Notable Alumni of North Park University: Leaders, Achievers, and Changemakers

Founded in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church, North Park University has a rich history of fostering intellectual curiosity, spiritual growth, and a commitment to service. Located in the heart of Chicago, this private Christian university has produced a diverse array of alumni who have made significant contributions to their respective fields and communities. North Park prides itself on its deep Christian roots and its commitment to providing a world-class education in the liberal arts, professional studies, and theology. From groundbreaking research to artistic innovation to impactful leadership, North Park alumni continue to embody the university's motto: "In Thy Light Shall We See Light," preparing students for lives of significance and service.

A Foundation for Success: The North Park Experience

North Park University believes in the power of a solid foundation, which is why the core curriculum is comprised of a significant number of vital courses. NPU’s Core Curriculum is woven into each student’s academic career so that everyone may address human engagement, the arts, culture, and faith. The NPU Core is designed to graduate students who are “adaptive, creative, and critical thinkers”-the kind of people employers are looking for. The Core includes Foundations (basic literacies, skills, values), Explorations (finding connections across disciplines), and Keystone (connecting Foundations and Explorations) courses.

The Cornerstone Seminar, a pillar of the curriculum, is designed to emphasize critical thinking while enhancing skills in written communication. Crux is a living-learning cohort in which first-year students are inspired to develop their identity in Christ while experiencing the city. Coursework, experiential learning, mentorship, and discipleship training comprise the Crux experience, earning students college credit while living and learning within an on-campus cohort. NPU offers a summer program partnership in which faculty and students propose a research project to take place throughout the summer. Students who participate are paid for a full-time job while also receiving on-campus housing. Exceptional students who seek to get more from their college experience are encouraged to apply to North Park’s honors program. Honors Congress incorporates both classroom and co-curricular activities during all four years of study, challenging students to take risks, deepen their faith, and provide dedicated service to their community. North Park’s COMPASS program helps first-year students get all their “firsts” under their belt. The nine-day program prepares students through academics, awareness, and assessment.

Through Catalyst 606, North Park University provides unique outlets through which to promote hands-on learning, community engagement, and real-world engagement. Those who participate can take afternoon courses that require them to use the city of Chicago as their classroom, applying the theory they learn in the classroom to real problems affecting the Chicago community. Every North Park student, regardless of major, is required to succeed in a writing-intensive curriculum. A key mission of North Park University is to support and guide students to be their best, whole self. North Park University believes that life outside the classroom is an equally important part of the college experience. The Lighthouse Cohort Program is an annual scholarship program for first-generation college students that invites a cohort of ten first-year, first-generation students to take part in academic, social, and service events alongside each other and their dedicated faculty. Students can participate in a variety of student run organizations. North Park University believes student involvement in university affairs is not only wonderful, but essential. Another way North Park sustains a vibrant campus is through the Campus Activities Board. CAB coordinates campus-wide events and programs that foster a sense of community across the student body. An integral part of the North Park experience is derived from its location in one of the most vibrant cities in the world. At North Park, the city of Chicago is at students’ fingertips. Located in the growingly diverse zip code 60625, NPU offers students the chance to learn and appreciate the nuances of the world’s people.

As part of their Core Curriculum, Junior and Senior North Park students enroll in Keystone Courses, which are designed to help them direct what they have studied to their future goals. NPU knows that it’s critical for Career Development to engage students as early as possible. At orientation and through students’ first semester, North Park familiarizes students with the Career Development Center’s offerings and how they can make it a regular resource for their academic careers.

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Notable Alumni Across Disciplines

North Park University has a long and distinguished history of producing graduates who have excelled in a wide range of fields. Here are some notable alumni who have made significant contributions in their respective areas:

Arts and Entertainment

TimTheTatman: A popular American live streamer and YouTube personality, Timothy John Betar, better known as TimTheTatman, has gained a large following for his gaming content and engaging personality.
Nancy Faust: As the former stadium organist for Major League Baseball's Chicago White Sox, Nancy Faust entertained fans for nearly 40 years, beginning in 1976. Her innovative use of the organ to play popular songs and create humorous sound effects made her a beloved figure at Comiskey Park.

Music

The Bienen School of Music is proud of all of its alumni.

