�ʹڲ��

Spring 2025 Dean’s List

Kennedy Murphy — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 19:23:50 +0000

Congratulations to the students who made the spring 2025 dean’s list. Degree-seeking students with at least 12 semester credit hours at �ʹڲ�� and a GPA of 3.5 or higher are eligible for this honor.

Mary Abdal

Medima Abdimitalipova

Afra Abdul

Teejan Abdulrazzaq

Gabriela Abonce

Anjali Abraham

Selamawit Abraham

Thea Elisabeth Aedling Ring

Inaaya Afzal

Kiara Aguilos

Maya Ahlen

Iram Ahmad

Thomas Ainsworth

Kalehuakuponoikahuliau Akaka

Sueti Akter

Adel Al-Salem

Maya Alcantara

Victoria Alejandre

Ludvig Almborg

Ammar Alnatsheh

Angel Alvarado

Juritcy Alvarado

Osbeida Alvarez

Addison Alvis

Ahmed Alyasiry

Mary Amadon

Abigail Ames

Manuel Amezcua

Sharvee Amilhasan

Gabriela Anail

Sanah Ansari

Caleb Apodaca

Julia Appelhans

Maja Applequist

Reece Arakaki

Yenci Arroyo

Nicole Arsenis

Matthew Artajo

Diana Askharia

Isabellah Avila

Yasminn Avila

Temirlan Avtandilov

Joseph Ayala

Syed Azim

Thu Huong Bach

Hugo Backing

Cristian Bahena Filio

Daniel Baker

Eden Baker

Rebekah Baker

Stefania Balestra

Sebastian Ball

Kaiya Balovich

Alek Banklian

Teresa Barbera

Erika Barnes

Ruby Alexa Barrientos

Misheel Batnorov

Emilia Bauer

Langjaw Ting Bawm

Joshua Beail

Tynai Bekturov

Carson Belcher

Isac Bergdahl

Kajsa Ida Kristina Bergvall

Yatziri Bernal

Jan Biasbas

Mary Bibla

Erika Binkley

Fred Bjarelid Grip

Hannah Tuss Vilda Victoria Bjoerkegren

Feonagrace Bock

Jiliyn Boles

Mary Boles

Matthew Bonto

Angelica Borkeeiet

Liberty Borst

Danielle Boudakh

Caleb Boyd

Rebecca Brammer

Love Brandt

Alexandra Brito

Joshua Brito

Kendal Britton

Daniel Brooks

Cassidy Brown

Brennen Brownell

Skylar Bryl

Jonathan Buduan

Hoang Thien Phuc Bui

Xuan Tran Nha Bui

Katherine Buitron-Vera

Lily Bullard

Jetzabelle Bustos

Bogdan Buzdugan

Vicente Cabrera

Keila Caceres

Edward Cafferkey

Adrian Cales

Jasmine Camargo

Makenna Camper

Jesus Campos

Anna Canales

Thien Cat Tien Cao

Tuan Anh Cao

Katarina Svetlana Carlberg

Tilda Carlelycke

Maurice Carter

Juan Casas

Valery Castillo

Janet Castro

Tony Catanese

Micah Catron

Lindsay Cayanan

Lizandro Cazares Ayala

Nancy Cervantes

Annie Chaljub

Happy Dineshbhai Chaudhary

Maryam Chaudhary

Lalhnehpuia Chhakchhuak

Jenna Chiet

Holly Chleboun

Julia Chmura

Seila Cikmirovic

Eduardo Cirilo

Oliver Clemens

Isabelle Cobbley

Shamyia Collier

Adrian Collinsworth

Jovannie Colon

Christopher Comanescu

Nicolas Compisi

Ethan Condit

Olivia Converse

Jaliyah Conway

Aidan Cook

A’niya Cope

