MAGAZINE Spring 2011
Vol. 3, No. 1
Developing a global perspective New dean of the Park School of Business Brad Kleindl, Ph.D.
Contents 2
5
Features
16
1
President’s greetings
2
Taking the advantage: New dean’s vision for success
4
ACBSP: Setting higher standards in business education
5
Developing a global perspective
7
Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series
16
Park School of Business alumni: celebrating success
22 Summer Business Academy
22
7
30
Departments 8
University news
12
New feature! Park’s Board of Trustees
Park University Magazine is published by the Office of University Advancement and the Office of Communication for Park alumni and friends. Send address corrections to Office of University Advancement, Park University, 8700 N.W. River Park Drive, Box 65, Parkville, MO 64152, or call (816) 584-6200 or e-mail advancement@park.edu. Visit www.park.edu for more information. The mission of Park University, an entrepreneurial institution of learning, is to provide access to academic excellence that will prepare learners to think critically, communicate effectively and engage in lifelong learning while serving a global community.
24 In academia 26 Alumniad 28 Director’s corner 30 Events 32 Class notes 35 Park mourns 36 Alumni Weekend
Cover photo credit: Christian Fatu, ‘10. The Park University Magazine is created by: Kathy Winklhofer Wink Creative Communications winkcreative@mac.com | (913) 271-5862 Vanessa Bonavia V Communications vmbonavia@gmail.com | (913) 980-3167
Our core values: • Commitment to commonalities and differences • Commitment to community among all peoples of the world • Commitment to lifelong learning
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President’s greetings Dear Friends, Whenever I am asked by a student, “Is a college degree really important anymore?” I never hesitate to respond, “Only if you want to help shape the future.” Higher education enriches the life one leads and brings choice — choice about the type of work one is able to enjoy, a greater capacity to help others and increased financial security for one’s family. If a better understanding of, and appreciation for, the rapidly changing world is important, then higher education is of greater value now than ever before. In this academic year, more than 20,000 undergraduate and graduate Park students have enrolled in a degree program at Park University. Six thousand of those students entered degree programs related to business. Combine that total with the 60,000 Park graduates already holding an undergraduate or graduate business degree, and it’s easy to understand the significance of Park’s focus on building the human and financial resources needed to advance the University’s curricular and co-curricular programs. One ongoing effort at Park follows the provisions identified in the Higher Education Opportunity Act (Public Law 110-215). This law requires assessment of all college programs with measurable outcomes to document what students have learned. Demonstrated evidence of student success while at the University and also the accomplishments of alumni inform our ongoing efforts to improve Park’s programs as the world changes around us. We at Park embrace the new accountability that is sweeping across American higher education. Such assessment helps ensure that the knowledge, skills and global perspective students develop while at Park prepare them well for their life’s work, as well as for their service to the global community. For 136 years, Park alumni have been succeeding and making a significant difference in their professions and in their civic engagement. In this issue of the Park University Magazine, you will have an opportunity to learn more about the Park School of Business and the success of our business degree alumni. Under the leadership of a new dean, Brad Kleindl, Ph.D., the Park School of Business holds much promise to reach even greater heights of accomplishment and growth. While the business degree enrollments reflect 53 percent of our student’s academic degree choice, we are proud of all our students and alumni. Our commitment, on behalf of all Park learners, is that excellence remains at the core of the University’s curricular and co-curricular programs. We are exceedingly proud to demonstrate that learned excellence through the success of Park University alumni. Enjoy the read!
Best Regards,
Michael H. Droge, Ph.D. Park University President
Park University Magazine Spring 2011 Vol. 3 No. 1 Michael H. Droge, Ph.D. President (816) 584-6202 president@park.edu Laurie McCormack Vice President for University Advancement (816) 584-6210 laurie.mccormack@park.edu Rita Weighill, ‘90 Vice President for Communication (816) 584-6211 rita.weighill@park.edu Brad Biles Associate Director for Communication (816) 584-6888 brad.biles@park.edu
Let us hear from you
Contact the Office of Communication with your comments about the Park University Magazine. (816) 584-6212 communication@park.edu Office of Communication 8700 NW River Park Drive, Box 65 Parkville, MO 64152
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Taking the advantage:
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Photo credit: Christian Fatu, ‘10.
New dean’s vision for success
When you see the framed diplomas lining his office walls — from associate’s degree to bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate — you wouldn’t think he once doubted his own capacity to achieve. “From my experience, it’s important that everything we do at Park helps students realize all they can accomplish,” said Brad A. Kleindl, Ph.D., who was appointed dean of the Park School of Business in January.
More than qualified Professor. International lecturer. Dean. Corporate consultant. Author. Fulbright Scholar.
No doubt Kleindl will draw from an impressive wealth of experience to lead the University’s largest school toward an exciting future. Kleindl joins Park after having served as the dean of the Robert W. Plaster School of Business Administration at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin since 2003. He was also an associate professor of marketing and assistant dean from 1993 to 2003, and director of MSSU’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management from 1986 to 1991. As a guest lecturer in universities around the world, Kleindl adds to Park’s growing ranks of faculty Fulbright-award winners.
In 2007, he served as a Fulbright Senior Specialist at the Management Center in Innsbruck, Austria, and in 2003 at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa, lecturing on e-commerce and international business. Along the way, Kleindl has authored or co-authored six books on Internet marketing and international business, along with more than 60 articles and conference papers. Kleindl’s “real-world” experience as a business consultant for corporations, start-ups and small businesses complements his nearly 20 years in academia.
Demystifying success
Like many college students he meets, Kleindl said he once suffered from low self-expectations. “I had no idea what was possible for me.” To help students explore career options and realize their potential, Kleindl frequently invited CEOs and business executives to talk with students about their personal paths to success as part of MSSU’s freshman orientation. “In nearly every case, they would explain how they never expected they would one day be a CEO or company president,” Kleindl said. “Almost universally, their stories were threaded with a similar message about their road to success: hard work, fortitude and being open to opportunities.”
The “wall of diplomas” in Kleindl’s office is there for a reason. “Quite often students visit the dean’s office when they’re struggling and unsure of their future,” he said. “I can point to these diplomas and share how I also wasn’t sure I could make it. I believed you had to be somewhat special or smart to get a master’s degree, and really smart to get a doctorate.” Kleindl isn’t necessarily encouraging students to pursue a doctorate, but he definitely wants to inspire them to set goals — really big ones. “Many people don’t set goals that are high enough because they don’t understand what possibilities exist for them or what it takes to get there,” Kleindl said.
Military advantage
His own invitation to opportunity began in the military. Kleindl, who speaks fluent German, joined the Army after high school and was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. “In my early 20s, I wasn’t ready for college. I did a lot of traveling throughout Europe, which was an education in itself.” After the military, Kleindl said he entered community college as a more mature and focused student. “With the help of the G.I. Bill, I was able to pursue my education,” he said. “Even though I had trepidations, I worked hard and took advantage of every opportunity along the way. That’s what I encourage students to do.” Kleindl received both his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and Master of Business Administration degree from Southern Illinois University, Spring 2011 - 3
highest quality education on par with business schools around the world. ACBSP accreditation will also impact recruitment as more students seek this trusted “seal of approval” about business school programs.
Carbondale, in 1981 and 1982, respectively. He earned his Ph.D. in marketing from Oklahoma State University in 1996.
Seal of approval
Setting big goals. Taking advantage of opportunities. Accomplishing more than imagined. Rest assured, Kleindl’s guiding philosophy isn’t just for Park students. As the dean of Park’s largest school, Kleindl will lead the rigorous process of moving the Park School of Business from accreditation candidate status to full accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. ACBSP accreditation will validate that Park’s School of Business is offering the
The road to ACBSP accreditation will take an estimated two years, according to Kleindl, who has extensive experience as an ACBSP evaluator and team leader.
Collaborative vision
Since his first official day at Park on Jan. 3, Kleindl has been responding to the inevitable question: What is his vision for the Park School of Business? “It’s not the job of the dean to dictate the vision. Inherent in the accreditation pro-
cess is a collaborative assessment of the business school’s vision and mission,” he said. “It requires input from all key constituents — including the Park School of Business Advisory Board, faculty, students, alumni and the business community — to construct a vision that is sustainable for Park’s future. My vision, in essence, is to successfully lead that effort.” Kleindl said accreditation isn’t necessarily about sweeping change. “There’s no doubt that the Park School of Business has been providing high quality education. Yet the accreditation process demands proof,” Kleindl said. “It will help establish a formal system to document, measure and continuously improve everything we do.”
Explaining accreditation in business education Accreditation is an earned status that confirms that a school or university is meeting rigorous academic standards. Since 1913, Park University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
ACBSP accreditation standards for business schools are modeled on the Baldrige National Quality Program — a widely recognized standard for performance excellence used by businesses, health care organizations, and government and nonprofit agencies. It provides organizational assessment tools and criteria for measuring performance and managing continuous improvement.
Increasing competition among business schools is creating a demand for a specialized accreditation to serve as a trusted mark of excellence recognized by perspective students, employers and other university constituents.
ACBSP’s rigorous accreditation process presents business schools with an opportunity to examine their missions and how they are being achieved. ACBSP-accredited business schools form a global education network that provides member schools with access to exchange, study abroad and research programs around the world.
The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs is the premier accrediting association dedicated to pursuing the highest quality standards in business education around the world.
For the Park School of Business, the two-year ACBSP accreditation process began in January under the leadership of its new dean, Brad Kleindl, Ph.D.
