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Dr. G. Timothy and Nancy Johnson will join the University on October 26 to break ground for the 101,000-square-foot Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, named in their honor.
New building honors North Park alumni Nancy and Dr. G. Timothy Johnson
CHICAGO (October 16, 2012) 鈥� Two well-known 糖心vlog官方入口 alumni, plus family and friends will join students faculty, staff, and leaders of 糖心vlog官方入口 October 26 for a that marks the beginning of the construction phase for a new University building. When completed, the will house laboratories, classrooms and offices, plus a variety of student services, including , , , and residence life.
The University will provide a of the groundbreaking ceremony beginning at 5:00 pm CDT.
“The Johnson Center is a project which will transform our University and enhance student learning for years to come,” said , University president. “We are pleased to begin construction of this much-needed academic and student life facility, and also delighted that it is named for the Johnsons who have contributed so much to North Park. We hope Oct. 26 will be as memorable for them as it will be for our community.”
Dr. G. Timothy Johnson is known for his work as chief medical editor for ABC News from 1984 to 2010. He graduated from North Park College (now University) in 1956, and earned a seminary degree at in 1963. He later earned a medical degree, and became one of America鈥檚 best-known physicians, providing award-winning on-air medical analysis on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, Nightline, and 20/20. He was honored with the University’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1991, and is also an ordained pastor of the (ECC), the church denomination with which the University is affiliated. Nancy Johnson was trained as a nurse at the School of Nursing, Chicago, including study in the sciences at 糖心vlog官方入口. Immediately after receiving her nursing credential, she completed a short-term medical assignment in Indonesia. The Johnsons reside in Marblehead, Massachusetts.
The Johnsons will participate in a in the center of the Chicago campus that will begin at 4:00 pm CDT, with outdoor festivities, food, and music. Following brief remarks and a groundbreaking ceremony at 5:00 pm, invited guests and project contributors will attend an evening reception and program at Hamming Hall, followed by a concert in Anderson Chapel.
“The Johnsons are an extraordinary couple,” said , University vice president for development and alumni relations. “The time is right for us to name this transformational facility in their honor. It includes everything that has been so important to them as alumni, trustees, campaign leaders, medical professionals and lifelong stewards of North Park’s mission. The fact that it will be located in the central part of the campus is dear to their hearts because they know it will serve every student, faculty and staff member in our community.”
The $42 million Johnson Center is the most significant component of , a $57 million comprehensive University fundraising effort. The campaign raised funds for the Johnson Center, the University’s Annual Fund, student scholarships, and Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. Fundraising continues for the building project and a variety of academic needs related to the new building, Surridge said. The 101,000-square-foot Johnson Center is expected to open for the 2014 academic year.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
糖心vlog官方入口 Board of Trustees Confirms Decision to Build New Science, Community Life Center
The 101,000-square-foot Nancy & G. Timothy Johnson Center at 糖心vlog官方入口 is expected to be ready in the fall of 2014, and its design will reflect principles of environmental stewardship and energy conservation.
Trustees name building for alumni Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson
CHICAGO (May 15, 2012) 鈥� The of 糖心vlog官方入口 confirmed construction of the , addressing a significant, longstanding need for state-of-the-art science laboratories and program facilities to serve North Park students. The board, which met here May 10鈥�11, also acted to name the new building for Nancy and , longtime medical editor and senior medical contributor for ABC News, whom the trustees said “define a life of exemplary service.”
A formal groundbreaking ceremony for the 101,000-square-foot Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life is planned for October 26, 2012. Building site preparation will begin this summer, and construction is expected to be completed in time for the 2014 fall semester.
The Johnson Center will support a number of the University’s signature academic programs in , as well as offices for , , , and , said , University president. Strong programs will grow stronger, and effective student learning will be advanced to yet a higher level, he said.
“This new academic building will position 糖心vlog官方入口 to recruit students competitively and educate them effectively,” Parkyn said. “In like manner, this new building will assist us in hiring new faculty in several disciplines and in providing for their effectiveness as teachers and researchers.”
