PARK UNIVERSITY E-NEWS
News from September/October 2009
UNIVERSITY NEWS
International Center for Music fundraising concert to feature Park Piano Trio
Park University will host a fundraising concert featuring the University's resident Park Piano Trio to benefit the International Center for Music on Friday, Dec. 11, at the Folly Theater in Kansas City, Mo. The program, which begins at 7:30 p.m., will include a performance of Ravel's "Piano Trio in A Minor." Individual tickets and sponsorship packages are available.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_001463.shtml
"Windows of Opportunity" campaign raising funds for Norrington Center windows
Park University's Parkville Campus has long been recognized as an architectural gem, and Norrington Center (formerly known as the Carnegie Library), is a building with a remarkable, but somewhat forgotten past. Unfortunately, 100 years of Midwestern weather has taken its toll on the building's wood-clad windows -- putting this landmark building in serious need of repair. Park University has launched its "Windows of Opportunity" campaign to restore the building's signature feature -- its 67 windows. Through the end of October, more than $88,000 of the needed $336,500 had been raised. For more information about the campaign, as well as ways to donate, visit www.park.edu/windows.
Park University ranked top private university by business magazine
Ingram's, a Kansas City business magazine, ranked Park University as the top private college/university in Missouri and Kansas in its September issue. The ranking was based on undergraduate enrollment from the fall of 2008 and includes additional statistical information, including graduate enrollment, undergraduate and graduate tuition rates, number of full-time faculty, student-to-teacher ratio, housing costs per semester, annual operating budget and endowment funds.
Success for Veterans Program now taking applications
Park University's Success for Veterans Program, a component of the Park Warrior Center, has started. Funding for the program came from the $100,000 Success for Veterans Award Grant the University received from the American Council on Education and the Wal-Mart Foundation in April. For more information, visit www.park.edu/military/success.shtml or contact Wakisha Briggs, director of continuing education, at wakisha.briggs@park.edu or (816) 584-6859.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_001370.shtml
Park University's academic dean's top hat tradition continues
by Carolyn Elwess, University archivist
In September, during Park University's Opening Convocation ceremonies, the University continued its tradition of "passing the dean's hat.” President Michael Droge, Ph.D., presented the hat to Thimios Zaharopoulos, Ph.D., interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. The hat is the badge of office for the academic dean (now provost) of Park University.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_001379.shtml
Youngblood receives grants to continue Ugandan peace journalism project
Steve Youngblood, associate professor of communication arts, received two grants totaling $150,000 to continue his peace journalism work in the Republic of Uganda. The grants will allow Youngblood to direct and teach a six-month Peace, Developmental and Electoral Journalism project.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_001394.shtml
Park University, Coro leadership group announce partnership
Park University and Coro Kansas City announced a partnership that will restructure the leadership group to include a college internship and move the program to Park's Downtown Kansas City, Mo., Campus Center. Coro Kansas City will be led by Kay Barnes, distinguished professor for public leadership at Park University's Hauptmann School for Public Affairs and founding director for the Center for Leadership.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_001382.shtml
Trustee wins award from International Relations Council
Danny O’Neill, a member of Park University's Board of Trustees and past chair of the Board's Student Services Committee, was honored on Oct. 5 with the International Relations Council's Award for Contributions to International Commerce and Community Service. The IRC commended O'Neill for demonstrating that operating a successful, profitable business can be accomplished in a manner that is also humane and sustainable.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_001402.shtml
Barnes honored by American Heart Association
The American Heart Association honored Kay Barnes, distinguished professor for public leadership at Park University's Hauptmann School for Public Affairs and founding director for the Center for Leadership, as one of 13 recipients of the 2009 Missourian Award on Sept. 26 in Jefferson City. The award is given annually to nominees who have made an outstanding contribution to their state or nation in civics, business, education, politics or the arts.
University receives 2009 "Best of Oklahoma City Award"
Park University was recently selected as a winner of the 2009 Best of Oklahoma City Award in the "Universities Category" by the U.S. Commerce Association. Park's Tinker Air Force Base Campus Center is located in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Susan Corbeil is the campus center director.
STUDENT NEWS
Park student attends commencement ceremony at Randolph AFB despite accident
by Angelique Trent, adjunct instructor of English, Randolph AFB (Texas) Campus Center
After an incident left Mark Lebedzinski's jaw broken in two places just six days before he was slated to attend the Park University commencement ceremony for Randolph Air Force Base (Texas) Campus Center graduates on June 27, no one expected him to walk the stage. In fact, Lebedzinski admits that he planned on staying home after going into surgery a few days after the incident. But, two days after he was released from the hospital, Lebedzinski woke up that Saturday morning and decided he wasn't going to let anything stop him from celebrating what he had worked so hard to achieve.
Read more about Lebedzinski's journey at http://news.park.edu/pub/news_001395.shtml.
