The Crow’s Nest — March 12, 2020
Park University’s Annual Night at the Helm to Benefit Valor Medals Review
Night at the Helm, Park University’s annual fundraising event that benefits selected University programs, will be held on Wednesday, June 10, at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Mo., starting at 6 p.m. This year’s Night at the Helm will benefit Park’s Valor Medals Review project being conducted by the University’s George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War in conjunction with the Valor Medals Review Task Force and the Foundation for the Commemoration of the World Wars on behalf of the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission.
This year’s Night at the Helm chair is James Cornelius, president of institutional banking at UMB Bank and a member of Park’s Board of Trustees; the honorary chair is Rosana Privitera Biondo, president of MarkOne Electric. The event includes a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres hour, followed by a program. Individual tickets are $250 and a variety of sponsorship levels are available starting at $1,000. To register or for more information, visit park.edu/helm.
Women’s History Month Lecture to Discuss “Prescribing the Pill”
Park University’s annual Women’s History Month Lecture will feature a discussion on “Prescribing the Pill” on Monday, March 30. The lecture, to be presented by Beth Bailey, Ph.D., will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Jenkin and Barbara David Theater inside Alumni Hall on the University’s Parkville Campus. Admission to the event is free and open to the public.
Bailey, the director of the Center for Military, War and Society Studies, and a Foundation Distinguished Professor within the Department of History at the University of Kansas, will discuss how this method of birth control offered women freedom and the struggle over access to the pill. She will also define what the pill meant in the university town of Lawrence, Kan., as the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s complicated feminist claims. Read more about the event at park.edu/news/womens-history-month-lecture-2020.
An Insider Look at the EPA is Focus of Park University’s Johnson Lecture
Established nearly 50 years ago (December 2, 1970) to consolidate in one agency a variety of federal research, monitoring, standard-setting and enforcement activities to ensure environmental protection, the Environmental Protection Agency works to provide a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people. On Tuesday, March 31, Park University will host Jeffery Robichaud, director of the EPA’s Region 7 Water Division, for an insider’s view of the history of environmental protection and the imperative for science to drive the next 50 years as part of the University’s fifth annual Johnson Family Lecture Series in Science. The talk will begin at 7 p.m. in the Jenkin and Barbara David Theater inside Alumni Hall on the University’s Parkville Campus. Admission to the lecture is free and open to the public.
Robichaud will reflect upon 50 years of environmental protection and advances since the creation of the EPA, his journey as a second generation scientist focused on protecting public health and the environment, and the importance of science in solving the nation’s complicated environmental challenges. The Johnson Family Lecture Series in Science was established in 2016 to provide members of the community, as well as liberal arts and science majors, an opportunity to experience science in action and hear established scientists discuss their research. The lecture series was established by Park University alumnus George Johnson, ’63, Ph.D., who provided funding for the event. Johnson is professor emeritus at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Read more at park.edu/news/johnson-lecture-2020.
Campanella Gallery Hosting Exhibit of Faculty Art
An art exhibit featuring the work of Park University faculty is on display through Friday, April 24, in the University’s Campanella Gallery, located within Norrington Center on the Parkville Campus. Admission to the exhibit, “Vision 20/20: Art by Park University Faculty, is free. A reception for the artists will be held on Friday, March 20, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Gallery. The exhibit will celebrate the creative accomplishments and diverse talents of the University’s Department of Art and Design faculty in a variety of media and stylistic expressions, including photography, mixed media, digital art, fiber, drawing, ceramic, and painting.
Faculty scheduled to have work on exhibit include: Donna Bachmann, professor emeritus of art and founder of the Campanella Gallery; Callie Bower, adjunct instructor of art; William Eickhorst, Ed.D., adjunct instructor of fine art; Frank Hamilton, adjunct instructor of art and photography; Merrick Henry, lecturer of graphic design; Debra Hillen, adjunct instructor of art; Masoom Khawaja, adjunct instructor of fine art and graphic design; Matthew Krawcheck, adjunct instructor of art; Andrea Lee, Ph.D., assistant professor of art and director of the Campanella Gallery; Elaina Michalski, lecturer of art; Roxann O’Rourke-Sherrodd, assistant professor of interior design; Lynn Richardson-Ludwigs, adjunct instructor of art. Read more about the exhibit at park.edu/news/vision-2020-exhibit.
