ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Offers Nonprofit Management Degree Online Beginning Fall 2012

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Offers Nonprofit Management Degree Online Beginning Fall 2012

Violet Ricker said she stays in touch with students who studied with her in the SAL undergraduate nonprofit management program.

Undergraduate degree option available through School of Adult Learning

 CHICAGO (August 16, 2012) – A popular ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ bachelor's degree program for professionals who aspire to leadership positions in the nonprofit sector can be completed exclusively online beginning with the 2012-2013 academic year. The University's undergraduate will be among other that students can earn online through the (SAL).

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ is known in the Chicago area for many academic programs, including educational offerings in the nonprofit arena. With this new option, SAL students will be able to earn nonprofit management degrees through a combination of online and in-person classes, or exclusively online. The online option is a plus for students who may not be able to attend classes in-person or who live outside the Chicago area, said , SAL associate professor and chair of the school's nonprofit management and criminal justice majors.

SAL students in nonprofit management gain a foundational understanding of the nonprofit sector, plus specific skills and professional contacts to be successful managers, said Ransom. "What is different about our program is that we have a real-world component, and a real-world focus about not-for-profit management," she said.

SAL nonprofit management students learn how to work with boards of directors, manage volunteers, raise funds, manage finances, organize special events, write grant proposals, and develop advocacy skills for their organizations. Students typically range from young adults to more experienced professionals who want an accelerated program that fits their life schedules.

Students who have earned the degrees have moved into interesting and fulfilling careers. Violet Ricker earned her degree in 2010 through a combination of online and in-person classes, which she took at the University's and at the Chicago campus.  Today, she is executive director of , a nonprofit organization that works for community and economic development in downtown Waukegan, Ill., her hometown. It's part of the Main Street Network that works to revitalize communities across the United States.

Ricker entered the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ program from George Washington University, Washington, D.C., where she had been studying political science. While there, she did nonprofit community work, and found that was her calling. Ricker learned of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½'s nonprofit management program through an online search, and returned home to study in the University's program.

The degree program brought together many disciplines, Ricker said. "I understand the connectedness of volunteer development, fundraising, communication, and community outreach," she said. "To have that in a program versus learning on the job is very valuable. The best part for me was collective expertise from my fellow students in the program." Ricker still remains in touch with others who studied with her, trading advice and sharing business ideas.

Lindsay LeVally earned a degree in nonprofit management in 2009 through the SAL, attending classes in-person and taking at least one course online. She is currently in the process of moving to Springfield, Ill., where she will manage a new branch office for , a national wholesale sign supply company. LeVally heard about ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ from a colleague when she was an volunteer. After AmeriCorps, LeVally worked in different roles, before landing at Grimco, where she got into sales by writing marketing plans for her nonprofit classes.

"I was able to get this job with the degree, and I've been here a year and a half," LeVally said. "I'm now being given a chance to manage a branch in Springfield. I wouldn't even be working for Grimco without this degree. Every paper I did was on my company when I was at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½."

LeVally began work on a master's degree in management at the University in 2010, part of a "continuum" of education available to University students who want to go further. "Students can get a bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, and then move to the master's program in nonprofit management," Ransom said, "plus, we have the for continuing education."

Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .

Author tomgabrysiak

University Scientist Chairs National Meeting on Computer Programming Language

University Scientist Chairs National Meeting on Computer Programming Language

Professor Johnny Lin

Johnny Lin leads 'Python' symposium at New Orleans meteorological meeting

CHICAGO (January 18, 2012) – A ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ physicist is chairing a national meeting this month devoted to , a fast, powerful and versatile computer programming language growing in popularity among people working in the atmospheric and oceanic sciences. The symposium and two short courses in uses of Python are part of the annual meeting of the (AMS), Jan. 22-26, in New Orleans.

