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{{short description|Private university in Chicago, Illinois, United States}}
{{Short description|Christian university in Chicago, Illinois, US}}
{{distinguish|North University Park}}
{{distinguish|North University Park}}
{{Infobox university
{{Infobox university
|name = North Park University
| name = North Park University
| former_name = North Park Theological Seminary (1891-1894)<br>North Park Junior College (1894-1958)<br>North Park College (1958-1997)
| former_name = North Park Theological Seminary (1891–1894)<br>North Park Junior College (1894–1958)<br>North Park College (1958–1997)
|image_name = NorthParkLogo.png
| image_name = NorthParkLogo.png
|image_size = 180px
| image_size = 180px
| accreditation = [[Higher Learning Commission|HLC]]
| accreditation = [[Higher Learning Commission|HLC]]
|motto = "In Thy Light Shall We See Light"<br>"Preparing Students for Lives of Significance and Service"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.northpark.edu/home/index.cfm?northpark=Education.Ed_Main |title= North Park University: Christian - Urban - Multicultural|website=www.northpark.edu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913191717/http://www.northpark.edu/home/index.cfm?northpark=Education.Ed_Main |archive-date=September 13, 2008}}</ref>
| motto = "In Thy Light Shall We See Light"<br>"Preparing Students for Lives of Significance and Service"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.northpark.edu/home/index.cfm?northpark=Education.Ed_Main |title= North Park University: Christian - Urban - Multicultural|website=www.northpark.edu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913191717/http://www.northpark.edu/home/index.cfm?northpark=Education.Ed_Main |archive-date=September 13, 2008}}</ref>
|established = {{start date and age|1891}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.northpark.edu/home/index.cfm?northpark=About.Abt_Main |title= North Park University: Christian - Urban - Multicultural|website=www.northpark.edu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918053254/http://www.northpark.edu/home/index.cfm?northpark=About.Abt_Main |archive-date=September 18, 2008}}</ref><ref>[https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/north-park-university-1735 “US News - Best Colleges:"North Park University”]</ref>
| established = {{start date and age|1891}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.northpark.edu/home/index.cfm?northpark=About.Abt_Main |title= North Park University: Christian - Urban - Multicultural|website=www.northpark.edu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918053254/http://www.northpark.edu/home/index.cfm?northpark=About.Abt_Main |archive-date=September 18, 2008}}</ref><ref>[https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/north-park-university-1735 “US News - Best Colleges:"North Park University”]</ref>
|president = Mary K. Surridge
| president = Mary K. Surridge
|endowment = $76.3 million (2020)<ref>As of June 30, 2020. {{cite report |url=https://www.nacubo.org/-/media/Documents/Research/2020-NTSE-Public-Tables--Endowment-Market-Values--FINAL-FEBRUARY-19-2021.ashx |title=U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2020 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY19 to FY20 |publisher=National Association of College and University Business Officers and [[TIAA]] |date=February 19, 2021 |access-date=February 21, 2021}}</ref>
| endowment = $99.5 million (2022)<ref>As of June 30, 2020. {{cite report |url=https://assets.northpark.edu/wp-content/uploads/20230421140951/UMCSD-1158-Honor-Roll-Annual-Report-4.pdf |title=U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2020 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY19 to FY20 |publisher=National Association of College and University Business Officers and [[TIAA]] |date=February 19, 2021 |access-date=February 21, 2021}}</ref>
|type = [[Private university]]
| type = [[Private university]]
|religious_affiliation = [[Evangelical Covenant Church]]
| religious_affiliation = [[Evangelical Covenant Church]]
|city = [[Chicago, Illinois|Chicago]]
| city = [[Chicago, Illinois|Chicago]]
|state = [[Illinois]]
| state = [[Illinois]]
|country = United States
| country = United States
|faculty = 125 Full-time<ref name="northpark.edu">{{cite web |url=http://www.northpark.edu/home/index.cfm?NorthPark=About.Abt_Facts |title= North Park University: Christian - Urban - Multicultural|website=www.northpark.edu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081113035455/http://www.northpark.edu/home/index.cfm?NorthPark=About.Abt_Facts |archive-date=November 13, 2008}}</ref>
| faculty = 125 Full-time<ref name="northpark.edu">{{cite web |url=http://www.northpark.edu/home/index.cfm?NorthPark=About.Abt_Facts |title= North Park University: Christian - Urban - Multicultural|website=www.northpark.edu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081113035455/http://www.northpark.edu/home/index.cfm?NorthPark=About.Abt_Facts |archive-date=November 13, 2008}}</ref>
|students = 3,136<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ncahlc.org/component/com_directory/Action,ShowBasic/Itemid,/instid,1131/ |title=Higher Learning Commission |publisher=Ncahlc.org |access-date=2015-06-12}}</ref>
| students = 2,624 (Fall 2023)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=north+park+university&s=all&id=147679#enrolmt | title=North Park University}}</ref>
|undergrad = 1,854<ref name="northpark.edu"/>
| undergrad = 1,877 (Fall 2023)
| postgrad = 747 (Fall 2023)
|campus = [[Urban area|Large City]]
| campus = [[Urban area|Large City]]
| campus_size = {{convert|33|acre|km2}}
| campus_size = {{convert|33|acre|km2}}
| athletics =
|sporting_affiliations = [[NCAA Division III]] – [[College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin|CCIW]]
| athletics =
| sporting_affiliations = [[NCAA Division III]] – [[College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin|CCIW]]
|mascot = Ragnar
| mascot = Ragnar
| nickname = Vikings
| nickname = Vikings
|colors = Blue and yellow<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.northpark.edu/About/University-Marketing-and-Communications/University-Standards/~/media/Files/PDF/About%20North%20Park/Office%20of%20External%20Relations/UniversityStyleGuide.ashx |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-08-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907081847/http://www.northpark.edu/About/University-Marketing-and-Communications/University-Standards/~/media/Files/PDF/About%20North%20Park/Office%20of%20External%20Relations/UniversityStyleGuide.ashx |archive-date=2015-09-07 }}</ref><br />{{color box|#002D62}}&nbsp;{{color box|#FBD329}}
| colors = Blue and yellow<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.northpark.edu/About/University-Marketing-and-Communications/University-Standards/~/media/Files/PDF/About%20North%20Park/Office%20of%20External%20Relations/UniversityStyleGuide.ashx |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-08-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907081847/http://www.northpark.edu/About/University-Marketing-and-Communications/University-Standards/~/media/Files/PDF/About%20North%20Park/Office%20of%20External%20Relations/UniversityStyleGuide.ashx |archive-date=2015-09-07 }}</ref><br />{{color box|#002D62}}&nbsp;{{color box|#FBD329}}
|website = {{url|www.northpark.edu}}
| website = {{url|www.northpark.edu}}
|logo = [[File:NPU Primary logo.jpg|250px]]
| logo = [[File:NPU Primary logo.jpg|250px]]
| free_label = Other campuses
| free_label = Other campuses
| free = [[Grayslake, Illinois|Grayslake]]
| free = [[Grayslake, Illinois|Grayslake]]
| free_label2 =
| free_label2 =
| free2 =
| free2 =
}}
}}


