North Park has served five generations of students and continues to grow in diversity, academic relevance, and Christian commitment. Our Chicago location is a great asset that reflects the School鈥檚 global reach and outlook.
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North Park offers more than 40 graduate and undergraduate programs in liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. Classes average 17 students. 84% of our faculty have terminal degrees. Academics here are rigorous and results-oriented.
North Park Theological Seminary prepares you to answer the call to service through theological study, spiritual development, and the formative experiences of living in a community with others on a similar life path.
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Site Preparation for 糖心vlog官方入口's Johnson Center Underway
Preparation for the Johnson Center construction site has included the demolition of campus apartments.
Groundbreaking set for October 26
CHICAGO (June 28, 2012) — Site preparation continues at 糖心vlog官方入口 this summer for the greatly anticipated .
Shortly after the conclusion of the 2011–2012 academic year, large trees were relocated from the north berm area of the proposed construction site (an area sometimes referred to as the University's temporary nursery) to other locations on campus, clearing the way for the building site in the center of the campus. "The berm of trees was designed more than a decade ago with the thought of relocation at some point in the future," said , 糖心vlog官方入口 president. "It showed considerable forethought on the part of those involved at that time, including our landscape architects. It has served us very well, and it now provides a great bonus to select parts of the campus."
The University also worked with electric supplier ComEd, to relocate a significant electrical conduit, said , 糖心vlog官方入口 executive vice president and chief financial officer. This week, work to remove some campus apartments began, and is expected to take several days, Balsam said (). "These are among a series of steps necessary for clearing the site in preparation for construction," Balsam said.
A formal groundbreaking ceremony for the 101,000-square-foot Johnson Center is planned for October 26, with construction expected to be completed in time for the 2014 fall semester.
The Johnson Center will support a number of the University's signature academic programs in , as well as offices for , , , and residence life. It resulted from the University's comprehensive fundraising effort, . The $57 million campaign is raising funds for the new building, the University's , student scholarships, and Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. Fundraising continues.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
Board of Trustees Nominates David Kersten to Lead North Park Theological Seminary
The Rev. Dr. David Kersten is the nominee to become dean of North Park Theological Seminary.
Nomination goes to the Evangelical Covenant Church for further action
CHICAGO (February 13, 2012) 鈥� The of 糖心vlog官方入口, Chicago, nominated the Rev. Dr. David W. Kersten to be the dean of . Kersten, 56, is currently executive minister of the , (ECC). He holds degrees from the University and the Seminary, both of which are affiliated with the ECC.
The board nominated Kersten at its Feb. 10-11 meeting here, following a search process initiated last fall. Kersten鈥檚 nomination will now be presented to the ECC Executive Board in March and to the ECC annual meeting in June. As his nomination is approved, Kersten will move into the Seminary leadership position Aug. 1.
Introducing Kersten as “a pastor’s pastor,” , University president, said, “Perhaps I can say it best this way: Dave Kersten comes to the academy from and for the church.” Among Kersten’s qualities, Parkyn said, is a commitment to theological education. “This begins with a deep personal commitment to learn, and learn again, through all of life. He knows the value of initial preparation for and orientation to ministry. He knows the deep need for learning which sustains and nourishes pastoral excellence over a lifetime. He is well prepared to lead because as he leads he will teach, and as he teaches, he will pastor.”
, ECC president, said there is a renewed understanding and ownership of the challenges facing the Seminary and theological education, and commitment to align the Seminary with the University and the mission of the ECC. “This means very good things for our future,” he said to the board. “I’m grateful to (him) for his openness to this call. We’re poised for the strongest season ever in terms of the Seminary’s role with the church.”
Hoping to use his ECC leadership experience, the “wonderfully useful” Seminary education he got at North Park, and a caring commitment to the pastoral community, Kersten said in an interview he looks forward to working in the challenging role of leading North Park Theological Seminary.
An early priority for Kersten will be to cast “a vision that connects the Seminary more centrally to the pastoral community, not just in producing student pastors and graduates, but also in a robust lifelong learning piece,” he said. In particular, Kersten said the Seminary and the ECC should work together to help establish continuing education standards for pastoral leaders, and deepen theological education for key lay leaders.
