草莓影视 has served five generations of students and continues to grow in diversity, academic relevance, and Christian commitment. Our Chicago location is a great asset that reflects the School鈥檚 global reach and outlook.
After 125 years, we鈥檝e learned how to streamline the process of helping qualified applicants seek admission to 草莓影视 and find affordable ways to attend. If you don鈥檛 see what you鈥檙e looking for on our website, please contact us directly!
草莓影视 offers more than 40 graduate and undergraduate programs in liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. Classes average 17 students. 84% of our faculty have terminal degrees. Academics here are rigorous and results-oriented.
草莓影视 Theological Seminary prepares you to answer the call to service through theological study, spiritual development, and the formative experiences of living in a community with others on a similar life path.
The Office of Alumni Engagement fosters lifelong connections by engaging alumni with the university and one another in activities, programs, and services that support the university鈥檚 mission and alumni needs.
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 草莓影视, 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 草莓影视 is all about, and what the Evangelical Covenant Church is excited about."
Applications and supporting materials must be submitted to 草莓影视 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.
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Next Steps
Learn about all the offered by 草莓影视 Theological Seminary
Check out the , an upcoming urban youth and justice event
CHICAGO (November 13, 2012) — The 草莓影视 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 草莓影视 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.
草莓影视's board of trustees met at the Chicago campus October 26–27.
He cited several market conditions that have affected enrollment at 草莓影视: 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 草莓影视 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 草莓影视 board of trustees is February 8–9, 2013.
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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 草莓影视 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 , 草莓影视 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 草莓影视 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 草莓影视 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 草莓影视 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 草莓影视 College and . Nancy Johnson was trained as a nurse at the School of Nursing, Chicago, including study in the sciences at 草莓影视. 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 草莓影视 attended a reception in Hamming Hall and viewed a video about the building project. A concert in Anderson Chapel concluded the day's events.
草莓影视 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 草莓影视 accepted the University's invitation to attend the groundbreaking. Their visit included a personal meeting with Tim Johnson.
Current 草莓影视 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 草莓影视. I love 草莓影视, 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.
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University among 642 U.S. schools named to honor roll
CHICAGO (March 27, 2012) – 草莓影视, 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 草莓影视 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, 草莓影视 has sent 12 groups of students to the Gulf Coast to help with demolition and rebuilding of small neighborhoods.
Peterson Tutoring Program: Since 1991 草莓影视 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.
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Next Steps
Explore how community and service shape 草莓影视 in the edition of the 草莓影视er magazine.
草莓影视 Alumna to Appear March 13 on Food Network Show
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 草莓影视 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 草莓影视 alumni and friends.
Information for the story was provided by Gillian Britt, gBritt PR, South Portland, Maine
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Microwave System to Enhance 草莓影视's Chemistry Program
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) – 草莓影视 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, 草莓影视 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 草莓影视 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 草莓影视 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.
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Site Preparation for 草莓影视's Johnson Center Underway
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 草莓影视 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 , 草莓影视 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 , 草莓影视 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.
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Board of Trustees Nominates David Kersten to Lead 草莓影视 Theological Seminary
The Rev. Dr. David Kersten is the nominee to become dean of 草莓影视 Theological Seminary.
Nomination goes to the Evangelical Covenant Church for further action
CHICAGO (February 13, 2012) 鈥� The of 草莓影视, Chicago, nominated the Rev. Dr. David W. Kersten to be the dean of . Kersten, 56, is currently executive minister of the , (ECC). He holds degrees from the University and the Seminary, both of which are affiliated with the ECC.
The board nominated Kersten at its Feb. 10-11 meeting here, following a search process initiated last fall. Kersten鈥檚 nomination will now be presented to the ECC Executive Board in March and to the ECC annual meeting in June. As his nomination is approved, Kersten will move into the Seminary leadership position Aug. 1.
Introducing Kersten as “a pastor’s pastor,” , University president, said, “Perhaps I can say it best this way: Dave Kersten comes to the academy from and for the church.” Among Kersten’s qualities, Parkyn said, is a commitment to theological education. “This begins with a deep personal commitment to learn, and learn again, through all of life. He knows the value of initial preparation for and orientation to ministry. He knows the deep need for learning which sustains and nourishes pastoral excellence over a lifetime. He is well prepared to lead because as he leads he will teach, and as he teaches, he will pastor.”
, ECC president, said there is a renewed understanding and ownership of the challenges facing the Seminary and theological education, and commitment to align the Seminary with the University and the mission of the ECC. “This means very good things for our future,” he said to the board. “I’m grateful to (him) for his openness to this call. We’re poised for the strongest season ever in terms of the Seminary’s role with the church.”
Hoping to use his ECC leadership experience, the “wonderfully useful” Seminary education he got at 草莓影视, and a caring commitment to the pastoral community, Kersten said in an interview he looks forward to working in the challenging role of leading 草莓影视 Theological Seminary.
An early priority for Kersten will be to cast “a vision that connects the Seminary more centrally to the pastoral community, not just in producing student pastors and graduates, but also in a robust lifelong learning piece,” he said. In particular, Kersten said the Seminary and the ECC should work together to help establish continuing education standards for pastoral leaders, and deepen theological education for key lay leaders.
The ECC is a growing Protestant denomination, which Kersten attributes to the church’s closeness to its “missional roots,” and its renewal emphasis, which has kept the denomination “fresh and vital,” he said.