'''North Park University''' is a [[Private university|private]] [[Evangelical Covenant Church|Christian]] university in [[Chicago, Illinois]]. It was founded in 1891 by the [[Evangelical Covenant Church]]. It is located on Chicago's north side and enrolls more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students.<ref>[https://www.chicagobusiness.com/custom-media-colleges-2018/north-park-university Chicago Business: North Park University]</ref>
'''North Park University''' is a [[Private university|private]] [[Evangelical Covenant Church|Christian]] university in [[Chicago, Illinois]]. It was founded in 1891 by the [[Evangelical Covenant Church]]. It is located on Chicago's north side in the [[North Park, Chicago|North Park]] community area and enrolls more than 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students.


==History==
==History==
[[File:North Park College.jpg|thumb|left|North Park College students and faculty gathered in front of Old Main c. 1894.]]
The university has its origins in the founding of North Park Theological Seminary in 1891 by the [[Evangelical Covenant Church]] in [[Minneapolis]]. <ref> Randall Herbert Balmer, ''Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism: Revised and expanded edition'', Baylor University Press, USA, 2004, p. 497 </ref> In 1894, the school moved to [[Chicago]] and opened as '''North Park College'''.<ref> Bill Keegan,
[https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20160920/submitted/160929859/ North Park University Celebrates 125 Years of Quality Academics, Faith and Diversity], dailyherald.com, USA, September 21, 2016</ref> It moved to its present location at the corner of Foster and Kedzie, despite its remoteness from the [[Chicago Loop|Loop]]. It was sited close to then existing [[Andersonville, Chicago|Swedish-American villages]] and the newly established [[Swedish Covenant Hospital]]. [[Old Main (North Park University)|Old Main]], the oldest building on campus, was erected and dedicated on June 16, 1894. It is at this time that the name North Park was first used to describe the school.<ref name="NPU">[https://www.northpark.edu/about-north-park-university/history-and-heritage/ “North Park University History and Heritage”]</ref>
The university originated in the founding of North Park Theological Seminary in 1891 by the [[Evangelical Covenant Church]] in [[Minneapolis]].<ref> Randall Herbert Balmer, ''Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism: Revised and expanded edition'', Baylor University Press, USA, 2004, p. 497 </ref> In 1894, the school moved to [[Chicago]] and opened as '''North Park College''',<ref> Bill Keegan,
[https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20160920/submitted/160929859/ North Park University Celebrates 125 Years of Quality Academics, Faith and Diversity], dailyherald.com, USA, September 21, 2016</ref> to its present location at the corner of Foster and Kedzie. Although far from the [[Chicago Loop|Loop]], the location was close to then existing [[Andersonville, Chicago|Swedish-American villages]] and the newly established [[Swedish Covenant Hospital]]. [[Old Main (North Park University)|Old Main]], the oldest building on campus, was erected and dedicated on June 16, 1894. It is at this time that the name North Park was first used to describe the school.<ref name="NPU">[https://www.northpark.edu/about-north-park-university/history-and-heritage/ “North Park University History and Heritage”]</ref>


[[File:NyvallHallNorthParkUniversity 0350.jpg|thumb|left|275px|Nyvall Hall]]
[[File:NyvallHallNorthParkUniversity 0350.jpg|thumb|left|275px|Nyvall Hall]]


The early years of North Park were marked with both struggles and successes. Both enrollment and funding fluctuated greatly in the early years. An interesting source of both money and headache came from P.H. Anderson, who at the time was serving as a Covenant [[missionary]] in [[Alaska]]. Taking part in the [[Klondike Gold Rush|gold rush]] of the time, Anderson made a massive find. And though he donated a portion of the findings, questionable circumstances surrounded the claim that created tension among the leadership of North Park.
Struggles and success marked the early years of North Park; enrollment and funding fluctuated significantly. An interesting source of both money and headache came from P. H. Anderson, who was serving as a Covenant [[missionary]] in [[Alaska]] at the time. When he made a small fortune during the [[Klondike Gold Rush|gold rush]], he donated a significant portion of the windfall to North Park. However, the money was considered tainted by some of North Park’s leadership, who thought the money was of dubious origin.

