Park University Recognizes 2024-25 Academic Achievements at Annual Honors Convocation
April 29, 2025 — Park University students, faculty and staff were recognized for their exceptional scholarly efforts from the 2024-25 academic year as part of the University’s annual Honors Convocation held on April 23 on the flagship Parkville Campus. The University acknowledged outstanding students, faculty and staff with a variety of special awards, in addition to a number of departmental academic honors.
The most prestigious honor bestowed on any student at Park University — the Outstanding Parkite Award — went to seniors Raeven Brownell (left, with Interim Provost Dr. Emily Sallee) and Gabrielle de Oliveira Campos Sandins (right, with Sallee). The Outstanding Parkite Award is given to two students on the University’s Parkville Campus who best exemplify the ideals of the University in their character, conduct, scholarship and student activity participation. The awards are endowed by Dr. Elliot F. Parker in memory of his parents, Albert and Jessie Parker.
Brownell, a senior biology and psychology major from Kansas City, Mo. (attended Park Hill High School), has excelled in the classroom and is a member of Park’s Honors Academy. Brownell has served as president of the Park Student Government Association for the past two years and received biology department honors for the 2023-24 academic year.
Sandins, a senior sport and exercise science major from Sao Paulo, Brazil, has also excelled in the classroom. In March, Sandins earned an Undergraduate Certificate in tactical strength and conditioning. Sandins was a co-recipient of the Sport and Exercise Science Service and Professional Development Award for 2024-25, and received a Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Award for 2023-24. In addition, Sandins has been a member of Park’s beach volleyball team for three seasons (2023-25).
Additional Presidential Awards and Faculty/Staff Awards presented:
(Name, year in school, major, hometown and high school attended, if known, for students; name, work title and city of residence for faculty/staff):
Louisa Davidson Hinde / Carolyn Hinde Zarkaryan Memorial Award — This award is given to students, faculty, staff and/or alumni who best represent the spirit of Park University by promoting in others that quality of excellence that has always been associated with a Park education.
• Danny Burger, senior communication studies major, Tunas, Mo. (attended Rosedale Christian Academy, Winchester, Va.)
• Lauren Buck, junior graphic design major, Kansas City, Kan. (attended Sumner Academy of Arts and Science)
Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award — This award pays tribute to a faculty member who shows evidence of commitment to high standards of excellence in the area of scholarship: teaching, discovery, integration and/or service. The recipient also shows effective and innovative connections between teaching and research, especially by undergraduate student involvement and participation. Manuchair Ebadi, Ph.D., a 1960 Park graduate who passed away in January 2015, established this award in honor of Delta Gier, Ph.D., a former chair of the Department of Chemistry who served Park from 1948 to 1990.
• Jeffery Kimmons, Ph.D. (left), associate professor of biology, Kansas City, Mo.
J.L. Zwingle Award — This award pays tribute to an outstanding faculty member as voted by the student body.
• J. Mark Noe, Ph.D. (above right), professor of communication arts and director of the Master of Arts degree in communication and leadership program, Parkville, Mo.
Teaching Excellence Awards — These awards recognize the full-time and adjunct faculty members who exemplify excellence in teaching, as nominated by peers, students and staff.
• President’s Award for Teaching Excellence (for full-time faculty): Leslie Jensby (left), associate teaching professor of social work and director of the Bachelor of Social Work program, Kansas City, Mo.
• Provost’s Award for Teaching Excellence (for adjunct faculty): Tammy Good, D.B.A. (right), adjunct instructor of construction management, Pompano Beach, Fla.
Excellence in Academic Advising Award — This award is given to recognize faculty/staff who have achieved excellence in providing Park University students academic advising and mentoring, and recognizes outstanding contributions in helping students define and achieve their academic goals.
• Camille Cook, director of library services and first-year experience, and assistant professor of library instruction and outreach, Lawrence, Kan.
View a complete list of awards presented during the 2025 Honors Convocation.