天美传媒

Category: Stories

Student Blog: How the Black Lives Matter Rally Helped Me Realize My Privilege

Listening to his peers in a campus rally opened one student’s eyes.

This is a student blog post submitted by Stephen Nielsen, C鈥�19. Stephen is an English major with a concentration in creative writing.

Listening to his peers in a campus rally opened one student’s eyes.

天美传媒 held a Black Lives Matter rally on campus back in November of 2016. The first of its kind on campus, it highlighted injustices faced by students of color. Students stepped up to the mic and told the stories of their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

Having grown up in Denmark for most my life, I鈥檝e been ignorant of the challenges facing people of color in America, and of the privilege afforded to me because of the color of my skin. I heard stories, saw the news, but never experienced it first-hand. I鈥檓 not oppressed, and I don鈥檛 find myself an oppressor, so it doesn鈥檛 affect me. I could watch from the sidelines, I could claim my ignorance, and chalk it up to my time spent in a foreign country; it鈥檚 not my problem. Emily Bourne, seminary student and resident director of Ohlson Hall says otherwise. 鈥淥ppression affects all of us whether we realize it or not; whether conscious of it or not. To hear another people group cry out and say their lives seemingly don鈥檛 matter; this should be something that we pay attention to.鈥�

Although the civil rights movement made great strides for racial justice, profiling is still prominent in American culture. Black Lives Matter intends to expose the injustices facing black Americans today. 鈥淲e鈥檙e not walking around in chains, but we still have a lot of things that are causing us to be held down in bondage, and to still have these systems of oppression,鈥� remarked Jacqueline Strapp, director of diversity at 天美传媒.

I finally understood why racial problems still exist as I stood in Anderson Chapel, as it overflowed with an arresting array of faces. Why had so many entered this place of raw peace and genuine expression, gathered in the name of Christ? 鈥淏ecause change doesn鈥檛 happen without your participation, because it shows your support to those who are suffering, and especially because we鈥檙e a diverse community, it鈥檚 also empowering yourself to learn how to make change,鈥� said Michael Emerson, Provost, 天美传媒.

There is work to be done, but making change isn鈥檛 complicated. Stephen Kelly, worship arts coordinator for University Ministries at 天美传媒 says that 鈥渇or there to be racial reconciliation it has to be a re-humanization.鈥�

鈥淓ven if you don鈥檛 agree,鈥� Strapp said, 鈥測ou should at least listen,鈥� because ignorance doesn鈥檛 solve problems. Choosing to ignore the social and racial injustices still affecting black people across the country won鈥檛 make the movement stop. I鈥檓 not saying that you must become an activist, I鈥檓 not saying that because these issues have deeply affected me, that they should affect you too. However, like Strapp told me, 鈥渂e educated so that you can be informed when you choose a side. Don鈥檛 choose because it鈥檚 always been this way for you. Choose it because you have heard both sides, and understand why you are the way you are.鈥�

The stories of injustice I heard from those who spoke and those I interviewed were horrible and troubling. I couldn鈥檛 believe what was happening. I want to change something, I want to help the current change happening across America; the change on campus. The opportunity to participate in Sankofa, a University Ministries led trip, arose and I accepted.

The account of my Sankofa experience will be the topic of a future post.

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Blog, StoriesTags ,

天美传媒 Announces Chicago-Based Learning Program Catalyst 606_ _

The new curriculum redesigns the University’s weekly schedule to allow for faculty-guided excursions, starting fall 2017.

The new curriculum redesigns the University’s weekly schedule to allow for faculty-guided excursions, starting fall 2017.

What is Catalyst 606__?

CHICAGO (March 8, 2016) 鈥斅�Catalyst 606__ is 天美传媒’s Chicago-based curriculum. Students learn outside the classroom, exploring the city during staff- and faculty-guided excursions.

Innovative. Off-Campus. Hands-on. Credit-earning.