Developing a global perspective By Brad Kleindl, Ph.D. Dean, Park School of Business, and Professor of Marketing I’ve been asked a number of times about my vision for the Park University School of Business since I arrived at Park in January. Most importantly, I believe Park business graduates need to be globally competitive. I’ve watched the world change over the past five decades and know the quality of global talent that we as Americans face in a more internationally competitive business world. Spring 2011 - 5
Developing a global perspective My international perspective was sparked at an early age. In seventh grade, my school embarked on a new foreign language program. I’ll never forget my German instructor, Wendell Kurr, who spun tails of his life in Germany and bicycling through Europe. He opened my eyes to a broader world, and he is the teacher who has had the greatest impact on my life. A fellow classmate participated in an international exchange and encouraged me to sign up for my first international experience as an American Field Service student in Sweden for a summer. After high school, I wanted to see more of Europe, so I visited my brother who, by chance, was stationed in Germany. I traveled by thumb from Germany through France to England and back again to Germany through Amsterdam. After returning to the U.S., I longed to return to Europe and decided to join the Army, where I was stationed in Germany. After almost three years in Europe, I felt I was finally ready for college. I, like my father and many other veterans, took advantage of the G.I. Bill that allowed me to complete a master’s degree. The capstone course for me was an international seminar tour to Asia. In 1982, during the last great recession, I visited Taiwan, Hong Kong, southern China’s “New Territories” and Japan. I extended my stay in Japan and again stayed with my brother, who was teaching in Tokyo. I’ve had the unique opportunity to see parts of the world on the verge of major change. I’ve passed through “Checkpoint Charlie” from West to East Berlin. I’ve seen Europe move from countries with separate borders and currencies to a European Union. I’ve watched China move from a communist dictatorship with virtually no businesses to the second largest economy in the world. And I’ve seen the Iron Curtain fall. I’ve also had the opportunity to see the quality of the world’s future business leaders who are emerging as major competitors to the United States. During my time in higher education administration, I’ve negotiated relationships with more than 14 international business programs in a dozen countries on five continents and participated twice as a Senior Fulbright Specialist. Today, there are more than 13,000 business schools and programs around the world. Developed and developing countries have restructured their higher education systems, creating opportunities for millions of students. From my experiences, I believe the Park School of Business — and
business schools throughout the U.S. — have an obligation to meet the challenge of globalizing business education. In part, globalization requires that we help students gain a global perspective by understanding the impact of a more internationalized business environment. But to make our students truly global, we must make them globally competitive. Throughout its history, Park has been at the forefront of creating an international educational experience for students. In 1880, Park welcomed its first international student from Japan and started its relationship with the military in 1889. Today, Park students find themselves in an enriching environment — both on campus and online — comprised of more than 650 international students representing 110 countries. Many of Park’s faculty have traveled the world and bring that international perspective to the classroom. As dean of the Park School of Business, I want students to have even more opportunities for a globally competitive education. Park’s quality education flows from our faculty, who play an important role in shaping our students’ futures, guiding them from limited knowledge of a topic to a level of critical thinking and complex decisionmaking. Park’s faculty, through teaching quality and service learning opportunities, offer students — whether from the U.S. or one of 110 countries — the building blocks to fulfill their educational goals. Just as my life is still under the influence of my past teachers, Park builds an education platform that opens a world of opportunities for students and those individuals they will touch. Our futures are not set, and we do not know what tomorrow will bring. For most of us, life is a series of building blocks; some we intend to build and others are handed to us by chance. Often, it is our ability to capitalize on these chance opportunities that have the greatest impact on who we will become. Seeing the world when you are older is different than when you are young. You see the world from the top of the building blocks of your life, often put there by the teachers and those who have had the chance to influence your development. In my role as dean, I look forward to helping students discover their own building blocks to guide them on their journey of success. As for myself, I know that there are parts of this world that I have yet to see and people I have yet to meet…and they are waiting for me.
Park University and the Park School of Business present The Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series featuring
Dan Hesse
Chief Executive Officer Sprint Nextel Corp.
Tuesday, September 13 11 a.m. - Noon Park University Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel For reservations: business@park.edu
Park University’s School of Business Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series is designed to bring leading business executives, policy experts and respected scholars to address major issues concerning industry, economic environment, entrepreneurship and globalization. The purpose of this series is to help further the mission of the Park School of Business by providing the highest quality of management education through exposing students, faculty, staff and the local community to key industry leaders and policymakers. The series also provides unique perspectives concerning the forces that impact the competitiveness of the U.S. economy in a global economic landscape. Spring 2011 - 7
University news Droge advises ACE on international initiatives Park University President Michael H. Droge, Ph.D., was in Washington, D.C., in November 2010 serving on the Commission on International Initiatives for the American Council on Education. Droge served as a group leader for presidents at the ACE Leadership Network on Internationalization. The Commission on International Initiatives advises ACE on its programs in internationalization and global learning. In addition, the CII guides ACE in providing policy guidance to U.S. institutions wishing to internationalize their programs. It also works with other associations to increase support for international education activities from federal and state governments and the private sector, and works with national and regional associations of universities abroad on issues of common interest to U.S. college and university presidents and their counterparts in other countries.
Park trustee Holcom receives prestigious award from U.S. Army Tom Holcom (right), a member of Park University’s Board of Trustees and chief executive officer of Pioneer Services, was presented with the U.S. Army’s “Outstanding Civilian Service Medal” in October 2010 during a special celebration of his 25 years with the company. The award was presented to Holcom by retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Robert Arter. Holcom was recognized for his work in helping start the Command General Staff College Foundation at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., which supports the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in the development of tomorrow’s military leaders. He was instrumental in helping the CGSCF obtain tax-exempt status and was elected the foundation’s first president.
Abduraimov signs with Decca Classics record label Behzod Abduraimov, Park University senior applied music/piano major from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and grand prize winner at the 2009 London International Piano Competition, has signed a recording contract with Decca Classics, London. Abduraimov studies under Uzbek compatriot Stanislav Ioudenitch, executive/artistic director of the University’s International Center for Music and winner of the 2001 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Abduraimov said he is honored to be given the opportunity by Decca. His debut album, to be recorded this summer for release in 2012, will include solo works by Liszt, Prokofiev and Saint-Saens. In coming seasons, Abduraimov will play with the Royal Philharmonic and English Chamber orchestras, give recitals in London, Brussels, Belgium, and Milan, Italy, as well as performances in Germany and North America.
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“Fête” concert benefits University’s International Center for Music Park University’s internationally acclaimed pianist Stanislav Ioudenitch brought together a group of world-renowned classical musicians for a special concert in October 2010 at Kansas City’s Folly Theater. The “Fête: Ioudenitch and Friends” concert, an evening brimming with musical variety and virtuosity featuring international and local talent, was a fundraising event for the University’s International Center for Music. The concert featured Ioudenitch, gold medalist at the 11th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and executive/
artistic director of the ICM; his protégé, Behzod Abduraimov, grand prize winner at the 2009 London International Piano Competition; Ben Sayevich, one of the most distinguished violinists and teachers of his generation, and a member of the ICM’s faculty; cellist Daniel Veis, first prize winner at the 1976 Prague Spring International Competition and silver medalist at the prestigious 1978 Tchaikovsky International Competition in Moscow, and visiting assistant professor of cello at Park; Kansas City guitarist Beau Bledsoe; and Argentinean bandoneónist Héctor Del Curto.
Ioudenitch featured in History Channel documentary Stanislav Ioudenitch, executive/artistic director of Park University’s International Center for Music, was highlighted in a History Channel documentary that premiered in December 2010. The documentary was in the works for some time — History Channel crews were on the Parkville Campus in August 2008 and January 2009 filming and interviewing Ioudenitch. He can be seen throughout the documentary, and he was featured in two separate segments of the show. “The Naturalized” weaves together the lives of different people from different countries who all share a quest for citizenship by choice, not birthright, as the documentary travels from a citizenship class to a naturalization ceremony. Along the way, there is unprecedented access to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, revealing the complex process up close.
Contemporary stories of struggle and success are combined with insightful interviews from notable naturalized citizens, including Fareed Zakaria, who presented the keynote address at Park’s Xerox Global Business Lecture Series in March 2009.
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University news Park ranked as a top producer of Fulbright Scholars Park University was ranked by The Chronicle of Higher Education as one of the top producers of U.S. Fulbright Scholars in the “master’s institutions” category. Park was the only Missouri institution ranked in this category. Nicolas Koudou, Ph.D., professor of business administration and director of the Master of Business Administration program, and Kay Dennis, Ed.D., assistant professor of education, were Park’s Fulbright recipients for 2010-11.
Minot AFB student earns Air Force Medical Services award Staff Sgt. Lorry A. Arellano, a freshman management/finance major at Park University’s Minot (N.D.) Air Force Base Campus Center, was awarded the Outstanding Resource Management Airman of the Year Award by the Air Force Global Strike Command for her hard work and dedication in January. Arellano, the 5th Medical Support Squadron uniform business office manager and manpower analyst, is responsible for ensuring airmen are certified and ready to accomplish their duties in the AFGSC’s Personnel Reliability Program.
Kline selected to coach AIST men’s basketball team in Italy Park University head men’s basketball coach Jason Kline will represent the United States this spring, serving as sideline general in Italy for the American International Sports Teams 2011 men’s basketball squad that will tour the country in late May and early June. Kline was chosen to lead the team of NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA and two-year college athletes in Italy. The team will spend time in Rome, Florence, San Marino, Remini Beach and Como, taking on Italian club-level teams from across the country.