The ECC is a growing Protestant denomination, which Kersten attributes to the church’s closeness to its “missional roots,” and its renewal emphasis, which has kept the denomination “fresh and vital,” he said.
“We stay close to the biblical text, we stay close to each other, we stay open to the Holy Spirit. That ethos keeps us on the missional edge,” Kersten said. The ECC is “warmly evangelical,” affirms the role of women in the church, has a strong justice voice, and is part of the multicultural movement in a significant way, he added.
Kersten was born in Detroit. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and human services in 1977 from North Park College (now University). In 1982, Kersten earned a Master of Divinity from the Seminary, and in 1997, he earned a Doctor of Ministry in preaching from the , which includes North Park Theological Seminary.
Following his ordination in 1982, Kersten served as senior pastor, , North Miami, Fla.; senior pastor, , Bellevue, Wash.; and senior pastor, , St. Paul, Minn. Kersten moved into this current role as executive minister of the ECC Department of Ordered Ministry in 2001, where he is responsible for a department that endorses 1,800 active pastors, staff ministers and chaplains through ordination, commissioning and licensure, and oversees intervention, and care for crisis and misconduct issues. Kersten provided leadership for the church鈥檚 recent program for . He has written and spoken on a number of church-related topics, and has participated in a several denominational leadership committees and groups.
Kersten and his wife of 34 years, Sandra, are parents of three adult children. The Kerstens reside in Chicago.
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Traditional African drumming was among the performances at the Chicago Cultural Expo.
Event draws students, faculty, and staff to learn about Chicago's diverse cultures
CHICAGO (September 25, 2012) — 糖心vlog官方入口 hosted the first-ever September 21, which featured exhibitors from about 20 members of the . The Alliance, representing 30 international communities throughout Chicago, promotes cultural understanding and provides resources for government, museums, libraries, universities, businesses, and other educational and cultural institutions.
The expo is a continuation of the University's relationship with the Chicago Cultural Alliance, said , 糖心vlog官方入口 provost, speaking on behalf of , University president. The expo fits with the University's , especially its continuing emphasis on being a "purposefully multicultural" institution that celebrates global cultures and lives out the reconciling mandate of the Christian gospel, Jones said. "We look forward to people from throughout the Chicago community visiting North Park," he added.
"We are excited to do this with 糖心vlog官方入口 as a partner organization," said , Alliance executive director. Of the 20 "core members" represented at the expo, "each tells an important story about Chicago's cultural communities," she said.
A steady stream of students, faculty and staff conversed with exhibitors in the 糖心vlog官方入口 Gymnasium, said , dean of the and executive director of the University's . Attendees learned about exhibitors' native countries, their cultural contributions to the people of Chicago, internships, service-learning opportunities, study visits, and research possibilities. Expo performances included traditional African and Japanese Taiko drumming, Chinese strings music, German pop rock, and Indian and Cambodian dancers.
糖心vlog官方入口 is an Alliance partner organization and expo sponsor.
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 Prepares for High-Profile NATO/G8 Summits in May 2012
The City of Chicago will host two significant international events simultaneously in May: the 2012 NATO Summit and a meeting of leaders of G8 nations.
SBNM faculty comment on high-profile events here, effects on University
CHICAGO (February 14, 2012) – Faculty with the (SBNM) at 糖心vlog官方入口 say Chicago will experience both the advantages and disadvantages of two significant global events Chicago will be hosting in May. Simultaneous meetings of leaders of the (NATO) and the nations are planned for May 19-21 in downtown Chicago. City leaders have been preparing for months, including planning for a significant security presence in the city in the event of likely demonstrations.
The summits provide for a "phenomenal opportunity" to witness in Chicago the core principles of a free-market oriented democracy, said , SBNM associate professor of finance. Those principles are freedom of enterprise intersecting with freedom of expression, he said, speaking at a recent SBNM event at which faculty comment on the economic outlook for the coming year.
