North Park University facts for kids
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Former name
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North Park Theological Seminary (1891–1894) North Park Junior College (1894–1958) North Park College (1958–1997) |
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| Motto | "In Thy Light Shall We See Light" "Preparing Students for Lives of Significance and Service" |
| Type | Private university |
| Established | 1891 |
| Accreditation | HLC |
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Religious affiliation
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Evangelical Covenant Church |
| Endowment | $99.5 million (2022) |
| President | Mary K. Surridge |
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Academic staff
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125 Full-time |
| Students | 2,624 (Fall 2023) |
| Undergraduates | 1,877 (Fall 2023) |
| Postgraduates | 747 (Fall 2023) |
| Location |
,
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United States
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| Campus | Large City, 33 acres (0.13 km2) |
| Other campuses | Grayslake |
| Colors | Blue and yellow |
| Nickname | Vikings |
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Sporting affiliations
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NCAA Division III – CCIW |
| Mascot | Ragnar |
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North Park University is a private Christian university in Chicago, Illinois. It was started in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church. The university is located on the north side of Chicago. More than 2,600 students attend classes there.
Contents
A Look at North Park's History
North Park University began as North Park Theological Seminary in 1891. It was first located in Minneapolis. In 1894, the school moved to Chicago. It opened as North Park College at its current spot. This area was close to Swedish-American communities and a new hospital.
The oldest building on campus, Old Main, was built in 1894. This is when the name "North Park" was first used. The school faced challenges but also found success. A missionary named P. H. Anderson, who found gold in Alaska, gave a lot of money to North Park.
A key leader in the early days was David Nyvall. He served as president and teacher for many years. The current seminary building, Nyvall Hall, is named after him.
Over the years, the school grew and changed. In 1958, North Park became a four-year college. In 1997, it changed its name again to North Park University. Today, North Park is known for its diverse student body. It is a liberal arts university that is Christian, focused on the city, and welcoming to all cultures.
What You Can Study at North Park
North Park University offers many different programs. Students can earn bachelor's and master's degrees. The university is divided into several schools:
- 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
Some of the most popular subjects for students in 2022 were:
- Business Administration and Management
- Nursing
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education
- Psychology
North Park Athletics: Go Vikings!
North Park's sports teams are called the Vikings. They compete in NCAA Division III sports. This means they play against other colleges that focus on academics as much as sports. The Vikings are part of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW).
North Park has 19 different sports teams.
- Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, track and field, and volleyball.
- Women's sports include basketball, cross country, rowing, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
- In 2023, North Park also started its first esports team!
Men's Basketball Success
The men's basketball team has a strong history. They have won five NCAA Men's Division III Basketball Championships since 1978. This includes three wins in a row! Famous player Michael Harper led some of these teams. He later played in the NBA. In the 2022–23 season, the team made it to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen.
Track and Field Achievements
In 1983, North Park's Dave Valentine won a national championship in track and field. He set a record in the 10,000 meters race.
Men's Soccer Highlights
In 2017, the men's soccer team had an amazing season. They won the CCIW Championship and made it all the way to the NCAA Championship game! Their coach, John Born, won many awards that year.
Baseball Team
The North Park baseball team has won the CCIW regular season championship six times. They have also played in the NCAA Division III tournament many times.
Women's Volleyball Victory
In 2022, the women's volleyball team won their first-ever CCIW Tournament Championship. This win earned them a spot in the NCAA Division III tournament!
Club Sports and Intramurals
North Park also has club teams for sports like ultimate frisbee and men's volleyball. There are also many Intramural sports programs. These are fun, casual sports leagues for students on campus.
National Championships
- Men's Basketball: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1985, 1987
- Men's Track & Field: 1983 (10,000 meters)
Student Life and Organizations
The North Park Student Government Association (SGA) helps support many student groups. These groups allow students to explore their interests. Some examples include Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), the Black Student Union, and the Christian Students Organization.
The Johnson Center for Science and Community Life
The Johnson Center for Science and Community Life opened in 2014. This modern building cost $57 million to build. It has 101,000 square feet and three floors. The Johnson Center is a great place for science students. It has 30 science labs with "smart" technology. It also has spaces for students and teachers to do research.
But it's not just for science! The Johnson Center is also a place for the whole campus community. It has a large lobby for gathering, study spaces, and a prayer room. It's a central spot for students to learn, grow, and connect.
Swedish-American Traditions at North Park
North Park University has strong ties to its Swedish American past. The university's library helps manage the Swedish-American Historical Society Archives. Each December, the university holds a special Saint Lucy's Day festival. This event follows many Swedish traditions. It is one of the few Santa Lucia Festivals held in the Chicago area. North Park also has a student exchange program with schools in Jönköping, Sweden.
Famous People Who Went to North Park
Many interesting people have attended North Park University, including:
- Mari Andrew, a writer and illustrator
- Del Barber, a singer-songwriter
- Paul Carlson, an American missionary
- Nancy Faust, a famous organist
- Mike Harper, a basketball player who played in the NBA
- James R. Thompson, a former governor of Illinois
- TimTheTatman, a popular YouTube streamer and internet personality
