天美传媒 has served five generations of students and continues to grow in diversity, academic relevance, and Christian commitment. Our Chicago location is a great asset that reflects the School鈥檚 global reach and outlook.
After 125 years, we鈥檝e learned how to streamline the process of helping qualified applicants seek admission to 天美传媒 and find affordable ways to attend. If you don鈥檛 see what you鈥檙e looking for on our website, please contact us directly!
天美传媒 offers more than 40 graduate and undergraduate programs in liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. Classes average 17 students. 84% of our faculty have terminal degrees. Academics here are rigorous and results-oriented.
天美传媒 Theological Seminary prepares you to answer the call to service through theological study, spiritual development, and the formative experiences of living in a community with others on a similar life path.
The Office of Alumni Engagement fosters lifelong connections by engaging alumni with the university and one another in activities, programs, and services that support the university鈥檚 mission and alumni needs.
The safety and support of our students are our highest priority.
CHICAGO (November 22, 2016) 鈥斕齇ne week ago I wrote to our campus community twice on the same day in related messages. On each occasion the general topic of my communication was to reiterate our campus commitment to civility in our life together. In these messages I stressed that interactions based on hate have no place at 天美传媒.
The second message in particular was prompted by an incident of intolerance that occurred in a student鈥檚 off-campus residence. I鈥檓 writing today to notify our community that this incident has been fully investigated and resolved. Sadly, we discovered that the incident and related messages were fabricated; the individual responsible for the incident is not continuing as a student at 天美传媒. We are confident there is no further threat of repeated intolerance to any member of our campus community stemming from this recent incident.
I want to state again two central topics of my previous messages. The first is that the safety of and support for our students is of highest priority for us as an educational community. The second is that, rooted in our understanding of and commitment to the Christian gospel, we are committed to embracing all people who enroll as students and who are employed at 天美传媒. Interactions between individuals should always reflect our campus ethos of 鈥渙pen inquiry, integrity, and civility;鈥� these are the principles that guide our life together, the dialogue between us, and the learning context of the university at large.
When student safety is compromised, and when institutional values are not maintained, we will respond with resolve as we did in the most recent incident. Additionally, we ask members of the community to reflect our institutional ethos and commitment in our interpersonal relationships鈥攖hrough inclusion, civility, dialogue, respect, hospitality, and a mutual love for God and all people.
As is our national tradition, this week we gather with family and friends across our country to give thanks鈥攆or our community, for our nation, for each other. We do so at 天美传媒 as well, giving thanks to God for this special community that is our educational home. Blessings to each one as we travel near and far; may God protect us by his gracious and ready help.
The new mark honors the institution’s 125-year legacy, while pointing to a bold future.
CHICAGO (November 17, 2016) 鈥� 天美传媒 this week unveiled its new logo, which harkens to the University鈥檚 history in Chicago. The cupola is a depiction of the first campus building, Old Main, built in 1893. Once the tallest point on the north side of Chicago, the cupola was historically used as a guiding landmark for pilots landing at Orchard Field (now O鈥橦are International Airport).
In the new rendition of this architectural feature, the steeple breaks out of a shield, emphasizing 天美传媒鈥檚 continued role as a directional point for students, alumni, and community members. A cross is visible towards the top of the symbol, a reflection of the University鈥檚 identity, which is 鈥渞ooted in Christianity, with open arms.鈥�
Founded by the Swedish听Evangelical Covenant Church, 天美传媒 has long identified with the colors blue and gold, originally drawn from the Swedish flag. This is maintained in the new logo, as well as the marker 鈥淐HICAGO,鈥� indicating 天美传媒鈥檚 continued commitment to engaging its urban environment.
Located in Chicago, 天美传媒 is a Christian comprehensive university that serves nearly 3,200 undergraduate and graduate students from around the country and the world. Within a diverse, close-knit, urban community, 天美传媒 offers a values-based education to students through more than 40 undergraduate majors and an adult degree-completion program, as well as graduate and continuing education in business, nonprofit management, nursing, education, music, and theology. By integrating faith with learning鈥攁s it has done since its founding in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church鈥斕烀来� continues to focus on the important task of preparing students for lives of significance and service.
CHICAGO (November 16, 2016) 鈥斕齀n a campus-wide 听on Tuesday, I reminded us that all are welcome at 天美传媒. I noted that our Christian values call us to be present with each other, to be a neighbor, to welcome, to walk alongside, to show love, to do justice, and to听show mercy.听Our student standards of conduct exist to teach students how to live in relationship to each other and behave respectfully.
