10 signs of Sweden at North Park.

North Park’s Swedish presence has certainly been apparent in the past, and many signs remain today ..a few were added and are ever-changing.  

  • Hanna Kronström, Karin Fröjd, Linda Johansson and Karin Woodhouse are all Swedish students at North Park University.

  • North Park University’s Swedish presence has certainly been apparent in the past, and many signs remain today ..a few were added and are ever-changing. (Scroll down for photos)

  • The families of the students Tim Ahlberg, Haley Anderson and Thor Lindstam all originate from Sweden.

  • 1. Swedish students
    North Park University has had an increase from 18 to 57 enrolled Swedish students in two years. At the moment, the total number of Scandinavian students is 79 (57 Swedes, 18 Norwegians, four Finns).

  • Swedish professor Anne-Marie Andreasson-Hogg and her daughter Mathilde Hogg at a Friday Fika.

  • 2. Swedish-American students
    North Park University enrolls many Swedish-American students, and the school offers an undergraduate Scandinavian Studies Program with a focus on Swedish culture and the Swedish language.

  • Anderson Hall is one of several buildings with a Swedish name.

  • 3. Swedish professors
    Anne-Marie Andreasson-Hogg, is one of many Swedish professor at North Park University. She belongs to the Scandinavian Studies Department, and has language courses in Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian at North Park University. An exchange program with Södra Vetterbygdens Folkhögskola also brings students and professors from Sweden every spring semester.

  • Psalm 111:10 inscripted near the entrance of Old Main.

  • 4. The names of the buildings
    Anderson Hall, Hanson Hall, Sohlberg Hall, Nyvall Hall, Burgh Hall, Carlson Tower, and Anderson Chapel are all buildings around campus named with traditionally Swedish names.

  • The Vikings logo is used by all sports teams at North Park University.

  • 5. Psalm 111:10, “Herrens fruktan är vishetens begynnelse,” inscripted near the entrance of Old Main.
    The inscription was originally suggested by 1893 board member Sven Anderson, who had originally seen it over the entrance of a school building in Sweden. It’s one of the guiding precepts of the North Park University, the English translation “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

  • North Park Men's soccer team prepares for kick-off in a match against Carthage College. Photo credit: Don Klingberg

  • 6. Name of the sport teams
    Vikings is the name of the sports team at North Park University. The school belongs to College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin and competes against Carthage College, Illinois Wesleyan College, Milikin College, North Central College, Wheaton College, Elmhurst College, and Augustana College.

  • Vikings Soccer supported by a giant flag before kick-off against another Swedish-related college team, the Augustana Vikings. Photo credit: Don Klingberg

  • 7. Soccer team
    North Park’s men’s soccer team has had record high 14 Swedes and two Norwegians players on the roster. Vikings started nine Swedes and two Americans in their last match of the season. The team colors represent the traditional blue and yellow.

  • Tre Kronor waitresses and North Park students Meredith Anderson and Bridget Terrell welcomes everyone to the Swedish restaurant across the street from NPU.

  • 8. Swedish flags
    The supporters of Vikings Men’s soccer, “Foster Finest” created this giant Swedish flag, and chanted in Swedish at the match against Augustana College last fall. “North Park Vikings är dem bästa… heja heja heja Vikings… “ Swedish flags can be found in student dorms all around campus.

  • The Sweden Shop is located next to Tre Kronor and sells carefully selected goods from Sweden.

  • 9. Tre Kronor
    Tre Kronor is a traditional Swedish restaurant across the street from North Park University. Swedish pancakes, pickled herring, norsk lax, and flaskfile, each delicious dish is served with authentic Nordic flair.

  • 10. The Sweden Shop
    The Sweden Shop is located next to Tre Kronor and sells artistic and authentic Swedish housewares, clothing, books, and more.

  • Text & Photo: Erik Kinnhammar

  • For more info on the Chicago University, see North Park University