"The opinions of all, whether inside or outside of the '1 percent' must be allowed and respected," Kamienksi said. "With a world-leading standard of living and a unique history of upward mobility, both the United States and Chicago — a global financial, manufacturing and technology center — are poised to show the world how liberty and the pursuit of happiness can co-exist in a peaceful, meaningful way."
The practical effects of the two meetings will be felt locally. Scores of local businesses and organizations are making plans to adjust their operations and related activities because of security restrictions in the days surrounding the meetings. , director of the University's , said she is concerned that nonprofit organizations with downtown facilities will have to make alternative plans to ensure their clients are still served.
The University has already been affected in at least one way. The 13th annual , a significant University educational opportunity for nonprofit professionals and volunteers, was moved this year from its traditional date in May to June 4-5 at the . The meeting's theme is "Reignite Your Vision."
"The Holiday Inn contacted us to inform us of the NATO/G8 summit during our planned dates in May," Rogers said. "They informed us of the increased security measures, and higher hotel fees." The meeting dates were moved after considering several possibilities, she said.
There has been much discussion about how protestors will affect the NATO/G8 meetings. , SBNM professor of economics, said despite the efforts of and others, protests and demonstrations could well have an effect on Chicago businesses and people living in the city. For example, members of the Coalition Against NATO/G8 are focused on issues such as climate change, the environment, and contrast of the "1 percent" and the "99 percent," he said.
, SBNM associate professor of nonprofit management, said that while some reports suggest as many as 50,000 protestors will visit Chicago, demonstrations will not rise to the level of the 1968 Chicago riots during the Democratic National Convention. He also said recent organized economic protests, such as , have been losing steam in recent weeks.
NATO is a military alliance of 28 countries, and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The G8 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the world's strongest economies. Heads of state from those nations will meet. Both meetings are expected to draw large numbers of journalists, visitors and protestors.
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 Theological Seminary to Host Annual Lectures and Theological Symposium
Lectures feature biblical scholars, Symposium focused on 'family' as theological topic
CHICAGO (September 19, 2012) — (NPTS) will host Christian scholars later this month in two consecutive, annual events designed to enrich theological understanding and enhance spiritual life. , September 26–27, will focus on current developments in biblical studies and their relationship to the mission and ministry of the church. , September 27–29, features presentations and discussion of "family" in the scriptural context. Both events are organized by Seminary faculty.
Seminary and 糖心vlog官方入口 students, faculty, pastors and others will attend the Lund Lectures in Nyvall Hall's Isaacson Chapel at the University's . The lectures are named for Nils Lund, a former dean who served the Seminary from 1922 to 1954, and is best known as author a definitive text on biblical structure, "He was an important figure in New Testament studies and as dean," said , NPTS professor of New Testament and acting associate academic dean. After Lund's death, an endowment was established to fund the annual lecture series, Chester said.
Students will hear outstanding biblical scholars, said , Paul W. Brandel Professor of New Testament Studies, NPTS. "We want to celebrate biblical studies with the Lund lectures, help students get into discussions beyond where they've been before, and increase their theological awareness," he said.
The lectures feature Old Testament and New Testament scholars:
September 26: , reader in New Testament (retired), Department of Theology and Religion, Durham University, Durham, U.K. Barton will address, "The Conversions of the Emotions in Early Christianity."
September 27: , Charles T. Haley Professor of Old Testament Theology, Department of Biblical Studies, Princeton (N.J.) Theological Seminary. Olson's comments will focus on "Old Testament Resources for a New Twenty-First Century World."
The Lund Lectures are free and open to the public.
Symposium features prominent scholars
The Symposium, September 27–29, will bring together several prominent scholars from various church traditions. They will speak on a variety of topics related to family, followed by responses and discussion with the audience. Faculty with the University and the Seminary are among the presenters and respondents.
In recent years, there's been a revival of interest in the theological interpretation of Scripture, said Chester. "Every year for the Symposium, we gather eight or nine scholars from various disciplines to reflect on what Scripture has to say about an important theme of topic that relates to Christian life and the work of the church," he said. "The presenters have to bring Scripture and theological resources to bear on the topic. What you get is a variety of disciplinary perspectives." Family has been under consideration as a possible topic for many years, he added.