Citlali Cornelio

Kaitlyn Corona

Cristian Correa

Jaqiline Correa

Mariana Costa

Olivia Cox

Wrigley Crabtree

Amanda Cruz

Ashlee Cullishpuma

Reagan Dailey

Anton Dalang

Ngoc Dang

Miriam Dankha

Nicole Dankha

Karen Danquah

Andrew Daoud

Gewargis Darmo

Ella Darrow

Ridi Das

Michal Dejworek

Giovanni Del Carmen

Angel Delgado Meraz

Emmanuel Delgado

Isabella Delgado

Miguel Delgado

Aidan Delisi

Tyler Deloria

Chloe Delos Reyes

Tyler Dennis

Kelly Deterding

Yarilia Diaz Garcia

Kaly Diaz Malagon

Cristian Diaz-Santos

Cailix Dillon

Paraskeve Dimas

Alexander Divito

Quynh Do

Nguyen Anh Quan Doan

Kevin Doud

Aurora Drangevag

Calum Draper

Tracy Duong

Joshua Dyke

Anna Felicia Dyngeland-Sunden

Brenna Early

Matthew Eck

Osei Eghan

Bastian Eikeland

Victor Ekman

Arucia Elahi

Magrady Ellis

Adrian Ene

Braden Enomoto

Maryam Esho

Amaia Espelosin Larraya

Ricardo Esquivel

Paulette Esquivel-Ruiz

Mirihan Esquivias

Sofia Fadragas

Annika Failla

Habes Frank Fakhoury

Mia Falk

Ayomide Fasogbon

Amber Fellows

Zayith Fernandez

Rakel Ulrica Lara Fesse Viklund

Sebastian Figueroa

Nicolette Fiorentino

Edward Fitiu

Bradley Fizer

Molly Flanagan

Estephany Flores Camacho

Kevin Flores

Roxanna Flores

Ariana Folino

Ava Foote

Annamaria Fousias

Giovanni Fox

Linden Franco

Catherine Freeman

Isabella Frohwirth

Noa Dane Fujitani

Fidelie Futi

Dylan Fuzak

Andrea Carmela Gabinete

Ryan Galarza

Emily Gale

Carlos Galindo

Jacqueline Gallegos

Alexis Galvan

Iris Garcia

Jesus Garcia

Roberto Garcia

Scarlett Garcia

Stephanie Garcia

Xochitl Garcia

Andrew Gartke

Sofia Garza

Ann George

Julia Geronimo

Benhur Ghirmay

Isra Ghogha

Charline Giambrone

Kristoff Giannoni

Emily Giardine

Jalen Gibson

Oliwia Paula Gidzinska

Anna Thea Suna Gifvars

Felicia Glaenaas

Amando Gomez

Anastasia Gomez

Dayanary Gomez

Kevin Gomez

Sergio Gomez

Arthur Gonzales

Diana Gonzalez

Marilyn Gonzalez

Matthew Gonzalez

Nina Gouin

Adriana Gray

Jahki Gray

Adrian Grden

Justen Green

Ryan Green

Sofia Grivot Volkmann

John Groves

Evelyn Guachichullca

Isabel Guevara

Raghav Gupta

Lisa Gustafsson

Lejla Gutosic

Frida Guzman

Janeth Guzman

Tyler Haas

Mark Habash

Tyler Habetler

Meghan Hadfield

Hina Haider

Delina Haile

Ketlin Hakani

Haghar Hamed

Annalise Hankins

Jonathan Hanna

Raquel Hare

Madison Harter

Sophia Haska

Destiny Hatfield

Alexandra Hatieganu

Matthew Hatieganu

Taylor Hayden

Zachary Hayden

Riana Hayes

Keaton Haynie

Oliver Hellgren

Teo Helm

Andrea Hernandez

Brianna Hernandez

Eliezer Hernandez

Michael Hernandez

Aliyah Hershberger

