Crow’s Nest October 2017
Park University and two other Kansas City area colleges are co-hosting a conference that will explore the role of nonviolence in building and maintaining a lasting peace. “Peacebuilding and Nonviolence: Beyond the Clichés” is the theme for the Greater Kansas City Peacebuilding Conference, Thursday, Nov. 2, through Saturday, Nov. 4. Admission to the conference, which is open to the public, is free.
The University’s Parkville Campus will host the conference on Friday, Nov. 3 in the Park Distance Learning Conference Center (within the Parkville Commercial Underground), from 1 to 4 p.m. The day will include poster presentations by students and faculty from the participating schools, and Danielle Taylor, a senior human rights associate with The Carter Center, a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, will speak. On Nov. 4 at Johnson County (Kan.) Community College, presentations will include a talk on “What is Peacebuilding?” by Steve Youngblood, director of Park University’s Center for Global Peace Journalism and associate professor of communication arts. For more information, click here.
PARK CAMPUS CENTER HOLDS COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
Park University campus centers across the country have held commencement ceremonies for 2017 graduates. As these ceremonies continue through the year, we’ll include the link to the news releases announcing the list of graduates at each campus.
• Fort Leonard Wood (Mo.) Campus Center
JONES BONIKOWSKI APPOINTED SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER
Rachel Jones Bonikowski has been hired as the manager of special events for Park University. Jones Bonikowski began her duties on Oct. 9. As the special events manager, she is responsible for planning and staging the University’s signature events, and ensures that meetings and other events are effectively coordinated and scheduled. The position, a part of the University’s Office of External Relations, works closely with all University departments and external partners to create and maintain productive relationships. Prior to joining Park, Jones Bonikowski served as the director of events at the KCI Expo Center in Kansas City, Mo., since 2015. In addition, Jones Bonikowski has been a disc jockey with Professional Sound Services and Pro DJ KC since 1998. Jones Bonikowski also has experience in sales and accounts receivable with The Gown Gallery in Kansas City, Mo., and as a product adviser with Microsoft. Jones Bonikowski earned a Bachelor of Science degree in management/finance from Park in 2008.
VOLUNTEERS REQUESTED FOR HEART OF AMERICA STAND DOWN
Park University’s Department of Military and Veteran Student Services, home of the Park Global Warrior Center, is looking for volunteers to support Kansas City’s homeless veterans during the region’s next Heart of America Stand Down event on Friday, Nov. 3, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kan. Park faculty, staff and students will meet at the Herr House parking lot on the Parkville Campus at 6:15 a.m. to convoy to the event (or you may drive directly to the event).
The Heart of America Stand Down brings together more than 70 community service groups and organizations from the Kansas City area to provide assistance and help rid the barriers that prevent homeless veterans from re-entering society as engaged, productive citizens and live more fulfilling lives. Assistance offered includes medical, substance abuse, legal issues, taxes, housing and utility assistance, family counseling, spiritual, mentorships, educational and employment opportunities, and haircuts. Approximately 500 veterans and dependents participated in the event last year.
Those interested in volunteering for the event should contact Sarah Weygand, program coordinator of military and veteran student services, at sweygand@park.edu or (816) 584-6544 by Friday, Oct. 27. New volunteers will receive a T-shirt as well (please provide your size). In addition, the PWC is collecting donations of men’s and women’s underwear (new), hats, sweaters, gloves and winter coats. Donations can be dropped off in the Park Global Warrior Center on the first floor of Thompson Commons. For additional information about the Heart of America Stand Down, visit www.kcstanddown.org.
SIR GEORGE MASCOT TRYOUTS SET FOR OCT. 27
Park University’s Department of Athletics has a unique opportunity for students that could provide scholarship money. Auditions for the University’s pirate mascot, “Sir George,” will be held Friday, Oct. 27, from noon to 3 p.m. in Breckon Sports Center on the Parkville Campus. Show your best. Come in your own mascot costume, or out of costume, and show why you belong to represent the University as “Sir George” for the 2017-18 season. To register for an audition, contact Steve Wilson, associate athletic director for media relations and compliance, at (816) 584-6490, or swilson@park.edu with the subject line “Sir George Mascot Audition.”