[[File:North Park University Campus Center.jpg|alt=The green space at the center of North Park's campus. The building in the distance is Brandel Library.|thumb|250x250px|The Quad at the center of North Park's campus. The building in the distance is Brandel Library.]]
[[File:North Park University Campus Center.jpg|alt=The green space at the center of North Park's campus. The building in the distance is Brandel Library.|thumb|250x250px|The Quad at the center of North Park's campus. The building in the distance is Brandel Library.]]
An early leader at that time was David Nyvall. Nyvall served as president and teacher in the [[North Park Theological Seminary|Seminary]] for many years. The current seminary building, Nyvall Hall, is named after him.
A leader at that time was [[David Nyvall]]. Nyvall served as president and teacher in the [[North Park Theological Seminary|Seminary]] for many years. The current seminary building, Nyvall Hall, is named after him.


Since the early days, the school has developed and changed in many ways. In 1958, North Park Junior College expanded from a two-year college into a four-year program, becoming North Park College. In 1997, the decision was made to again change the name of the school, and '''North Park University''' was born.<ref> Praeger, ''American Universities and Colleges, 19th Edition [2 Volumes]: Nineteenth Edition'', ABC-CLIO, USA, 2010, p. 353</ref> Though North Park still holds on to its [[Swedish-American|Swedish American]] past and close ties with the [[Evangelical Covenant Church]], it is now an intercultural institution focused on diversity. North Park describes itself as a [[Liberal Arts]] University that is Christian, city-centered, and intercultural. North Park University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Higher Learning Commission.<ref>http://www.hlcommission.org/ The Higher Learning Commission, December 2017</ref> The seminary is additionally accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://campus.northpark.edu/sem/about/facts.html |title=North Park University - Christian, Urban, Intercultural |publisher=Campus.northpark.edu |access-date=2015-06-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926232142/http://campus.northpark.edu/sem/about/facts.html |archive-date=2007-09-26 }}</ref> North Park's last president, David L. Parkyn, retired at the end of the 2016-17 academic year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.northpark.edu/news/a-message-from-the-board-of-trustees/|title=A Message from the Board of Trustees - North Park University|date=2017-02-15|work=North Park University|access-date=2017-03-16|language=en-US}}</ref> Carl E. Balsam was named as the interim president in June 2017, and served until August 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.northpark.edu/stories/carl-balsam-appointed-interim-president/|title=A Message from Board Chair, Dr. Kristine Strand and ECC President Gary Walter|work=North Park University|access-date=2018-06-08|language=en-us}}</ref> Mary Surridge was nominated as the school's tenth president, and began her term in August 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.northpark.edu/stories/mary-karsten-surridge-to-serv-as-north-park-universitys-10th-president/|title=Mary Karsten Surridge to Serve as North Park University's Tenth President|work=North Park University|access-date=2018-06-08|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="NPU"/>
Since the early days, the school has developed and changed in many ways. In 1958, North Park Junior College expanded from a two-year college into a four-year program, becoming North Park College. In 1997, the decision was made to change the name of the school again, and '''North Park University''' was born.<ref> Praeger, ''American Universities and Colleges, 19th Edition [2 Volumes]: Nineteenth Edition'', ABC-CLIO, USA, 2010, p. 353</ref> Though North Park still holds on to its [[Swedish-American|Swedish American]] past and close ties with the [[Evangelical Covenant Church]], it is now an intercultural institution focused on diversity. North Park describes itself as a [[liberal arts university]] that is Christian, city-centered, and intercultural. North Park University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Higher Learning Commission. It is also a designated Hispanic-serving institution. <ref>http://www.hlcommission.org/ The Higher Learning Commission, December 2017</ref> The seminary is additionally accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://campus.northpark.edu/sem/about/facts.html |title=North Park University - Christian, Urban, Intercultural |publisher=Campus.northpark.edu |access-date=2015-06-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926232142/http://campus.northpark.edu/sem/about/facts.html |archive-date=2007-09-26 }}</ref> North Park's last president, David L. Parkyn, retired at the end of the 2016–2017 academic year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.northpark.edu/news/a-message-from-the-board-of-trustees/|title=A Message from the Board of Trustees - North Park University|date=2017-02-15|work=North Park University|access-date=2017-03-16|language=en-US}}</ref> Carl E. Balsam was named as the interim president in June 2017, and served until August 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.northpark.edu/stories/carl-balsam-appointed-interim-president/|title=A Message from Board Chair, Dr. Kristine Strand and ECC President Gary Walter|work=North Park University|access-date=2018-06-08|language=en-us}}</ref> Mary Surridge was nominated as the school's tenth president, and began her term in August 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.northpark.edu/stories/mary-karsten-surridge-to-serv-as-north-park-universitys-10th-president/|title=Mary Karsten Surridge to Serve as North Park University's Tenth President|work=North Park University|access-date=2018-06-08|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="NPU"/>


==Academics==
==Academics==
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* School of Business and Nonprofit Management
* School of Business and Nonprofit Management
* School of Education
* School of Education
* School of Music, Art, and Theater
* School of Nursing and Health Sciences
* School of Nursing and Health Sciences
* School of Professional Studies
* School of Professional Studies
* [[North Park Theological Seminary]]
* [[North Park Theological Seminary]]

