North Parker: Summer 2020

SUMMER 2020

NORTH PARKER

The magazine for alumni and friends of North Park University

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Perseverance, Character, and Hope at North Park

VOLUME 80

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North Park Now

NORTH PARK ALUMNI GRANT Alumni who earned an undergraduate degree at North Park University can return for continued coursework with a 20 percent tuition reduction.

Choose a graduate degree program or graduate-level certificate offered by: F School of Business and Nonprofit Management F School of Education F School of Music, Art, and Theatre F School of Nursing and Health Sciences F School of Professional Studies F North Park Theological Seminary

Online, on-campus, or hybrid options available.

For more information, visit www.northpark.edu/gradadmissions or call 773-244-4880 to schedule a personal appointment.

CONTENTS

FEATURES

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Hispanic-Serving Institution North Park University 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.

14 North Park Now North Park students, faculty, and staff come together while staying apart.

20 North Park Heroes From nursing to teaching, North Park alumni have moved boldly to the front lines of the Covid-19 pandemic.

SUMMER 2020

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CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS 5 First Word

18 Blue & Gold Day

8 Across Campus

22 Alumni Notes & In Memoriam

12 Virtual Commencement In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Class of 2020 celebrated their academic accomplishments through a virtual commencement ceremony.

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SUMMER 2020, VOLUME 80, NUMBER 2

EDITORIAL BOARD

Mary K. Surridge President Melissa Vélez-Luce C’04 G’12 Executive Director of Operations, Office of the President Kristin Englund C’10 Associate Director of Alumni Relations Lindsey Post Robinson C’05 Operations Manager, University Marketing and Communications EDITORIAL STAFF

Ellen Almer C’94 Editor Susannah Kim Lead Designer Sarah Boudreau Shull Graphic Designer Rebekah Putera C’13 Online Editor Mara Perlow Writer

On the Cover Selfies taken while working from home, or in some cases, while on campus.

TOP ROW: Andrea Nevels, VP for Student Engagement; Daniel Gooris, Director of Campus

Safety & Auxiliary Services; Meghan Pillow, University Nurse; Liza Ann Acosta, University Dean and Professor of English/Comparative Literature.

SECOND ROW: Laura Ebner, Director of Health and Wellness; Brady Martinson, Director

of Undergraduate Admissions; Michelle Carrillo, Digital Content Specialist; Dennis Edwards, Associate Professor of New Testament.

THIRD ROW: Sharee Myricks, Director of Diversity and Intercultural Life; Jeff Lundblad, Director of Information Technology; Malcolm Parker, Admissions Counselor; Elizabeth Fedec, Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students.

BOTTOM ROW: Katie Maier-O’Shea, Dean of Academic Technology; Gigi Santos, Admissions Counselor; Donny Blunk, Painter; Amy Menton, Disability Access Specialist.

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The North Parker is published twice a year for alumni and friends of North Park University, 3225 W. Foster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625-4895.

For mailing list adjustments, address changes, questions, or suggestions, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 773-244-4750.

FIRST WORD

Perseverance, Character, and Hope at North Park Even in our suffering we rejoice, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope!

And hope does not disappoint us— because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Romans 5:3-5

PRESIDENT MARY K. SURRIDGE t North Park University, as in every community, we have endured the broad range of challenges and loss that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought to us.

But in responding strongly and responsibly over the past several months, this campus community has demonstrated perseverance, character, and hope, all in great measure. We kept our mission and priorities in front of us and we finished the 2019-2020 academic year Viking strong. Now, we face our future with continued commitment to wisdom in our prudent planning, and faith in God’s provision and protection.

This past spring the pandemic stopped international travel and commerce, it stopped weddings and wakes, and it stopped the wide world of sports! Millions of Americans lost their jobs, and tens of thousands have lost their lives. But the pandemic has not stopped North Park University—and, as we congratulated the class of 2020 in our virtual May Commencement, I noted that it did not stop our students from completing their studies online and earning their degrees. We had to send our students home and close our

campus to daily operations in March, but our dedicated and talented faculty and staff made the difficult pivot to online education and service for our students so their education could remain on track. As president, I could not be more proud of their performance.

Immediately following their crucial work to finish the spring semester well, our Emergency Management Team transitioned into our Campus Reopening Task Force, meeting online daily to plan and implement the many logistical changes and safety protocols required to bring our students, faculty, and staff back to campus safely.

We have developed a detailed operational plan for the fall semester and a budget for the financial challenges of the new fiscal year, both endorsed and unanimously approved recently by the North Park Board of Trustees.

We have planned for necessary changes in classroom capacities and residence halls and are ready to deliver a sound semester, with some courses in person, some online, and some in a hybrid format—meeting student and faculty objectives for safety and quality. We are ready for the fall and we are also ready to respond rapidly and well to changing circumstances in any scenario.

We are alert to new information daily and will adapt with wisdom and confidence to any changes necessary.

And I am happy to report that we have not remained exclusively in crisis mode in the first half of 2020 but have also focused on long-range planning for our beloved inSUMMER 2020

stitution.

In early May we calmly and thoughtfully took our first big step in North Park Next, a three-phase collaborative initiative unanimously endorsed by our Board of Trustees, that will help us create an inspiring future for the University we love, aiming to emerge as a singularly compelling opportunity in Christian higher education. In the sum and interplay of our three distinctives—our Christian mission, city-centered Chicago location, and our intercultural commitment—North Park University finds its exclusive value, its competitive advantage and the vital opportunity to position ourselves as the model for Christian higher education in 21st Century America.

This first step in North Park Next was a broad-based campus workshop facilitated by the higher ed consulting firm Gray Associates, which entailed a review of our academic programs and identified possible opportunities for strengthening both mission and market outreach.

Equally important to our North Park Next work is the ongoing societal reawakening to issues of racial injustice that we have witnessed and participated in. On a personal level, I have taken to heart the need for each of us not only to examine our own hearts and perspectives, but also to work for meaningful change and reconciliation on our campus and in our city. Multiracial and intergenerational momentum for permanent, positive action on racial justice issues is building in our 5

FIRST WORD

nation and world—and it must remain an important priority on our campus as well.

In a University Update on June 24, I reported initial specific initiatives that the President’s Cabinet has been discussing and is committing to: • The President and Senior Team will engage in implicit bias training and work to extend that to the whole campus community in the coming academic year.

• North Park Theological Seminary is adapting the Six-Fold Test of the ECC’s Mosaic Commission as a set of metrics for measuring growth in interculturalism and assessing areas needing improvement, specifically as it pertains to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. Discussions are also ongoing about use of this helpful tool for our broader campus community.

• Review of the most recent campus climate study, including recommendations that were made at the time of the study.

• Renewed commitment to increasing diversity among faculty and staff. We have made progress on this priority and will continue to develop measurable goals and timelines for improvement in hiring practices and professional development.

• Scheduling comprehensive campus climate surveys in our campus constituency on regular intervals.

• And we are studying, and will pursue, new initiatives in curriculum, student life, and leadership development.

Many members of the campus community will contribute to North Park’s ongoing work together.

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For all of us, 2020 has been a challenging, transformative, historic year. At North Park it has also been a very busy one! What follows is a closer look at where we have been, and where we are going.

Plans for Fall 2020 Two goals have guided the planning and decision-making for re-opening our campus this fall: • Protection of the overall health, safety, and wellness of our students, faculty and staff—as guided by the CDC, state and local protocols, and other governing bodies for colleges and universities such as the ACHA and the NCAA. • Delivering the highest quality academic and residential experience possible taking into account our available resources.

The Campus Reopening Task Force is made up of faculty members, staff, and leadership from across the University. It is accomplishing its work through six teams: Risk Mitigation Team; Academics/Classroom Team; Employee/Office Environment Team; Residential Life/Student Activities Team; Extracurricular Activities Team; and Communications Team.

The primary objective of the Risk Mitigation Team is to reduce the risks of campus exposure to Covid-19, with special considerations for vulnerable campus community members, by providing personal protective equipment (such as face masks and face shields), hand sanitizer, disinfectant, and other supplies according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) NORTH PARKER

and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The team is also ensuring stringent disinfection procedures across campus; addressing physical distancing strategies in classrooms, offices, and high-traffic areas; treatments for safe air flow in classrooms and offices; and consulting with department leaders on risk mitigation planning specific to their areas.

The team has developed four training modules to educate the community on the ways we can protect ourselves and each other while safely reopening our campus.

Students, faculty, and staff are being asked to complete the training and then sign The Viking Shield—a personal commitment to shared responsibility in protecting our community by observing safety protocols for individuals and others.

We have missed our students, and we know from surveys and conversations that they are eager to get back to North Park in person and on campus, to pursue their education. I promised them in a video message that we would do our best to support their educational progress, their spiritual development, and their professional preparation— delivering the best fall semester possible under the circumstances. And I challenged them to bring with them creativity, adaptability, and a good dose of personal resolve in observing the protocols that will help us maintain together the communal safety of students, faculty and staff.

Progress in North Park Next Even before the significant financial impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, we knew we were not immune from the economic challenges facing higher education—declining demographics in college-going populations, increasing tuition discounts and institutional expenses, and declining revenues. Prior to Covid-19, the charge to reimagine the North Park experience was front and center. As recently reinforced by our Board of Trustees, this work is more important than ever—and it is under way.

North Park Next is a three-phase strategic thinking and planning process through which we will reimagine our future with the aim of creating a missionally robust and financially sustainable future for North Park University.

FIRST WORD

In early May, in Phase I of North Park Next, an inclusive cross-campus working group of 46 North Parkers—comprising faculty and staff, deans, the President and senior team, and the Chair of the Board of Trustees—collaborated in a two-day online workshop hosted by Gray Associates, North Park’s nationally acclaimed higher education consulting and data-gathering firm.

The workshop team was comprised of forward-thinking, solutions-oriented, constructive participants who devoted two full days of their time and creative energy to this important effort. This workshop marked a strong start for North Park Next.

At the completion of this workshop, two specific objectives were completed: To identify potential academic program opportunities for enrollment growth; and to review data regarding our current student demographics and enrollments, course selections, financial aid distributions and financial metrics of existing programs.

On the first day, we studied more than 1,400 individual academic programs offered in America—examining student demand, employment opportunities, and the level of competition with other schools in a 40-mile radius and nationally. We did this in order to identify potential new programs North Park might launch that would be relevant to students, responsive to employers’ needs, consistent with our mission—and viable sources of new net revenue. We identified 45 possible new academic programs and initially prioritized six for further study.

On the second day, we examined the data about our own 79 existing academic programs, reviewing their enrollments, revenues, and expenses to the University. In small groups, we scored our programs and put each of them into one of four groups: programs with opportunities for growth; programs to sustain as they are; programs that require a specific fix; and programs that require further assessment.