The Catalyst programs at 天美传媒 unite the city and students together in the form of civic engagement and exposure to current science and the arts. Dates and facts about the labor movement in a textbook become alive with visits to the historic Pullman Foundation; financial accounting becomes relevant in visits to the Loop鈥檚 financial district; economics becomes visible in a tour of manufacturing company; art and culture open eyes with attendance at operas and exhibits.

In addition, Catalyst 606__

  • is a Chicago-centered urban experience.
  • is intentionally intercultural.
  • offers hands-on learning.
  • provides cultural and educational experiences in the city.
  • blends theory and practice with applied academics.

On your Mark, Get Set, Go: Wednesday Afternoons

鈥淐hicago is our classroom and all Chicagoans are our teachers鈥� has been a long-standing 天美传媒 approach to learning. Starting fall 2017, Wednesday afternoons will be designated for exploring the city of Chicago. Students will have at least two opportunities per afternoon course to explore Chicago and enrich their learning across academic disciplines.

Catalyst 606__: Semester

For students who would like a more immersive experience beyond a Catalyst class, there鈥檚 the Catalyst 606__ Semester. Designed for students early in their undergraduate years, all classes for a full semester focus on the dynamic city of Chicago.

In a Catalyst 606__ Semester, students:

  • take classes together in a cohort setting.
  • share a common set of courses.
  • complete an assigned practicum experience with a local community-based organization to gain valuable work experience.
  • learn from the diverse fabric of the city through its residents, walking tours, museums, performances, and local dining.
  • investigate issues impacting urban areas.

During the semester, students will view the city through different lenses, disciplines, and perspectives, while they serve and participate in its flourishing. There is also the option to take other courses outside of the cohort to fulfill additional requirements specific to programs.

Apply for Catalyst 606__ Semester

Why Now?

A聽broad understanding of city infrastructure is essential as companies, government, and nonprofits prepare for a population shift to cities.

  • 66% of the world鈥檚 population will live and work in urban areas by 2050.*
  • Cities will grow by more than 2.5 billion people; most human population growth going forward will be urban.*
  • Hands-on learning experiences in the very environment where change is happening鈥� this is a top priority and initiative for 天美传媒.

What’s the Name All About?

Chicago is a city of neighborhoods and each neighborhood has a unique story to tell. The “606__” represents the base of all Chicago zip codes. Every Wednesday, there鈥檚 the opportunity to fill in the last two digits, like the coordinates in an ethnographic map. Using these coordinates, students will learn from the city and contribute to community goals.

more about Catalyst 606__

*United Nations Report,聽World Urbanization Prospects

 

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories News, StoriesTags

I Chose 天美传媒: “Christian university with a personal touch,” Carmen Velazquez-Alvarez C’16

Carmen Velazquez-Alvarez C鈥�16, conflict transformation studies alumna, shares why she chose 天美传媒.

Carmen Velazquez-Alvarez C鈥�16, conflict transformation studies alumna, shares why she chose 天美传媒.

I was looking for a Christian university with a personal touch. I attended a Covenant church in California’s Central Valley, and a member of my church鈥攚ho was also my chemistry teacher and my mentor鈥攗rged me to apply to 天美传媒.

I have a heart for the underserved and now serve California Central Valley鈥檚 large immigrant community. I plan to earn a Master鈥檚 in Social Work (MSW) and leverage my experience in the Valley to start a nonprofit organization.

It was as a student at 天美传媒 that I discovered my passion for service and realized I have the power to make a difference in others鈥� lives. I served as the president of the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) and cofounded a mentorship group for Latina students. I also served in campus ministry and interned at the YWCA.

At every step along my journey 天美传媒, I was encouraged. I鈥檓 incredibly appreciative of the support I received and relationships I developed.

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I Chose 天美传媒: “I enjoyed the relationships most,” Michelle Dodson C’03

Michelle Dodson C鈥�03, biblical and theological studies alumna, shares why she chose 天美传媒.