It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. Its most popular undergraduate majors, based on number out of 365 graduates in 2022, were:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=north+park&s=all&id=147679#programs |website=nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator |publisher=U.S. Dept of Education |title=North Park University |access-date=March 3, 2023}}</ref>
*Business Administration and Management (93)
*Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse (64)
*Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness (34)
*Psychology (30)


==Athletics==
==Athletics==
The North Park athletic teams are called the Vikings. The university is a member of the [[NCAA Division III|Division III]] level of the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]] (NCAA), primarily competing in the [[College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin]] (CCIW) since the 1962–63 academic year. The Vikings previously competed in the [[Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference]] (CCAC) of the [[National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics]] (NAIA) from 1959–60 to 1961–62.
The North Park athletic teams are called the Vikings. The university is a member of the [[NCAA Division III|Division III]] level of the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]] (NCAA), primarily competing in the [[College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin]] (CCIW) since the 1962–63 academic year. The Vikings previously competed in the [[Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference]] (CCAC) of the [[National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics]] (NAIA) from 1959–60 to 1961–62.


North Park competes in 16 intercollegiate varsity sports:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.northpark.edu/npuvikings/|title=North Park University Athletics|publisher=Northpark.edu|access-date=2017-12-12|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927071834/http://www.northpark.edu/npuvikings/|archive-date=2011-09-27}}</ref> Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, track & field and volleyball; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, rowing, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field and volleyball.
North Park competes in 19 intercollegiate varsity sports:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.northpark.edu/npuvikings/|title=North Park University Athletics|publisher=Northpark.edu|access-date=2017-12-12|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927071834/http://www.northpark.edu/npuvikings/|archive-date=2011-09-27}}</ref> Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, indoor and outdoor track and field and volleyball; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, rowing, soccer, softball, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field and volleyball. In January 2023, North Park introduced its first esports team, a co-ed intercollegiate sport that competes in the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC).


===Men's basketball===
===Men's basketball===
North Park has had a successful men's basketball program. It has won five men's [[NCAA Men's Division III Basketball Championship]]s since 1978, including three consecutive ones led by [[Michael Harper (basketball)|Michael Harper]], who later played for the NBA's [[Portland Trail Blazers]].
North Park has had a successful men's basketball program. It has won five men's [[NCAA Men's Division III Basketball Championship]]s since 1978, including three consecutive ones led by [[Michael Harper (basketball)|Michael Harper]], who later played for the NBA's [[Portland Trail Blazers]]. In the 2022–23 season, North Park advanced to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen under first-year and current head coach Sean Smith, going 24-6 (13-3 in CCIW Conference play). <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2023/3/10/mens-basketball-vikings-conclude-historic-season-in-2023-sweet-sixteen.aspx|title=Vikings Conclude Historic 2022-23 Season in Sweet Sixteen
}}</ref> Coach Smith also won Conference Coach of the Year, as well as NCAA Division III National Coach of the Year. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2023/4/26/mens-basketball-sean-smith-named-a-ibca-coach-of-the-year.aspx|title=Sean Smith Named an IBCA Coach of the Year|website=North Park University|access-date=2023-10-31}}</ref>


===Men's Track and Field===
===Men's track and field===
North Park's Dave Valentine won the 1983 NCAA Men's Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championship in the 10,000 meters setting a Division III National Championship record held from 1983 to 1994 and setting school records in the Indoor Two mile, Three mile and 5,000 meters along with the Outdoor 5,000 meters, 10,000 meters and Marathon.
North Park's Dave Valentine won the 1983 NCAA Men's Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championship in the 10,000 meters setting a Division III National Championship record held from 1983 to 1994 and setting school records in the Indoor 2 mile, 3 mile and 5,000 meters in addition to the Outdoor 5,000 meters, 10,000 meters and Marathon.


===Men's soccer===
===Men's soccer===
North Park men's soccer ended their 2017 season with a record of 20-2-2, finishing runner-up for the National Championship title. Their decorated season included a CCIW Championship, CCIW Tournament Championship, victories all the way to the NCAA Championship game, seven All-CCIW picks (including Newcomer and Player of the Year), four All-Region picks, a First Team All American selection, and a plethora of awards for Head Coach <dfn>John Born</dfn>: National Coach of the Year, Regional Coach of the Year, and CCIW Coach of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2017/12/2/mens-soccer-ends-season-in-greensboro.aspx?path=msoc|title=A Historic Run to Greensboro|website=North Park University|access-date=2017-12-12}}</ref>
North Park men's soccer ended their 2017 season with a record of 20-2-2, finishing runner-up for the National Championship title. Their decorated season included a CCIW Championship, CCIW Tournament Championship, victories all the way to the NCAA Championship game, seven All-CCIW picks (including Newcomer and Player of the Year), four All-Region picks, a First Team All American selection, and a plethora of awards for Head Coach <dfn>John Born</dfn>: National Coach of the Year, Regional Coach of the Year, and CCIW Coach of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2017/12/2/mens-soccer-ends-season-in-greensboro.aspx?path=msoc|title=A Historic Run to Greensboro|website=North Park University|access-date=2017-12-12}}</ref> The team is currently coached by North Park soccer alum Kris Grahn.


===Baseball===
===Baseball===
North Park baseball has shown recent success, winning CCIW titles in 2011 and 2012. Since 2010, North Park has appeared in the CCIW Tournament five times (2010–2014, 2018), winning the conference’s postseason tournament in 2012.
North Park's baseball team is the six-time CCIW regular season champions, most recently winning in 2012. The Vikings have made the NCAA Division III tournament 18 times (five consecutive) and won the conference tournament thrice. The baseball team has made the NCAA tournament six times, most recently in 2012.