Additionally, I noted that messages and expressions of hate have no place on our campus. Words and symbols of hate are not only hurtful and cause pain, they demonstrate intolerance for others, place victims in positions of fear, and threaten their personal safety. On our campus, the safety and security of our students is our highest priority. It is because of this priority, alongside our commitment to being a welcoming and hospitable community, that we denounce hate speech in any form.
Of late, there has been evidence of intolerance that is counter to our climate of civility. We fully investigate all听incidents that involve violations to the rights and dignity of any person. We follow with听appropriate action through student conduct proceedings.
We ask God to send us His amazing grace as we work to love and care for all students on our campus.
CHICAGO (November 15, 2016) 鈥� Many from our campus community gathered yesterday morning in Anderson Chapel for conversation. Our topics ranged widely from our individual and collective thoughts on the presidential election, to life on campus, learning together, and living together. Deep emotions were evident among us, including expressions of grief, fear, pain and uncertainty, alongside a desire to know how to care for each other. As university president I was pleased to be present and to participate, primarily by listening, as did many others.
I am grateful for the leadership of Provost Emerson and Vice President Koslow Martin in organizing the event. And I join the rest of our community in thanking the members of the panel which guided and informed our discussion: student government president Steve Smrt; professors Joe Alulis, Sarah Doherty, Rupe Simms, and Jon Peterson; and staff members Pam Bozeman and Jonathan Dodrill. The discussion was also strengthened by questions and comments from students and others from our community in attendance.
Where, now, should we turn to guide our life together going forward?
We turn in this direction: We remember who we are.
At 天美传媒 we hold to seven educational ideals鈥攑rinciples that shape learning on our campus. Though all seven are important, today I’m drawn especially to two.
First, at 天美传媒 we hold to an education that “embraces all people and celebrates the richness of cultural difference.”
All students are to be welcomed at 天美传媒, no exceptions. The same holds true for members of our faculty and staff, with one caveat: as an expression of our Christian mission, members of our full-time faculty and staff are to be people of Christian faith.
Differences between us at 天美传媒 reach across culture and ethnicity, to be sure, yet they stretch much further than this. Our diversity includes where we come from, the languages we speak, our places of citizenship, our commitments of faith, political perspectives and preferences we embrace, gender and sexual identity and orientation, and much, much more.
Our commitment to embrace all people at 天美传媒 is rooted in our understanding of and commitment to the Christian gospel. In just a few weeks, Christians around the globe will celebrate the seasons of Advent and Christmas. The story of the incarnation reminds us of who we are, people welcomed by God who “was made flesh” to be present with us. Our responsibility is to “put on flesh” as well, to be present with each other, to be neighbors, to welcome, to walk alongside, to show love, to do justice and show mercy.
Second, at 天美传媒 we hold to an education that “encourages dialogue as a means of learning where open inquiry, integrity, and civility guide our life together.” All people are welcome at 天美传媒 so that we can talk together, and thereby learn together. There is privilege in this, yet there also is responsibility.
If 天美传媒 were a community in which we all thought the same and agreed on every question we would not need to worry much about dialogue. Conversation would be filled with perspectives much like our own. In such a setting we would not hear much from each other we didn’t already know or agree with, and as a result 天美传媒 would not provide a very rich or deep learning community. And through this kind of environment students would not be 鈥減repared for lives of significance and service.鈥�
By contrast, the people who comprise 天美传媒 are characterized by difference and diversity. This is how we want it鈥攖his is who we are. Throughout this school’s history, we have agreed that learning is enriched by the inclusion of a wide array of individuals and perspectives, and we have purposefully fostered this kind of community in our faculty, staff, and especially our student body.
At 天美传媒 each student (as well as faculty and staff) brings to our campus an anthology of life experiences鈥攁 personal story. Each story counts, it is a story to be shared, a story through which others can and will learn.
One challenge, of course, is that while differences of thought and perspective can lead to learning they can also lead to misunderstanding. This in turn can feed bias, and bias can sometimes give rise to responses which offend and are occasionally characterized more by hate than by love.
Interaction based on hate has no place at 天美传媒. Our lives together and our conversations should radiate respect, civility of thought and speech, an embrace of love and care. Because we affirm difference as a university, it is essential that we each learn to live lovingly in this community. This commitment to be a community guided by Christian love was expressed eloquently by several members of yesterday鈥檚 panel.