We must now have the thoughtful and strategic conversations required to act on our data so that our Christian mission, vision, and values will not only survive, but thrive far into the future.

Phase II of North Park Next will be a strategic prioritization and planning process scheduled to begin this fall. The Board of Trustees has asked us to set measurable

institutional goals for change in the coming academic year—all toward realizing our vision for creating a new and compelling model for Christian higher education. This will be a formal process dependent on reliable factors and collaborative experiences; the evidence and information gathered by Gray Associates; the participation of proven, professional academic and strategic planning consultants; campus and constituency input; and the leadership and endorsement of our North Park Board of Trustees.

Phase III of North Park Next will be the ongoing implementation of the plan, requiring strategic investments in our sustainable future, securing our Christian mission for generations to come.

We must elevate each of our distinctives to the highest levels of excellence—and the planning done through North Park Next will be our roadmap.

North Park University must generate the healthy financial margins necessary to thrive through disruptions in the economy. Ultimately, we will have the resources needed to fund and reward ambitious innovations and programs that are mission centered and market aware.

North Park University will have a faculty, staff, and leadership that more closely reflect the intercultural student population we are so blessed to educate. Our students will have more professors and mentors reflecting our intercultural campus community, who support the conditions, curriculum, and student life required for every student to flourish and to lead.

North Park University aims to be thoroughly engaged with the world-class city of Chicago, providing limitless opportunities for education and career development. We will forge partnerships, guarantee professional internships, and find service opportunities in the city, including those designed to help solve the most difficult urban challenges in education, health care, housing, jobs, justice, and violence. We will seize these opportunities in ways that will make us stronger and more compelling to prospective students, funders, internship providers, and employers for our graduates.

North Park must be increasingly innovative and nimble, able to move to market quickly with curricular and co-curricular programs of the highest quality. And we will SUMMER 2020

need your help to do it!

These are extraordinary times with extraordinary challenges—especially for higher education. Colleges and universities that pursue innovation, seize new opportunities and wisely prioritize and invest, will be the ones that survive and find the way to thrive. It will require the best from ALL of us to meet the rising challenges, and advance North Park in a sustainable way. Our students need our encouragement, support, and backing in a more tangible way than ever before.

In order to meet the existing financial burdens our University is facing, we have done the initial work of constructing an internal operating budget for the coming year that shares institutional sacrifice across many levels. Our dedicated faculty is preparing for the fall in three modes of academic delivery, to serve our students well. Our talented and devoted staff has endured program and position eliminations in some areas, along with added professional responsibilities and salary reduction in others. We must work to strategically reduce expenses and continue to steward existing resources well before seeking the support of partners in the future.

Our students deserve our very best, and across every generation the generous alumni and friends of North Park have come through to support the academic hopes and dreams of our students, sustaining our mission and helping to fund our future. Preparing leaders who are centered in faith, equipped with a sound education and armed with the strength and depth of a North Park degree— is now more crucial than ever before. As we continue to plan and prioritize, we will look forward to introducing a compelling case to our constituency for support, offering new and strategic opportunities for support of our students and our University.

And through it all, we continue to seek our living and loving God for safety and strength, courage and character, patience and perseverance. We seek Him, we thank Him, and we will daily ask our God to continue to guide our steps in these challenging times, and always.

Thank you for your commitment to prayer and support for our students and our mission.

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ACROSS CAMPUS

North Park University Women’s Basketball Team

North Park Honors Student and Faculty Diversity Efforts orth Park’s Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life honored student leaders, faculty, and staff for their diversity at its Annual Multicultural Celebration.

Due to Covid-19, the event took place online this year on Facebook Live. University leaders handed out awards for Multicultural Student Leader, Champion of Diversity, and the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life Director’s Award.

The Multicultural Student Leader recognition honors graduating seniors who are currently or previously executive members of North Park’s cultural clubs; student workers with at least one and a half years of service in the Collaboratory or the Office of Diversity; or prior Diversity Representatives in the Student Government Association.

Student award recipients included: Sheyla Castellanos, Mara Franzen, Ashorina Houma, Elena Lawando, Hannah Lewis, Elsie McConaughey, Shalini Mody, Kosi Okeke, and Esther Upturi.

Highlighting North Park’s faculty, staff,

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and administration, the Champion of Diversity Award is presented to those who have conducted exceptional work in the areas of interculturalism, restorative justice, or racial reconciliation. Richard Kohng and Dr. Gwendolyn “Dr. P” Purifoye each received the Champion of Diversity Award for their contributions and leadership.

The Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life Director’s Award recognizes a person or group’s involvement in fostering an inclusive and intercultural campus culture.

This year, the award went to North Park’s Women’s Basketball Team, honoring: Head Coach Amanda Crockett; Assistant Coach Annie Shain; Graduate Assistant Coach Sam Ervin; and players Lauryn Alba Garner, Esther Miller, Angelina Villasin, Alana Santos, Sinead Molloy, Jacki Rapp, Lauren Lee, Kendra Jackson, Emily Czuhajewski, Tyra Walker, Zakiya Newsome, Josie Summerville, Kayla Patterson, Nicole Hansen, Alisha Panthier, Yesenia Rodriguez, and Jayla Johnson.

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Gwendolyn Purifoye, Assistant Professor of Sociology

Rich Kohng, Director of Civic Engagement, Catalyst Hub

ACROSS CAMPUS

Equipped with NPU Degree, AmyLynn Nelson C’20 Hopes to Help Marginalized Populations orld traveler AmyLynn Nelson C’20 may have had her post-graduation plans altered a bit by the pandemic. But once international travel restrictions are lifted, she hopes to start her planned nine-month internship under Serve Globally, the missions division of the Evangelical Covenant Church, serving under mentor missionaries in Sweden or the Middle East.

The recent graduate, who majored in Conflict Transformation Studies and minored in Swedish, sat down with the North Parker (virtually, of course) to talk about her time at North Park and her future plans.

Q: Why did you choose North Park?

A : One of the reasons I chose to attend North Park was for its commitment to

being a space of religious diversity. I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of a Christian community where I am, a space safe and loving enough to be able to share and respect different ideas. My faith is an important part of who I am, and the freedom for me and for others to explore and choose who we are and what we believe is fundamental.

Colombia, I had the opportunity to learn about the history of trauma and systems of injustice there, and see the city-planning projects and ministries of the church that have brought such transformation to the city. The opportunity to meet people who are giving their lives to be present in and respond to poverty, violence, and trauma was encouraging and inspiring.

Q: While at North Park, you traveled to Sweden, Israel and Palestine, and Colombia. How have those trips changed you?

A : In Sweden, I got to live abroad, travel, and learn about myself and others. On my Israel-Palestine trip, I had the opportunity to learn about the history and current reality of justice and injustice in modern Israel and the Palestinian territories. In Medellín,

Q: What’s next for you?

A : I feel very called to work with marginalized people, those who are so often unseen and unheard, particularly refugees, immigrants, and the children among them. I am passionate about caring for, respecting, and equipping refugees and migrants.

“I feel very called to work with marginalized people, those who are so often unseen and unheard, particularly refugees, immigrants, and the children among them. I am passionate about caring for, respecting, and equipping refugees and migrants.”

AmyLynn Nelson Conflict Transformation Studies Major and Swedish Minor Class of 2020

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ACROSS CAMPUS

North Parker Nominated for Prestigious National Scholarship orth Parker Sara Luna C’21, was a 2020 finalist for the National Federation of the Blind’s annual scholarship program. She attended the online version of the NFB annual national convention in July, when individual scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $12,000 were awarded. She is among 30 finalists, who were selected based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership.

Sara, a double major in history and communications studies, aspires to a career in museum accessibility.

“As a history major, I feel especially incentivized to explore and learn from museums. Yet, my appreciation of museums has been limited due to their inherently visual displays.” Sara explains that her own experiences as a legally blind individual have inspired her to think creatively about how museums could become more inclusive spaces.

Outside of her studies, Sara has been training in the martial art of Judo for over 10 years. Sara also teaches Judo to students ranging from toddlers to septuagenarians and including persons who are visually impaired and who have a range of physical or cognitive disabilities.

Sara says she feels honored to be selected as a scholarship finalist.

“The National Federation of the Blind is the largest organization

of blind people advocating for themselves in the world,” Sara says.

“Through the NFB I have had the opportunity to learn about and meet some incredible people who motivate me to live up to my fullest potential. As a member of the 2020 national scholarship class, I am motivated to be a part of the next generation of independent blind Americans.”

With this year’s NFB convention held virtually due to Covid-19, Sara says she will miss the in-person community experience. “Last year I attended my first national convention in Las Vegas and it was an incredible experience. More than 3,200 blind people attended in 2019 and I will never forget it. I was surrounded by so much joy and a general feeling of unity.”

Nevertheless, Sara has chosen to view the positive aspects of a digital convention.

“In the United States, 70% of blind Americans are unemployed,” Sara notes. “There are many members of the NFB who simply could not afford to attend a national convention in person. This year the convention will be free to virtually participate, and I am very excited for the members who will be experiencing the impact of a national convention for the first time.”

“Through the NFB I have had the opportunity to learn about and meet some incredible people who motivate me to live up to my fullest potential. As a member of the 2020 national scholarship class, I am motivated to be a part of the next generation of independent blind Americans.”

Sara Luna C’21

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ACROSS CAMPUS

Helwig Recreation Center Goes Virtual During Stay at Home hether it’s been virtual marathons, group fitness, or daily health tips, North Park’s homebound students, faculty, and staff have had the opportunity to stay in shape through virtual programming provided by the staff of Helwig Recreation Center. The May Fitness Challenge, a month-long virtual 52.4-mile race, invited walkers, runners, bikers, and skaters to rise to the challenge and log their workouts in the Endomondo App, which tracks personal fitness goals.

Building on the success of the May challenge, Helwig launched the Summer Virtual Race on June 3, which also happened to be National Running Day. Between June 3 and August 31, walkers and runners are urged to complete 100 miles while logging activity in the Endomondo App. For fitness class enthusiasts, Helwig continues to offer classes twice daily throughout the week at different times and days, all through the Zoom platform. High-intensity interval training and Zumba are on the schedule twice a week for the entire summer.

In addition, Helwig’s Facebook and Instagram accounts post daily fitness tips, exercise videos, and links to various Zoom classes. Later in the summer, Helwig will expand its offering with online stretching breaks, one-on-one training, and the first ever e-sports tournament.

Dr. Max Lee Receives Henry Resident Fellowship r. Max Lee, North Park’s Associate Professor of New Testament, has been selected by the Carl F.H. Henry Center for Theological Understanding to receive the 2020-2021 Henry Resident Fellowship.