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University adds hands-on birthing simulator for nursing program Students in the Ellen Finley Earhart Nursing Program at Park University have a new way to learn with the addition of a hands-on birthing simulator. Noelle, a computer-controlled mannequin, was added to the program at the University’s Parkville Campus. Noelle can mimic many areas necessary for patient care. She can have blood pressure, oxygen saturation, IV access and other features, as well as give birth. A faculty member controls the experience from a computer and can introduce complications to allow the students to think through processes and deliver the appropriate nursing care. Gerry Walker, D.H.Ed., nursing program chair and assistant professor, said the addition of Noelle is a stepping stone for Park’s program and represents a significant commitment by the University to purchase the equipment. “Over the last few years, we have experienced fewer and fewer students who have had an opportunity to participate in the birth of a baby,” Walker said. “If the student is in the room during a birth, they are strictly an observer and not a very close one. Noelle provides the nursing student a hands-on, instructor-facilitated birthing experience.” The hospital bed on which Noelle lies was provided through Park’s partnership with Truman Medical Centers.
Among the Park University participants running in the Chicago Marathon were (from left) — Front row: Natalie Parker, Rachel Fessenden, LeeAnn Parsons, Brittany Collett, Mallory Jansen; Middle row: Sharon Doris, Gina Reed, Mindy Simmons, Angie Craig, Abby Holloway, Hannah Alpers, Jordan Wandfluh, Amy Reif; Back row: Diana Arrowsmith, Angie Ciolek, Brian Ciolek, Joey Liberty, Eric Blair, Karie Schaefer and Shannon Hattey. Also running but not pictured were: Tom Bertoncino, Aiden Galarza and Monica Galarza.
Park University well-represented in Chicago, Kansas City marathons After months of training and preparation, 19 Park University staff, students, faculty and alumni, along with friends and family, took part in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October 2010, and two more Park staff members raced in the Waddell and Reed Kansas City Marathon. Brian Ciolek, Park University community wellness coordinator and trip organizer, said he came up with the idea between helping with
the University’s “Walk Around the Park” walking program and after watching the movie “Spirit of the Marathon.” After the walking program ended last January, Ciolek recruited interested runners. Of the group that went to Chicago (see above photo), just two had ever run a marathon before, and most had never run more than an official half marathon.
Faust selected as Soldier of the Year at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Sgt. Keven Faust, sophomore criminal justice/law enforcement major, was named Soldier of the Year at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall for 2010. Park University has campus centers at Fort Myer and Henderson Hall Headquarters Battalion in Arlington, Va. Faust is the assistant noncommissioned officer in charge at the Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic at Fort Myer. He demonstrated his abilities in a test consisting of drill and ceremony, Army knowledge, a written Army warrior skills test and board questions about Army training and situational awareness.
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Leading the way Rest assured, Park University is in good hands. Beginning with this spring issue, the Park University Magazine launches a special series to introduce you to individual trustees. In addition, we will highlight members of our various advisory boards who provide support and counsel to Park. Park is grateful for their invaluable commitment of time, expertise and financial support to lead the way to Park’s continued success. From academic policies to strategic planning and fiscal management, Park’s Board of Trustees works tirelessly to ensure the University is operating effectively to achieve its mission, strategic priorities and financial objectives. As an independent university, Park is governed by a 21 to 31-member Board of Trustees. The Board is comprised of business, civic and philanthropic leaders, and alumni and friends, who advocate on the University’s behalf.
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Danny O’Neill Owner/President The Roasterie Inc. Kansas City, Mo.
Danny O’Neill picked his first batch of coffee beans in 1978 while studying as an exchange student in Costa Rica. He fell in love with the country, the people and especially the coffee. Fifteen years later, he founded The Roasterie. Today, it’s one of the most renowned specialty coffee roasters in the nation. In the mid-1990s, I was invited to speak to a group of Park international students — and that’s when I fell in love with Park. My company imports coffee from 31 different countries, so it’s fun for me to visit with students from countries where I do business. Since then, I’ve spoken to dozens of Park groups and served as a guest lecturer in marketing and international business classes. There are many great universities, but the entrepreneurial and international mindset at Park really resonates with me. Park is ahead of the curve in preparing students for the future. Now more than ever, competition and business partnerships are global. Students can’t afford to have blinders on about what’s going on around the world. In the small coffee towns I visit in Costa Rica and elsewhere, I can now find Wi-Fi just about anywhere. Clearly, technology is bringing the world to our doorstep. When I talk to students about their career plans, I always tell them that no matter what, follow your passion. If you do, you’re more likely to find success. My old football coach taught me to position myself on the field to be ready when a play comes my way. It’s the same with a career. There aren’t any guarantees, but you can increase your probability of success by being ready to take advantage of the opportunities as they come. With its entrepreneurial spirit, Park is meeting the changing needs of students facing a fast-changing world. Talk about being positioned for success — Park definitely has the advantage. It’s an exciting time at Park and it’s a privilege to be a part of it.
New feature! Park’s Board of Trustees
Bonnie Epperson, ‘70
Julie Wilson
Since her days more than 40 years ago on the Parkville Campus, Bonnie Epperson is amazed by Park’s growth. While Park expanded to military base installations across the country, Epperson forged a career engineering innovative devices to help protect our nation’s soldiers.
When she earned her bachelor’s degree in business years ago, Julie Wilson said she never would have believed that one day, she would be traveling the world to lead a global workforce for one of the world’s leading health care technology companies.
Senior Principal Engineer Raytheon Vision Systems Santa Barbara, Calif.
There’s so much happening at Park since I earned my bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1970 when few people had heard of Park. After nearly 10 years serving on the board, I’m impressed by Park’s innovation in reaching students across the country, especially our military. It’s an honor to serve the needs of our brave soldiers in both my work with Park and in my career. At Raytheon Vision Systems, I develop infrared detectors (night vision devices) used primarily by the military to help soldiers see at night and protect them while in harm’s way. As an engineer, I don’t market or sell products — but I’m definitely in business. I manage technical labs and engineering groups to provide our customers with the highest quality products at the best value. In a way, my professional focus parallels my work as a trustee. Park is a nonprofit university, yet it’s also a business that is leading the way to meet the changing needs of students — its customers — by offering the best quality and value. When I visit with graduates forging their careers, I often remind them that success is all in your approach to challenges. My recommendation is, not surprisingly, to think like an engineer. Remain logical as you study a long-term goal and the best route to get there. If it’s not through a door, then try a window. Or move beyond the cliché and try a ladder or dig a tunnel. If you’re willing to work hard, there’s always a way. I believe Park’s board has taken this logical and persistent approach in moving the University forward. It’s an honor to serve on a board that is very much a team. We all want the very best for Park and will do what it takes to ensure its success.
Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer Cerner Corporation Kansas City, Mo.
Regularly boarding a plane and traveling around the world to do business wasn’t on my radar when I graduated from college. Today, I’m leading human resources for Cerner, a health care company that provides innovative technology to more than 8,500 health care facilities around the world. It’s more critical than ever for college graduates to understand the global economy as a context for how business gets done. It would be hard to imagine effectively studying most any subject in business today without considering the global implications. Park’s diversity offers excellent preparation for future business leaders. In my third year as a Park trustee, I’m impressed by Park’s innovative structure with the Parkville Campus as its centerpiece for academic programs while reaching out to students on campus centers across the country, online and on military bases around the world. At Cerner, our work is critical to providing quality health care to people around the world. To accomplish our goals, we need employees who are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities in front of us. That’s why we look for university partners like Park, whose graduates are ready to take on the level of responsibility we demand in our results-oriented culture. As one of the largest employers of Park alumni, Cerner continues to benefit from the strong work ethic and preparedness of Park graduates. In fact, we’ve employed 325 Park graduates over the years. They’ve consistently proven to be valuable additions to the Cerner team. Spring 2011 - 13
trust-ee [truh-stee] noun.
A person, usually one of a body of persons, appointed
to administer the affairs of a company, institution, etc.
Louise Morden
Honorary Trustee Vice President Niagara’s Wax Museum Complex Niagara Falls, N.Y.
If you’ve ever stood awestruck before the majestic Niagara Falls, you may have found your way to one of Louise Morden’s stores to select a special souvenir to remember your visit. Or perhaps her name rings familiar from attending meetings and events on the Parkville Campus. I always enjoy meeting Park students and alumni. It’s especially fun to see the surprise on their faces when they connect my name with the Louise Morden Board Room on the Parkville Campus. The board room is an honor that I deeply cherish…but more about that later. My relationship with Park began in the 1970s when my late husband, Paul, and I were members of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now known as the Community of Christ) during the brief time it managed Park. From my first experiences meeting faculty and students, I got swept up in Park’s school spirit. Traveling from my home in Niagara Falls, N.Y., I enjoy attending board meetings and special Park events. I served on the board until 1989 and was invited back in 1992 for another 10 years. In May 2002, I was elected an honorary trustee. Early in my career I taught junior high school while working summers with my husband to manage our motel and three Niagara Falls souvenir stores. After visiting Madame Tussauds in London, my husband decided to build the Niagara Falls Wax Museum of History. I loved teaching, but as our business grew, I decided to join Paul full time. Working in tourism over the years has given me a wonderful opportunity to meet people around the world and build relationships with souvenir vendors across the globe. That’s why I especially admire Park’s focus on international education. Now back to the Louise Morden Board Room. I was fascinated with the development of the Parkville Commercial Underground in the 1990s and enthusiastically shared stories of its progress with my husband. Paul decided to surprise me by underwriting costs to build a board room in the space and name it after me. It was a most marvelous birthday gift and continues to reflect my love for Park.