The differences between us鈥攔egarding how we express faith, a relative position on a political continuum, sexual identity and orientation, ethnic and cultural norms, and a host of other topics, questions, and points of conversation鈥攁re real. Our differences will challenge us, but should our diversity be a force that separates us or can it be a course that draws us toward each other? At 天美传媒 we do not seek to eliminate difference and disagreement within the campus community, yet we do seek to draw people closer together鈥攖hrough inclusion, civility, dialogue, respect, hospitality, and a mutual love for God and all people.
We live together; we learn together; even as we worship and pray as a campus community. Let’s commit over the days and weeks ahead to remember who we are.
Alumna Jacqueline Strapp began as director of diversity this fall
CHICAGO (October 24, 2016) 鈥� In an effort to better serve its intercultural campus community, 天美传媒 launched its strategic new Diversity Team this academic year. Consisting of University Dean , Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement Dr. Barrington Price, Director of Diversity Jacqueline Strapp, and Director of the International Office Dr. Sumie Song, the team will focus on student success and recruitment, as well as retention of diverse students and faculty.
Strapp, who joined the staff this fall, is a 2008 天美传媒 graduate. Her return to campus follows the appointment of Acosta as University dean and the creation of Price鈥檚 new role over the summer.
Acosta works with deans across campus to create strategies for faculty development and diversification, while Price, formerly the director of student success, provides leadership for students to effectively navigate college transition and establish clear pathways to graduation. Song will now also guide global campus conversations within the context of the diversity team.
Strapp calls the University鈥檚 approach to diversity programming 鈥渃utting-edge.鈥� Here, she shares her thoughts on what compelled her to return to 天美传媒, how the Office of Diversity is expanding its initiatives, and how their work addresses everyone on campus.
天美传媒:What made you want to return to 天美传媒 as a staff member?
Jacqueline Strapp: Having the chance to come back to 天美传媒 and really make some changes that I wish were being done for me when I was a student was an amazing opportunity. So I jumped at the chance to do that. I worked for some great institutions before I came here, but nothing can compare to being back where you started everything. I have a vested interest in 天美传媒.
NP: What are some of the new initiatives that the Office of Diversity will be pursuing?
JS: We鈥檙e going to have a real focus on student success. It鈥檚 something that鈥檚 worked very well for the , helping students get integrated into college life and providing them with success counselors. So we鈥檙e going to emulate a lot of those practices. My background is in student success, making sure we鈥檙e increasing retention rates, specifically with students who are of minority status. So that鈥檚 really going to be helpful for us.
We also want to talk about topics that maybe have been avoided in the past on campus. What I鈥檓 hearing from students in conversations and from the administration is that we鈥檙e in a climate where we can鈥檛 ignore things anymore, we can鈥檛 talk around it.
NP: What are some of the sponsored talks you鈥檙e hosting?
JS: We鈥檙e going to hit things head-on, and we鈥檙e going to do things like talk about Black Lives Matter; immigration; 鈥淩ace and Politics,鈥� an event we just held, focused on some of the racial tensions that have been expanding in our country, and what that means for students.
This relates to student success because it鈥檚 very difficult for students to be successful with a lot of these things playing in the backdrops of their mind. You can鈥檛 separate a successful student from their experience鈥攊t goes together. So we鈥檙e addressing these issues and giving students places to talk about them safely.
We鈥檙e going to make sure we have a wide spectrum of views, and give students a chance to voice things that they鈥檙e thinking about. The process of letting people hear from others that are different from them, and becoming informed on things that maybe they weren鈥檛 before, is going to be huge. So this is going to play out on our campus in a lot of different areas.
NP: How does the work of the Diversity Team differ from how we鈥檝e approached these issues in the past?
JS: The Division of Student Engagement has been really intentional in making sure we鈥檙e giving focus to each one of the areas represented on the team, whereas before, it鈥檚 largely fallen only to the Office of Diversity. So now with me specifically focusing on students, Barrington expanding his programs, Dr. Acosta focusing on faculty and staff, and Sumie focusing on the greater global picture, I feel like we have a dream team. I鈥檓 excited about the role we鈥檙e going to play on campus, making sure that we鈥檙e keeping leadership informed about things that are happening, how what鈥檚 going on in the world is impacting our students, and the changes that they want to make.
We鈥檙e going to start off by making sure our approach is data-driven. We鈥檙e going to conduct focus groups, including a climate survey for diversity across the entire campus, and we鈥檙e going to use the results from these focus groups and surveys to influence what we鈥檙e going to tackle first.
NP: How does Dr. Price鈥檚 work in student success within Student Engagement interact with yours within the Office of Diversity?