The prestigious fellowship will allow Dr. Lee to pursue connections between evangelical scholarship and modern science, to address questions related to the goodness of creation. As a part of the scholar-in-residence program, Dr. Lee will develop his research project in a collaborative environment on Trinity Evangelical Divinity School’s Deerfield campus during the 2020-2021 academic year.

In his research project, Natural Desire as a Moral

Index of What is Good, Dr. Lee will explore the theory and theology of pleasure and how to enjoy the gifts of God while avoiding idolatrous practices.

Uniting natural order with moral order, his project begins with a biblical-theological framework on the purposes of pleasure while also examining how pleasure operates in an interdisciplinary dialogue with the health sciences. It engages Scripture, theology, medical studies on trauma, the psychology of addiction, and the neuroscience of mimesis.

“Many thanks also to North Park Theological Seminary and North Park University, who have made provisions for my sabbatical year, and for their communal support,” Dr. Lee said.

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Hispanic Serving Institution North Park University 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.

“The Hispanic-Serving Institution distinction is an enviable one, sought by many institutions, and we are proud of this designation,” said North Park President Mary K. Surridge. “Most important, though, is our striving for equitable outcomes as we live into our intercultural distinctive. And that is the effort these federal grant dollars will support on our campus.”

With the designation, North Park is now eligible to apply to federal funding opportunities that are only available to Hispanic-Serving Institutions, according to Renee Cox, North Park’s Government, Corporate, and Foundation Relations Manager. Over

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the next year, North Park hopes to explore funding opportunities that are now available at the U.S. Department of Education, National Science Foundation, and National Endowment for the Humanities.

Sharee L. Myricks, M.Ed, North Park University Director of Diversity and Intercultural Life, said the designation underscores North Park’s commitment to diversity.

“North Park University has a long history of supporting a diverse and intentionally intercultural student population. North Park’s recent designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution enables us to expand future opportunities that support student recruit-

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“

North Park University has a long history of supporting a diverse and intentionally intercultural student population.

North Park’s recent designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution enables us to expand future opportunities that support student recruitment, retention, and completion further.

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ment, retention, and completion further,” Myricks said.

To become a designated HSI, an institution’s undergraduate enrollment must be at least 25% Hispanic (defined as an individual of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American or other Spanish culture or origin).

Hispanic-Serving Institutions were created in 1995 to expand the educational opportunities of the country’s rapidly growing Hispanic population and to improve Hispanic students’ measures of academic attainment.

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NORTH PARK NOW

NORTH PARK NOW NORTH PARK STUDENTS, FACULTY, STAFF, COME TOGETHER WHILE STAYING APART Like every other university in the United States, North Park made the decision to close its campus in mid-March due to the spreading Coronavirus.

Since then, students, faculty, and staff have had to adjust to a “new normal,” with all learning happening remotely via videoconferencing apps, e-mail and texts, and even old-fashioned phone calls.

Professors said they learned as they went along.

“I think I’m learning more every day, just like my students,” Mark Gavoor, Associate Professor of Operations Management, said in March. “This is a system of continuous improvement. I am better at teaching online this week than I was last week. And I will be even better next week!”

Professors reached out to each other to offer assistance and encouragement.

“I consider this situation an opportunity for me to learn to be a better person and teacher,” Professor of Mathematics Education Dr. Leona Mirza wrote to a fellow professor as online instruction was beginning. “Consider it a gift in

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SHAREE L. MYRICKS

LAURA EBNER

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NORTH PARK NOW

“I AM LEARNING MORE EVERY DAY, JUST LIKE MY STUDENTS. THIS IS A SYSTEM OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT. I AM BETTER AT TEACHING ONLINE THIS WEEK THAN I WAS LAST WEEK. AND I WILL BE EVEN BETTER NEXT WEEK!”

unusual packaging. Each of us is a special person in the eyes of our students, and we need to use this time to be positive role models.”

And, with many professors juggling small children who were suddenly homebound as well, and with students similarly returning to the nest with their families, flexibility was key.

Each day, the University Ministries staff would provide the campus with a devotional. In June, Campus Co-Pastor Laura Kraybill led a series on Praying the Psalms.

“How do we talk to God when our world has been turned upside down?” Kraybill asks in an introductory video. “How do we express our feelings to God when we’re angry?”

In a weekly blog compiled by University Marketing and Communications, the community received important updates from President Mary K. Surridge, while members of North Park’s musical community shared inspiring playlists.

In the April 23 installment of the blog, Annie Picard, who has taught voice lessons and classes at NPU since 1998, suggested both Luciano Pavarotti and R.E.M. “I’m a Pavarotti junkie because it’s so obvious how much he loves to sing!” Picard

ARAMARK STAFF

said. “He radiates joy. The voice is glorious, also.”

R.E.M., she noted, is perfect when you “need help with those pesky household chores.”

In April, staff members in the Office of Advancement participated in a #BlueandGoldWednesday car parade around the North Park neighborhood to bring cheer to some North Park faculty, staff, and alumni who live in the neighborhood The seminary got in on the fun by creating a TikTok video of faculty and staff singing (from their respective homes) “U Can’t Touch This,” a sly reference to social distancing.

Also in April, President Surridge offered thanks and congratulations to all the faculty and students who made online learning a success.

“The instant transition of our entire university to online learning in mid-March reflects remarkable commitment and execution,” President Surridge said. “This has taken a great deal of agility, collaboration and resiliency. Thank you!”

JEFF LUNDBLAD

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ACROSS CAMPUS

Lydia Vander Stelt C‘20

Virtual Commencement Recognizes Achievements of Class of 2020 In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Class of 2020 celebrated their academic accomplishments through a virtual commencement ceremony. Though graduates and their families could not gather in person, the online celebration was a poignant recognition of their accomplishments in the face of extraordinary challenges.

President Mary K. Surridge remarked on this feat in her commencement address.

“We all know that you will go down in the history of North Park University as the students who completed their degrees despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Nothing stopped you. You have our admiration and our respect.”

President Surridge also encouraged graduates to not let these last challenging weeks define their collegiate experience.

“You have received the benefit of and contributed mightily to the broad and deep academic experience of North Park through study in your academic disciplines and engagement in service across our university, our city, our nation, and our world.”

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The virtual ceremony also held a uniquely personal touch with graduates contributing from their own homes, leading the community in worship and sharing scripture readings.

Recipients of the Ahnfeldt Medallion shared personal reflections on their North Park experience. Hannah Beth Nelson, BS in mathematics and physics, recounted her opportunities for personal growth on and off campus. “I was able to participate in orchestra, join and lead an academic club, and participate in global partnership trips.”

Aisha Abdallah, BS in nursing, expressed her gratitude, “To my nursing professors, thank you for sharing your passion for the career and for preparing me for a life of significance and service.”

Mackenzie Mahon, MDiv and MNA, also expressed her thanks to the Seminary faculty and staff, with a little humor sprinkled in, “Thank you for being the kind of people who model what it looks like to work toward justice and for also being the kind of people who would create a video dance montage just to encourage the students.”

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COMMENCEMENT

Mallory Trudeau C‘20

Devin Childress C‘20

Alex Bolotin C‘20

SUMMER 2020

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GIVING

Blue & Gold Day

Despite Blue & Gold Day being held remotely in April because of Covid-19, the event was as robust as ever, with more than $124,000 raised for student tuition assistance.

“In this current and challenging environment, the generosity of the North Park community provides a model of support for student success,” said President Mary K. Surridge following the fifth annual Day of

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Giving, in which nearly 500 alumni, employees, and friends made generous gifts in support of North Park students.

Although in years past the North Park community has gathered for a Chapel service, followed by a group photo on the campus green, this year’s festivities were altered by the pandemic. Instead, University Ministries broadcast a Chapel service on Facebook Live before taking a virtual lawn photo. In

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addition, social media ambassadors helped share the message with fellow North Parkers, encouraging friendly competition among class years.

The funds raised during this year’s Blue & Gold Day event will ensure that such an education is within reach for as many future North Parkers as possible.

GIVING

Show Your Viking Pride with a Custom Illinois License Plate

NPU

NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY Now you can help raise awareness of North Park, and raise money for scholarships, by ordering a specialty North Park University license plate!

We’re on a mission to get 2,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and friends in Illinois to sign up for a plate. Learn more about this initiative, and when you are ready, call the Secretary of State to sign up and pay via credit card: 217-782-7758. If you prefer, you can print out a form here and mail it to:

Secretary of State Special Plates Initial Deposit 501 S. Second St., Rm. 520 Springfield, IL 62756-5100 When you do, your $10 will go straight into a North Park University scholarship account.

Why do we need 2,000 of you? Because if we don’t hit that number, the state won’t even make the plates. (We have to prove that enough North Parkers love our school to make it worth the state’s time and effort.)

Once we do, you’ll be able to switch to the North Park plate for as little as $69, with $25 of that going straight into our scholarship fund. Help us spread the name North Park University far and wide. Let’s get rolling! And thanks for your support.

Show Your Viking Spirit!

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North Park Heroes on the Front Lines From nursing to teaching, North Park alumni have moved boldly to the front lines of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Two of them, Sommar (Johnson) Otfinoski C’13 G’20 and Kelly (Sladkey) Vetter C’11, spoke about their days as, respectively, an Intensive Care Unit nurse and a Chicago Public School teacher in an NBC Chicago series, “Coronavirus in Illinois: A Day in the Life During the Pandemic.”

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NORTH PARKER

FRONTLINE HEROES

“Despite the uncertainty and potential infection, we are committed to our patients. Lawndale’s motto is ‘Loving God, Loving People.’ This was our primary goal; to protect the least of these.”

HEATHER DUNCAN ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF NURSING

Using her phone to record herself, Otfinoski tours the ICU of Swedish Hospital, where she spent the height of the pandemic, often working three 12-hour shifts in a row.

“A typical day in the ER does not exist,” Otfinoski says before she begins a tour of the hospital. “We are very busy, and they just keep coming. It’s a lot of work, but we’re slowly trying to help these people.”

Despite the challenges, Otfinoski, a third-generation North Parker, smiles at the end of her shift, showing off a “Covid Hero” pin that is affixed to her scrubs.

“I feel like a Covid Hero,” she jokes before

signing off.

Meanwhile, Kelly (Sladkey) Vetter C’11, another third-generation Viking, was featured in a separate video, talking about her dual roles as a teacher and stay-at-home mom to two small boys.

“I always love days where I can actually meet with students,” Vetter says in the piece. “Even though it’s meeting virtually, it reminds me of what I really love.”

Vetter currently teaches science and social studies to seventh- and eighth-graders. As a special education teacher with CPS, Vetter is passionate about co-teaching in an inclu-

“We are very busy, and they just keep coming. It’s a lot of work, but we’re slowly trying to help these people.”