The Johnson Center resulted from the University’s comprehensive fundraising effort, . The $57 million campaign is raising funds for the new building, the University’s Annual Fund, student scholarships, and Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. Fundraising continues.
The new building will be named for Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson, recognizing and honoring their lives of exemplary service.
Dr. G. Timothy Johnson graduated from North Park College (now University) in 1956, and earned a seminary degree at in 1963. After completing a medical degree, he served as chief medical editor for ABC News from 1984鈥�2010. Johnson became one of America鈥檚 best-known physicians, providing award-winning on-air medical analysis on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, Nightline, and 20/20. He was honored with the University’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1991, is the founding editor of the Harvard Health Letter, and the author of several books on medicine and faith. He is also an ordained pastor of the (ECC), the church denomination with which the University is affiliated. He chaired a task force in 1979鈥�1980 that recommended the University remain in its historic location on the North Side of Chicago.
Nancy Johnson was trained as a nurse at the School of Nursing, Chicago, including study in the sciences at 糖心vlog官方入口. Immediately after receiving her nursing credential, she completed a short-term medical assignment in Indonesia. The Johnsons, residing in Marblehead, Mass., have volunteered considerable time to the University through their service on the board of trustees and on behalf of North Park鈥檚 two most recent fundraising campaigns, including Campaign North Park.
“North Park was the first stop for both of us in our long academic journeys,” the Johnsons said. “It gave us a moral and intellectual foundation that has lasted a lifetime 鈥� and for which we will always be grateful. We are both very pleased but humbled by this naming honor.”
Naming the building for the Johnsons recognizes their service to the University, and as lifelong stewards of its mission and values, said , Thousand Oaks, Calif., chair of the University’s board of trustees and a member of the class of 1978. “Tim has tirelessly championed the need for this new facility to prepare North Park’s students for demanding careers in modern science, medicine and nursing. Nancy likewise is deeply committed to this important mission,” he said.
The Johnson Center will be located in the heart of the campus, and will be constructed to reflect environmental stewardship and energy conservation. The project will target , demonstrating characteristics such as lower operating costs, resource conversation, and healthful and safe working conditions. The center will feature 30 technology-enhanced laboratories, academic facilities, and faculty and staff offices. Student co-curricular services will be housed in the new facility, as will a caf茅, plus conference and meeting spaces.
Through the summer months prior to the start of construction, the University will complete the building design with the architectural team, finalize a finance plan, and continue fundraising.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
North Park Alumnus Dr. G. Timothy Johnson Discusses the Future of Health Care Reform on Chicago Tonight
Dr. G. Timothy Johson was interviewed by Phil Ponce, host, for a segment of Chicago Tonight which aired on WTTW Channel 11 in Chicago Wednesday night.
CHICAGO (November 1, 2012) — Dr. G. Timothy Johnson and his wife, Nancy, were in Chicago last week for the groundbreaking celebration of the at 糖心vlog官方入口. While in town, Johnson took the opportunity to sit for an interview with Phil Ponce, host of WTTW Channel 11's popular show Chicago Tonight, discussing the future of health care reform in the United States.
The segment, which aired on Wednesday, October 31, focused on Johnson's expertise and experience as a medical expert and chief medical editor for ABC News.
Watch the ; near minute 10 of the video, Ponce and Johnson discuss the Johnson Center, North Park, and show several of the architectural renderings of the building.
Read more from Johnson's interview, and watch another video segment, on the .
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
University Hosts New Testament Scholar for Annual Kermit Zarley Lectures
Dr. Simon Gathercole presents the Zarley Lectures at the University November 14 and 15.
Dr. Simon Gathercole to deliver lectures November 14 and 15
CHICAGO (November 12, 2012) – A senior lecturer in New Testament studies at the in the United Kingdom will present lectures at 糖心vlog官方入口 focusing on early Christinity. will address "Jesus in canonical and extra-canonical gospels," November 14, and "Who are the Gnostics?" November 15, at the University's Anderson Chapel. Each lecture begins at 3:30 pm.