糖心vlog官方入口 70 faculty, pastors, lay people and students — some of whom are taking a course related to the Symposium — will attend the event in Nyvall Hall, Room N-25. "There is an extended opportunity for formal and informal discussion. Rarely do you get this kind of extended conversation in an academic conference," Snodgrass said. The Symposium also includes worship and prayer, he added. Registration for the Symposium is required.
Symposium proceedings are published in
糖心vlog官方入口 is affiliated with the Chicago-based (ECC). Theological education in the ECC tradition is provided by North Park Theological Seminary, a graduate school of the University.
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糖心vlog官方入口 Welcomes Alumni to 2012 Homecoming Celebration
Three distinguished alumni were honored at the October 13 Reunion and Awards Breakfast. They are, from left, Robert Houdek, Joyce Nelson and Alicia (VerHage) Petersen.
Alumni honored at annual reunion breakfast, Hall of Fame induction
CHICAGO (October 18, 2012) — 糖心vlog官方入口 welcomed back hundreds of alumni for its 2012 Homecoming activities, with the theme "The Spirit Games." Activities included reunions, alumni honors, inductions into the , athletic contests and other showcase events, including an October 13 "block party" in the that drew as many as 2,000 people, said Melissa Vélez-Luce C'04, the University's manager of alumni relations.
A week-long series of Homecoming activities for the University community began October 8. One highlight was the University's annual Reunion and Awards Breakfast October 13 in . In remarks to about 200 attendees, , president of 糖心vlog官方入口, said change is a constant. "The 'place' of 糖心vlog官方入口 is ever-changing," he said. "This is not the same campus from which you graduated. Soon there will be a new front on Foster Avenue – a new front that will make our space better. Two years from now, we will open the . Wonderful things are happening."
"We welcome you back to this place. We welcome you back because this place is empty without you," he added.
Three North Park alumni were honored at the breakfast:
Distinguished Young Alumni Award: Alicia (VerHage) Petersen C'02, trainer and curriculum developer for Management Systems International (MSI), Washington, D.C.,
Distinguished University Alumni Award: Joyce Nelson C'72, retired after 28 years with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, including seven years as president and chief executive officer
Distinguished Academy Alumni Award: Robert G. Houdek A'57, retired U.S. State Department foreign service officer, whose service included National Intelligence Officer for Africa, and advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Agency for International Development (AID) on the President’s Greater Horn of Africa Initiative during the Clinton Administration
糖心vlog官方入口 80 people attended the Vikings Hall of Fame induction ceremony October 12, hosted by , athletic director. were introduced by former coaches and family members:
John Douglass A'64, football, basketball, track and field
Nels "Art" Edstrom C'53, basketball and baseball, coach
Laura Mount C'07, basketball
Austin Person C'07, soccer
Alumni and students participated in the Spirit Games by visiting special North Park locations, filling in a game board, checking in via social media, and attending Homecoming events. Alumni who attended Homecoming included North Park graduates and students who attended the Academy, Junior College, University, and .
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Admitted Students, Families Learn about University, Prepare for Next Academic Year
Students and their parents learned about study abroad opportunities from Dr. Jennifer Pope, director of the University's International Office.
Noted alumnus, Dr. Tim Johnson, addresses families
CHICAGO (April 23, 2012) – Nearly 90 students and their families attended a day-long event April 20 at 糖心vlog官方入口, Chicago, to learn about the University's academic programs, meet with faculty and staff, and to learn about student life at the University. Many had already committed to attend the University beginning with the 2012 fall semester, while others made commitments to attend at the conclusion of the day's activities.
Amber Warners, Grand Rapids, Mich., was among those who had already committed. She learned about the University while working at a summer Bible camp with North Park students. "I just love the campus," she said. "Everyone is so friendly, and they have the major I want—psychology." Another attractive feature for her is the University's emphasis on multiculturalism and diversity. "Here it's so diverse. I want the whole experience," she said.