Jackson Hettwer

Owen Hickman

Natasha Hinostroza

Alma Hoeglund Lammassaari

Mathilde Hogbakk Lian

Hans Hoglund

David Holecica

Matthew Hristov

Xinyan Huang

Maya Huelsman

Heidi Humble

Isabela Iacob

Oromiya Ibrahim

Adnan Ibrisevic

Alany Maurice Ilagan

Abner Ilioni

Tanner Ingle

Ava Invergo

Alexandria Ireland

Jonathan Irizarry

Isaac Ishak

Valeriia Ivashchenko

Johannes Ivenholt

Samuel Jackson

Fernando Jaimes

Rebecca Janovsky

Dulce Jasso

Jenna Jawhar

Riley Jepsen

Paula Jimenez

Juliana Joaquin

Max Johansson

Jonah Johnsamson

Eilee Johnson

Dino Kalamperovic

Izabella Kalantzis

Jake Kannala

Ali Karatas

Carl Philip Hugo Karlsson

Smilla Viktoria Karlsson

Naomi Kaskavitch

Schekina Kasse

Julia Kawa

Isabelle Kayo

Zainab Kazmi

Talha Khan

Bitisha Khanal

Carmen Khatchik

Ahmareen Khatoon

Faith Khoshaba

Menil Kilic

Ilhana Kisija

Zoey Kleeburg

Baila Klein

Emma Klein

Julia Klein

Michael Kleiner

Jatin Singh Kodial

Christoffer Nyholm Kofoed

Olivia Kolaczewski

Alex Konstantopoulos

Demetrios Kontos

Clara Kopiec

Jolene Korkis

Denis Kosaric

Michael Kovnat

Max Kozor

Victoria Krull

Christeena Kuriakose

Anna Kuzovnikova

Maya Lafnear

Keisha Arzen Lagman

Elijah Lamb

Greta Lampen

Aaron Landa

Olivya Lang

Nicolas Langtiw

Michael Larracas

Andrea Lau

Odisho Lazar

Emily Le

Tran Thuy Nhien Le

Brooke Leidolf

Brandon Leidolph

Berta Leon Collada

Nathalia Leonard

Thaddius Leonard

Abigail Leuciuc

Tobias Leuciuc

Diana Levytska

Rylan Li

Siya Libu

Aly Lichter

Stine Lie

Ellie Lim

Meja Fredrika Lindberg

Miranda Tintin Irene Lindmark

Alice Lindqvist

Martha Litorja

Jaclyn Little

Minjin Lkhagvasuren

Caroline Long

Briseyda Lopez Fajardo

Arianna Lopez

Francisco Lopez

Gianna Lopez

Jennifer Lopez

Maria Lopez

Kayla Lorenz

Zoe Lorica

Esther Joy Lorzano

Marcel Love

Gianfranco Lucchetto

Bryan Lukaszczyk

Lilyann Lutz

Quoc Hung Luu

Izabelle Lyberg

Garrett Lynch

Brenda Macedo

Arturo Magana

Gerald Malana

David Malazdra

Anastasia Maltezos

Markos Mamalakis

Blanche Mampuya

Javier Mancera

Andrei Mangondaya

Alisha Mannamcheril

Oliver Antonio Marchetti Gaardman

Mia Marquez

Vanessa Martin

Armando Martinez

Camila Martinez

Gabriela Martinez

Vincent Marvucic

Yandell Mata

Reyn Matsuzaki

Christopher Mauer

Garon Maxon

Anastasiia Mazur

Samanta Mazur

Mary-Grace McEvilly

Lydia McFarlane

Glen McGowean

Cade McKinstry

Lauren McKnight

Harold Measner

Regina Meirmanova

Moise Melinte

Giona Melo

Aayesha Memon

McKenna Mendenhall

Ashlei Mendoza

Elian Meraz

Olivia Mercado

Adin Meseljevic

Brisild Metellari