Gathercole is the presenter for the twelfth annual Kermit Zarley Lecture series, sponsored by the University's . Both lectures are free and open to the public.
Gathercole's recent research work is in early Christianity, said , 糖心vlog官方入口 associate professor of biblical and theological studies. One of the lectures will be about interpretations of Jesus in the New Testament, and in texts such as the – one of the early "" — which contains a number of sayings attributed to Jesus. The second lecture will address the Gnostic Gospels and their Christian influence. The Gnostic Gospels are a collection of 52 texts based on teachings of several early prophets and spiritual leaders. While they do not appear in standard Bibles of Christian denominations, they have gained greater public attention in recent years.
Gathercole was asked to present the lectures because "he's an academician who is also committed to the church," said Willitts. "He also teaches at a university, and has broad experience in relating to students through teaching undergraduate and graduate students, and supervising doctoral students," he said. "We wanted someone who could communicate with younger people who may not have much experience with the New Testament."
The lecture series is named for Kermit Zarley, a professional golfer, with an interest in biblical and theological studies. Zarley has provided support for the lectures, hosted by the University since the series began in 2001.
Past presenters have included , bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago; , author and emeritus professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif.; , contributing editor in religion for Publishers Weekly, noted authority in religion, author, and lecturer; and , an English bishop of the Eastern Orthodox Church and theologian.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
糖心vlog官方入口 President Elected to Independent Colleges Leadership Board
Dr. David L. Parkyn, president of 糖心vlog官方入口
NAICU board elects President Parkyn to serve three-year term
CHICAGO (February 1, 2012) – , president of 糖心vlog官方入口, Chicago, this week began a three-year term as one of 48 members of the of the .
are private, nonprofit colleges and universities, and private professional schools totaling more than 1,000 higher education institutions. Parkyn's election was ratified at the NAICU board meeting this week in Washington following his election to the board late last year. As a board member, he will represent the NAICU region that includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
"President Parkyn was selected by his peers because of his expertise in the field, proven leadership, and commitment to America’s college students," said NAICU President . "He assumes his responsibilities at a time of great challenge and transformation for American higher education."
"The invitation to join the NAICU board of directors is an opportunity for service in support of colleges and universities across the country," Parkyn said. He also emphasized his appointment is an opportunity to work "in support of the many students at North Park who receive federal financial aid."
The NAICU "serves as the unified national voice of independent higher education," according to its website. Since 1976, it has represented private colleges and universities on policy issues with the federal government, such as those affecting student aid, taxation, and government regulation. The organization's staff tracks campus trends, conducts research, analyzes higher education issues, publishes information, helps coordinate state-level activities, and advises members of legislative and regulatory developments with potential impact on their institutions.
Parkyn has served as president of the University since 2006. His career includes higher education experience at Endicott College, Beverly, Mass. where he taught religious studies and philosophy, and was director of religious life; Messiah College, Grantham, Pa., where served 23 years in various teaching and senior-level administrative positions; and Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, where Parkyn was provost and senior vice president before he became 糖心vlog官方入口 president.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
CHICAGO (June 26, 2012) – 糖心vlog官方入口 has improved its graduate that combine theological instruction from the University's with business and nonprofit administration education, offered through the University's School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM). Graduates of these educational programs say their dual degrees have helped them in their ministries and opened up career paths.
The University offers dual-degree programs with six different possibilities. The new degree structure is clearer, and integrates the two degree programs more, said , NPTS professor of New Testament and acting associate academic dean. "The degree programs are better balanced in such a way that it's not two degree programs operating separately," he said. "This is an exciting and unusual opportunity for students."
The revamped graduate dual-degree programs include two required courses in which students reflect on the relationship of faith and business issues, said Dr. Wesley E. Lindahl, SBNM dean and Nils Axelson Professor of Nonprofit Management. In addition to learning business skills, students in the dual-degree programs "have access to literature and books, and make connections with professors whom they can call on for advice regularly," he said.