UNIVERSITY SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ACCREDITATION
Park University is seeking comments from the public about the University in preparation for its periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency. The University will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit Feb. 12-13, 2018, by a team representing the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Park University has been accredited by the Commission since 1913. The team will review Park’s ongoing ability to meet the Commission’s criteria for accreditation. The public is invited to submit comments regarding Park University to:
Public Comment on Park University
The Higher Learning Commission
230 S. LaSalle St., Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604
The public may also submit comments on the Commission’s website at www.hlcommission.org/comment. Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Comments must be in writing and signed, and comments cannot be treated as confidential. All comments must be received by Jan. 12, 2018.
CCNE TO HOLD ACCREDITATION SITE VISIT FOR PARK’S NURSING PROGRAM
Park University’s Ellen Finley Earhart Department of Nursing will host a site review for initial accreditation of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, Monday, Oct. 30, through Wednesday, Nov. 1. The Department of Nursing is seeking comments from the community regarding the BSN pre-licensure and RN-to-BSN programs in preparation for its evaluation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The community is invited to meet the site visit team and share comments about Park’s nursing program on Oct. 30 from 4 to 4:30 p.m. in the McCoy Meetin’ House on the University’s Parkville Campus.
FACULTY, STAFF, STUDENT NEWS
Winners have been announced in the Office of Global Education and Study Abroad’s international photo contest:
• Gabriel Grillo, ’09, and current student in the Master of Business Administration program, student division
• Michael House, international program coordinator and student success coach, staff division (pictured, Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland)
• Amanda Stetler, adjunct instructor and program coordinator of fitness and wellness, faculty division
Amber Dailey-Hebert, Ph.D., professor of adult and organizational learning, and director of the Faculty Center for Innovation, and Judi Simmons Estes, Ph.D., associate professor of education, authored a chapter for a recently published textbook, Handbook of Research on Pedagogical Models for Next-Generation Teaching and Learning. The chapter, “Modeling Technology Integration in Teacher Preparation Programs,” discusses the importance of faculty developing knowledge, skills, resources and professional learning networks in support of their own growth in using technology in the college classroom.
Steven McDonald, director of orchestral activities in the International Center for Music, presented a master class for the Kansas Wesleyan University Orchestra on Oct. 17 in Salina. The previous night, McDonald performed as a guest harpsichord soloist for a Salina Symphony fundraising event.
A poster presented by Christy Rodman, ’03, and a current student in Park University’s Master of Social Work program, placed second in the graduate student category at the conference for the Texas Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers on Oct. 5 in Galveston, Texas. Rodman’s poster, “The Integration of Assistance Animals into a Homeless Shelter Setting,” was based on her organizational transformation project last spring.
A trio of Park University faculty from the School of Business presented at the Marketing Management Association’s Fall Educators Conference, Sept. 20-22 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Penny DeJong, Ph.D., associate dean of the School of Business, and Hank Roehrich, Ph.D., associate professor of management and marketing, and program coordinator of logistics and management (along with Roehrich’s wife, Julie Grabanski, Ph.D., assistant professor of occupational therapy at the University of North Dakota), co-presented a refereed paper, “Expanding Horizons: A Study of Business Professionals Transitioning to Higher Education” (begins on page 25 of conference link). Roehrich and Julie Creek, Ph.D., assistant professor of international business (along with DeJong’s husband, Michael, who is pursuing a doctorate in social work from the University of Minnesota), were a part of a panel presentation “Making the Transition from Practice to Academia” (page 203) that was chaired by DeJong. Roehrich (and Grabanski) co-presented a position paper “Social Media, Social Networking: Learn to Use them Before They Abuse You” (page 109). Roehrich, in his second year as a member of the MMA Board of Directors, also served as a conference session chair.
Terrence Ward, Ph.D., assistant professor of public administration, was a co-presenter of two sessions at the Missouri School Boards’ Association annual conference in Osage Beach, Mo., Oct. 6-7. Ward, who serves as the president of the North Kansas City (Mo.) School Board, presented during sessions on “Outstanding Boards in Physical and Environmental Resources” and “Changing Paradigms: Eliminating Summer Slide.”