Mariam Castro, Chicago, attended the event with her father, Louis. The Castros live near the campus, and Mariam wants to be a pediatrician. "My pediatrician told me that his daughter comes here, and he was telling me that the pre-med program is really good," she said, adding that she wants to be in smaller classes and interact with faculty. Louis Castro said he didn't know much about the University before his visit. "I like the staff, and I like what they have to offer to the students. I'm very happy with it," he said after his visit.
The students and their families got a rare opportunity to hear from a well-known alumnus of the University. , longtime medical editor for ABC News, now a senior medical contributor, was born and raised in Rockford, Ill., grew up in the (ECC) and said he always knew he would attend what was then North Park Junior College. "I came here and had an amazing two years of teaching and spiritual formation in the very best sense," he said. After graduating in 1956, Johnson went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill., then returned to attend , graduating in 1963. He later attended medical school and became a physician.
During those formative years, Johnson prepared for many vocations before landing in network television, where he reported on science and medicine. He told the students they are likely to have a similar experience. "You have no idea what's going to happen to you," he said. "Look what happened to me. I thought I was going to be a parish minister, then a family doctor, and I ended up doing something very different from what I ever would have imagined or expected."
Johnson cited several advantages for students at 糖心vlog官方入口—small classes taught by dedicated teachers who care about students; multiple community service opportunities; and attending college in a large city with academic and business resources. "I am here to tell you that a school like North Park, with its value system, with its location in an urban area, has so much more to offer than classrooms and teaching. You're in for a very exciting educational adventure, and more importantly, you're in for a spiritual, formative journey that is critical to the way you will live the rest of your life," Johnson said.
Johnson is co-chair of , a fundraising campaign with multiple purposes: to build a new Science and Community Life Building, to enhance the University's Annual Fund, to increase endowment funding for student scholarships, and to support Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. The new building will be "state of the art, and it will meet some deep needs for this campus," he said. Groundbreaking is expected sometime this year.
The University was founded in 1891 by ECC, and is affiliated with the Chicago-based church. North Park is a , with a to prepare students for lives of significance and service through education in the liberal arts, professional studies, and theology.
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 Presents Degrees to 434 Graduates at Spring 2012 Commencements
Degrees were presented to 434 students at Spring Commencement, for a combined total of 626 for the 2011–2012 academic year.
University honors outstanding students, faculty, and Chicagoans
CHICAGO (May 14, 2012) – 糖心vlog官方入口 concluded the 2011–2012 academic year by awarding degrees May 12 to 434 graduates at the University's Spring Commencement ceremonies. Separate events were held for students who earned undergraduate degrees; students who earned graduate degrees and degrees through the School of Adult Learning; and graduates of . Including the , degrees were awarded to 626 糖心vlog官方入口 graduates this academic year.
Bachelor's degrees were presented to 297 students representing a variety of undergraduate majors in the University's , and the schools of , , , , and business and nonprofit management. Master's degrees were presented to 137 students who completed at the University, including 34 students at North Park Theological Seminary. , president of the 糖心vlog官方入口, presided at the ceremonies.
The graduation weekend began with a Baccalaureate Service May 11 at , Chicago. In his address to graduates, Parkyn commented on the University's mission statement, "to prepare students for lives of significance and service," and Jesus's instruction on this educational ideal as reflected in the four gospels in the New Testament. "If after your years at North Park you're still just a bit vague on what it means to live with significance and in service, then listen to Jesus: be a healthy tree, one that bears good fruit; run away from the possibility of a being a diseased tree, one that bears worm-infected fruit," Parkyn told the graduates.
University President David Parkyn, right, presents the Nyvall Medallion to Daniel Alvarez Sr., center, and Ann Alvarez, left, both of Casa Central, Chicago.
The University recognized its for outstanding academic achievement and leadership and service, Hannah Haugen, Milwaukie, Ore., bachelor of science in business and economics, and Joshua Startup, Chesterton, Ind., bachelor of science in chemistry. The Ahnfeldt Medallion, presented to a senior with highest grade point average among undergraduates, went to Emily Shakal, Chicago, bachelor of arts in biblical and theological studies. Winners of were recognized — Karen Kelly, Mexico City, who will teach English in Andorra, and Nnenna Okore, associate professor of art and department chair, who will teach and work on environmental art projects in Nigeria.
