É«ÇéÂÛ̳

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É«ÇéÂÛ̳ Names New Faculty, Staff for 2012–2013 Academic Year

É«ÇéÂÛ̳ Names New Faculty, Staff for 2012–2013 Academic Year

É«ÇéÂÛ̳

Employees welcomed at 'Gathering Day'

 

CHICAGO (August 22, 2012) — É«ÇéÂÛ̳ welcomed new full-time faculty and staff to the University as the 2012–2013 academic year began. The new employees were introduced to the University community August 21 at North Park's annual Gathering Day activities, held in .

New Faculty

  • Cheri Coakley, visiting assistant professor of
  • Dr. Daniel White Hodge, assistant professor of youth ministry, and director,
  • Dr. John J. Laukaitis, assistant professor of
  • Dr. Kezia Shirkey, assistant professor of
  • Sarah Thorngate, instructor of bibliography/reference and electronic resources librarian,

New Staff

  • Cordell Henry, assistant men's basketball coach
  • Tom Slyder, head men's basketball coach
  • Paul Thomas, head women's soccer coach

  • Roby Geevarghese, major gift officer
  • Carissa Gomez, stewardship coordinator
  • Sarah Snow, major gift officer

  • Catherine Howorth, support services coordinator

  • Tracy Churchill, recruitment associate
  • Jennifer Lundeen Dixon, director of undergraduate recruitment

  • Andrew Johnson, technology coordinator
  • Andre Lodree, technology coordinator

  • Dr. Sumie Song, assistant director

  • Anna-Kajsa Anderson, director of

Physical Plant

  • Jim Needleman, groundskeeper

Residence Life

  • Cat Fillmore, resident director, Anderson Hall
  • Candice Johnson, resident director, apartments and houses
  • Belford Williams, Jr., resident director, Ohlson House and Sohlberg Hall

  • Charisma Eaglin, chemical hygiene and lab safety officer

  • Rev. David Kersten, dean

 

 


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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É«ÇéÂÛ̳ Hosts 54 International Students in American Studies Program

É«ÇéÂÛ̳ Hosts 54 International Students in American Studies Program

Students in the American Studies Summer Program at É«ÇéÂÛ̳.

Four participants in the University's Summer ESL American Studies Program are, from left to right, Yoa Jung Cho, Hyun Jung Park and Jong Pil Park, all from Seoul, South Korea, and Chien Chih Kao, Taipei, Taiwan.

Program combines ESL classes with cultural learning, field trips

CHICAGO (July 3, 2012) — On July 4, nearly all of the international students in an English language immersion program this summer at É«ÇéÂÛ̳, Chicago, will experience for the first time what an American is about. That is one piece of their immersion as participants in the University's Summer ESL American Studies program, combining English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, cultural exploration and field trips throughout the Chicago area.

"We're studying English through the vehicle of Chicago," said Dr. Kristin Lems, the program's director. "It's an academic program, and it's built on the cultural piece of Chicago — what the city offers in the summer, Chicago's history, and how the values and lifestyle of Chicago reflect American values and lifestyle."

The 54 students, mostly college-age, are from seven countries, plus three immigrant students who live in the Chicago area. Becoming more proficient in speaking English and learning about U.S. culture are the reasons why they are in the University's ESL American Studies program.

"People in Korea think English is very important, and I thought I wanted to study English in Chicago," said Jong Pil Park, Seoul, South Korea, one of 24 South Korean students in the program. Jong is an oriental philosophy major at , Seoul, which maintains a with É«ÇéÂÛ̳.

"I came here because I want to learn 'live' English," said Hyun Jung Park, also a student in oriental philosophy at SKKU. "Koreans tend to learn English only by reading." Hyun said she is interested in Chicago's diverse culture, and learning about the differences between Eastern and Western philosophy. She added that she is grateful for the education offered through the É«ÇéÂÛ̳ program.

Chien Chih Kao, Taipiei, Taiwan, wants to improve his English speaking ability and make friends from different countries. He's a fan of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) system and its convenience. "This city is like a 'small America.' You can feel the diverse culture here, and see the beautiful scenery and the modern buildings," he said. "Everybody's kind, and they say hello, even if we have not met before." Chien is a physics major at , Taichung, Taiwan.

Students talking at Nyvall Hall.
É«ÇéÂÛ̳ students Saada Hilts, left, and Brian Gatheru are program assistants with the Summer ESL program.

