty intentional to spend time together.”
Whether he is at home or on tour over the next several weeks, his mind will certainly also be paying attention to what is happening in London.
This report was provided by Stan Friedman, , Chicago.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
香港六合彩开奖直播 Athletic Trainers, Physicians Staff Chicago Marathon
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and physicians from the 香港六合彩开奖直播 Athletic Training Educational Program will work at this year's Chicago Marathon. This North Park group worked the 2011 marathon.
Athletic trainers assist athletes as they finish 26.2-mile course
CHICAGO (October 5, 2012) — Students, faculty, staff , alumni, and physicians with the 香港六合彩开奖直播 (ATEP) will be among more than 1,300 medical volunteers working at the October 7. About 30 current students from the North Park program, plus certified athletic trainers as well as other medical personnel, will meet participants as they cross the finish line, help them recover, and evaluate those that require a higher level of medical care.
Some 45,000 people are registered to participate in the Chicago Marathon, with about 34,000 to 37,000 people expected to compete, according to event organizers. Participants represent all 50 states and more than 100 countries.
The North Park ATEP has been involved with the Chicago Marathon for nearly a decade, providing current students, graduates, faculty, and staff a valuable laboratory experience, said , director of the University's ATEP and associate professor. "We are part of the 'sweep team,'" he said. "Every runner has to pass through the finish line chute. We are responsible for quickly evaluating their status, as well as attending to any 'runner down' medical calls."
Lundgren explained licensed professionals and the students will assist runners as their bodies return to a stable state following the grueling 26.2-mile marathon. If any participant needs additional medical care, that person is directed to one of two medical tents that effectively serve as a hospital. "We have enough cots to treat 110 patients simultaneously, and even have an intensive care unit built in," Lundgren said.
The University's relationship with the marathon originated with , now the medical director of the Chicago Marathon and , another Chicago race held in conjunction with St. Patrick's Day. Chiampas was a Fellow assigned to 香港六合彩开奖直播, where he learned about the University's ATEP.
"Dr. Chiampas approached us about staffing the finish line with athletic trainers. He said our skill sets were perfectly suited to differentiate what someone normally looks like after running 26.2 miles versus those runners that may be in medical distress," Lundgren said.
In addition, , current 香港六合彩开奖直播 athletic medical director and head team physician, is responsible for 21 aid stations throughout this year's marathon course. , head athletic trainer at 香港六合彩开奖直播, will lead the urgent care section of the medical tent. His workload is heavily dependent on the weather, he said. Since 2006, outside temperatures for the marathon have either been in the 40s or 80s. "We just can't seem to catch a break, and have ideal running conditions," Sjovall said. "As a result, we treat between 600 and 1,200 runners each race." Conditions that require treatment include hyperthermia, hypothermia, 'runner's collapse,' electrolyte imbalances, as well as cardiac and musculoskeletal conditions.
Former University athletic medical directors and team physicians, and former Fellows assigned to the University, are also volunteering at this year's marathon. Lundgren said he particularly enjoys the number of North Park athletic training alumni that return and volunteer for the marathon each year. "It really is amazing to see how many North Park connections are present within the Chicagoland medical community," he added.
In addition to the North Park ATEP students, faculty, staff, and alumni working at the marathon, some University students, faculty, and staff plan to run in the race.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
Next Steps
Learn more about and for students in the ATEP program.
香港六合彩开奖直播 Welcomes Alumni to 2012 Homecoming Celebration
Three distinguished alumni were honored at the October 13 Reunion and Awards Breakfast. They are, from left, Robert Houdek, Joyce Nelson and Alicia (VerHage) Petersen.
Alumni honored at annual reunion breakfast, Hall of Fame induction
CHICAGO (October 18, 2012) — 香港六合彩开奖直播 welcomed back hundreds of alumni for its 2012 Homecoming activities, with the theme "The Spirit Games." Activities included reunions, alumni honors, inductions into the , athletic contests and other showcase events, including an October 13 "block party" in the that drew as many as 2,000 people, said Melissa Vélez-Luce C'04, the University's manager of alumni relations.