, professor of physics, will teach an on Python, and chair the New Orleans symposium, at which scientists from around the country will present papers highlighting the programming language's use in modeling and analysis. Last year, the AMS annual meeting was the site of the first Python which Lin also chaired. Lin, who uses Python in his own teaching and research work at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½, helped write the proposal to AMS to create the symposium. At that time, there were virtually no scientific meetings in the atmospheric sciences to discuss Python. Colleagues formerly at the University of Chicago, where Lin did postdoctoral studies, and , worked with Lin to organize the symposium.

The AMS symposium is a place where users can call attention to Python "as a real platform for doing scientific work in the atmospheric sciences," Lin explained.  Speakers will share Python techniques and ideas, help build a support community for users, and help grow the language as an atmospheric sciences programming platform, he said.

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ also teaches the Python programming language in beginning classes, in part because it's easier for students to learn and apply to other programming languages.

Alan Iliff, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ professor of computer science, said he first began teaching the programming language five years ago after a University computer science alumnus suggested he look into it. Students learn how to write computing programs faster using Python, he said. "It's very easy to write programs with Python. What makes it a good teaching language is what makes it popular for programming," he said.

"A real solid approach in teaching computer science is to teach the things that won't change – in Python we teach things that are quite similar in other programming languages. After I use Python first, then I use Java (or another programming language) in the next semester," Iliff added.

Python is also part of the "" movement, which allows users access to information about the product's design so they can contribute ideas to its improvement, Iliff said.

Programmers have used Python for nearly 25 years, Lin explained, and the recent development of scientific computing packages in the language has helped increase its use among atmospheric scientists. This has given atmospheric scientists the ability to do their scientific work and couple it with a variety of other computer-based tools and interactive applications, making the science more useful. Python is the "critical glue" that makes it all happen, Lin said. "It's more versatile than anything that atmospheric scientists have used traditionally."

At the New Orleans symposium, a notable expert in the field will speak, Lin said. Already, planning has begun for the 2013 Python symposium at the AMS meeting in Austin, Texas.

Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .

Author tomgabrysiak

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Welcomes Students, Faculty, Staff for 2012–2013 Academic Year

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Welcomes Students, Faculty, Staff for 2012–2013 Academic Year

Dr. David Parkyn, president of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½, Chicago.

President addresses enrollment, recruiting realities

CHICAGO (August 23, 2012) — ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ will open its 121^st year when classes begin August 27. The University is welcoming more than 3,200 undergraduate and graduate students this year. More than 550 students are entering college for the first time or are transfer students, representing more than 30 states, and at least seven countries outside the United States. 

First-year commuter and residential students, as well as transfer students, began arriving August 22, and are participating in , an orientation program for new students, through August 26. Returning students will arrive as early as August 25. Some athletes and international students arrived earlier this month.

Faculty and staff met at the Chicago campus August 21 for the University's annual Gathering Day activities at. , president of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½, presented his annual State of the University address, discussing several topics of interest.

Looking ahead, Parkyn cited the October 26 groundbreaking for the as a indicator of a great year, and a "transformational" project for student learning at the University. The building project is the significant component of , a comprehensive $57 million fundraising campaign for the Johnson Center, the University's Annual Fund, student scholarships, and Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development.

Parkyn also noted complexities in academic enrollment, reporting that undergraduate retention is up, recruitment results are mixed in , , and programs, and new enrollment is below the target set for this academic year. The University will begin the school year with 110 fewer new undergraduate students than one year ago, and 35 fewer new students than its recent five-year average. Faculty and staff will be invited to fall community gatherings to discuss enrollment data, recruiting of students, and to share ideas to effectively address the challenge of student recruitment in the years ahead, Parkyn said.

Parkyn told the faculty and staff that challenges in both undergraduate and graduate enrollments are signs of a rapidly changing marketplace and learning environment. The University "must update the way we recruit students, tell our story, what we offer to students, and how we approach teaching and learning," he said.