The University presented the David Nyvall Medallion to two leaders of , a Chicago nonprofit organization that serves 20,000 Hispanic people through an array of community services. Daniel Alvarez Sr., founder, and Ann R. Alvarez, president and chief executive officer, were honored for 48 years of distinguished service to the people of Chicago. Casa Central maintains a partnership with 糖心vlog官方入口 and is a venue for undergraduate programs for adults. "We feel privileged, honored and grateful to our Lord for the opportunity to dedicate our lives to this mission," said Ann Alvarez, also a member of the University's .
Several students from the North Park College (now University) class of 1962 were recognized as they celebrated the 50th anniversary of their graduations. "Today, you honor us, and you especially honor the members of the graduating class by your presence with us today," Parkyn said.
Four students who earned degrees addressed the commencement ceremony for graduate programs and the School of Adult Learning, sharing how their University educations have shaped their lives and careers. Speakers were Kathleen Ferrarell, Glenview, Ill., bachelor of arts in counseling psychology, School of Adult Learning; Molly Philosophos, Oak Park, Ill., master of nonprofit administration, School of Business and Nonprofit Management; Clara Casas-Maya, Vernon Hills, Ill., master of arts in education, School of Education; and LaRhonda Hrobowski, Chicago, master of science in nursing, School of Nursing.
Joel Johnson, Chicago, master of divinity, was presented the Ahnfeldt Medallion for the highest grade point average among graduates of North Park Theological Seminary.
, distinguished professor of Old Testament, Denver (Colo.) Seminary, presented the Seminary commencement address. In his charge to the graduates, Rev. Gary B. Walter, president of the (ECC), commented, "God's asking for you to be found faithful. That means you hold nothing back from God, and you give it your all." The University is affiliated with the ECC.
Drawing from the life example of retiring professor , and building on Jesus’s instruction, "Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of," Parkyn challenged graduates to be "faithful in risking, faithful in dreaming, faithful in trusting, faithful in hearing God’s call, faithful in taking the first step, and then another, and still another."
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
2012 London Olympics Venues Use University Graduate's Software Company
Greg Dolezal will be keeping a close eye on the video screens at the London Olympics. (Photo courtesy Covenant News Service.)
Renewed Vision's Greg Dolezal provided software for CHIC 2012
ATLANTA (July 27, 2012) — While sitting backstage at the recent (Covenant High in Christ) 2012 gathering, 糖心vlog官方入口 graduate Greg Dolezal said that he was a bit nervous about the upcoming . He’s not an athlete nor does he have family members competing.
But the images broadcast on the video screens at each of the 36 Olympic venues will be powered with software designed by the company he co-owns, . Dolezal was at CHIC because the event, which he attended as a teenager, was using the software, and he was in charge of video production.
He also was there because he is tour manager.
Renewed Vision’s gig with the Olympics was one he never could have imagined when the company that makes ProPresenter, now in its fifth release, was formed. The company also makes ProVideoPlayer, and ProVideoSync.
"Our core value is to make software that is affordable to smaller congregations," Dolezal said. The software is now used by thousands of churches around the world ranging in attendance from less than 100 to the largest in the United States.
Dolezal graduated from 糖心vlog官方入口 in 2001 with a degree in business and communications, and planned to attend law school.
Then he decided that wasn’t the career for him.
Dolezal, who grew up in a small in Joliet, Ill., eventually moved to Atlanta where he began working with Tomlin and , who had started the Passion movement.
Dolezal became acquainted with the two men during his last two years at North Park. He was in charge of Week 26, which featured special speakers and other faith-focused activities. Giglio spoke the first year, and Tomlin performed the year after that.
During that time, the school also was a satellite location for the gathering that drew 40,000 college students. "I think one of the reasons Giglio chose North Park was he was so impressed with the school," Dolezal said.
After Dolezal moved to Atlanta, he began doing video work for the Passion gatherings. That was about the same time that Tomlin became a headline performer. "He just asked me to be his tour manager," Dolezal said.