Katelyn Meyer

Enrique Meza

Valeria Meza

Anna Miller

Ellyn Miller

James Miller

Liam Miller

Caroline Minix

Anmary Mirzapolis Adeh

Shyamkumar Mishra

London Mitchell

Dhruv Modi

Mohamed Shamri Mohamed Zarook

Jackeline Mondragon

Eva Montes

Joana Morales Bautista

Rebecca Moravec

Madai Moreno

Maira Moreno

Teresa Morrissey

Rebecca Moy

Yedidiya Moya

Amra Mujeeb

Cassidy Mullens

Evelyn Murillo

Sandra Nahhas

Margarita Naja

Artin Naseh

Jennifer Naula

Nicole Nava

Osvaldo Navarro

Jake Nawrocki

Hugo Neborg

David Neitzke-Pizarro

Lance Nelson

Anh Thu Nguyen

Duong Bao Khang Nguyen

Duong Tien Dung Nguyen

Eryka Nguyen

Matthew Nguyen

Ngoc Quynh Nguyen

Ngoc Xuan Mai Nguyen

Pham Dang Quang Nguyen

Quy Nguyen

Thanh Phan Nguyen

Thuy Tram Nguyen

Elvira Nilsson

Emilia Susanna Nilsson

Ikenna Nkuku

Alexander Nordhaus

Monserrat Noriega

Langjaw Nu

Dawson Nuese

Nora Nunez

Karyme Nungaray

Tobechukwu Nwajiaku

Sanna Marika Nystroem

Rosalind Odicho

Natasha Odisho

Spanya Odisho

Sultana Odisho

Eva Julia Maria Oennerheim

Josefine Ingrid Oestlund

Emmanuel Ofori

Ijeamaka Okeke

Richard Okoko

Marco Olivero

Emma Olneus Lind

Tyler Olson

Klara Olsson

Saga Olsson

Jereme Ombogo

Zachary Oporto

Susana Orellana

Helen Oropesa

Maria Ortega Chavez

Luis Ortega

Jasmine Osorio

Keriangelys Otero-Rijos

Blake Paciencia

Isabella Palomar

Matthew Jerome Pangilinan

Brooke Panush

Jordan Paredes

Vraj Parikh

Carina Parra

Vishal Patel

Allison Patrick

Leah Patrykus

Katherine Patton

Amanda Pehlic

Micah Pelegrino

Valeria Pena-Cisneros

Caleb Pennington

Jaden Perdue

Kaylie Pereira

Cassandra Perez

Emanuel Perez

Guadalupe Perez

Jaysen Perez

Kevin Perez

Joseph Perona

Sophie Perruffel

Aliesha Peterson

Nguyen Bao Chau Pham

Thuy Duong Pham

Minh Tue Phan

Carel Philip

Sharan Philip

Alexander Plata

Melanie Plata

Leslie Pomposo

Nicole Ponce

Suzann Poort

Sara Pop

Eugene Pope

William Porter

Alexia Posada Torres

Kory Pradia

Brianna Prado

Daniel Prieto

Alexandra Pugachova

Emily Quibell

Alexia Quiroz

Alex Quito

Julissa Rabadan

Ella Rael

Clarissa Rahana

Saima Rahman

Lucila Raices

Leslie Ramirez

Joaquin Ramos

Emil Ramstroem

Grace Rapacz

Everett Renshaw

Sophia Rentas

Giovanni Resendez

Wilber Reyes Delgado

Jessica Reyes

Saeauna Reynolds Duncan

Frida Reynolds

Carmella Rio

Elaiza Rios-Herrera

Alexandra Ristfeldt

Adriana Rivas

Alexander Rivera

Ingrid Robledo

Anthony Robles

Megan Rodda

Jorge Rodriguez Barletta

Abdiel Rodriguez

Eliot Rodriguez

Natalie Rodriguez

Mathias Roenning

Thomas Roenning

Frederik Roerink

