Covenant News

U.S. House Speaker Keynotes Axelson Center Opening

CHICAGO (January 7, 2000) - Declaring service to one's fellow man as an individual's highest calling, U.S. House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert commended those involved in creating The Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management at North Park University, a new program designed to train leaders of nonprofit organizations.

Hastert's remarks were delivered during a luncheon attended by more than two hundred individuals following a morning symposium exploring the future of the nonprofit sector. Speakers included prominent figures from the corporate, nonprofit and political worlds.

"When I was young, it went without saying that you reach out and try to help those less fortunate than yourself," Hastert said. "In those days, however, values were a fundamental part of our educational system. One of the reasons I am so concerned about our educational system today is I am afraid that it no longer teaches right from wrong; it no longer teaches our kids what it means to be a good citizen; it no longer teaches our kids to care about the welfare of others," Hastert continued.

The Speaker observed that he often is confronted with difficult choices – "sometimes even decisions of war and peace, life and death." Hastert said that at times like that, "I am sustained by my faith. Our future generation of leaders need to have a similar foundation to rely upon when they are faced with difficult decisions. That is why institutions such as the Axelson Center and North Park University are important."

The Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management seeks to serve the educational needs of nonprofit leaders and practitioners through academic programs, on-site training, and specialized programs such as an annual symposium that addresses contemporary issues germane to the nonprofit community. The center is affiliated with North Park University's Center for Management Education, which offers master's degrees in business administration management along with a number of graduate certificate programs. Next year's symposium will focus on faith and philanthrophy.

The Axelson Center was named for the late Nils Axelson, former president of Covenant Ministries of Benevolence who guided CMB for 40 years, retiring in 1992. Mrs. Axelson and other family members joined in the inaugural celebration sponsored by the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management and The Alford Group, Inc. Recognized during the luncheon was Melissa Morriss-Olson, newly appointed director of the Axelson Center. Morriss-Olson, with 20 years experience in higher education administration, will also serve as Axelson Professor of Nonprofit Management, in addition to other duties as vice president for university relations and development.

"Our expectations were wildly exceeded," Morriss-Olson said. "I was pleased with the caliber and breadth of perspectives," she added, noting "I don't think we could have asked for a better group of speakers to address this topic. We were looking for a meaningful way to recognize Nils Axelson and also the donors who funded the center, and I think we did that." Morriss-Olson praised the symposium panelists, commending them for their realistic assessment of challenges facing the nonprofit sector.

Symposium speakers and panelists included Paula Banks, vice president of Global Social Investment for BP Amoco Corporation; John Edwardson, chairman, president and CEO of Burns International Services Corporation; Jess McDonald, director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and Sara E. Melendez, president and CEO of the Independent Sector, among others.

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