IN THIS ISSUE
• Kansas City mayor to provide keynote address at Park's KC Area May Commencement
• Park students elect 2012-13 PSGA officers, senators
• Park military students receive car donations
• Taulman presents bird breeding survey results
• PDL staff present at conference
• Students learn about financial literacy
• University to host summer Coterie Theatre classes
• Bookstore holding clothing sale through May 11; Titanic book available
• Park In The News--Jeanette Prenger, Danny O'Neill, Behzod Abduraimov, Megan Heese
• Green tip of the day
• Upcoming events
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| Sly James |
Kansas City mayor to provide keynote address at Park's KC Area May Commencement
Sly James, mayor of Kansas City, Mo., will 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, who will speak to approximately 500 Park University graduates, took office on May 1, 2011. Born and raised in Kansas City, James has earned a number of professional accolades during his 26-year legal career. He joined Blackwell, Sanders, Matheny, Weary and Lombardi in 1983, and became the first African-American partner in the firm’s history in 1990. In 2002, James started The Sly James Firm, working with victims to seek justice and positive outcomes to disputes. James has been active in political, community and civic activities, and he has served various positions with a number of Kansas City area organizations. For more information on James, visit http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002104.shtml. For more information on the Commencement ceremony, visit www.park.edu/grads.
Park students elect 2012-13 PSGA officers, senators
Park University students recently elected their representatives -- executive board and senators -- for the 2012-13 Park Student Government Association. Janek Sunga, a junior majoring in natural science/biology and English writing major, was elected president. Other officers elected include:
• Vice President: Brandon Dugan, junior information and computer science/software engineering major
• Business Manager: Kapono Faitau, sophomore business administration/management major
• Secretary: Sarina Mayora, junior secondary education/mathematics major
Senators elected were: juniors Kirby Appollis, Edna Martinson and Jessyca Pierre; sophomore Hayley LaGarce; and freshmen Selly Attila, Megan Culp-Woods, Prenaam Dolou, Kelvin Igumbor, Jessica Logan, Mika Mahyenga and Schyler Tate. For more on the elections, visit http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002134.shtml.
Park military students receive car donations
Three Park University students have received cars through Cars 4 Heroes, an organization that honors veterans who have served their country by providing transportation that can otherwise be difficult to obtain. Zach Clark, a freshman graphic design major and U.S. Marine Corps veteran (pictured at right in adjacent photo); Brandon Dugan, junior information computer science/software engineering major and Navy veteran; and Chadwick Shreeves, a sophomore communication arts/broadcasting major and Army veteran, received cars donated by Kansas City area dealerships on April 18. The students were nominated for the donations by Stephen Terry, director of military and veteran student services. For more information about the organization and donations, visit www.cars4christmas.org.
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| Dr. Jim Taulman |
Taulman presents bird breeding survey results
Jim Taulman, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, presented three years of research on breeding bird surveys in a hardwood forest at the Missouri Academy of Science meeting on April 14 in Columbia, Mo. Taulman's presentation, "A Comparison of Fixed-Width Transects and Fixed-Radius Point Counts for Breeding Bird Surveys in a Mixed Hardwood Forest," compared survey results taken in the hardwood forest adjacent to Park's Parkville Campus.
PDL staff present at conference
Greg Rose, Park Distance Learning coordinator of online operations, Chris Slupianek, PDL assistant director of online operations, and Jon Johnson, PDL instructional designer, made a presentation at the 2012 CITE Conference on April 12 in Orlando, Fla. The presentation, "Profile of Success: Park University's 90 Percent Retention Rate," provided an overview of Park's ongoing plan to implement significant and innovative changes in course development and quality controls to re-think how online courses are delivered. Park currently has a 90 percent completion rate from course start to end for courses with the highest enrollment in 2010-2011 academic year.
Students learn about financial literacy
Park University's Office of Student Financial Services hosted the 2012 Get in Gear: Financial Literacy Week on the Parkville Campus, April 16-19. The endeavor was aimed at raising awareness concerning issues such as creating practical budgets, adopting effective money management skills, generating sound investment strategies and the importance of repaying student loans. In conjunction with the Student Assistance Center and the Office of International Student Services, students were provided valuable financial literacy/default prevention materials and resources. Students also were provided free credit reports and expert analysis by Patriots Bank. On the last day of the event, in conjunction with Alumni Relations, students watched an interactive presentation on the importance of budgeting. If you're interested in incorporating or participating in raising awareness for financial literacy among Park students in your classes or departments, contact Samuel Taibi, default management specialist, at samuel.taibi@park.edu or (816) 584-6489.
