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 among 642 U.S. schools named to honor roll
CHICAGO (March 27, 2012) – 天美传媒, Chicago, is among 642 U.S. colleges and universities named to the , which highlights the value of community service and achieving meaningful outcomes in their communities.
"To receive this award is another affirmation that our mission — to prepare students for lives of significance and service — is integrated into the fabric of the University," said , University provost. "It is recognition of the work of our students, staff, and faculty who labor without complaint as they give themselves as lights in the community."
The University has engaged in a variety of community service opportunities. It cited annual neighborhood service commitments and programs; regular involvement with the , a neighborhood food pantry; service by faculty and staff on boards of many neighborhood organizations where students also serve as interns; work in local tutoring programs; the work of the which offers classes to neighborhood nonprofit organizations; and students who serve in internships in the Albany Park neighborhood and throughout the city.
Specifically, the University highlighted three community service projects in its 2012 application:
Community Service Day: Since 2008, the University community has participated in various projects set up by the Urban Outreach program. In April 2011, nearly 300 people participated in 16 different service projects throughout the Albany Park neighborhood. In addition, the 天美传媒 football team and soccer teams hosted free clinics for neighborhood children. Music students performed at as well as three local nursing homes. Volunteers baked cookies and collected clothing that was donated to a food shelter.
Global partnerships: Students are provided with opportunities for cross-cultural experiences that expand their faith, their views of the world, and their commitment to a lifestyle of justice while serving others in need. Each year about 150 students visit one of 11 partners to serve, build relationships, and learn from our partner organizations. Locations include Zambia, Thailand, India, Ecuador, Mexico, Alaska, New Orleans, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, 天美传媒 has sent 12 groups of students to the Gulf Coast to help with demolition and rebuilding of small neighborhoods.
Peterson Tutoring Program: Since 1991 天美传媒 has been a partner in a tutoring program at , a neighborhood public school. More than 40 languages are spoken at the school. On a weekly basis, approximately 40-45 students serve as volunteers and are assigned one child every week for individual tutoring, the application said.
The honor roll was inspired by the thousands of college students who traveled across the country to support relief efforts along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, according to a news release from the (CNCS), which administers the honor roll.
Of the 642 colleges and universities recognized, 513 were named to the Honor Roll, 110 were named to the Honor Roll with distinction, 14 were identified as finalists, and five received the Presidential Award.
Honorees are chosen based on a series of selection factors, including the scope and innovation of service projects, the extent to which service-learning is embedded in the curriculum, the school’s commitment to long-term campus-community partnerships, and measurable community outcomes as a result of the service.
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Next Steps
Explore how community and service shape 天美传媒 in the edition of the 天美传媒er magazine.
天美传媒 Alumna to Appear March 13 on Food Network Show
Shanna Horner O’Hea ’94, will appear on the Food Network this month on its popular show, Chopped.
Academe chef Shanna O’Hea '94, to compete on Chopped
CHICAGO (March 12, 2012) – A 天美传媒 alumna will appear on a popular show, , March 13 at 10:00 p.m. EDT/9:00 p.m. CDT. , is a 1994 graduate of the University and co-owner of the , with her husband, Brian.
Last summer, O’Hea headed to New York City to film the episode of Chopped. Titled "," the episode features such unexpected items as an Indian gourd, lutefisk and for dessert, Chinese sausage and baby eggplant. The format for the show includes four chefs competing in round one to create an appetizer featuring ingredients unveiled just before they begin to cook. Three chefs move on to round two to prepare an entrée with a new basket of ingredients, and the final round, the dessert round, reveals a winner.
"Plenty of Fish" will be repeated on the Food Network on March 14 at 1:00 a.m. EDT/12:00 a.m., CDT, and on March 22 at 9:00 p.m. EDT/8:00 p.m. CDT. Hosted by , Chopped is in its 11th season.
O’Hea won’t reveal the outcome but said, "I agreed to participate for the challenge; putting yourself out there in uncomfortable, hard situations helps in personal and professional growth, which is so important when owning your own business."
The O'Heas' restaurant was made famous by their , which was featured on the Food Network’s program, The Best Thing I Ever Ate. In recent months, the O’Heas cooked at the , and this month, they will be guest chefs on a in the Caribbean.
