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.
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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.
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天美传媒 Invites You to Celebrate Advent with Lessons and Carols
The Lessons and Carols service will include performances by 天美传媒's University Choir, Chamber Singers, Gospel Choir Touring Ensemble, Women's Chorale, and Lessons and Carols Orchestra.
School of Music ensembles joined by community youth musicians
CHICAGO (November 27, 2013) — 天美传媒 will present its popular Festival of Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 8, at in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood. The event, themed “O Holy Night!” will feature more than 200 musicians from the University, the People’s Music School , and the .
Drawing from an Advent tradition that originated in 19th-Century England, services of lessons and carols pair Scripture readings with Advent and Christmas music and carols. “The annual Festival of Lessons and Carols is a highlight for the 天美传媒 community, and the School of Music looks forward each year to bringing together our ensembles in such a joyous way to celebrate this special season,” said , dean of the University’s .
This year’s festival theme is one of reverence and awe, said , the Stephen J. Hendrickson Assistant Professor of Music. “From the prophecy, to the birth of Jesus, through the arrival of the Wise Men, people who attend can expect a musical journey through Christmas,” she said.
天美传媒 students, faculty, and staff, along with members of Our Lady of Mercy Church, will present Scripture readings. Performers will include University Organist Margaret Martin and University musicians in five : the University Choir, Chamber Singers, Gospel Choir Touring Ensemble, Women’s Chorale, and the 天美传媒 Lessons and Carols Orchestra.
In addition, student musicians from the People’s Music School YOURS Orchestra at Hibbard Elementary School and the Chicago Children’s Choir – Albany Park Division, will join University musicians for the service. “We are honored to be able to collaborate with the Chicago Children’s Choir and the People’s Music School Youth Orchestras the for the event,” Johnson said.
“This is a wonderful event that brings the community of Albany Park together,” said Youth Orchestra Albany Park Director Carolyn Sybesma. “It is an enriching experience for our YOURS Orchestra students to work together with 天美传媒 and to engage in their community through music. In addition, the event gives our students the opportunity to get to know college students that live in their neighborhood, which raises personal aspirations and goals for their futures.”
Musical selections will include well-known songs, as well as pieces by contemporary composers. Vocal pieces will be sung in English, Latin, and Spanish. Among the program’s highlights will be the Gospel Choir Touring Ensemble’s collaboration with the Chicago Children’s Choir on “Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child,” and a combined performance of “O Holy Night” featuring all of the ensembles and orchestra together.
The Festival of Lessons and Carols is presented by the University as a free event open to the community. However, because of limited seating, attendees are asked to reserve general admission tickets online. More than 800 people attended in 2012.
The event will begin at 4:00 pm. The Chicago Children’s Choir and People’s Music School YOURS String Quartet from Hibbard Elementary School will perform a recital at 3:30 pm, prior to the festival service. Our Lady of Mercy Church is located at 4432 North Troy Street, Chicago, approximately one mile from the 天美传媒 campus. Parking is available in the two church lots and on the street.
University Gospel Choir Touring Ensemble to Visit California Congregations
Spring break tour, March 10-17, features 51 student singers
CHICAGO (February 18, 2013) — The 天美传媒 Touring Ensemble will visit seven California congregations of the (ECC) during its 2013 spring tour, singing in worship and in longer choral performances. The theme of the tour is "Lifting the Highest Praise."
The March 10–17 choir tour schedule includes visits to congregations in Fremont, Modesto, Turlock, Hilmar, Santa Rosa, and Oakland. Of the approximately 130 students in the popular Gospel Choir, 51 students make up the touring ensemble. The choir is directed by , worship coordinator, , and co-directed by , associate professor, . Instrumentalists will accompany the touring ensemble.
Students have committed their entire spring break to be part of the California tour. "It inspires me over and over again to see God at work in the church, and to see these students become the body of Christ, love one another and care for one another, and sing so passionately about the goodness of God. I wouldn't miss it for the world," Kelly said.
About 10 students in the touring ensemble are international students from Scandinavia, South America, and Asia, said Kelly. "I love that. Gospel music is an authentic glimpse of God, and anyone from any culture can connect to the words and to the meaning behind the music, because it's God revealed in a unique art form," he said.