A week-long series of Homecoming activities for the University community began October 8. One highlight was the University's annual Reunion and Awards Breakfast October 13 in . In remarks to about 200 attendees, , president of 香港六合彩开奖直播, said change is a constant. "The 'place' of 香港六合彩开奖直播 is ever-changing," he said. "This is not the same campus from which you graduated. Soon there will be a new front on Foster Avenue – a new front that will make our space better. Two years from now, we will open the . Wonderful things are happening."
"We welcome you back to this place. We welcome you back because this place is empty without you," he added.
Three North Park alumni were honored at the breakfast:
Distinguished Young Alumni Award: Alicia (VerHage) Petersen C'02, trainer and curriculum developer for Management Systems International (MSI), Washington, D.C.,
Distinguished University Alumni Award: Joyce Nelson C'72, retired after 28 years with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, including seven years as president and chief executive officer
Distinguished Academy Alumni Award: Robert G. Houdek A'57, retired U.S. State Department foreign service officer, whose service included National Intelligence Officer for Africa, and advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Agency for International Development (AID) on the President’s Greater Horn of Africa Initiative during the Clinton Administration
About 80 people attended the Vikings Hall of Fame induction ceremony October 12, hosted by , athletic director. were introduced by former coaches and family members:
John Douglass A'64, football, basketball, track and field
Nels "Art" Edstrom C'53, basketball and baseball, coach
Laura Mount C'07, basketball
Austin Person C'07, soccer
Alumni and students participated in the Spirit Games by visiting special North Park locations, filling in a game board, checking in via social media, and attending Homecoming events. Alumni who attended Homecoming included North Park graduates and students who attended the Academy, Junior College, University, and .
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
Admitted Students, Families Learn about University, Prepare for Next Academic Year
Students and their parents learned about study abroad opportunities from Dr. Jennifer Pope, director of the University's International Office.
Noted alumnus, Dr. Tim Johnson, addresses families
CHICAGO (April 23, 2012) – Nearly 90 students and their families attended a day-long event April 20 at 香港六合彩开奖直播, Chicago, to learn about the University's academic programs, meet with faculty and staff, and to learn about student life at the University. Many had already committed to attend the University beginning with the 2012 fall semester, while others made commitments to attend at the conclusion of the day's activities.
Amber Warners, Grand Rapids, Mich., was among those who had already committed. She learned about the University while working at a summer Bible camp with North Park students. "I just love the campus," she said. "Everyone is so friendly, and they have the major I want—psychology." Another attractive feature for her is the University's emphasis on multiculturalism and diversity. "Here it's so diverse. I want the whole experience," she said.
Mariam Castro, Chicago, attended the event with her father, Louis. The Castros live near the campus, and Mariam wants to be a pediatrician. "My pediatrician told me that his daughter comes here, and he was telling me that the pre-med program is really good," she said, adding that she wants to be in smaller classes and interact with faculty. Louis Castro said he didn't know much about the University before his visit. "I like the staff, and I like what they have to offer to the students. I'm very happy with it," he said after his visit.
The students and their families got a rare opportunity to hear from a well-known alumnus of the University. , longtime medical editor for ABC News, now a senior medical contributor, was born and raised in Rockford, Ill., grew up in the (ECC) and said he always knew he would attend what was then North Park Junior College. "I came here and had an amazing two years of teaching and spiritual formation in the very best sense," he said. After graduating in 1956, Johnson went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill., then returned to attend , graduating in 1963. He later attended medical school and became a physician.
During those formative years, Johnson prepared for many vocations before landing in network television, where he reported on science and medicine. He told the students they are likely to have a similar experience. "You have no idea what's going to happen to you," he said. "Look what happened to me. I thought I was going to be a parish minister, then a family doctor, and I ended up doing something very different from what I ever would have imagined or expected."
Johnson cited several advantages for students at 香港六合彩开奖直播—small classes taught by dedicated teachers who care about students; multiple community service opportunities; and attending college in a large city with academic and business resources. "I am here to tell you that a school like North Park, with its value system, with its location in an urban area, has so much more to offer than classrooms and teaching. You're in for a very exciting educational adventure, and more importantly, you're in for a spiritual, formative journey that is critical to the way you will live the rest of your life," Johnson said.