Registration Open for Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium
Park University’s annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium showcases the scholarly and creative work of students from all disciplines and campuses. Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit course work or independent research or creative projects developed with a faculty member’s supervision, either single or collaboratively-authored that take the form of: posters presenting laboratory or other applied research findings; research papers and oral presentations (oral presentations limited to 10 minutes); visual art and graphic design installations; musical presentations; and virtual presentations (slide or video presentations uploaded to Symposium website).
For more information or to register, visit park.edu/academics/honors-academy/student-research-creative-arts-symposium or contact Patty Ryberg, Ph.D., director of the Honors Academy, at patricia.ryberg@park.edu.
“Park Stories” Initiative Showcases Park Family
The heart and soul of Park University lies within the spirit of the people who represent the institution in the classroom and community. The Office of University Engagement’s “Park Stories” initiative showcases fun and inspiring features highlighting Park University students, faculty, staff and alumni. These stories are shared periodically in The Crow’s Nest. This edition’s installment highlights Cristian Maciel, ’07 and Marco Rabello, ’07, owners of Taste of Brazil and Chicken Please in the River Market area of Kansas City, Mo., who reflect on their journey as student-athletes and business owners.
Faculty, Staff, Student News
Park University’s Board of Trustees approved tenure and/or promotion for the following faculty during its meeting on Feb. 6 at the University’s Gilbert (Ariz.) Campus, effective with the start of the 2020-21 academic year:
• Gary Bachman approved for promotion to professor of social work
• Monica Brannon, Ph.D., approved for tenure and promotion to associate professor of sociology
• Greg Claycomb, Ph.D., approved for promotion to professor of chemistry
• Dmitry Gimon, Ph.D., approved for tenure and promotion to associate professor of information systems and business analytics
• Jeff Kimmons, Ph.D., approved for tenure and promotion to associate professor of biology
• Jolene Lampton, Ph.D., approved for tenure and promotion to professor of business
• Tami-Radohl-Sigley, Ph.D., approved for tenure and promotion to associate professor of social work
Bridget Locke, director of strategic communications, was honored by Friends of Yates on Feb. 23 as a recipient of a Women of Distinction Award during a ceremony in Kansas City, Kan. The organization, whose mission is to strive to continuously provide services and a sense of identity to children, youth, adults and senior citizens that facilitates safe and productive lives, said that Locke was honored for her achievements in her professional and personal life. Locke is shown with Robert Milan Sr., Kansas City, Kan., Board of Public Utilities vice president, and Tyrone Garner, retired Kansas City, Kan., Police Department deputy chief.
Dilshod Narzillaev, senior music performance/cello major, was selected as a co-fourth place recipient at the International Cello Competition Antonio Janigro in Zagreb, Croatia, held Feb. 1-7. Narvillaev received a 1,000 EUR prize (approximately $1,100).
Jeanette Prenger, ’09, chair of Park University’s Board of Trustees, authored a chapter for a recently published book, The Anatomy of Accomplishment: Your Guide to Bigger, Better, Bolder Business Results. The book includes a compilation of stories and advice written by a variety of leading female entrepreneurs and executives from around the country. Prenger’s chapter, “Playing the Long Game,” is a look at her journey with her company, ECCO Select, where she serves as president and chief executive officer.
A team of Park University students came home with a trio of trophies from the Missouri Association of Forensics Activities tournament, held Feb. 14-15 in Neosho, Mo. The Park team won the sweepstakes trophy in the small school division and second place sweepstakes trophies in debate and individual events divisions. Team members Michael Willis and Hailey Raw are shown with the trophies. In addition, Lora Cohn, Ph.D., associate professor of communication arts, was elected president elect of the MAFA.
Zac Jarrard, information technology services project manager, presented a pair of sessions at the Minefaire Dallas event, Feb. 22-23. He presented “Building a Dream Home” and “Video Gamers are Leaders, Too.”