University to host summer Coterie Theatre classes
Children will take the stage this summer when Park University partners with the Coterie Theatre to offer drama and acting classes at the University’s Parkville Campus. Week-long summer camps for children entering kindergarten through 12th grade are scheduled for June 11-29. This is the second summer the Coterie School for Theatre Exploration will partner with Park to offer classes. In the Coterie’s classes, professional teaching artists use games, improvisations, acting exercises and scene work to help young actors discover what it means to respond truthfully and believably. In drama classes for younger students, actors flex their imaginations through games, visual arts, music and improvisation. Each session is $125 to $140 per person. Suggested enrollment is two or more weeks in advance of the first class date. A 10 percent discount is available for participants taking multiple classes and siblings, and all students taking a Coterie class receive a complimentary pass to a Coterie Theatre performance. For questions regarding class content and age appropriateness, contact Coterie Education Director Melody Butler at (816) 474-6785, ext. 231. To register for classes, call (816) 474-4241. Registration forms and complete class descriptions are available at www.coterietheatre.org. For a list of Park's classes, visit http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002135.shtml.
Bookstore holding clothing sale through May 11; Titanic book available
The Park University Bookstore, located in the Mabee Learning Center/Academic Underground on the Parkville Campus, is holding a sale on all Jansport clothing through Friday, May 11. Shoppers can receive 25 percent off on all Jansport apparel. This offer cannot be combined with other discounts, offers or coupons. Park University faculty and staff are reminded that they receive a 10 percent discount on clothing and gift items purchased in the Bookstore (this discount does not apply to items already on sale, such as the aforementioned sale). For more information about the sale, contact the Park University Bookstore at bookstore@park.edu or (816) 584-6747.
In addition, the Bookstore has copies of A Rare Titanic Family: The Caldwells' Story of Survival, available for $21.95. The recently released book is a story about Albert and Sylvia (Harbaugh) Caldwell, both 1909 graduates of Park, and their son, Alden Gates Caldwell, who were returning to the U.S. from a mission trip in Siam (now Thailand) when they boarded the Titanic 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. The book was written by Albert's great-niece, Julie Hedgepeth Williams, Ph.D. Williams wrote and researched the book using recollections of her great-uncle and research from Albert's grandson, Charles Caldwell, Ph.D., among other relatives. She also utilized resources from various institutions, including material provided by Carolyn Elwess, Park University archivist.
Park In The News
Jeanette Prenger, a member of Park University's Board of Trustees and a 2009 Park graduate, was the featured cover photo for the April issue of KC Magazine. Prenger was also highlighted in a two-page photo spread in the "Stylemakers" section. In the same issue, trustee Danny O'Neill was selected to the "KC Magazine 100" of people who make life better in Kansas City.
Behzod Abduraimov, Park University senior applied music/piano major, was featured in a story that appeared on National Public Radio. The article highlighted Abduraimov's young career, as well as provided a preview of his recently released debut CD. The article also includes an excerpt from the CD.
A closet designed by Megan Heese, senior interior design major, for the Kansas City Symphony's Designers' Showhouse, was included in a series of photographs in The Kansas City Star on April 29.
Green tip of the day
Are cell phones taking over our lives? Sometimes it seems like it. But you can wrangle back some control by keeping your phone use as green as possible. Here’s how:
• Unplug it -- Most of us keep our phones plugged into our chargers for too long. The typical device needs just an hour or two of wall juice to keep it going another day. So instead of keeping it plugged in during all the hours you sleep, plug it in when you wake up in the morning. By the time you've showered and are ready to walk out the door, your phone should be nearing a 100 percent charge. And remember: to avoid vampire energy suckage, don’t just unplug the phone from the charger, but also the charger from the wall.
• Make it multitask -- In a way, smart phones make minimalism easier by acting as a slew of gadgets. Instead of buying an e-reader, a music player, a GPS device, a point-and-shoot camera and a pedometer, you can streamline your belongings by using your phone as all of the above. You'll prevent the manufacturing waste of making all those things and the e-waste of disposing them. You'll also save quite a lot of purse or briefcase space -- not to mention a wad of cash.
• Make it last -- Though certain companies are expert at making people really want the latest model of their phone, don't fall for the shtick. Sure, seeing images in a resolution slightly higher than you already do would be nice. But is it really worth all the unseen damage that e-waste does? Instead, take care to make your trusty phone last as long as possible. When it truly is kaput, dispose of it properly and save the accessories for future use.
For more information and additional tips to lead a "green life," visit http://sierraclub.typepad.com/greenlife.
Upcoming Events
• Through May 7 -- Emily Thompson Senior Art Exhibit, Campanella Gallery (Reception: May 5, 2-4 p.m.)