Gabriella Roman Rodriguez

Valeria Roman

Stacy Romero

Carl Wilhelm Roslund

Meg Rothermel

Annaliese Rottman

Derrick Rugema

Kate Ruiz Acosta

Arianna Ruiz Malagon

Jesus Ruiz

Selma Rydberg

Nils Rydell

Amna Saddiqa

Diamond Salgado

Daniela Salinas

David Sanchez

Evette Sanchez

Jasmine Sanchez

Vanessa Sanchez

Emilia Sand

Elina Sandlund

Karla Sandoval

Selena Sandoval

Jade Santiago

James Santilli

Anabella Santos

Rosario Santos

Kayla Sapolu

Jessica Sarmiento Herrera

John Sassan

Anna-Lena Schaeffer

Elisabeth Schlatterer

Brett Schneider

Callan Schoenbauer

Davianna Schuh

Parker Seavey

Islam Seitakhunov

Abigail Sensmeier

Jayden Serrano

Mary Shamaon

Sandy Shawel

Abigail Sheaff

Levi Sheehan

Halime Shero

Atiq Sheth

Ami Shimizu

Erika Sia

Petros Siakavelis

Maryam Siban

Naomi Sighete

Antonio Siliquini

Pilar Siliquini

Sitthisak Singmandeewised

Hilda Maria Nahid Siri

Caroline Sjostedt

Payton Smith

Seamus Smith

Tim Smolle

Sydney Snyder

Johanna Helena Soedergaard

Mathias Soerum

Khadija Sohail

Mia Solsol

Nathan Sommerfeld

Heetkumar Soni

Jayla Sotelo

Madeline Starr

Suzanna Stipp

Andrea Strugariu

James Stubitsch

Adelaide Swanson

John Swanson

Sofie Swedberg

Christina Swiech

Julia Szmigielski

Katrina Tamo

Jeania Tamras

Jasmine Tapia

Anna Tegnhed

Pablo Tello

Thi Phuoc Thinh Thai

Anjana Thomas

Kaia Thompson

Kristen Timberlake

Merelin Tirado

Philemina Toca

Ronald Todd

Abigail Tolentino

Angela Tomy James

Allen Tomy

Sophia Torres

Mark Tourjman

Abraham Trachtman

Goldie Trachtman

William Trainor

Bryan Tran

Nguyen Tran

Thi Thuy Linh Tran

Keera Trautvetter

Khanh Linh Trinh

Raymond Truong

Jade Tsalas

Adriana Tsyhanyuk

Alina Tsyhanyuk

Tore Tveit

Malak Umar

Jacob Urdiales

Lynelle Urgiles

Ellen Sofie Uvemo

Andreas Vaaland

Le Cam Hang Van

Lia Cecilia Vardam

Marlo Vasquez

Delaney Vassar

Itati Vazquez

Melisa Velic

Erika Ver Beek

Lydia Ver Beek

Liudmyla Vertiankina

Enzo Vertucci

John Adrian Villa-Abrille

Ametepe Viotoh

Chi Trung Vo

Foziya Wabe

Hannah Irja Yu E Wageman

Makayla Wallenberg

Brandon Watson

Kyama Webb

Leon Weichbrodt-Ottesen

Brady Wells

Jakob Wennerqvist

Elise Wentzel

Marcus Wester

Thea Wettemark

Catlyn Wetzel

Linnea White

Rebecca Wilcox

Kelly Willuweit

Mason Wilson

Cole Woodward

David Wortham

Jerek Yepez

Ashley Youkhana

Samantha Youkhana

Ella Maria Bianca Zaar

Rose Zaibal

Lima Zalmai

Gabriella Zamorano

Daniel Zapien

Ryan Zdrentan

Artur Zhumabekov

Julian Ziskind

Jacob Zmyslo

Langjaw Ting Zung

Joselin Zuniga

The post Spring 2025 Dean’s List appeared first on �ʹڲ��.