Four students represented Park University at the Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Values, Feb. 14-16 in Jefferson City. Park students who participated were: Kayla Martinez, senior middle school education/math major; Katherine Payne, senior graphic design major; Sophie Roper, junior business administration/logistics and computer information management major; and Ava Hageman, freshman secondary education/social science major. The annual event challenges students’ character development by encouraging them to reflect on their own decision-making skills, values and belief systems. Students learn about how to reconcile relationships, stand for truth and love others as they love themselves. The forum’s guiding principle is teaching students to embrace altruism rather than egotism.
Jack MacLennan, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science, presented a paper on “The Empire of Objects: Fractals and the Engineering of Airpower as a Security Assemblage” as part of a dialogue on war and society on the Parkville Campus on March 3.
Park University is a spotlight sponsor of the Italian Film Festival USA – Kansas City series of movie screenings. Movies will be shown on Thursdays on April 2, April 9 and April 23, and a short film program will be on Thursday, April 16, all starting at 7 p.m. at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City, Mo. Admission is free. The film on April 2, “Ma Cosa Ci Dice Il Cervello” (“Don’t Stop Me Now”) will be presented by Silvia Giovanardi Byer, Ph.D., chair of the Department of English and Modern Languages and professor of modern languages. Byer has served as chair and organizer of this event for the past seven years. For more information, visit italianfilmfests.org/kansas_city.html.
A trio of students in the Park University International Center for Music were awarded prizes at the Kansas City Musical Club scholarship auditions on Feb. 29 in Prairie Village, Kan. Violinist David Horak, junior strings/music performance major, and pianist Ilya Shmukler, graduate student in piano performance, both received $1,000 scholarships, and violinist Ilkhom Mukhiddinov, freshman strings/music performance major, received a $750 scholarship.
Numerous Park University faculty, staff and students presented sessions at the Kansas City Professional Development Council’s annual Enhancing Teaching and Learning Conference on March 7 in Kansas City, Mo.
• “Accessible, Affordable and Super Cool: Using Virtual Reality to Enhance Classroom Learning, presented by Regina Montoya, ’01, and current graduate student in the Master of Social Work program, and Debra Olson-Morrison, Ph.D., assistant professor of social work
• “Assess Your Teaching and Their Learning…Painlessly!” presented by Eugene Matthews, Ph.D., associate professor of criminal justice administration
• “Critical Thinking: Assessment Through Questioning,” presented by Roxann O’Rourke-Sherrod, assistant professor of interior design
• “Engaging Students in a Variety of Modalities with Interactive Lecture Content,” presented by Melanie Kinney, coordinator of educational technology initiatives, and Lauren Lovvorn, instructional designer
• “Engaging Students (and Instructors): Putting Scholarly Research in the College Classroom,” presented by Alla Adams, Ph.D., assistant professor of healthcare administration, Harold Griffin, Ph.D., adjunct instructor of healthcare administration, Greg Moore, D.B.A., associate dean of graduate studies in business and Edward F. Lyle Chair in Finance, and James Vanderleeuw, Ph.D., professor of public administration and director of the Master of Public Administration program
• “How to Engage the Unmotivated Learner,” co-presented by Vanessa Zamzow, Ed.D., adjunct instructor of education
• “Step by Step: Learning the Art of Scaffolding,” presented by Leslie Umstattd, Ed.D. Min., interim director of digital learning
• “Students, Educators and Gamification,” presented by Zac Jarrard, information technology services project manager, and Susan Keim, Ph.D, assistant professor of public administration
Park in the News
Park University was featured in the February edition of VFW Magazine (page 46) related to the $70,000 grant the VFW presented to the University in November 2019 for the Valor Medals Review project being conducted by Park’s George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War. Nathan Marticke, chief advancement officer, Tim Westcott, Ph.D., associate professor of history and director of the Robb Centre, Ashlyn Weber, Robb Centre associate director of research and initiatives, and Josh Weston, sophomore European history major, provided comments for the article. Park University President Greg Gunderson, Ph.D., appeared in a photograph accepting the check from VFW Commander-in-Chief William “Doc” Schmitz.