Students can earn one of three degrees offered by the Seminary: master of divinity, master of arts in Christian formation, and master of arts in Christian ministry. Each of these degree programs can be combined simultaneously with one of two degree programs offered through the SBNM — master of nonprofit administration and master of business administration.
Studying for dual-degrees "allowed me to pursue my seminary education and pay attention to the part of me that loves to organize, and manage detail," said . "To me, this was faithful in pursuing my call. Each piece was very important."
Strom earned master of divinity and master of nonprofit administration degrees from the University in 2007, then served four years as youth pastor at , Wilmette, Ill. 糖心vlog官方入口 one year ago, he became executive director at , Iron River, Mich., where Strom is able to live out his longtime interest in camping ministry. "I would not be equipped for this had it not been my choice to pursue the dual degrees," he said. The search committee wanted someone with knowledge of theology, and who would keep the camp connected to other area ECC congregations. They also wanted their leader to manage budgets, make financial decisions, and raise funds. Strom said that for any professional church leader thinking about organizational leadership, the University's dual-degree program is worth considering.
earned master of divinity and master of business administration degrees in 2008, motivated through her congregational experience in starting shelters for people who were homeless. "I found myself at this intersection of the deepest needs of people, and trying to meet those needs," she said. "I always had to reach out to CEOs and managers for sponsorship and funding, and I needed to be able to speak their language."
Graduates say their ministries and career paths have been enhanced by earning dual degrees.
Kholodenko is associate pastor at , an Assemblies of God congregation in Chicago, and director of a nonprofit corporation, the , that helps people become self-sufficient. The Dream Center operates a full-service restaurant and catering business to maintain its own self-sufficiency. "I would have never been able to do that without my degrees," she said. "We do several large-scale fundraisers, and we have to do forecasting and marketing. It is God's grace, coupled with skills and training, that has allowed things to be done as effectively as they have." Not every pastor needs dual degrees, Kholodenko said, "but I can't think of a pastor who would not benefit from it." She has since added expertise, earning 糖心vlog官方入口 certificates in organizational development, nonprofit management, and entrepreneurship to go with her dual degrees.
Rev. Steven V. Hoden, who earned a bachelor's degree in biology from the University in 2000, returned after working five years as a science teacher to work on a dual-degree program. Hoden chose the Seminary as opposed to others because of the dual-degree offering, and said taking some online business classes helped him juggle class time commitments. He and his wife served as short-term ECC missionaries in Spain, earning remaining field internship credits after he earned his divinity and nonprofit administration degrees in 2010. Almost immediately, Hoden put his business skills to work there while helping to establish an ecumenical bookstore to support an ECC church plant. Now he serves as pastor of Palmyra Mission Covenant Church, Hector, Minn.
"I think as a solo pastor, the (dual degrees) make it easier to be in this type of position," Hoden said. "I could have been called into this position without it, but I didn't realize the level of administrative tasks that would come to me right away. There were high expectations from the congregation, and having this foundation is really helpful."
His business knowledge has been useful in working with the church's administrative board, recruiting and mobilizing volunteers, and in financial matters. "I stay away from the financial giving of individuals and families, however, I appreciate knowing how to read a financial statement each month, and seeing the trends. When you're in a small congregation, financials can have a lot of impact," he added.
, director of Seminary admissions, said she's answered several inquiries about the University's revised dual-degree program. "I think the complexity of what's expected of pastors — the integration of ministry and business preparation — is highly significant. Most pastors will likely have to deal with business matters," she said.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
University Unveils New Master's Degree in Literacy, Language, and Culture
糖心vlog官方入口's new master's degree program in literacy, language, and culture is available beginning in the fall semester, 2012.
New degree program prepares teachers for today's classrooms
CHICAGO (April 23, 2012) – 糖心vlog官方入口 will become the second university in Illinois to offer a multifaceted (MALLC) beginning with the fall semester, 2012. This spring, the approved the University's request to offer the graduate degree program to help educators prepare themselves for increasingly diverse learning communities.