JS: Barrington has done great work with the COMPASS program, and working with and those cohort models. So our future-thinking is that we鈥檙e going to implement some cohorts and expand on what has already been done in COMPASS. They鈥檝e done a great job of mentoring students鈥攎inority students, specifically鈥攁nd encouraging their retention at 天美传媒. I looked at the data and said, 鈥淲hoa. We鈥檙e going to have to emulate this elsewhere.鈥�
The Office of Diversity is under Student Engagement, and we鈥檙e going to be more intentional about making sure that our efforts are the same. We鈥檙e going to expand programming, and some of them will be working directly with me.
The Diversity Team is about focusing our positions, and zooming in on these specific things. That鈥檚 the difference that I love about this job. When I first heard about it, I thought, 鈥淲ow, that鈥檚 very intentional.鈥� It鈥檚 cutting-edge for an institution to even take the time to change the structure and think strategically in this way.
NP: What are some of the ways that work will be expanded?
JS: We鈥檙e not just focusing on creating groups and places of community for individuals of minority backgrounds, but we鈥檙e also focusing on educating students that are outside of the minority status on issues and sensitivities that they need to have in order for them to be successful as whatever they plan to do in the world. They have to learn how to work with people of diverse backgrounds.
So that鈥檚 something else that鈥檚 going to be very intentionally targeted. Our events will not just be for minority students, although we do still have those. We鈥檙e going to be intentional about addressing the entire campus.
Chicago Intensive program part of University curriculum combining classroom and experiential learning
CHICAGO (October 21, 2016) 鈥� 天美传媒鈥檚 is a semester-long urban experiential program with all classes and hands-on learning focused on the city of Chicago. Designed to foster learning in the context of relationships, students in the program share the same curriculum, with opportunities for group discussion and interaction.
Intended for students in their second year at 天美传媒鈥攁fter they鈥檙e comfortable with the university experience, but before being fully immersed in their major classes鈥攖he program鈥檚 cohort serves and learns together. Courses address the urban context, students volunteer with community-based organizations across Chicago, and faculty facilitate firsthand exploration of the city.
The Chicago Intensive first ran as a pilot program last spring, continues this fall, and will expand next semester. Here, Provost shares his thoughts on the nature, history, and future of the program.
What was the thinking behind launching the Chicago Intensive?
I believe it鈥檚 important to find meaningful ways to engage 天美传媒 students with the world around them鈥攂ut also to bridge the gap between theory and practice. There鈥檚 plenty of valuable learning happening in the classroom, but with 天美传媒 situated in Chicago, it鈥檚 a terrific opportunity for students to get to know the city and our world on a much deeper level.
What is the Chicago Intensive concept?
The concept is likened to study abroad, where students have the opportunity to learn about something entirely new in a hands-on experiential learning format. The program taps into the city right here, and engages our students in a unique way not found in the classroom.
Will it take longer to complete my undergraduate degree?
The curriculum is designed to work in conjunction with meeting general education requirements, so there is no time lost in completing your degree.
What does the Chicago Intensive curriculum entail?
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the cohort takes classes together on campus. The curriculum is designed around best practices of educational goals鈥攂oth in-the-classroom academic and hands-on experiential learning鈥攁nd each course is focused in some way on Chicago. On Mondays and Fridays, the students spend time in their assigned nonprofit organizations, organizations striving for a better Chicago. On Wednesdays, the cohort travels together with their instructors to visit specific sites, and then spends time processing the experience and talking about how it all fits together.
听What kind of outings do students go on?
Students have had hands-on learning experiences ranging from community-based organizations like urban gardening to business-oriented subject matter like visiting a downtown courtroom.
How does the Chicago Intensive tie into 天美传媒鈥檚 Christian, urban, and intercultural mission and values?
The origin of the program is very much connected to our Christian tradition and commitment to intercultural community. Students engage the city not just through academics, but by serving its people through our ministries, and learning from the diverse people of Chicago.听The Chicago Intensive is designed to provide ample opportunities for students to focus on the meaning of living a life of significance and service.
What is behind 天美传媒鈥檚 focus on students having a complete and fulfilling college experience?
Our faculty is here to teach and prepare the next generation. The student body is diverse, and as a society, we need to educate a broader base of students鈥攖he educators at 天美传媒 are in tune with what鈥檚 needed for a thriving society, and recognize that the status quo of only educating the elite is something we need to be active in demystifying.
What type of student will get the most out of the Chicago Intensive?
Students who are motivated by justice and making the world a better place. We鈥檙e here to teach and support students in being part of a team to make a real difference.