The choir tour will feature diverse compositions by well-known and award-winning composers. Among the songs the Gospel Choir Touring Ensemble will sing is "High and Lifted Up," by ; "Faithful," Hold Out," and "Grateful" by ; "Jesus Be a Fence," written by , the legendary American pop and soul singer, and arranged by Fred Hammond; "Total Praise" by Richard Smallwood, a gospel music icon; "More than Anything" by ; "I Will Run" by ; and others. Two favorites are "Awesome God Medley" and "Brighter Day" written by , a seven-time Grammy Award winner. The choir will sing about five songs in regularly scheduled worship services and about 15 compositions during choral performances.
The Gospel Choir, seen here in 2011, is a popular ensemble in the University's School of Music.
Gospel music, rooted in the black church experience, is joyful, filled with praise, and uplifting. Choir members clap their hands and are frequently in "step motion" while singing. Choirs and instrumentalists improvise at times. Audiences participate. There's also a story that goes with every choral piece, Hudgens said. "What attracted me to gospel music is the fact that it comes from a long tradition of a community in a struggle," she said. "It is music that has a history and a certain weight of experience to it. There's an authenticity of having to deal with adversity and struggle, and finding Jesus at the center. It's very Christ-centered music."
School of Music touring ensembles visit parts of the country where there are concentrations of University alumni and ECC congregations, said Rev. Mark Olson, director of church relations.
"This ensemble will give friends of 天美传媒, members of Covenant churches, and prospective students and parents a sense of the quality of our students and faculty, as well as a glimpse into the spiritual life of the 天美传媒 student experience, which the Gospel Choir represents," he said. The performed in California in 2008, the most recent University ensemble to tour in the state, he said.
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 Engagement Effect' Theme of Axelson Center Nonprofit Symposium June 3-4
The annual Axelson Symposium in downtown Chicago is a significant networking and learning event for leaders of nonprofit organizations.
University symposium key learning, networking event for nonprofit leaders
CHICAGO (May 14, 2013) – As many as 550 nonprofit leaders are expected to attend the , June 3-4 in Chicago. The event is a growing and significant annual networking and professional development conference for nonprofit leaders in Chicago and the Midwest. This year's theme is "The Engagement Effect."
天美传媒's is hosting the symposium at the . The center provides resources and learning opportunities to enhance the performance and effectiveness of individuals and organizations in the nonprofit sector through education, service, and resources. A "Pre-Conference Revenue Institute" is planned for June 3, followed by the symposium the next day.
The conference theme relates directly to constituent groups that nonprofit organizations work with regularly. "This includes policymakers, donors, the boards, the staffs, and other volunteers," said , director of the Axelson Center. "All of these groups need to be cultivated to strengthen relationships." Participants will be able to choose workshop sessions arranged in categories by constituent groups, she said.
One of the two-day event's primary strengths is the variety of organizational perspectives and experiences that are represented in a diverse lineup of speakers. Another strength is the idea-sharing and conversation that takes place throughout the day, said Christa Beall Diefenbach, associate director of the Axelson Center. "Networking is an appeal of this event, and people come here because of it," she said. "Attendees make connections that will benefit their organizations for years to come."
The June 3 Revenue Institute is focused on trends and strategies related to revenue streams. Speakers are , director, Center on Nonprofits and Philanthrophy, the Urban Institute, and , principal, Spectrum Nonprofit Services. In addition, panelists from Chicago-area nonprofits will address alternative revenue streams and changes in foundations in separate sessions.
The symposium's opening keynote address, "Founders Fired Up" will feature leaders of local nonprofits. "Six founding executive directors are going to talk about the ideas they had to start their nonprofits," Rogers said. "They'll discuss the strategies they used to build momentum, and the extent to which it is important to keep that community engaged." The six are , Twist Out Cancer; , Silk Road Rising; , Imerman Angels, and also a ";" , Inspiration Corporation; , Backbones; and , Jimmy Insulin.
