Stories Archives - 鶹ýӳ /category/stories/ Christian, City-Centered, Intercultural. Mon, 03 Aug 2026 17:09:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cropped-north-park-favicon-32x32.png Stories Archives - 鶹ýӳ /category/stories/ 32 32 NPTS Names Interim Dean of Seminary and Vice President for Church Relations /stories/npts-names-interim-dean-of-seminary-and-vice-president-for-church-relations/ Mon, 03 Aug 2026 17:09:59 +0000 /stories// 鶹ýӳ Theological Seminary announced today that Rev. Dr. Mary C. Miller MDiv ’80 will serve as its interim dean of seminary and vice president for church relations, following affirmation by the 鶹ýӳ Board of Trustees and the Executive Board of the Evangelical Covenant Church. Read more about Miller and her appointment.

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鶹ýӳ Theological Seminary announced today that Rev. Dr. Mary C. Miller MDiv ’80 will serve as its interim dean of seminary and vice president for church relations, following affirmation by the 鶹ýӳ Board of Trustees and the Executive Board of the Evangelical Covenant Church. about Miller and her appointment.

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鶹ýӳers Visit the Silicon Valley of Northern Europe /stories/north-parkers-visit-the-silicon-valley-of-eastern-europe/ Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:15:08 +0000 /stories// Estonia isa powerhouse of technological innovation—nine studentshad the privilege of visitingthis summerat no cost. Skylar Bryl BS ’26, a Master of Arts in Athletic Training student, is involved in Freedom Forum,astudent-led organizationthatempowers its members through hands-on leadership opportunities and intellectual exploration.Freedom Forumhostsvarious activities and immersive travel experiences that examine how economic freedomoperatesand benefits communities. Brylservesas

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Estonia isa powerhouse of technological innovation—nine studentshad the privilege of visitingthis summerat no cost.

Skylar Bryl BS ’26, a Master of Arts in Athletic Training student, is involved in ,astudent-led organizationthatempowers its members through hands-on leadership opportunities and intellectual exploration.Freedom Forumhostsvarious activities and immersive travel experiences that examine how economic freedomoperatesand benefits communities.

Brylservesas thechiefmarketingofficer,creating social media contentto promote the organization’s events and mission. Although shedid not study business, Bryl strongly believes inFreedom Forum’s fundamental principles, particularly the freedom of choice in labor. Shestated, “This program opened my eyes toexpandingmy career possibilitiesin the future. I discovered my interests extend beyond just athletic training, and it has also provided me with excellent opportunities to build professional leadership skills and network.”

From May 9–18, Bryl and her cohort traveled to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, where they learned about the country’s rich history and its unique journey to reclaiming independence. They also explored Estonia’s e-citizenship program, which allows many services to be completed online, such as starting a business infewer than15 minutes, voting in elections, andsubmittingmarriage and divorce applications.

One of Bryl’s favorite moments from the trip was hiking throughtheViru BoginLahemaa National Park. She enjoyed learning about Estonian cultural heritage and folklore while experiencing the beautiful natural surroundings.

While Bryl has traveled to various locationsduring her timewith Freedom Forum, her time in Estonia stands out as an experience she will carry with her forever.

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NPU Alumnus Featured in Chicago Tribune /stories/npu-alumnus-featured-in-chicago-tribune/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 23:29:34 +0000 /stories// 鶹ýӳ (NPU) alumnus Edgar Torres BA ’16 was featured on the front page of the June 28 issue of the Chicago Tribune. The article, titled “Reflections on citizenship,” is a collection of stories of Chicagoans who have recently become United States citizens. Torres reflects on his own immigration and path to citizenship while

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鶹ýӳ (NPU) alumnus Edgar Torres BA ’16 was featured on the front page of the June 28 issue of the Chicago Tribune. The article, titled “Reflections on citizenship,” is a collection of stories of Chicagoans who have recently become United States citizens.

Torres reflects on his own immigration and path to citizenship while sharing that, as an Evangelical Covenant Church pastor, he speaks to his congregation about the Biblical command to care for one’s neighbor and how Christians can live that out in today’s world.

Read more at the .

