PARK UNIVERSITY E-NEWS
News from March 2012
UNIVERSITY NEWS
University launches mobile application for iPhones, Androids
Park University has launched a mobile application for iPhones and Androids geared toward prospective students and families to help navigate the Parkville Campus, and learn about the University's unique programs and culture through self-guided tours. The application features many capabilities, including an interactive campus map, news, panoramas, videos/photos, academic information and weather.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002110.shtml
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| James |
Kansas City mayor to provide keynote address at Park's KC Area May Commencement
Sly James, mayor of Kansas City, Mo., has been tabbed to provide the keynote address at Park University's Kansas City Area Mid-Year Commencement on Saturday, May 12. The ceremony will take place at the Community of Christ Auditorium (1001 W. Walnut) in Independence, Mo., starting at 11 a.m. James will speak to approximately 500 Park University graduates.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002104.shtml
Park representatives attend centennial celebration in Puerto Rico
Park University President Michael Droge, Ph.D.; his wife, Molly Droge, Ph.D.; and Laurie McCormack, vice president for university advancement, represented Park at the centennial celebration of Inter American University of Puerto Rico (Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico) at the San Germán Campus, March 1-3. One of the centennial ceremonies included the signing of a student/faculty exchange agreement by Droge and Fernos.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002108.shtml
University earns Association for Continuing Higher Education awards
Park University earned two awards at the Association for Continuing Higher Education Great Plains Region conference in Columbia, Mo., Feb. 23-24. Park was awarded the Exceptional Program Award (Non-Credit) for Online Instructor Training and Mentoring, and the Exceptional Program Award (Conference) for Connecting and Serving Staff at Extended Campuses-Academic Director Trainings.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002108.shtml
University to host Chinese scholar in 2012-13
Park University's Department of English and Modern Languages, in conjunction with the Office of Academic Affairs and the Office of International Student Services, will host a Chinese scholar during the Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 semesters. The visiting scholar, Linda Yu, from Shanghai University, will teach Chinese language classes and present guest lectures, as well as participate in other cultural activities.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002102.shtml
Exhibit to highlight Park connection to Titanic
Park University, which has a unique connection to the Titanic, is commemorating the centennial of the ship's sinking with a special exhibit in the McAfee Memorial Library on the University's Parkville Campus through Tuesday, July 31. The exhibit includes items related to the Titanic and the time period, as well as pictures of two Park alumni who, along with their 10-month-old child, survived the ship's sinking off the coast of Newfoundland on April 15, 1912. Albert and Sylvia Harbaugh Caldwell, both 1909 graduates of Park, and their son, Alden Gates Caldwell, were returning to the U.S. from a mission trip in Siam (now Thailand) when they boarded the ship in Southampton, England. They were one of the few families to have survived intact and, to make the tale even more compelling, Albert was one of only 14 second-class male passengers to survive out of 168.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002115.shtml
Parkville Campus hosts River Read event
Park University's Parkville Campus welcomed approximately 540 fourth and fifth grade students from the Park Hill (Mo.) School District on Tuesday, along with 14 local children’s book authors, for the River Read Literature Festival, sponsored by the School for Education. Authors read and made presentations to the children in a series of sessions throughout the day.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002108.shtml
Park now part of Medical Scholars Program partnership
Park University is now part of a partnership with the University of Missouri-Kansas City's School of Medicine to offer students the Medical Scholars Program. The program offers early and guaranteed admission to undergraduates interested in applying to medical school from participating universities.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002114.shtml
Totals in for University's RecycleMania event
The final results of Park University's participation in RecycleMania 2012 have been reported for the eight weeks of the competition, which includes a 204 percent increase in materials over last year. Recycled paper almost doubled from last year, and there was a significant increase in recycled plastic. In addition to the University's Parkville Campus, the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (Ariz.) Campus Center participated this year. The University recycled 7,848 pounds of paper, 2,072 pounds of plastic, 54 pounds of aluminum and 1,600 pounds of cardboard, for a total of 5,669 pounds.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002116.shtml
Campanella Gallery hosting Negro Leagues Baseball Museum exhibit
A special exhibition from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Mo., has been loaned to Park University's Campanella Gallery for display through Friday, April 27. Thanks to the generosity of NLBM president Bob Kendrick, a 1985 Park graduate, and Raymond Doswell, Ed.D., NLBM vice president of curatorial services, the Campanella Gallery, located on the University's Parkville Campus, is hosting the NLBM's "Shades of Greatness" collection. This is the first time since 2003 (when the collection opened at the NLBM) that this exhibit has appeared in the Kansas City area outside of the Museum. The collection is the first collaborative art exhibition inspired by the history of Negro Leagues Baseball.