During the intensive five-week program, the students will take 12 field trips, all on CTA transportation, and visit Chicago cultural attractions, such as museums, ethnic festivals and neighborhoods, and a Fourth of July parade. New to the program this year are community service projects, and spending time with Chicago-area host families. One service project was at the , where the students cleaned up classrooms and planted a garden.

Lems explained that the community service projects are significant grassroots experiences, in which the international students witness a community working together for the common good. The host families home visit idea came about through Lems' own international experiences. "I remember that when I lived abroad, and when other people talk about living abroad, the most precious experiences are the ones when you're inside the home of someone from that country, not just shopping or being at a restaurant or being in a museum -— it's being in someone's home," she said. At least 35 É«ÇéÂÛ̳ faculty and staff families are hosting students for Sunday meals, Lems said.

Working with Lems are two É«ÇéÂÛ̳ students, Saada Hilts and Brian Gatheru, and Kennan Daoudi, a student at Hamline University, St. Paul, Minn. Hilts was born in Ethiopia, and Gatheru comes from Kenya. Both are resident advisors at the University.

The University's ESL American Studies program was founded by Dr. Dennis Bricault, professor of Spanish and director of the University's ESL program. This summer, students in the American Studies program are from South Korea, Mexico, China, Spain, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan and the United States.


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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of these students experiencing their first Fourth of July parade.

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Interdisciplinary Forum on the Bible and Health Set for October 30

Interdisciplinary Forum on the Bible and Health Set for October 30

Healthy Human Life

Dr. James Bruckner's recent book is the focus of the October forum at É«ÇéÂÛ̳.

Seminary, School of Nursing sponsor Chicago forum

CHICAGO (October 19, 2012) — A É«ÇéÂÛ̳ professor and a panel of health professionals and pastors will address topics related to the Bible, human health, and healthy relationships in an October 30 forum, "The Bible and Health: An Interdisciplinary Forum." The event features , professor of Old Testament with the University's , who will present from his recently published book, .

The two-hour forum is free to attendees and begins at 3:30 pm in Olsson Lounge at North Park Theological Seminary. Event sponsors are the Seminary and the É«ÇéÂÛ̳ .

Healthy Human Life "is the result of 10 years of conversation about understanding and practicing human health — conversations between a biblical scholar and health care professionals," Bruckner said in an interview. "The book unpacks the biblical text to address questions which are foundational to health care as well as biblical theology." The book includes content for patients, families, health care professionals, counselors, and pastors dealing with health or end-of-life issues, and could be used as a text in professional schools.

Dr. James Bruckner
Dr. James Bruckner

Panelists who will respond to Bruckner are , dean of the School of Nursing and holder of the Gretchen Carlson Memorial Endowed Chair in Nursing; C. Louise Brown, vicepresident of health ministries, Progressive National Baptist Convention, and former director of public health for the City of Evanston, Ill.; and , pastor of Ravenswood Covenant Church, Chicago.

"There is tremendous interest in the church's role in promoting health with their members and communities as evidenced by the wide variety of health ministries in which churches are engaged," says , RN, Seminary and University professor of health ministries and nursing. "It is important for these ministries to be biblically and theologically informed as well as sound from a health perspective." Healthy Human Life "provides a much-needed biblical perspective" for Christian health professionals, congregations with health ministry teams or faith community (parish) nurses, and medical researchers, she added.

In addition, the Seminary offers a 12-credit interdisciplinary in collaboration with the School of Nursing, as well as continuing education workshops for ministry and health 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 .

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Learn about at North Park Theological Seminary, as well as the University's .

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North Park Theological Seminary Announces Urban Ministry Certificate

North Park Theological Seminary Announces Urban Ministry Certificate

Certificate in Urban Ministry

Applications for first cohort accepted through March 31

CHICAGO (February 10, 2012) – is accepting applications for a new, two-year graduate educational program leading to a . The 15-credit certificate program is intended for Christian ministers and lay leaders who want to learn more about engaging in effective ministry in urban settings.

The Seminary is part of É«ÇéÂÛ̳, a higher education institution with a . Those core values, combined with the cultural and Christian diversity represented in Chicago, position the Seminary to offer a rich educational experience to students, said , program director. Rah is Milton B. Engebretson Associate Professor of Church Growth and Evangelism for the Seminary, and a former urban pastor himself.

"Chicago is part of the classroom we're offering," he said in an interview. "Being in Chicago is a tremendous advantage. It is a center for community development, community organizing, for ethnic diversity, and with diverse neighborhoods."

