North Park University, Chicago, to Build New Science, Community Life Building, Named for ABC News Medical Correspondent Dr. Tim Johnson and Nancy Johnson

CHICAGO, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The board of trustees of North Park University confirmed construction of a proposed science and community life center at North Park University, Chicago, addressing a significant need for state-of-the-art science laboratories and program facilities for students. The board, which met this month, named the new building for Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson, longtime medical editor and senior medical contributor for ABC News, whom the trustees said "define a life of exemplary service."

"North Park was the first stop for both of us in our long academic journeys," the Johnsons said. "It gave us a moral and intellectual foundation that has lasted a lifetime -- and for which we will always be grateful. We are both very pleased but humbled by this naming honor."

A groundbreaking ceremony for the 101,000 sq. ft. Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life is planned for Oct. 26, 2012. Building site preparation begins this summer, and construction is expected to be completed for the 2014 fall semester.

"This new academic building will position North Park University to recruit students competitively and educate them effectively. In like manner, this new building will assist us in hiring new faculty in several disciplines and in providing for their effectiveness as teachers and researchers," said Dr. David L. Parkyn, University president.

Dr. G. Timothy Johnson graduated from North Park College (now University) in 1956, and earned a seminary degree at North Park Theological Seminary in 1963. After completing a medical degree, he served as chief medical editor for ABC News from 1984-2010. Johnson provided award-winning medical analysis on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, Nightline, and 20/20. He was honored with the University's Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1991, and is an ordained pastor of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), the denomination with which the University is affiliated.

Nancy Johnson was trained as a nurse at the Swedish Covenant Hospital School of Nursing, Chicago, including science study at North Park University. The Johnsons have volunteered considerable time through service on the University board of trustees and on behalf of North Park's two most recent fundraising campaigns, including Campaign North Park.

Read the full story at http://www.northpark.edu/News/Current-News/North-Park-University-Board-of-Trustees-Confirms-Decision-to-Build-New-Science-Community-Life-Center on the Web.

SOURCE North Park University