Two Vikings have been drafted by MLB teams: Randy Ross (15th round of the 1983 draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers) and Mike Giovenco (14th round by the Kansas City Royals). The Vikings also boast five Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners.

===Women's volleyball===
In 2022, Coach Michael Sopocy led the Vikings to the program's first-ever CCIW Tournament Championship. North Park defeated top-seeded tournament host Carthage College 3-1 to earn an automatic bid to the 2022 NCAA Division III tournament. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://athletics.northpark.edu/news/2022/11/11/womens-volleyball-viking-volleyball-goes-out-with-a-bang-in-2022-ncaa-tournament.aspx|title=Viking Volleyball Goes Out with a Bang in 2022 NCAA Tournament}}</ref>


===Club sports and intramurals===
===Club sports and intramurals===
Line 79: Line 93:


===National championships===
===National championships===
Men's Basketball: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1985, 1987.
Men's basketball: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1985, 1987
Men's Track & Field: 1983 10,000 meters.
Men's track & field: 1983 10,000 meters


==Student Government Association==
==Student Government Association==
[[File:Old Main NPU.jpg|alt=Old Main at North Park University|thumb|250x250px|Old Main]]
[[File:Old Main NPU.jpg|alt=Old Main at North Park University|thumb|250x250px|Old Main]]
The North Park Student Government Association (SGA) sponsors many student-led [[organizations]] on campus. Some of the organizations SGA helps with include the weekly student magazine, the ''Vista Magazine''and the North Branch literary magazine.
The North Park Student Government Association (SGA) sponsors many student-led [[organizations]] on campus. Some of these include Women in STEM, the Black Student Union, and the Christian Students Organization.
== Publications ==

=== ''The North Branch'' ===
''The North Branch ''boasts a rich history. Established in the 1930s under the title ''Pegasus, ''numerous editions were produced to showcase student work. The publication thrived as North Park progressed from an academy to a two-year college, eventually becoming a four-year institution and receiving university status in 1997. Although the school was in a transitional period throughout much of the publication’s early years, its history was finally cohered once it was renamed ''The North Branch'', a nod to the portion of the river that runs through the North Park campus. Active throughout the mid-2000s, the publication leaders took some time away from the project to regroup. It was eventually reintroduced into the North Park community during the 2014–15 school year, remaining active since and re-branded as ''The North Branch Literary and Fine Arts Journal.''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.northpark.edu/campus-life-and-services/student-activities/clubs-and-organizations/the-north-branch/|title=The North Branch - North Park University|work=North Park University|access-date=2017-12-11|language=en-US}}</ref>

===''The'' ''Spectrum''===
Formerly ''The North Park Press,'' the primary student-led publication was rebranded as ''The Spectrum'' in 2014 under the leadership of then editor-in-chief, Rob Kraft.

The Spectrum magazine is North Park University's primary and original publishing body. Student writers and editors publish articles primarily pertaining to the University but they also comment on local, national, and global issues. Since 2017, the magazine has taken a new format in which it was divided into three section: Politics, Culture, and Sports. The Spectrum hosts a website where articles can be found, as well as print publications which are released on campus periodically.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://northparkspectrum.org/ |title=Spectrum |access-date=2018-04-10 |archive-date=2018-04-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411174651/http://northparkspectrum.org/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== ''The Vista Magazine'' ===
''The Vista Magazine'' is a North Park student-led magazine which was founded in 2017 by Stephen Nielsen and Ricardo Huerta. This online and print magazine is led by a team of North Park students. Sympathetic to the new digital age, ''The Vista Magazine'', also known as ''Vista,'' features new articles on their website every week. Exclusive content is also on printed magazines are available twice every semester. ''Vista'' covers student opinions on a wide range of political or religious views as well as the arts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vistamag.org|title=Home|website=Vista Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=2017-12-11}}</ref> The ''Vista Magazine'' receives its funding from SGA and works under the guidance of a faculty member.


==The Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life==
==The Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life==
The Johnson Center for Science and Community Life was opened in September 2014. The expansion cost $57 million largely funded by Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson in a capital campaign named "Campaign North Park".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.northpark.edu/Alumni/North-Parker-Magazine/Summer-2012/The-Time-is-Now |title= The Time is Now: The Johnson Center - North Park University - Christian, Urban, Multicultural|website=www.northpark.edu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227024841/http://www.northpark.edu/Alumni/North-Parker-Magazine/Summer-2012/The-Time-is-Now |archive-date=February 27, 2014}}</ref> The Johnson Center is considered a "state-of-the-art" addition to North Park University's science programs and is also home to Einstein Bagels. The Johnson Center has 101,000 square feet, three floors and a garden level and is located in the central area of campus. The Johnson Center is equipped with 30 science laboratories, space for student and faculty research, "Smart" technology in every classroom, and several conference rooms. The building is also dedicated for campus community life with a two-story atrium and "lobby for gathering and social interaction", offices for programs "supporting co-curricular learning, spiritual growth, vocational development, urban engagement, and campus life." The building is also equipped with communal study spaces, a prayer room, and a courtyard.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://campaign.northpark.edu/building.html |title=Campaign North Park University - Christian, Urban, Multicultural |publisher=Campaign.northpark.edu |access-date=2015-06-12}}</ref>
The Johnson Center for Science and Community Life was opened in September 2014. The expansion cost $57 million largely funded by Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson in a capital campaign named "Campaign North Park".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.northpark.edu/Alumni/North-Parker-Magazine/Summer-2012/The-Time-is-Now |title= The Time is Now: The Johnson Center - North Park University - Christian, Urban, Multicultural|website=www.northpark.edu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227024841/http://www.northpark.edu/Alumni/North-Parker-Magazine/Summer-2012/The-Time-is-Now |archive-date=February 27, 2014}}</ref> The Johnson Center is a state-of-the-art addition to North Park University's science programs and is home to 1891 Bread Co. The Johnson Center has 101,000 square feet, three floors and a garden level and is located in the central area of campus. Equipped with 30 science laboratories, the building is a space for student and faculty research, "smart" technology in every classroom, and several conference rooms. The Johnson Center is also dedicated to campus community life with a two-story atrium and lobby for gathering and social interaction, offices for programs supporting co-curricular learning, spiritual growth, vocational development, urban engagement, and campus life. The building is also equipped with communal study spaces, a prayer room, and a courtyard.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://campaign.northpark.edu/building.html |title=Campaign North Park University - Christian, Urban, Multicultural |publisher=Campaign.northpark.edu |access-date=2015-06-12}}</ref>