SOMMAR (JOHNSON) OTFINOSKI C’13 G’20

SUMMER 2020

sion setting.

The piece also shows her juggling work while caring for her two boys, ages one and three: As her baby sleeps, she engages her toddler while also developing remote learning plans for her students. Later in the day, Vetter perches her laptop on a box containing toddler supplies while reviewing vocabulary words with a student.

Meanwhile, North Park nursing professor Heather Duncan was also on the frontlines of the Covid-19 outbreak, treating some of the most vulnerable Chicagoans. As a nurse with Lawndale Christian Health Center’s Mobile Health Team, she risks her own safety every day to care for the most underserved among us.

The team houses and cares for more than 100 medically complex homeless patients, to try and keep them out of the hospital, which would add another burden to the medical system. The lack of affordable housing in Chicago, a long-entrenched problem, has only made things harder during the pandemic.

“Despite the uncertainty and potential infection, we are committed to our patients,” Duncan said. “Lawndale’s motto is ‘Loving God, Loving People.’ This was our primary goal; to protect the least of these.”

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ALUMNI NEWS AND NOTES

Viking Strong The North Park spirit has been put to the test in recent months, but our alumni prove that we remain Viking Strong. We asked you to submit some of your pictures of your time in quarantine. Here is a sample.

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Marin (Jacoby) Jewell C’04 and her husband were married in Michigan on the last weekend before everything shut down! Their first portrait as a married family was a quarantined porch portrait.

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Tim Carlson C’75 and Ann (Swanson) Carlson C’75 got together with their family via FaceTime to celebrate their 45th anniversary.

The family includes Mark and Sarah (Carlson) Yamaguchi C’02 and their children Elin, Celia, Ida and Andrew, and Dan Carlson C’04 and Bekah Carlson and their son Jesse.

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Carol (Ahlem) Eide C’83 copes with quarantine “So-Cal style” in Ventura, California.

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Amy (Thelander) Warden C’96 beat breast cancer during a global pandemic! Amy has had the support of family, friends, and the online community of soapmakers from all over the world she’s been teaching over the past eight years. Amy’s story can be found on her personal blog at the-wardens.com.

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As labor and delivery nurses at Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women’s Hospital, Liesel (Magnusson) Kleinfelter C’16 and Olivia Mott C’19 have spent the last few months caring for COVID-positive pregnant and laboring patients, in addition to their healthy laboring patients. Labor and delivery has been busier than usual in recent months—births don’t slow down, even when the rest of the world is quarantined at home!

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Megan Helbling C’11 and Timothy Ahlberg C’13 were married on Saturday, June 13, 2020!

It was a corona-style wedding with only immediate family and siblings invited. Both Tim and Megan were happy to still be able to make their day special and celebrate together.

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Doug Nystrom C’70 and Jane SwansonNystrom C’78 live one block north of Old Main in the home previously owned by the contractor who built Old Main. Consequently, in these days of physical distancing, their steps turn toward the North Park campus when they want to stretch their legs. The campus is beautiful this time of year and the walkways empty, except of course for a few prominent sculptures.

SUMMER 2020

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ALUMNI NEWS GIVING AND NOTES

1940s

1960s

Evert Gustafson C’52, daughter Lisa (Gustafson) Gotberg C’83, and son-inlaw Glenn Gotberg C’83 gathered with their family for a reunion at Pilgrim Pines in Swanzey, New Hampshire in the summer of 2019.

John Birkle A’49, pictured with his wife Catherine Birkle C’50, will be 90 this year.

John and Catherine have 14 grandchildren and four children who live all over. John worked as an engineer in nuclear power, missiles, oil country, and submarines and tried to live up to the moral standards he was exposed to at North Park.

Greetings from Joseph David C’56 of Warrenton, Virginia. Joe has authored six books and is working on number seven.

At age 78, Mary (Palmquist) Haubold C’57 became politically active and was elected as her neighborhood Precinct Committeewoman to GET OUT THE VOTE! Now, at age 82, she is running for her second twoyear term.

1950s

Bruce Whisler A’61 C’66 lives in Winter Park, Florida. He is widowed and has no relatives living closer than the Baltimore, Maryland area. He had a chosen family of dear friends who have taken good care of him throughout the lockdown. In this photo, taken June 13, 2020, he has just finished having dinner with chosen son Daniel, Daniel’s wife Jennie, and their daughter Laina. Masking and social distancing are observed except while eating or taking photos!

James Keiser C’63 on his deck in Orion Township, Michigan.

James worked for DuPont for 37.5 years before retiring in 2003.

Greetings from Lynn Towner C’64 of Anchorage, Alaska.

Dr. Stuart R. Kortebein A’50 of Grand Rapids, Mich. returned to campus for a visit in 2018, pictured here with former Student Government President, Angela Nevoso C’18.

George Lundberg C’50 sheltered in place in Los Gatos, California.

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Rev. Dale W. Sandberg S’56 turned 90 years old on March 1, 2020.

Greetings from Robert Burgen C’59 of Banning, California.

NORTH SUMMER PARKER 2020

Thomas Street C’64 and wife Carol spend their free time hiking Catalina Island.

ALUMNI ACROSS NEWSCAMPUS AND NOTES

Greetings from Dan Johnson C’68 and Ruth (Hansen) Johnson C’67 of Salem, Oregon in their new North Park attire.

Janet (Madary) Ma’ly A’68 was surprised with a socially distanced visit, gift bag, and a lovely hydrangea plant on Mother’s Day by her son and his family.

1970s

Dr. Marvin V. Curtis C’72 completed his 12th year as Dean of Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts at Indiana University- South Bend and retired on June 30, 2020. Under his leadership, The Raclin School of the Arts grew in size and influence in the region. In his career, Dr. Curtis taught public school music and served on faculties of California State University: Stanislaus, Virginia Union University, Lane College, and Fayetteville State University in North Carolina. He has been a church musician for over 50 years and presently serves as Director of Music at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in South Bend. He is currently the conductor of The Symphonic Choir of South Bend (celebrating their 50th year), a community choir that performed a 90-minute concert at The White House on December 21, 2009 and in two concert appearances at Carnegie Hall.

He has written music for the documentary A Road to Hope and co-wrote music for the recent theatrical production A Place to be Somebody: The Story of Charles Gordone with Delshawn Taylor as part of the Bicentennial Celebration of Indiana. Dr. Curtis was the first African-American composer commissioned to write a choral work for a Presidential Inauguration. Premiered at President Clinton’s 1993 Inauguration, The City on the Hill was performed by The Philander Smith Collegiate Choir of Little Rock, Ark. and The United States Marine Band. He has numerous other commissions from colleges and churches including the 125th anniversary of North Park University in 2016.

Greetings from the Larson Family; Ken Larson C ’73 S ’78, Laurie (Holst) Larson C ’78 and their family. Emily (Falk) Larson C ’01 and Ben Larson ‘02, Hilary (Larson) Applequist C ’96 and Greg Applequist C’96, and future North Park grads Brooke & Cameron Applequist and Elena, Anders, Clara & Sonia Larson.

Wesley Lindahl C’76, Professor of Nonprofit Management, spent his time in quarantine replacing a shed roof.

1980s

Roger Edgren A’72 C’76 and Mark Edgren C’07 enjoyed a motorcycle ride around Mt. Monadnock in June of 2020.

Greetings from Wendy (Johnson) Filip C’78 and Joe Filip of Woodridge, Ill.

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Just before the shutdown, James Egelston C’83 and his wife, Ping, were able to enjoy another North Park Alumni event by attending a Cubs spring training game in Mesa, Ariz. During

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ALUMNI ACROSS NEWS CAMPUS AND NOTES

the shutdown, James became interested in genealogy and family history. He has also been focusing on his new business, Baseline Investigations (Baseline-Investigations.com).

Dr. Scott Erickson C’89 S’93 is the head of a private school in Menlo Park, Calif. (www.phillipsbrooks. org). The school was among the first to close in the US and has been doing online learning since March 12.

On June 4, Dr. Erickson’s school had a special end-of-year Car Parade for all students and parents to drive to campus and wave goodbye to their beloved teachers. One of the families took this picture of Dr. Erickson, reminding him what he loves about his work, the foundation of which was built at North Park.

Every day at 4 p.m., Chaplain Greg Asimakoupoulos S’83 dresses as Mickey Mouse and leads a parade at Covenant Living at the Shores in Mercer Island, Wash.

Greg and the staff at this Covenant Living campus walk down Main Street waving to the quarantined residents who step out on their balconies to wave back.

1990s

Greetings from the Ramgren family! Pictured left to right: Jorie (Ramgren) Judisch C’94, Tim Ramgren C’93, Jeannine (Ramgren) Holte C’91, and Carl Ramgren C’63 S’69.

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Class of ’95 Zoom Meetup Clockwise from upper left: Angie (Tungseth) Siwek, Stephanie (Eitreim) Bowron, Mary (Stacy) Joing, Kirsten (Sjoberg) Ryding, Jenny (Robinett) Hokanson and Amy Eikenbary-Barber. The group has been traveling together on annual bike trips since shortly after graduation and used this opportunity to “get together” even more often. Not pictured, but usual participants, include Stephanie (Gottschalk) Bergh and Sonja (Lindquist) Krasean.

2000s

multinational treaties, English common law and public international law.

Stacy (Albrecht) Roth C’00 and her family enjoy time together at the beach.

Elizabeth (Mirza) Al-Dajani C’02 is a 2002 recipient of a Rising Stars award by the Armenian Bar Association and a partner of Kerkonian Dajani LLC based in Illinois where she specializes in litigation and works on a range of issues involving civil and criminal appeals and Middle East business transactions. In total, she has been involved in over 100 appeals as an attorney and a clerk and her commitment to public interest work is demonstrated most recently in the 2019 filing of Ghazarian v. the Republic of Turkey.

Ms. Al-Dajani serves as an Adjunct Professor at The John Marshall Law School, as the Treasurer of the Armenian Bar Association and on the Judicial Evaluation Committee of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois.

Ms. Al-Dajani is published on a range of legal issues including intellectual property rights in the Arab Middle East and House of Lords judicial panel decisions interpreting several

NORTH SUMMER PARKER 2020

Hannah Ruth Hall was born on August 15, 2018, to Chris Hall C’04 and Rachel (Johnson) Hall C’04. The Hall family reside in Raleigh, N.C., with big brother Jordan.

Michael Pappas C’05 and spouse welcomed new addition C.J. to the family in late January 2019. C.J. is actively crawling, enjoys his toys and likes to interact with the cat.

Maisie Robinson (age 5) and Grant Robinson (age 2), children of John Robinson C’04 and Lindsey Post Robinson C’05, pose for a front porch family photo session. Photos taken by fellow alum Leah Emerson C’18.