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New feature! Park’s Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees 2010-11 Deanna K. Armstrong, ’70
Benny Lee
N. Gary Wages
Donald P. Arndsten, ’50
Robert E. Martin (Brig. Gen., Ret.), ’50
Philip D. Wheeler, ’62
President and Chief Executive Officer Communication Design Consultants Manager Arndtsen Cooperative Enterprises LLC
John C. Brown
President and Chief Executive Officer ELCA Properties Inc.
Robert C. Burns, D.D.S. Retired Dentist Burns Dental Care
Gayden F. Carruth, Ph.D.
Chairman Lee Research Institute
President R. E. Martin Investments
Susan K. McGaughey, ’74 Certified Medication Aide Lakeview Village
Daniel J. O’Neill Owner/President The Roasterie Inc.
Retired President and Chief Executive Officer Saint Luke’s Northland Hospital Retired Food Industry Executive/Consultant
Julie M. Wilson
Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer Cerner Corporation
Honorary Trustees Howard C. Breen
Executive Director Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City
Eugene A. Ruiz
President Ruiz & Associates P.C.
Robert P. Corbett, ’38
Peter J. deSilva
Danny K. Sakata
Chief Executive Officer Briarcliff Development Co.
Katheen J. Dodd
Judith M. Simonitsch, J.D.
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer UMB Bank, n.a. Founder and Chief Executive Officer The Corridor Group
Bonnie J. Epperson, ’70 Senior Principal Engineer Raytheon Vision Systems, Raytheon Co.
Thomas H. Holcom
President Military Banking Division, MidCountry Bank
Analyst Northrop Grumman CPA, Retired Deloitte and Touche LLP
Richard E. Thode
CPA, Retired PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Eric Wade ‘82, ‘85 City Administrator City of Lenexa, Kan.
Charles A. Garney
Virginia B. McCoy Ann Mesle, J.D.
Circuit Court Judge 16th Judicial Circuit of Missouri
L. Louise Morden
Vice President Niagara’s Wax Museum Complex
Gerald R. Moss, J. D.
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Celebrating success Leaders, directors, marketers, managers, vice presidents, entrepreneurs. Park University School of Business alumni are leading extraordinary careers across a spectrum of industries — from travel, technology and manufacturing to retail, transportation and health care. We celebrate Park’s successful alumni as they reflect on the changing business world through the lens of their own career paths and offer lessons learned along the way.
Mary Hudson Smithson, ‘04 National Sales Manager Anchor Hocking Estes Park, Colo. B.S. Management My sales career became increasingly competitive, and bottom line, I needed a degree to progress. Today, I represent one of the largest glass manufacturers to major retailers, including Pier 1, JCPenney, Kroger, Hobby Lobby and Costco. A great deal of planning goes into determining product mix, price points and packaging. It’s rewarding to finally see products arrive in my clients’ stores. I also use my business training from Park as the co-owner of two retail gift boutiques in Estes Park, Colo. (Mary Jane’s opened in 2005 and J. Stevens opened in 2010). When we noticed customers becoming more value conscious, we changed our product mix to offer lower price points. Despite a struggling economy, we had the most profitable year ever.
Words of wisdom: Let your manager or people in key positions know your career goals. How can anyone help you achieve if they don’t know where you want to go?
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Celebrating alumni business successes Eric Allum, ‘02 Texas Children’s Hospital Manager, Business Operations/ Perioperative Services Houston, Texas B.S. Management Initially, I didn’t realize how my business degree could be applicable in the health care industry. Yet today, I manage operations for the largest pediatric hospital in the U.S. My role includes staffing and training, as well as monitoring revenue capture for every procedure and service related to surgery. In the Air Force, I often worked directly in foreign countries to coordinate supplies and equipment. In a sense, I was directly involved in international business. At the hospital, we’ve hosted dignitaries and doctors from Saudi Arabia to South America, and serve patients from all over the world. The world is getting smaller and smaller, and a global perspective is more important than ever.
Words of wisdom: Keep an open mind about where a business degree can lead. A strong business mind is relevant in just about any field.
Brian Belmont, ‘93 Quiznos Executive Vice President, Brand Expansion and Development Denver, Colo. B.S. Management From real estate to construction, I manage the growth of the Quiznos brand. Since I joined the company 10 years ago, Quiznos has experienced rapid growth, from 500 to 4,000 franchise restaurants around the world. My degree from Park has been extremely valuable because of the real-world business expertise of my professors, many who held senior-level positions in major corporations. Case studies were particularly valuable.
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From my experience as a logistics officer in the Marines, I was interested in logistics from a business perspective and did a case study on Walmart’s distribution systems. For retailers and manufacturers, success boils down to the ability to execute by doing “routine things routinely” to build an operation disciplined for growth.
Words of wisdom: Add value in everything you do. Find solutions. That’s how companies — and careers — grow.
Shirley Cooper, ‘06, ‘09 Hallmark Cards Inc. IT Service Delivery Director Kansas City, Mo. B.S. Management/ Computer Information Systems Master of Business Administration With my professional and undergraduate experience mostly technical, Park’s graduate program challenged me to think from a business perspective. The opportunity to develop strategies and plans based on consumer trends and preferences has increased my value to my company and my career. At Hallmark, I manage all IT operations to ensure our employees and business partners can perform critical daily tasks. Essentially, I help “keep the lights on” from a business execution standpoint. Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed how technology has removed barriers to global business operations. Few companies can exist today without an international perspective. Today’s business students need to view the world as connected rather than divided by water and cultures.
Words of wisdom: Think beyond your job description. Know your company’s products, customers and unique challenges — then find out what you can do to help.
Brian Quinn, ‘03 Expedia Inc. Senior Director of Service Delivery for Global Customer Operations Bellevue, Wash. B.S. Management/Finance I grew up wanting to be a sales guy. Today, I oversee the sales experience provided by more than 3,000 agents in call centers around the world. Expedia helps travelers plan and book trips, while I make sure we’re delivering on key performance indicators, such as customer satisfaction scores and sales conversion rates. While earning my degree in the Air Force, I had the opportunity to experience various cultures. Blending military leadership training and travel with a business education is ideal for business success. Some of the best business leaders I’ve met have military backgrounds. I’ve seen too many Americans work in foreign markets without fully understanding the culture. More than ever, business people need to learn and respect other cultures.
Words of wisdom: Look for the champions — those top performers in your company or industry — and learn the key transferable skills that make them successful. Then make them your own.
Angela Fickess, ‘07 Three Dog Bakery Inc. Multi-Channel Marketing Manager Kansas City, Mo. B.S. Management/Marketing I reached a point in my career where I needed a degree to move to the next level. Park’s accelerated evening program made it possible. After leading marketing campaigns at Hallmark Cards, I’m now managing digital marketing for Three Dog Bakery — the original all-natural bakery for dogs with more than 40 stores in the U.S., Japan, Canada and Hong Kong. Since I started last year, the company has experienced double-digit growth on the e-commerce side. Many people don’t realize that the pet industry is experiencing tremendous growth despite the economy. It’s fun managing all aspects of marketing, from social media to product development, as well as the company’s foundation, which raises funds to help dogs in need. And yes, I get to take my dog to work every day.
Words of wisdom: The only constant is
change. The more flexible and willing you are to obtain new knowledge, the more successful you will be.
John P. Burton, ‘78 Vice President, Yield Management Con-way Freight Ann Arbor, Mich. B.A. Business Administration and Mathematics Although I was just recently named vice president, I’ve been targeting my new position for nearly four years by networking in the transportation industry. When the opportunity came up, I was at the top of the list. I’ve never experienced a hiring process that went so quickly. Early in my career, a boss told me to only focus on excelling at my current position and the next job will come. But I’ve learned it’s important to set a direction and carefully plan where you want to go. My double major in math and business was an ideal mix for my career. Math is a black-and-white world — you identify and solve a problem. Yet my business degree taught me to think strategically and critically analyze a situation from multiple angles.
Words of wisdom: Find mentors and be a mentor. Plan for your career while also helping others to be successful.
Deb Taylor Arbo, ‘93 Elite Events and Incentives President Kansas City, Mo. B.S. Management/Finance I’ve turned a ballroom into a rainforest, organized golf tournaments in Bermuda and hired Faith Hill, the Counting Crows and Jay Leno. For the past 20 years, I’ve coordinated more than 300 special events, including grand openings, sales incentive trips and seminars. I’ve worked with Fortune 500 companies to produce events for 50 to 2,500 guests in both the U.S. and abroad. People think event planning is creative and fun — and it is! But many don’t realize the myriad of details involved, such as insurance liabilities, security and contract
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Celebrating alumni business successes Deb Taylor Arbo, ‘93 — continued negotiations. My work is far from a typical 9-to-5 career. When you’re on site at an event, you’re always the first one up and the last one to go to bed.
Words of wisdom: Keep educating yourself by being active in a professional association and find a good mentor. It can make all the difference.
Jaime Stauffer Kronenberg, ‘03 L-3, Command and Control Systems and Software Project Manager Lexington Park, Md. B.S. Management/ Human Resources I’m proud that my work improves the quality of life for people around the world. Currently, I’m managing the technical implementation of a 911 command and control center in Amman, Jordan. In communicating directly with the Jordanians, I’ve learned how important it is to understand and respect cultural differences. It can make or break a project. Recently, I was elected president of the Project Management Institute-Southern Maryland Chapter. Many people do project management every day and don’t realize it. Project managers ensure things get done by carefully monitoring a project’s budget, scope and schedule. To formalize the career, PMI is setting standards and best practices for the growing profession.