Following the keynote, symposium participants will attend concurrent workshops and forums led by nearly 50 experts. Subjects include board engagement, communication, fundraising, staffing and volunteers, engaging young leaders, management strategies, strategic partnerships, and government funding. At the symposium's conclusion, , co-founder, Sagawa/Jospin Consulting Firm, will address "The Charismatic Organization." Some organizations believe a charismatic individual is needed to lead an organization to be successful, Rogers explained. "She really believes the notion that charisma can be infused into the organization itself," Rogers said.
At the June 4 symposium luncheon program, the will be presented to two nonprofit organizations that embody exemplary management practices. This year, there were a record 55 nominations. The Axelson Center will be presented to one young organization with potential for growth and greater effectiveness. Twelve organizations were nominated.
The late , a 天美传媒 alumnus who died unexpectedly last December at his Chicago home, will be honored at the luncheon. For 50 years, he devoted his life to the betterment of nonprofit organizations throughout the United States. Alford was founder and chair of , and executive-in-residence at the 天美传媒 School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM), where he taught graduate courses and workshops.
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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Learn more about the University's nonprofit academic programs for and graduate students, plus certificate programs.
Senior Gwen Munoz-Arroyo is leading the University's Summer Writing Camp, helping Chicago high school students prepare for the college application process.
Next year's high school seniors work on essays for college applications
CHICAGO (July 25, 2013) — This summer, 天美传媒 has been partnering with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to help next year’s high school seniors with their college application process. For four weeks, students have gathered in the University’s Brandel Library to work on writing skills for personal statements and essays, cover letters, and resumes needed for school and scholarship applications. They’ve also had the opportunity to meet and learn from current 天美传媒 students, faculty, and staff, getting a firsthand look at the college experience.
天美传媒 senior Gwen Munoz-Arroyo is heading up the program, having designed it alongside Carol Martin, the University’s director, and , director of outreach programs and international admission, who works closely with Chicago Public Schools’ college and career specialists. “Through collaborations like this we’re trying to answer the question, ‘What do high school students need to get ready for college?’” Moy said.
“One of our biggest goals is that students will end the program with something complete—a solid essay or personal statement that they can use as a framework or example for other applications and essays,” Munoz-Arroyo said. “We want to help students in the community and local high schools with their goal of getting into college.”
Juniors from the high schools in CPS’s north/northwest network were invited to participate in the Summer Writing Camp, two hours a day, three days a week. This voluntary, free program drew 15 to 20 students each week. They followed a syllabus that moved through the process of researching schools and scholarships; developing a personal life timeline to help tell their own unique stories; goal-setting; understanding college applications; and writing personal statements, essays, resumes, and cover letters.
Jolene Del Rosario will be a senior at Lane Tech High School in the fall, and wants to be a nurse. She chose to attend the Summer Writing Camp to improve her writing skills and work on her applications for colleges and scholarships. Del Rosario plans to stay in the Chicago area for school, and has spent much of the summer getting organized for her college search.
“I’ve been visiting colleges and doing more research this summer, paying attention to deadlines so I don’t miss opportunities,” she said. She said the Summer Writing Camp fit right in with these plans. “Participating in this program gives me a great advantage. I get a head start on application and scholarship essays,” she said.
The Summer Writing Camp has been a “great collaboration,” according to Moy. “Students are getting ready for their college searches during their senior years, meeting other students, and getting in touch with 天美传媒ers,” she said. “Not only are we exposing future college students to 天美传媒, we’re giving back to the community in an area where our resources meet a real need.”
Munoz-Arroyo is a major (minoring in ) and has worked as a writing advisor in the Writing Center for the past two years. She is also one of the student co-coordinators for the Center and working with the Summer Writing Camp has been a natural progression from these activities, giving her valuable leadership experience and internship credit. Munoz-Arroyo said she wasn’t looking for a “typical” psychology internship; after volunteering with a nonprofit organization tutoring individuals going through the process of applying for U.S. citizenship, she knew she wanted to work directly with people in an educational setting again.
As she is developing daily lesson plans, teaching skills and concepts, and working one-on-one with students completing writing exercises, Munoz-Arroyo is reminded of being in their shoes not too long ago. “It takes me back to how intimidating writing essays for college applications was for me, as well,” she said.
