MAGAZINE Winter 2011
Vol. 3, No. 2
Introducing Park University’s New Provost: Jerry P. Jorgensen, Ph.D.
Contents 14
Features
2
16
Departments 8
University news
12
Park’s Board of Trustees
24
In academia
26 Alumniad 28
Director’s corner
29 Events 32
Class notes
35
Park mourns
36
Alumni Weekend
Cover photo credit: Kenny Johnson The Park University Magazine is created by: Kathy Winklhofer, Wink Creative Communications, winkcreative@mac.com Vanessa Bonavia, V Communications, vmbonavia@gmail.com
20
1
President’s greetings
2
Tie-ing it all together
4
Teaching in a changing world
6
Banishing bullying behavior 101
7
Financial relief
7
Literacy strategies for all learning
14
Roller derby reigns
16
Class in session
20
Fielding success
23
New track brings runners to their mark
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 is to provide access to a quality higher education experience that prepares a diverse community of learners to think critically, communicate effectively, demonstrate a global perspective, and engage in lifelong learning and service to others. Core values that guide our actions • Accountability • Civility and Respect • Excellence • Global Citizenship • Inclusivity • Integrity Go green with Park Park University Magazine is available online. To opt out of receiving a printed version of the magazine, please e-mail the Office of Alumni Relations at alumnioffice@park.edu. If you receive more than one copy in the mail, please let us know. Thank you for supporting Park’s efforts to be more eco-friendly.
President’s greetings Dear Park University Community, What an incredibly exciting and challenging time in higher education. Our global connectivity has never been stronger and yet our financial resources to sustain that much-needed access have never been more at risk. The current global economic indicators compounded by state and federal legislative changes continue to negatively impact student college enrollments in the United States. The decreasing pool of financial aid assistance typically available from personal, corporate or government resources have created true barriers for those most in need of financial aid assistance. This is an escalating issue that has been closely monitored since early 2004, as indicated in a poll conducted by the National Center for Public Policy on Higher Education that revealed 62 percent of those surveyed believe a college degree is necessary, but 74 percent think qualified and motivated students don’t have an opportunity for a college education. Today, the top three identified major barriers to getting a college education are cost, concerns about student loan debt and limited alternative resources for student financial aid funding. Another current and disturbing factor is represented by the ever-increasing number of unemployed people in the United States who have been out of work for one or more years, but who are unable to find the needed funding for education programs that would bolster them as stronger work force candidates. Past financial options from former employers, state, city or county agencies are no longer viable resources. Even as these burdensome challenges increase, we remain optimistic at Park that we can take proactive steps to make a difference for our academically qualified students. Our commitment to academic access is a historical and fundamental element that has forever defined this magnificent University. Our newly revised mission and vision statements strongly underscore that Park University will continue to provide access to quality higher educational experiences to all its students. A major part of that promise is to keep our tuition rates as reasonable as possible — all while maintaining academic excellence. It is our also our commitment to remain actively involved in local, state and federal discussions to ensure that our current and future students’ rights are represented and protected. In addition, we will continue important conversations with our alumni and friends to enlist their support. Student scholarships and other student financial aid support have and will continue to be a central theme of importance. I am deeply grateful to those who already support the University through financial giving and it is my sincerest hope that many others will accept this important invitation to join them. So many students (our next global leaders) depend on that support to achieve their educational goals.
Best wishes for a successful and happy 2012 and thank you.
Michael H. Droge, Ph.D. Park University President
Park University Magazine Winter 2011 Vol. 3 No. 2 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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Tie-ing it all together New provost puts his experienced stamp on Park
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on’t let the colorful, graphic ties fool you. Jerry P. Jorgensen, Ph.D., Park University’s new provost and vice president for academic affairs, is serious about his job, about education and his new home at the Parkville Campus. The ties — which range from the sublime to the exotic and feature a multitude of colors, graphic designs, musical instruments, animals and holiday themes — are Jorgensen’s way of injecting his personality into his job as the University’s chief academic officer. His children are responsible for the purchase of many of the ties, he said. Some represent his interests, such as the musical ties that point not only to his love of music, but that his children play the trombone and clarinet. Others represent family travels or are just a unique way to mark the holiday seasons. Jorgensen recently added a Park University tie to his vast collection to mark his new love of all things Pirate.
