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.
University President Addresses Student Recruitment, Planning, New Construction
Construction on the Johnson Center is in full swing. The new building is expected to be ready in fall 2014.
David Parkyn welcomes University community to spring semester
CHICAGO (January 30, 2013) — 天美传媒 faculty and staff returned to the campus for the spring semester amid a strengthened effort to recruit students for future years, a long-range institutional planning process, and sounds of new construction as the foundation is prepared for the .
Faculty and staff gathered January 25 for worship, and , University president, provided updates on campus initiatives. "Being together at the beginning of the spring semester reminds us of our common purpose, and I trust renews within each of us our common commitment to this purpose," he said.
The University welcomed 105 new undergraduate students for the spring semester, up from 91 new undergraduate students in 2012. Retention of returning students was also strong for the spring, Parkyn reported. For the upcoming academic year, the number of undergraduate applications is high, and this spring, 天美传媒 will host several . Parkyn urged faculty and staff to help in recruiting students and "warmly welcome each one."
The 天美传媒 president also addressed other topics:
Strategic planning continues: In January and February, Parkyn said he will meet with 20 groups of faculty and staff to discuss the strategic and long-term direction for the University. Planning documents will be revised and combined with information learned through a planning process underway with , a higher education consulting firm.
Continued fundraising: Staff with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations is working on concluding aspects of , a comprehensive fundraising effort, and developing a robust post-campaign effort, Parkyn said. "Our donors are optimistic about 天美传媒’s future, and for this we are deeply thankful," he said.
New construction in full swing: Parkyn noted that center of the campus is noisy and filled with construction activity at the Johnson Center building site. Regular communication will be provided to 天美传媒 community with updates on building progress, he said. The building is expected to be ready for use in Fall 2014.
Campus leadership transition: Parkyn announced that , vice president of student development and dean of students, will leave the University in mid-February to assume a new role in the Office of Student Affairs at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The president said he has appointed Elizabeth Snezek, assistant dean of student development, as interim dean of students through the end of the academic year.
New faculty and staff who joined the University community for the spring semester were introduced:
Janet Cullen, visiting assistant professor, nursing and biology
Professor Nnenna Okore Featured in Sculpture Magazine
Nnenna Okore, associate professor of art
Artist discusses her goal to "engage the viewer visually and provoke questions"
CHICAGO (September 3, 2013) — , associate professor of art, is , a publication of the International Sculpture Center. In the piece, "Political by Nature," Okore discusses her process and approach to creating, her use of a wide range of materials, and her subtle approach to issues of poverty, social class, status, and wealth through her work.
Okore began teaching at 天美传媒 in 2005, and returned this year after a sabbatical leave spent at the University of Lagos in Nigeria.
about Sculpture magazine and where to purchase the print edition.
'Chicago Reload' Urban Youth Worker Conference at 天美传媒 April 6
Speakers, workshops highlight event; early registration through April 2
CHICAGO (March 19, 2013) — A youth advocate, author, and corporate vice president, plus a Chicago gang intervention specialist, are keynote speakers at this year's , April 6, at 天美传媒, with the theme "Kingdom-Minded Ministry." Reload is a daylong continuing education event for urban youth workers, pastors, parents, teenagers, volunteers, and more. It is expected to attract as many as 500 attendees from the Chicago area and Midwest region.
"Chicago Reload is a one-stop shop for people to gather for training and engage in networking that is urban-specific and youth-specific," said , director of the University's (CYMS), and assistant professor of youth ministry. Participants will learn and discuss a wide-range of topics from both academic and experiential points of view, he emphasized. The event also offers participants a chance to be refreshed, hear stories of hope, and meet people engaged in urban and youth ministry, said , CYMS associate director.
Early registration for individuals and groups ends April 2. Walk-in registration is available April 6 at the 天美传媒 Gymnasium.
Chicago Reload are Steve Pemberton and Amy Williams. Pemberton is a child advocate, motivational speaker, and author of A Chance in the World, a personal memoir published in 2012. He is chief diversity officer and divisional vice president for Walgreens, Deerfield, Ill. Pemberton has become recognized as one of the nation’s leaders on matters of diversity and inclusion, and their importance to the growth of the American industrial complex. Forbes named Pemberton one of the top 20 chief diversity officers in corporate America in 2006.