PARK IN THE NEWS
Park University President Greg Gunderson, Ph.D., and Park Board of Trustees members Michael Collins, ’04 (immediate past chair of the board), Jeanette Prenger, ’09 (vice chair of the board) and David Warm, were all featured on the “Ingram’s 250,” a list of “the most powerful business leaders in Greater Kansas City,” according to Ingram’s, Kansas City’s business magazine, in its September issue. Collins was also among those on the cover photo and quoted in the cover story, “Ingram’s 250 General Assembly Report.”
Rick Schumacher, ’11, ’14, was featured in the September/October issue of Fraud Magazine, a publication of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Schumacher is a senior global compliance investigator for Nissan Motor Corp.
Randy and Jane Fehr, both ’64, were honored with the Wendell Halverson Outstanding Friend Award from the Buena Vista University National Alumni Association on Sept. 30 in Storm Lake, Iowa. The award recognizes individuals who, not alumni of BVU, have demonstrated a commitment to the school and its students.
A story that appeared in a recent issue of the Platte County (Mo.) Landmark related to an art exhibit in Platte City, Mo., featuring the works of Gale Stockwell, included comments by Carolyn Elwess, university archivist. The University’s Fishburn Archives and Special Collections houses a number of Stockwell paintings.
Park University’s River Read Children’s Literature Festival was featured in two live broadcasts on WDAF-TV in Kansas City on Oct. 10. Kathy Howe, Ph.D., director of the Watson Literacy Center and assistant professor of literacy education, was interviewed in the first segment, and Scott Hageman, associate dean of the School of Natural and Appsclied Sciences, and associate professor of geology, was interviewed in the second segment.
Kenny Broberg, graduate student in the International Center for Music, was featured in The Pitch on Oct. 10 in the monthly publication’s “Best of Kansas City” edition.
Erik Bergrud, associate vice president for external relations, represented Park University at a Missouri House of Representatives Subcommittee on Student Debt Relief on Oct. 10. Bergrud was quoted in a story that appeared in the Columbia Missourian the next day (and other newspapers across the state), speaking about Park’s Fides et LaborScholarship program.
Park University’s mascot “Sir George” was a part of a video segment that aired on WDAF-TV in Kansas City on Oct. 11. The video featured Kansas City area mascots dancing, in response to the viral video of BYU’s “Cosmo” dancing.
April Haberyan, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, provided comments for a story related to Missouri Hope, an annual disaster response exercise, that appeared in the Maryville (Mo.) Daily Forum on Oct. 15.
Hanan Ashrawi, Ph.D., who spoke about inclusivity and diversity lessons from Israel and Palestine on Oct. 16 as part of Park University’s Year of Diversity, appeared on KSHB-TV’s “Kansas City Live” program the morning of the event.
In addition, Melinda Henneberger, a member of the editorial board at The Kansas City Star, wrote an opinion column related to Ashrawi’s discussion event that appeared in the newspaper on Oct. 18.
A story about Kenny Broberg, graduate student in Park University’s International Center for Music, appeared in The Forum of Fargo (N.D.)-Moorhead (Minn.) newspaper on Oct. 16. The article was a preview of Broberg’s concert on Oct. 19 at the Roland Dille Center for the Arts in Moorhead. The concert was his first in his home state of Minnesota since taking the second prize at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition this summer.
The first of three articles authored by Carolyn Elwess, university archivist, related to legends of supernatural activities on Park University’s Parkville Campus, appeared in the Oct. 11 edition of the Platte County (Mo.) Landmark.
U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Forney, ’17, company first sergeant for the 1st Transportation Support Battalion, 1st Combat Logistics Regiment, 1st Marine Logistics Group, was awarded the 2017 Military and Service Award from the North San Diego Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People during its Blue and Gold Freedom Fund Awards in Carlsbad, Calif., on Oct. 14, at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa in Calif., Oct. 14, 2017. A story about Forney and his honor appeared on the Defense Video Imagery Distribution System website on Oct. 15. The award recognizes a military member who, while serving embodies the spirit of their service member’s creed, as well as displays exceptional character and activism within the community.