Michelle Dodson C’03, biblical and theological studies alumna, shares why she chose 天美传媒.

Michelle鈥檚 experience as a biblical and theological studies major helped prepare her professionally for the work she does in ministry today. Serving in campus ministry and engaging with college diversity 鈥渉elped me develop a theology of racial reconciliation. It also gave me opportunities to learn how to communicate that theology.鈥� Michelle serves as associate pastor of New Community Covenant Church in Bronzeville, a neighborhood on Chicago鈥檚 South Side. She describes New Community as 鈥渁n intentionally multiracial congregation that actively pursues racial reconciliation and social justice.鈥� She鈥檚 currently working toward a PhD in sociology with a focus on multiracial congregations.

As a high school student, Michelle chose to come to 天美传媒 because she was looking for a Christian liberal arts university that was small enough for her to get to know people. 鈥淚 was attending a Covenant church in California at the time,鈥� she says, 鈥渁nd my pastor suggested I apply to 天美传媒.鈥�

As it turned out, 天美传媒 was a great fit for Michelle. 鈥淭he relationships that I built at 天美传媒 are what I enjoyed the most,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 have had the privilege of doing life and ministry with many of those people to this day.鈥�

What鈥檚 more, she says, Michelle鈥檚 experience inside and outside of the classroom as a biblical and theological studies major helped prepare her professionally for the work she does in ministry today. 鈥溙烀来� was a great training ground for what I do,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t was as a student there that I got my first experiences leading in the areas of racial righteousness.鈥� Serving in campus ministry and engaging with college diversity 鈥渉elped me develop a theology of racial reconciliation. It also gave me opportunities to learn how to communicate that theology.鈥�

Michelle serves as associate pastor of New Community Covenant Church in Bronzeville, a neighborhood on Chicago鈥檚 South Side. She describes New Community as 鈥渁n intentionally multiracial congregation that actively pursues racial reconciliation and social justice.鈥� She鈥檚 currently working toward a PhD in sociology with a focus on multiracial congregations.

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I Chose 天美传媒: “personal and in the big city,” Tim Ahlberg C’13

Tim Ahlberg C鈥�13, a business and economics alumnus, shares why he chose 天美传媒.

Tim Ahlberg C’13, a business and economics alumnus, shares why he chose 天美传媒.

Tim chose to attend 天美传媒 because he wanted to be in a big city, but at a college that felt personal. 鈥淚 wanted to have relationships with my professors and mentors, and to live in a close-knit community where I could get to know other students from all different backgrounds,鈥� he says. 鈥淎nd coming from a Covenant Church family, I knew I wanted to attend a Christian school, to be surrounded by others that shared my faith and would help me build and sustain my own faith throughout my formative college years.鈥�

Maybe most important, Tim wanted a college environment that placed focus not just on finding a career, but living a life of significance and service. When he came to 天美传媒, he got that environment鈥攏ot only in the classroom, but in experiences around the campus and city. 鈥淭here鈥檚 really nothing else like the community there that I鈥檝e experienced before or after 天美传媒. Students and faculty really all-in for your success, both personal and professional.鈥�

He loved taking part in Chapel and College life services; was voted president of the student body; served with homeless ministries; and was captain of the men鈥檚 soccer team his senior year, being named an Academic All-American. 鈥溙烀来� is such a personal university that, no matter your area of study, your background, or your future pursuits, the entire campus feels like one community that exists because of and for each other,鈥� Tim says. 鈥淚 met amazing people who were so different than I was, and we learned so much from each others鈥� experiences and life stories.鈥�

A business and economics major with a concentration in accounting and a minor in Spanish, Tim got to know his faculty members in 天美传媒鈥檚 small class sizes. They encouraged him to study abroad in Guanajuato, Mexico, where he became fluent in Spanish. In his senior year, Tim received a Fulbright Binational Business Exchange Grant, which allowed him to complete a business internship and take MBA classes in in Mexico City. 鈥淣one of this would have been possible without the support of the faculty and staff of 天美传媒,鈥� he says.