Why is 天美传媒 investing in this program, without a tuition increase?
We care deeply about our students and their success and are always looking for ways to provide our students the highest quality comprehensive college experience, expanding academics, faith, and exposure to hands-on learning off-campus. Our Christian values are rooted in making a high-quality education accessible to a student body made up of diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Because Chicago is a world-class city, our students will benefit greatly from understanding it and learning from it. They will be prepared for today鈥檚 global world.
Given your background as an urban sociologist, what are your thoughts on how living and working in a major metropolitan city influences a career?
Studies have shown that students who have their first job in large cities like Chicago鈥攔egardless of their actual job or title鈥攔ise up the ranks faster, are promoted more often, and earn a higher wage. This is because the best and brightest are attracted to global cities, and they are the sites of the world鈥檚 innovation, creativity, and inventions.听 Rubbing shoulders with such people and organizations benefits students for a lifetime.
How far back do 天美传媒鈥檚 roots go to being in a major metropolitan city?
天美传媒 just celebrated its . Over the years, the University was offered land outside the city, but the decision was made in 1980 to stay in our original urban location. This decision was thoughtful and deliberate, as 天美传媒鈥檚 identity as an Christian, urban, and intercultural institution has remained consistent鈥攕tudents and graduates develop real connections with the city, the people around them, opportunities for career growth, and opportunities for truly rich, meaningful lives in service to others.
How is being in a cohort part of the Chicago Intensive experience?
In a cohort, you learn from one another鈥檚 strengths, and in the same way, students get to role model their strengths鈥攊t鈥檚 a win-win where students serve as leader and learner. And together, the cohort works to problem-solve, a valuable skill, transferable as students and graduates pursue their career paths.
How does the Chicago Intensive contribute toward growing Illinois鈥檚 workforce and building an engaged citizenry?
Participating in the Chicago Intensive is engaging in nature, where students are exposed to the complexities of community-related and real business issues, requiring creative thinking, problem solving, and polished communication skills to work together in a team environment. The hope and goal is for students to form relationships within the community, build a connection to Chicago, and find good and meaningful careers and vocations.
What faculty members are leading the program?
, professor of mathematics, and , Urban Outreach coordinator with University Ministries, launched and lead the Chicago Intensive and continue to monitor learning best practices.
Author, reporter Natalie Moore calls students to ask challenging questions
CHICAGO (October 17, 2016) 鈥� For more than a decade, 天美传媒鈥檚听听program has been a key part of its undergraduate experience. Beginning in 2003, a yearlong series of events, lectures, and discussions has occurred across campus around a central question of the human experience. Meant to connect students from a variety of disciplines in a common pursuit, recent themes have included ,听, and听.
This year鈥檚 theme, What Is Beauty?, marks the second year of a cycle in the Campus Theme series. Beginning last year, four questions鈥擶hat Is Truth? What Is Beauty? What Is Good? What Is Sacred?鈥攚ill be asked over four years. After that, the same cycle questions will begin again over the following four academic years.
鈥淪ince most undergraduate students are here for four years, our Campus Theme committee discussed the idea of a common set of questions,鈥� said听, associate professor of听听and the director of the Campus Theme program. 鈥淭he shared experience of a single question happening across campus is essential to Campus Theme, and this allows us to enhance the shared experience across different classes and perhaps even generations of 天美传媒 graduates.鈥�
The pursuit of What Is Beauty? is already underway. On September 20, poet and translator Mark Tardi spoke on 鈥淭he Beauty of Mathematics and Poetry鈥� in Nyvall Hall, and on September 23, Clifton-Soderstrom moderated a panel of alumni artists addressing beauty.
鈥楾he Beautiful City鈥�
Last Friday, students, faculty, staff, and guests gathered in Anderson Chapel to hear from Natalie Y. Moore, South Side bureau reporter and author of The South Side: A Portrait of Chicago and American Segregation.
Moore’s book The South Side is the University鈥檚 Common Read selection this year.
Moore鈥檚 lecture, 鈥淭he Beautiful City,鈥� was particularly meaningful for 天美传媒, as The South Side is the University鈥檚 Common Read selection this year. The Common Read program, similar to initiatives like听, is in its fourth year as part of the Campus Theme. Through the program, incoming first-year students have a shared experience of reading the same book鈥攕elected based on the Campus Theme鈥攁nd then gather throughout the year to discuss its meanings and implications.