“We stay close to the biblical text, we stay close to each other, we stay open to the Holy Spirit. That ethos keeps us on the missional edge,” Kersten said. The ECC is “warmly evangelical,” affirms the role of women in the church, has a strong justice voice, and is part of the multicultural movement in a significant way, he added.
Kersten was born in Detroit. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and human services in 1977 from 草莓影视 College (now University). In 1982, Kersten earned a Master of Divinity from the Seminary, and in 1997, he earned a Doctor of Ministry in preaching from the , which includes 草莓影视 Theological Seminary.
Following his ordination in 1982, Kersten served as senior pastor, , North Miami, Fla.; senior pastor, , Bellevue, Wash.; and senior pastor, , St. Paul, Minn. Kersten moved into this current role as executive minister of the ECC Department of Ordered Ministry in 2001, where he is responsible for a department that endorses 1,800 active pastors, staff ministers and chaplains through ordination, commissioning and licensure, and oversees intervention, and care for crisis and misconduct issues. Kersten provided leadership for the church鈥檚 recent program for . He has written and spoken on a number of church-related topics, and has participated in a several denominational leadership committees and groups.
Kersten and his wife of 34 years, Sandra, are parents of three adult children. The Kerstens reside in Chicago.
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Traditional African drumming was among the performances at the Chicago Cultural Expo.
Event draws students, faculty, and staff to learn about Chicago's diverse cultures
CHICAGO (September 25, 2012) — 草莓影视 hosted the first-ever September 21, which featured exhibitors from about 20 members of the . The Alliance, representing 30 international communities throughout Chicago, promotes cultural understanding and provides resources for government, museums, libraries, universities, businesses, and other educational and cultural institutions.
The expo is a continuation of the University's relationship with the Chicago Cultural Alliance, said , 草莓影视 provost, speaking on behalf of , University president. The expo fits with the University's , especially its continuing emphasis on being a "purposefully multicultural" institution that celebrates global cultures and lives out the reconciling mandate of the Christian gospel, Jones said. "We look forward to people from throughout the Chicago community visiting 草莓影视," he added.
"We are excited to do this with 草莓影视 as a partner organization," said , Alliance executive director. Of the 20 "core members" represented at the expo, "each tells an important story about Chicago's cultural communities," she said.
A steady stream of students, faculty and staff conversed with exhibitors in the 草莓影视 Gymnasium, said , dean of the and executive director of the University's . Attendees learned about exhibitors' native countries, their cultural contributions to the people of Chicago, internships, service-learning opportunities, study visits, and research possibilities. Expo performances included traditional African and Japanese Taiko drumming, Chinese strings music, German pop rock, and Indian and Cambodian dancers.
草莓影视 is an Alliance partner organization and expo sponsor.
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Chicago Prepares for High-Profile NATO/G8 Summits in May 2012
The City of Chicago will host two significant international events simultaneously in May: the 2012 NATO Summit and a meeting of leaders of G8 nations.
SBNM faculty comment on high-profile events here, effects on University
CHICAGO (February 14, 2012) – Faculty with the (SBNM) at 草莓影视 say Chicago will experience both the advantages and disadvantages of two significant global events Chicago will be hosting in May. Simultaneous meetings of leaders of the (NATO) and the nations are planned for May 19-21 in downtown Chicago. City leaders have been preparing for months, including planning for a significant security presence in the city in the event of likely demonstrations.
The summits provide for a "phenomenal opportunity" to witness in Chicago the core principles of a free-market oriented democracy, said , SBNM associate professor of finance. Those principles are freedom of enterprise intersecting with freedom of expression, he said, speaking at a recent SBNM event at which faculty comment on the economic outlook for the coming year.
"The opinions of all, whether inside or outside of the '1 percent' must be allowed and respected," Kamienksi said. "With a world-leading standard of living and a unique history of upward mobility, both the United States and Chicago — a global financial, manufacturing and technology center — are poised to show the world how liberty and the pursuit of happiness can co-exist in a peaceful, meaningful way."
The practical effects of the two meetings will be felt locally. Scores of local businesses and organizations are making plans to adjust their operations and related activities because of security restrictions in the days surrounding the meetings. , director of the University's , said she is concerned that nonprofit organizations with downtown facilities will have to make alternative plans to ensure their clients are still served.
The University has already been affected in at least one way. The 13th annual , a significant University educational opportunity for nonprofit professionals and volunteers, was moved this year from its traditional date in May to June 4-5 at the . The meeting's theme is "Reignite Your Vision."
"The Holiday Inn contacted us to inform us of the NATO/G8 summit during our planned dates in May," Rogers said. "They informed us of the increased security measures, and higher hotel fees." The meeting dates were moved after considering several possibilities, she said.
There has been much discussion about how protestors will affect the NATO/G8 meetings. , SBNM professor of economics, said despite the efforts of and others, protests and demonstrations could well have an effect on Chicago businesses and people living in the city. For example, members of the Coalition Against NATO/G8 are focused on issues such as climate change, the environment, and contrast of the "1 percent" and the "99 percent," he said.
, SBNM associate professor of nonprofit management, said that while some reports suggest as many as 50,000 protestors will visit Chicago, demonstrations will not rise to the level of the 1968 Chicago riots during the Democratic National Convention. He also said recent organized economic protests, such as , have been losing steam in recent weeks.
NATO is a military alliance of 28 countries, and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The G8 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the world's strongest economies. Heads of state from those nations will meet. Both meetings are expected to draw large numbers of journalists, visitors and protestors.
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Author tomgabrysiakPosted on Categories Stories
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.