Jackrabbit to Pirate
Jorgensen should be forgiven if it takes him awhile to get used to the idea of a Pirate as a mascot — after all, he spent most of the last 30 years as a Jackrabbit at South Dakota State University in Pierre, where he served the last 10 years as dean of its College of Arts and Sciences. Why the late-in-career switch? “My wife and I were empty-nesters,” Jorgensen said. “We could have kept doing what we were doing, but we were ready for a new challenge.” Jorgensen narrowed his search to four schools, but Park was always his first choice for relocation. “I just thought it would fit me and I would fit it,” he said. After an extensive national search, Jorgensen accepted the provost position at Park, where he officially began his duties on June 15, 2011. “Dr. Jorgensen brings an extensive professional and academic background to Park,” said Park University President
Michael Droge, Ph.D. “His experience in liberal arts education, instructional technology, including online learning, and the U.S. military make him exceptionally qualified for the position, which is deeply rooted in each of these important areas.” Jorgensen earned a doctorate in communications studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is an honors graduate of the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and a retired colonel with the U.S. Army Reserve. During his time with the military, he was called to active duty as the deputy director, Army Reserve Communication (Public Affairs) at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Jorgensen has also participated in Harvard University’s Institute for Management and Leadership in Education, which is an intensive course for senior administrators from around the country.
Collaboration is key
So exactly what does being the provost and vice president for academic affairs mean? In short, the provost is charged with maintaining the University’s academic quality and learning outcomes. Similar to Park, SDSU has more than one location, so Jorgensen understands the challenges and opportunities that come with multiple campuses. He’s a big believer in collaboration and shared governance. “I want to grow the opportunity by reaching out to groups on campus so they can have a say in how they are governed,” Jorgensen said. His outreach includes students; he’s already had several meetings with student leaders to learn what issues they’re facing and what ideas they have for Park. He’s also encouraged the faculty leadership to meet regularly with students. It’s a practice he brought with him from SDSU that was successful there in improving relationships and bringing some projects, such as a campus bike path, to fruition. After all, “students are the focus of who we are and why we’re here,” he said.
The collaboration challenge is formidable because of Park’s size and scope, he said. Jorgensen is responsible for ensuring that all of Park’s students receive the same quality instruction, regardless of whether they are in Parkville, at one of Park’s campus centers across the country or online. To that end, he’s been spending time traveling to Park locations around the country.
Challenges and opportunities
As he travels and observes daily life on the Parkville Campus, Jorgensen confronts the challenges the University faces in an ever-changing world. The biggest challenge is stabilizing and growing enrollment, he said. “Strategic planning is a key part of doing this,” Jorgensen said. Working from a strategic point of view, he’s assessing policies and procedures to see what’s working and what might need tweaking. “When I see an opportunity to fix something, I’m trying to the greatest extent possible to reach out to groups, to the deans, to the department chairs, and work with them,” he said. “The idea is, ‘let’s fix this and move on.’ But preserve what’s working.” There are a number of areas of opportunity for Park, Jorgensen said. One is expanding the already robust way the University partners with the military. “We have a long, proud history with the military,” he said. “When our service members are ready to go on to the next chapter of their lives, we really want to partner with them for their success.” There is one more group Jorgensen is excited to partner with and get to know at Park and that’s the alumni. “Their love for Park is boundless,” he said. “We will continue telling Park’s story and letting folks know that it’s grown and changed, but the important things haven’t changed,” he said. His message to all of Park’s constituencies is simple: “Park is doing great.”
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Teaching in a changing world by Michelle “Shellie” Myers, Ed.D. Dean, Park University School for Education
veryone is talking about education and its ever-changing landscape. The idea that education is in a state of flux is nothing new to those of us in the business of educating the next generation of teachers. We live by the wise axiom that the only constant in education is change.
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It is not always easy to keep pace with change as we are in its midst. In education, we’ve moved from one-room schoolhouses to multi-building campuses with amazing speed. Technology and the demands of a global marketplace make it imperative that the best of the best become teachers and care for the educational needs of the more than 80
million students in our pre-K through 12th grade classrooms in this country. Teachers are, by necessity, a devoted group of professionals who are answering a call to inspire others to reach their greatest potential in an ever-changing world.