"We must discover how we need to change, and we must embrace this necessary change deeply and quickly," Parkyn said. "Our responsibility is to imagine new ways of being ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½, and to engineer these into a renewed ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½."

As evidence of the need for change, the University president cited rapidly expanding use of mobile devices for communication, access to information, and for learning. He also cited recent studies that suggest young adults raised in evangelical churches have "a deep love for Jesus and a growing ambivalence about the church." Both are concerns, Parkyn said, "because at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ we love Jesus and the church, and because we are a church-related university."

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ is "an exceptional institution" for educating students into faith and preparing them for church vocations, he said. "Our responsibility is clear: to make sure that after their formative years with us, today's young adults love Jesus more deeply than they ever have, and to assure that the future of the church, now in their hands, is in good hands. This is no small responsibility, but we're among the very few who can address it because of the critical, timely, and formative role we have in the lives of young adult Christians," Parkyn said.

The University values the expertise and experience of its employees, the president said. "In every challenge before us we must not forget the talent in this room, the intelligence our community will bring to these challenges, and the creativity we will draw on to address these opportunities together," Parkyn said. Quoting business writer and author , Parkyn added that he has "a deep and abiding confidence that we will reach the tops of our mountains because we will climb together."

Gathering Day activities also included worship, a performance of hymns led by the Children's Choir of , Chicago, and introductions of new faculty and staff. New undergraduate students and their parents were welcomed to the University August 22, at an opening convocation. New Seminary students were welcomed at a breakfast August 23, with additional orientation activities to follow.

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ offers and a variety of minors, pre-professional programs, and certificates. Graduate students can earn master's degrees in , , , business, nonprofit management, , and . Working professionals and can earn bachelor's degrees in eight majors through courses offered in evening and weekend classes in , , and , all in Illinois, plus online formats. The University is comprised of a college of arts and sciences, five professional schools, and a theological seminary. It is affiliated with 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 .

Author tomgabrysiak

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Campus Buildings Renovated, Updated this Summer

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Campus Buildings Renovated, Updated this Summer

Renovations in Anderson Hall were extensive, including a newly refurbished lobby.

Meanwhile, site prep continues for the Johnson Center

CHICAGO (August 20, 2012) — As site preparation proceeds for the highly anticipated , several notable improvements were also made to existing campus facilities this summer, said , ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Residents moving into the this month will see significant changes, including code-mandated infrastructure improvements — such as a retrofit of fire sprinkler systems and the upgrade of an obsolete elevator — combined with substantial improvements to the living spaces of the building, Balsam said. "The entry lobby was completely redesigned and furnished. The rooms were freshly carpeted and repainted. Perhaps most notable was the installation of new furnishings in all of the rooms, including modular furniture that can be stacked in a variety of combinations," he said.

New wood doors with Salto locking devices were added throughout Anderson Hall, allowing residents' access to their rooms via the proximity chip in their ID cards. Also added was a new mechanical room which houses the fire sprinkler pump and associated gear, as well as hot water heaters that were added after flooding in 2008, Balsam said. 

Outside Anderson Hall, a small parking lot for institutional vehicles was added, since coordination for institutional vehicles was transferred to and will be under the direction of , director of campus security and auxiliary services. Gooris and his team will administer driving tests for those wishing to drive institutional vehicles.

Other improvements include continuing refurbishment of various campus offices, including the IT offices in . Code-mandated fire sprinklers were installed in the and some Seminary apartments were renovated.

Site preparation for the Johnson Center began shortly after the conclusion of the 2011–2012 academic year. Large trees were relocated from the north berm area of the proposed construction site to other locations on campus, clearing the way for the building site. The University worked with electric supplier ComEd to relocate a significant electrical conduit before the began on the north side of the Greenspace.

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.

Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .

Author tomgabrysiak

University School of Business and Nonprofit Management Earns Reaccreditation

University School of Business and Nonprofit Management Earns Reaccreditation

The IACBE reaccredited both undergradute and gradute degree offerings in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management.