Working alongside Munoz-Arroyo and the students are a team of Writing Advisors, University faculty and staff that lead focused workshops, and career and college coaches from Chicago Public Schools.
Patrick Phelan, the college and career coach at Foreman High School, spent a week at the Writing Camp providing feedback and guidance to students. “As college and career coaches, we try to give students knowledge through exploration and experiences so they’re ready to apply for college,” he said, adding that programs like the Summer Writing Camp support these efforts by providing extra enrichment in focused areas. “I love that these things are available for our kids,” Phelan said. “It really is a worthwhile experience for everyone who comes.”
Antonio Samaniego is a rising senior at Kelvyn Park High School. He is anticipating studying physics and math in college—even looking far enough ahead to think about earning a doctoral degree and a career in research. He chose to attend the Summer Writing Camp to work on his writing style, grammar, and development. “Reading and writing have not been my strongest points in high school,” he said, “and I know colleges are interested in seeing these skills on applications.”
“The writing camp has helped me to develop writing skills. I’ve written a lot more here than I’ve ever written before!” Samaniego added.
As the program wraps up, Munoz-Arroyo reflected that it was a challenging internship, but absolutely worth it. “It’s been really rewarding to work with students and to see them coming back each week,” she said. “One of the best things is finding out what they’re passionate about and interested in, and then to help them write about those things in their essays.”
Dr. G. Timothy and Nancy Johnson will join the University on October 26 to break ground for the 101,000-square-foot Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, named in their honor.
New building honors 天美传媒 alumni Nancy and Dr. G. Timothy Johnson
CHICAGO (October 16, 2012) 鈥� Two well-known 天美传媒 alumni, plus family and friends will join students faculty, staff, and leaders of 天美传媒 October 26 for a that marks the beginning of the construction phase for a new University building. When completed, the will house laboratories, classrooms and offices, plus a variety of student services, including , , , and residence life.
The University will provide a of the groundbreaking ceremony beginning at 5:00 pm CDT.
“The Johnson Center is a project which will transform our University and enhance student learning for years to come,” said , University president. “We are pleased to begin construction of this much-needed academic and student life facility, and also delighted that it is named for the Johnsons who have contributed so much to 天美传媒. We hope Oct. 26 will be as memorable for them as it will be for our community.”
Dr. G. Timothy Johnson is known for his work as chief medical editor for ABC News from 1984 to 2010. He graduated from 天美传媒 College (now University) in 1956, and earned a seminary degree at in 1963. He later earned a medical degree, and became one of America鈥檚 best-known physicians, providing award-winning on-air medical analysis on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, Nightline, and 20/20. He was honored with the University’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1991, and is also an ordained pastor of the (ECC), the church denomination with which the University is affiliated. Nancy Johnson was trained as a nurse at the School of Nursing, Chicago, including study in the sciences at 天美传媒. Immediately after receiving her nursing credential, she completed a short-term medical assignment in Indonesia. The Johnsons reside in Marblehead, Massachusetts.
The Johnsons will participate in a in the center of the Chicago campus that will begin at 4:00 pm CDT, with outdoor festivities, food, and music. Following brief remarks and a groundbreaking ceremony at 5:00 pm, invited guests and project contributors will attend an evening reception and program at Hamming Hall, followed by a concert in Anderson Chapel.
“The Johnsons are an extraordinary couple,” said , University vice president for development and alumni relations. “The time is right for us to name this transformational facility in their honor. It includes everything that has been so important to them as alumni, trustees, campaign leaders, medical professionals and lifelong stewards of 天美传媒’s mission. The fact that it will be located in the central part of the campus is dear to their hearts because they know it will serve every student, faculty and staff member in our community.”
The $42 million Johnson Center is the most significant component of , a $57 million comprehensive University fundraising effort. The campaign raised funds for the Johnson Center, the University’s Annual Fund, student scholarships, and Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. Fundraising continues for the building project and a variety of academic needs related to the new building, Surridge said. The 101,000-square-foot Johnson Center is expected to open for the 2014 academic year.
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 Board of Trustees Confirms Decision to Build New Science, Community Life Center
The 101,000-square-foot Nancy & G. Timothy Johnson Center at 天美传媒 is expected to be ready in the fall of 2014, and its design will reflect principles of environmental stewardship and energy conservation.