Dr. David L. Brunner: Acclaimed as one of today’s most active and versatile conductors and composers. His wide and varied expertise embraces all ages in professional, university, public school, community, church and children’s choruses. Dr. Brunner is Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Central Florida, where he conducts the University Chorus and Chamber Singers, teaches courses in conducting and music education, and coaches composition students.
Dr. Julia Davids: Enjoys a thriving career as a versatile musician. Dr. Davids has been Music Director of the North Shore Choral Society. She is the Stephen J. Hendrickson Endowed Chair of Choral Activities at North Park University, Chicago, where she directs the choirs and teaches conducting and music education. Dr. Davids has been the Artistic Director of the Canadian Chamber Choir.
Dr. David Dickau: Is a choral conductor and composer residing in Mankato, Minnesota where he has served as Director of Choral Activities at Minnesota State University, Mankato since 1991, conducting the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers and teaching conducting and composition. He recently received the Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award from his university.
Dr. Rollo Dilworth: Teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in choral music education and serves as conductor of the University Chorale at Temple University. Prior to his appointment at Temple, Dr. Dilworth was Director of Choral Activities and Music Education at North Park University, Chicago. More than 150 of his choral compositions and arrangements have been published, in addition to multiple books to which he has contributed or authored. Dr. Dilworth is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Chorus America.
Dr. Cheryl Frazes Hill: Has served as Head of Music Education and Director of Choral Activities at Chicago College of Performing Arts, where she conducts the Conservatory Chorus. An award winning educator, Dr. Frazes Hill teaches, advises and manages the preparation of music education students in coursework for certification in instrumental, choral and general music education grades K-12. Dr. Frazes Hill holds the position of Associate Conductor of the Chicago Symphony Chorus where she has assisted Margaret Hillis and Duain Wolfe.
Paul French: Has worked in parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago, and in 2001 he was named music director at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. He served as Music Director of the William Ferris Chorale, in that time establishing it on the professional choral scene as the premier ensemble for breathing life into works of lesser-known and living composers. He has received critical acclaim for his performances with the William Ferris Chorale in concert as well as for his recordings with them on the Cedille label.
Josephine Lee: Has served as artistic director of the Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir), and was appointed president. Through her vision and leadership, the Choir has become a civic treasure and cultural icon. Ms. Lee has solidified longstanding partnerships with Chicago’s renowned arts institutions, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera, and Ravinia Festival, and has expanded the Choir’s artistic breadth through celebrated collaborations with the finest theater and dance organizations. In 2002, Chorus America named Ms. Lee the first Robert Shaw Conducting Fellow.
Andrew Lewis: Is artistic director of Bella Voce, music director of the Elgin Choral Union, founder and artistic director of The Janus Ensemble, a professional chamber orchestra specializing in Baroque and new music, Choirmaster at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Evanston, and is on the conducting faculty at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is also artistic director emeritus of the Lutheran Choir of Chicago and formerly taught conducting at DePaul University.
Dr. André J. Thomas: Is a Visiting Professor of Conducting and Interim Conductor of the Yale Camerata. Thomas is an Emeritus Professor of Music at Florida State University. He previously served as a faculty member at the University of Texas, Austin. Dr. Thomas has conducted choirs at the state, division, and national conventions of the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) and American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). Since 1988, he has also served as Artistic Director of the Tallahassee Community Chorus. Dr. Thomas has also distinguished himself as a composer/arranger, published by Hinshaw Music Company, Mark Foster Music Company, Fitzsimons Music Company, Lawson Gould, Earthsongs, Choristers Guild, and Heritage Music Company.
Dr. Anne Tomlinson: Is Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, conducting the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers; she is responsible for the educational and artistic development of the Chorus. She is also Children’s Chorus Mistress for Los Angeles Opera, where she has prepared children for major operatic works. She has also prepared children’s choirs for Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale on numerous occasions.

Public Service and Government

James R. Thompson: As the 37th governor of Illinois, James Robert Thompson Jr. served from 1977 to 1991, making him the state's longest-serving governor. His tenure was marked by efforts to improve the state's economy and infrastructure.
Greg Dolezal: Currently serving as the Georgia state senator for the 27th district in Cumming, Georgia, Gregory Robert Dolezal is an American politician.

Social Sciences and Academia

Kathryn J. Edin: An American sociologist and professor of sociology and public affairs at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University, Kathryn J. Edin specializes in the study of people living on welfare. Two of her books are Making ends meet: how single mothers survive welfare and low-wage work, and Promises I can keep: why poor women put motherhood before marriage.
Theodore Wilbur Anderson: Enrolled in North Park University In 1937 graduated with associate degree. An American mathematician and statistician who specialized in the analysis of multivariate data.

Athletics

Michael Edward "Mike" Harper: An American former professional basketball player who played for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1980 to 1982. North Park has had a successful men's basketball program. It has won five men's NCAA Men's Division III Basketball Championships since 1978, including three consecutive ones led by Michael Harper.
Denny Keizer: Keizer went on to star at North Park University on the north side of Chicago (two-time All-Conference selection in the CCIW) finishing his career as the 9th leading scorer in school history (1377 points) and was inducted into the Viking Hall Of Fame class of 2019, while there he earned a BA with a major in Physical Education and a minor in Health.

Military Service

Arthur W. Wermuth: Dubbed the "One-Man Army of Bataan," Arthur William Wermuth Jr. was a United States Army officer during World War II and a prisoner of war from April 1942 until August 1945.

Ministry and Missions

Paul Carlson: Paul E. Carlson was an American physician and medical missionary who served in Wasolo, a town in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He originated from Rolling Hills Covenant Church in Southern California, which is a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church denomination. He was killed in 1964 by rebel insurgents after being falsely accused of being an American spy. Cannon’s extensive education and experience guide her as the executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP). From Dominus Flevit Church, she expressed her gratitude for the recognition and her transformational time at NPTS.

Honoring Alumni Achievements: The Distinguished Alumni Awards

Every year, North Park recognizes alumni who lead lives representing the mission and spirit of the University. The university presents several awards to honor alumni achievements in various categories:

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Distinguished Academy Alumni Award: Honors alumni of North Park Academy who have achieved significant accomplishments professionally and who have lived a life that is in keeping with the core values and mission of North Park University.
Distinguished University Alumni Award: Given each year to an individual who has achieved significant accomplishments professionally and who has lived a life that is in keeping with the core values and mission of North Park University.
Distinguished Seminary Alumni Award: Bestowed each year to an individual who has made significant contributions in their field while living a life reflective of the core values and mission of North Park Theological Seminary.
Distinguished Young Alumni Award: Given to a recent graduate of North Park University in honor of early professional achievement and community involvement.
Distinguished Senior Alumni Award: Given to graduates from the undergraduate programs at the spring honors convocation.

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