IACBE reaffirms SBNM accreditation

CHICAGO (January 5, 2011) — The Board of Commissioners of the announced that it has reaffirmed for seven years its accreditation of degree programs in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM) at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½.

Dr. Wesley E. Lindahl, Nils Axelson Professor of Nonprofit Management and SBNM dean, said he is "thrilled" the school was reaccredited. "We value the recognition that this accreditation provides for our management and business programs. The constant improvement model of assessment and planning provides a way for SBNM to stay current and up-to-date in our programming," he said.

"The reaccreditation by the IACBE is an affirmation of the commitment to quality education by SBNM," said , University provost. "We have an exceptional group of faculty who serve our students in so many ways. I am proud they have obtained this standard of excellence."

The IACBE, based in Olathe, Kan., is a professional accrediting organization for business programs in student-centered colleges and universities throughout the world. The organization focuses its accrediting process on outcomes. The University's School of Business and Nonprofit Management was first accredited by IACBE in 2005. Faculty and staff began preparing for reaccreditation in August 2010. They gathered information, updated the school's outcomes assessment plan, documented assessments results and completed a self-study, the results of which were submitted to IACBE in December 2010.

In March, two representatives from other IACBE schools visited ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ to conduct an assessment and review of the University program. They met with undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, University officials, and members of the school's advisory board. The School of Business and Nonprofit Management responded to a request for more information during the summer months, and last month, the school was informed that IACBE's board had granted reaccreditation.

The IACBE accredited business programs in these degrees offered by SBNM:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Higher Education Administration (MHEA)
• Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM)
• Master of Management (MM)
• Master of Nonprofit Administration (MNA)
• Bachelor of Arts in Advertising
• Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics
• Bachelor of Science in Advertising
• Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics with concentrations in accounting, economics, finance, international business, management, marketing, and nonprofit management

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Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .

Author tomgabrysiak

Dave Kersten Installed as Dean of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Theological Seminary

Dave Kersten Installed as Dean of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Theological Seminary

Rev. David W. Kersten was installed as the Dean of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Theological Seminary on Sunday, September 16, 2012.

Rev. Dr. Dave Kersten greets University Dean of Students Andrea Nevels after the convocation worship service.

New leader installed as part of annual Fall Convocation

CHICAGO (September 18, 2012) – was installed as the 11^th dean of (NPTS) September 16 as the Seminary celebrated its annual Fall Convocation, welcoming new and returning students for the academic year. The event, held at the University’s , was to an international audience by ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½.

“I am profoundly aware of the many shoulders I stand upon, and I’m grateful for the heritage and legacy of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Theological Seminary,” Kersten said in response. “I want to express my deep appreciation to the entire faculty, staff, and the interim leadership team that guided the Seminary through a season of transition and a lengthy search process. In this new role, my goal is to keep student formation and learning the focal point of our work.”

Presiding at the Convocation, , University president, described the convocation as having two parts — the installation of the dean and the reception of new students. With a smile, he described these components as “the dean in waiting, and the dean at work,” he said. “This convocation today in all of its parts is a moment of true joy. Make this a wonderful, joy-filled gathering today, and we’ll praise God as we do so.” The congregation — those attending in-person and those watching in the United States and globally via webcast — were “a representation of a host of God’s people,” Parkyn observed.

In a homily titled “Nothing is Impossible with God,” , pastor of , Oak Lawn, Ill., said the day was about God. “God has gifted you — given you all the gifts needed at this pivotal point,” he said. Sandberg challenged Seminary students, Kersten, and the faculty to carry in their hearts that “nothing is impossible with God.”

Kersten began his duties at the seminary August 1. He was formally called into his new role at the of the (ECC) this past summer after he was nominated by the University , following a process of study and deliberation. Both the University and the Seminary are affiliated with the ECC.