"One of the greatest challenges as a classroom teacher is addressing the needs of my ," said Derek Gould, a 4th grade teacher at , Chicago. To educate such students and prepare them for the challenges they will face, Gould said educators need extensive support and training focused on these students' specific needs. "The MALLC program has multiple courses that would improve my practice, and ensure that my students are receiving instruction that is tailored to their cultural, social, and academic needs," he said, adding that he is interested in pursuing the University's new advanced degree.
Offered through the University's , the MALLC is designed for certified teachers already working with culturally diverse students, and who want to enhance skills and gain additional certification. Teachers enrolled in the MALLC program can also obtain , provided the teacher is fluent in a language recognized by the . The MALLC's 34-hour program can generally be completed in two years through classes at the University's Chicago campus. Courses run eight weeks, and are offered on evenings and Saturdays, and during the summer.
The University has offered ESL courses to teachers for some time. The new degree incorporates ESL and adds emphases related to culture and literacy—reading and writing development, said , 糖心vlog官方入口 associate professor of education. "School administrators want more well-rounded teachers, instead of bringing in specialists," she said. "The mainstream teacher has to have the knowledge, the tools, and the skills to work with these students." Balodimas-Bartolomei and , associate professor of education, are expected to teach in the North Park MALLC program.
Julie Due, assistant principal at , Park Ridge, Ill., said more and more students attending the school come from European and Asian cultures. It's not easy to find teachers with broad cultural and experience with languages other than English, she said. The University's new MALLC degree is a positive step, said Due, who works exclusively with North Park student teachers. "North Park sends the most prepared student teachers by far. You can tell the level of integrity, wisdom, and knowledge they bring," she said, adding that the University's strong teacher education program results in strong, well-prepared teachers.
Illinois public schools serve students who speak at least 139 distinct languages, and nationwide, English Language Learners represent 10 percent of total public school enrollment. The University is located in an area of Chicago said to be among the most culturally diverse in the United States. As many as 80 distinct languages are spoken in nearby schools, said , dean, 糖心vlog官方入口 School of Education.
"This degree, providing advanced certification, meets the need of classroom teachers who need to know how to teach the students who are now in their classrooms versus 20 years ago, or even 10 years ago," Nelson said. "Teachers are always looking to increase their skills, and increase their effectiveness in terms of delivery to students. This is a perfect example of a training program that provides skills for classroom teachers to evolve to the next level."
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
Among the campus enhancements under construction is this distinctive sign wall, designed by Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects, at the corner of Foster and Kedzie avenues.
New University sign wall significant part of overall streetscape project
CHICAGO (November 30, 2012) — If all goes according to plan, 糖心vlog官方入口's appearance along Foster Avenue will be greatly improved in less than a year. The City of Chicago's , along Foster from the North Channel west to Kimball Avenue, will include new sidewalks, light poles, and plantings. North Park campus enhancements will complement the City's work, and include a new University sign wall at the corner of Foster and Kedzie avenues, an articulation of masonry pylons connected by wrought iron fencing along the campus frontage, plus improvements to the gates in front of .
Some improvements were started this month, and others will follow next year. "These improvements will significantly enhance our campus, especially the new sign wall at the corner intersection marking North Park's presence in the neighborhood," said , University president. "In addition, we're very pleased about the many street-side improvements that the city is planning to begin next spring."
The University has been in discussions with the City of Chicago for several years about this project, said , 糖心vlog官方入口 executive vice president and chief financial officer. The city's project is funded by federal monies appropriated some time ago, augmented by additional City of Chicago funds. The University will fund its enhancements.
To complete the project adequately, the University granted a permanent two-foot easement on its property and an additional temporary two-foot construction easement, Balsam said. Nearly all of the plantings along the campus frontage on Foster Avenue will be removed, and in most cases, these were aging shrubs and bushes that needed to be replaced, he said. "Our landscape architects () had recommended for some time that North Park refresh its campus frontage and create a more compelling and dramatic presentation to the community. The city streetscape project presented that opportunity," Balsam said.