鈥淏y the time I started my full-time job in the United States, I was not only prepared with specific business acumen and skills gained through curriculum, but armed with a global perspective and bilingual capabilities that really set me apart in today鈥檚 competitive workforce,鈥� Tim says.

As an assurance associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers, he focuses on accounting solutions and business operations improvements. 鈥淭his includes traveling to business all over the country, and to Mexico, where I have been able to use my fluency in Spanish. I feel like 天美传媒 has prepared me beyond my peers for entering the global workforce.鈥�

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The Wistrom Legacy: Tending to 天美传媒 for nearly a Century

Carl Wistrom honored for 35 years of service in Physical Plant, following the legacy of his forebears

Carl Wistrom honored for 35 years of service in Physical Plant, following his聽father and grandfather

CHICAGO (February 27, 2017) 鈥� Carl Wistrom has served in Physical Plant since 1981, first as assistant director and then as director. Physical Plant is responsible for all of the behind-the-scenes work keeping 天美传媒’s spaces functioning. Winter after winter, Carl oversees snow removal. Summer after summer, Carl’s led his team in the maintenance of campus buildings in preparation for the new school year. For 35 years and counting.

But the Wistrom family legacy at 天美传媒 stretches further back still: three generations of Wistroms have served 天美传媒 by supporting its campus. Carl Wistrom came to 天美传媒 just three years before his father, Ivar, retired from his role as campus engineer, a position similar to Carl’s. Ivar’s tenure began in 1947, shortly after his own father, Carl Wistrom (the elder), retired from that same role.

The elder Carl Wistrom, janitor and campus engineer at 天美传媒 between 1910 and 1945

Carl does have fond memories of his own father, who trained him in his work at 天美传媒. “My dad was the master. He taught me a lot and had know-how that I don鈥檛 have.” More than knowledge, though, Ivar had a “great passion for 天美传媒.” Indeed, this passion was hereditary. Carl notes that he has been truly blessed by the people he works with, and he remembers how his “dad had great people working with him” too.

Ivar Wistrom, chief engineer and physical plant manager from 1947鈥�1984

At an all-staff gathering last month, President David L. Parkyn acknowledged that “as we celebrate Carl鈥檚 35 years at 天美传媒, we simultaneously want to recognize and honor the nearly century of service extended to 天美传媒 by each of these three men, Carl, Ivar, and Carl.”

In honor of the Wistrom family, Dr. Parkyn presented a plaque to Carl, which will be located near the entrance to the Physical Plant building.

The plaque reads:

Carl said that he was humbled to have his family honored in this way.

RELATED MATERIAL:

  • . 1928 天美传媒 Press, page 8.
  • .

Historical photos courtesy of 天美传媒 Archives.

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天美传媒 Receives Eighteenth-Century Eastern European Torah Scroll from Ken and Barbara Larson

The authentic Jewish Torah scroll was generously gifted to the University on February 9 during a dedication and celebration event in Anderson Chapel.

The authentic Jewish Torah was generously gifted during a February 9 dedication and celebration.

CHICAGO (February 22, 2017) 鈥� Ken and Barbara Larson are a warm couple who have been married for 52 years, having spent the past two in ministry gifting scrolls to Christian institutions. The Larson鈥檚 story centers around 鈥渟aying yes to God.鈥�

Mr. Larson, who is the founder of Slumberland Furniture, says that the couple had been told during a prayer meeting years earlier that they鈥檇 do ministry together. When they were invited by Josh McDowell鈥攖he Christian apologist鈥攖o Tajikistan to help with a program, they said “yes” to God, thinking that this could be their ministry together. Though that trip was canceled, they continued to say “yes” to God, landing them in South Korea with the apologist. There, McDowell shared about how he had recently purchased a Torah scroll and how it was the most impactful tool he鈥檇 experienced in more than 50 years of ministry. Not long after the trip to South Korea, the Larsons traveled to Israel with their family鈥�35 members including children and grandchildren. When they returned to the States, they visited a seminary with Dr. Scott Carroll, an expert manuscript researcher.