STUDENT NEWS
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| Abduraimov |
Abduraimov releases debut CD, begins tour
Behzod Abduraimov, Park University senior applied music/piano major, has released his debut CD with Decca Classics, London, and begun a month-long tour of Australia. The tour by Abduraimov will include performances of Tchaikovsky's "Piano Concerto No. 1" with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra; and Prokofiev's "Piano Concerto No. 3" with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. Abduraimov signed with Decca Classics in 2011. His debut CD, "Abduraimov," features works by Saint-Saëns, Prokofiev and Liszt.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002113.shtml
ICM students qualify for prestigious music competition
Two students within Park University's International Center for Music were selected to compete in prestigious music competitions. Violinist Cristian Fatu, who is working on his graduate artist diploma, was selected to compete at the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition of Belgium. The competition, which is held April through June, is considered one of the most prestigious violin competitions in the world. Pianist Yuntian Liu, who pursing a master's degree in piano performance, is a semifinalist of the ARD International Music Competition in Munich, Germany. The competition is the largest international classical music competition in Germany.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002114.shtml
Students, staff volunteer in Joplin, Mo., for spring break
Several Park students and staff traveled to Joplin, Mo., March 15-17 during spring break to partner with ShowMeUCare, a campaign through AmeriCorps, to provide service to the tornado-stricken city. The group helped plant trees, removed shards of glass from yards, cut grass and removed trash. They also were involved in the cleaning and maintenance of multiple locations, including homes and the Abundant Life Christian Center building where they stayed.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002116.shtml
ALUMNI NEWS
Reminder: Alumni Weekend moving to the fall
A new tradition will begin in the fall 2012 as Park University's annual Alumni Weekend will join forces with Harvest Fest. The dates are set for September 27-30. Plans are to continue some of the traditional reunion opportunities, but at the same time expand to include opportunities for students and alumni to interact, meet the faculty or attend a sporting event or class. For those alumni who have never been to the Parkville Campus, this will be the time to visit Parkville in all its full fall glory. The Alumni Council is seeking volunteers to help plan the new fall Alumni Weekend. If you are interested in organizing a reunion or helping design new events for your special group, e-mail alumnioffice@park.edu.
Alumni encouraged to participate in Alumni Association programs
Keep your membership in the Park University Alumni Association active by keeping 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.
Graduates of Park University are reminded that they automatically become members of the Alumni Association. Members receive the Park University Magazine, notification of events, including the annual Alumni Weekend/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.
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| Langkamp |
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| Halsell |
ATHLETICS
Basketball players earn top NAIA academic honors
Three Park University men's basketball seniors -- Mark Halsell, Vince Langkamp and Tyler Price -- along women's basketball senior Halima Ramsey, were recognized with the NAIA's highest academic honor by being named 2011-12 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes. All four are two-time honorees, also earning the award to close the 2010-11 season.
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| Ramsey |
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| Price |
• Men's basketball honors: www.parkathletics.com/mbasketball/park_006514.shtml
• Women's basketball honors: www.parkathletics.com/wbasketball/park_006528.shtml
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| Anderson |
Anderson receives NAIA All-America honorable mention recognition
Park University men's basketball senior guard Reco Anderson closed his collegiate basketball career with an honorable mention spot on the NAIA Division I Men's Basketball All-America team after averaging 15.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in 2011-12.
www.parkathletics.com/mbasketball/park_006526.shtml
AMC tabs Park basketball players for all-conference honors on, off court
Park University men's basketball senior guards Reco Anderson and Melvin Gatson, along with Vivian Holcomb, a sophomore guard on the Pirates' women's basketball team, were named to their respective American Midwest Conference All-Conference teams for the 2011-12 season. In addition, Mark Halsell, Vince Langkamp, Tyler Price and Ethan Sticken earned AMC Academic All-Conference honors on the men's side and Brianna Beridon, Danila Fabbri, Joanna Matthews, Carla McKinney, Halima Ramsey, Nicole Wilhite and Oasha White earned AMC Academic All-Conference honors for the women.
• Men's basketball honors: www.parkathletics.com/mbasketball/park_006453.shtml
• Women's basketball honors: www.parkathletics.com/wbasketball/park_006452.shtml
Men's volleyball team earns 12th NAIA national tourney appearance
Park University's men's volleyball team will once again compete in the NAIA National Invitational Tournament, which will take place Thursday, April 12, through Saturday, April 14, in Davenport, Iowa. The Pirates, entering the national tournament with a 17-7 record, are seeded No. 4 in the tourney.