==Swedish-American traditions==
==Swedish-American traditions==
The Swedish–American Historical Society Archives are administered in Chicago by North Park University's Brandel Library. The Center for Scandinavian Studies at North Park is the legal trustee.<ref>{{cite web
North Park University's Brandel Library administers the Swedish-American Historical Society Archives in Chicago. The Center for Scandinavian Studies at North Park is the legal trustee.<ref>{{cite web
|url= http://www.northpark.edu/Academics/Undergraduate-Studies/Majors/Scandinavian-Studies|title= Scandinavian Studies |publisher= North Park University
|url= http://www.northpark.edu/Academics/Undergraduate-Studies/Majors/Scandinavian-Studies|title= Scandinavian Studies |publisher= North Park University
|access-date= May 15, 2016}}</ref> The [[Saint Lucy's Day]] festival is held each December in Anderson Chapel. The service follows many [[Swedish culture|Swedish]] traditions and is one of the few Santa Lucia Festivals held in the [[Chicago area]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.northpark.edu/Academics/Undergraduate-Studies/Majors/Scandinavian-Studies|title= Sankta Lucia: A Time-Honored Tradition|publisher=North Park University |access-date= May 15, 2016}}</ref> The university has an [[student exchange]] program with [[Södra Vätterbygdens Folkhögskola]] and Jönköping University in [[Jönköping]], Sweden.<ref>{{cite web
|access-date= May 15, 2016}}</ref> The [[Saint Lucy's Day]] festival is held each December in Anderson Chapel. The service follows many [[Swedish culture|Swedish]] traditions and is one of the few Santa Lucia Festivals held in the [[Chicago area]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.northpark.edu/Academics/Undergraduate-Studies/Majors/Scandinavian-Studies|title= Sankta Lucia: A Time-Honored Tradition|publisher=North Park University |access-date= May 15, 2016}}</ref> The university has an [[student exchange]] program with [[Södra Vätterbygdens Folkhögskola]] and [[Jönköping University]] in [[Jönköping]], Sweden.<ref>{{cite web
|url= http://www.northpark.edu/Academics/Undergraduate-Studies/Majors/Scandinavian-Studies/Study-Abroad|title= Chicago to Jönköping: North Park University's Oldest Exchange Program|publisher=North Park University |access-date= May 15, 2016}}</ref>
|url= http://www.northpark.edu/Academics/Undergraduate-Studies/Majors/Scandinavian-Studies/Study-Abroad|title= Chicago to Jönköping: North Park University's Oldest Exchange Program|publisher=North Park University |access-date= May 15, 2016}}</ref>


Line 111: Line 113:
* [[Bill Anderson (American football, born 1947)|Bill Anderson]], American football player and coach
* [[Bill Anderson (American football, born 1947)|Bill Anderson]], American football player and coach
* [[Mari Andrew]], writer and illustrator
* [[Mari Andrew]], writer and illustrator
* [[Roy Applequist]], Kansas agriculture manufacturing company founder<ref>{{Cite web |title=Applequist Family History |url=https://www.applequistmfg.com/family-history |access-date=2024-07-28 |website=Applequist Manufacturing}}</ref>
* [[Del Barber]], singer-songwriter and musician
* [[Del Barber]], singer-songwriter and musician
* [[Paul Carlson]], American missionary killed in Congo in 1964
* [[Paul Carlson]], American missionary killed in Congo in 1964
Line 118: Line 121:
* [[Nancy Faust]], organist
* [[Nancy Faust]], organist
* [[Stephen T. Franklin]], theologian
* [[Stephen T. Franklin]], theologian
* [[Anita Gustafson]], historian and president of [[Presbyterian College]]
* [[Timothy Johnson (medical journalist)|G. Timothy Johnson]], medical journalist
* [[Timothy Johnson (medical journalist)|G. Timothy Johnson]], medical journalist
* [[Mike Harper (basketball)|Mike Harper]], basketball player
* [[Mike Harper (basketball)|Mike Harper]], basketball player
Line 153: Line 157:
[[Category:Universities and colleges in Chicago]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges in Chicago]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1891]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges established in 1891]]
[[Category:Swedish migration to North America]]
[[Category:Swedish-American culture in Chicago]]
[[Category:1891 establishments in Illinois]]
[[Category:1891 establishments in Illinois]]
[[Category:Council for Christian Colleges and Universities]]
[[Category:Council for Christian Colleges and Universities]]

