91社区福利

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Book Announcement: Just Debt by Ilsup Ahn, Carl I. Lindberg Professor of Philosophy at 91社区福利

Baylor University Press to release on October 15, 2017.

Baylor University Press to publish聽Just Debt: Theology, Ethics, and Neoliberalism by聽Ilsup Ahn, Carl I. Lindberg Professor of Philosophy at 91社区福利 and Carnegie Council Global Ethics Fellow.

Dr. Ahn’s Profile

From the publisher:

“Debt鈥攑ersonal, corporate, governmental鈥攊s so pervasive in contemporary economies, with its moralistic logic nearly unquestioned. Debt鈥檚 necessity renders it morally neutral, absolving it of the dehumanizing effect it brings in unbridled financialization.

In Just Debt Ilsup Ahn explores ethical implications of the practice of debt. By placing debt in the context of anthropology, philosophy, economics, and the ethical traditions provided by the Abrahamic religions, Ahn holds that debt was originally a form of gift, a gift which was intended as a means to serve humanity. Debt, as gift, had moral ends. Since the late eighteenth century, however, debt has been reduced to an amoral economic tool, one separated from its social and political context. Ahn recovers an ethics of debt and its moral economy by rediscovering debt鈥檚 forgotten aspect鈥攖hat all debts entail unique human stories. Ahn argues that it is only in and by these stories that the justice of debt can be determined. In order for debt to be justly established, its story should be free from elements of exploitation, abuse, and manipulation and should conform to the principles of serviceability, payability, and shareability.

Although the contemporary global economy disconnects debt from its context, Ahn argues that debt must be firmly grounded in the world of moral values, social solidarity, and political resolution. By re-embedding debt within its moral world, Just Debt offers a holistic ethics of debt for a neoliberal age.”

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Announcement, StoriesTags , , ,

91社区福利 Cadaver Lab Opens Its Doors Bright and Early to All Interested Undergraduates

During the near-dawn hours, North Park鈥檚 Coordinator of Anatomical Resources Dr. Jeff Nelson leads visits to the Cadaver Lab鈥攁s early as 6:30 am.

Students have all different ways of starting their morning. Some with a cup of java or a work-out at Helwig Recreation Center or hitting snooze a couple of times. But for both the science-driven major as well as any student interested in anatomy, the morning starts with access to North Park鈥檚 Cadaver Lab.

Study in cadaver lab with Dr. Jeffrey Nelson

During the near-dawn hours, North Park鈥檚 Coordinator of Anatomical Resources Dr. Jeff Nelson leads visits to the Cadaver Lab鈥攁s early as 6:30 am. 鈥淭his time of day is perfect for students to openly converse which also sets the tone for professionalism,鈥� says Dr. Nelson.

Learning together early in the morning, when all is quiet on campus and classes have not yet started, distils distractions and focuses the learning experience on exploring anatomy. Supervised by Dr. Nelson, students meet two times a week and every three to four weeks where fellow students can see the work to-date and refresh their knowledge of anatomy. Dr. Nelson readily greets the groggy-eyed yet ready-to-learn undergrads from a variety of majors鈥攑sychology to art to health sciences鈥攐pening the doors into the world of anatomy where students learn by conversing, observing, handling, and exploring.

If a student is interested in optometry, they can study the eyes; if there鈥檚 an interest in physical therapy then they can look at the muscles. To keep track of the areas of the body already studied, students maintain their own logs. In the Cadaver Lab, it鈥檚 the students who are actually doing the work with the cadaver. 鈥淭here鈥檚 an element of discovery and mystery that鈥檚 experienced during these wee hours of the morning that gets students to start thinking about their interests and career path,鈥� says Dr. Nelson.

Dr. Nelson encourages students to have their own experience with anatomy. For many, being in the Cadaver Lab is about having their first patient experience and for others, it鈥檚 about what is yet-to-be-discovered. Modeling the peer-teaching style, students prepare to teach to their fellow classmates, a necessary skill developed in medical school.