Parkyn led the installation litany that included sections delivered by , Green Oaks, Ill., vice-chair of the University board of trustees, speaking on behalf of University leaders; , NPTS associate professor of theology and ethics, on behalf of the Seminary community; and , ECC president, on behalf of the ECC. , NPTS associate director of field education, led a prayer of dedication. Parkyn presented Kersten a Celtic Cross as a symbol of his leadership appointment. As many as eight representatives of seminaries of other denominations and faith traditions were represented.

New and returning Seminary students were introduced and welcomed by , acting dean of academic programs, and , dean of students and community life.

In his charge to students, Kersten cited : ‘Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.” While acknowledging that the verse has been interpreted in many ways, he characterized it as a call to action, and urged students and faculty to hear God’s voice, and allow themselves to receive God’s love.

“Hear the invitation, the charge, even the command: ‘Arise my love, my fair one, and come away’ in this new season of your lives,” 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 .

Author tomgabrysiak

‘Reignite Your Vision’ Theme of University’s Axelson Symposium June 4-5

'Reignite Your Vision' Theme of University's Axelson Symposium June 4-5

'Innovation Institute' opens two-day event

CHICAGO (May 4, 2012) – More than 500 nonprofit leaders are expected to attend the 13th Annual , June 4-5 in Chicago. The event is a key networking and professional development conference focused on effective strategies for leadership, innovation, funding, communication, and growth in the nonprofit sector. This year's conference theme is "Reignite Your Vision."

Hosting the event is ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½'s , which works to enhance performance and effectiveness of individuals and organizations in the nonprofit sector through education, service, and resources. A pre-conference Innovation Institute on June 4, and the Symposium on June 5, will be held at the .

, director, Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management, said a goal of the conference is for participants to learn at least one "best practice" they can implement in their organizations. "We want attendees to think outside of the box. The language of management and best practices is something that we really want to encourage," she said.

The Symposium provides a "mind-opening opportunity" for nonprofit leaders to share ideas for excellence, said , Axelson Center advisory board member and president, Kathy Schaeffer & Associates, Inc., Chicago. "Every year, participants praise the Symposium for its on-target focus on the issues that matter most today. No other conference in Chicago attracts such a talented and diverse gathering of thoughtful, caring leaders dedicated to learning new and better ways to carry out their nonprofit missions," she said.

Harold Rice Jr., executive director and chief executive officer, Albany Park Community Center, said the Symposium will help to better position agencies to be "viable and relevant" for years to come. "The significance for nonprofit leaders at all levels to attend this year’s Axelson Symposium is because it's filled with critical information and tools for those in the leadership position to make significant impact and critical gains with the negative headwinds that this sector will face for the next 2 to 5 years," said Rice, also an Axelson Center advisory board member.

Highlighting the June 4 Innovation Institute is an internationally known speaker on workplace innovation, , who is president and co-founder, Doblin Inc., Chicago. Other speakers that day are , president, Morten Group, Chicago; , general director, JCC Chicago; and , chief executive officer, the Wright Institute, Chicago.

Presenting the opening keynote address at the June 5 Axelson Symposium is , founder and president, Washington-based DC Central Kitchen, the nation's first "community kitchen." "We think he will really add to what we hope this conversation will be about — innovation, and about reigniting the vision of your organization going forward," Rogers said. , president and founder, Taproot Foundation, New York City, will also speak June 5. Taproot connects pro bono business talent with organizations working to improve society, and has a Chicago location.

Attendees will learn from more than 40 experts leading concurrent workshops and forums on a variety of topics important to nonprofit leaders, such as board leadership, funding models, volunteer engagement, succession planning, communication, philanthropy, and a debate titled, "How Corporate Should Nonprofits Be?" A resource center includes more than 20 corporate and nonprofit exhibitors that will provide cost-saving resources and strategies for nonprofits.