Johnson is co-chair of , a fundraising campaign with multiple purposes: to build a new Science and Community Life Building, to enhance the University's Annual Fund, to increase endowment funding for student scholarships, and to support Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. The new building will be "state of the art, and it will meet some deep needs for this campus," he said. Groundbreaking is expected sometime this year.
The University was founded in 1891 by ECC, and is affiliated with the Chicago-based church. North Park is a , with a to prepare students for lives of significance and service through education in the liberal arts, professional studies, and theology.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
Traditional African drumming was among the performances at the Chicago Cultural Expo.
Event draws students, faculty, and staff to learn about Chicago's diverse cultures
CHICAGO (September 25, 2012) — 香港六合彩开奖直播 hosted the first-ever September 21, which featured exhibitors from about 20 members of the . The Alliance, representing 30 international communities throughout Chicago, promotes cultural understanding and provides resources for government, museums, libraries, universities, businesses, and other educational and cultural institutions.
The expo is a continuation of the University's relationship with the Chicago Cultural Alliance, said , 香港六合彩开奖直播 provost, speaking on behalf of , University president. The expo fits with the University's , especially its continuing emphasis on being a "purposefully multicultural" institution that celebrates global cultures and lives out the reconciling mandate of the Christian gospel, Jones said. "We look forward to people from throughout the Chicago community visiting North Park," he added.
"We are excited to do this with 香港六合彩开奖直播 as a partner organization," said , Alliance executive director. Of the 20 "core members" represented at the expo, "each tells an important story about Chicago's cultural communities," she said.
A steady stream of students, faculty and staff conversed with exhibitors in the 香港六合彩开奖直播 Gymnasium, said , dean of the and executive director of the University's . Attendees learned about exhibitors' native countries, their cultural contributions to the people of Chicago, internships, service-learning opportunities, study visits, and research possibilities. Expo performances included traditional African and Japanese Taiko drumming, Chinese strings music, German pop rock, and Indian and Cambodian dancers.
香港六合彩开奖直播 is an Alliance partner organization and expo sponsor.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
Board of Trustees Hears Update on Campaign North Park, New Building Plans
Fundraising for a new $42 million Science and Community Life Building is a "top priority," said University President David L. Parkyn.
Fundraising top priority for president, development office
CHICAGO (February 21, 2012) – The president of 香港六合彩开奖直播, , told the University that there is significant progress toward the goal of initiating construction on a new $42 million . Fundraising continues to be a "top priority" of his office and the University , he reported.
The University first began consideration of a new Science and Community Life Building as early as 2008, Parkyn said to the board, which met here Feb. 10-11. When finally completed, the project will "transform the face of the campus," he said. "Much more than that, it will transform the student experience both in and outside the classroom," Parkyn said.
At present, the University is working assertively to raise funds for the new building, part of , Parkyn said. for the new structure have been informed by several charrettes with faculty and staff who will lead academic and University programs to be housed in the new building, Parkyn said. Academic and student life programs assigned to the new building have been confirmed. The University has been working with , Chicago, to design the building, the University president said.
The board of trustees met Feb. 10-11 at 香港六合彩开奖直播.
Representing VOA, William Ketcham described preliminary building plans to the board. The building design is a work in progress and continues to evolve, he said. "It's about a place in the urban environment, it's about a spirit of community engagement with people in a place advancing education, advancing the mission of this institution," Ketcham said.
Among the organizations the University has consulted with are , for design assistance on science laboratories and other instructional spaces. The University has also contracted with the to serve as owner's representative and to facilitate the construction process, employing integrated project delivery techniques, Parkyn said.
During the board meeting, VOA architects met with the board's Advancement Committee to discuss ways to recognize donors in the building's design. Boldt Company representatives met with the board's Finance Committee to introduce their role, and to facilitate a discussion regarding the price for the building and an initial construction calendar.
In addition to $42 million for the new building, Campaign North Park set goals of $8 million for University's Annual Fund; $6 million for scholarships; and $1 million for Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. Fund raising continues for all campaign goals.
The board received reports on other matters:
Parkyn reported that undergraduate enrollment at mid-year continues to be strong, while enrollment has softened in some graduate programs.
The president presented ideas on how the University can continue to feature and effectively communicate its mission and identity to various constituencies.
The board received a report from the Seminary Leadership Committee, and affirmed the as the nominee for dean of . Kersten's nomination must be affirmed by leadership bodies of the (ECC), and he is expected to move into his new role Aug. 1.