Williams is an 18-year youth ministry veteran, working with teens involved in gangs, youth on probation and parole, and teens in the juvenile justice system. She is a certified gang intervention specialist who moved into a Latino gang neighborhood in Chicago’s Humboldt Park community to be a "hope dealer" where she does street outreach. Williams has pursued her callings as a youth pastor, reentry coordinator for paroled youth, and mentor trainer and coordinator.
More than 20 are planned throughout the day, including early-morning and concurrent sessions, plus lunchtime forums, said Burkhardt. New workshop offerings focus on veteran workers in urban and youth ministry, "living in Spanish and English," a workshop that addresses cultural identity for Latino youth, and best practices for working with undocumented youth. There is also a teen leadership track to teach storytelling, communication, and leadership skills.
A Chicago Reload planned the event. Reload is sponsored by 天美传媒's Center for Youth Ministry Studies, in partnership with .
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
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The Center for Youth Ministry Studies offers free and a series.
天美传媒 Among Top Producers of U.S. Fulbright Students
List of institutions with highest yield of Fulbright students announced
CHICAGO (October 31, 2013) — 天美传媒 was among the colleges and universities that yielded the most students in 2013–2014, according to a list announced by the U.S. Department of State. The list of top-producing institutions was published in the of the Chronicle of Higher Education.
Three 天美传媒 students won 2013–2014 Fulbright awards: , completing a Binational Business Exchange Grant internship in Mexico; , serving as an English Teaching Assistant in Bulgaria; and , serving as an English Teaching Assistant in Turkey. Including these three, the program has awarded to 天美传媒 graduates in the past five years.
, Fulbright Program faculty associate, brings her experience as a Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright Specialist to the University, and is committed to encouraging students to seek out opportunities offered by the program. “天美传媒 students can compete with the best college students in the country,” Parkyn said. “Our success in this program shows the faculty commitment to mentor students. If students take learning seriously and are ready to excel in their courses, internships, and community service, the faculty is eager to steer them toward opportunities like this.”
The Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program, is an excellent way for high-achieving undergraduates to gain work experience after graduation, said Parkyn. “Crafting a life takes more than a diploma,” she said. “I have worked with some wonderful students who make it their mission to show the best of the spirit of service in their first year after 天美传媒, working in schools and universities throughout the world.”
The application process for the Fulbright Program is rigorous. The 天美传媒 Fulbright Committee, comprised of and five faculty members, interviews each applicant. “In the process of writing a competitive application and in faculty conversations, students mature in their outlook and in their essay cohesiveness,” said Parkyn. “These grantees have worked hard.”
More than 1,800 U.S. students, artists, and young professionals in more than 100 different fields of study have been offered Fulbright Program awards in more than 140 countries this fall.
The Fulbright Program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1946, and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. It is the largest U.S. international exchange program offering opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools worldwide.
University Mourns Loss of Former President Lloyd Ahlem
Dr. Ahlem at the inauguration ceremony of President Parkyn, 2006.
Ahlem retained and expanded 天美传媒’s strength and stability during challenging decade
CHICAGO (September 30, 2013) — Dr. Lloyd Ahlem C’48, president of 天美传媒 College and Theological Seminary from 1970 to 1979, died September 29 in Turlock, Calif., after a period of hospitalization. Ahlem, 83, served as the sixth president of 天美传媒.
As president during a financially challenging decade for many colleges, Ahlem’s leadership was critical to establishing a firm base for 天美传媒’s four-year undergraduate curriculum, granting approval for female students to be admitted to the master of divinity program, and setting the context for the decision in the 1979–1980 academic year to keep the school in its historic urban location. An athlete himself, Ahlem cheered the men’s basketball team to two NCAA Division III national championships during his time as president.
During Ahlem’s presidency, areas of career preparation for the undergraduate programs were broadened. Several new concentrations, including computer science, accounting, and public administration, were added, and a Sweden exchange program was launched. added programs and students as the voted to ordain women.