In February, KCTV in Kansas City celebrated Black History Month during each newscast by featuring individuals from the region. One of those honored was Cpl. Isaac Valley, Girard, Kan., who served in World War I and is one of the many servicemembers whose service to the country is being reviewed as part of the Valor Medals Review being conducted by the University’s George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War.
Kaily Mayhugh, ’16, who was appointed the softball head coach at Smithville (Mo.) High School in December 2019, was featured in an article that appeared in the Courier-Tribune newspaper of Clay County, Mo., on Feb. 8.
An article published by EdScoop on Feb. 18 on “Can Universities Boost Student Experience Without Invading Privacy?” included comments by David Whittaker, Park University’s chief information officer.
An article authored by Zac Jarrard, information technology services project manager, and Susan Keim, Ph.D., assistant professor of public administration, “Building Cities and Fighting Monsters: Park University’s Minecraft Journey,” appeared on the Minecraft education edition blog on Feb. 19.
Virginia Brackett, Ph.D., professor emerita of English, was interviewed about her recently published nonfiction exploration of her relationship with her father, In the Company of Patriots, via the BookSpeak Network. The podcast aired on Feb. 29.
Stories related to a Park University sponsored government career fair for military veterans appeared on television stations in El Paso, Texas, on Feb. 20. John Stuart, El Paso area director, was interviewed for a story that aired on KFOX-TV.
Park University’s history of serving Nisei (Japanese American) students during World War II was the focus of a story that aired on WDAF-TV in Kansas City on Feb. 20. The story, a follow up to the State of California announcing that it would apologize to Japanese Americans for hosting concentration camps in World War II, included an interview by Tim Westcott, Ph.D., associate professor of history and associate archivist.
Lucas Sousa, ’16, was highlighted in the Wichita (Kan.) Eagle on Feb. 24. Sousa, who plays for the Kansas City Comets in the Major Arena Soccer League, was recently loaned to the Wichita Wings of MASL2, scoring five goals in his debut on Feb. 23.
A story related to a mural collaboration with the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce which includes murals by JT Daniels, ’11, appeared in the February issue of Grow KC, the Chamber’s digital magazine (page 11).
A story about Sherry Lawdermilt, ’09, MBA ’15, being appointed chief information officer at Bemidji (Minn.) State University and Northwest Technical College appeared in the Bemidji Pioneer on Feb. 25.
A story that featured Yi Li, sophomore multimedia journalism/public relations major aired on KSHB-TV in Kansas City on Feb. 26. Li, who is from a city about 300 miles south of Wuhan, China, talked about conversations she has had with her family and other students in light of the coronavirus scare. In addition, Jayme Uden, Ed.D., associate vice president and dean of students, provided an overview on what Park University is doing for students, especially those from the Far East.
Uden was also interviewed on Feb. 28 for another coronavirus-related story that aired on WDAF-TV in Kansas City. This story was related to what Park is doing for its students with a focus on those from China and doing study abroad trips during the upcoming spring break. Uden did a similar interview for a story that aired on KSHB-TV on March 3.
Alissia Canady, ’08, a former member of the Kansas City, Mo., City Council and a 2019 mayoral candidate, was highlighted in a question-and-answer feature that appeared on KCUR-FM (Kansas City) on Feb. 27.
On Feb. 28, Pete Soule, Ph.D., professor of economics, was interviewed for a story that aired on KSHB-TV in Kansas City that focused on the impact that coronavirus is having on the economy and stock market.
Kalie Strain, senior multimedia journalism/public relations major, authored an article published on March 3 on journalism as part of her internship with the Northeast (Kansas City, Mo.) News.
Brian Hoffman, Ph.D., professor of biology, was interviewed for stories that aired on KMBZ-FM in Kansas City on March 4. The stories were related to the coronavirus outbreak and the paper he co-authored on the influenza pandemic in Kansas and Missouri between 1918 and 1920.
A story related to Park University’s decision to cancel a spring break trip to Japan for a class of students aired on KMBC-TV in Kansas City on March 4. Jayme Uden, Ed.D., associate vice president and dean of students, provided comments for the story.