Trustees name building for alumni Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson
CHICAGO (May 15, 2012) 鈥� The of 天美传媒 confirmed construction of the , addressing a significant, longstanding need for state-of-the-art science laboratories and program facilities to serve 天美传媒 students. The board, which met here May 10鈥�11, also acted to name the new building for Nancy and , longtime medical editor and senior medical contributor for ABC News, whom the trustees said “define a life of exemplary service.”
A formal groundbreaking ceremony for the 101,000-square-foot Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life is planned for October 26, 2012. Building site preparation will begin this summer, and construction is expected to be completed in time for the 2014 fall semester.
The Johnson Center will support a number of the University’s signature academic programs in , as well as offices for , , , and , said , University president. Strong programs will grow stronger, and effective student learning will be advanced to yet a higher level, he said.
“This new academic building will position 天美传媒 to recruit students competitively and educate them effectively,” Parkyn said. “In like manner, this new building will assist us in hiring new faculty in several disciplines and in providing for their effectiveness as teachers and researchers.”
The Johnson Center resulted from the University’s comprehensive fundraising effort, . The $57 million campaign is raising funds for the new building, the University’s Annual Fund, student scholarships, and Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. Fundraising continues.
The new building will be named for Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson, recognizing and honoring their lives of exemplary service.
Dr. G. Timothy Johnson graduated from 天美传媒 College (now University) in 1956, and earned a seminary degree at in 1963. After completing a medical degree, he served as chief medical editor for ABC News from 1984鈥�2010. Johnson became one of America鈥檚 best-known physicians, providing award-winning on-air medical analysis on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, Nightline, and 20/20. He was honored with the University’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1991, is the founding editor of the Harvard Health Letter, and the author of several books on medicine and faith. He is also an ordained pastor of the (ECC), the church denomination with which the University is affiliated. He chaired a task force in 1979鈥�1980 that recommended the University remain in its historic location on the North Side of Chicago.
Nancy Johnson was trained as a nurse at the School of Nursing, Chicago, including study in the sciences at 天美传媒. Immediately after receiving her nursing credential, she completed a short-term medical assignment in Indonesia. The Johnsons, residing in Marblehead, Mass., have volunteered considerable time to the University through their service on the board of trustees and on behalf of 天美传媒鈥檚 two most recent fundraising campaigns, including Campaign 天美传媒.
“天美传媒 was the first stop for both of us in our long academic journeys,” the Johnsons said. “It gave us a moral and intellectual foundation that has lasted a lifetime 鈥� and for which we will always be grateful. We are both very pleased but humbled by this naming honor.”
Naming the building for the Johnsons recognizes their service to the University, and as lifelong stewards of its mission and values, said , Thousand Oaks, Calif., chair of the University’s board of trustees and a member of the class of 1978. “Tim has tirelessly championed the need for this new facility to prepare 天美传媒’s students for demanding careers in modern science, medicine and nursing. Nancy likewise is deeply committed to this important mission,” he said.
The Johnson Center will be located in the heart of the campus, and will be constructed to reflect environmental stewardship and energy conservation. The project will target , demonstrating characteristics such as lower operating costs, resource conversation, and healthful and safe working conditions. The center will feature 30 technology-enhanced laboratories, academic facilities, and faculty and staff offices. Student co-curricular services will be housed in the new facility, as will a caf茅, plus conference and meeting spaces.
Through the summer months prior to the start of construction, the University will complete the building design with the architectural team, finalize a finance plan, and continue fundraising.
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 Alumnus Dr. G. Timothy Johnson Discusses the Future of Health Care Reform on Chicago Tonight
Dr. G. Timothy Johson was interviewed by Phil Ponce, host, for a segment of Chicago Tonight which aired on WTTW Channel 11 in Chicago Wednesday night.
CHICAGO (November 1, 2012) — Dr. G. Timothy Johnson and his wife, Nancy, were in Chicago last week for the groundbreaking celebration of the at 天美传媒. While in town, Johnson took the opportunity to sit for an interview with Phil Ponce, host of WTTW Channel 11's popular show Chicago Tonight, discussing the future of health care reform in the United States.