Offering a certificate program in urban ministry is part of a larger trend of urbanization and the growing influences of urban culture, Rah said. Both the University and Seminary are affiliated with the (ECC), which is planting new congregations in urban areas, Rah said. Urban pastors and urban lay workers could benefit greatly from the certificate program, Rah said. "We hope it will strengthen and undergird their urban ministry," he said. The program can also introduce people to urban ministry who want to learn more.

The urban environment is complex, constantly changing, and always challenging, Rah said. The certificate program will emphasize deeper theological and spiritual engagement, as well as practical ideas for enhancing urban ministry. "We do this ministry as followers of Jesus. Anytime we can deepen the theology, it is a good thing. Also important are spiritual formation and discipleship. All of these serve to strengthen our work in the city," he said.

Students who complete the program will earn 15 credit hours in just over two years. Plans call for the first cohort to meet Aug. 13–17 in Chicago, followed by online coursework beginning in October. The cohort will meet in Chicago for another week in August 2013, followed by online coursework. A final week-long gathering in Chicago is planned for August 2014. Rah said an ideal size for the urban ministry cohort is about 15 to 20 people.

"There is great enthusiasm in this Seminary and in this denomination for this certificate program," said Rah. "It represents a wonderful convergence of what É«ÇéÂÛ̳ is all about, and what the Evangelical Covenant Church is excited about."

Applications and supporting materials must be submitted to North Park Theological Seminary by March 31, said E. Kirsten Burdick, director of Seminary . All applications will be considered at the same time in April, 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 .

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  • Learn about all the offered by North Park Theological Seminary
  • Check out the , an upcoming urban youth and justice event
  • Read more of the campus news featured in the .
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É«ÇéÂÛ̳ Welcomes New Members of Board of Trustees

É«ÇéÂÛ̳ Welcomes New Members of Board of Trustees

Members of É«ÇéÂÛ̳'s board of trustees participated in campus celebrations during their recent board meeting.

Board discusses University's enhanced enrollment efforts

CHICAGO (November 13, 2012) — The É«ÇéÂÛ̳ participated in groundbreaking ceremonies for the , and heard updates on other University projects and initiatives during its fall meeting here October 26–27. , University president, also welcomed seven new trustees, each of whom will serve five-year terms:

  • Thomas Bagley, Chicago, founder and senior managing director, Pfingsten Partners, LLC
  • Grant Clay, Clay Center, Kan., lead pastor, Clay Center Covenant Church
  • Gail Dahlstrom, Etna, N.H., vice president for facilities management, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, N.H.
  • Dawn Helwig, Chicago, actuary, Milliman, Inc.
  • Stephen Johnson, Warrenville, Ill., executive vice president, field operations, Imagine Solutions, Dallas
  • Michael L. Jordan, Kerman, Calif., pastor, La Viña Covenant Church
  • Albert Tizon, Upper Darby, Pa., associate professor of evangelical and holistic ministry, Palmer Theological Seminary, King of Prussia, Pa.

Johnson Center highlighted

The Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life is expected to be completed for the start of the 2014 academic year. Board members and University leaders thanked , board chair, for their leadership of , which is raising funds for the Johnson Center and other University initiatives. The building project is essential for student learning and growth, Johnson told the trustees, adding that he and Nancy were "deeply honored" to have the building named in their honor. are North Park alumni, and both have served the institution in a variety of ways over several years.

Undergraduate enrollment efforts enhanced

The University is enhancing efforts to increase undergraduate enrollment for 2013 in response to changes in enrollment and in the market for higher education, President Parkyn said in his report to the board.

Board of Trustees
North Park's board of trustees met at the Chicago campus October 26–27.

He cited several market conditions that have affected enrollment at North Park: a greater reluctance to borrow funds to pay tuition costs; a need for great convenience in academic program delivery; the competitive Chicagoland market; and increases in competition from schools in other regions of the country.

The É«ÇéÂÛ̳ president and , vice president for enrollment and marketing, told the trustees the University conducted an external and internal review of admissions procedures with representatives of , a higher education consulting firm. In addition, University faculty and staff participated in community gatherings, discussing enrollment data, recruiting of students, and ideas to address student recruitment in future years. As a result of these discussions, the University is instituting several steps to increase undergraduate enrollment, they reported:

  • Adopt more personal connections with prospective students
  • Increase the size of special events to attract students
  • Increase the number of prospective student visits to the campus
  • Target increased financial aid
  • Expand communication flow to students, particularly for applicants and admitted students
  • Reinstate the University’s brand awareness campaign with focus on the Chicagoland region
  • Set priorities so recruiters focus personal attention on those students most likely to enroll

 

The next meeting of the É«ÇéÂÛ̳ board of trustees is February 8–9, 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 .