鈥淐hicago can be very tribal,鈥� Moore told the audience, 鈥渨hich in some ways can be negative, but there are also a lot of positives about it. There are a lot of long-lasting, deep connections in Chicago, and I think we should celebrate that. There鈥檚 so much other beauty that鈥檚 on the surface and below the surface.鈥�
Moore sees segregation as the defining issue of the region. 鈥淚t鈥檚 more important than pensions, violence, or income inequality,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the common denominator in many of the issues we鈥檙e facing here in Chicago. We can鈥檛 honestly talk about unemployment, crime, violence, or food justice without addressing segregation.鈥�
So how does Chicago become a more beautiful city? By asking how it can become desegregated, Moore said. 鈥淪egregation can seem so intractable, so cemented. A lack of creativity continues to stifle Chicago and the greater metropolitan area. Until policies address exclusionary isolation, it will continue. This is about proximity to power and resources鈥攚e have to create just and fair standards.鈥�
When Moore completed her book, she was more hopeful than when she began, she said. While 鈥渢here鈥檚 no silver bullet,鈥� many potential solutions have been offered, particularly within Chicago’s universities, like 天美传媒, she said. 鈥淚 am a person of faith, and I have faith in humanity. Chicago is beautiful. You can have strife and loveliness coexist. I love my city, and I always want it to do better.鈥�
Events throughout the year
Campus Theme events will occur throughout the year, with most of them free and open to the public. Beginning November 4, the work of Milwaukee artist Lois Bielfield will be displayed in the installation 鈥淏eauty Conventions鈥� in Carlson Tower Gallery. In the spring, the University will also welcome, among others, Dr. Reggie Williams of McCormick Seminary, addressing 鈥淏eauty, Identity, and Social Change.鈥�
Other guests will include gospel musician Jonathan McReynolds; origami artist Robert J. Lang; Amazing Grace author Aaron Cohen; and Dr. Gabriel Richardson Lear of the University of Chicago, addressing 鈥淏eauty and the Good Life.鈥�
More events related to Campus Theme will be announced throughout the year. Please visit听听for updates and more information.
Chef returns to 天美传媒 for 125th Anniversary Alumni Panel
CHICAGO (October 3, 2016) 听鈥� As a 天美传媒 undergraduate student, Shanna Horner O鈥橦ea had no idea that her major in and minor in would eventually lead her to competing in TV cooking shows. But while her career has taken an unexpected path, she鈥檚 always been driven by a pursuit of creative work.
鈥淢y connection with food is very related to art,鈥� O鈥橦ea, a 1994 天美传媒 graduate, said. 鈥淚nstead of using a paintbrush, I鈥檓 using food as my palate.鈥�
Today, O鈥橦ea and her husband, Brian, co-own the Kennebunk Inn and Academe restaurant in Kennebunk, Maine. Academe gained national notoriety when O鈥橦ea鈥檚 lobster potpie dish was featured on the Food Network series The Best Thing I Ever Ate and her lobster white pizza made O magazine鈥檚 O List. Since then, she has competed on the shows Chopped, Rewrapped, and Beat Bobby Flay.
When she recently returned to campus for the University鈥檚 , she spoke at an session about her experiences as a chef while performing a live cooking demonstration, then distributed toasted s鈥檓ores to the audience. 鈥淓ducation is in my bones,鈥� said O鈥橦ea, daughter of former 天美传媒 president Dr. David Horner. 鈥淢y desire to continue to learn is something I absolutely got at 天美传媒.鈥�
We spoke with O鈥橦ea about how staying true to herself led to a career she loved, the ways in which her small seaside town is like 天美传媒, and 鈥渢he dance鈥� of a kitchen running smoothly.
天美传媒: How did your time at 天美传媒 prepare you for what you do now?
Shanna Horner 翱鈥橦别补: 天美传媒 provided great structure and accountability for me. It鈥檚 the first time in your life when you鈥檙e really making personal decisions that have consequences. I think that structure reflects my job now because听I feel accountable for employees, our reputation, inspiring staff to give it their all.
I also felt a great deal of community in a large city at 天美传媒, which is something rather special about the campus and the people that encompass it. I made lifelong friends at 天美传媒, and I think this feeling of a small community in an interesting area led me to Kennebunk. My job as an innkeeper and chef introduces me to Maine locals, international and domestic tourists, and interns. I love the cultural diversity that this small seaside town can provide, which mirrors my feelings while attending 天美传媒.
NP: Was there a specific moment or experience at 天美传媒 that helped kick off the trajectory of your career?
