North Park University Unveils New Web Site, Selects Dresner Corporate Services for Communications and ReachLocal for Online Advertising

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - April 13, 2009) - North Park University extended its brand development initiatives by unveiling a new Web site and its selection of an outside communications agency and an online advertising company. The University retained Chicago-based Dresner Corporate Services (DCS), a strategic communications agency, to handle national and local public relations. North Park University also selected the Chicago office of ReachLocal to manage its online advertising campaigns.

The University debuted a redesigned Web site (www.northpark.edu) March 27, complete with blogs and news feeds. University President David Parkyn welcomed viewers to the homepage with his own blog entry, calling the site "a new way to see the face and hear the voice of the University." Highlighting North Park's distinctive identity, Parkyn explained that one of the University's tasks is to more effectively engage audiences in the years to come. "We view this Web site as a significant step in that direction," he said.

Commenting on agency selection, North Park University Director of External Relations Lilian Samaan said, "North Park University is at the stage of its growth in which outside communications counsel can help us achieve our goals. Retaining firms with wide-ranging resources such as Chicago-based Dresner Corporate Services and ReachLocal makes sound strategic sense for us."

The online facelift and agency selections are part of an extensive brand development campaign that North Park began in 2008, with its Chicago-based outdoor advertising. From the CTA El, to buses, bus shelters and bridge bulletins, the strategically placed advertisements were designed to increase name recognition in various parts of the city. The campaign was re-launched in January 2009 with three new messages, "Learn to Lead," "Listen to Engage," and "Live to Serve." These underscore the outcomes of the North Park educational experience and reflect the values of the learning community.

About North Park University

Located in Chicago, North Park University is a Christian comprehensive university that serves nearly 3,300 undergraduate and graduate students from around the country and the world. Within a diverse, close-knit, urban community, North Park offers a values-based education to students through more than 30 undergraduate majors and an adult degree-completion program, as well as graduate and continuing education in business, nonprofit management, nursing, education, music, and theology. By integrating faith with learning -- as it has done since its founding in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church -- North Park University continues to focus on the important task of preparing students for lives of significance and service. More information is available at www.northpark.edu.

Contact Information: Media Contacts: Joshua Taustein, for North Park University (312) 780-7219 jtaustein@dresnerco.com Aubrey Pauly, for North Park University (312) 780-7218 apauly@dresnerco.com