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Johnson Center Construction Phase Begins at É«ÇéÂÛ̳

Johnson Center Construction Phase Begins at É«ÇéÂÛ̳

Groundbreaking for the Johnson Center at É«ÇéÂÛ̳.

University leaders celebrated the groundbreaking for the new Johnson Center October 26. With them are the two people for whom the building is named: Nancy, center, and G. Timothy Johnson, fourth from the right.

Hundreds attend groundbreaking ceremony to honor Nancy and Tim Johnson

CHICAGO (October 29, 2012) — With hundreds of É«ÇéÂÛ̳ supporters looking on in person and via webcast, the University marked the start of construction October 26 for a significant, new University building — the , expected to be completed for the start of the 2014 academic year.

The 101,000-square-foot Johnson Center will house academic departments in , , , , and ; plus it will have technology-enhanced classrooms and state-of-the-art laboratories. It will also house student services such as , , , , , as well as a café, study lounge, prayer room, a two-story atrium, and lobby gathering area.

Science students will benefit the most academically from the new Johnson Center, which will house state-of-the-art science laboratories, and research space and classrooms. The new facility, however, will benefit all in the University community, said , É«ÇéÂÛ̳ president. "By combining classrooms and laboratories with student-life offices, and gathering spaces and a food venue — by gathering those things together, this building will create a central campus core. It will do so for all of our students — residential and commuting, undergraduate, graduate, seminarians — everyone who studies at É«ÇéÂÛ̳ into the future will benefit from this wonderful building."

The Johnson Center will be a "transformational" facility, said , vice president for development and alumni relations. "It is the deep and broad generosity of North Park alumni and friends that has brought this dream to reality. Our alumni and friends knew that our students were depending on them, and they have responded in a very generous manner," she said.

Alumni , for whom the building is named, were honored at the groundbreaking ceremony. "Obviously, Nancy and I are deeply honored to be recognized by the naming of this building," said Tim Johnson, ABC News' longtime medical editor, and now, the network's senior medical contributor. "This honor goes way beyond the two of us, and as I look over the wonderful gathering and see so many familiar faces, I'm reminded of how much North Park has meant in my life, Nancy's life, and our life together. Truly this is an honor, and we're so thrilled to have our family and my grand-kids here for this day. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this very great honor," he told the crowd assembled for the groundbreaking.

Johnson holds degrees from North Park College and . Nancy Johnson was trained as a nurse at the School of Nursing, Chicago, including study in the sciences at North Park. Both have served the University in many ways, including Tim Johnson's recent role as co-chair of , which led fundraising for the new building and other University initiatives over the past three years. Construction of the Johnson Center is supported by a $42 million component of the campaign. David Helwig, campaign co-chair and chair of the University , thanked Johnson for his "tireless" work to make the building project a reality.  

Following the groundbreaking ceremony, supporters of Campaign North Park attended a reception in Hamming Hall and viewed a video about the building project. A concert in Anderson Chapel concluded the day's events.

É«ÇéÂÛ̳ is providing a live, continuous of the Johnson Center construction.

Faculty, students comment on historic building project

"It's awesome," said , chair of the University's Chemistry Department. "Over the past three weekends, I've had a chance to visit three different college campuses, and I was able to be in each of their science buildings. I'm convinced that what we're putting together here is as good, and actually a step ahead of, what they have in each of theirs. So, I'm very excited about it."

At least seven Chicago-area high school students who expressed an interest in science study at North Park accepted the University's invitation to attend the groundbreaking. Their visit included a personal meeting with Tim Johnson.

Current North Park students in other disciplines expressed excitement about the Johnson Center. Emily Rueping, a junior and major from Chicago, noted that the Johnson Center will provide "a common area" for students and faculty to interact. "That's something we really need. It will be very beneficial to students, faculty and others who will get to use it," she said.

"It was cool to see everyone come together and get excited about the new things going on at North Park. I love North Park, and I always think it's great when we're doing something to make the school better," said Kim Hanson, Sacramento, Calif., a junior major.

 


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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Learn about the of the Johnson Center project.

from the groundbreaking celebration.