The segment, which aired on Wednesday, October 31, focused on Johnson's expertise and experience as a medical expert and chief medical editor for ABC News.
Watch the ; near minute 10 of the video, Ponce and Johnson discuss the Johnson Center, 天美传媒, and show several of the architectural renderings of the building.
Read more from Johnson's interview, and watch another video segment, on the .
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 New Testament Scholar for Annual Kermit Zarley Lectures
Dr. Simon Gathercole presents the Zarley Lectures at the University November 14 and 15.
Dr. Simon Gathercole to deliver lectures November 14 and 15
CHICAGO (November 12, 2012) – A senior lecturer in New Testament studies at the in the United Kingdom will present lectures at 天美传媒 focusing on early Christinity. will address "Jesus in canonical and extra-canonical gospels," November 14, and "Who are the Gnostics?" November 15, at the University's Anderson Chapel. Each lecture begins at 3:30 pm.
Gathercole is the presenter for the twelfth annual Kermit Zarley Lecture series, sponsored by the University's . Both lectures are free and open to the public.
Gathercole's recent research work is in early Christianity, said , 天美传媒 associate professor of biblical and theological studies. One of the lectures will be about interpretations of Jesus in the New Testament, and in texts such as the – one of the early "" — which contains a number of sayings attributed to Jesus. The second lecture will address the Gnostic Gospels and their Christian influence. The Gnostic Gospels are a collection of 52 texts based on teachings of several early prophets and spiritual leaders. While they do not appear in standard Bibles of Christian denominations, they have gained greater public attention in recent years.
Gathercole was asked to present the lectures because "he's an academician who is also committed to the church," said Willitts. "He also teaches at a university, and has broad experience in relating to students through teaching undergraduate and graduate students, and supervising doctoral students," he said. "We wanted someone who could communicate with younger people who may not have much experience with the New Testament."
The lecture series is named for Kermit Zarley, a professional golfer, with an interest in biblical and theological studies. Zarley has provided support for the lectures, hosted by the University since the series began in 2001.
Past presenters have included , bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago; , author and emeritus professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif.; , contributing editor in religion for Publishers Weekly, noted authority in religion, author, and lecturer; and , an English bishop of the Eastern Orthodox Church and theologian.
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 President Elected to Independent Colleges Leadership Board
Dr. David L. Parkyn, president of 天美传媒
NAICU board elects President Parkyn to serve three-year term
CHICAGO (February 1, 2012) – , president of 天美传媒, Chicago, this week began a three-year term as one of 48 members of the of the .
are private, nonprofit colleges and universities, and private professional schools totaling more than 1,000 higher education institutions. Parkyn's election was ratified at the NAICU board meeting this week in Washington following his election to the board late last year. As a board member, he will represent the NAICU region that includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
"President Parkyn was selected by his peers because of his expertise in the field, proven leadership, and commitment to America’s college students," said NAICU President . "He assumes his responsibilities at a time of great challenge and transformation for American higher education."
"The invitation to join the NAICU board of directors is an opportunity for service in support of colleges and universities across the country," Parkyn said. He also emphasized his appointment is an opportunity to work "in support of the many students at 天美传媒 who receive federal financial aid."
The NAICU "serves as the unified national voice of independent higher education," according to its website. Since 1976, it has represented private colleges and universities on policy issues with the federal government, such as those affecting student aid, taxation, and government regulation. The organization's staff tracks campus trends, conducts research, analyzes higher education issues, publishes information, helps coordinate state-level activities, and advises members of legislative and regulatory developments with potential impact on their institutions.
Parkyn has served as president of the University since 2006. His career includes higher education experience at Endicott College, Beverly, Mass. where he taught religious studies and philosophy, and was director of religious life; Messiah College, Grantham, Pa., where served 23 years in various teaching and senior-level administrative positions; and Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, where Parkyn was provost and senior vice president before he became 天美传媒 president.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
CHICAGO (June 26, 2012) – 天美传媒 has improved its graduate that combine theological instruction from the University's with business and nonprofit administration education, offered through the University's School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM). Graduates of these educational programs say their dual degrees have helped them in their ministries and opened up career paths.