www.parkathletics.com/mvolleyball/park_006585.shtml
Spring sports programs gearing up for postseason
Park University's spring athletic teams head into April looking to improve on their respective seasons in preparation for postseason play. Visit each team's respective link for more information:
• Baseball: www.parkathletics.com/news/cat_index_44.shtml
• Softball: www.parkathletics.com/news/cat_index_69.shtml
• Track and Field: www.parkathletics.com/news/cat_index_50.shtml
• Women’s Golf: www.parkathletics.com/news/cat_index_62.shtml
IN THE NEWS
• Shaun Pfannenstiel, admissions counselor, was highlighted in a video story that appeared on WDAF-TV in Kansas City on Feb. 29 about a local elementary school hosting a college fair.
http://jacksoncounty.fox4kc.com/news/news/75007-college-fair-helps-elementary-students-prepare-their-futures
• Walt Akers, '07, was featured in a story that appeared in the March 8 issue of the Newport News (Va.) Daily Press. Akers is active in his hometown of Yorktown, Va., as a community volunteer.
www.dailypress.com/news/york-county/dp-tsq-ypq-five-questions-0308-20120308,0,4364437.story
• Nicolas Koudou, Ph.D., professor of business administration and director of Park University's Master of Business Administration program, was quoted in an article focusing on executive MBA programs in the Kansas City area. The story appeared in the March issue of Ingram's magazine. In the same issue, Park's MBA program was ranked No. 10 among colleges and universities in Missouri and Kansas, based on enrollment.
www.ingramsonline.com/Mar_2012/MBA1.html
• Erik Bergrud, senior director of community and government relations, was highlighted in the March 19 issue of PA Times. In an effort to raise funds for a new scholarship through the American Society for Public Administration (an organization with which Bergrud recently finished a yearlong presidency), he jumped off the top of the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas. In addition, Bergrud was interviewed for a story that appeared in a special election issue of The Independent Platte (County, Mo.) published on March 19. The article was in regard to Kansas City, Mo., Mayor Sly James being tapped to present the keynote address at Park University's Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 12.
PA Times story: http://bit.ly/AdfsIb
• Park University's Fort Bliss (Texas) Campus Center was featured in the March 22 edition of the Fort Bliss Monitor. The story concerned the assistance the University is providing soldiers in the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division through a program Vincent Robinson, director, calls "From the Motor Pool to the Classroom."
http://bit.ly/HmrPts
• Park University's campus center at Fairchild Air Force Base (Wash.) was mentioned in a story that appeared on KREM-TV in Spokane, Wash. The story promoted that civilians are now able to take classes on the base. Charles Tillman, academic director and adjunct instructor of mathematics, psychology and sociology, and his PS 101 (Introduction to Psychology) class, were shown in the video.
www.nwcn.com/home/?fId=143971146&fPath=/news/local&fDomain=10222
• SuEllen Fried, '75 was profiled in a recent issue of Diplomatic Courier, a global affairs policy publication, as a "Global Woman" in its International Women's Day edition.
www.diplomaticourier.com/top-global-women/876-global-woman-suellen-fried
• Akimmy Wheeler, a senior at William Chrisman High School in Independence, Mo., who plans to major in interior design and psychology at Park University this fall, was recognized as a "Reaching 4 Excellence" recipient on WDAF-TV in Kansas City on March 28. Wheeler, who earlier this year was named the 2012 Youth of the Year for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, is in the running for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America national Youth of the Year.
http://fox4kc.com/2012/03/28/youth-of-the-year/
• Karen Nixon, '10, who is a recently retired veteran and serves as the Air Force Network Integration Center, Knowledge Operations requirements lead at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., where Park University has a campus center, was featured in a story that appeared in the base newspaper on March 21 in regard to her educational goals.
www.scott.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123294765
• Teresa Loar, '94, who is on assignment in Kabul, Afghanistan, with her company, provided an "As I See It" opinion column on life in the city for The Kansas City Star on March 28.
www.kansascity.com/2012/03/27/3517207/as-i-see-it-people-trying-to-live.html
UPCOMING EVENTS
View a comprehensive schedule for all events, including athletics, at www.park.edu/calendar/parkville.html.
Park to host third annual Literacy Conference
Park University will host its third annual spring Literacy Conference on Saturday, April 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on the University's Parkville Campus. The conference, "Literacy Strategies for All Learners," is sponsored by Park's Dorothy Harper Watson Literacy Center and the School for Education, and will include 10 workshops and sessions, presented by educators with a wide range of experience and learning. Event participants will learn a variety of strategies to help all learners develop literacy skills. The conference fee of $35 ($15 for Park students) covers a continental breakfast, buffet lunch, choice of morning and afternoon sessions and all conference materials. Conference registration must be received by Friday, April 6.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002107.shtml
International Center for Music concert to feature students, guest violinist
Park University's International Center for Music will host an Extravaganza Showcase Concert featuring its students and guest violinist and world-renowned scientist Mark Ptashne, Ph.D., Sunday, April 15, beginning at 7:30 p.m., in the Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel on the University's Parkville Campus. The concert is free and open to the public.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002117.shtml