ALUMNI ACROSS NEWSCAMPUS AND NOTES

A group of alumni from the mid-2000’s gathered in Palm Springs, Calif. for a girl’s trip this February. The group included Zoe (Zehner) Back C’06, Kate (Anderson) Reilly C’06, Rosamond (Fields) Smith C’06, Jennifer (Myles) Kern C’06, Lindsay (Kooy) Dillon, Christina (Koning) Kempe C’06, and Betsy Hobbs C’06.

Austin Channing Brown C’06 has become a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author with her first book, “I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness”, released in May 2018.

“I’m Still Here” has received acclaim from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and such leading voices as Glennon Doyle, Lecrae, and Christina Cleveland. It has been featured in On Being, The Chicago Tribune, Popsugar, The Religion News Service, and more. Austin is also a public speaker and the executive producer of The Next Question: A Web Series Imagining How Expansive Racial Justice Can Be. austinchanning.com/the-book Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon S’06 is the executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace. She is an author, speaker, and advocate who cares deeply about God’s heart for the poor and the oppressed. In Cannon’s most recent book “Beyond Hashtag Activism: Comprehensive Justice in a Complicated Age” she reminds us that God calls the church to respond substantively to the needs of the poor, the realities of racial inequity, and the mistreatment of women and the marginalized.

Sonia Lizardo C’07 and Janell (Rogers) Wells C’07 spent their first socially-distant outing after three months at home walking around North Park’s campus. It was Janell’s first time on campus since graduation 13 years ago. The friends caught up on life and laughed until hearts were full from reminiscing about past time together. They stopped for a quick snapshot at Ohlson House where they served as Resident Assistants during their junior year.

Dr. Stina (Peterson) Dufour C’08 received her Doctorate of Education, Higher Education Administration from New York University in May 2020.

Her dissertation research focused on longterm development of alumni from North Park’s exchange program with Södra Vätterbygdens Folkhögskola spanning 1976 to 2018.

Many thanks to the fellow alumni who participated to make this long-term study possible. Stina presented her findings at the NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

Paula (Swanson) Kay C’08 works as an Emergency Department nurse at Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, Ill. When she’s not working, she is home with her three kids, Carter, Samantha and Mason, who are quarantined and doing daily e-learning.

Chuck Vetter C’08 graduated in May 2020 with a M.A. in military operations from the School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. Vetter has served 10 years as a State Department Foreign Service Officer, working overseas in Georgia, Mexico, and

SUMMER 2020

Moldova before going back to school. At graduation, Vetter received the Simons Center for Interagency Cooperation award for best monograph. Vetter and his wife, Yazmin, returned to Washington D.C. in June for their next assignment.

Jillian Rosich Kendrick C’08 and husband Michael Kendrick welcomed baby boy Nathan on March 10, 2020.

Charles “Charlie” Peter Fredrik Larson-Strobel was born on September 4, 2019 in Seattle, Washington to Brent Strobel C’09 S’15 and Eva Larson C’12. He joins his proud big brother Jack. Eva owns an event planning business in Seattle called Gather and Cheer.

Brent is a history teacher at The Bear Creek School in Redmond, Wash.

2010s Hazel Peterson McCutchen was born to Britta Peterson-McCutchen C’10 and Jared McCutchen.

The proud grandparents are Vicki (Brundine)Peterson C’79 and Robert H. Peterson C’80.

Christine (Wahlskog) Wallace C’10 is a 7th and 8th grade U.S. History teacher and school reading specialist at a small school in Northern Wisconsin.

Christine has spent the last several months teaching from home full time while also taking care of her four kids, Henry and Kate (age 1), Parker (age 4), and Ruby (age 6), and helping Ruby through home-learning kindergarten. Christine often sat in her yard to give students feedback while watching her kids play, and used nap times to video conference with students.

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ALUMNI ACROSS NEWS CAMPUS AND NOTES

Everly (Ban) Torres C’13 and husband Amal Torres C’14 are expecting their second baby boy!

Kevin Vetvick and Lindsey (Smit) Vetvick C’10 were married on July 5, 2019 in Tulum, Mexico. Many generations of North Park Alumni were in attendance to join in the celebration of their marriage. Kevin’s father, Doug Vetvick C’78, officiated their wedding.

Other alumni included in the ceremony and bridal party were Nina (Pedersen) Bynes C’10, Marie (Robinson) Carlson C’07, Kristin Englund C’10, Marilee (Hanstad) Erickson C’82, John Robinson C’04, Kari Sager C’10, Becky (Hanstad) Vetvick C’79, Brittany (Brodin) Vetvick, and Brent Vetvick. The couple lives in the Budlong Woods neighborhood of Chicago.

Kevin works at Northwestern University Hospital in the Information Services Department, and Lindsey is the Robotics Program Director and Physics teacher at Lane Tech College Prep.

Greetings from Tina Mary Matthew C’12 and her family of Lincolnwood, Illinois.

Former roommates Holly (Melgren) Williams C’12 and Rebekah Lindberg C’12 met up via Zoom. Rebecca resides in Seattle/ Chicago and Holly in rural Alaska, so video chat is their regular way to keep in touch.

Katelyn (Anderson) Beyer C’13 and Nick Beyer welcomed their firstborn son, Malcolm Anders Beyer on May 7th at 3:39 p.m. He has been their greatest blessing during this difficult season of life!

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Liz Jackson Hearns and Alexandra Plattos Sulack, both 2014 Masters of Music in Vocal Performance graduates and co-founders of The Voice Lab, have a Zoom planning meeting together. The Voice Lab is a multi-teacher music studio which offers high-quality singing lessons, piano lessons, guitar lessons, and voice services for the trans and non-binary community online and in-person (pre COVID). With 16 teachers, including one additional NPU alumni, Onella Piyatilake C’16, they teach about 200 students a week and moved their entire studio temporarily online in March with much success.

Ashley Rewolinski C’14 has been selected as a Music Library Fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center, a fellowship program for emerging professionals with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Since graduating in 2014, Ashley has embarked on a unique music career combining elements of performance and arts administration. While maintaining a full performance calendar as a violinist, she works as Personnel Manager for three orchestras in Southeastern Wisconsin, Music Librarian for the Wisconsin Philharmonic, and is conductor of the orchestra at the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

Former North Park roommates and friends Rachel Berlinski C’16, Erica Cordes C’17, Rosemary Leach C’16, and Chloe Huebner C’17 join for a video call.

NORTH SUMMER PARKER 2020

Kimberly Villota C’17 has been working remotely since March as the Sr. Administrator for the Office of Research and Compliance at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital.

Lisa Ballantine C’19 recently accepted a position at St. Matthew’s House in Naples, Fla. where she will be working as the Major Gifts Officer. The skills that Lisa learned at North Park were specifically helpful in her new position and she is excited to see her professional career advance.

Matthew Liloc C’19 and his son, Carson Troy, spent time outside enjoying the sun.

Hannah Prevost-Schultz C’09 G’18, Charlotte Manning C’17, Ben Poor C’14, and Kait (Scott) Sager C’14 served as panelists on the first virtual alumni panel for the North Park University Class of 2020.

Life after North Park: GOLD Alumni Panel received questions from attendees in advance and discussed issues facing North Park’s newest alumni, like job searching, networking, going to graduate school, and how to leverage the alumni network. The recording of this panel is available to watch here.

A North Park Reunion in Soldotna, Alaska included Keith Hamilton, North Park Trustee, and several North Park alumni and students, Brad Hamilton, Megan Hamilton, Alex Tsakos C’20, Maggie Johnson C’20, Joel Beyar, and Tori Shi.

ALUMNI ACROSS NEWSCAMPUS AND NOTES

In Memoriam Lydia Pohl Veazie C’38, passed away at home on October 14, 2019, at the age of 101. Lydia was born in Youngstown, Ohio on March 14, 1918. She was the fourth of six children of Titus Nathaniel Pohl and Ellen Theolinda Svensson. Lydia married Boardman Veazie in 1947, and they had two children: Steven Andrew Veazie and Eric William Veazie. Lydia and Boardman resided in Clarendon Hills for more than 50 years.

In addition to her responsibilities as a wife and mother, Lydia was a classically trained singer and devoted many years to teaching, performance and directing choirs. After Boardman’s passing in 2008, Lydia enjoyed living in the Windsor Retirement Community in Carol Stream for another decade. Surviving Lydia are sons Steven and Eric; two stepchildren, Alan Veazie and Karen Stephen; plus many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

the University of Minnesota on an ROTC scholarship. Gladys worked as the secretary for the Vice President of UMinn until Gordon finished school.

Gordon graduated in 1946 and set up his practice in Dassel, where his parents and several of his siblings lived. In 1952, he was recalled to active duty and served as Dental Officer at Air Force bases in Columbus, Ind. and Milwaukee, Wis. Upon release from active duty in 1954, Gordon, Gladys, and their three children would return to Dassel, where their fourth child was born. Gordon continued his dental practice in Dassel until he retired in 1984. Gordon and Gladys would remain in Dassel until moving to the Covenant Village in Golden Valley, Minn. in 2000.

The Dassel years were focused on family, faith and service. Dassel Evangelical Covenant Church was a constant in their lives. Gordon spent years on various local and denominational boards, including the Evangelical Covenant Church of America Executive Board and the North Park College Board. Gladys, whose father Gunnar Forsberg was a Covenant pastor, was a mainstay in the Dassel church and served in leadership positions as well. Professionally, Gordon had a thriving practice and over the years

volunteered for 10 dental mission trips to Haiti (five), Guatemala (two), and one each to Peru, Ghana, Africa, and the Middle East.

Gladys accompanied him on several of these trips. Gordon’s service to the dental profession was recognized in 1979 by his election to and induction in the International College of Dentists, an organization which recognizes dental professionals for conspicuous and meritorious service to the dental profession.

Gordon and Gladys loved learning about their Swedish heritage (his parents and five older siblings were immigrants, as was Gladys’ father). They made 15 trips to Sweden, including trips with each of their four children, and often traveled with siblings and/or nephews and nieces. Exploring family history by walking the grounds of their ancestors, seeing family landmarks, and spending time with Swedish relatives was so important to them.

Gordon was preceded in death by Gladys (December 30, 2018), his parents; and nine siblings. Gladys was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers. They are survived by their four children: Trudy (Leonard); Dennis (Kathleen); Susan C Behnke ‘73 (Glenn Behnke C’71); and Jennifer Bengtson C’77 (Michael); eight grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren.