翱鈥橦别补: I truly did not understand my direct connection to becoming a chef while at 天美传媒, but I did have an “aha” moment of the importance of pursuing a career in something you love. As a freshman, I started with an art focus because I always loved to create. But I got a little self-conscious with the first classes and wondered if I was good enough to pursue this path. I also fell under some peer pressure of “what kind of job are you going to get after college as an art major?”
I then decided to pursue business and marketing for that post-college job. Although I enjoyed the marketing classes鈥攁nd the free candy and inspirational videos the instructor had us watch鈥攅conomics was certainly not my thing. I eventually went back to the arts with encouragement from my mother about truly enjoying my time in college and doing what made me happy. She was right with the advice that keeping true to yourself would lead to a career that I loved.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the dining scene in Chicago. I certainly think going out to eat in such a live culinary city help guide me to becoming a chef.
NP: You mentioned that your connection to food is related to your passion for art. Could you tell us more about that relationship?
翱鈥橦别补: Art is about creating and evoking feelings on many levels; this is also true of dining. As a chef, I am constantly creating dishes and recipes by paying attention to colors, textures, temperatures, plating, beverage pairings, and of course, selling it to the customer. Food can make you happy, provide memories, give you comfort鈥攊t makes you feel, just like art.
There is also a sense听of magic in the kitchen when we are working the line. They call it “the dance.” This happens when a team has worked together for a while, and the timing of courses and expediting is on point. It feels amazing when it happens. It is what keeps me cooking; that adrenaline push when you do a great night of service is wonderful. And finally, some dining experiences can be like going to the theater鈥攁nd can cost even more. But I love it, on every culinary level.
NP: Do you have a favorite 天美传媒 memory?
翱鈥橦别补: One of my favorite memories was our art . I volunteered听to be responsible for the food, which, given my passion for hospitality and culinary arts now, seems rather appropriate. I remember being just as excited about showcasing my art projects as I was about the menu-planning and execution of the show. Another example of the arts and the culinary intersecting.
Organization of Educational Historians focus on 鈥楶osition of Place in History of Education鈥�
CHICAGO (September 30, 2016) 鈥� Since 1965, the Organization of Educational Historians has brought together a wide range of scholars to examine the history of education through a broad framing of perspectives and possibilities.
The at 天美传媒 is sponsoring this year鈥檚 annual conference of the Organization of Educational Historians, held today and tomorrow on 天美传媒鈥檚 campus.
Historians from institutions such as Texas A&M University, the University of Chicago, Baylor University, Indiana University, the University of Oklahoma, and 天美传媒 will be presenting on a variety of historical topics related to women in higher education, race and schooling, higher education during wartime, religion and education, and many others.
The theme of the 2016 conference, 鈥淭he Position of Place in the History of Education,鈥� directs attention to the importance of examining local dynamics as they relate to education.
鈥淐entering inquiry on particular contextual understandings brings with it the potential to shape and reshape educational history based on cultural experiences, sociopolitical landscapes, community, time, and scale,鈥� said , assistant professor of education at 天美传媒 and president-elect of the Organization of Educational Historians. 鈥淎s historians of education shift their inquiry to more localized treatments, new perspectives in the field can provide meaningful insights into the power of place in education.鈥�
Keynote speaker Dr. Ann Marie Ryan, associate dean of academic programs and associate professor of education at Loyola University Chicago, will deliver an address titled 鈥淐hicago Educators鈥� Responses to the Standardization and Measurement Movements of the Early 20th 颁别苍迟耻谤测.鈥�
For more information, visit the . 天美传媒 faculty and students interested in attending any session may pick up a program and name badge in Hamming Hall.
CHICAGO (September 27, 2016) 鈥� Generations of 天美传媒 alumni returned to campus over the weekend to celebrate the University鈥檚 and to share in festivities.
There were several听, including an alumni art exhibit, the River Run 5K, and Homecoming Fest. Alumni were also听听from both soccer teams, including a men鈥檚 2-1 victory over conference rivals Carroll University, and a 2-2 tie against Carroll by the women鈥檚 team.
.
At Homecoming Brunch, all past recipients were invited to celebrate the accomplishments of this year鈥檚 designees. Four alumni were honored for their contributions to the 天美传媒 community and for leading lives of significance and service, exemplifying the University鈥檚 mission:
Theodore Ernst A鈥�51 C鈥�54, U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame inductee, Distinguished Academy Alumnus
Dr. Janice Phillips C鈥�76, director of government and regulatory affairs for CGFNS International, Distinguished University Alumna
Mary Helwig C鈥�06, one of just over 115 women to finish the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, Distinguished Young Alumna
Joanna (Ericson) Kanakis C鈥�06, vice president and account executive at Societe Generale Americas Securities LLC, Distinguished Young Alumna
125th Anniversary Celebration
On Friday of Homecoming weekend, alumni, families, students, faculty, and staff came together to honor 天美传媒鈥檚 125-year legacy and to celebrate its future with events throughout the day.