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Spot NPU in CBS News’ For the Love of Chicago /stories/spot-npu-in-cbs-news-for-the-love-of-chicago/ Mon, 13 Jul 2026 14:44:12 +0000 /stories// CBS News Chicago recently featured Albany Park in its For the Love of Chicago series, which highlights the history and culture of Chicago’s neighborhoods. See if you can spot shots of 鶹ýӳ’s campus throughout the tour of the diverse and unique neighborhood we call home.

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CBS News Chicago recently in its For the Love of Chicago series, which highlights the history and culture of Chicago’s neighborhoods. See if you can spot shots of 鶹ýӳ’s campus throughout the tour of the diverse and unique neighborhood we call home.

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A Servant of God Through Her Profession /stories/a-servant-of-god-through-her-profession/ Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:19:18 +0000 /stories// “God doesn’t make junk,” Karen Calloway BA ’26 learned from her grandmother as a child—a truth she has carried through a lifetime of service. Calloway graduated this May from 鶹ýӳ’s School of Professional Studies with her Bachelor of Arts in Counseling Psychology, capping an academic journey as remarkable as the life that led

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“God doesn’t make junk,” Karen Calloway BA ’26 learned from her grandmother as a child—a truth she has carried through a lifetime of service. Calloway graduated this May from 鶹ýӳ’s School of Professional Studies with her Bachelor of Arts in Counseling Psychology, capping an academic journey as remarkable as the life that led her there.

Born in 1959, Calloway has a high IQ paired with a learning disability, which means she processes information differently from others. Due to inadequate support during her primary schooling, she failed courses and “essentially sat in a dark room” during the day.

At home, academic support was also hard to come by, but thankfully, her grandmother was present to instill confidence and faith in her.

“My grandmother would stand me in front of the mirror and ask God to let me see myself as he sees me,” Calloway said.“She would talk to me about the Bible,showing meverses proving that ‘God doesn’t make junk.'”

This faithhas carried her throughout her entire life.

In adulthood, Calloway joined the United States Army National Guard and later became a youth case manager through agencies that worked at city-, state-, and country-wide levels—all without a high school diploma. “It was the life that God ordained for me,” she said.

Her son followed in her footsteps, attending the United States Military Academy. Shortly after, however, the September 11 attacks occurred, and he was called to active duty. After three tours, he came home in 2009 but unfortunately experienced post-traumatic stress disorder.

Calloway used her God-given gifts to care for her son during thisdifficult time.“God gave me the grace to counsel him,” she said.“He gave me the strength to help my son navigate this challenge.”

In 2016, Calloway’s mother became ill, and she decided to retire from her case management position to care for her. While doing so, her son became physically sick in 2021. After caring for both him and her mother through 2023, they passed away in the same year.

It was during these challenging years that God guided her to get her degree. Speaking on the emotional caregiving she administered to young adults in her career and family members while experiencing illness, she said, “God called for me to become credentialed to do what He has done for me for others.”

Amidst caregiving and grieving, Calloway earned her high school diploma in 2021, her Associate of Arts from Triton College in 2024, and then felt drawn to attend 鶹ýӳ for her bachelor’s.

As with any student, Calloway’s first stop at 鶹ýӳ was with the Office of Admissions. She described Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions Malcolm Parker MOL ’22, her transfer counselor, as the anchor of her 鶹ýӳ experience. His servant’s heart, attentiveness, and grounded demeanor supported her not only in her admission experience but throughout her studies at the university.

She said once classes began, she understood why God led her to 鶹ýӳ. “God’s heart was deposited into the instructors,” shestated.“Hannah Barbosa, the counseling psychology program coordinator and academic advisor, was a great blessingto me, as was Vanessa Serrano,the accommodations and academic support specialist coordinator.”

Through these relationships with staff, professors, fellow students, and thematerial itself, Calloway feltGod’s presenceat 鶹ýӳevery step of the way.From her “Introduction to the Bible” course to her “Psychobiology” course, shefound the intersection of faith and biology particularlyinspiring, as well as the concepts ofservant leadership and“seed planting” in spiritual development.