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É«ÇéÂÛ̳ Honored for Community Service

É«ÇéÂÛ̳ Honored for Community Service

Honor Roll Service Award

University among 642 U.S. schools named to honor roll

CHICAGO (March 27, 2012) – É«ÇéÂÛ̳, Chicago, is among 642 U.S. colleges and universities named to the , which highlights the value of community service and achieving meaningful outcomes in their communities.

"To receive this award is another affirmation that our mission — to prepare students for lives of significance and service — is integrated into the fabric of the University," said , University provost. "It is recognition of the work of our students, staff, and faculty who labor without complaint as they give themselves as lights in the community."

The University has engaged in a variety of community service opportunities. It cited annual neighborhood service commitments and programs; regular involvement with the , a neighborhood food pantry; service by faculty and staff on boards of many neighborhood organizations where students also serve as interns; work in local tutoring programs; the work of the which offers classes to neighborhood nonprofit organizations; and students who serve in internships in the Albany Park neighborhood and throughout the city.

Specifically, the University highlighted three community service projects in its 2012 application:

  • Community Service Day: Since 2008, the University community has participated in various projects set up by the Urban Outreach program. In April 2011, nearly 300 people participated in 16 different service projects throughout the Albany Park neighborhood. In addition, the É«ÇéÂÛ̳ football team and soccer teams hosted free clinics for neighborhood children. Music students performed at as well as three local nursing homes. Volunteers baked cookies and collected clothing that was donated to a food shelter.
  • Global partnerships: Students are provided with opportunities for cross-cultural experiences that expand their faith, their views of the world, and their commitment to a lifestyle of justice while serving others in need. Each year about 150 students visit one of 11 partners to serve, build relationships, and learn from our partner organizations. Locations include Zambia, Thailand, India, Ecuador, Mexico, Alaska, New Orleans, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, É«ÇéÂÛ̳ has sent 12 groups of students to the Gulf Coast to help with demolition and rebuilding of small neighborhoods.
  • Peterson Tutoring Program: Since 1991 É«ÇéÂÛ̳ has been a partner in a tutoring program at , a neighborhood public school. More than 40 languages are spoken at the school. On a weekly basis, approximately 40-45 students serve as volunteers and are assigned one child every week for individual tutoring, the application said.

The honor roll was inspired by the thousands of college students who traveled across the country to support relief efforts along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, according to a news release from the (CNCS), which administers the honor roll.

Of the 642 colleges and universities recognized, 513 were named to the Honor Roll, 110 were named to the Honor Roll with distinction, 14 were identified as finalists, and five received the Presidential Award.

Honorees are chosen based on a series of selection factors, including the scope and innovation of service projects, the extent to which service-learning is embedded in the curriculum, the school’s commitment to long-term campus-community partnerships, and measurable community outcomes as a result of the service.


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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Explore how community and service shape North Park in the edition of the North Parker magazine.

Read more about North Park joining President .

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É«ÇéÂÛ̳ Alumna to Appear March 13 on Food Network Show

É«ÇéÂÛ̳ Alumna to Appear March 13 on Food Network Show

Academe chef Shanna O’Hea '94

Shanna Horner O’Hea ’94, will appear on the Food Network this month on its popular show, Chopped.

Academe chef Shanna O’Hea '94, to compete on Chopped

 

CHICAGO (March 12, 2012) – A É«ÇéÂÛ̳ alumna will appear on a popular show, , March 13 at 10:00 p.m. EDT/9:00 p.m. CDT. , is a 1994 graduate of the University and co-owner of the , with her husband, Brian.

Last summer, O’Hea headed to New York City to film the episode of Chopped. Titled "," the episode features such unexpected items as an Indian gourd, lutefisk and for dessert, Chinese sausage and baby eggplant. The format for the show includes four chefs competing in round one to create an appetizer featuring ingredients unveiled just before they begin to cook. Three chefs move on to round two to prepare an entrée with a new basket of ingredients, and the final round, the dessert round, reveals a winner.

"Plenty of Fish" will be repeated on the Food Network on March 14 at 1:00 a.m. EDT/12:00 a.m., CDT, and on March 22 at 9:00 p.m. EDT/8:00 p.m. CDT. Hosted by , Chopped is in its 11th season.

O’Hea won’t reveal the outcome but said, "I agreed to participate for the challenge; putting yourself out there in uncomfortable, hard situations helps in personal and professional growth, which is so important when owning your own business."

The O'Heas' restaurant was made famous by their , which was featured on the Food Network’s program, The Best Thing I Ever Ate.  In recent months, the O’Heas cooked at the , and this month, they will be guest chefs on a in the Caribbean.