A history and heritage exhibit, Cultivating Great Intellects & Great Hearts: 天美传媒鈥檚 Quasquicentennial, traced the evolution of the University through text by 天美传媒 historians and photographs from the . The exhibit, displayed in the Johnson Center, also included University artifacts and publications from the Archives.
Three concurrent featured 天美传媒 graduates sharing about their accomplishments in the fields of entrepreneurship, health professions, and the arts鈥攊n which chef Shanna Horner O鈥橦ea performed a live cooking demonstration and distributed toasted s鈥檓ores to the audience. 鈥淓ducation is in my bones,鈥� said O鈥橦ea, daughter of former president Dr. David Horner. 鈥淢y desire to continue to learn is something I absolutely got at 天美传媒.鈥�
Following the Alumni Panels, two were held, featuring three concurrent classes taught by current and former faculty members on their areas of expertise. 鈥淲hen we say we want to be the leading city-centered Christian university, it鈥檚 because the world desperately needs that,鈥� said Provost , describing 天美传媒鈥檚 engagement with the city of Chicago, in the 鈥淯rban Sociology and Context鈥� session.
The day concluded with an evening concert and program featuring performances by the Alumni Choir, under the direction of Associate Professor of Music , Professor Emeritus Gregory Athnos, and former professor Dr. Rollo Dillworth, respectively. also led the University Choir in a performance of his commissioned piece in honor of the 125th anniversary.
In addition to the musical performances, the David Nyvall Medallion for Distinguished Service to 天美传媒 was presented to former board chair and two-time interim University president Bruce Bickner and former board chair Stanley Helwig. Former 天美传媒 presidents William Hausmann (1980鈥�1986) and Horner (1987鈥�2004) also shared remarks about their time serving the University.
鈥淲e are living in a global world, and it surrounds our campus,鈥� said Hausmann. 鈥淚 like to think that we started to build bridges to this world back in the 1980s. Our decision (in 1980) to stay in Chicago was the most important in 天美传媒鈥檚 history, next to its founding.鈥�
CHICAGO (November 22, 2016) 鈥斕齇ne week ago I wrote to our campus community twice on the same day in related messages. On each occasion the general topic of my communication was to reiterate our campus commitment to civility in our life together. In these messages I stressed that interactions based on hate have no place at 天美传媒.
Author tomgabrysiakPosted on Categories Stories
CHICAGO (October 24, 2016) 鈥� In an effort to better serve its intercultural campus community, 天美传媒 launched its strategic new Diversity Team this academic year. Consisting of University Dean , Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement Dr. Barrington Price, Director of Diversity Jacqueline Strapp, and Director of the International Office Dr. Sumie Song, the team will focus on student success and recruitment, as well as retention of diverse students and faculty.
CHICAGO (October 21, 2016) 鈥� 天美传媒鈥檚 is a semester-long urban experiential program with all classes and hands-on learning focused on the city of Chicago. Designed to foster learning in the context of relationships, students in the program share the same curriculum, with opportunities for group discussion and interaction.
CHICAGO (October 17, 2016) 鈥� For more than a decade, 天美传媒鈥檚听听program has been a key part of its undergraduate experience. Beginning in 2003, a yearlong series of events, lectures, and discussions has occurred across campus around a central question of the human experience. Meant to connect students from a variety of disciplines in a common pursuit, recent themes have included ,听, and听.
Last Friday, students, faculty, staff, and guests gathered in Anderson Chapel to hear from Natalie Y. Moore, South Side bureau reporter and author of The South Side: A Portrait of Chicago and American Segregation.
CHICAGO (October 3, 2016) 听鈥� As a 天美传媒 undergraduate student, Shanna Horner O鈥橦ea had no idea that her major in and minor in would eventually lead her to competing in TV cooking shows. But while her career has taken an unexpected path, she鈥檚 always been driven by a pursuit of creative work.
CHICAGO (September 30, 2016) 鈥� Since 1965, the Organization of Educational Historians has brought together a wide range of scholars to examine the history of education through a broad framing of perspectives and possibilities.
On Friday of Homecoming weekend, alumni, families, students, faculty, and staff came together to honor 天美传媒鈥檚 125-year legacy and to celebrate its future with events throughout the day.