North Park Graduates Second-Largest Class Ever

Kennedy Murphy — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 18:33:23 +0000

The 472 students who graduated in �ʹڲ��’s Commencement this spring represent its second-largest class ever. In addition, 16 students were awarded the Ahnfeldt Medallion for having a 4.0 grade point average. Typically, North Park awards no more than six medallions.

Friends and families packed the Helwig Recreation Center for the ceremony on May 10. President Mary K. Surridge asked graduating students to stand and applaud their loved ones in a show of appreciation for their support.

“We rejoice with you on this glorious day, and we congratulate you on your perseverance in reaching this important milestone,” President Surridge told the graduates.

This spring 2025 graduating class is a 37% increase compared to last year and 17% larger than North Park’s five-year average. North Park’s largest graduating class was in 2017, with 478 students.

The post North Park Graduates Second-Largest Class Ever appeared first on �ʹڲ��.

�ʹڲ�� Expands Online Graduate Programs

Megan Voypick — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 13:51:14 +0000

�ʹڲ�� is proud to announce the launch of its new suite of online graduate programs, designed to provide working professionals with flexible, high-quality education. Beginning September 2025, students will have the opportunity to pursue accredited degrees from North Park in an online format, allowing them to advance their careers while balancing work, family, and other priorities.

North Park is committed to making education more accessible by offering flexible online learning with multiple start dates throughout the year. This initiative removes traditional barriers to learning and provides students with the tools to succeed in an evolving workforce.

“At North Park, we are dedicated to providing innovative educational opportunities that meet the needs of today’s learners,” said Provost Michael Carr. “Shifting many of our graduate programs to an online format reflects our vision to meet students where they’re at and empower them with the skills and knowledge needed to lead lives of significance and service.”

The online offerings include:

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with Principal Endorsement
Master of Business Administration
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner

To support this initiative, North Park has expanded its existing partnership with , a leader in education technology that specializes in helping universities expand their online learning opportunities. For more than two years, North Park and Risepoint have successfully partnered together for the Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing program, which helps fill a critical need for nurses nationwide.

“�ʹڲ�� exemplifies what it means to be a values-driven institution committed to both access and excellence,” shared Risepoint CEO Fernando Bleichmar. “We’re proud to deepen our partnership and support their mission to deliver high-quality, flexible programs that meet real workforce and societal needs.”

about the available programs and how to apply.

The post �ʹڲ�� Expands Online Graduate Programs appeared first on �ʹڲ��.

Former North Park Coach Inducted into SCB Hall of Fame

Megan Voypick — Fri, 30 May 2025 13:11:48 +0000

On October 31, former �ʹڲ�� Head Men’s Basketball Coach Dan McCarrell will be inducted into the Small College Basketball (SCB) Hall of Fame. McCarrell, a three-time National Association of Basketball Coaches Coach of the Year (1978–80), will be honored in Lakeland, Florida, alongside 11 other members of the class of 2025.

“Dan McCarrell’s legacy in basketball is one of excellence, leadership, and unwavering dedication,” said John Born, North Park’s athletics director. “His impact on the game and the players he has mentored is immeasurable. Being inducted into the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honor recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the sport.”

McCarrell led then-North Park College to three consecutive national championships from 1978–80. He was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1985 and North Park’s Viking Hall of Fame in 1988. He was also named the NCAA Division III Coach of the Decade for the 1970s at the national tournament banquet in 1980. He coached nine All-Americans, and four of his players were selected in the National Basketball Association draft.

“Coach McCarrell being inducted to the SCB Hall of Fame is another testament to what he’s built at North Park,” said current Head Men’s Basketball Coach Edwind McGhee. “Anytime we talk about the history and tradition of this program, Coach McCarell and his teams are our gold standard. This is a well-deserved honor for him and his family.”

