The holiday season brings all things merry and bright with family gatherings, the spirit of giving, and setting intentions for the new year to come. The holidays can also be an opportune time to reflect on the year, how things are different from this time last year, and all the things you have to be thankful for.
At North Central University, we are so blessed by all of the growth that has happened over the course of 2019 and we are excited for what the future holds. We asked students and staff about their favorite moments of 2019, and here is our top 10 list!
Top 10 NCU Moments of 2019
(In no particular order)
Carlson Corridor Redo/Breaking Give Day Goals
NCU Give Day was our best yet! We pounded our goal of 150 and came in at 273 individual donors. After we matched last year’s dollar amount, you stepped up and we met our stretch goal, landing at $50,640 total raised. We planted seeds of generosity in the hearts of our students. The greatest number of individual donors per class year came from the classes of 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022—our students right here on campus, with our freshmen seeing 23 people step up to the plate! Our top individual giving from alumni classes came from 1992, 1997, and 2018. And for those worried, alumni did come out ahead, representing 32% of the total number of donors, with students at 26%. We thank God for His blessings on Give Day and we thank you for loving our students and this wonderful place we call North Central!
Because of your generosity we were able to completely renovate Carlson Corridor. Check out the before and after video below!
Breath of Heaven Album Release
Every other year, North Central students and faculty collaborate to release an original worship album through the Worship Live program. The project highlights the amazing skills and creativity of North Central students, and also expresses the heart of campus in a tangible, visual, musical way.
Creating an album takes more than just creativity. It takes discipline, music theory know-how, an understanding of corporate worship dynamics, and most of all, a desire to praise God. Breath of Heaven was released this year and it continues to bless those who hear it. Check out the process that went into making this album in the video below!
Kathy Cannon as Moen Chair
Kathy Cannon, Lead Pastor at Sacred Church in San Bruno, California was anticipating good things for 2019 Fall semester as she stepped into her new role as North Central University’s fall Moen Chair for Pentecostal Preaching.
Kathy has forged a path for so many young leaders (especially women) in her role as church planter, pastor, and now North Central University’s 2019 Fall Moen chair. It was an honor and a blessing to have Pastor Kathy on campus this year. Check out one of her sermons from this fall below!
President Hagan on Mt. Everest
This summer, President Hagan took a trek up mount Everest and it was a life-changing experience for him. “The experience was indescribable- a true collision of serenity and violence. I was captured with awe, gazing at this immovable thing called Mt. Everest, right there in front of me, and yet everything around me was shifting. Boulders weighing tons could be unleashed at any moment. I stood there praying that the glacier beneath me would remain stable. And there, in front of me, was the immovable mountain formed by the finger of God.” Read more about the Presidents journey on Everest in the latest edition of NCU Magazine.
Launching 4 Online Degrees
This year was the year of digital for NCU. One of our biggest accomplishments in that was the launch of 4 online undergrad degrees. North Central University offers the online Christian college experience as well as the on campus student experience. Major in one of our five online degree programs and complete coursework on your own schedule, from the convenience of your own home. This is only the beginning for NCU!
Check out our online degrees here.
NCU Leadership Conference
We hosted our first ever NCU Leadership Conference this year on campus “The Now and the Next.” Aimed at senior pastors, youth pastors, and worship pastors and leaders, the conference provided opportunities for knowledge and skill development for their current roles now and created a forum for conversations about what is next in church leadership.
The NCU Leadership Conference is a new event but it’s building on a foundation established by the Pure Worship Institute (PWI), hosted for several years by North Central for worship pastors, worship leaders, and worship team members and musicians. It was an incredible time and we are expecting even greater for next year!
Partners for Progress
Alumni and donors of North Central University gathered together at the The Depot in Minneapolis for a wonderful night all in the spirit of raising funds for student scholarships. The night consisted of alumni awards, panels, a word from Chancellor Rich Wilkerson, and good company. Watch the recap below!
I’M FIRST Initiative
This year we launched our I’M FIRST initiative that celebrated students, staff, and faculty that were the first in their families to attend higher education. We handed out shirts and encouraged everyone to wear them. It was a momentous day for NCU and we loved getting to celebrate so many people in their accomplishments and the legacies they are creating here at NCU.
Chapels on Youtube
In past years North Central has recorded and published their chapels podcast-style via our website. However, this year we began filming them and uploading them to Youtube and it has been a huge success! Check out our channel and make sure to subscribe for some great, life-giving content!
Launching a mug club via Team Ten Initiative
This is one of our most recent accomplishments and we couldn’t be more excited about its potential! Team Ten is a $10-a-month recurring contribution to the NCU Fund. By joining Team Ten you’ll be supporting current and future North Central students through scholarships made possible by your gift. In addition, you’ll become a part of the Team Ten mug club and receive a limited edition mug. Learn more about the mug club!
Blessings to you in 2020!
This year has been a good one. We are so thankful for everyone who plays a part in making North Central University a great place to learn, work, and create lifelong relationships. From the NCU family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