The University offers dual-degree programs with six different possibilities. The new degree structure is clearer, and integrates the two degree programs more, said , NPTS professor of New Testament and acting associate academic dean. "The degree programs are better balanced in such a way that it's not two degree programs operating separately," he said. "This is an exciting and unusual opportunity for students."
The revamped graduate dual-degree programs include two required courses in which students reflect on the relationship of faith and business issues, said Dr. Wesley E. Lindahl, SBNM dean and Nils Axelson Professor of Nonprofit Management. In addition to learning business skills, students in the dual-degree programs "have access to literature and books, and make connections with professors whom they can call on for advice regularly," he said.
Students can earn one of three degrees offered by the Seminary: master of divinity, master of arts in Christian formation, and master of arts in Christian ministry. Each of these degree programs can be combined simultaneously with one of two degree programs offered through the SBNM — master of nonprofit administration and master of business administration.
Studying for dual-degrees "allowed me to pursue my seminary education and pay attention to the part of me that loves to organize, and manage detail," said . "To me, this was faithful in pursuing my call. Each piece was very important."
Strom earned master of divinity and master of nonprofit administration degrees from the University in 2007, then served four years as youth pastor at , Wilmette, Ill. About one year ago, he became executive director at , Iron River, Mich., where Strom is able to live out his longtime interest in camping ministry. "I would not be equipped for this had it not been my choice to pursue the dual degrees," he said. The search committee wanted someone with knowledge of theology, and who would keep the camp connected to other area ECC congregations. They also wanted their leader to manage budgets, make financial decisions, and raise funds. Strom said that for any professional church leader thinking about organizational leadership, the University's dual-degree program is worth considering.
earned master of divinity and master of business administration degrees in 2008, motivated through her congregational experience in starting shelters for people who were homeless. "I found myself at this intersection of the deepest needs of people, and trying to meet those needs," she said. "I always had to reach out to CEOs and managers for sponsorship and funding, and I needed to be able to speak their language."
Graduates say their ministries and career paths have been enhanced by earning dual degrees.
Kholodenko is associate pastor at , an Assemblies of God congregation in Chicago, and director of a nonprofit corporation, the , that helps people become self-sufficient. The Dream Center operates a full-service restaurant and catering business to maintain its own self-sufficiency. "I would have never been able to do that without my degrees," she said. "We do several large-scale fundraisers, and we have to do forecasting and marketing. It is God's grace, coupled with skills and training, that has allowed things to be done as effectively as they have." Not every pastor needs dual degrees, Kholodenko said, "but I can't think of a pastor who would not benefit from it." She has since added expertise, earning 天美传媒 certificates in organizational development, nonprofit management, and entrepreneurship to go with her dual degrees.
Rev. Steven V. Hoden, who earned a bachelor's degree in biology from the University in 2000, returned after working five years as a science teacher to work on a dual-degree program. Hoden chose the Seminary as opposed to others because of the dual-degree offering, and said taking some online business classes helped him juggle class time commitments. He and his wife served as short-term ECC missionaries in Spain, earning remaining field internship credits after he earned his divinity and nonprofit administration degrees in 2010. Almost immediately, Hoden put his business skills to work there while helping to establish an ecumenical bookstore to support an ECC church plant. Now he serves as pastor of Palmyra Mission Covenant Church, Hector, Minn.
"I think as a solo pastor, the (dual degrees) make it easier to be in this type of position," Hoden said. "I could have been called into this position without it, but I didn't realize the level of administrative tasks that would come to me right away. There were high expectations from the congregation, and having this foundation is really helpful."
His business knowledge has been useful in working with the church's administrative board, recruiting and mobilizing volunteers, and in financial matters. "I stay away from the financial giving of individuals and families, however, I appreciate knowing how to read a financial statement each month, and seeing the trends. When you're in a small congregation, financials can have a lot of impact," he added.
, director of Seminary admissions, said she's answered several inquiries about the University's revised dual-degree program. "I think the complexity of what's expected of pastors — the integration of ministry and business preparation — is highly significant. Most pastors will likely have to deal with business matters," she said.
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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