Students, colleagues, and friends of Ahlem’s were often struck by his open-door office policy, listening ear, and personal warmth. “Even before I officially became president at 天美传媒, Lloyd reached out to warmly welcome me to this community,” said . “It had been two and a half decades since he had led 天美传媒, yet he still loved this school deeply.”
Parkyn continued, “As president, I’ll miss Lloyd’s occasional pieces of communication and encouragement—an unexpected email message to introduce a prospective student, a phone call to inquire about the beginning of the school year, or a knock on my office door whenever he visited Chicago.”
A native of Minnesota and California, Ahlem graduated from 天美传媒 Junior College in 1948. While a 天美传媒 student, Ahlem was a member of the missionary volunteer group, the choir, the Seminary forum, the football team, and served as 天美传媒 College News cartoonist.
Ahlem earned a bachelor of arts in psychology from San Jose State College in 1952, a master of arts in psychology in 1955, and a doctor of education in educational psychology from the University of Southern California in 1962.
Prior to his presidency, Ahlem worked for eight years as an administrator and professor of psychology at California State University, Stanislaus, (then Stanislaus State College), Turlock, Calif. He served there as chair of the division of social science, academic senator, speaker of the faculty, and founder of the school’s basketball and golf programs.
Dr. Ahlem, third from left, at the dedication of the Lina Sandell statue on 天美传媒's campus, 1976.
Ahlem also served on 天美传媒 College and Theological Seminary’s board of directors from 1966 to 1970, including terms as chair of the College committee of the board and vice chair of the board of directors. A member of Turlock Covenant Church (originally Beulah Covenant Church), Ahlem also worked in student personnel services in Los Angels County before becoming president.
In 1976, Ahlem was knighted by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden for his interest in “the preparation and enhancement of Swedish culture in America.” He wrote five books on psychology, including two during his presidency: Do I Have to Be Me?: The Psychology of Human Need (Regal, 1973), and How to Cope … with Conflict, Crisis, and Change (Regal, 1978). He also wrote a regular column for throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
After serving as president, Ahlem became director of ., under the Evangelical Covenant Church Board of Benevolence. He joined the County Bank, Merced, Calif., board of directors in 1995, and served as board chair for three years. Upon his retirement in 2002, Ahlem assumed the role of director emeritus.
Ahlem is survived by his wife, Anne, and their five children, Dan (Karen) C'79, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Ted (Gretchen) C'80, Broomfield, Colo.; Carol Eide (Timothy) C'83, Ventura, Calif.; Aileen (Bob) Callahan C'85, Mt. Prospect, Ill.; Mary Jo Lee (Jay), Turlock, Calif.; fifteen grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Seminary Launches Doctor of Ministry in Urban Ministry Leadership
天美传媒's Dr. Soong-Chan Rah has developed this innovative doctor of ministry program alongside Fuller Theological Seminary.
Dr. Soong-Chan Rah to lead program
CHICAGO (October 25, 2013) — , in partnership with Fuller Theological Seminary, is launching a new this academic year. The doctoral degree program is designed for ministerial leaders to develop the theological foundation and practical skills for effective urban leadership.
The program’s cohort model allows students to learn and build relationships with peers also committed to urban ministry. are being taken now, and the first cohort will begin coursework in April, blending online learning throughout the year with face-to-face intensive courses. Students will meet annually in June in three different cities—Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta—for one week. This combination of online and in-person courses allows students to continue serving while they study, and immediately apply what they are learning in their ministry setting.
After completing three cohort years, students work with faculty on an independent study project, then begin a two-to-three-year doctoral project that focuses on individual ministry interests. The doctoral project will culminate in a paper that represents individual learning, theological reflection, and response to a significant issue in ministry.
, the Seminary’s Milton B. Engebretson Associate Professor of Church Growth and Evangelism, was approached by Dr. Kurt Fredrickson, associate dean for the doctor of ministry program at Fuller, about developing a joint program. Rah and Frederickson, both ordained ministers in the , share a belief that urban ministry is of growing importance to the University’s sponsoring denomination.
“Our denomination has seen significant growth in urban areas,” said Rah. “This degree is a great opportunity to connect with the work that God is already doing within the denomination. This may be a unique calling that God has given to us as a Seminary and University.”