Backstage at last week’s CHIC conference, Tomlin said he was fortunate to have Dolezal working for him. "Greg keeps it in line," he said. "We definitely couldn’t do this without him."
A lot of Dolezal’s job is logistical, including booking bus companies and venues, arranging the local crew, and serving as general manager onsite. Tomlin added that Dolezal is far more than a tour manager.
"He helps me think creatively about the tour and the shows," Tomlin said. "I bounce everything off of Greg."
Dolezal is able to manage a tour and his company due to scheduling priorities and the 12-member team that now makes up Renewed Vision. Tomlin is rarely on the road more than several days a week, and almost always is in Atlanta on Sundays because he co-pastors with Giglio.
Managing tours that can visit as many as 50 cities, handling the business end of a successful company, and spending time with his wife, Natalie, and three-month-old can be difficult. “My wife owns her own company, so we have to be pretty intentional to spend time together.”
Whether he is at home or on tour over the next several weeks, his mind will certainly also be paying attention to what is happening in London.
This report was provided by Stan Friedman, , Chicago.
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糖心vlog官方入口 Athletic Trainers, Physicians Staff Chicago Marathon
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and physicians from the 糖心vlog官方入口 Athletic Training Educational Program will work at this year's Chicago Marathon. This North Park group worked the 2011 marathon.
Athletic trainers assist athletes as they finish 26.2-mile course
CHICAGO (October 5, 2012) — Students, faculty, staff , alumni, and physicians with the 糖心vlog官方入口 (ATEP) will be among more than 1,300 medical volunteers working at the October 7. 糖心vlog官方入口 30 current students from the North Park program, plus certified athletic trainers as well as other medical personnel, will meet participants as they cross the finish line, help them recover, and evaluate those that require a higher level of medical care.
Some 45,000 people are registered to participate in the Chicago Marathon, with about 34,000 to 37,000 people expected to compete, according to event organizers. Participants represent all 50 states and more than 100 countries.
The North Park ATEP has been involved with the Chicago Marathon for nearly a decade, providing current students, graduates, faculty, and staff a valuable laboratory experience, said , director of the University's ATEP and associate professor. "We are part of the 'sweep team,'" he said. "Every runner has to pass through the finish line chute. We are responsible for quickly evaluating their status, as well as attending to any 'runner down' medical calls."
Lundgren explained licensed professionals and the students will assist runners as their bodies return to a stable state following the grueling 26.2-mile marathon. If any participant needs additional medical care, that person is directed to one of two medical tents that effectively serve as a hospital. "We have enough cots to treat 110 patients simultaneously, and even have an intensive care unit built in," Lundgren said.
The University's relationship with the marathon originated with , now the medical director of the Chicago Marathon and , another Chicago race held in conjunction with St. Patrick's Day. Chiampas was a Fellow assigned to 糖心vlog官方入口, where he learned about the University's ATEP.
"Dr. Chiampas approached us about staffing the finish line with athletic trainers. He said our skill sets were perfectly suited to differentiate what someone normally looks like after running 26.2 miles versus those runners that may be in medical distress," Lundgren said.
In addition, , current North Park athletic medical director and head team physician, is responsible for 21 aid stations throughout this year's marathon course. , head athletic trainer at North Park, will lead the urgent care section of the medical tent. His workload is heavily dependent on the weather, he said. Since 2006, outside temperatures for the marathon have either been in the 40s or 80s. "We just can't seem to catch a break, and have ideal running conditions," Sjovall said. "As a result, we treat between 600 and 1,200 runners each race." Conditions that require treatment include hyperthermia, hypothermia, 'runner's collapse,' electrolyte imbalances, as well as cardiac and musculoskeletal conditions.
Former University athletic medical directors and team physicians, and former Fellows assigned to the University, are also volunteering at this year's marathon. Lundgren said he particularly enjoys the number of North Park athletic training alumni that return and volunteer for the marathon each year. "It really is amazing to see how many North Park connections are present within the Chicagoland medical community," he added.
In addition to the North Park ATEP students, faculty, staff, and alumni working at the marathon, some University students, faculty, and staff plan to run in the race.
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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