Lydia Pohl Veazie C’38

Dr. Gordon A. Bengtson C’43 Dr. Gordon A. Bengtson C’43 passed away on May 19, 2020. He was born in Kandiohi, Minn., on October 28, 1922 and moved with his parents and nine siblings to Dassel, Minn. Those were tough years for the country, but Gordon had a happy childhood in a wonderful, loving family. He graduated from Dassel High School and enrolled at North Park College in 1941.

In the fall of 1942, he met the love of his life, fellow student Gladys Forsberg C’44 from Sioux City, Iowa. They would marry on August 27, 1944 after her graduation from North Park College and completion of Gordon’s first year of Dental School at

NORTH SUMMER PARKER 2020

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ALUMNI ACROSS NEWS CAMPUS AND NOTES

Sue Grandson A’50 Sue Grandson A’50, 87, native of Chicago, passed away peacefully June 2, 2020 in Tarpon Springs, Fla. Beloved sister of Ann (the late James) Jardine; daughter of the late Ruby “Mitzie” Guinevere (Nicholas;) Koliba (nee Bjork); and Clarence M. Grandson. She will be remembered by her six nieces and nephews as a devoted and fun aunt. After attending Northwestern University, where she was in a sorority, and graduating from North Park College, Sue taught elementary Phys. Ed. and worked as a secretary before moving to Florida to care for her mother.

Robert “Bob” Thornbloom C’60 Robert “Bob” Thornbloom C’60, passed away at the age of 82. Bob was a co-recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award with his late wife and fellow North Park alum, Janet (Strom) Thornbloom A’56 C’60 in 2010.

Born in the Congo to Covenant missionaries who were among the first to serve there,

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Bob’s first learned language was the language Ngbaka, spoken by the Ngbaka tribe with whom his family worked. As a young man in the Congo, Bob had an arrangement with North Park Academy, from which he graduated in 1958. “North Park offered to arrange a syllabus for me to study via correspondence courses,” Bob recalled for the North Parker magazine in 2010, “which meant sending courses in for grading via boat mail – a process that could take a minimum of three months before I saw the graded coursework returned to me.” He moved to the United States to attend North Park Junior College, and married Jan (a member of North Park’s first four-year class) after they both graduated in 1960. Bob completed studies at Le Tourneau University in Texas, earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1962, and then returned to the Congo with Jan in 1963, where he served as a mechanical engineer.

For the next 44 years, the Thornblooms both devoted their time and energy to the people of Congo. Bob focused on technical and rural development, including the design and building of several dams that have benefitted agriculture and the hospital at Karawa, including by providing hydroelectricity and clean water. He also built airstrips that allowed medicines and other supplies to be flown into the areas. Through the many technical services he provided through the years, Bob fostered economic security in the community.

Meanwhile, Jan poured her energy into numerous projects surrounding women’s literacy and rural development, offering courses on health, computers and accounting – which included teaching local women to read and write. Among their many dedicated actions as a couple were, in 1994, to work with World Relief International to help unaccompanied orphans fleeing into Congo during the Rwandan refugee crisis. At a retirement ceremony during the Annual Meeting of the Evangelical Covenant Church in 2007, the couple received several standing ovations, a testimony to their “lives of significance and service” together. Bob is survived by his children, Beverly (Thornbloom) Hawkins (John), Mark Thornbloom C’85 (Dena C’89), and Twyla (Thornbloom) Becker C’88 (Chris C’87) and grandchildren.

NORTH SUMMER PARKER 2020

Randall H. “Randy” Johnson C’61 Randall H. “Randy” Johnson C’61 passed away on June 19, 2019. Randy and his wife Judy (Gotberg) Johnson C’63 have been faithful supporters of North Park, often in attendance at special events on campus.

Randy’s brother G. Timothy Johnson C’56 S’63 and sister-in-law Nancy, and Randy and Judy’s sons, Mark (Jodi) Johnson C’92 and Peter C’88 (Julie (Nilsen) C’93) and three grandchildren Seth, Luke and Sofia Johnson, are part of the rich legacy of their family’s involvement at North Park throughout many years. For the last several years, Randy has served in a vital leadership role on the President’s Club Executive Committee, helping to raise support for student scholarships through the North Park Fund.

Reflecting on Randy’s service to North Park, President Mary K. Surridge shared, “No finer volunteer leader for North Park University advancement efforts, have we ever known. Randy was a champion for the President’s Club giving effort and served as co-chair of the President’s Club Committee along with Mel Soderstrom in recent years.

A positive and encouraging leader, Randy will always be remembered with joy and our deep appreciation.”

The extended Johnson family pictured together at the dedication of the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life.

ALUMNI ACROSS NEWSCAMPUS AND NOTES

Vern Bengtson C’63 USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology Professor Vern Bengtson C’63, a social psychologist known for his work on intergenerational relations, passed away on November 8, 2019. He was 78 years old.

Bengtson, who also served as a research professor at the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work and a senior scientist with the USC Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging, originated the Longitudinal Study of Generations, an exploration of family dynamics that tracked up to four successive generations of California families for nearly 50 years. The study yielded rich insights about aging, conflict, values, faith and spirituality.

Born in 1941 in Lindsborg, Kan., to a devoutly religious Evangelical Christian family, Bengtson earned his bachelor of arts degree from North Park College. He completed a master’s degree and PhD in human development and social psychology at the University of Chicago, earning his doctorate in 1967.

Bengtson was the former holder of the AARP University Chair in Gerontology. He also held a joint appointment in the sociology department of the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Known for his theories on aging course and for a love of teaching and mentoring, Bengtson taught at USC for more than 40 years and was an admired lecturer, earning three major awards for teaching from the Dornsife College and

chairing 34 dissertations.

He was the author of more than 260 articles and 19 books on gerontology, theories of aging, sociology of aging and family sociology. His recent book, “Families and Faith: How Religion Is Passed Down Across Generations,” surveyed the religious beliefs and spirituality of multiple generations of more than 350 families.

Bengtson was a past president of the Gerontological Society of America, which recognized his research and teaching excellence with its Robert W. Kleemeier Award and a Distinguished Mentor Award. He also received two MERIT awards for research from the National Institute on Aging. Additional honors and awards include the Distinguished Scholar Award from the American Sociological Association’s Section on Aging and the Life Course, the Ernest W. Burgess Distinguished Career Award from the National Council on Family Relations, and the Reuben Hill Award from the National Council of Family Relations.

Bengtson was preceded in death by his daughter Julie Bengtson Gregory (Michael). He is survived by his wife Hannah Gruhn-Bengtson; his daughters Erin Stephens (Alex) and Kristina Bryte; and four grandchildren.

Dennis Ginosi A’63 Dennis Ginosi A’63, age 74, died May 2, 2020 at his home in Chicago of pulmonary fibrosis. Dennis grew up on Chicago’s North Side and studied English literature and philosophy. He went on to work at the Chicago Tribune after graduation until 1990. Dennis and Kathleen Prendergast, whom he married in 2017, lived in Costa Rica and southern France before returning to Chicago.

The couple worked together closely on special projects, with Kathleen writing and Dennis editing a series about anti-gentrification movements in Chicago neighborhoods, which won the national Heywood Broun Award in 1988. Dennis is survived by a sister, Marilyn Payton A’59, and many nieces and nephews.

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Daniel W. Tepke C’70 Daniel W. Tepke C’70 passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2019, at Swedish Hospital in Chicago. A longtime champion and leader for North Park, Dan served with distinction in a variety of leadership roles for our university after a long and successful career in business and executive management.

As Senior Vice President for North Park University from 2004-2010, Dan provided leadership and mentoring for several highly productive teams, including Admissions (Undergraduate, Graduate, Adult Learning, and Seminary), Financial Aid, Athletics, Marketing and Communications, University Ministries, Advancement and Alumni Relations. Dan’s legacy was marked by increased recruitment outcomes across all levels that resulted in the highest measures of enrollment in institutional history; undergraduate enrollment growth of 34.9%; increased net revenue of 58.7%; and substantially improved athletic recruitment. Dan’s personal commitment and experience as a North Park student athlete (football and baseball) also guided his creative leadership in establishing support networks for the student athletes of today through groups like the Diamond Club and Heavy Lifters.

Additionally, from 2004-2006 Dan Tepke (along with Carl Balsam and Jay Phelan) very capably led the university as part of a three-person Office of the President for a 19-month period during a presidential search.

Finally, Dan assisted in the development

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and implementation of a leadership council composed of volunteers who partnered with the University President to advance the mission, identity and place of the University in the Chicago community.

Prior to his leadership at North Park, Dan served the University of Chicago for more than a decade as Associate Dean of Management and Budget, followed by nearly 10 years as Chief Operating Officer for Golden Rule Insurance in Indianapolis, Ind. Dan Tepke will be remembered as one of the most positive, loyal and productive leaders North Park has ever known. Sharing his wealth of professional knowledge and experience, Dan was always thinking of creative ways to strategically advance our mission. He was a true servant leader. His faith and family always came first, and his love of North Park was evident to all.

Dan and his wife Candi (Balch) A’68 C’72 have two daughters, Jennifer Dunn (John) and Julie (Tepke) Gurgone C’05 S’07 (Mark), along with five grandchildren.

The Tepkes have been active members of Edgebrook Covenant Church since 2004.

developed the preschool and kindergarten program at Union Ridge School in Harwood Heights, Ill., where she worked for 25 years. In later years, she was also an adjunct professor of education at North Park and a volunteer tutor at Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook. She enjoyed connecting with and helping children grow in their education.

The Clausen family are beloved members of Winnetka Covenant Church, where Mary Kay and Bob served for many years as youth group leaders. Mary Kay was also Sunday School Superintendent for a time.

As is the case with many of us, Mary Kay’s life was a series of joyous highs and painful lows. At the time of her passing, she was strong and happy, finding personal motivation with daily meditations and a dedication to a healthy life. She was preceded in death by her brother, Mark, and is survived by her parents and family, including beloved grandchildren Kenley Ziemann and Oliver Webb.

Mary Kay (Dahlberg) Clausen C’81 Mary Kay (Dahlberg) Clausen C’81 died July 1, 2020 from cardiac arrest. She was 61. Mary Kay was born May 14, 1959, in Minneapolis, Minn., to her loving parents Rev. David and Carol Dahlberg. She grew up in Attleboro, Mass., and later enrolled at North Park College, earning a degree in Spanish in 1981. Further studies at Northeastern Illinois University led to a master’s degree in Special Education.

It was at North Park that Mary Kay met her husband, Bob Clausen C’79 G’93. They were married June 6, 1981 in Jamestown, New York, and settled in the North Park neighborhood for a few years before moving north to the suburb of Northfield. It was here that Bob and Kay welcomed daughters Jaime in 1985 and Julia and Jenna in 1989.

With energy and enthusiasm, Mary Kay

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Mark Dahlberg C’82 Mark Dahlberg C’82, age 59, of Fort Myers, Fla. passed away suddenly on Nov. 4, 2019.