Words of wisdom: Success is not about waiting for things to happen to you. It’s about bettering yourself and getting out there with perseverance to make things happen.
Christopher J. Cribb, ’04 Marquee Selections General Manager and Managing Director Kansas City, Mo. B.A. Business Administration I run an international wine operation dedicated to providing consumers a global portfolio of wineries that use green, organic, biodynamic and sustainable winemaking practices. For two years in a row, our wines have been listed among the top 100 wines by Wine & Spirits magazine. With thousands of wines to select from, it’s an honor to be in the top 1 percent. My work involves international collaboration on an everyday basis. As an importer and exporter, I’ve seen how the world is becoming more “flat” as the traditional boundaries of countries, languages and cultures are being brought down. As an entrepreneur, I think that those who are most successful in business see the changing global environment as an opportunity for growth.
Words of wisdom: Surround yourself with mentors who are knowledgeable in the areas where you want to grow. Business is complicated; having several people to learn from can help immensely.
Megan Kros Dillinger, ‘99 Target Corporation District Team Leader Des Moines, Iowa B.A. Business Administration/ Management When most people think of retail, they often think of cashiering, bagging groceries or stocking shelves. But there’s so much more to it, especially at Target. When I started at Target after graduating from Park, I quickly discovered a phenomenal company
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dedicated to developing its employees. That’s what makes the difference. Today, I oversee 10 stores with 1,800 team members in my district. There’s so much more to retail than most college graduates understand. Retail is a competitive industry that demands the highest level of business acumen and can offer tremendous opportunity for career growth. I enjoy the constant change of the retail world and the continual challenge to ensure a great shopping experience for guests and a positive culture for my team.
Words of wisdom: Look for ways to stretch yourself to do things better or differently — and to do more than you thought possible.
Herb Williams, ‘05 SS Water Supply Corp. General Manager LaVernia, Texas B.S. Management/ Human Resources The military encourages earning a degree, but it wasn’t until my 28th year in the Air Force that I decided to go for it. Despite my 30 years of engineering experience in the military, I knew a degree was a prerequisite for managerial positions in the civilian world. With my degree, my confidence soared along with job offers. Today, I ensure potable water for more than 20,000 people. When I started, infrastructure was deficient and I was told improvements weren’t possible without loans. When I’m told I can’t do something, I like to prove people wrong. So I forged new operating tariffs to collect capital improvement fees from developers building subdivisions in our area. Ultimately, my company made $10.5 million in improvements without borrowing a dime.
Words of wisdom: Prepare yourself for what I call the “tap on the shoulder” and be ready to step up to greater responsibilities.
Kristi Kratzer Suderman, ‘06 KCP&L Senior Advisor, Customer Relations Kansas City, Mo. B.A. Business Administration I remember sitting in a statistics class and thinking I’ll never need any of this. As it turns out, I monitor statistical reports every day to identify issues, resolve complaints and determine where to focus strategies to ensure customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance. I’ve learned that numbers are the bottom line and matter quite a bit in the real world. When I’m not pouring over the data or responding to customer needs, I deliver presentations on energy efficiency to community groups and government agencies. I was fortunate to gain experience working part time at KCP&L as a customer care advocate while attending Park, and ultimately move into a full-time leadership role.
Words of wisdom: Career success is about building relationships. You never know who will be a valuable resource for you in the future.
Jason Mittendorf, ‘98 Cerner Corporation Engagement Leader Kansas City, Mo. B.A. Business Administration From hospice to skilled nursing facilities, I’ve led the successful implementation of Cerner’s health care software for more than 40 home care clients. Each project is definitely a lot of work, from initial consultation to planning and training. Fortunately, Cerner is a highly collaborative environment with a strong work ethic. Our clients are dedicated to very important work that impacts the lives of millions of people. That’s why it’s rewarding to lead teams in providing innovative software that help clinicians and staff better serve patients by more efficiently capturing and tracking patient data. Managing software implementation — or any major project — is a complex process that demands clear, measurable goals and constant communication to make sure everyone involved is on the same page.
Words of wisdom: Fully understand and constantly manage expectations — both of your client and your team — to successfully accomplish business goals. Spring 2011 - 21
Park University’s Summer Business Academy: Professors and business leaders give high school students a taste of college and the business world. Spring 2011 - 22
By Jenalea Myers It’s about feeling special, Rob Givens said. The students who come to Park University’s Summer Business Academy feel special because Park faculty and community business leaders take the time to interact with them and answer questions, added Givens, president of Mazuma Credit Union. “The students get to see a bigger world than many kids do,” he said. The Academy — set for Sunday, June 12, through Friday, June 17 — on the University’s Parkville Campus, covers business, ethics, free enterprise, teamwork and personal skills. The program, in its second year, is for 20 high school students entering 10th or 11th grades in the fall, with a focus on at-risk and future first-generation college students. Givens, who serves on Park’s School of Business Advisory Board, gave a presentation at last year’s event, discussing the difference between banks and credit unions, the value of a savings account and managing money effectively. “I went into it with the view that I was going to give a one-hour pitch that helps support a larger purpose,” he said. “Once I saw the kids, the kind of engagement happening and talking to students informally, I was impressed with the scope and the nature of the Academy.” And that’s what makes Park’s program different, said William Venable, director of the Academy and assistant dean of the Park School of Business. “Students are immersed into the college culture 24/7 and they learn what college is all about,” he said. Venable said students work with Park faculty, business leaders and members of the advisory board to learn firsthand how to succeed in the real world.
But it’s not just classroom work the students do. Last year, students visited the WireCo WorldGroup facility in Sedalia, Mo., the Harley-Davidson motorcycle plant in Kansas City, Mo., and attended a business formal “etiquette dinner” at The National Golf Club of Kansas City.
education, and this program gives them that chance. It opens the gate to many opportunities.”
“We try to mix fun in with the classes,” Venable said.
Last year, groups presented plans ranging from a program to compete with iTunes and Netflix to a barcode scanner that could determine the expiration date of food in refrigerators.
WireCo WorldGroup, which manufactures, engineers and distributes wire, wire rope, wire rope assemblies and electromechanical cable, is a founding sponsor of the Academy. Leah Gabbert, corporate communications manager for WireCo, said the business is proud to sponsor the program. “This program offers unique opportunities to expose our local youth to such a variety of business opportunities,” she said. “The Summer Business Academy students were eager to learn and understand our business processes.” Like Givens, Kathy Koehler, a Kansas City area real estate agent, was impressed with the Academy last year. Koehler and members from the Koehler Bortnick Team of Reece and Nichols made a presentation about running a business. “I took three young agents from my real estate team and we received wonderful thank you notes from the students who said the Summer Business Academy changed their lives,” she said. “There are many young people who are not offered the chance to attend a school and receive an
For Venable, one of the highlights of the Academy is seeing what students come up with for their team competition project — a marketing plan for a “live” case.
“The students got really creative with the assignment,” Venable said. One of the major benefits of the Academy, Venable said, is students receive a voucher for three credit hours in the University’s Introduction to Business course, should they enroll at Park in the future. “The Academy is definitely an opportunity for students who may already have an interest in business,” he said. “It’s also a great way to introduce the business environment to those high school students who may not be as familiar with the subject.” The cost for the week-long camp is $795, which includes coursework, housing, transportation, all activities and meals. A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available and are awarded based on financial need.
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In academia Publications Stephen Bell, Ph.D., J.D., economics associate professor, co-authored an article that appeared in the winter 2010 issue of The International Journal of Business and Finance Research. “Corporate Governance and Cash Holdings: A Comparative Analysis of Chinese and Indian Firms” compares the minority shareholder view of significant cash holdings in both Chinese and Indian corporate entities. An article written by Dong (Donna) Hwa Choi, Ph.D., education associate professor, was published in the November issue of the peer-reviewed journal, Education 3-13. “Integration of a Social Skills Training: A Case Study of Children with Low Social Skills” discussed how four preschool children who demonstrated low social skills developed social competency during a social skills intervention. An article co-authored by Suzanne Discenza, Ph.D., Master of Healthcare Leadership program director and associate professor, was published in the September 2010 issue of the Journal of Business and Economics Research. The article, “Strategic Alliances and Customer Impact: A Case Study of Community Hospitals,” looked at the relationship between the dyad alliance entity and its customers. Aiden Galarza, senior biology major and Degree with Honors program student, co-authored an article that appeared in the Oct. 19, 2010, issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology. Galarza was one of seven authors on the article, “Metal Emissions and Urban Incident Parkinson Disease: A Community Health Study of Medicare Beneficiaries by Using Geographic Information Systems.” The authors investigated the relationship between copper, lead or manganese emissions and Parkinson’s disease incidence in the urban U.S., studying 29 million Medicare beneficiaries from the year 2003. A book of poetry by Gina Granger-Fenger, criminal justice adjunct instructor, was published. In Poetry for the Dead: How to Care for People, Angels and the Human Soul, Granger-Fenger asks the questions that help people look more deeply for the solutions that can make the world a safer place for all of humanity. Steve Hallman, Ph.D. (left), Master of Business Administration program interim director, and Al Stahl, Ph.D., information systems adjunct instructor, co-authored an article for the Electronic Journal of Digital Enterprise. “Implications of Spring 2011 - 24
Global Positioning Systems for Managers” discussed how one of the newest technologies is actually represented through “space.” GPS is a technological wonder that has already been integrated into applications that managers already expect, accept and use. A book written by James Pasley, Ph.D., political science associate professor, was published. Nuclear Deterrence in the Twentieth Century: The Impact of Atomic Weapons on Conflict Between Interstate Dyads analyzes how the presence of nuclear weapons impacts crisis escalation between states. Pasley’s findings suggest that nuclear weapons do have a significant impact on conflict when present on both sides of a dyadic dispute.