The couple also contributed their culinary talents to the University’s at a 2011 national campaign event in Salem, Mass., preparing hors d’oeurves for friends of the University — including mini lobster potpies.
Academe is the restaurant of The Kennebunk Inn. The O'Heas draw on their culinary and artistic backgrounds to create enticing soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees served in an informal, brasserie-style setting. The original building of what is now The Kennebunk Inn was built as a private residence in 1799, less than 30 years after the founding of the Republic. The Inn has 18 guest rooms and eight family suites, and the O'Heas frequently host 天美传媒 alumni and friends.
Information for the story was provided by Gillian Britt, gBritt PR, South Portland, Maine
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Microwave System to Enhance 天美传媒's Chemistry Program
University chemistry students will be using the Discover SP system, funded by a grant and the University (CEM Corporation image).
Grant award enables equipment purchase, benefits 80 students
CHICAGO (March 14, 2012) – 天美传媒 is adding a microwave synthesis system to its curriculum thanks to a $10,000 award from the 2012 Pittsburgh Conference Memorial National College Grants (PCMNCG) Program and other University funds. The new microwave system, to be used primarily in organic chemistry courses, will allow students to heat chemical compounds more efficiently, and significantly shorten the time required for laboratory experiments.
"Experiments done in hours are now going to be done in minutes, and it will widen the types of experiments the students can do in the lab," said Dr. Isabel Larraza, 天美传媒 associate professor of chemistry. "The microwave reactor is now being considered a staple of modern organic labs. Our students will have a more in-depth learning experience, with efficient and current experiments that adhere to the principles of '.'"
Larraza's successful grant application was one of 13 chosen from 59 submitted to PCMNCG. She said about 80 chemistry students per year will use the , manufactured by , Matthews, N.C. The reactor just arrived and will be installed this week. The instrument has wider uses in other chemistry courses and in other disciplines, such as biology, Larraza said.
With the new microwave system, chemistry students will no longer heat flasks in the lab using older, less efficient methods such as or . Instead they will insert tubes with chemicals into the microwave system. The heat generated by the instrument will produce chemical reactions much quicker than before, with the added benefit of minimizing the production of byproducts and chemical waste. Students will also learn about modern microwave syntheses, and "use an emerging technology that is being adopted by industry and by the academy," Larraza said.
The University Chemistry Department has put considerable effort into modernizing its general chemistry laboratories by adding digital instrumentation and other resources, said Dr. Jonathan Rienstra-Kiracofe, professor of chemistry and department chair. "With Dr. Larraza's arrival at 天美传媒 this year, we have begun a similar effort to modernize our organic chemistry laboratory by adding new instrumentation and making our experiments 'greener.' The new microwave reactor is going to be the highlight of the laboratory – allowing our students to experience modern, green organic chemistry."
Dr. Isabel Larraza, in the University's organic chemistry lab, says the new microwave synthesis system is part of the Chemistry Department's 'green chemistry' practices.
Larraza does research in and is an advocate for green chemistry practices. The new microwave synthesis system is part of that effort. Green practices include such things as waste prevention, use of methods to minimize toxicity, using safer solvents, energy efficiency, and preventing accidents. This month, Larraza will present her research on microwave synthesis at the in San Diego, and in July, she will attend a green chemistry workshop at the University of Oregon, Eugene.
University chemistry students are aware the microwave system will soon be available in their labs. "They're very eager. They will be doing hands-on types of experiments," Larraza said.
Earlier this year, the 天美传媒 Chemistry Department won a grant award from the , Chicago. Funds from that grant, combined with other University funds, were used to purchase a miniature , manufactured by picoSpin, LLC, Boulder, Colo. The University will be one of the first in the nation to have a miniature spectrometer for teaching and research purposes.
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Site Preparation for 天美传媒's Johnson Center Underway
Preparation for the Johnson Center construction site has included the demolition of campus apartments.
Groundbreaking set for October 26
CHICAGO (June 28, 2012) — Site preparation continues at 天美传媒 this summer for the greatly anticipated .
Shortly after the conclusion of the 2011–2012 academic year, large trees were relocated from the north berm area of the proposed construction site (an area sometimes referred to as the University's temporary nursery) to other locations on campus, clearing the way for the building site in the center of the campus. "The berm of trees was designed more than a decade ago with the thought of relocation at some point in the future," said , 天美传媒 president. "It showed considerable forethought on the part of those involved at that time, including our landscape architects. It has served us very well, and it now provides a great bonus to select parts of the campus."