There, Mr. Larson asked the Hebrew professors if they鈥檇 ever read from a Torah scroll. They all said that they鈥檇 never had the opportunity.

This was the turning point. Ken and Barbara looked at each other and knew that this was going to be their ministry together. As they had done so many times before, they said 鈥測es鈥� to God. They bought a collection of Torah scrolls and, since March of 2014, have given 32 to institutions around the world.

天美传媒 is the 32nd recipient.

Barb Larson was happy to give the scroll to 天美传媒 because she鈥檚 a Chicagoan herself. 鈥淲e feel right at home here.鈥� She reminisced about her childhood, growing up living in an apartment on Montrose and Broadway. She attended Senn High School, which was, at the time, primarily Jewish. It was there that her love for Jewish people began. 鈥淚t鈥檚 so thrilling to be back here and feel the energy that Chicagoland has.鈥� Barb and Ken are most interested, though, in giving scrolls to institutions that have a respect for the word of God.

天美传媒鈥攂eing Chicago-centered, intercultural, and rooted in faith鈥攚as a perfect match.

The Larsons have another special connection to 天美传媒. 鈥淲e love the Covenant church,鈥� Barbara聽mentioned,聽because Ken attended Minnehaha Academy, a ministry affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church. The Larson鈥檚 five children went to Minnehaha and now they have grandchildren there. One grandson even attended 天美传媒. 鈥淪o, we feel a deep connection to the Covenant church.鈥�

天美传媒鈥檚 Office of Advancement and the Seminary expressed gratitude for the gift with an elaborate and inspiring ceremony, featuring a traditional Jewish Torah Service liturgy, including readings and cantillations.

Dr. Rajkumar Boaz Johnson, professor of biblical and theological studies, and Skokie-based Rabbi Jeffrey Weill led the liturgy. Dr. Johnson sang the聽Shema聽before he and Rabbi Weill processed the scroll through the chapel. Dr. Johnson coached participants to, as the Torah passed them, touch their program to it and then kiss the program. This, he said, was an act of gratitude to God for his word.

Rabbi Weill聽lained聽the Torah text, the Song of the Sea.听Laining聽is melodious chanting of the scripture portion. The rabbi commented upon the exceptional beauty of the ornate scroll. Dr. James Bruckner, professor of biblical interpretation, presented the聽顿鈥檙补蝉丑, an exposition of the text, in which he considered how the bones of Joseph were carried with the Israelites as a remembrance representing the story of God.

This, of course, is also true of the 天美传媒-Larson scroll, a relic stewarded by God鈥檚 people as a remembrance of the story of God.

Seminary Dean Rev. Dr. David Kersten remarked that 天美传媒 has a heritage of gathering around the text. Receiving the scroll, he emphasized, is a reminder of 天美传媒鈥檚 鈥渙ngoing call to read the sacred text and to repair our own lives and to repair the world through the reading of the text.鈥�

Dr. Kristine Strand, chair of the Board of Trustees, explained in a letter to the Larsons that 天美传媒 is 鈥渁n educational institution of deep Christian identity鈥� and that it鈥檚 devoted to giving students opportunities to enrich their understanding of the Bible. The trustees are grateful that the 天美传媒-Larson scroll will offer these opportunities for enrichment.

The scroll itself is decommissioned鈥攏o longer used in Jewish liturgical settings鈥攁nd can now be used for exhibit, display, and teaching.听It鈥檚 from the late 18th century with聽Ashkenazi origins, most likely from Poland. It has unusually beautiful orthography and unique decorative features adorning its letters. Dr. Carrol聽concluded that the scroll was a great labor of love for the scribe who produced it, and it was likely a point of pride for its original congregation.