Presentations Lora Cohn, Ph.D., communication assistant professor, presented a paper at the National Communication Association’s annual convention in November 2010 in San Francisco. “Building Bridges Through Repurposing: Obama’s Shifting Rhetorical Leadership” argued that President Obama’s campaign rhetoric was more typical of what Stephen Skowronek would call a reconstructive president like Ronald Reagan or Abraham Lincoln, but once in office, his rhetoric shifted to take a pre-emptive stance more like Dwight Eisenhower. A trio of Park University faculty held a workshop and presented a paper at the joint conference of the International Writing Centers Association and National Conference on Peer Tutoring in Writing in November 2010 in Baltimore. Dennis Gresdo, management and marketing assistant professor, Jutta Pegues, Ph.D., (left) history assistant professor, and Walton (Dees) Stallings, Ph.D., (right) English and modern languages assistant professor, presented “Coaching Writers to Apply Writing Standards for Today’s Professions.” The focus of the workshop was the impact of the Plain Writing Act of 2010 signed into law by President Obama and how this act will shape the future of writing centers. Holly J. Mata, mathematics and social psychology adjunct instructor at the Hollman Air Force Base (N.M.) Campus Center, presented a pair of papers she co-authored at the American Public Health Association’s annual meeting in November 2010 in Denver. The papers, “Increasing Engagement and Investment in Social Justice Approaches to Building Health Equity: The Salience of Environmental and Biopsychosocial Factors” and “Infusing Social Justice into the Science of Health Equity: Innovative Evaluative Frameworks” highlight Mata’s work involving social justice approaches to reducing health disparities in the U.S.-Mexico border region.
Deborah Osborne, Ph.D., English as an International Language program coordinator and modern languages professor, presented a paper at the National Association of University English Teachers in October 2010 in Ixtapa, Mexico. Osborne’s paper, “Translate That!” discussed the origins and rationale for the “English-only” policy. Adam Potthast, Ph.D., philosophy assistant professor, presented “Ethics for Dummies for Business” to the Oklahoma Business Ethics Consortium in September 2010 in Tulsa. Potthast, co-author of Ethics for Dummies, spoke to the organization about ethical challenges for businesses. School of Graduate and Professional Studies and Hauptmann School for Public Affairs faculty and staff presented a session at the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration in Las Vegas in September 2010. Kay Barnes (left), Center for Leadership founding director and public leadership distinguished professor, Erik Bergrud, ‘94 (left), community and government relations senior director, and Becky Stuteville, Ph.D. (right), HSPA associate dean and public administration assistant professor, presented “Public Administration Shaping the ‘Unscripted Future.’” Laurie DiPadova-Stocks, Ph.D. (right), SGPS dean and public administration professor, also co-wrote the presentation. Steven Youngblood, communication arts associate professor, who is spending the academic year in Uganda teaching and directing a peace journalism project, made a video presentation on “Community and Campus Engagement: Lessons from Uganda” to the American Council on Education’s annual Internationalization Collaborative Meeting in Washington, D.C., in February. The presentation used examples of Youngblood’s year-long project to discuss how international programs can be integrated using technology into the campus and international communities.
Awards, appointments, and recognitions Gary Bachman, social work associate professor, was elected to the board of directors for the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors. Bachman, who was elected to serve a two-year term, is one of eight board members
representing 1,200 members that include Bachelor of Social Work program directors, baccalaureate faculty and field coordinators, as well as social work educators and practitioners who have an interest in BSW education and practice. Virginia Brackett, Ph.D., Department of English and Modern Languages chair and associate professor, was honored by Pittsburg (Kan.) State University in October with the 2010 Outstanding Alumni Award. The award goes to alumni based on their professional achievements, as well as their community and organizational involvement. Kenneth Christopher, D.P.A., College of Liberal Arts and Sciences assistant dean, and criminal justice administration assistant professor, was honored in October as the 2010 Security Professional of the Year by the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Society for Industrial Security. The award is presented to an individual who exhibits leadership within the profession, is involved in mentoring and education, and is active in the security community. Judi Simmons Estes, Ph.D., education assistant professor, was elected secretary of the USA National Committee for OMEP-World Organization for Early Childhood Education, a nonprofit child advocacy organization and one of more than 60 worldwide national committees associated with the United Nations, UNICEF, UNESCO, the World Health Organization and others working for healthy, peaceful, equitable, sustainable and just environments for the world’s children. M. Sue Kurita, J.D., criminal justice and management adjunct instructor at Park’s Fort Bliss (Texas) Campus Center, was appointed by the Supreme Court of Texas to serve a term on the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. Kurita is the El Paso County Court at Law 6 judge. The SCJC is an independent state agency responsible for investigating allegations of judicial misconduct or judicial disability, and for disciplining judges. Park University’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning appointed Lolly Ockerstrom, Ph.D., English associate professor, as managing editor of the University’s refereed journal, InSight: A Journal of Scholarly Teaching. Embarking on its sixth year, InSight has gained notoriety as a cross-disciplinary journal advancing the scholarship of teaching and learning in higher education.
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2010-11 Alumni Council Susan Kensett McGaughey, ‘74 President susan.mcgaughey@park.edu Cynthia James Null, x58 Secretary cynthia.null@park.edu Jay Flaherty, ‘71 Treasurer james.flaherty@park.edu David Barclay, ‘53 david.barclay@park.edu Duane Davidson, ‘03, ‘00 duane.davidson@park.edu David Ehrlich, ‘00 david.ehrlich@park.edu Nancy Greinke, ‘01 nancy.grienke@park.edu Kyle Hoffman, ‘97 kyle.hoffman@park.edu Michael Hurley, ‘71, Ph.D. michael.hurley@park.edu LaKeisha Johnson, ‘08 lakeisha.johnson@park.edu Toni Madeira, ‘88 antoinette.madeira@park.edu Jeff McKinney, ‘81 jeff.mckinney@park.edu
Gabriel Ajak, ‘10, international student from Sudan, spoke at the Kansas City Area Commencement ceremony on Dec. 10, 2010 (see photo on facing page). “When I woke up this morning, the first thing I thought about today’s graduation wasn’t what I had accomplished, but what exactly that accomplishment means. As a citizen of south Sudan, from among the group so called the “Lost Boys of Sudan,” this day marked the combination of my journey to Park University. Confronting hardship has been the story of my childhood. I walked hundreds of miles searching for refuge in the refugee camps. I have been called a refugee; I have wondered why I couldn’t find a place to call home. Every place I settled in, I have been forced to flee. With nothing to eat and diseases floating around, people were dying like flies. Famine and death have been common themes in my childhood. On top of that, I had constant worries of being killed or attacked. I endured these sufferings as a 7-year-old… We all share different stories in the walk of our life and people that have empowered us over the years…While Park University has given us great tools to succeed in our global society, it is our responsibility to go out and make changes possible.” Read Ajak’s full commencement address at www.park.edu/alumni/ajak
January Rogers Miller, ‘05, ‘08 january.miller@park.edu Michael Newburger, ‘70 michael.newburger@park.edu Denzil Ross, ‘06, ‘09 denzil.ross@park.edu Karie Schaefer, ‘06 karie.schaefer@park.edu
Staff Liaison Julie McCollum Director of Alumni Relations (816) 584-6206 | julie.mccollum@park.edu
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Let us hear from you! Contact the Office of Alumni Relations with news, comments and questions about the Park University Alumni Association and its members. Phone: (816) 584-6206 or (800) 488-PARK (7275) Fax: (816) 505-5409 E-mail: alumnioffice@park.edu Address: 8700 N.W. River Park Drive, Box 37 Parkville, MO 64152
Alumniad News and notes for Park University alumni
The purpose of the Park University Alumni Association is “to assist and advance the interest of Park University and to cherish the spirit of friendship among its members.�
Spring 2011 Vol. 100 No. 2 www.park.edu/alumni Spring 2011 - 27
Director’s corner Making connections
Dear Alumni, Social media and social networking are two related terms that have been bouncing around our world in the past few years. There have been lots of discussions about their value and how to best use them. The Office of Alumni Relations at Park has made an exciting discovery. This issue of Park University Magazine, as the previous three issues, has focused on stories about how our alumni have successfully used their Park degrees. And we found much of this information on our LinkedIn alumni group. For those of you who are unfamiliar with LinkedIn, this is an Internet networking community that focuses on careers. The site allows its members to post information about job openings, discuss career topics and share professional resources. With more than 4,000 Park alumni connected to Park through LinkedIn, the alumni office has discovered a new way to enhance our services to our students and graduates. We are making introductions, directing people to job openings and sponsoring online networking events. Through LinkedIn, we
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discovered alumni who now write career advice columns on their areas of expertise for our alumni to read. The columns can be found on the alumni website, www.park.edu/alumni/careercorner, and in the monthly alumni e-newsletter. Join the Park LinkedIn Alumni Group by clicking on the “LinkedIn” icon on www.park.edu/alumni Our social media involvements are not limited to LinkedIn. You will find Park University on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube and our own PirateLink. Whatever your choice of communication, stay in touch with your alma mater. Make your connection from www.park.edu/alumni and stay connected.
