NEWSLETTER–FALL 2013 VOLUME 15, NUMBER 1 THEME: “STUDENT-CENTRIC” Focus on the important. This was a tagline for North Park University a few years ago. It still lingers in my mind as a good way to remind me to focus on our students. This issue of our newsletter will indeed focus on students. We are thrilled to announce a newly enhanced scholarship for graduate nonprofit students —the Jimmie Alford Scholarship—and a new prize— the Elom and Vera Nelson Prize—to be given to one or two outstanding SBNM seniors each year. Both represent a way to recognize excellence in academic A Student’s Perspective performance of our students. By: Mari Lamp I also want to highlight our mentor program with our SBNM Advisory Board. The board members For this “Student-centric” issue of the diversity, connectivity, and friendli- started the program as a pilot last year and this year SBNM Newsletter, I had the pleasure of ness. I hope you will enjoy hearing their we’ve placed 19 seniors who will be working with interviewing several SBNM students and thoughts. advisory board members on career and life issues. alumni across a variety of disciples and Sally Saed graduated with a BSE I’m proud of our advisory board volunteers for degrees. Though their stories and experi- (Business and Economics) degree in developing this program and hope that it will ’12, and is currently pursuing continue well into the future. an MBA with two certificates “I found that the ways in in Finance and International Please keep in touch with us as we work to prepare which the faculty members Business. Sally was awarded the students for lives of significance and service. And if you SBNM Outstanding Senior are in the Chicago area, please watch for our various structure the courses, activi- Student award in May 2013. networking activities—including the Crystal Ball She is from Jerusalem, where Dinner on February 7, 2014. This dinner provides ties and discussions actually her family still lives, and came you a great way to connect to our students and helps encourages and enhances to the US to study at North us focus on the important! Park. She says, “When I was a relationship building.” senior in high school, I received a full scholarship from North Peg Berry, MHEA ’10, MHRM ’12 Park to complete my under- graduate studies. Soon after, I Wesley E. Lindahl, Ph.D. chose to major in Business and Dean ences are unique, they all found North Economics. After I graduated from the Park to be an engaging and, at times undergraduate program, I realized that SBNM Axelson unexpected experience. Common themes completing my graduate program at the were an appreciation for North Park’s SBNM will definitely add substantial continues on page 2 School of Business & Nonprofit Management 1 North Park University Chicago A Student’s Perspective continued from page 1 value to my resume and knowledge in my field.” On her undergradu- are insightful and accessible, and the courses are practical and com- ate experience, she says the number of international students she met prehensive. Because it is hooked into the Chicago area’s nonprofit at North Park was unexpected, and “I believe that the small size of community, SBNM has a full grasp of the latest issues impacting North Park classes makes a big positive impact on the learning experi- nonprofit organizations. The school also offers classes at convenient ence. The professors are very approachable and knowledgeable.” times.” Jonathan also has a special tie to North Park, as his wife Kelly John Barnabee is a current BSE senior with a concentration in VanderBrug teaches in the Art department. On his time here, he says marketing. He says, “What led me to North Park was the location “My best memo- of the school, which has given me many opportunities for intern- ries were the times ships. Being able to gain work experience in the field that I’ve chosen “Each professor knew when I and other to study will give me an advantage once I’ve graduated. The most students were able to unexpected thing about getting this degree is how personable the who I was rather than share specific chal- experience was. Each professor knew who I was rather than being being just another seat in lenges from our own just another seat in a lecture hall at a major university.” Last summer, nonprofit leadership John had an internship at Sony Music Nashville, which has led to an a lecture hall at a major experience and have opportunity to work with the Academy of Country Music Awards in in-depth discus- Los Angeles after graduation. He plans to work with a major country university.” sions about what we music label in their marketing department. John Barnabee, BSE senior learned from those Jakob Aronsson is one of our Swedish students, and will graduate experiences.” in December 2013 with a BSE degree. He was recruited from North Peg Berry gradu- Carolina Wesleyan College by Coach John Born to play on the North ated in 2010 with Park soccer team, and says, “I knew from the first time I walked an MHEA (Master of Higher Education Administration), and then around campus that I would really enjoy myself here. The students are in 2012 with a MHRM (Master of Human Resource Management). so outgoing and easy to get to know and the professors take the time Of her degrees, she says, “Throughout my years in higher education to get to know you outside the classroom, which takes North Park I found that higher education and business are interrelated in many to another dimension in my opinion.” Jakob says his best memory areas. I combined the two master’s degrees to acquire a broader from North Park is “The game against our biggest rival, Wheaton, in perspective and higher level of understanding of the complex part- 2012. The atmosphere was truly amazing during that game. It’s a day ner relationship of education and business.” Peg took most of her I will always remember.” After graduation Jakob plans to move back classes online, and says that was also a deciding factor in her decision. to Sweden to “Initially I thought developing relationships with faculty and fellow gain some work students would not be possible through online learning. I found that experience, and “The professors are the ways in which the faculty members structure the courses, activities then come back insightful and accessible, and discussions actually encourages and enhances relationship build- for his Master’s ing.” Peg is currently pursuing high level administrative positions, and degree. and the courses are practical may go on to complete a Ph.D. in Education. It’s exciting David Antillon is currently in the MBA program, and takes many to see how the and comprehensive.” of his classes at the Grayslake campus, close to his home. He says, undergraduate “In my organization there are opportunities opening constantly, and Jonathan VanderBrug, MNA ’13 students plan to education is one of the most decisive factors for those positions. In use their knowl- the future I want to be considered for a manager’s position and I edge from our want to be prepared for such an opportunity.” David stated that he program to move into their professional careers. Many of them want also appreciates the way students can share work experiences amongst to take advantage of North Park’s alumni grant, which gives under- themselves, and the warm personal connection with his professors. graduate alumni a 20% tuition discount towards a graduate degree. At These thoughts from David sum up the influence of his North Park the graduate level, there is also a lot of diversity. The program primar- experience: “North Park education opened my eyes to a different ily attracts individuals working full-time across a range of professions, perspective on life. When I started the program, I was thinking of my and thus provides a strong cross-pollination in the student body. personal benefit, but now I desire to be a benefit to those around me.” Jonathan VanderBrug is currently pursuing an MNA (Master of We extend our sincere thanks to these student and alumni for their Nonprofit Administration) degree, and will graduate in Dec 2013. willingness to sharing their thoughts. Not only has SBNM been a On why he chose North Park, Jonathan says “The more I looked at positive factor in their lives and careers, they have been a blessing to SBNM’s MNA program, the more I was impressed. The professors us as well. n School of Business & Nonprofit Management 2 North Park University Chicago SBNM Alumni News Spotlight on Alumni: Alumni Career Updates Bill Sauter Bill Sauter holds the distinction of Christina Ferraro (MBA ’08, MNA ’06) being SBNM’s oldest living alum- Christina recently took on the role of Senior Services Manager nus, having graduated from the at the City of Evanston Levy Senior Center. In this role, she first MBA class in 1993 at age 70. has focused on special projects such as the City of Evanston Bill was born and raised in Brigh- joining the World Health Organizations’ “Age Friendly Cities” ton Park on Chicago’s Southwest project. Congratulations Christina! side, and currently resides in Park Ridge. As a young man at the Tim Hargesheimer (MBA ’10) start of WWII, Bill enlisted and Tim was recently promoted to the Associate Account Director served in the Air Force as a Lower at New Control Direct & Digital. In this role, he will manage Ball Gunner, flying B17 Flying the account for VISA and its issuers nationwide.