91社区福利 is unique in having its own cadaver lab for undergraduate students. Located in the basement level of the state-of-the-art Johnson Center, the Cadaver Lab provides students with hands-on learning experiences found right here on campus. Before the Cadaver Lab existed on campus, students traveled to nearby hospitals such as Rush Medical Center to receive this sophisticated level of learning most often found in graduate schools.

鈥淣orth Park is fortunate to have the Cadaver Lab on campus and the students really enjoy expanding their knowledge and skills alongside their peers,鈥� remarks Dr. Nelson.

To participate in a Cadaver Lab session with Dr. Nelson, set your alarm and look for the sign-up sheet outside his office in the Johnson Center, room 020.

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Making the Most of Your Education: Kathleen Dillon C’11

Kathleen Dillion C’11, English literature alumna, shares about growing into her professional life and giving back to her community.

Kathleen Dillion, C'11, graduated with a degree in English Literature and minored in Politics and Government. She participated in multiple clubs and organizations including NPU Press, was Secretary of the Queers and Allies group, and was a member of both Sigma Tau Delta and Pi Sigma Alpha.

North Park will forever be the place where I met lifelong friends and mentors. It will also always represent challenge and growth for me. The most valuable lesson I learned at North Park is that your education, and your life in general, is what you make of it! Though I was a transfer student and rather shy, I put myself out there and made friends with whom I am even closer today.

I spent my first summer after graduation working for Shoreline Sightseeing downtown and having a wonderful time just enjoying living in the city. I then moved back to Michigan to begin a position as a substitute teacher. I had been unsure as to what was next for me and wanted to gauge my interest in returning to school for a teaching certificate. After taking on multiple paraprofessional roles, I decided that I would like to go back to school for a Master鈥檚 in English. I knew that I wanted to teach at the college-level. Loyola University Chicago, in Rogers Park, had a 鈥榯eaching track鈥� for their Master鈥檚 in English program.

I found a graduate assistantship as a Tutoring Coordinator with the TRIO Student Support Services program on campus鈥揂chieving College Excellence (ACE), which serves students who are the first in their family to go to college, have higher financial need, and/or have a documented disability. After graduating from Loyola, I went on to teach College Composition at College of Lake County, and Developmental Writing at North Park! It was so very interesting teaching in the same classroom in which I took so many of my undergraduate courses.

I later applied for a new Academic Counselor position ACE wrote into their grant. I got the job and have been with ACE as a full-time staff member for over a year now.聽I am the academic counselor and primary first and second year advisor for a group of about 70 students. I see myself as an advocate, ally, and, along with the rest of ACE, a support system for our students, who need guidance in navigating college life. I also teach two sections of UNIV 101, supervise a staff of ACE students who have trained to be peer mentors, and supervise the graduate assistant Tutoring Coordinator, my former position.

At North Park, because it鈥檚 small, students, staff, and faculty wear multiple hats鈥揑 can juggle multiple positions and projects because of my time at North Park and the opportunities I was given there. My time as a Writing Advisor, under the guidance of the great Carol Martin, gave me the experience I needed to work as an English Language Arts paraprofessional for at-risk students, which lead to Loyola鈥檚 English Master鈥檚 program and positions at TRIO.

My position with the North Park Press, political philosophy courses, and summer internship in D.C. prepared me for community organizing. I am now a Community Organizer in Rogers Park, am on the Steering Committee for our independent, progressive ward body, and am the Political Coordinator at the Heartland Cafe. This experience has been invaluable and I am putting my education and values into action.

One of the best things you can do, in my view, to give back to 91社区福利 is to go on and be a credit to the University鈥檚 mission. Are you a person of character, compassion, and common sense? Think through what it means to live a life of significance and service. It can feel like a corny line sometimes when you are in college, but I find myself reflecting on these values every day now. Folks who live lives of significance and service are so desperately needed in this world.

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Profile, StoriesTags , , ,

“Potential to Research, Develop, Explore”: Jorge Ortiz C’17

Jorge Oritz C’17, economics alumnus, shares about his experiences at North Park.

Alumni, Jorge Ortiz, describes why chose North Park.
"The student-faculty relationship is exceptional, and the staff are always helpful when you start any academic project."