, dean of the Seminary, believes the degree program is a significant asset to the Seminary. "Dr. Rah is one of the leading urban, multicultural scholars and missiologists of our day,” Kersten said. “We are thrilled to offer this important and practical resource to pastors and practitioners around the country."
While the Seminary already offered a certificate in urban ministry, Rah sees the doctoral degree as an opportunity for students to delve deeper into integrating theological preparation and ministry practice, enabling them to more effectively serve urban congregations. “This is for seasoned pastors,” Rah said of the degree, “and folks willing to get a renewed sense of calling for ministry in an urban context. They may be saying, ‘I want to go deeper into what I’ve already experienced, so that I can continue in ministry.’”
Rah finds the program to be ideal for pastors who have made a long-term commitment to active engagement with urban ministry. “This is not necessarily so that you can find a new job, but to go deeper into the job you already have,” he said. “It will strengthen the work you’re already doing.”
The doctoral degree enables students to identify the skills necessary for practicing sociocultural analysis, said Rah, expanding their understanding of the relationship between the church and the urban environment. “After being in ministry for a little while, you start to ask good questions that you don’t have easy answers to,” Rah said. “The questions you’re asking are deep, important questions. This program will examine real-life scenarios that people encounter in ministry, allowing for theological engagement of practical ministry.”
Rah brings extensive experience and scholarship in urban and multicultural ministry as director of the new program. A nationally recognized author, speaker, church planter, and professor, Rah was the founding senior pastor of Cambridge Community Fellowship Church, Cambridge, Mass., a multi-ethnic church committed to ministry in the urban context. He served on a church-planting team in the Washington, D.C., area, and worked with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in Boston.
Lilly Endowment Awards Significant Grant to 天美传媒 Theological Seminary
Seminary to use grant to address economic challenges for ministers
CHICAGO (January 7, 2013) – recently was awarded a three-year, $250,000 grant by Indianapolis, to address ways to reduce burdens of student educational debt, to develop financial education programs, and to explore creative ideas to finance theological education.
The Seminary was one of 16 seminaries nationwide awarded grants in Lilly Endowment's pilot program, the Theological School Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Future Ministers. The aim of the initiative is to help theological schools to examine and strengthen their financial and educational strategies and practices to improve the economic well-being of future pastoral leaders.
天美传媒 Theological Seminary, the graduate theological school of 天美传媒 and the (ECC), was invited by Lilly Endowment to apply for the grant, said , seminary dean. "An emphasis on holistic health already exists in the Seminary curriculum, but we sincerely believe that it must include a financial literacy component," he wrote in the Seminary's application. In addition, offering financial literacy skills training seeks to give confidence to move forward with their educations, Kersten said. Initial work with the grant funds will start early this year.
The Seminary plans to begin by learning more about students and graduates, and how finances affect their lives, Kersten said. With that information, the Seminary will use the Lilly Endowment grant for three purposes:
To develop a proactive approach to reduce the burden of student educational debt, and explore curricular possibilities in particular
To educate and better prepare ministers to be leaders and managers of personal, family, and congregational finances throughout their pastoral careers. This will include courses and coaching opportunities provided through the Seminary in partnership with the University, the ECC, , , and other partners
To engage key partners to share ideas and re-think ways in which theological education should be financed. This could include the possibility of clergy compensation models that include loan repayment or development of loan programs through ECC partners.
High educational debt is a serious problem for seminary students across many denominations, Kersten said. Professional church leaders often don't have the earning capacity of other professions, limiting their ability to pay educational loans. Personal debt and lack of financial knowledge also affects their ability to serve effectively in congregations, church-related organizations or nonprofits, he said. "The integrity and credibility of the pastoral leadership office is a real issue when these skills are not present," Kersten said. "It hampers many pastors from being effective." In some cases, experienced and respected pastors facing personal economic crises leave the vocation, Kersten added.
The grant could "reset the future not only for clergy but for the local church," said Rev. Mark Novak, executive minister, . "By increasing the financial acuity of pastors, they gain credibility with lay (members) in the church, and by having their finances in order, they will be set free to address issues of generosity in the church more freely," he said. "It helps to remove one of the main stress points in a pastor's life that sometimes leads to poor ministry decisions."