Latest revision as of 01:52, 14 December 2024

Not to be confused with North University Park.
North Park University
Former name
North Park Theological Seminary (1891–1894)
North Park Junior College (1894–1958)
North Park College (1958–1997)
Motto"In Thy Light Shall We See Light"
"Preparing Students for Lives of Significance and Service"[1]
TypePrivate university
Established1891; 134 years ago (1891)[2][3]
AccreditationHLC
Religious affiliation
Evangelical Covenant Church
Endowment$99.5 million (2022)[4]
PresidentMary K. Surridge
Academic staff
125 Full-time[5]
Students2,624 (Fall 2023)[6]
Undergraduates1,877 (Fall 2023)
Postgraduates747 (Fall 2023)
Location
Chicago
,
Illinois
,
United States
CampusLarge City, 33 acres (0.13 km2)
Other campusesGrayslake
ColorsBlue and yellow[7]
   
NicknameVikings
Sporting affiliations
NCAA Division III – CCIW
MascotRagnar
Websitewww.northpark.edu

North Park University is a private Christian university in Chicago, Illinois. It was founded in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church. It is located on Chicago's north side in the North Park community area and enrolls more than 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students.

History

[edit]
North Park College students and faculty gathered in front of Old Main c. 1894.

The university originated in the founding of North Park Theological Seminary in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church in Minneapolis.[8] In 1894, the school moved to Chicago and opened as North Park College,[9] to its present location at the corner of Foster and Kedzie. Although far from the Loop, the location was close to then existing Swedish-American villages and the newly established Swedish Covenant Hospital. Old Main, the oldest building on campus, was erected and dedicated on June 16, 1894. It is at this time that the name North Park was first used to describe the school.[10]

Nyvall Hall

Struggles and success marked the early years of North Park; enrollment and funding fluctuated significantly. An interesting source of both money and headache came from P. H. Anderson, who was serving as a Covenant missionary in Alaska at the time. When he made a small fortune during the gold rush, he donated a significant portion of the windfall to North Park. However, the money was considered tainted by some of North Park’s leadership, who thought the money was of dubious origin.

The green space at the center of North Park's campus. The building in the distance is Brandel Library.
The Quad at the center of North Park's campus. The building in the distance is Brandel Library.

A leader at that time was David Nyvall. Nyvall served as president and teacher in the Seminary for many years. The current seminary building, Nyvall Hall, is named after him.

Since the early days, the school has developed and changed in many ways. In 1958, North Park Junior College expanded from a two-year college into a four-year program, becoming North Park College. In 1997, the decision was made to change the name of the school again, and North Park University was born.[11] Though North Park still holds on to its Swedish American past and close ties with the Evangelical Covenant Church, it is now an intercultural institution focused on diversity. North Park describes itself as a liberal arts university that is Christian, city-centered, and intercultural. North Park University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Higher Learning Commission. It is also a designated Hispanic-serving institution. [12] The seminary is additionally accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.[13] North Park's last president, David L. Parkyn, retired at the end of the 2016–2017 academic year.[14] Carl E. Balsam was named as the interim president in June 2017, and served until August 2018.[15] Mary Surridge was nominated as the school's tenth president, and began her term in August 2018.[16][10]

Academics

[edit]

The university is organized into the following academic units:

  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • School of Business and Nonprofit Management
  • School of Education
  • School of Nursing and Health Sciences
  • School of Professional Studies
  • North Park Theological Seminary

It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. Its most popular undergraduate majors, based on number out of 365 graduates in 2022, were:[17]

  • Business Administration and Management (93)
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse (64)
  • Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness (34)
  • Psychology (30)

Athletics

[edit]

The North Park athletic teams are called the Vikings. The university is a member of the Division III level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) since the 1962–63 academic year. The Vikings previously competed in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 1959–60 to 1961–62.

North Park competes in 19 intercollegiate varsity sports:[18] Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, indoor and outdoor track and field and volleyball; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, rowing, soccer, softball, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field and volleyball. In January 2023, North Park introduced its first esports team, a co-ed intercollegiate sport that competes in the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC).

Men's basketball

[edit]

North Park has had a successful men's basketball program. It has won five men's NCAA Men's Division III Basketball Championships since 1978, including three consecutive ones led by Michael Harper, who later played for the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers. In the 2022–23 season, North Park advanced to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen under first-year and current head coach Sean Smith, going 24-6 (13-3 in CCIW Conference play). [19] Coach Smith also won Conference Coach of the Year, as well as NCAA Division III National Coach of the Year. [20]

Men's track and field

[edit]

North Park's Dave Valentine won the 1983 NCAA Men's Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championship in the 10,000 meters setting a Division III National Championship record held from 1983 to 1994 and setting school records in the Indoor 2 mile, 3 mile and 5,000 meters in addition to the Outdoor 5,000 meters, 10,000 meters and Marathon.

Men's soccer

[edit]

North Park men's soccer ended their 2017 season with a record of 20-2-2, finishing runner-up for the National Championship title. Their decorated season included a CCIW Championship, CCIW Tournament Championship, victories all the way to the NCAA Championship game, seven All-CCIW picks (including Newcomer and Player of the Year), four All-Region picks, a First Team All American selection, and a plethora of awards for Head Coach John Born: National Coach of the Year, Regional Coach of the Year, and CCIW Coach of the Year.[21] The team is currently coached by North Park soccer alum Kris Grahn.

Baseball

[edit]

North Park's baseball team is the six-time CCIW regular season champions, most recently winning in 2012. The Vikings have made the NCAA Division III tournament 18 times (five consecutive) and won the conference tournament thrice. The baseball team has made the NCAA tournament six times, most recently in 2012.