The couple also contributed their culinary talents to the University’s at a 2011 national campaign event in Salem, Mass., preparing hors d’oeurves for friends of the University — including mini lobster potpies.

Academe is the restaurant of The Kennebunk Inn. The O'Heas draw on their culinary and artistic backgrounds to create enticing soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees served in an informal, brasserie-style setting. The original building of what is now The Kennebunk Inn was built as a private residence in 1799, less than 30 years after the founding of the Republic. The Inn has 18 guest rooms and eight family suites, and the O'Heas frequently host É«ÇéÂÛ̳ alumni and friends.

Information for the story was provided by Gillian Britt, gBritt PR, South Portland, Maine


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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Microwave System to Enhance É«ÇéÂÛ̳’s Chemistry Program

Microwave System to Enhance É«ÇéÂÛ̳'s Chemistry Program

microwave synthesis system

University chemistry students will be using the Discover SP system, funded by a grant and the University (CEM Corporation image).

Grant award enables equipment purchase, benefits 80 students

CHICAGO (March 14, 2012) – É«ÇéÂÛ̳ is adding a microwave synthesis system to its curriculum thanks to a $10,000 award from the 2012 Pittsburgh Conference Memorial National College Grants (PCMNCG) Program and other University funds. The new microwave system, to be used primarily in organic chemistry courses, will allow students to heat chemical compounds more efficiently, and significantly shorten the time required for laboratory experiments.

"Experiments done in hours are now going to be done in minutes, and it will widen the types of experiments the students can do in the lab," said Dr. Isabel Larraza, É«ÇéÂÛ̳ associate professor of chemistry. "The microwave reactor is now being considered a staple of modern organic labs. Our students will have a more in-depth learning experience, with efficient and current experiments that adhere to the principles of '.'"

Larraza's successful grant application was one of 13 chosen from 59 submitted to PCMNCG. She said about 80 chemistry students per year will use the , manufactured by , Matthews, N.C. The reactor just arrived and will be installed this week. The instrument has wider uses in other chemistry courses and in other disciplines, such as biology, Larraza said.

With the new microwave system, chemistry students will no longer heat flasks in the lab using older, less efficient methods such as or . Instead they will insert tubes with chemicals into the microwave system. The heat generated by the instrument will produce chemical reactions much quicker than before, with the added benefit of minimizing the production of byproducts and chemical waste. Students will also learn about modern microwave syntheses, and "use an emerging technology that is being adopted by industry and by the academy," Larraza said.

The University Chemistry Department has put considerable effort into modernizing its general chemistry laboratories by adding digital instrumentation and other resources, said Dr. Jonathan Rienstra-Kiracofe, professor of chemistry and department chair. "With Dr. Larraza's arrival at North Park this year, we have begun a similar effort to modernize our organic chemistry laboratory by adding new instrumentation and making our experiments 'greener.' The new microwave reactor is going to be the highlight of the laboratory – allowing our students to experience modern, green organic chemistry."

Dr. Isabel Larraza, in the University's organic chemistry lab, says the new microwave synthesis system is part of the Chemistry Department's 'green chemistry' practices.

Larraza does research in and is an advocate for green chemistry practices. The new microwave synthesis system is part of that effort. Green practices include such things as waste prevention, use of methods to minimize toxicity, using safer solvents, energy efficiency, and preventing accidents. This month, Larraza will present her research on microwave synthesis at the in San Diego, and in July, she will attend a green chemistry workshop at the University of Oregon, Eugene.

University chemistry students are aware the microwave system will soon be available in their labs. "They're very eager. They will be doing hands-on types of experiments," Larraza said.

Earlier this year, the É«ÇéÂÛ̳ Chemistry Department won a grant award from the , Chicago. Funds from that grant, combined with other University funds, were used to purchase a miniature , manufactured by picoSpin, LLC, Boulder, Colo. The University will be one of the first in the nation to have a miniature spectrometer for teaching and research purposes.


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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Site Preparation for É«ÇéÂÛ̳’s Johnson Center Underway

Site Preparation for É«ÇéÂÛ̳'s Johnson Center Underway

Demolition of campus apartments on Christiana Avenue prepares the way for the new Johnson Center for Science and Community Life.

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 É«ÇéÂÛ̳ 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 , É«ÇéÂÛ̳ 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 , É«ÇéÂÛ̳ 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 .

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for the Johnson Center and Campaign North Park.

from the demolition days.

of the building demolition.

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