Matt Harris, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science, was interviewed for a story that aired on WDAF-TV in Kansas City on March 4, related to the results from “Super Tuesday” and the Missouri presidential primary on March 10.
A dunk by men’s basketball player Cory Reeves in Park University’s game against Williams Baptist University on March 4 appeared on ESPN that night and throughout the morning on March 5, ranking No. 3 on the top plays of the day.
Wendy Doyle, a member of Park University Civic Advisory Council, authored a guest commentary that appeared in The Kansas City Star on March 5. The opinion article was related to how coronavirus highlights the dangers of companies not giving workers paid time off when sick.
A story related to two Park Hill High School (Kansas City, Mo.) student-athletes, Kali Day and Miranda LuMunyon, signing letters of intent to play softball at Park University, appeared in The Platte County (Mo.) Citizen on March 4.
A story about Lewis Millett, ’63, who received the Medal of Honor in July 1951, appeared in the SouthCoast Today in New Bedford, Mass., on March 8. During the month of March, the 7th Lights for Peace flag is flying at the Fort Taber / Fort Rodman Military Museum in Millett’s memory. He passed away in 2009.
Park University softball head coach Lindsey Derry was highlighted in her hometown newspaper, the Trenton (Mo.) Republican-Times, with a feature story on March 9.
mStoner, Park University’s website design partner, was recently recognized with a gold award in the web-based production/educational institution category for Park’s website as part of the 2020 AVA Digital Awards, an international competition that recognizes excellence by creative professionals responsible for the planning, concept, direction, design and production of digital communication.
Park University received the following rankings by various websites:
• The University was recognized by StateScoop on Feb. 18 as one of “10 Digital Services Agencies Worth Following.”
• Online degree programs information and computer science were ranked No. 9 on OnlineSchoolsReport.com’s “35 Best Online Information Technology Degrees for 2020” list.
• Online Bachelor of Science degree in accounting was ranked No. 13 by GradReports.com on its “2020 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree Programs” list.
• Online degree programs in computer science were ranked No. 28 on EdSmart.org’s “Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs” list.
• Online Master of Business Administration degree ranked No. 40 on OnlineSchoolsReport.com’s “50 Best Online Master’s in Business Administration for 2020” list”
Upcoming Events
(All events are Central time)
• Through March 15 — Spring Recess
• Through April 24 — Park University Faculty Group Art Exhibit: Vision 20/20, Campanella Gallery (Norrington Center); Reception: March 20, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
• March 16 — Spring II Term begins
• March 20 — International Center for Music Concert: ICM Orchestra, 7:30 p.m., Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel
• March 25 — International Center for Music Concert: Pianist Behzod Abduraimov, 7:30 p.m., 1900 Building, Mission Woods, Kan.
• March 30 — Women’s History Month Lecture: “Prescribing the Pill,” by Dr. Beth Bailey, 3:30 p.m., David Theater (Alumni Hall)
• March 31 — Johnson Family Lecture Series in Science: “An Insider Look at the EPA,” by Jeffery Robichaud, 7 p.m., David Theater (Alumni Hall)
• April 2 — Kansas City Professional Development Council Special Topics/Electives Course: Crucial Conversations, 1-4 p.m., Parkville Campus
• April 4 — International Center for Music Concert: Cellist Daniel Veis and Pianist Helena Veisova, 7:30 p.m., 1900 Building, Mission Woods, Kan.
• April 8 — International Center for Music Concert: ICM Orchestra Mini Concert, 4 p.m., Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel
• April 15 — Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Awards, 6 p.m., Olde Mill, Parkville, Mo.
• April 20-21 — Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium, Parkville Campus
• April 22 — Honors Convocation, 7 p.m., Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel
• April 24 — Moody Air Force Base (Ga.) Campus Commencement, 3 p.m., Hoffman Auditorium, Moody AFB
• April 24 — International Center for Music Concert: ICM Orchestra, 7:30 p.m., Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel
• April 25 — Grand Forks (N.D.) Air Force Base Campus Commencement, 3 p.m., Red River High School, Grand Forks, N.D.
Note: To view a comprehensive schedule for all events, including athletics and student life, visit park.edu/calendars/park-events-calendar.