Two Vikings have been drafted by MLB teams: Randy Ross (15th round of the 1983 draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers) and Mike Giovenco (14th round by the Kansas City Royals). The Vikings also boast five Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners.

Women's volleyball

[edit]

In 2022, Coach Michael Sopocy led the Vikings to the program's first-ever CCIW Tournament Championship. North Park defeated top-seeded tournament host Carthage College 3-1 to earn an automatic bid to the 2022 NCAA Division III tournament. [22]

Club sports and intramurals

[edit]

North Park fields club teams for men's and women's ultimate frisbee and men's volleyball. There is also a healthy Intramural sports program on campus.

National championships

[edit]

Men's basketball: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1985, 1987

Men's track & field: 1983 10,000 meters

Student Government Association

[edit]
Old Main at North Park University
Old Main

The North Park Student Government Association (SGA) sponsors many student-led organizations on campus. Some of these include Women in STEM, the Black Student Union, and the Christian Students Organization.

The Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life

[edit]

The Johnson Center for Science and Community Life was opened in September 2014. The expansion cost $57 million largely funded by Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson in a capital campaign named "Campaign North Park".[23] The Johnson Center is a state-of-the-art addition to North Park University's science programs and is home to 1891 Bread Co. The Johnson Center has 101,000 square feet, three floors and a garden level and is located in the central area of campus. Equipped with 30 science laboratories, the building is a space for student and faculty research, "smart" technology in every classroom, and several conference rooms. The Johnson Center is also dedicated to campus community life with a two-story atrium and lobby for gathering and social interaction, offices for programs supporting co-curricular learning, spiritual growth, vocational development, urban engagement, and campus life. The building is also equipped with communal study spaces, a prayer room, and a courtyard.[24]

Swedish-American traditions

[edit]

North Park University's Brandel Library administers the Swedish-American Historical Society Archives in Chicago. The Center for Scandinavian Studies at North Park is the legal trustee.[25] The Saint Lucy's Day festival is held each December in Anderson Chapel. The service follows many Swedish traditions and is one of the few Santa Lucia Festivals held in the Chicago area.[26] The university has an student exchange program with Södra Vätterbygdens Folkhögskola and Jönköping University in Jönköping, Sweden.[27]

Notable alumni

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "North Park University: Christian - Urban - Multicultural". www.northpark.edu. Archived from the original on September 13, 2008.
  2. ^ "North Park University: Christian - Urban - Multicultural". www.northpark.edu. Archived from the original on September 18, 2008.
  3. ^ “US News - Best Colleges:"North Park University”
  4. ^ As of June 30, 2020. U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2020 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY19 to FY20 (PDF) (Report). National Association of College and University Business Officers and TIAA. February 19, 2021. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  5. ^ "North Park University: Christian - Urban - Multicultural". www.northpark.edu. Archived from the original on November 13, 2008.
  6. ^ "North Park University".
  7. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-09-07. Retrieved 2015-08-22.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  8. ^ Randall Herbert Balmer, Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism: Revised and expanded edition, Baylor University Press, USA, 2004, p. 497
  9. ^ Bill Keegan, North Park University Celebrates 125 Years of Quality Academics, Faith and Diversity, dailyherald.com, USA, September 21, 2016
  10. ^ a b “North Park University History and Heritage”
  11. ^ Praeger, American Universities and Colleges, 19th Edition [2 Volumes]: Nineteenth Edition, ABC-CLIO, USA, 2010, p. 353
  12. ^ http://www.hlcommission.org/ The Higher Learning Commission, December 2017
  13. ^ "North Park University - Christian, Urban, Intercultural". Campus.northpark.edu. Archived from the original on 2007-09-26. Retrieved 2015-06-12.
  14. ^ "A Message from the Board of Trustees - North Park University". North Park University. 2017-02-15. Retrieved 2017-03-16.
  15. ^ "A Message from Board Chair, Dr. Kristine Strand and ECC President Gary Walter". North Park University. Retrieved 2018-06-08.
  16. ^ "Mary Karsten Surridge to Serve as North Park University's Tenth President". North Park University. Retrieved 2018-06-08.
  17. ^ "North Park University". nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator. U.S. Dept of Education. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  18. ^ "North Park University Athletics". Northpark.edu. Archived from the original on 2011-09-27. Retrieved 2017-12-12.
  19. ^ "Vikings Conclude Historic 2022-23 Season in Sweet Sixteen".
  20. ^ "Sean Smith Named an IBCA Coach of the Year". North Park University. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
  21. ^ "A Historic Run to Greensboro". North Park University. Retrieved 2017-12-12.
  22. ^ "Viking Volleyball Goes Out with a Bang in 2022 NCAA Tournament".
  23. ^ "The Time is Now: The Johnson Center - North Park University - Christian, Urban, Multicultural". www.northpark.edu. Archived from the original on February 27, 2014.
  24. ^ "Campaign North Park University - Christian, Urban, Multicultural". Campaign.northpark.edu. Retrieved 2015-06-12.
  25. ^ "Scandinavian Studies". North Park University. Retrieved May 15, 2016.
  26. ^ "Sankta Lucia: A Time-Honored Tradition". North Park University. Retrieved May 15, 2016.
  27. ^ "Chicago to Jönköping: North Park University's Oldest Exchange Program". North Park University. Retrieved May 15, 2016.
  28. ^ "Applequist Family History". Applequist Manufacturing. Retrieved 2024-07-28.

Further reading

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[edit]

41°58′31″N 87°42′35″W / 41.9752°N 87.7098°W / 41.9752; -87.7098

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