It is now a point of pride for 天美传媒, which is honored to be a part of this scroll鈥檚 rich history, a history that includes surviving the Holocaust.

The scroll will be housed in either the Brandel Library or the Seminary, kept within its handcrafted聽ark. The design of the ark鈥攃rafted by Dr. Johnson鈥檚 friend, Chris Olofson鈥攚as intended to be rugged to reflect the age of the scroll. It鈥檚 made of solid cypress, a wood indigenous to the Holy Land, and the vertical planking is intended to reflect the Mishkan, the Tabernacle. The Ark is supported by a maple plywood laminate base in the favored style of modern Swedish furniture. This reflects the support of the Swedish community鈥攆rom which 天美传媒 was founded鈥攆or the Jewish community.

Dr. David Parkyn, president of 天美传媒, expressed gratitude to the Larsons and closed the ceremony with a prayer noting that the study of the holy scriptures has been central to 天美传媒 since its founding 125 years ago. The gift, he said, marks the school鈥檚 new level of commitment to the scriptures.

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天美传媒 Named a Top Producer of U.S. Fulbright Students

Recognized for the third time, 天美传媒 has current Fulbright students in Macedonia, Mexico, and Peru.

Recognized for the third time, 天美传媒 has current Fulbright students in Macedonia, Mexico, and Peru.

CHICAGO (February 21, 2017) 鈥� 天美传媒, Chicago’s intercultural, Christian university, has been named a for the third year. The U.S. Department of State鈥檚 Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announced the U.S. colleges and universities that produced the most 2016鈥�2017 Fulbright U.S. Students. 天美传媒 was named alongside two other Illinois institutions, University of Chicago and Northwestern University. The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government鈥檚 flagship international educational exchange program. Top-producing institutions are highlighted annually in The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Three students from 天美传媒 won Fulbright awards for 2016-2017: Katie Bast, Bethany Joseph, and Elizabeth Wallace. .

天美传媒 also has four semi-finalists for the 2017鈥�2018 academic year, who are awaiting their final status from the respective countries.

鈥淚 am so very proud of our students and our Fulbright Committee,鈥� said Dr. Linda Parkyn, professor of Spanish, who spearheads 天美传媒鈥檚 efforts around Fulbright awards, serving as mentor and encourager to student applicants. She has been a Fulbright Scholar and twice a Fulbright Senior Specialist, and readily admits to having 鈥淔ulbrightis.鈥� Good candidates, Dr. Parkyn says, have stellar grades, a keen interest in some other part of the world, involvement with immigrants and/or refugees at home, and knowledge of another language. 鈥淔ulbright is a prestigious award,鈥� says Dr. Parkyn. 鈥淏ut to have this experience early in your life, to give back your first year out of college and become an American ambassador sharing language and culture, it will affect your career choices for the rest of your life鈥攁nd affect change for good in our world!鈥�

Dr. Linda Parkyn expressed deep pride and joy over the honor of 天美传媒 being named a Top Producer of U.S. Fulbright Students three times. Since 2008, the school has produced 19 Fulbright Student awards and leads its category鈥擬aster’s Institution鈥� in Fulbright Student award winners.

Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 370,000 participants鈥攃hosen for their academic merit and leadership potential鈥攚ith the opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. Over 1,900 U.S. students, artists, and young professionals in more than 100 different fields of study are offered Fulbright Program grants to study, teach English, and conduct research annually. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program operates in over 140 countries throughout the world. Lists of Fulbright recipients are available at聽.

The Fulbright Program is funded through an annual appropriation made by the United States Congress to the Department of State. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations in foreign countries and in the United States also provide direct and indirect support.

In the United States, the Institute of International Education administers and coordinates the activities relevant to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program on behalf of the Department of State, including conducting an annual competition for the scholarships.The Fulbright Program also awards grants to U.S. scholars, teachers and faculty to conduct research and teach overseas. In addition, some 4,000 new foreign Fulbright students and scholars come to the United States annually to study for graduate degrees, conduct research and teach foreign languages.