At the Symposium luncheon program, the will be presented to two nonprofit organizations that embody exemplary management practices. will be presented to one young organization with potential for growth and greater effectiveness. The luncheon emcee is , morning news anchor for Chicago's WGN-TV.

Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .

Author tomgabrysiak

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Professor Attends Easter Prayer Breakfast at White House

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Professor Attends Easter Prayer Breakfast at White House

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½'s Dr. Scot McKnight met President Obama at the April 4 White House Easter prayer breakfast. (Photo by Kristen McKnight)

Scot McKnight invited to president's annual Easter event

CHICAGO (April 5, 2012) – A ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ professor attended President Barack Obama's third annual at the White House April 4. , Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies, , was among the invited guests.

"That President Obama is willing to host an Easter breakfast, invite only Christian leaders, and include a personal address himself, and involve singers like Sarah Groves and a sermon by Joel Hunter, is a symbolic way for President Obama to express his faith," McKnight said afterward. "Events like this do not impose faith on Americans, or even privilege the Christian faith, but they do give the President an opportunity to express his faith and support the Christian message of the death and resurrection of Christ."

It was clear that Obama did not invite only "progressive Christians," to the breakfast, McKnight said. "I was impressed by the spectrum," he added. Others in attendance included Rev. Eugene Cho, lead pastor of , Seattle, a congregation of the (ECC), McKnight said. ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ is affiliated with the Chicago-based ECC.

In his remarks, the president thanked the Christian leaders for "the compassion and the kindness" they express through their ministries. "I’ve seen firsthand some of the outstanding work that you are doing in your respective communities, and it’s an incredible expression of your faith. And I know that all of us who have an opportunity to work with you draw inspiration from the work that you do," Obama said.

Reflecting on the "wonder of Easter morning," the president said, "It’s an opportunity for us to reflect on the triumph of the resurrection, and to give thanks for the all-important gift of grace. And for me, and I’m sure for some of you, it’s also a chance to remember the tremendous sacrifice that led up to that day, and all that Christ endured—not just as a Son of God, but as a human being."

McKnight attended the breakfast with his wife, Kristen. "It was an honor to be invited, and we will treasure this the rest of our lives," he said.

McKnight joined the University in 1994. He is a New Testament scholar, author of more than 30 books, teacher and sought-after speaker. This year, his book, , was named resource of the year in the evangelism category by magazine. Another book, , won the book of the year in 2005 for Christian Living. McKnight also writes a titled, "The Jesus Creed."

Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .

Author tomgabrysiak

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Chemistry Program to Obtain Flash Chromatography System

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Chemistry Program to Obtain Flash Chromatography System

The Chemistry Department will acquire this flash chromatography system for use by chemistry students. (Image courtesy of Sorbent Technologies, Norcross, Ga.)

New equipment to enhance program, aid in future certification

CHICAGO (December 18, 2012) — ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½'s will soon obtain a significant instrument to be used by chemistry, biology, and pre-health students enrolled in mid- and upper-level chemistry courses. Acquisition of a will give more than 80 students hands-on experience with rapid chemical separation techniques, enhancing laboratory education and research.

Being able to separate compounds mixed together is an important part of chemistry, said , professor of chemistry and department chair. Currently, the process is slow and time-consuming without the flash chromatography system, limiting what can be done in a typical laboratory session.

"If we have an instrument that can speed up separations, we can process many more samples in a lab teaching time period," Rienstra-Kiracofe said. "The flash chromatography system has a pump that forces the liquid through specialized columns at high pressure, and in doing so, it produces a separation that happens quite quickly."

Funded mostly by a grant from the , Chicago, and other University funds, the portable, table-top system costs slightly more than $10,000. This is the foundation's fourth grant to the University chemistry program, helping to fund significant equipment purchases to enhance student education, and to help the department achieve its goal to become certified by the .

The flash chromatography system will be used most frequently by organic chemistry classes taught by , associate professor of chemistry, though the system also has uses in analytical chemistry and biochemistry.

