Judson celebrating its history
Elgin has a treasure tucked away behind the trees that line Route 31 as it courses northbound toward Interstate 90 from Big Timber Road.
That treasure is Judson University.
True to its heritage of giving back to the community in which it resides, this accredited evangelical Christian university once again opens its doors to a host of public events designed to inspire and empower.
This year's Founders' Day events take place on Friday. Events open to the public include a 10 a.m. convocation featuring Mrs. Lynne Hybels, author and advocate for Global Engagement of Willow Creek Community Church. In 1975, Lynne married youth pastor Bill Hybels, and that same year they started Willow Creek Community Church of South Barrington.
The author of "Nice Girls Don't Change the World," and co-author of "Rediscovering Church," and "Fit to be Tied," she will share her life experiences in "Living Out the Kingdom Dream," the theme for this year's Founders' Day. A book signing with Hybels will be held immediately following convocation in the Betty Lindner Commons on Judson's Elgin campus.
That evening features a public concert with soprano Melody Aristo-Kielisch and the Judson University Community Orchestra and Choir in the Herrick Chapel on Judson's Elgin campus at 1151 N. State St., Elgin.
After earning her bachelor of arts degree in music from Judson in 1973, Aristo-Kielisch earned a master's degree in Wisconsin and her conservatory of music and performance at Hamburg, Germany. She has studied under music teachers in Italy, Austria and Australia, and has performed in opera halls in Europe, including venues in Berlin, Hamburg and Hanover, Germany; Zurich, Switzerland; and Edinburgh, Scotland. She also has performed at the Lincoln Center Alice Tully Hall and Carnegie Hall in New York.
A DVD recording of the concert will be available for $25 each with all funds raised through the concert benefiting the Thompson Center Campaign to repurpose the Fine Arts Center in honor of long-time former faculty members Ed and Alice Thompson in recognition of their contributions to the school's music program.
Complimentary tickets to this fundraising event are available to community members when they RSVP at Judson's Web site, www.JudsonU.edu/concert.aspx or by calling 847-628-1119.
For more information about the Thompson Center Live Recording Concert or the convocation, call Judson at 847-628-2514.
Michael J. Murschel is a church image consultant, grant writer, and spiritual director. He may be reached for comment at mjmurschelfeedback@gmail.com.