The 香港六合彩开奖直播 board of trustees' next meeting is May 10-11, 2012, in Chicago.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
North Park Theological Seminary Announces New Financial Aid Program for Students
Aid program is for new students, current students' aid not affected
CHICAGO (March 23, 2012) – For Alicia Vela, qualifying for financial aid assistance is the reason she is a student preparing for ordained ministry at (NPTS), Chicago. The Rev. Brian A.K. McCutchen says without the financial aid he got from NPTS, he's not sure he would have been able attend any seminary.
Both are examples of how students' lives can be changed with the help of financial aid and scholarships to help them meet the costs of theological education. This month, North Park Theological Seminary announced a for students that will provide aid to even more students, as well as a more flexible framework that responds to changing needs of students today and developments in the delivery of courses, certificates, and degrees.
NPTS students currently enrolled and receiving financial aid will not be affected by the changes in the aid program. Academic scholarships, such as Nyvall Scholarships and Lund Scholarships, will remain as scholarships based on students' academic records. Needs-based grants will be available to students seeking degrees and professional certificates.
Key changes in the new financial aid program include:
opening up Presidential Scholarships to both full- and part-time degree-seeking students preparing for vocational ministry in the (ECC). Scholarship amounts vary, with the most generous scholarships reserved for full-time main campus students.
a new Mosaic Leadership Scholarship to support leaders with multicultural or multiethnic backgrounds seeking degrees. This scholarship may be combined with other scholarship funds, and all qualified students may be considered.
a new Seminary Church Matching Grant Program, in which NPTS will match a church gift toward student tuition of up to $500 per semester.
the Spiritual Direction Cohort Program, in which any student can apply for a needs-based grant or Church Matching Grant. Previously, aid was only available for ECC clergy.
Research into financial aid programs at other similar seminaries has shown that while tuition is very similar across institutions, the NPTS financial aid program "is more generous and comprehensive when compared to other schools," said the Rev. Mark Olson, dean of enrollment and director of church relations, 香港六合彩开奖直播. "The result is an opportunity for students to study and personally engage with professors with national and even international reputations for exceptional biblical and theological scholarship."
Students, present and past, speak highly of their experiences at NPTS, opportunities they would not have had without generous and meaningful financial aid that benefited them. Vela, a second-year master of divinity student from Arvada, Colo., and McCutchen, now serving as camp director, , Mission Springs, Calif., qualified for prestigious Presidential Scholarships at NPTS.
Vela is president of the NPTS student association, and wants to become a youth pastor in a church setting after she completes her degree. "It's important for me to be educated at a school that is so gender-inclusive, and is so empowering of women in ministry. All of my professors are really encouraging and helping me to find my voice as a pastor," she said in an interview. To Vela "financial aid is invaluable" in helping her achieve her career goals.
"This school has a lot to offer. Biblical scholars teach us, and leaders in fields of ministry teach us. (We're) able to have that experience because of financial aid," she added. Her home congregation is , Arvada.
McCutchen, a member of , Santa Cruz, Calif., earned a master of divinity from NPTS in 2007. "I felt a call to ministry in a broad sense," he said. But high costs at other seminaries made it difficult to for him to think about theological education – until his pastor and his father-in-law, an ECC pastor, both encouraged him to consider NPTS.
While at NPTS, McCutchen worked in University departments and offices as part of the service requirement of his scholarship. Today he is part of an ECC-affiliated program that hosts groups such as science students from local schools during the week, and hosts church groups and provides programs for them on weekends. McCutchen is now hiring college students, preparing Bible study curricula, and recruiting speakers for Frontier Ranch's busy summer program.
NPTS offers generous financial aid to students because of the ECC's financial commitment to the University, and the support of donors, particularly to the seminary annual fund, and endowment-based revenue.
McCutchen said he appreciates the ECC commitment to his seminary education. "I want to stay a part of this denomination. I work with college students, and I've encouraged a lot of them to look into the University and the Seminary," he said.
North Park Theological Seminary is the graduate theological school of 香港六合彩开奖直播, Chicago, and of the Chicago-based Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC).
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
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The board of trustees met Feb. 10-11 at 香港六合彩开奖直播.