As a North Park student-athlete, McCarrell was a men’s basketball team captain during the 1960–61 season. In 17 seasons coaching the Vikings, his teams compiled a 295–159 record and played in six NCAA tournaments, boasting a tournament record of 17–4. North Park’s three consecutive titles are matched only by the University of California, Los Angeles. They remain the only teams to win three consecutive national titles at any level of college basketball. McCarrell’s 1979 team was the first Division III basketball team to win back-to-back national titles.

This marks the ninth class inducted into the Small College Basketball National Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place at Florida Southern College.

The post Former North Park Coach Inducted into SCB Hall of Fame appeared first on �ʹڲ��.

North Park Dance Team Takes Top Prize at National Championship��

Megan Voypick — Tue, 27 May 2025 15:41:26 +0000

In April, �ʹڲ��’s (NPU) dance team won the NCAA Division III Team Performance category for the first time in program history at the College Classic National Championship in Orlando, Florida��

��Thirteen North Park student-athletes attended the competition and master classes, eight of whom were in the group that competed in the Division III Team Performance category. Twelve team members competed and placed ninth in the Division III Pom category.��

��North Park attended the event for the first time in 2024, taking sixth place in Division III Pom and eleventh in Division III Jazz.��

��“Winning the national championship title this year meant everything to us,” said Head Coach Kim Maljak. “We worked hard, committed lots of time to practicing, and were dedicated to perfecting our last-minute changes to the routine. Because of that dedication, we became North Park’s first-ever national champion dance team!”��

��As champions, North Park brought home a trophy, custom jackets, rings, and a banner, which will hang from the balcony in NPU’s Helwig Recreation Center.��

��The College Classic National Championship, according to organizer Dance Team Union, emphasizes the athletic and creative aspects of dance, recognizing each team’s unique qualities and individuality. Teams from across the county competed for titles in various dance styles, with the winners of the preliminary rounds advancing to the final and battle rounds.��

The post North Park Dance Team Takes Top Prize at National Championship�� appeared first on �ʹڲ��.

A Decade of North Park’s Blue & Gold Day

Megan Voypick — Tue, 20 May 2025 13:37:13 +0000

In late April, the North Park community rallied together on campus and off for North Park’s annual day of giving, Blue & Gold Day. In reaching its 10th anniversary this year, it has become part of North Park’s history.

First known as NPU125 in 2015, the same year as North Park’s 125th anniversary, 466 donors contributed $135,901 to the North Park Fund, which touches all parts of the university and seminary, contributing to financial aid, student services, and campus infrastructure.

As Blue & Gold Day evolved, its fundraising efforts expanded to include the Student Care Program, which assists students experiencing financial hardships, and the Viking Club, which supports student-athletes with rising equipment, facilities maintenance, and travel costs. This year marks North Park’s fourth supporting all three funds through Blue & Gold Day.

Advancement Operations Specialist Jennifer Kon has been involved in the project since its inception, recalling the community’s united effort to support the North Park Fund. “It was an all-hands-on-deck effort staffing our first-ever Blue & Gold Day to make a real difference for students,” she said.

In 2025, 541 donors—representing 32 states and two countries—contributed $318,148, more than doubling the amount from the first Blue & Gold Day.

“Each year, Blue & Gold Day exemplifies the power of collective generosity, bringing together alumni, faculty, staff, and friends to support North Park’s mission,” said Annual Giving Manager Emily Black, Blue & Gold Day’s current project manager.

She continued, “Every contribution—whether five dollars or thousands—fuels student success, strengthens campus programs, and reinforces the spirit that defines our community.”

The North Park community’s concerted impact on Blue & Gold Day and beyond ensures that the university and seminary continue to thrive for future generations of students.

The post A Decade of North Park’s Blue & Gold Day appeared first on �ʹڲ��.

North Park Alumnus Receives Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award

Megan Voypick — Mon, 12 May 2025 13:41:50 +0000

Marquis Who’s Who, an international publisher of autobiographical profiles, has recognized Brian Zeid MBA ’99 with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award for his career achievements in accounting.