The University also worked with electric supplier ComEd, to relocate a significant electrical conduit, said , 天美传媒 executive vice president and chief financial officer. This week, work to remove some campus apartments began, and is expected to take several days, Balsam said (). "These are among a series of steps necessary for clearing the site in preparation for construction," Balsam said.
A formal groundbreaking ceremony for the 101,000-square-foot Johnson Center is planned for October 26, with construction 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 residence life. It resulted from the University's comprehensive fundraising effort, . The $57 million campaign is raising funds for the new building, the University's , student scholarships, and Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. Fundraising continues.
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Board of Trustees Nominates David Kersten to Lead 天美传媒 Theological Seminary
The Rev. Dr. David Kersten is the nominee to become dean of 天美传媒 Theological Seminary.
Nomination goes to the Evangelical Covenant Church for further action
CHICAGO (February 13, 2012) 鈥� The of 天美传媒, Chicago, nominated the Rev. Dr. David W. Kersten to be the dean of . Kersten, 56, is currently executive minister of the , (ECC). He holds degrees from the University and the Seminary, both of which are affiliated with the ECC.
The board nominated Kersten at its Feb. 10-11 meeting here, following a search process initiated last fall. Kersten鈥檚 nomination will now be presented to the ECC Executive Board in March and to the ECC annual meeting in June. As his nomination is approved, Kersten will move into the Seminary leadership position Aug. 1.
Introducing Kersten as “a pastor’s pastor,” , University president, said, “Perhaps I can say it best this way: Dave Kersten comes to the academy from and for the church.” Among Kersten’s qualities, Parkyn said, is a commitment to theological education. “This begins with a deep personal commitment to learn, and learn again, through all of life. He knows the value of initial preparation for and orientation to ministry. He knows the deep need for learning which sustains and nourishes pastoral excellence over a lifetime. He is well prepared to lead because as he leads he will teach, and as he teaches, he will pastor.”
, ECC president, said there is a renewed understanding and ownership of the challenges facing the Seminary and theological education, and commitment to align the Seminary with the University and the mission of the ECC. “This means very good things for our future,” he said to the board. “I’m grateful to (him) for his openness to this call. We’re poised for the strongest season ever in terms of the Seminary’s role with the church.”
Hoping to use his ECC leadership experience, the “wonderfully useful” Seminary education he got at 天美传媒, and a caring commitment to the pastoral community, Kersten said in an interview he looks forward to working in the challenging role of leading 天美传媒 Theological Seminary.
An early priority for Kersten will be to cast “a vision that connects the Seminary more centrally to the pastoral community, not just in producing student pastors and graduates, but also in a robust lifelong learning piece,” he said. In particular, Kersten said the Seminary and the ECC should work together to help establish continuing education standards for pastoral leaders, and deepen theological education for key lay leaders.
The ECC is a growing Protestant denomination, which Kersten attributes to the church’s closeness to its “missional roots,” and its renewal emphasis, which has kept the denomination “fresh and vital,” he said.
“We stay close to the biblical text, we stay close to each other, we stay open to the Holy Spirit. That ethos keeps us on the missional edge,” Kersten said. The ECC is “warmly evangelical,” affirms the role of women in the church, has a strong justice voice, and is part of the multicultural movement in a significant way, he added.
Kersten was born in Detroit. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and human services in 1977 from 天美传媒 College (now University). In 1982, Kersten earned a Master of Divinity from the Seminary, and in 1997, he earned a Doctor of Ministry in preaching from the , which includes 天美传媒 Theological Seminary.
Following his ordination in 1982, Kersten served as senior pastor, , North Miami, Fla.; senior pastor, , Bellevue, Wash.; and senior pastor, , St. Paul, Minn. Kersten moved into this current role as executive minister of the ECC Department of Ordered Ministry in 2001, where he is responsible for a department that endorses 1,800 active pastors, staff ministers and chaplains through ordination, commissioning and licensure, and oversees intervention, and care for crisis and misconduct issues. Kersten provided leadership for the church鈥檚 recent program for . He has written and spoken on a number of church-related topics, and has participated in a several denominational leadership committees and groups.