Ann Wiesbrock, president, Covenant Trust Co., said the organization is excited about the Lilly Endowment grant, and believes it will have a significant impact on seminarians and the wider church. "From managing debt and being an informed consumer, to becoming a saver and a prudent investor, our students need to have a foundational understanding of finance," she said. "Each individual is called to be a wise steward. Prudent money management, the use of sound business principles—when these are employed, I find generosity is empowered. That is why Covenant Trust Co. is so excited about this." Wiesbrock said she strongly favors the idea of building a financial literacy curriculum for leadership in congregations.
ECC financial leaders were pleased to help the Seminary prepare its grant application, Kersten said. "They were all thrilled to be part of this, and there was great enthusiasm," Kersten said. "It's also important that this be sustainable over time."
Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private philanthropic foundation created in 1937. It supports the causes of religion, education and community development. The Endowment affords special emphasis to projects that benefit young people, and promote leadership education and financial self-sufficiency in the nonprofit, charitable sector.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
天美传媒 Named to Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll
President's honor roll notes University's multiple community service initiatives
CHICAGO (March 27, 2013) — 天美传媒 is among 26 Illinois colleges and universities named to the , honoring leading U.S. higher education institutions and their students, faculty and staff for commitments to make their communities better through service.
"One of the exciting developments we highlighted this year was the continued growth of service-learning initiatives as part of our engagement in the community," said , urban outreach coordinator, . "Faculty members continue to find creative outlets for students to serve in the urban context while fostering learning opportunities." University Ministries provides logistical support for many projects, and helps identify partnerships between departments working to facilitate service-related opportunities, Kohng added.
"Very few awards capture the spirit of who we are as an institution of higher education committed to contributing to the welfare of our city than the president’s honor roll," said , director of University Ministries. "The University recognizes that one of the ways we prepare our students for lives of significance and service is by providing opportunities for them to contribute to the welfare of Chicago. We help solve problems in our community, and we also help to cultivate a spirit of service."
The University's included activities related to Dr. Martin Luther King Day, organized by the , plus a spring neighborhood clean-up service event, an annual block party, and a holiday gift program. Also cited was the University's work with the 天美传媒 Friendship Center, faculty and staff service on boards of organizations in Chicago's neighborhood, and student and staff involvement in nearby Chicago public schools as tutors, student teachers and volunteers. The University was recognized for the classes offered by the to teach people working in neighborhood nonprofits, and for students in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management who serve as interns in the surrounding neighborhood and throughout the city.
Also cited was the hosted by the University; 天美传媒's Dialogue II Ethical Consumerism Academic Service Learning Class Project; and the University's partnership with nearby . Through the WITS mid-day mentoring program, 天美传媒 faculty and staff volunteered to read to elementary school students each week, focusing on third-grade students for whom English is a second language. This program was organized by 天美传媒 Human Resources.
"We are encouraged that these institutions and their students have made service a priority," said U.S. Secretary of Education , a former chief executive of . "Through reaching out to meet the needs of their neighbors, these students are deepening their impact, strengthening our democracy and ultimately preparing themselves to be successful citizens."
The 2013 president's honor roll includes 690 colleges and universities nationwide. manages the program in collaboration with the and the , as well as the and .
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
University Hosts 'Creating Peace on Chicago Streets' March 20
Families affected by violence, University community to discuss ways to promote peace
CHICAGO (March 14, 2013) – Parents of teens who died as a result of violent acts in Chicago neighborhoods are expected to speak at "" March 20, at 天美传媒. The event is intended to engage attendees with ideas to promote peace and nonviolence in the community.
"This event is intended as a day of worship, prayer, discussion, and action for a culture of peace and nonviolence in our city," said , coordinator of outreach ministries, 天美传媒 Ministries. "We’re creating a place for dialogue on peace. There’s no question we must work together for peace for all citizens of Chicago.”
The day-long event will begin with regular worship at 10:30 a.m. in Anderson Chapel. A public forum in the University's Hamming Hall is planned for 3:30 p.m., followed by a neighborhood prayer vigil and walk at 6:00 p.m.