One of Jorge Ortiz鈥檚 most memorable moments at North Park was the day he graduated. He walked in front of the procession carrying his home-country鈥檚 flag, the Ecuadorian colors flying ahead and above him on his way to the stage. 鈥淣orth Park is an institution that has a lot of potential if a student wants to research, develop, or explore; its diversity challenged my perspectives on many of my views.鈥� Jorge counts it a great accomplishment that he 鈥渟tudied and graduated in a foreign country in a foreign language.鈥�

Jorge enjoyed his time at North Park, involving himself in much of what the University has to offer students as far as extracurricular activities. He was president of the Economics Club, as well as a member of the executive team for the inaugural TEDx event held at North Park. Jorge also had this to say about the summer research program he participated in, 鈥渢he opportunity to do NPRESS with professor Gavoor, studying the relationship between the cost of goods sold and inventory, was one of my favorite opportunities at North Park.鈥�

Life after graduation has served Jorge well, landing a full-time position as a business developer executive at North Side Community Federal Credit Union just two weeks after commencement. Jorge credits North Park’s Career Development and Internships Office with helping him develop a strong resume and offering guidance through his job search. He plans to continue working for the next couple of years and starting graduate school in 2019. 鈥淚 explored a lot of economic theories at the University. This is a wonderful institution where I made friends for life, including professors who have become mentors.鈥�

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Presidential Search Committee Launches Online Survey

The committee that is conducting the search for the 10th president of 91社区福利 has created an online survey where interested members of the North Park constituency can share their opinions and reflections on the search.

CHICAGO (June 30, 2017) 鈥� The committee that is conducting the search for the 10th president of 91社区福利 has created an online survey where interested members of the North Park constituency can share their opinions and reflections on the search and on the University鈥檚 strengths and challenges. It will be available through July 31, 2017聽at

.

鈥淭he committee hopes that North Park alumni, faculty, students, and staff 鈥� and, in fact, anyone interested in the future of the University 鈥� will take 15 minutes to complete this survey,鈥� said Owen R. Youngman, chair of the committee and a member of the North Park Board of Trustees. 鈥淭he results will help us to set priorities for the search and to evaluate potential candidates.鈥�

As previously announced, the 15-person committee has been instructed to present a candidate to the full Board of Trustees by early 2018. Approval by the Board of the Trustees, the Executive Board of the Evangelical Covenant Church, and the Annual Meeting of the ECC will be required to call a successor to David L. Parkyn, who retired at the end of June.

Results of the survey will be published in late August on the committee鈥檚 Web site, .

More about the Presidential Search

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Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management at 91社区福利 Hosts Annual Conference: “Focus on the Important”

Axelson Center hosted nearly 130 attendees representing Chicagoland nonprofit organizations at its 鈥淔ocus on the Important鈥� conference.

Nonprofit Professionals Receive Advice from Chicagoland鈥檚 Major Funders

CHICAGO, June 13, 2017鈥�Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management at 91社区福利 hosted nearly 130 attendees representing Chicagoland nonprofit organizations at its 鈥淔ocus on the Important鈥� conference. The engagement-themed agenda鈥攑acked with practical tips on getting the most out of human capital, the importance of relationship-building, and collecting the right kind of data for sound decision making鈥攆eatured an entrepreneurial keynote speaker, moderators, and funders.

Keynote speaker Jacob Harold, President and CEO of GuideStar is a social change strategist, grantmaker, and author. Attendees absorbed best practices on collecting and utilizing data while Jacob lectured on 鈥淒ata Scaffolding for Philanthropy 鈥� Information and the Marketplace for Good.鈥�

Lisa Brown Alexander, President and CEO of Nonprofit HR followed with a session on employee retention; she offered strategies for leaders to keep employees engaged.

The afternoon panel, 鈥淒o Funders have a Secret Sauce?鈥� was facilitated by James Parsons, President of The Brinson Foundation. Engaging discussions ensued from panelists:

  • Sandra Aponte, Program Officer at The Chicago Community Trust
  • Donald A. Cooke, Senior Vice President for Philanthropy at the McCormick Foundation
  • Robin Steans, Executive Director of Advance Illinois and Board Chair of the Steans Family Foundation.