Kersten and his wife of 34 years, Sandra, are parents of three adult children. The Kerstens reside in Chicago.
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Traditional African drumming was among the performances at the Chicago Cultural Expo.
Event draws students, faculty, and staff to learn about Chicago's diverse cultures
CHICAGO (September 25, 2012) — 天美传媒 hosted the first-ever September 21, which featured exhibitors from about 20 members of the . The Alliance, representing 30 international communities throughout Chicago, promotes cultural understanding and provides resources for government, museums, libraries, universities, businesses, and other educational and cultural institutions.
The expo is a continuation of the University's relationship with the Chicago Cultural Alliance, said , 天美传媒 provost, speaking on behalf of , University president. The expo fits with the University's , especially its continuing emphasis on being a "purposefully multicultural" institution that celebrates global cultures and lives out the reconciling mandate of the Christian gospel, Jones said. "We look forward to people from throughout the Chicago community visiting 天美传媒," he added.
"We are excited to do this with 天美传媒 as a partner organization," said , Alliance executive director. Of the 20 "core members" represented at the expo, "each tells an important story about Chicago's cultural communities," she said.
A steady stream of students, faculty and staff conversed with exhibitors in the 天美传媒 Gymnasium, said , dean of the and executive director of the University's . Attendees learned about exhibitors' native countries, their cultural contributions to the people of Chicago, internships, service-learning opportunities, study visits, and research possibilities. Expo performances included traditional African and Japanese Taiko drumming, Chinese strings music, German pop rock, and Indian and Cambodian dancers.
天美传媒 is an Alliance partner organization and expo sponsor.
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Chicago Prepares for High-Profile NATO/G8 Summits in May 2012
The City of Chicago will host two significant international events simultaneously in May: the 2012 NATO Summit and a meeting of leaders of G8 nations.
SBNM faculty comment on high-profile events here, effects on University
CHICAGO (February 14, 2012) – Faculty with the (SBNM) at 天美传媒 say Chicago will experience both the advantages and disadvantages of two significant global events Chicago will be hosting in May. Simultaneous meetings of leaders of the (NATO) and the nations are planned for May 19-21 in downtown Chicago. City leaders have been preparing for months, including planning for a significant security presence in the city in the event of likely demonstrations.
The summits provide for a "phenomenal opportunity" to witness in Chicago the core principles of a free-market oriented democracy, said , SBNM associate professor of finance. Those principles are freedom of enterprise intersecting with freedom of expression, he said, speaking at a recent SBNM event at which faculty comment on the economic outlook for the coming year.
"The opinions of all, whether inside or outside of the '1 percent' must be allowed and respected," Kamienksi said. "With a world-leading standard of living and a unique history of upward mobility, both the United States and Chicago — a global financial, manufacturing and technology center — are poised to show the world how liberty and the pursuit of happiness can co-exist in a peaceful, meaningful way."
The practical effects of the two meetings will be felt locally. Scores of local businesses and organizations are making plans to adjust their operations and related activities because of security restrictions in the days surrounding the meetings. , director of the University's , said she is concerned that nonprofit organizations with downtown facilities will have to make alternative plans to ensure their clients are still served.
The University has already been affected in at least one way. The 13th annual , a significant University educational opportunity for nonprofit professionals and volunteers, was moved this year from its traditional date in May to June 4-5 at the . The meeting's theme is "Reignite Your Vision."
"The Holiday Inn contacted us to inform us of the NATO/G8 summit during our planned dates in May," Rogers said. "They informed us of the increased security measures, and higher hotel fees." The meeting dates were moved after considering several possibilities, she said.
There has been much discussion about how protestors will affect the NATO/G8 meetings. , SBNM professor of economics, said despite the efforts of and others, protests and demonstrations could well have an effect on Chicago businesses and people living in the city. For example, members of the Coalition Against NATO/G8 are focused on issues such as climate change, the environment, and contrast of the "1 percent" and the "99 percent," he said.
, SBNM associate professor of nonprofit management, said that while some reports suggest as many as 50,000 protestors will visit Chicago, demonstrations will not rise to the level of the 1968 Chicago riots during the Democratic National Convention. He also said recent organized economic protests, such as , have been losing steam in recent weeks.
NATO is a military alliance of 28 countries, and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The G8 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the world's strongest economies. Heads of state from those nations will meet. Both meetings are expected to draw large numbers of journalists, visitors and protestors.