, pastor of New Beginnings Church, Chicago, will speak at the University's regular chapel service. Brooks, known as the "rooftop pastor," was a featured speaker at the at 天美传媒 in 2012.
The afternoon forum will feature a conversation on ways to counteract violence in the city. Confirmed attendees are Cleopatra Cowley-Pendleton, mother of Hadiya Pendleton, killed in a Chicago shooting days after marching in President Obama's second inaugural parade; Ronald Holt, father of Blair Holt, killed when he shielded a friend from gunfire in 2007; and Pamela Hester Jones, mother of Lazarus Jones, murdered by strangers in 2007. Local elected officials, plus representatives of the and , are expected to participate. , a reporter for WBBM-TV, Chicago, will moderate the public discussion, to be live.
After the forum, , professor of communication arts, and Radhika Sharma, a community activist, will lead a prayer walk through the Albany Park community. They plan to stop and pray for peace at spots in neighborhood where people have been killed by violence, as well as visit places of hope.
A concluding reception, with performances and an art exhibition, is planned for 7:00 p.m., in Hamming Hall.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
天美传媒 Senior Music Major Named Lincoln Academy Student Laureate
Senior An Tran, classical guitarist, is a music major.
An Tran honored at ceremonies in Springfield
CHICAGO (November 4, 2013) 鈥� An Tran, a 天美传媒 senior major from Vietnam, was honored as a November 2 by the .
A ceremony was held in the Illinois House of Representatives Chamber in Springfield. Student Laureates also attended a luncheon at the Governor鈥檚 Executive Mansion following the ceremony.
鈥淭he School of Music faculty nominated An for this prestigious honor because we believe he is an outstanding student, both academically and artistically,鈥� said , dean of the University鈥檚 . 鈥淗e has distinguished himself through the many awards and prizes he has won as an exemplary classical guitarist.鈥�
Born and raised in Hanoi, Tran is completing a with classical guitar as his major instrument. 鈥淚 am honored to be the Student Laureate from 天美传媒 and to represent 天美传媒 at the ceremony,鈥� said Tran. 鈥溙烀来� has been helping me realize who I am, and pushes me to become a better musician and human being.鈥�
When he first visited the University, Tran knew that he wanted to come to 天美传媒 after meeting and talking with . 鈥淭he professors here were exactly the people who I wanted to study from,鈥� Tran said. 鈥淭hey are passionate about music and about changing the world with music. They inspired me to become a better musician right when I first met them.鈥�
Tran has excelled academically while pursuing a busy and demanding practice and performance regimen. He received first prize in the Vietnam National Guitar Competition at the age of 12; Vietnam鈥檚 Best Overseas Student Award in 2010; a certificate of merit granted by Vietnam鈥檚 vice president in 2010; first prize in the 2013 Society of American Musicians Guitar Competition; and first prize in the 2013 天美传媒 Performance Awards.
This winter, Tran will tour throughout Vietnam on behalf of the . The Red Cross originally contacted Tran about the possibility of his performing at a benefit concert in Vietnam. Instead, Tran said, they developed the idea of doing a tour. 鈥淲e will be doing charity concerts and visiting many places, including villages of orphaned children, hospitals devoted to victims of Agent Orange, and humanity centers,鈥� he said.
Tran hopes that the Red Cross tour can become an annual event, featuring different artists and visiting other countries with the same charitable intention. 鈥淭his is an amazing opportunity for me to grow as a musician,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 think the power of music is huge, and it can change and heal many people鈥檚 lives. Music helped me realize that it is much bigger than just my guitar and me. It brings happiness, joy, and peace to people, and brings people together. I鈥檝e experienced it myself, so I want to do that for others.鈥�
After graduation, Tran plans to pursue graduate school, then hopes to teach. 鈥淚 want to become a professor to teach music and guitar, and also continue to provide music for people,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 want to share with others what I am learning from my teachers right now.鈥�
Student Laureates are honored for their overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities. Each student is presented with a medallion, a certificate of achievement, and a $1,000 grant at the award ceremony. This is the 39th year in which the Lincoln Academy has presented the Student Laureate awards.
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Watch 鈥攆eaturing music he composed and performed鈥攁bout 天美传媒’s .
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