Gelashvili receives People to People International leadership award
Amiran Gelashvili, a senior majoring in both business administration/international business and finance, was honored with People to People International's University Chapter Leadership Award during the organization's Americas Regional Meeting in Las Vegas. In addition, Gelashvili was appointed to People to People International's Board of Trustees.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_001380.shtml
Youth Conservatory for Music students earn high marks at competition
Piano students in Park University's Youth Conservatory for Music, a division of the International Center for Music, competed at the 2009 Missouri Music Teachers Association District III auditions in Overland Park, Kan. Six students earned the top "1" rating and advanced to the state competition in Warrensburg, Mo., on Nov. 5.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_001393.shtml
Student earns prestigious internship with U.S. Department of Commerce
Park University student Amy Crumbliss, a senior Spanish major and Honors Program member, has garnered an internship with the U.S. Department of Commerce's U.S. Commerce Services office in Kansas City, Mo.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_001457.shtml
Students participate in Student Project Day on Parkville Campus
More than 200 students on the Parkville Campus participated in the Student Project Day in early October. This service day, which included students in all 12 LS 100 (First-Year Seminar) classes, along with LS 100 mentors, faculty and staff, was organized by Landscape Services employees, who also served as project leaders for the completed projects.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_001405.shtml
Social psychology class collecting supplies for students in Afghanistan
Students in a social psychology class on the Parkville Campus taught by Dennis Kerkman, Ph.D., professor of psychology, have again collected supplies for a school at Bagram Air Base in eastern Afghanistan. Park University social psychology online student and U.S. Army Special Forces Sergeant Major "Rob," along with other military personnel, built the school two years ago, and Park social psychology students have been collecting school supplies for them every semester since the school was completed. More than 700 pounds of supplies have been shipped, thanks to Park's chapter of Psi Chi, a national honor society for psychology students, which foot the bill for the freight.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_001402.shtml
CHEM Club wins awards from national organization
Park University's CHEM (Chemists Have Explosive Minds) Club won two awards from the National American Chemical Society for activities from the 2008-09 academic year. Park's CHEM Club received an "honorable mention" chapter award for activities noted in its Student Affiliate Annual Report and a "Green Chemistry" award based on its report of activities. Donna Howell, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry, is the club's adviser.
ALUMNI NEWS
Gibson honored by NAACP with humanitarian award
Sonny Gibson, '74, was honored at the Freedom Fund Luncheon for the Kansas City chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on Oct. 24. Gibson was presented with the Carl R. Johnson Humanitarian Award. Read more at www.kccall.com/article.cfm?articleid=3941.
Alumni Council seeks new members, award nominations
Several positions on Park University's Alumni Council are currently open. Membership committee chair Susan Kensett McGaughey, '74, is accepting applications, nominations and questions about serving on the Alumni Council. In addition, the Alumni Council is looking for suggestions for honorees for its annual Alumni Association Awards, which will be presented at the Alumni Weekend Banquet on June 26, 2010. The nomination deadline is Jan. 1, 2010. For more information, visit the Office of Alumni Relations website.
Stay in touch with the University via social networks
This summer, Park University began its official presence on Facebook. It is just one more way to keep up with news and events, not only on the Parkville Campus, but at campus centers across the country. As of Oct. 31, the University's official Facebook page, www.facebook.com/parkuniversity, had more than 1,250 "fans." Besides the University's official page, the Alumni Association and a number of University departments and campus centers also have Facebook pages. A list of current Park University Facebook pages can be found at www.park.edu/about/facebook.html.
In addition, the University recently joined the ranks on Twitter. Become a Park University follower on Twitter at http://twitter.com/parkuniversity to begin receiving Park "tweets." Park University President Michael Droge, Ph.D., also has a Twitter account. Follow him at http://twitter.com/ParkUPrez.
Links to Park's official Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube and news feeds can be found on the University's home page, www.park.edu. For those who follow the Pirates' athletic teams, check them out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/parkathletics and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ParkPirates.
Alumni can also join the Park University LinkedIn Alumni Group by going to www.linkedin.com and putting the group name in the search engine. With nearly 2,000 members, the group allows you to network with fellow alumni in your profession and your geographic area.
Weekend at Great Wolf Lodge
Spend the weekend with Park alumni, family and friends at Great Wolf Lodge locations in Kansas City, Kan., Feb. 5-6, 2010, or Macon, Ohio, Feb. 19-20. This special package makes a great holiday gift for the family. For more information, visit the Office of Alumni Relations website.
Alumni Weekend 2010 scheduled
Park University's Alumni Weekend 2010 has been scheduled for June 24-27. For more information, visit the Office of Alumni Relations website.
Alumni travel in August 2010
Mark your calendar for eight days and seven nights in two of the greatest cities in the world -- London and Paris. The Park University Alumni Association invites its embers, family and friends to take advantage of this escorted tour in August 2010. Sign up to be put on the mailing list at alumnioffice@park.edu, or for more information, visit the Office of Alumni Relations website.
