Leman, a North Park graduate and psychologist recognized for his many books and media appearances, contrasted people who pursue excellence with those who chase after perfection. Pursuers of excellence set attainable goals and are open to learning how to improve, Leman said. Perfectionists, he added, seek non-attainable goals and cannot stand any criticism.
By accepting their own imperfections, people can avoid becoming Pharisees, of which there are plenty, Leman said. “The Pharisees are alive and well,” he declared. “They can find a flaw at 40 paces.”
“Aren’t you glad you worship a God of grace?” Leman asked. “You and I are always going to be imperfect.”
He added, “Can you be a better Christian?” before acknowledging he had asked a trick question. “That’s like asking can you be a better pregnant.” He went on to explain that we are what we are, and God accepts and loves us as we are.
Leman’s message concluded four days of homecoming festivities that, if not perfect, proved to be excellent.
The university honored the pursuit of excellence during the annual banquet. Mike Wickham (Class of 1997), assistant to the vice president of scouting and development for the San Diego Padres, was honored as the Up & Coming Young Alumnus. Claudia Freed (Class of 1985), executive director of Education Assistance Ltd., was honored with the Distinguished Alum Award.
Both of the recipients praised North Park for preparing them for future success. “North Park opened doors for me,” Wickham said.
Freed arrived in the United States as a high school exchange student and was able to speak little English. Thanks to a scholarship that enabled her to attend North Park, she has been recognized nationally, including in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal for her business acumen.
“This place embraced me, and it gave me a life of significance and service,” Freed said at the homecoming banquet on Saturday night. “North Park allowed me to find out what my gifts are.”
Earlier in the day, the school held its second annual block party (accompanying photos), which attracted more than 3,000 people. “We were ecstatic,” says Rick Yngve, director of alumni. “We had a lot of participation, not just from the alumni, but also from the current students and the community.”
The party featured music, carnival games, barbecue, and booths representing different campus groups. Yngve says he looks forward to expanding the event as North Park further strengthens bonds with the community and introduces more people in the neighborhood to the quality education and opportunities the university offers.
The athletic teams struggled during the weekend. A bright spot was the women’s rowing team. The women’s novice eight-person crew won their event at the third annual North Shore Channel Challenge, which was held in suburban Skokie. The women’s varsity four-person crew finished second of seven crews in their event.
The event marked the third consecutive year that North Park co-hosted the regatta with Northwestern University. Washington University and Michigan State Club Rowing also participated in the event.
Members of the women’s novice eight-person crew include Maya Munson, Michelle Benisek, Kara Bladel, Kaela Rigterink, Meghan Current, Becca Masterjohn, Liz Hille, Catherine Swanson and coxswain Rabecca Orwitz.
“We have never had such a large novice group as this, and they have never been as well prepared for this first event as they were this year,” stated head coach Tim Grant. “Credit goes to our novice coach Alli Koubsky for really getting these women ready to fight.”