In the fall,Callowaywillcontinue hereducation through鶹ýӳintheMaster of Arts inClinicalMental Health Counselingprogram, whichhas recently beenaccredited.

As she looks toward her graduate studies, Calloway offered this to fellow 鶹ýӳers:“It’s not about the profession; it’s about being a servant for God’s people through your profession.”

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NPU Alumna Brings Damaged Clothing Back to Life /stories/npu-alumna-brings-damaged-clothing-back-to-life/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:05:24 +0000 /stories// Hasyourdogeverleft a tearin your favorite pufferjacket? Orhasyourpants’zipper gottencaught?Marijke StobBA’12knows how to salvage your clothing items and keep them out of the trash bin. Stobgraduated from 鶹ýӳ with a bachelor’s degree in environmental scienceandis the owner ofSuper Bloom Gear Repair, a smallbusinessin Whitefish, Montana,dedicated torepairingall clothingitems,including knitwear,technical bags, andher specialty:zippers. Textile waste is rapidly piling

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Hasyourdogeverleft a tearin your favorite pufferjacket? Orhasyourpants’zipper gottencaught?Marijke StobBA’12knows how to salvage your clothing items and keep them out of the trash bin.

Stobgraduated from 鶹ýӳ with a bachelor’s degree in environmental scienceandis the owner of, a smallbusinessin Whitefish, Montana,dedicated torepairingall clothingitems,including knitwear,technical bags, andher specialty:zippers.

Textile waste is rapidly piling up in landfills,andStob’smission through Super Bloom Gearover the past 10 years has beento providepeoplewiththeoptionto repairand extend the life oftheir items rather than discard them.If theyaren’trepairable,shemakes sure to transitionthemintosomething else, hoping to play her part inreducingwaste.

Read more about Stob andSuper Bloom Gear Repairat.

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鶹ýӳ Named a Best College for Women /stories/north-park-university-named-a-best-college-for-women/ Wed, 27 May 2026 18:42:13 +0000 /stories// Newsweek included 鶹ýӳ on its inaugural list of America’s Best Colleges for Women, a ranking in partnership with Gender Fair and using a methodology derived from the Women’s Empowerment Principles as established by the United Nations Global Compact and UN Women. With the intention of helping women choose an institution that empowers them,

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Newsweek included 鶹ýӳ on its inaugural list of America’s Best Colleges for Women, a ranking in partnership with Gender Fair and using a methodology derived from the Women’s Empowerment Principles as established by the United Nations Global Compact and UN Women.

With the intention of helping women choose an institution that empowers them, the ranking is exclusive to schools that employ 20 or more women in academic roles and have 1,000 or more students. It considers their statistics regarding female leadership, fair pay and policies, women’s safety, and opportunities for students and faculty from diverse backgrounds.

Newsweek Editor-in-Chief Jennifer H. Cunningham remarked, “Earning a place on America’s Best Colleges for Women list reflects an environment that meaningfully supports women’s success.”

about the ranking.

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A Global Journey to Belonging /stories/a-global-journey-to-belonging/ Thu, 14 May 2026 18:32:09 +0000 /stories// ForShyamkumar (Shyam) Mishra BS ’26, who graduated from 鶹ýӳ (NPU) on May 9, attending NPU involved traveling nearly 8,000 miles from his hometown of Surat, India, a city in the state of Gujarat. In moving, he wasn’t just exchanging one urban environment for another but pursuing an international education in Chicago and a

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ForShyamkumar (Shyam) Mishra BS ’26, who graduated from 鶹ýӳ (NPU) on May 9, attending NPU involved traveling nearly 8,000 miles from his hometown of Surat, India, a city in the state of Gujarat. In moving, he wasn’t just exchanging one urban environment for another but pursuing an international education in Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in marketing in his non-native language.

First-year orientation was the first time Mishra had been abroad or even met students from other countries. “I didn’t expect people to be kind,” he said. “I come from a completely different part of the world, and no one knew me. Yet they were kind. It was very touching.”

鶹ýӳ’s diversity is part of what drew him in, especially because he noticed it included not only American students but also a vibrant international student community.

In the spring semester of his senior year, as the Student Government Association president, Mishra made giving back to the campus community that has shown him kindness a primary facet of his role. He advocated for the student body and served as a “bridge between the student body and university administration.”