Mark was a tireless golden retriever advocate and international golden rescue coordinator who served both Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida and his own newly founded group, Save A Golden Abroad (SAGA), with his wife, Mary Beth.

Mark was one of those bigger than life people who never sat still. His dedication to rescue work knew no bounds. Over the past decade, hundreds of dogs benefited from

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Mark’s kindness. His death is a huge loss to the rescue community.

He leaves a wife, Mary Beth; two Goldens, Sammy and Sadie; his parents, Rev. David S. Dahlberg C’51 S’56 and Carol Dahlberg; brother-in-law Bob Clausen C’79 G’93, nieces, many cousins, and legions of friends all across the world. He was followed in death by his sister, Mary Kay (Dahlberg) Clausen C’81.

Dr. Sandra Sue Horner Dr. Sandra Sue Horner passed away on Good Friday morning April 10, 2020, in Boston, Mass. Dr. Horner, 72, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in late February 2019 and died peacefully, with her husband Dr. David G. Horner at her side.

Sue arrived at North Park in 1987 when David assumed the presidency of then North Park College. The 17-and-a-half- year period of transformation for our institution during the Horner years will be forever marked by the broad intellectual, educational, and relational influence of this profound couple.

From 1988 to 2001, Sue served as Associate Professor of Women’s Studies at North Park and had a significant and lasting impact on the lives of her students. Her focus on intellectual growth and personal development of students made her a remarkable professor and mentor. Her particular interest and encouragement of women in scholarship and leadership ignited conversation and action in curriculum development and student awareness that changed the university and the lives of those in her sphere.

Sue was deeply devoted to experiential learning in international opportunities and spent significant time and energy in leading student groups in these opportunities. She led a study abroad experience to SVF, North Park’s partner institution in Jönköping, Sweden, acting as Scholar/Advisor-in-Residence for our student cohort there from August 1992 through February 1993. Additionally,

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she co-led North Park University’s studyabroad to South Africa with Professor Haddon Klingberg in January 1994, prior to the fall of apartheid.

Students who worked and studied with Dr. Sue Horner forever voice their profound appreciation for her presence in their lives, expressing the fact that they were forever changed by the challenge, encouragement, support, and affirmation they received for their intellectual gifts and personal identities.

The Drs. Horner have two children, both graduates of North Park – Marc Horner C’92 (Christine (McCarrell) C’91) and Shanna Horner O’Hea C’92 (Brian) along with four grandchildren; Haley, Garrett, Grant, and Addison. Marc and Chris are both members of the North Park University Viking Hall of Fame. In September 2019, Shanna was the recipient of North Park University’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

In 2003, with the O’Heas, Sue and David became co-owners of The Kennebunk Inn, located in their beloved state of Maine.

The Inn (and accompanying restaurant, Academe) reflect a devotion to themes of teaching and learning, and have built a reputation around culinary passion, creativity, and excellence that Shanna and Brian provide as co-owners and chefs.

Following their service and leadership to North Park, the Horners moved to Athens, Greece, where Dr. David G. Horner was appointed President of The American College of Greece, in 2008. Sue was named Scholar in Residence in Gender Studies and Religion and has had a profound and lasting impact on that remarkable institution in her roles as both an academic and as presidential spouse.

In recent years, the Horners were gracious to return to North Park for participation in milestone celebrations including the University’s 125th Anniversary, and most recently the February 2019 Presidential Inauguration, where David shared inspiring remarks of introduction and Sue led the Inauguration Academic Processional, representing her alma mater and the nation’s oldest institution of higher education, Harvard University.

Gail A. Dahlstrom Gail A. Dahlstrom, 66, passed away peacefully with her husband and son by her side on February 4, 2020 after a year and a half battle with Glioblastoma brain cancer. She was born July 22, 1953 in Chicago, Ill. to Carl and Jeanette Westberg. She married Karl J. Dahlstrom A’68 C’72 on May 7, 1977 in Chicago, Ill. before they moved out east and lived in Etna, N.H. for 30 years. Gail was a Senior Healthcare Consultant at HDR in downtown Chicago, and she and Karl lived in the Bucktown neighborhood starting in 2015. Her son Lukas Dahlstrom C’10, his wife Maria (Cathcart) C’09, and their daughters live nearby.

Gail spent her professional life committed to healthcare management and quality facilities planning. Her longest tenure was with the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center where she most notably was the “Move Activation Coordinator” when the hospital moved up the hill to Lebanon. Her last position was Vice President of Facilities Operations, a testament not only to her competence, but also to how well she could navigate a field long dominated by men. Gail also had a short period of work in Boston, Mass. as the Executive Director of The Quality Management Network at the IHI. And her last role was with HDR Consulting Group in Chicago as a Senior Healthcare Consultant. She was highly regarded for her attention to detail, vision, group communication skills, and most importantly her loving care for her coworkers and all the patients they served.

Outside of that work, Gail was spending a lot of time contributing these skills and her care to two organizations she loved.

One, her church, New Community in Logan

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Square where she volunteered on the Building Committee and served regularly, and second at North Park University, where she was an active member of the Board of Trustees. Gail was a percussionist in high school, where she specialized in the xylophone, and continued to listen to a lot of brass and jazz as her disease disrupted her life more and more. Gail and her husband Karl were a regular tennis doubles team and Gail had a well-respected crosscourt forehand, but in the last seven years, she could mostly be found taking long swims in Iron River, Mich. at the family’s cabin during her leisure time.

Wanda Hollensteiner A’50 Wanda Mary (Peterson) Hollensteiner A’50 passed peacefully at home in Rollins, Mont. surrounded by her loving family and devoted dog, Mox IV, on May 31, 2020. Though very physically limited by Parkinson’s Disease, she lived an extraordinary and adventurous life until the very end, arriving in Rollins from Chicago via her first RV trip just two days earlier. Wanda was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease 17 years ago and despite burdensome physical challenges, she was an inspiration to all as she continued to laugh, never complained, and lived for the next fun adventure.

Wanda was born to Alf Victor and Mary Wanda Peterson in Chicago on June 9, 1932 during the Great Depression. Her list of many accomplishments began at two years of age when she was voted the “World’s Most Beautiful Baby” at the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1934. She was baptized at the Fourth Congregational Church in Chicago and her faith always remained important to her.

Wanda attended Beloit College in Beloit, Wis. and double majored in psychology and art. In 2009, the Wanda Peterson Hollensteiner Art Gallery was founded at her alma mater to renovate the museum and to fund

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ongoing restoration of significant works of art. Wanda and her college girlfriends founded the Beloit Bridge Club (aka BBC), and while they never played bridge, they met regularly and shared a lifelong friendship.

In her early twenties, the adventurous Wanda went to Germany for two and a half years to work for the U.S. Army Special Services. Based primarily out of Amberg, she was the highest-ranking female officer at the Service Club where her job was to provide entertainment and cultural tours for off-duty soldiers.

After Europe, she returned to Chicago and met Jim Hollensteiner A’49 at a reunion party for North Park Academy, where they both attended high school. They became engaged shortly thereafter and married six months later on December 6, 1958 at the Fourth Congregational Church.

Wanda became a mother to five children even as she continued with her own musical interests, teaching a myriad of students over thirty-five years. She was part of the leadership of the Northwest Music Teachers’ Association and the Chicago Lyric Opera.

She also played piano on a regular basis for patients in the Elgin State Mental Institution. In addition, she founded and led the Honey Lake 4-H Club in Barrington, Ill. During her lifetime, Wanda visited over 60 countries. She once took three of her children – ages one, three, and five – and her disabled mother on a four-month tour of Western Europe. As a “People-to-People” Ambassador for piano teachers, she traveled to Russia and Eastern Europe. She also had many adventures with her family to Africa, South America, and Europe.

She was an organizer, contributor, and promoter of the James & Wanda Hollensteiner Foundation, which supports approximately 35 organizations annually in Northwest Montana as well as a number of other charities across the country.

Wanda enjoyed spending her summers with family at their home in Rollins where she loved tending to her garden, boating, and waterskiing on Flathead Lake. Glacier Park was a favorite place of hers to hike and look at wildflowers.

Wanda is survived by Jim, her husband of 61 years; her five children Lisa, Jamie

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(Diane), Jena (Pend Armistead), John, and Andrew; her grandchildren Logan, Connor, Thomas, Andrew, Matthew, Walt, Will, and Anna; and step-grandchildren Scott and Sarah Armistead. The family is very grateful to her caregivers who cared for her so lovingly the last few years of her life.

Alice F. Iverson Alice F. Iverson, a longtime North Park faculty member, passed away on June 22, 2020 at the age of 96.

Alice was a lifetime Chicago resident, loving wife of the late Marvin; cherished mother of Carol Iverson (Hugh) Goodman C’76 and Keith (Patty) Iverson C’80; fond grandmother of Anna and Kerri Goodman, and Emily and Rachel Iverson. With a Masters in Mathematics from Northwestern, Alice provided 48 years of service to North Park University as a mathematics professor, and 31 years as mathematics department chair. She was the first woman to chair the Division of Science and Mathematics, and was the chairperson of the Committee to Introduce a Computer Science Major to North Park. Alice was never-wavering in her support for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

A lifetime learner, she spent many years exploring the United States with her family. She was a lover of religious history; always open to new ideas, approaches, and insights, on a factual level and a spiritual level, and was inclusive to her core. Alice spent many years of passionate service at Ravenswood Presbyterian, including as Clerk of the Session.

Annette DeSpain Miley Annette DeSpain Miley, 74, of Oak Park, Ill. died June 19, 2020 at her surrounded by family after a two-year battle with

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cancer.

She was born April 29, 1946 in Burlington, Iowa to Ralph and Maxine (McClure) DeSpain. She graduated from New London High School in 1964 and from Iowa Wesleyan College in 1968. She married Michael Miley in June of 1973, and they later divorced.

Annette was the director of Oak Leyden Developmental Services for mentally disabled adults in Oak Park, Ill. until 2001.

She then worked as the assistant financial aid director for North Park University until her retirement in 2018.

She was a former member of the New London Methodist Church, but most recently attended The Good Shepherd Church in Oak Park, Ill. Annette was known for her ability to get things done “yesterday.” She had a great love of comparison and bargain shopping which she declared was her hobby. “You need this; it’s a great deal,” was her slogan. “If one is good, you’d better get three.”

Annette was an avid Cubs and Bears fan but always remembered to watch the Iowa Hawkeyes as well. She knew all the Cubs players by name, and you’d think they were as close to her as her dearest friends.