Julie McCollum
Director of Alumni Relations (816) 584-6206 or (800) 488-PARK (7275) julie.mccollum@park.edu
Family stories Share your legacy stories online. Did you marry your college sweetheart? Are you one in a long line of family members who attended Park? Did your son or daughter follow in your footsteps and attend Park? Do you go to school with a family member?
Alumni career services The Office of Alumni Relations, in conjunction with the Career Development Center, is working to provide new benefits to assist Park University alumni reach their professional goals and manage their careers. Four online features are available to alumni regardless of which campus center they attended or where they currently live. • Alumni Career Corner: Alumni volunteer columnists share their expertise in monthly advice columns posted on the website and introduced through the monthly alumni e-newsletter. Columnist Rick Gillis, ‘86, is an author as well as an employment and job-search expert. Columnist Jaynine Ray-Howard, USMC (ret.), ‘03, is an entrepreneur and an international business and life coach. Both columnists will share their knowledge and answer questions online. • Career Development Center’s Blog: Written by the staff of the Career Development Center, the blog shares career, internship and job search information. • “Hire Park First”: The Park University online job database is open to both alumni job seekers as well as alumni who are interested in hiring Park graduates.
We want to hear your stories. Tell us how you met or why you attended Park. Send your stories to the Office of Alumni Relations by mail, e-mail or post online. Photos are welcome. • Mail: Office of Alumni Relations, Park University, 8700 NW River Park Drive, Parkville, MO 64152 • E-mail: alumnioffice@park.edu • Post online: www.park.edu/legacy The Park University Alumni Association awards a legacy scholarship each semester. Read about how you can apply or donate to the Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Scholarship, “the scholarship for alumni by alumni,” at www.park.edu/alumni/mssf.asp
• Park LinkedIn Alumni Group: More than 4,000 alumni are connected through the Park LinkedIn network. Discuss career topics, meet professionals in your field and find new resources. For more information, visit www.park.edu/alumni Spring 2011 - 29
Texas alumni at Dave & Buster’s
In December 2010, Park University President Michael Droge, Ph.D., met alumni and their families at two events hosted by the Alumni Association at Dave & Buster’s locations in San Antonio and Austin, Texas. Lots of food, socializing and arcade games! Alumni Council member Jeff McKinney, ‘81, helped arrange the events and greet the guests.
Dell and Hallmark alumni network
The Alumni Association hosted luncheons for Park alumni at two major employers of Park graduates. On Dec. 6, 2010, Dr. Droge greeted guests at Dell Inc. headquarters in Round Rock, Texas. On Feb. 3, Alumni Council member Nancy Greinke, ‘01, hosted a luncheon at Hallmark’s Kansas City, Mo., headquarters. At both locations, alumni are interested in holding future networking activities. If you are interested in holding an event at your place of employment, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumnioffice@park.edu.
El Paso, Texas, After Hours
Alumni from around the El Paso, Texas, area joined Dr. Droge, members of the Board of Trustees and senior administrative staff for an evening of networking and socializing at Dominic’s on Jan. 20. The University held its January board meeting at the Fort Bliss Campus Center, giving the Alumni Association the opportunity to introduce its local members to the trustees.
Great Wolf Lodge Weekend
The fourth annual weekend at the Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City, Kan., was a sellout! With more than 65 rooms occupied and 225 alumni and family members in attendance, the first weekend in February has definitely become an exciting new alumni tradition. Alumni have traveled from as far away as St. Louis and cities in Oklahoma to take advantage of the special Park rate. Don’t miss out! Save the date for next year: Feb. 4-5, 2012.
Alumni host holiday parties
Over the 2010-11 semester break, Alumni Council member Toni Madeira, ’88, initiated a new alumni/ student mentoring program. She and Michael Newburger, ‘70, each hosted several students who were unable to go home for the holidays. With the help of University staff, students were matched by personal interests with their alumni host. Each group enjoyed an evening at a local restaurant. Feedback from the students and hosts indicated it was a successful mentoring opportunity and as a result, the Alumni Council intends to repeat and expand this program.
NAIA Tournament
On March 16, the Alumni Association and the Athletic Department co-hosted a pregame reception to kick off the Park men’s basketball team’s first game in the 2011 NAIA National Championship tournament. The team lost to the Mountain State University (W.Va.) Cougars, 83-58, in the first round.
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Upcoming events Visit www.park.edu/alumni for additional details and registration. Watch your e-mail for invitations to events in your area.
Party at the Power Plant, April 29
7 p.m. to close | River’s Bend Restaurant and Bar | Parkville, Mo. Hosted by the Young Alumni Committee. Drawing for an iPad2, munchies and cash bar. “Music so loud it will drown out the trains!”
Alumni and Family Beach Party, May 15
Cherry Point, N.C. Bring your families and enjoy an afternoon on the beach.
Founders Day Benefactors Party, May 18
5 to 7 p.m. | Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art | Kansas City, Mo.
Park After Hours, May 26
5 to 7 p.m. | Pizza Bar | Kansas City Power and Light District A networking event hosted by the Young Alumni Committee.
Norrington Windows Dedication, June 24 3 p.m. | Parkville Campus
Alumni Weekend, June 24-26 Parkville, Mo. Visit the Parkville Campus.
Montana Dinosaur Dig, July 5-9 Jordan, Mont.
Park University Golf Scramble, Sept. 8 Shoal Creek Golf Course | Kansas City, Mo.
Class of 1991 and Friends Reunion, Sept. 30-Oct. 1 Parkville, Mo. Track and Cross Country Reunion, Oct. 15 Parkville, Mo.
Great Wolf Lodge Weekend, Feb. 3-5, 2012 Kansas City, Kan.
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Class notes Alumni 1950s In honor of Rev. Jim Pruyne, ‘51, and Gwen Burris Pruyne, ‘52, the New Covenant Community created and endowed The Jim and Gwen Pruyne Lectureship in Progressive Christianity, recognizing more than half a century of campus ministry, advocacy-in-progressive theology and community service. The two-day inaugural lecture was held Oct. 29-30, 2010. The New Covenant Community is the congregation founded by Pruyne in 1992 in Normal, Ill.
1960s Barbara McDowell Whitt, ‘65, writes a blog about her time at Park in the 1960s. Find it at http:// parkcollege1961-1965.blogspot.com/. Contact her at barbara.mcdowell.whitt@gmail.com.
1970s
Births Philip Reilly, ‘00, ‘07, and Allison Reilly welcomed son Garrett Allen Reilly. He was born Dec. 21, 2010, at Fort Belvoir, Va. He weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces, and was 20.5 inches long at birth. Garrett joins siblings Andy, Colin and Keegan. Brooke Sanderson Crosby, ‘03, and husband Dan welcomed daughter, Kensington Nicole Crosby, to the family on June 18, 2010. Jill Harmon, ‘06, and John Kean are proud to announce the birth of their son, John Paul Lyndon Kean, on Jan. 18. He weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces, and was 19.5 inches long at birth.
Fred Edwards, ‘71, earned a Masters of Arts in military studies, with honors, from American Military University on Nov. 15, 2010. He is a member of Delta Epsilon Tau Honor Society and a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society. Rhonda Green Holman, ‘71, is vice president for the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City. Holman spoke on “The Impact of Healthcare Reform on Greater Kansas City” as part of the Greater Kansas City American Society of Public Administration Luncheon Series. Barbara Inman Beall, x71, Ph.D., has written a book about the 1873 train robbery in Adair, Iowa, by Jesse James. The book, The Sum Total: A Search for Levi Clay (1843-1917) and Jesse James (1847-1882), contains photographs of the train robbery and the people involved. Cicilyn Anderson-Davis, ‘72, retired from a supervisory position in the Claims Department of the Government Employment Hospital Association in Independence, Mo.
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Send a birth or adoption announcement and receive a “Baby Pirate” bib or t-shirt.
Submit your news for inclusion in Class Notes to the Office of Alumni Relations, Park University, 8700 N.W. River Park Drive, Parkville, MO 64152 or alumnioffice@park.edu.
Herman L. Davis Jr., ‘72, retired from teaching in the Kansas City, Kan., School District. Don VandeWalle, ‘76, Ph.D., is completing his fifth year as the chair of the Management and Organizations Department in the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University, Dallas. VandeWalle is the 2010 Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor, an award given annually to four distinguished faculty from across SMU for their commitment to excellence in teaching. VandeWalle was also named the 2010 Fisher Research Fellow by the Cox School of Business and received the Cox School of Business Teaching Innovation Award. JoAnn Mitchell Davis, ‘79, received the 2009 Individual of the Year award from the Northland Diversity Council Inc. The award was presented in recognition of her support of the principles of diversity in the Kansas City, Mo., Northland area.
1980s Maj. Archer L. Braxton, ‘84, retired from the U.S. Air Force after more than 34 years of military service. Bob Kendrick, ‘85, is president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Kansas City, Mo. Dennis Johnson, ‘89, spoke on “The Impact of Healthcare Reform on Greater Kansas City” as part of the Greater Kansas City American Society of Public Administration Luncheon Series. Johnson is regional director for the Kansas City Regional Office of the Census Bureau.
1990s Peter Bakely, ‘92, wrote a play, “Vicky’s Desk,” which was performed as part of The Barn Players’ 3rd annual 6 x 10 Ten Minute Play Festival, Dec. 3-5, 2010, in Mission, Kan. Danny Cosby, ‘95, is head boys’ basketball coach at Kearns High School in Salt Lake City. Olga Tavárez, ‘95, has been appointed as the new director of El Paso (Texas) Community College’s Small Business Development Center.
administrator, proactive in his/her approach and dedicated to improving the criminal justice system. He is a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Army. John Fierro, ‘98, is president of the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners in Kansas City, Mo. He was elected to the Board of Directors for the National Recreation and Park Association. Marc R. Hinkelman, ‘99, is manager of RecruitMilitary LLC’s newest branch office in Dallas. The company finds civilian jobs for men and women who are transitioning from active duty to civilian life, veterans, members of the reserve forces and National Guard, and military spouses.