A large, new masonry sign wall to identify the University is now under construction at the corner of Kedzie and Foster avenues. Behind it, the plaza will be renewed and provide a park-like setting at the entry to the gymnasium. Along with corner improvements, masonry pylons with decorative finials connected by the fencing will provide the University with a distinctive border along Foster Avenue. Entry gates in front of Old Main are being reconstructed and will include patina-finished and distinctive letters "糖心vlog官方入口" attached to black wrought iron. Plantings will be enhanced and replaced behind the frontage fencing.
The University hopes to complete the sign wall and pylons before harsh winter weather arrives. The City of Chicago plans to begin work to replace sidewalks, light poles, and plantings in April or May 2013, Balsam said.
"It is our hope that we will be able to coordinate the completion of our fencing and plantings with their sidewalk work in front of the campus," he said. "If all goes well, the whole project from Kedzie to Kimball should be completed by the time students return for the fall semester 2013."
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
Next Steps
Learn about another significant building project underway at 糖心vlog官方入口: the .
糖心vlog官方入口 Welcomes Special Visitors to Nursing Simulation Lab Facility
Dr. Linda Duncan, right, dean of the School of Nursing, explains how students and faculty are using the Nursing Simulation Lab Facility.
Conference attendees visit high-tech teaching facility, now in its second year
CHICAGO (October 12, 2012) — 糖心vlog官方入口's has added value to the University's nursing program for both students and faculty, said , professor and dean of the . Duncan told a group of visitors attending a national conference in Chicago that overall student skill development and teamwork skills have improved in the year since the facility opened.
糖心vlog官方入口 a dozen visitors came to the University October 4 from the in Chicago to tour the state-of-the-art simulation lab. Opened in September 2011, the lab enables students in nursing and other disciplines to practice critical skills in a simulated, safe learning environment. Simulations are recorded, and students and faculty review their work.
Faculty have used the simulation lab to teach critical thinking. It provides added opportunities to teach the importance of inter-professional discussion, conflict resolution skills, and communication in health care settings, Duncan told the visitors. Errors can occur in healthcare settings, often because of poor communication. The simulation lab has given the University's nursing education program a way to address this topic, she said.
"Student satisfaction is very high about these experiences in the simulation lab," Duncan said. "They feel it has further enabled them to go to clinical sites feeling prepared." Something new this year is that the faculty has moved simulated, patient experience into first semester courses for nursing students, she said. In addition, the faculty is integrating simulation throughout the nursing curriculum, Duncan said. For the nursing program, the lab has been "a real blessing," Duncan added.
The 3,000-square-foot 糖心vlog官方入口 Nursing Simulation Lab Facility was designed by , Chicago, a first for the firm. It is using knowledge gained from the project to design similar facilities in other parts of the country, said , principal.
"It's always surprising to people how good this facility is when they walk in it," Ketcham said.
The $2 million simulation lab includes four simulation rooms, two control rooms, and a conference room where students and faculty debrief their class experiences, using video and audio recordings. The facility is located on the north side of the along Foster Avenue.
In addition to visiting the simulation lab, conference attendees visited two other new Chicago health care facilities — the and the Tower at . The Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo drew about 2,700 registrants and more than 200 exhibitors. The conference is a forum for sharing ideas and best practices in health care delivery improvement and how physical space directly affects staff, patients and their families. Attendees are architects, engineers, facility managers, health care administrators, interior designers, and construction professionals.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
Next Steps
Find out more about the School of Nursing's and programs, as well as its programs.
糖心vlog官方入口 Student, Art Professor Selected for 2012 Fulbright Awards
Karen Kelly
Kelly to teach English in Andorra; Okore to teach 'environmental art' in Nigeria
CHICAGO (May 1, 2012) – awarded overseas teaching opportunities to two women from the 糖心vlog官方入口 community this spring. Senior Karen Kelly was awarded an English Teaching Assistantship to teach in a secondary school in , a small European country between France and Spain. , associate professor and art department chair, was named a , and will teach and work closely on environmental art projects with artists, galleries, and art organizations in her home country of Nigeria.