• Through July 31 -- Titanic Centennial Exhibit, McAfee Memorial Library
• May 4 -- Holloman Air Force Base (N.M.) Campus Center Commencement, 2 p.m., Holloman Enlisted Club
• May 4 -- Stanislav Ioudenitch Studio Recital Series: Patrick Elisha, 7:30 p.m., Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel
• May 5 -- Campus Tour, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Norrington Center
• May 5 -- Stanislav Ioudenitch Studio Recital Series: Artem Kuznetsov, 7:30 p.m., Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel
• May 6 -- Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City Concert: Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, 3 p.m., Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel
• May 6 -- Stanislav Ioudenitch Studio Recital Series: Yuntian Liu, 7:30 p.m., Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel
• May 7 -- Stanislav Ioudenitch Studio Recital Series: Erin Hales, 7:30 p.m., Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel
• May 9 -- Sunnat Ibragimov Graduate Cello Recital, 7 p.m., Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel
• May 9-16 -- Valerie Jahraus Senior Art Exhibit, Campanella Gallery (Reception: May 11, 4-6 p.m.)
• May 11 -- Spring Semester ends (Kansas City area and campus centers across the country)
• May 11 -- Ellen Finley Earhart Nursing Program Pinning Ceremony, 2 p.m., Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel
• May 11 -- International Students Sash Ceremony, 4 p.m., David Theater (Alumni Hall)
• May 12 -- Kansas City Area Commencement, 11 a.m., Community of Christ Auditorium, Independence, Mo.
• May 12 -- Parkville Campus residence halls close
• May 13 -- Spring II session ends (Kansas City area and campus centers across the country)
• May 14 -- Maymester classes begin (Kansas City area)
• May 17-25 -- Lindsey Beem Senior Art Exhibit, Campanella Gallery
• May 17 -- Hanscom Air Force Base (Mass.) Campus Center Commencement, 2:30 p.m., Minuteman Club Ballroom
• May 18 -- Goodfellow Air Force Base (Texas) Campus Center Commencement, 3 p.m., Base Theater
• May 18 -- Austin (Texas) Campus Center Commencement, 7 p.m., Great Hills Baptist Church
• May 21 -- Whiteman Air Force Base (Mo.) Campus Center Commencement, 6 p.m., Mission's End
• May 23 -- F.E. Warren Air Force Base (Wyo.) Campus Center Commencement, 6 p.m., Base Theater
• May 19 -- Campus Tour, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Norrington Center
• May 25 -- Maymester ends (Kansas City area)
• May 26 -- Hill Air Force Base (Utah) Campus Center Commencement, 2 p.m., Northridge High School, Layton, Utah
• May 27-June 1 -- Laura Korenak Senior Art Exhibit, Campanella Gallery (Reception: May 27, 2-4 p.m.)
• May 28 -- Memorial Day (Kansas City area offices closed)
• May 30 -- Barstow Marine Corps Logistics Base (Calif.) Campus Center/Fort Irwin (Calif.) Campus Center Commencement, 2 p.m., Fort Irwin Post Chapel
• May 31 -- Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station (S.C.) Campus Center Commencement, 10 a.m., Station Theater
• June 1 -- Laughlin Air Force Base (Texas) Campus Center Commencement, 11 a.m., Club XL
• June 1 -- Naval Support Activity Mid-South Millington (Tenn.) Campus Center Commencement, 6:30 p.m., Mid-South Conference Center
• June 1 -- Minot (N.D.) Air Force Base Campus Center Commencement, 6:30 p.m., Jimmy Doolittle Center
• June 4 -- Summer Session, Junemester classes begin (Kansas City area and campus centers across the country)
• June 4-July 14 -- Susan Grace Art Exhibit, Campanella Gallery
• June 7 -- Mountain Home (Idaho) Air Force Base Campus Center Commencement, 3 p.m., Gunfighters Club
• June 8 -- Little Rock (Ark.) Air Force Base Campus Center Commencement, 6:30 p.m., Jacksonville Community Center
• June 9 -- Moody Air Force Base (Ga.) Campus Center Commencement, 10 a.m., Moody AFB Chapel
• June 10-15 -- Park School of Business Summer Business Academy (Parkville Campus)
• June 15 -- Malmstrom Air Force Base (Mont.) Campus Center Commencement, 1 p.m., Base Auditorium
• June 15 -- Fort Bliss (Texas) Campus Center Commencement, 7 p.m., El Paso Convention and Performing Arts Center
• June 21 -- Tinker Air Force Base Campus Center Commencement, 2 p.m., Tinker AFB Combined Club
• June 22 -- Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Campus Center Commencement, 2:30 p.m., Doubletree Hotel at Reid Park, Tucson, Ariz.
• June 22 -- Scott Air Force Base Campus Center Commencement, 7 p.m., The Regency Conference Center, O’Fallon, Ill.
• June 23 -- Luke Air Force Base Campus Center Commencement, 10:30 a.m., Club Five Six
• June 23 -- Charleston Air Force Base Campus Center Commencement, 11 a.m., Charleston Club
• June 23 -- Lackland Air Force Base Campus Center / Randolph Air Force Base Campus Center Commencement, 1 p.m., Bob Hope Theater
Note: To view a comprehensive schedule for all events, including athletics, visit www.park.edu/calendar/parkville.html.