2000s Beth Monteiro, ‘00, has been named executive director of development operations and gift planning at Beloit (Wis.) College. Monteiro will manage the external affairs division’s operational processes and oversee best practices aimed at improving the college’s interactions with friends and supporters, and corporate and government entities. Brenda Marshall Calvin, ‘01, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Providence Medical Center, Kansas City, Kan., and Saint John Hospital, Leavenworth, Kan. Calvin is program officer for the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City. Alicia Aragon, ‘02, is human resources coordinator at Workforce Solutions in El Paso, Texas. James Bedwell, ‘04, is chief of the Sherwood (Ark.) Police Department. Bedwell has been a Sherwood officer since 1989. Michael Collins, ‘04, is president of the Port Authority of Kansas City, Mo. Leander Holston, ‘04, ‘06, is the field office director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services/Department of Homeland Security office in Metairie, La. The New Orleans area field office is responsible for the administration of immigration benefits for all of Louisiana and southern Mississippi.
Gregory Mills, ‘97, is the 2010 recipient of the Clarence M. Kelley Award. The award is presented annually to a criminal justice executive in the Kansas City area who is an excellent
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Class notes Darwin Rivera, ‘04, ‘07, was profiled in the book I Found a Job!: Career Advice from Job Hunters who Landed on Their Feet and he was featured in the fall edition of Hispanic MBA magazine. In October 2010, Rivera was the guest of honor at the National Society of Hispanic MBAs Conference and Career Expo in Chicago. He is a program manager at ActivIdentity (part of HID Global) in Herndon, Va.
Lori Rohre, ‘07, is director of human resources at Austin (Texas) Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Rohr spoke to the Principles of Human Resource Management class, taught by Jolene Lampton, Ph.D., assistant professor of management and accounting, at Park’s Austin Campus Center on Nov. 15, 2010.
Patrick Ferguson, ‘05, is production manager of Anchen Pharmaceuticals Inc. in Irvine, Calif.
2010s
Andrew Garrelts, ‘05, is business manager of the Norfolk (Va.) Tides, the Triple-A minor league baseball affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Elizabeth Weese, ‘05, is director of alumni relations and annual giving at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law in Tempe. David Chapin, ‘07, is office manager of Scottrade’s Shrewsbury, Mass., branch. Maj. Mark Hess, ‘07, is deputy chief of the Dayton, Ohio, Police Department, where he oversees day-to-day operations. Hess is a 27-year veteran and has advanced certificates in police leadership. He is the former commander of the Hostage Negotiation Team. Kevin Litzau, ‘07, owns Toad River Technology LLC, a computer consulting, repair and set-up business located in Frazee, Minn. Roshanda Tipton Smiley, ‘07, is chief administrative officer with the City of Austin, Texas’ Solid Waste Services Department. Smiley oversees human resources, finance and customer service. Ashley Allen, ‘08, attended the 2010 International Summer School at the renowned Refugee Studies Centre at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, followed by a three-month internship in human trafficking at the United Nations in Vienna, Austria.
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Nicolle Capps, ‘10, is an investigator in the Child Protective Services Unit of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Prior to taking the position, she completed an internship with the Houston Police Department’s Juvenile Division/Sex Crimes Unit. Thomas Sims, ‘10, graduated from the Montgomery County (Md.) Police Training Academy. He received its prestigious Captain James E. Daly Jr. Award, presented to the recruit who best exemplifies the ideals of guidance, knowledge, courage, skill and dedication to public service. Sims is a member of the Takoma Park, Md., Police Department.
Weddings Denzil Ross, ‘06, ‘09, married Dionne Cozier on Oct. 10, 2010. The wedding was held at the Chaguaramas (Trinidad) Hotel and Convention Center. The couple resides in Kansas City, Mo.
Park mourns 1930s Constance Shupe Wyllie, ‘32 Boise, Idaho, Sept. 15, 2010 Josephine Cacchione Walker, ‘36 Batavia, Ill., Feb. 17 Irene Burkhardt Dugger, ‘37 Columbia, Mo., Dec. 4, 2010 Niles Stout, ‘39 Lyndon, Kan., Sept. 14, 2010
1940s Louise Guerra Kenyon, ‘41 Kansas City, Mo., Oct 27, 2010 Charles F. Weldon, ‘41 Gallatin, Mo., Oct. 18, 2010 Elizabeth Wolf Elser, ‘45 Liberty, Mo., Jan. 30 Robert Zulauf, ‘45 Perrysburg, Ohio, Aug. 22, 2010 Viola Brandner Franks, ‘47 Raymondville, Texas, Oct. 9, 2010 Pauline Cumpsten Allbright, ‘47 Gig Harbor, Wash., Dec. 30, 2010 Francis P. Bisceglia, ‘49 Kansas City, Mo., Nov. 6, 2010 Ann Etter Brown, ‘49 Pekin, Ill., Sept. 5, 2010
Virginia Cunningham LeBow, ‘50 Sedalia, Mo., Jan. 12 Donald Pinkerton, ‘52 Albuquerque, N.M., Nov. 20, 2010 Henry M. Bremer, ‘53 Santa Fe, N.M., Nov. 8, 2010 Kent Youmans Quinn, ‘59 Ventura, Calif., Jan. 11
1960s Judith L. Liddle, ‘62 St. Charles, Mo., Nov. 5, 2010 Penny Morrow Dietz, ‘67 Easton, Md., Nov. 26, 2010
1970s Francis Schmidt, ‘71 Huntsville, Ala., Aug. 16, 2010 Edwin Richter, ‘74 San Antonio, Texas, April 7, 2010 George Garrido, ‘75 Orlando, Fla., Sept. 16, 2010 Thomas Dinsmore, ‘76 Rumney, N.H., Feb. 17 Eldeva Neill, ‘76 Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 18, 2010
James Rhoades, ‘49 Port Orford, Ore., May 29, 2010
James P. O’Shea, ‘78 Overland Park, Kan., Oct. 21, 2010
1950s
Alfred H. Krumnauer, ‘79 Centerville, Ohio, Jan. 26
Louise Calvin Gillette, ‘50 Hockessin, Del., Nov. 12, 2010
1980s Jim W. Carter Jr., ‘80 Beavercreek, Ohio, Sept. 11, 2010
L.W. Brannon, ‘82 El Paso, Texas, Feb. 15, 2010 Donald K. Durrant, ‘83 Featherville, Ariz., Jan 12 Alonza Foy Jr., ‘83 Dayton, Ohio, Sept. 17, 2010 Earl Carle, ‘86 Newark, Ohio, Aug. 11, 2010 Lawrence Hale, ‘86 Jacksonville, Ark., Feb. 16 Tyrone Stewart, ‘88 San Antonio, Texas, June 8, 2010
1990s Kay Schlagle, ‘91 Independence, Mo., Jan. 26
2010s Jeremiah Siebert, ‘11 El Paso, Texas, Feb. 7
Faculty & staff Betty Longhibler Greensboro, N.C., Oct. 23, 2010 Assistant to nine Park University presidents C. Ann Wentz, Ed.D. Prairie Village, Kan., Nov. 5, 2010 Associate Professor in the School for Education Rodney Alan Giles Overland Park, Kan., Dec. 4, 2010 College Organist and Adjunct Instructor
Mary Williams, ‘91 Oak Grove, Mo., March 13, 2010 D.L. Vincent, ‘92 Northfield, Minn., Sept. 8, 2010 Dennis Reed, ‘97 Gladstone, Mo., Nov. 7, 2010 Cheryl Braun, ‘98 Holt, Mo., Sept. 30, 2010
2000s Michelle Walker, ‘01 Huber Heights, Ohio, March 17 Willie Allen, ‘05 Boise, Idaho, Aug. 16, 2010 Deborah Briggs Venyard, ‘08 Independence, Mo., April 22, 2010 Cheryl Leigh McCutchen, ‘09 Gladstone, Mo., Oct. 14, 2010
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Destination Parkville Friday, June 24, through Sunday, June 26, 2011 Friday
Park Family Picnic | Hermits and “Class of 1971 and Friends” Mixer
Saturday
President’s Breakfast and Open House | Alumni Association Annual Meeting “Park University 2011,” a presentation by President Michael Droge, Ph.D., with Q&A session Reunion Luncheon or Heritage Society Luncheon Campus Bus Tours | Park Sing Alumni Association Awards Banquet in Thompson Commons Exciting announcement! Alumni Weekend is moving to the fall in 2012! Interact with students, meet the faculty and attend athletic events. Experience the University in motion!
Distinguished Alumnus Jack Wells, ‘59, Ph.D. | Wilford “Pete” Kale, ‘71 Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Service Award Tim Pelton, ‘70
Sunday
Church Service, Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel Farewell Lunch Celebrate the anniversaries of classes ending in “1” and “6” This schedule is subject to change as reunion groups plan activities. Register Online: www.park.edu/alumni/awe11
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• Career Services • Events • Networking • News • Reunions • Contacts • Affinity Programs Photo by: Valerie Offield, ‘07
Help us navigate where we go together next. Take our survey at www.park.edu/alumni/survey
Spring 2011 - 37
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