The Fulbright Program also awards grants to U.S. scholars, teachers and faculty to conduct research and teach overseas. In addition, some 4,000 new foreign Fulbright students and scholars come to the United States annually to study for graduate degrees, conduct research and teach foreign languages.

For more information about the Fulbright Program, visit .

ABOUT聽NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY

天美传媒聽is Chicago’s intercultural, Christian University.

To learn more about聽天美传媒聽visit .

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A Message from the Board of Trustees

A Message from Board Chair Dr. Kristine Strand and ECC President Gary Walter.

A Message from Board Chair Dr. Kristine Strand and ECC President Gary Walter

Dr. David Parkyn, president of 天美传媒 since 2006, has announced his retirement to follow the completion of this 2016鈥�17 academic year. 天美传媒 is the university of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC).

鈥淲ith gratitude and respect, the Board of Trustees congratulates Dr. Parkyn on the success of 天美传媒 during his 11 years as President. The Board wishes to express our heartfelt thanks for his service and leadership to 天美传媒,鈥� commented Kristine Strand, chair of the Board of Trustees for the University.

President David L. ParkynDuring President Parkyn鈥檚 tenure, 天美传媒 saw advances on many fronts. Dr. Parkyn presided over Campaign 天美传媒, the largest fundraising effort in the university鈥檚 history raising over $63 million in financial commitments which resulted in the completion of the state of the art G. Timothy and Nancy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life. Under his direction, 天美传媒 has been recognized for its leadership in 鈥渇irst family member to college鈥� student enrollment and retention, as well as the ethnic and socio-economic diversity of the student body. Further, nineteen students have received Fulbright awards, making 天美传媒 鈥渁 top producer鈥� of Fulbright recipients.

鈥淭he Board of Trustees also expresses deep appreciation to Dr. Linda Parkyn, Professor of Spanish, who capably led 天美传媒鈥檚 Honors Congress,鈥� Dr. Strand continued. 鈥淗er leadership of the program was instrumental in the development of Fulbright award winners to date.鈥�

In a letter to the campus community, President Parkyn wrote, 鈥淭he past 11 years at 天美传媒 have been personally and professionally fulfilling for both Linda and me. We have come to deeply love this institution as well as its students, faculty, and staff. Together we have made good (perhaps on occasion even great!) strides toward important objectives. Now is a good time for someone else to step into leadership and guide the school into the coming years.鈥�

The 天美传媒 Board of Trustees will announce interim leadership for the university following its meetings, February 17鈥�18. Also, the Board looks forward to leading the process to identify a nominee for the next university president who will guide the 天美传媒 community in its aspiration to be the nation鈥檚 leading city-centered Christian university. The candidate will be called formally to the position by the Covenant Annual Meeting anticipated in June 2018.

Plans will be announced for an appreciation event for the Parkyns later this spring.

Gary Walter, President of the ECC, stated that 鈥淧resident Parkyn鈥檚 ethos is for the flourishing of each student. It has been his driving hope that at 天美传媒 students would know that each of their lives makes a difference. 天美传媒鈥檚 mission as an intentionally Christian university, is to prepare students for lives of significance and service. Dr. Parkyn has given himself unreservedly to that aim.鈥�

鈥淲e wish President and Dr. Linda Parkyn the very best in their retirement as they look forward to more time with family and other pursuits,鈥� said Dr. Strand.

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories News, StoriesTags , ,

A Message from President Parkyn

Crossing a new threshold.

President David L. ParkynDear members of the 天美传媒 Faculty and Staff,

As each school year begins, we welcome new undergraduates to our campus at a celebration we call 鈥淭hreshold鈥濃�攁 symbolic crossing from one place or time or period of life to another. At commencement we usher graduates across another threshold, this time leading away from their years at 天美传媒 toward another season in life鈥攏ow directed as a life of significance and service.