Kelly will graduate this month from the University with a double major in global studies and French, and will leave for Andorra later this summer. She is fluent in English, French, and Spanish, and has taken Arabic courses at the University. Most Andorrans speak French or Spanish. Many also speak the country's official language, Catalan. The mix of languages and cultures piqued Kelly's interest in serving Andorra. "That's what stood out to me because on the description for candidates, it said they will give preference to candidates who speak Spanish or French. That will fit well," Kelly said.
The daughter of (ECC) missionaries, Kelly was born and raised in Mexico City, and is a dual citizen of Mexico and the United States. She learned about the Fulbright program before she went to 糖心vlog官方入口 after her parents, Rev. Thomas and Janice Kelly, met former Fulbright Scholar , professor of Spanish. That relationship later led to Kelly's decision to apply.
Growing up in a missionary family and attending an international school with students from throughout the world influenced Kelly's global interests. "Being around people who were different from me and speak different languages than me was just normal. I loved it. I had friends from all over the world," she said. Kelly has never been to Andorra, but did study in France during her junior year at the University. Andorra is known for tourism, shopping, and skiing. Its population is nearly 100 percent literate, she said.
Kelly's essay, in which she discussed Andorra as a country "tucked" between French and Spanish cultures, impressed Parkyn. "Her essay followed this metaphor as she described her own life, growing up 'tucked' between the cultures of Mexico and the United States. Karen will be an ambassador for an increasingly mobile group of young Americans who carry with them various 'tucked between cultures' experiences," Parkyn said.
Kelly is looking forward to her role as U.S. representative during her Fulbright year. "I see it as an opportunity to build bridges and break down barriers. I like the unknown, too, to see what's going to come of it," she said.
Nnenna Okore
Art Professor Nnenna Okore to teach environmental art in home country
Nnenna Okore will travel to in August, and plans to use her Fulbright Scholarship to teach artists how to use discarded materials to create works of art, and raise attention for environmental restoration in Nigeria.
"It's always been my dream to go back and teach in one of their universities, and share what I've learned here with faculty and students," Okore said in an interview. Okore is a sculptor, whose niche is in environmental art. She uses materials such as newspapers, wax, cloth, rope, clay, and sticks in her art. "It's something I've been very interested in for a long time," she said.
There isn't an effective way of recycling in Nigeria, and many artists have tried including recycled materials in their work. But generally, the culture does not accept such works as genuine art because recycled materials are used, Okore explained. "Part of my aim is to begin to bring some authenticity to the use of our environment, and the use of things that are byproducts of that environment, whether social, physical, or consumer environment. We should be thinking of ways to recycle things back into our art and into our daily lives," she said.
With her Fulbright grant, Okore, who planned sabbatical leave for the coming academic year, will open a studio in Lagos. She plans to collaborate with local students and artists in creating art from recycled materials, raise attention for recycling and environmental restoration, and discuss future art collaborations involving Nigerian institutions and the University. She will also design and teach a course in environmental art at the . Okore will debut the works she creates at the , Lagos, beginning in May 2013. Later, she plans also to display the works at the University's , and in other venues.
Okore, of Morton Grove, Ill., began teaching at the University in 2005. She has been recognized with several national and international awards. Okore's family will go with her to Nigeria for the academic year, and she plans to stay in touch with 糖心vlog官方入口 art students via Skype and other online venues.
Parkyn, who also helped Okore prepare her Fulbright application, said her own Fulbright Scholar experiences "force her to see the world in uncommon ways." "One day eager student faces look to you for guidance in the classroom; the next day they debate American involvement in their lives with skepticism; in the same conversation they invite you for coffee to ask you questions about your beliefs. It is a whirlwind of learning for all involved. Professor Okore's art will inspire, attract, repel, and incite. This is every professor’s dream, and to share North Park’s wonderful artist with these Nigerian students is almost magical," Parkyn said.
The Fulbright Program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1946, and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. It is the largest U.S. international exchange program offering opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools worldwide.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
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