The funders participated in a lively conversation about a range of topics, from the nature of the funder/grantee relationship to the role of foundations in addressing the budget woes in Illinois. They fielded questions during the Q&A on trends for grant opportunities, elements of successful collaborations, and views about sustainability.

The 鈥淎sk a Funder鈥� sessions held at day鈥檚 end provided attendees with brief appointments to speak with funding representatives, including:

  • The Brinson Foundation
  • The Chicago Community Trust
  • Chicago Foundation for Women
  • Community Memorial Foundation
  • JPMorgan Chase
  • Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation
  • Springboard Foundation

Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management at 91社区福利 hosts conferences, workshops, custom trainings, and a BootCamp for New Nonprofit CEOs that offer learning and networking opportunities. The mission of the Center is to enhance the performance and effectiveness of organizations and individuals in the nonprofit sector through education, service, and resources.

North Park is Chicago鈥檚 city-centered, Christian University.

 

 

 

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Student Blog: Traversing Taiwan

This is a student blog post submitted by Leah Emerson C’18. Leah is a Psychology and Advertising double major.

This is a student blog post submitted by Leah Emerson C’18. Leah is a Psychology and Advertising double major. Pictures featured in this post were taken by Leah.聽

For as long as I can remember, a goal of mine has been to visit all seven continents before I die. When it came to Asia, my first thoughts were always things like, 鈥淚鈥檇 love to see Thailand,鈥� or, 鈥淗ong Kong would be amazing.鈥� I knew that Taiwan was a country, but it has never been a country that crossed my mind when I thought of the places I wanted to visit. Not because Taiwan wasn鈥檛 interesting or worth my time, but because I just didn鈥檛 know enough about it. Yet, here I am writing about my first experience in Asia that took place in鈥攜ou guessed it鈥擳aiwan! Life is a funny thing.

A family get into a green minivan on the side of the road bordering the dense green vegetation.

The context of the trip is a Keystone course offered by 91社区福利 entitled 鈥淐ulture and Ecology of Asia.鈥� The course is exactly as it sounds. It is two weeks long and focuses on teaching students of all backgrounds about the culture鈥攃ustoms, societal norms, food, etc鈥攁nd the ecology鈥攍iving organisms and their surrounding鈥攐f Asia, and more specifically of Taiwan. The trip was led by Dr. Timothy Lin and Dr. Linda Vick鈥擠r. Lin specializes in the more 聽cultural aspect of the trip, as he is a Taiwanese native, and Dr. Vick specializing in the ecological aspect鈥攖eaching us about the unique organisms and living things in this unfamiliar part of the world.

This trip was more than just a class where we gained factual knowledge. It was an experience that we got to make our own. Throughout the two weeks we were there, we did more than sight-seeing. We did things that pushed us beyond what we are accustomed to which gave us the opportunity to see and experience the world, and engage with people in a way we didn鈥檛 know possible.

my biggest take away from this trip was this: mindset is everything

We spent one day at Tunghai University, North Park鈥檚 Taiwanese partner school. During our stay at the University, each of us were paired 聽with a Taiwanese student from the university, and we spent the whole day with them. We talked with them and compared our lives, cultures, experiences, and so much more. It was things like that, having simple conversations, which really opened 聽our minds and created great learning experiences鈥攁nd many new friendships!

One of my favorite parts of the trip was traveling to the countryside of Taiwan and seeing all the rice fields. While we were there, we had the chance to eat dinner in a Taiwanese family鈥檚 home. The father was previously a professional chef in Taipei (the largest city in Taiwan), but due to health reasons, he and his family had to leave and move elsewhere. They decided they wanted to live a simple life, so they moved to the countryside and began farming. While in their home, he prepared somewhere between 8-10 courses for us to enjoy, all of which were grown and farmed locally, and his two little daughters and his wife served us the food. Afterwards, he came out of the kitchen and spoke with us (in Mandarin鈥擠r. Lin translated). He told us his story and answered questions we had. It was such an incredible and special experience, and the food was even better!