He was active on campus in other capacities as well, serving as the International Club president, which he also founded; the Intercultural Late Night program chair; and a Voyage Activities Board member, a student programming organization that fosters community on campus and connects students to various opportunities to get involved. Mishra was also an active member of University Ministries, including the Urban Outreach team’s Friday Night Street Ministry, which serves Chicago’s unhoused population.

In all these endeavors, Mishra sought to build and strengthen connections, both between himself and others and among different campus organizations. Director of Intercultural Student Affairs Rashad Hanna recognized these efforts, presenting Mishra with the Diversity Award at the NPU Day of Excellence ceremony on April 15. This award honors a senior for outstanding leadership and sustained commitment to advancing 鶹ýӳ’s intercultural core identity on campus and/or throughout the Chicago community.

When reflecting on his years at NPU, Mishra said, “You’ll find endless people who are looking to support you. And for that, you have to get out of your shell as well.”

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鶹ýӳ Ranked as a Best Value Institution /stories/north-park-university-ranked-as-a-best-value-institution/ Mon, 11 May 2026 13:57:24 +0000 /stories// 鶹ýӳ ranked first among Chicago schools inSmartAsset’s 2026 ranking of the best-value American small colleges and universities. SmartAsset assessed more than 1,000 regionally accredited schools with undergraduate enrollments of 5,000 or fewer students in the United States, focusing on overall affordability, graduation rates, and median earnings of former students 10 years after enrollment.

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鶹ýӳ ranked first among Chicago schools in 2026 ranking of the best-value American small colleges and universities.

SmartAsset assessed more than 1,000 regionally accredited schools with undergraduate enrollments of 5,000 or fewer students in the United States, focusing on overall affordability, graduation rates, and median earnings of former students 10 years after enrollment. The list included 75 schools in total, and 鶹ýӳ ranked first among Chicago schools, third among Illinois schools, and 43rd overall.

SmartAsset is a financial technology company that provides free tools and content to help users make informed financial decisions. about the methodology.

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NPU Recognizes Students, Faculty, and Alumni at Intercultural Awards Ceremony /stories/npu-recognizes-students-faculty-and-alumni-at-intercultural-awards-ceremony/ Wed, 06 May 2026 17:34:21 +0000 /stories// This spring, the 鶹ýӳ community honored the hard work of students, faculty, and alumni who promote campus diversity at the annual Intercultural Awards Ceremony. “This ceremony is about celebrating the richness, diversity, and faith that shape 鶹ýӳ,” President Mary K. Surridge said in her opening remarks. “Here, identity is not formed in

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This spring, the 鶹ýӳ community honored the hard work of students, faculty, and alumni who promote campus diversity at the annual Intercultural Awards Ceremony.

“This ceremony is about celebrating the richness, diversity, and faith that shape 鶹ýӳ,” President Mary K. Surridge said in her opening remarks. “Here, identity is not formed in isolation, but through the beautiful tapestry of the people and the cultures that God has brought together.”

Before presenting the awards, Director of Intercultural Student Affairs Rashad Hanna acknowledged students’ diligence in the numerous events they facilitated throughout the academic year, emphasizing that all their work “has culminated in this one moment in time for us to celebrate you.”

Below are the 2026 award recipients:

  • The Champion of Diversity Award: Counseling Psychology Program Coordinator and Academic Advisor Hannah Barbosa
  • Director’s Award: Jenna Jawhar
  • Honors Convocation Diversity Award: Shyamkumar Mishra
  • Impactful Alumni Award: Odalis Arcadio BA ’20
  • Academic RSO of the Year Award: 鶹ýӳ Club of Engineering
  • Intercultural Registered Student Organization (RSO) of the Year Award: East Asian Student Association
  • Social RSO of the Year Award: Christian Student Organization

Senior student leaders received hand-stitched graduation stoles, presented by President Surridge and Provost Dr. Francisco X. Gaytán.

Gaytán closed out the ceremony by encouraging students to continue to “show up and encounter each other” in community throughout the rest of their 鶹ýӳ journey and beyond.

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