Zeid has spent most of his career as an accountant at the University of Illinois Chicago, where he is also a member of the Chancellor’s Committee on Sustainability and the Business and Finance Services Reporting Committee. for his role in managing financial operations and ensuring compliance with accounting standards.

“Mr. Zeid’s role involves meticulous attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy, reflecting his dedication to the field,” Marquis said.

Since 1899, Marquis has printed a “Who’s Who” of accomplished individuals and innovators from the worlds of politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion, and entertainment.

The post North Park Alumnus Receives Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award appeared first on �ʹڲ��.

North Parkers Learn Methods to Disagree Better in Van Der Meid Workshop

Megan Voypick — Thu, 08 May 2025 13:25:44 +0000

About 25 students, faculty, and staff convened in the Magnuson Center on April 23 to learn how to have better conversations with people whose opinions differ from their own. The “Disagreeing Better” workshop, led by Braver Angels of Illinois, was a Catalyst on Campus event sponsored by the Van Der Meid Lecture in American Politics.

The session, held in preparation for the Van Der Meid lecture in October, was led by Laura Piemonte and Ralph Beck, co-heads of Braver Angels, a nonprofit national organization committed to improving political dialogue.

“Polarization is the one problem that ensures all other problems won’t be solved,” Beck said in his introductory comments. “It’s important to respect all opinions and remember that not everyone in the room will share the same views.”

Attendees then divided into pairs, discussing hot-button topics such as immigration, gun control, climate change, and birthright citizenship. Afterward, the groups reconvened to discuss ways they learned how to listen better, acknowledge other opinions, and grow.

Participants concluded the workshop by creating a “pledge wall” on which they wrote specific instances where they will employ their new skills.

The post North Parkers Learn Methods to Disagree Better in Van Der Meid Workshop appeared first on �ʹڲ��.

Dean Edwards Reflects on Theological Education’s Current Crossroads

Megan Voypick — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:33:21 +0000

In light of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School’s recent announcement that it will close its Chicago-area campus and move to and merge with its sister institution in Canada, North Park Theological Seminary’s dean and vice president for church relations, Rev. Dr. Dennis Edwards, shared his thoughts on the state of theological education in the United States.

In his essay, Edwards addresses the challenges facing evangelical seminaries while emphasizing theological education’s lasting importance, specifically for encouraging spiritual formation, critical thinking, and character building. To read the blog post, visit the Evangelical Covenant Church’s .

The post Dean Edwards Reflects on Theological Education’s Current Crossroads appeared first on �ʹڲ��.

Intercultural Awards Ceremony Honors North Park Students, Faculty, Alumni

Megan Voypick — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 17:16:38 +0000

The North Park community gathered in early April to celebrate those who have significantly contributed to campus diversity. In his opening remarks, Director of Intercultural Student Affairs Rashad Hanna praised the assembled crowd for being committed to “doing life together.”

“We’re creating spaces where students feel like they belong, and together we’re committed to ensuring that interculturalism will remain the centerfold of our university community,” Hanna said.

In her remarks, President Mary K. Surridge said the intercultural distinctive is important because it reflects the Biblical principles at North Park’s foundation.

The awards and their recipients were as follows:

Champion of Diversity Award: Evelyn Aucutt, senior director of academic engagement and student success
Impactful Alumni Award: Barrington Price BS ’06, CEO of Dominican University’s Chicago campus
Honors Convocation Award: Fidelie Futi, �ʹڲ�� senior
Director’s Award: Yamileth Gonzalez, �ʹڲ�� senior
Registered Student Organization of the Year: Latin American Student Organization

The ceremony ended with student leaders receiving their colorful, hand-stitched graduation stoles. As Hanna presented the stoles alongside President Surridge, he said, “These represent the weight of what you’ve carried as student leaders.”

The post Intercultural Awards Ceremony Honors North Park Students, Faculty, Alumni appeared first on �ʹڲ��.

�ʹڲ���