Her kindness and concern for her family and friends was a special trait. If anyone needed anything, Annette was the first to step forward to help. Her longtime birthday club friends, former co-workers, and neighbors were her “surrogate sisters.” Her daily prayer list could rival that of the Pope and included all family and friends. She will be missed by all who knew her—a hole left in our hearts that can never be replaced.

Annette was preceded in death by her parents and one brother-in-law, Gerald Hopson.

She is survived by two sons: Jeffrey Miley (partner Lauren Reeves) of Chicago, Jason (Jessica) Miley and one very special granddaughter Cassandra of Downers Grove, Ill., two sisters, Sonja Hopson of New London, Iowa and Rita (Charles) Smith of Marshalltown, Iowa, one niece Jana (Chris) Madsen of Marion, Iowa, 4 nephews Kevin Hopson of Danville, Iowa, Kurt (Kelly) Hopson of New London, Iowa, Brad (Andrea) Smith of Ft. Collins, Colo., Greg (Traci) Smith of Urbandale, Iowa, many great nieces and nephews and cousins.

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Wilma Peterson Wilma Peterson was the youngest of five children born to a Swedish immigrant mother and a pioneer father. She was born March 3, 1921 in a log house on the family farm, located two miles south of the village of Norquay, Saskatchewan. Her mother, Maria Kennicke, left Oland, Sweden as a young woman and worked as a maid and nanny in Rockford, Ill. until her marriage.

Wilma’s father, Joseph, was born in Kansas to Swedish immigrants. As a young pioneer, he moved to Canada motivated by the offer of “grant” land, a homestead. Wilma and her siblings grew up in a bilingual home with parents of deep Christian faith. Except for a three-and-a-half-year period of time when the family lived in Kansas, Wilma was educated in the Saskatchewan school system.

Classes were small and Wilma was one of five students in her high school graduating class. She and a classmate were the two first graduates from the district to go on to university.

Wilma enrolled in nursing at the University of Saskatchewan. Early university nursing programs were five years in length.

Graduates earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University and a diploma from the Hospital School of Nursing that had provided the clinical practice. These baccalaureate-prepared nurses were sought after to fill faculty positions in three-year diploma programs. Wilma graduated in May 1947 and began her teaching career in August.

After one year of teaching, Wilma was awarded one of four W.K.Kellogg Fellowships offered in Canada for the purpose of preparing faculty members to teach at the university level. This Fellowship enabled

Wilma to earn a master’s degree with a major in Nursing Education and a clinical minor in the Care of Children at Boston University. In order to develop specialized clinical skills in the care of children, Wilma worked as a staff nurse at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, advancing to a head nurse position and later was appointed to coordinate the Affiliate Nurse Program.

Wilma moved to Chicago, where she was employed at Swedish Hospital; first as a head nurse, then clinical instructor, and later as the Director of the Diploma Program in Nursing. Her next move took her the Pacific Northwest, where she was employed by the Washington State Health Department as a Nursing Consultant. After two years, she returned to teaching. She accepted a faculty position in maternal/child nursing at Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland, Wash. Wilma described this position as “some of the happiest years of teaching.” It motivated her to go back to graduate school to earn a PhD in Biology with an emphasis in Human Physiology and a minor in Clinical Nutrition at the University of Arizona. Wilma accepted an appointment as Associate Professor in the Family Nursing Department of the School of Nursing at Oregon Health Sciences University. Upon retirement, she was awarded Emeritus Professor status.

Wilma enjoyed retirement. She earned certification as a Master Gardener and served as a volunteer for the County Extension Agency for several years. She honed her gardening skills as she cared for her own yard and tended a vegetable plot in a Community Garden. Wilma served as the principal investigator of a funded research project to try to determine the role of a pet in visitation with homebound, mildly depressed elderly who were still able to live independently. She completed the requirements for certification as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman Investigator and served in this role for many years. She was committed to helping people in need in third-world countries and found an outlet for this service through Lutheran World Relief. Wilma enjoyed tutoring in the English Language Program at First Presbyterian Church as she established meaningful friendships with students from other countries. She was

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committed to her work as a serving deacon.

In addition to volunteer work, Wilma enjoyed traveling. She made two trips to the Scandinavian countries to learn as much as she could about her heritage, family history and genealogy.

Wilma valued and enrolled in many opportunities for lifelong learning offered by local churches and the community. She was never happier than when she was researching a topic of interest or learning a new hobby. She was a past member of Sigma Theta Tau and a reserve member of Delta Kappa Gamma.

Eldora Swedenburg Eldora Swedenburg died December 2, 2019 in Albuquerque, N.M. She was 99. Eldora was born on August 8, 1920, in Albert City, Iowa, to Emil and Nora (Gustafson) Wenell. She spent her early childhood in Albert City and in Turlock, Calif. She graduated from high school in Turlock, and attended Modesto (California) Junior College for one year, before entering a nursing program at Swedish Hospital in Chicago, Ill. She received her RN degree in 1944, the same year that she married the late Everett Swedenburg S’44, who had received his degree from North Park Theological Seminary.

For the next 37 years, Eldora worked as a homemaker raising three children; as a minister’s wife as Everett served 11 churches across the country; and part-time as a RN in various hospitals and doctors’ offices. She also made beautiful quilts, baby towels, bibs, and a host of small hand-sewn items. During this period of her life there were 26 moves to different houses.

After Everett’s retirement from the ministry in 1981, the couple lived in Mesa, Ariz., and eventually relocated to Albuquerque, N.M., and to the La Vida Llena Retirement Community. In 2007 Eldora and Everett celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.

Also during these years Eldora expanded her

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favorite sewing and quilt-making activities, continued to do part-time nursing work, and continued her commitment to her local churches and especially the churches’ women’s programs. At La Vida Llena she became active in various committees, and developed many deep and abiding friendships. She also enjoyed the arrival of four grandchildren and took delight in watching them grow. That same delight was experienced years later with the arrival of four great-grandchildren.

Eldora is survived by her son Paul (Nancy Gordon), her daughter Eunice (Gerhard Letzing), and her son Jon (ex-wife Julie Fuller).

She is also survived by four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Her brothers Vincent and Lawrence Wenell, and her sister Loretta Newman, all predeceased Eldora.

the lighter side, he appeared as singer-pianist in many restaurants and night clubs and performed the role of Mike in the Broadway musical “Oil City Symphony” at theatres in Chicago, Delaware, Florida, and New York.

He will forever be remembered for his kind and gentle nature, gracious and collegial spirit, and his exceptional gift as a pianist and vocal coach. George is survived by his siblings, Diane Tenegal, Michael Tenegal (the late Kathleen), Mari Ann Whooley (Bob), and Annette O’Keefe (Tom), as well as many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by Elaine Glynn.

George Tenegal George Tenegal passed away in his home on January 3, 2020 at the age of 71. George worked for North Park University just under 10 years as a collaborative pianist and diction instructor and was a trusted vocal coach to many undergraduate and graduate students.

George was a very gifted pianist who earned a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from DePaul University and Master of Music in Piano Performance from Villa Schifanoia, in Florence, Italy. He pursued additional graduate studies at the Hochschule für Musik, in Vienna, Austria and for many years, served on the faculty at DePaul University, as a vocal coach, applied piano, and diction instructor. He coached and accompanied in many of the most prestigious vocal studios in Chicago and Italy and was a prize winner in the IBLA International Piano Competition in Ragusa, Italy, in both the soloist and collaborative pianist categories.

George appeared as soloist with numerous orchestras and gave many solo and ensemble recitals both in the United States and in Europe, including appearances at Orchestra Hall at the Symphony Center and Ravinia Festival.

George was frequently heard on the “Live from Studio One” and Dame Myra Hess series on WFMT radio, where he recorded his solo debut CD “Romantic Russian Rarities.” On

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Rev. Cordy Tindell “C.T.” Vivian The Rev. Cordy Tindell “C.T.” Vivian, who received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from North Park in 2007 for his advancement of the Gospel as a leader during the Civil Rights Movement and beyond, passed away July 17 at the age of 95.

C.T. was an associate of Martin Luther King, Jr. who made national headlines by standing up to the sheriff of Selma, Ala., during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. More recently, he founded Churches Helping Churches, an organization that provided relief work for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Vivian promoted the cause of civil rights since he participated in his first sit-in demonstration in 1947 that successfully integrated Barton’s Cafeteria in Peoria, Ill. At the time, he was recreation director for the Carver Community Center in the city, his first job after graduating from Western

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Illinois University in Macomb.

In 1959, while studying for the ministry at American Baptist College in Nashville, Tenn. Vivian met Pastor James Lawson, who was teaching Mahatma Ghandhi’s nonviolent direct-action strategy to the Student Central Committee. Vivian and other students conducted a non-violent campaign that eventually led to 4,000 demonstrators marching on City Hall, where Mayor Ben West conceded that racial discrimination was morally wrong.

Many of the students became part of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. (SNCC). In 1961, Vivian was a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and participated in Freedom Rides, replacing injured members of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE).

Vivian was appointed to the executive staff of the SCLC in 1963 when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., named him national director of affiliates. Two years later, in an incident that would make national news, Vivian confronted Sheriff Jim Clark on the steps of the Selma Courthouse during a voter registration drive. After an impassioned speech by Vivian, Clark struck him on the mouth.

The assault was one of many televised outrages that generated support for passing the Voting Rights Act. However, Vivian also said the event reflected the personal impact of Gandhi and King’s philosophy of nonviolent direct action.

In 1969, Vivian wrote “Black Power and the American Myth,” an early influential book on the modern-day Civil Rights Movement. He also started the Vision program that helped send Alabama students to college, a program that later came to be known as Upward Bound. By 1979, Vivian had organized and was serving as chairman of the board of the National Anti-Klan Network, which later went by the name of the Center for Democratic Renewal. Vivian was also the founder of the Black Action Strategies and Information Center (BASIC), a workplace consultancy on race relations and multicultural training.

In 2013, Vivian received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, from President Barack Obama.

NORTH PARK FUND Annual Giving for Student Success

YOUR GIFT COUNTS—MORE THAN EVER. Your support of the North Park Fund is so vital, now more than ever.

You’ll make scholarships and much-needed financial assistance available to students who want to safely pursue a quality, faith-based education.

FINANCIAL AID FOR:

95 0/0

OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

78 /

00

OF SEMINARY STUDENTS

“

$13

MILLION MORE THAN IN ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AWARDED TO:

89 0/0

OF UNDERGRADUATES

74 0/0

OF SEMINARY STUDENTS

YOUR GIFT: MY LIFE GOAL. I really love being a North Parker, and I can’t wait to get back.

Things will be different, but we will all work to stay safe. You make it possible for me to still achieve my goal of a college degree, even during these difficult times. I am deeply grateful for your support.

”

CASSIE FAJARDO C’22

Biomedical Sciences Major

MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY. www.northpark.edu/give

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