As much as I learned in the two weeks, my biggest take away from this trip was this: mindset is everything. It plays a crucial role when it comes to our outlooks on life. I left on this trip challenging myself to keep an open mind, and a willingness to try new things. I came home two weeks later with an entirely new perspective. That open-mindedness ultimately opened up my world. This hands-on learning experience allowed me to learn things about the world, myself, and others that I wouldn鈥檛 have learned otherwise; for that I am thankful.

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Student Blog: Tales of the Sea, Bahamas Biology Trip 3

This is a student blog post submitted by Rachel Weaver C’19. Rachel is transfer student majoring in Biology.

This is a student blog post submitted by Rachel Weaver C’19. Rachel is transfer student majoring in Biology.

After months of anticipation, we are finally in San Salvador, The Bahamas!! This all started in the Johnson Center at 91社区福利. The first part of our Marine Biology course was spent in the classroom where we got to know each other and the marine creatures we are spending so much time with. We learned about different species of fish, coral, and invertebrates and how to recognize them in the field (don鈥檛 touch the bearded fireworms!). We practiced identifying the Caribbean fish at Chicago鈥檚 own Shedd Aquarium to test our abilities. In the Shedd鈥檚 Caribbean Reef Tank we got a glimpse of many of fish we had been studying in depth within the classroom; we were impressed by how much we could recall after such a short time.

If we thought fish identification skills were hard, picking out our snorkeling gear and choosing which colors we wanted was even tougher. With this difficult decision made, we used our new gear well in advance of the trip, practicing our snorkeling skills in a local pool. We developed the myriad skills needed to snorkel successfully and safely, including surface dives and mastering breathing through our mouths instead of our noses (it sounds easier than it is . . . try it for an hour straight).

Those who were feeling adventurous took the opportunity to become certified to scuba dive down to 60 feet deep. Getting certified was exciting and only took two weekends to complete. Our first open water dive took place in the 50 degree waters of Haigh Quarry, also affectionately called the 鈥淐aribbean of the Midwest鈥�; fitting for our future travel plans. Fortunately, we were in the real Caribbean within a week, where the waters are much warmer (80 degrees), the sun is hotter, and the aquatic life is more diverse. We will get to use our scuba skills toward the end of our trip.

The Marine Biology course is one of the many field courses available at North Park. What鈥檚 a better way to learn marine biology than to see the real deal? Here at North Park, not only is Chicago our classroom, but so is the world.

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Student Blog: Scooting Around San Salvador, Bahamas Biology Trip 2

This is a student blog post submitted by Leslie Nelson C’19. Leslie is a Biology major.

This is a student blog post submitted by Leslie Nelson C’19. Leslie is a Biology major.

Over these past two days through these experiences and countless others, our team was more excited than ever to see what San Salvador had in store for us.

Upon arrival at our home for the trip, the Gerace Research Centre (GRC) on the island of San Salvador, we once again encountered Bahamian island time contrasted with the military-style scheduling of GRC. At GRC, meals run like clockwork at specified times, no exceptions. If you show up too late for a meal, you won鈥檛 be eating. Further, there are other specific times such as quiet hours as well as the return of GRC vehicles. All this precise timing facilitates smooth function, courtesy, and even safety (many vehicles lack working headlights, wipers, speedometers, doors that latch shut, and other 鈥渦nnecessary鈥� luxuries). Additionally, the GRC guests are mostly scientists from around the western hemisphere with multiple research foci; strict schedules allow for better coordination across campus. Passing through the gate of the GRC puts you in a different temporal space than the laid-back style of the islanders, who never seem to be in a rush or even on a specific schedule.

Further, there seems to be a more welcoming attitude on the Bahamian islands than you would find in many US cities. This is most apparent while traveling the roads. Driving up to GRC following our arrival on San Salvador, we were told by the campus director to wave as cars pass each other on the Queens Highway, the one road around the island. Waving is part of the culture here on the island, as everyone knows each other and therefore there is an almost obligatory friendliness. Perhaps it is because everyone on the island is family, in some sense.

On Nassau, as well as San Salvador, honking on the road is more of a friendly 鈥榟ello鈥� than an annoyed 鈥榳hat do you think you are doing?鈥�

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