The naming is intended to honor three Hawkinson families who contributed much over the years not only to the university, but also North Park Theological Seminary and the Evangelical Covenant Church.
The house at one time was the home of James and Alyce Hawkinson – Jim served for many years as executive director of the former Covenant Publications department (now Covenant Communications) and as editor of The Covenant Companion. At the time Hawkinson retired, the university acquired the house to serve as the official residence of university presidents.
Hawkinson’s parents, Eric G. and Lydia Hawkinson, lived just a block away on Christiana Avenue. Eric served as dean of the seminary for many years and was known throughout the Covenant.
Hawkinson’s brother and wife, Zenos E. and Barbara Hawkinson, lived a few doors south, also on Spaulding Avenue. Zenos was a beloved professor of history at the university – an award for excellence in teaching at the university bears his name.
“I am personally delighted that North Park University has this opportunity to recognize the faithful life among us of these six individuals,” President David Parkyn said in a press release. He had suggested the change.
A naming program and reception will be held at 3 p.m. October 2 to coincide with Homecoming Weekend.
Tournament Raises $15,000 for Portage Lake Scholarships
ONEKAMA, MI – Portage Lake Covenant Bible Camp raised $15,000 for scholarships at a golfing tournament held Saturday at the Heathlands Golf Course in Onekama.
Camp Director Dave Nesburg thought scheduling conflicts with graduations and the downturn in the economy would limit the fundraising. “I thought if we raised $11,000 or $12,000, that would be great.”
Nesburg says 42 golfers participated and there were 33 hole sponsors. “We had more hole sponsors than we ever had before.
Church Celebrates Food Pantry Anniversary
STILLMAN VALLEY, IL – Valley Covenant Church will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Bread of Life food pantry and soup kitchen with a special worship service at 9 a.m. Sunday.
Bread of Life serves more than 300 people each month. It is open on the second and fourth Tuesdays.
The ministry started 10 years ago when a group of mothers from the church wanted to demonstrate to their children how blessed their families are and that there are people in the community who struggle to make ends meet. The first summer, they provided sandwiches to a group of people who met in Sunshine Park in nearby Byron.
Bread of Life depends on monetary and food donations from the community. It also is an agency member of the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