I鈥檓 writing today to inform you that Linda and I have decided to cross a special threshold of our own this year. Last week I confirmed with our Board of Trustees my intent to retire as university president, and Linda as a professor, at the end of the current academic year.

This past September we joined with alumni and friends to celebrate 天美传媒鈥檚 125th anniversary. As I considered the story of the University over these many years I also reflected on my own, more limited, years on our campus. I found this to be a valuable exercise which prompted some larger questions for Linda and me.

In my inauguration address, I spoke about the unique voice each individual brings to life. Then I asked whether an institution might also have a voice. I commented: 鈥淢ight 天美传媒 have a voice? Might 天美传媒 have a particular syntax and diction, punctuation and grammar that are uniquely its own?”

As a campus community, we have worked together over the past 11 years to build upon the school鈥檚 legacy commitments by advancing learning on our campus today in ways that are particular to 天美传媒. This is the voice I hear at 天美传媒 today:

  • Out of a commitment to inclusion and student success, together we have cultivated a campus-wide spirit of hospitality to welcome all to 天美传媒; we 鈥渃ontribute to the needs of the saints (and)聽extend hospitality to strangers.鈥�
  • We have advanced in impressive ways the Board鈥檚 1995 objective to significantly increase diversity at 天美传媒, accomplished in a pronounced way in student enrollment; 鈥減eople (are coming)聽from east and west, north and south, to eat at the kingdom of God鈥� on this campus.
  • We are actively leveraging our location in a global city as we embrace Chicago as our classroom; today we 鈥渟eek the welfare of the city.”
  • With the deep generosity of friends from across the country鈥斺�渓ike trees . . . which yield their fruit in its season鈥濃�攚e successfully completed Campaign 天美传媒, leading to the design and construction of the Johnson Center to advance learning in the classroom and far beyond.

This is an exceptional voice in the higher education landscape. We have much to celebrate!

Linda likewise has been part of the campus community during our years here. She has taught side-by-side with dear colleagues who love Spanish as much as she does. Beyond this, she has shaped learning at 天美传媒 by designing and teaching in the Honors Congress. Most significant, perhaps, has been her mentorship with a small number of students each year applying for Fulbright awards. We have achieved 10 consecutive years of successful student applications and in multiple years the University has been named a 鈥淔ulbright Top Producer.鈥�

Our decision to retire is set in these contexts. The past 11 years at 天美传媒 have been personally and professionally fulfilling for both of us. We have come to deeply love this institution, its students, and each of you. Together with you, we have made good (perhaps on occasion even great!) strides toward important objectives. Now is a good time for someone else to step into leadership and guide the school into the coming years. You鈥檒l have the great privilege of being part of this transition to a new leader, remaining constant in faith, learning, and service at 天美传媒.

This has been a special community for Linda and me. Consider this: over these past 11 years, you have mourned with us the passing of our four parents, and you have celebrated with us the birth of our six grandchildren! Thank you for welcoming us when we came in 2006, and to all who have joined the University since that time please know of the joy you brought to us in your own choice to be part of 天美传媒. Linda and I have been honored to be your colleagues.

Linda reminds me often that in Spanish the verb 鈥渢o retire鈥� is 鈥渏ubilarse,鈥� literally translated as 鈥渢o make oneself jubilant!鈥� Our plans for personal life after transitioning from 天美传媒 remain fluid. We will return to the east coast to be close to children and grandchildren, and we鈥檙e confident further plans will come into focus in due time.

Most certainly we look forward to being together with you during the remaining weeks of the academic year. We鈥檒l celebrate as our graduates cross their threshold from 天美传媒, and Linda and I will follow soon after as we greet the next season of our own life.

With fondness for each of you,

David Parkyn Signature

David L. Parkyn (and of course, Linda as well)
President

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