There are wide-ranging benefits for students who gain experience with the system, she said. Students who attend graduate school will use flash chromatography systems often. In industry, research and development work usually requires flash chromatography, Larraza said. For example, chemists working in the pharmaceutical industry use flash chromatography to purify compounds to be tested in drug manufacturing. The system also fits with the Chemistry Department's commitment to "," she said. "We're economizing on all the materials, and will be able to use safer solvents such as water—thus we're protecting the environment," Larraza emphasized.

In addition to the flash chromatography system, Rienstra-Kiracofe said the department expects delivery this month of an instrument that uses x-rays to detect elements' concentration levels in samples. Known as a "," it is among the new instruments the department will use when it moves into the , expected to be completed in 2014. Acquiring the TXRF now will enable student researchers to learn how to use it and to design experiments for future classes. Another new instrument the department will acquire when it moves into the Johnson Center is a full-size . It already has a , thanks to a 2011 Goldenberg Foundation grant.

Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .

Author tomgabrysiak

University Breakfast Series Focuses on Nonprofit Success in Challenging Economy

University Breakfast Series Focuses on Nonprofit Success in Challenging Economy

Jimmie Alford discussed topics affecting the nonprofit sector at the University's October 30 Breakfast Series event in Chicago.

Axelson Center provides strategic solutions to improve nonprofits

CHICAGO (November 5, 2012) – Nonprofit organizations must adapt their business models to the current economic climate, and act strategically in response to a variety of challenges, particularly declines in program funding from government sources and philanthropy. That was the message from Chicago nonprofit executive Jimmie Alford, who spoke to more than 100 people about nonprofit trends and challenges at a ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Breakfast Series event October 30.

Alford is founder and chair of , a well-known national nonprofit consulting firm, and has been named by as an influential nonprofit leader. He is also executive-in-residence of the University's School of Business and Nonprofit Management and an advisor to the University's Through its workshops and conferences, the center teaches leaders about nonprofit trends and how to meet significant challenges, he said. 

Just as in other sectors of the global economy, uncertainty is a key issue for nonprofits, Alford told the breakfast audience. Some factors affecting nonprofits include high unemployment, strains on family finances, and financial turmoil affecting 39 state governments. "Going forward, nonprofits have to look to the future with eyes wide open," he said. "It isn't so much that these and other factors are barriers or challenges. The question is, 'What is your strategic response?'"

For nonprofits to be vibrant, effective, and have high impact, Alford said they must plan for "uncontrollables." Those that can engage key stakeholders and adjust their enterprises for the future "will be the nonprofits that will be highly effective and highly valued," he said. 

Alford also warned of a "huge liquidity crisis" in the next 2 to 3 years because of declines in charitable giving and declines in tax revenue to governments, both of which fund many nonprofit-based social service programs. "I think overall, the amount of money flowing to nonprofits from tax-based entities will dramatically reduce," he said. "There will be an evolution of nonprofits trying to be more self-sustaining."

Enhancing revenue generation for nonprofits has been a focus of recent Axelson Center workshops, said Dr. Wesley E. Lindahl, dean of the School of Business and Nonprofit Management. "With funding from state governments being delayed and philanthropy suffering a downturn, nonprofits have to be very creative in terms of revenue generation. We've offered several sessions on that," he said. Improving governance by nonprofit boards of directors is another focus, Lindahl said. The , attended by more than 500 people, offers executives and managers a chance to learn from each other and from more than 30 speakers, Lindahl added. The next Axelson Symposium is June 3-4, 2013, in Chicago.

Alford said he has presented several on self-generated income in recent years. "The whole idea of the Axelson Center workshops is that if you spend a day on the topic, you're going to be opening your mind to some other ways of doing business. These sessions can be provocative and cause you to think about doing things differently. That's the purpose," Alford 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 .

Author tomgabrysiak