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天美传媒 Theological Seminary to Host Annual Lectures and Theological Symposium
Lectures feature biblical scholars, Symposium focused on 'family' as theological topic
CHICAGO (September 19, 2012) — (NPTS) will host Christian scholars later this month in two consecutive, annual events designed to enrich theological understanding and enhance spiritual life. , September 26–27, will focus on current developments in biblical studies and their relationship to the mission and ministry of the church. , September 27–29, features presentations and discussion of "family" in the scriptural context. Both events are organized by Seminary faculty.
Seminary and 天美传媒 students, faculty, pastors and others will attend the Lund Lectures in Nyvall Hall's Isaacson Chapel at the University's . The lectures are named for Nils Lund, a former dean who served the Seminary from 1922 to 1954, and is best known as author a definitive text on biblical structure, "He was an important figure in New Testament studies and as dean," said , NPTS professor of New Testament and acting associate academic dean. After Lund's death, an endowment was established to fund the annual lecture series, Chester said.
Students will hear outstanding biblical scholars, said , Paul W. Brandel Professor of New Testament Studies, NPTS. "We want to celebrate biblical studies with the Lund lectures, help students get into discussions beyond where they've been before, and increase their theological awareness," he said.
The lectures feature Old Testament and New Testament scholars:
September 26: , reader in New Testament (retired), Department of Theology and Religion, Durham University, Durham, U.K. Barton will address, "The Conversions of the Emotions in Early Christianity."
September 27: , Charles T. Haley Professor of Old Testament Theology, Department of Biblical Studies, Princeton (N.J.) Theological Seminary. Olson's comments will focus on "Old Testament Resources for a New Twenty-First Century World."
The Lund Lectures are free and open to the public.
Symposium features prominent scholars
The Symposium, September 27–29, will bring together several prominent scholars from various church traditions. They will speak on a variety of topics related to family, followed by responses and discussion with the audience. Faculty with the University and the Seminary are among the presenters and respondents.
In recent years, there's been a revival of interest in the theological interpretation of Scripture, said Chester. "Every year for the Symposium, we gather eight or nine scholars from various disciplines to reflect on what Scripture has to say about an important theme of topic that relates to Christian life and the work of the church," he said. "The presenters have to bring Scripture and theological resources to bear on the topic. What you get is a variety of disciplinary perspectives." Family has been under consideration as a possible topic for many years, he added.
About 70 faculty, pastors, lay people and students — some of whom are taking a course related to the Symposium — will attend the event in Nyvall Hall, Room N-25. "There is an extended opportunity for formal and informal discussion. Rarely do you get this kind of extended conversation in an academic conference," Snodgrass said. The Symposium also includes worship and prayer, he added. Registration for the Symposium is required.
Symposium proceedings are published in
天美传媒 is affiliated with the Chicago-based (ECC). Theological education in the ECC tradition is provided by 天美传媒 Theological Seminary, a graduate school of the University.
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天美传媒 Welcomes Alumni to 2012 Homecoming Celebration
Three distinguished alumni were honored at the October 13 Reunion and Awards Breakfast. They are, from left, Robert Houdek, Joyce Nelson and Alicia (VerHage) Petersen.
Alumni honored at annual reunion breakfast, Hall of Fame induction
CHICAGO (October 18, 2012) — 天美传媒 welcomed back hundreds of alumni for its 2012 Homecoming activities, with the theme "The Spirit Games." Activities included reunions, alumni honors, inductions into the , athletic contests and other showcase events, including an October 13 "block party" in the that drew as many as 2,000 people, said Melissa Vélez-Luce C'04, the University's manager of alumni relations.
A week-long series of Homecoming activities for the University community began October 8. One highlight was the University's annual Reunion and Awards Breakfast October 13 in . In remarks to about 200 attendees, , president of 天美传媒, said change is a constant. "The 'place' of 天美传媒 is ever-changing," he said. "This is not the same campus from which you graduated. Soon there will be a new front on Foster Avenue – a new front that will make our space better. Two years from now, we will open the . Wonderful things are happening."
"We welcome you back to this place. We welcome you back because this place is empty without you," he added.