Alumni encouraged to participate in Alumni Association programs
Graduates of Park University are reminded that they automatically become members of the University's Alumni Association. Members receive the Park University Magazine, notification of events, including the annual Alumni Weekend and Harvest Fest, invitations to regional receptions/reunions, access to the Online Alumni Directory and representation on the Alumni Council. Alumni are encouraged to participate in the many programs and committees available to Alumni Association members. To keep your membership in the Alumni Association active, you must keep your contact information up-to-date with the Office of Alumni Relations. For more information, visit the Office of Alumni Relations website or e-mail alumnioffice@park.edu.
ATHLETICS
Park soccer teams prepared to begin postseason play
Park's women's soccer team stood at 9-5-1 through the end of October. All of the Pirates' losses came in 1-0 contests, three of them in overtime against top 22 teams. Park has outscored opponents 47-5 on the season, including a school-record 19-0 win over Harris-Stowe State on Oct. 3 and a 10-0 win over Harris-Stowe on Oct. 19. Through Oct. 31, Park's men's soccer team had a record of 8-5-1. Both Park teams were seeded No. 3 in their respective American Midwest Conference tournaments that begin this week.
• Women's Soccer -- www.parkathletics.com/news/cat_index_65.shtml
• Men's Soccer -- www.parkathletics.com/news/cat_index_47.shtml
Women's cross country team ranked in top 25 poll
For six consecutive weeks, the Park University women's cross country team has been ranked in the NAIA Coaches' Top 25 Poll. This past week, the squad checked in at No. 21.
www.parkathletics.com/news/cat_index_56.shtml
Conference tourney awaits Park's women's volleyball team
Park University's women's volleyball team stood at 7-22 heading into the Pirates' regular-season finale on Nov. 3. The Pirates will begin play in the AMC tournament on Nov. 10.
www.parkathletics.com/news/cat_index_75.shtml
Park basketball teams begin 2009-10 season
Read previews of Park's men's and women's basketball teams:
• Men: www.parkathletics.com/mbasketball/park_003392.shtml
• Women: www.parkathletics.com/wbasketball/park_003391.shtml
IN THE NEWS
• Dominique Allen, a senior in Park's Accelerated Program scheduled to graduate in October with a degree in management/health care, was featured in a Salina (Kan.) Journal article on Aug. 23. Allen had a unique story in that he was commissioned in the Kansas National Guard -- at the age of 41.
Read the Salina Journal's article.
• Kay Barnes, distinguished professor for public leadership at Park University's Hauptmann School for Public Affairs and founding director for the Center for Leadership, was featured in a University Daily Kansan story on Sept. 16. Barnes was interviewed about the University of Kansas' Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics.
Read the UDK article.
• Ivy Chapin, a senior fine art major and a midfielder on Park's women's soccer team, was featured in The (Independence, Mo.) Examiner.
Read the article on The Examiner's website.
• Ashley Maxwell, a sophomore majoring in social work and a member of the women's soccer team, was featured in the Sept. 3 issue of the Platte County (Mo.) Sun Gazette.
The story can be found on the Sun Gazette's website.
• Kim Orear, '00, was featured in an ABC News "Primetime" special on Sept. 9. The hour-long story, "A New Model for Juvenile Justice," highlighted Missouri's juvenile detention standards. Orear is a group leader at Waverly Regional Youth Center in Fulton. A text version of the story can be found at ABC's website, as well as a video version of the story.
• Romona Nicolls, a senior biology major and a member of the Park cross country and track and field squads, was featured in her hometown paper, The Tribune, of Nassau, The Bahamas, on Oct. 13.
Read the article on The Tribune's web site.
• Park University honored retired Lt. Col. Timothy Maxwell, one of the founders of the Wounded Warrior Regiment, with an honorary doctorate degree during graduation ceremonies at Park's Quantico (Va.) Marine Corps Combat Development Command Campus Center Sept. 12. Park President Michael Droge, Ph.D., was pictured with Maxwell, and Jennifer Ehrlich, regional director, was quoted in the Quantico Sentry story.
• KCUR (89.3 FM), Kansas City's National Public Radio station, is featuring spots highlighting Park University undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as University special events, during a variety of days/times through February 2010. Listen to KCUR via the web at www.kcur.org/ListenLive.html.
• Chief Master Sgt. James A. Roy, '91, is the top U.S. Air Force non-commissioned officer. Formerly the senior enlisted leader and adviser to the U.S. Pacific Command combatant commander, Roy became the 16th chief master sergeant Air Force on June 30. Read a story about Roy's plans that appeared in Stars and Stripes this summer.
UPCOMING EVENTS
View a comprehensive schedule for all events, including athletics, at www.park.edu/calendar/parkville.html.
