Unveiling at Crow's Nest on October 18, 2018:
Park University has been a hub of activity in recent weeks, with numerous achievements, accolades, and community initiatives taking centre stage. Here's a roundup of some of the key events that have occurred on campus and beyond.
Academic Achievements
Two faculty members, Amber Dailey-Hebert and Glenn Lester, made significant strides in their respective fields. Dailey-Hebert, professor of adult and organizational learning and director of the Faculty Center for Innovation, co-authored an article published in the September issue of the International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning. Meanwhile, Lester, an assistant professor of English, had a short story published in the literary journal, Barrelhouse.
Athletic Accolades
The 2017-18 academic and athletic year was marked by impressive performances, with several athletes being recognised for their achievements. Nicholas Rotich was awarded Male Athlete of the Year for men's track and field, while Nada Meawad was honoured as Female Athlete of the Year for women's volleyball.
Community Initiatives
One of the most notable initiatives launched by Park University is the Pirate Pantry, a food pantry designed to assist students facing food insecurity. Located inside the Intramural and Recreational Fieldhouse (Labor Hall) on the University's Parkville Campus, the Pirate Pantry is open to any Park University student and is operated by volunteers, primarily graduate students in Park's Master of Social Work program. Undergraduate social work students also assist by stocking shelves and taking inventory.
The Pirate Pantry has been funded completely by donations, including a major gift from North Kansas City Hospital, and food drives conducted by the University, the City of Parkville, Mo., and Northland Baptist Church in Kansas City, Mo. Donations of nonperishable food and personal hygiene items are welcome and can be placed in the donation bin outside the Pirate Pantry space in the Fieldhouse, dropped off in the Pirate Pantry on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., or emailed to pantry@our website for large volume donations.
Awards and Recognition
Several members of the Park University community were honoured for their contributions. Steve Wilson was awarded the Appreciation Award for Service for his work as director of athletics and men's/women's golf head coach at Park University's Gilbert (Ariz.) Campus. The Don Breckon Award was presented to Park University President Greg Gunderson, Ph.D., while Levi Young, '01, received the Claude English Award.
In recognition of his service to Park University, Paul Gault, '65, '88, and former longtime Park employee, was presented with the Ed Nelson Award. Outside of Park University, Sarah Hopkins-Chery, '07, '09, was recognised by the Merced (Calif.) Sun-Star as a 2018 "20 Under 40" honoree. She is the women's basketball head coach at the University of California, Merced.
Media Coverage
Park University and its faculty members have received significant media coverage. Jayme Uden, Ed.D., associate vice president and dean of students, was interviewed for a story that aired on KCTV in Kansas City on Sept. 26 related to a new app, JDoe, that allows users to report sexual assaults anonymously.
Matt Harris, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science, was interviewed for a story that aired on WDAF-TV in Kansas City on Sept. 26 related to the differences in how attitudes have evolved over the years in sexual harassment accusations between Christine Blasey Ford today and Anita Hill in 1991.
Steve Bell, Ph.D., J.D., professor of economics, was interviewed for stories that aired on KMBZ-FM in Kansas City on Oct. 8 related to news that some national retailers announced plans to raise their minimum wage to $15 per hour.
Finally, Park University's River Read Children's Literature Festival received media coverage as WDAF-TV did a pair of live shots from the Parkville Campus on Oct. 9.
For the most accurate and up-to-date details regarding the Pirate Pantry's current status, hours of operation, and access procedures, it is best to consult Park University’s official student services or campus resources directly.
- In their individual fields, faculty members Amber Dailey-Hebert and Glenn Lester fostered personal growth and career development by co-authoring an educational article and publishing a short story respectively, contributing to the ongoing education-and-self-development at Park University.
- The Pirate Pantry, a crucial job-search resource for students facing food insecurity, was initiated by Park University as a community initiative. Run by volunteers and social work students, it provides learning opportunities while promoting a sense of inclusion and skills-training.
- Park University's achievements in media coverage added to its reputation, with faculty members being interviewed on various topics related to education, laws, politics, and children's literature, demonstrating the institution's commitment to continuous learning and community involvement.