Three 天美传媒 alumni were honored at the breakfast:
Distinguished Young Alumni Award: Alicia (VerHage) Petersen C'02, trainer and curriculum developer for Management Systems International (MSI), Washington, D.C.,
Distinguished University Alumni Award: Joyce Nelson C'72, retired after 28 years with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, including seven years as president and chief executive officer
Distinguished Academy Alumni Award: Robert G. Houdek A'57, retired U.S. State Department foreign service officer, whose service included National Intelligence Officer for Africa, and advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Agency for International Development (AID) on the President’s Greater Horn of Africa Initiative during the Clinton Administration
About 80 people attended the Vikings Hall of Fame induction ceremony October 12, hosted by , athletic director. were introduced by former coaches and family members:
John Douglass A'64, football, basketball, track and field
Nels "Art" Edstrom C'53, basketball and baseball, coach
Laura Mount C'07, basketball
Austin Person C'07, soccer
Alumni and students participated in the Spirit Games by visiting special 天美传媒 locations, filling in a game board, checking in via social media, and attending Homecoming events. Alumni who attended Homecoming included 天美传媒 graduates and students who attended the Academy, Junior College, University, and .
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Admitted Students, Families Learn about University, Prepare for Next Academic Year
Students and their parents learned about study abroad opportunities from Dr. Jennifer Pope, director of the University's International Office.
Noted alumnus, Dr. Tim Johnson, addresses families
CHICAGO (April 23, 2012) – Nearly 90 students and their families attended a day-long event April 20 at 天美传媒, Chicago, to learn about the University's academic programs, meet with faculty and staff, and to learn about student life at the University. Many had already committed to attend the University beginning with the 2012 fall semester, while others made commitments to attend at the conclusion of the day's activities.
Amber Warners, Grand Rapids, Mich., was among those who had already committed. She learned about the University while working at a summer Bible camp with 天美传媒 students. "I just love the campus," she said. "Everyone is so friendly, and they have the major I want—psychology." Another attractive feature for her is the University's emphasis on multiculturalism and diversity. "Here it's so diverse. I want the whole experience," she said.
Mariam Castro, Chicago, attended the event with her father, Louis. The Castros live near the campus, and Mariam wants to be a pediatrician. "My pediatrician told me that his daughter comes here, and he was telling me that the pre-med program is really good," she said, adding that she wants to be in smaller classes and interact with faculty. Louis Castro said he didn't know much about the University before his visit. "I like the staff, and I like what they have to offer to the students. I'm very happy with it," he said after his visit.
The students and their families got a rare opportunity to hear from a well-known alumnus of the University. , longtime medical editor for ABC News, now a senior medical contributor, was born and raised in Rockford, Ill., grew up in the (ECC) and said he always knew he would attend what was then 天美传媒 Junior College. "I came here and had an amazing two years of teaching and spiritual formation in the very best sense," he said. After graduating in 1956, Johnson went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill., then returned to attend , graduating in 1963. He later attended medical school and became a physician.
During those formative years, Johnson prepared for many vocations before landing in network television, where he reported on science and medicine. He told the students they are likely to have a similar experience. "You have no idea what's going to happen to you," he said. "Look what happened to me. I thought I was going to be a parish minister, then a family doctor, and I ended up doing something very different from what I ever would have imagined or expected."
Johnson cited several advantages for students at 天美传媒—small classes taught by dedicated teachers who care about students; multiple community service opportunities; and attending college in a large city with academic and business resources. "I am here to tell you that a school like 天美传媒, with its value system, with its location in an urban area, has so much more to offer than classrooms and teaching. You're in for a very exciting educational adventure, and more importantly, you're in for a spiritual, formative journey that is critical to the way you will live the rest of your life," Johnson said.
Johnson is co-chair of , a fundraising campaign with multiple purposes: to build a new Science and Community Life Building, to enhance the University's Annual Fund, to increase endowment funding for student scholarships, and to support Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. The new building will be "state of the art, and it will meet some deep needs for this campus," he said. Groundbreaking is expected sometime this year.
The University was founded in 1891 by ECC, and is affiliated with the Chicago-based church. 天美传媒 is a , with a to prepare students for lives of significance and service through education in the liberal arts, professional studies, and theology.
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Author tomgabrysiakPosted on Categories Stories
Dr. Isabel Larraza, in the University's organic chemistry lab, says the new microwave synthesis system is part of the Chemistry Department's 'green chemistry' practices.