Kenthedo Robinson, ’80, was featured in an article that appeared in the Times Square Chronicles in New York City on Oct. 18. Robinson is an English and theater teacher in the New York public school system, and has also written, produced and directed more than 20 plays.
Wade Abel, director of military and veteran student services, was highlighted in the Oct. 19 issue of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education as part of a series of profiles on military higher education leaders (begins on page 15).
More Park University online degree programs have been ranked by various websites:
• Bachelor of Science in Logistics degree ranked No. 4 by CollegeChoice.net on its “20 Best Online Bachelor’s in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Degrees for 2017” list.
• Associate in Criminal Justice Administration degree ranked No. 9 by TheBestColleges.org on its “Top 25 Online Associate in Criminal Justice Programs for 2017” list.
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration ranked No. 15 by CollegeChoice.net on its “Best Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security Degrees” list.
• Master of Business Administration degree in human resources management ranked No. 18 by OnlineU.org on its “2018 Most Affordable Online Colleges for a Master’s in Human Resources” list.
• Bachelor of Science degree in human resource management ranked No. 19 by OnlineU.org on its “2018 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Human Resources Degrees” list, and ranked No. 24 by CollegeChoice.net on its “40 Best Online Bachelor’s in Human Resources Degrees for 2017” list.
UPCOMING EVENTS
(All events are Central time)
• Through November 22 — Rita Guile Fine Art Paintings Exhibit, Campanella Gallery (Norrington Center)
• October 20 — International Center for Music 1900 Series: The “Classical” British Invasion (Night 2), 7:30 p.m., 1900 Building, Mission Woods, Kan.
• October 21 — International Center for Music 1900 Series: The “Classical” British Invasion (Night 3), 4 p.m., 1900 Building, Mission Woods, Kan.
• October 26 — Fright Night, 6 p.m., Copley Quad
• October 29 — Northland Community Choir Fall Concert, 3 p.m., Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel
• November 2-3 — Board of Trustees Meeting, Lenexa (Kan.) Civic Campus
• November 4 — Defense Supply Center Columbus (Ohio) Campus Center Commencement, 9 a.m., Ohio History Connection
• November 5 — Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (Ohio) Campus Center Commencement, 2 p.m., Hollenbeck Bayley Conference Center, Springfield, Ohio
• November 5 — Parkville Symphonic Band Concert, 3 p.m., Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel
• November 10 — Veterans Day Holiday (observed; all University offices closed nationwide; Parkville Daytime classes cancelled; Fall II classes held as scheduled)
• November 10 — Park Model United Nations Conference (for high school students), Parkville Campus
• November 13 — Retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Chris King, Ph.D., Presentation: “Understanding the Threats to Peace and Security in the World from a Changing Climate,” 3:30 p.m., David Theater (Alumni Hall)
• November 14 — World War I Centennial Presentation: Dr. André Loez, 1 p.m., Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel
• November 16 — International Center for Music Faculty Recital: Violist Christine Grossman, 7:30 p.m., Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel
• November 17 — International Festival, 5:30-8 p.m., Academic Plaza (Academic Underground)
• November 23-26 — Thanksgiving Holiday (all University offices closed nationwide; Fall II classes held as scheduled)
• December 1 — Charleston (S.C.) Air Force Base Campus Center Commencement, noon, Joint Base Charleston Education Center
• December 2 — International Center for Music ICM Orchestra Concert, 7:30 p.m., Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel
• December 3 — Northland Community Choir Concert: Rutter Carols by Candlelight, 5 p.m., Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel
• December 4-29 — Fine Arts Seniors Thesis Exhibit, Campanella Gallery
• December 8 — International Student Sash Ceremony, 5 p.m., David Theater (Alumni Hall)
• December 9 — Kansas City Area December Commencement, 10 a.m., Community of Christ Auditorium, Independence, Mo.
• December 10 — Fall Semester/Fall II Classes End
• December 10 — International Center for Music Distinguished Alumni Concert: Violinist Cristian Fatu and Pianist Victoria Martirosyan Fatu, 4 p.m., Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel
Note: To view a comprehensive schedule for all events, including athletics and student life, click here.