“It is not always easy to keep pace with change as we are in its midst.” Teachers are in a unique position to impact the future by sharing their gifts, talents, time and compassion with the students they teach. For some educators, it is the lure of sharing a passion for the great literary works or demonstrating the connections in mathematical equations that might inspire students to delve deeper. No matter the subject expertise, the opportunity to impact the developing lives of students binds all of us in the teaching profession.
Unimaginable change
In Park University’s School for Education, we take seriously our job as educators of the next generation of teachers. Our graduates face a plethora of challenges those of us who were in the classroom a generation ago could not have imagined. Indeed, when I look at today’s students, I see a far more diverse group than what I saw in my own classrooms. The breadth of diversity in ethnicity, languages spoken, and social and economic status is staggering. In one Kansas City, Mo., school alone, there are more than 30 different languages spoken by elementary students. How do we prepare future teachers to address this? We have to begin with embracing our diversity as a society. Fortunately at Park, we have long been a leader in this area. We have a student body that reflects the kind of diversity our teachers will experience in their professional lives. We have students from rural, urban and suburban settings with more than 100 countries represented. Our student population speaks multiple languages and brings a wide variety of experiences, enrichment and ideas to the University. Park’s School for Education ensures that our students have at least three different teaching practicum experiences — in a rural, a suburban and an urban classroom. We believe that spending time in a variety of classroom settings makes our graduates much better prepared for the diversity of today’s classroom. Our teachers will face very different classrooms — and their students are facing a different world with different expectations for them in terms of the skills they will need to succeed. The skills
of the future are often labeled as “21st century skills” that go beyond basic reading and writing and include life and career skills, learning and innovation, and technological skills.
Preparing for change
At Park, we continually strive to provide our students with the latest in not just teaching techniques, but innovative teaching technologies to prepare them for wired classrooms where interactive whiteboards have replaced dusty blackboards, and overhead projectors have given way to more sophisticated PowerPoint presentations, online instruction and virtual laboratory experiences. Our goal in the School for Education is to equip future teachers with everything they need to succeed in a future defined by change. We are accredited through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and are in the process of seeking national accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Our faculty wanted to go through this stringent accreditation process because it offers a comprehensive opportunity to dig deep and evaluate all aspects of our programs. Are we hitting the mark? Where do we need to improve? Achieving this second accreditation will enhance our programs as we continue to navigate change to meet the demands of the future. I am privileged to be a part of a devoted group of educators at Park who are actively embracing change, challenge and innovate in their unwavering devotion to preparing tomorrow’s teachers for an ever-changing world.
Michelle (Shellie) Myers, Ed.D., was appointed dean of the Park University School for Education on July 5, 2011. Prior to joining Park, Myers served administrative stints as associate dean, assistant dean and acting assistant dean in the Division of Education at Queens College, the City University of New York, as well as interim associate dean of the College of Education and Human Services at the University of Central Missouri. In addition, she served as an assistant professor, then associate professor at UCM, and as assistant professor at Southeast Missouri State University. During her time at QC-CUNY, Myers served as coordinator of the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. Myers earned her Doctor of Education degree in curriculum and pedagogy, and her Master of Education degree in teaching physical education from the University of Arkansas. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Western Kentucky University.
Despite the inevitable force of change, I’m certain that what hasn’t changed — and will never change — are the characteristics that make a good teacher. The best teachers know that the secret to success in the classroom is the ability to inspire, motivate and reach each student where they are to nurture individual success. Good teachers embody the same traits today as they did centuries ago in one-room schoolhouses: they care about their students.
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Banishing bullying behavior 101 Bullying. For many students, teachers and parents, it’s a growing problem. The statistics are startling: as many as half of all children are bullied at some time during their school years, and at least 10 percent are bullied on a regular basis. Another 20 percent confess to being a bully. And more often than not, few know what to do to help. That’s one of the many reasons SuEllen Fried, ‘75, and Blanche Sosland, Ph.D., Park University professor emeritus of education, have collaborated on two editions of Banishing Bullying Behavior: Transforming the Culture of Pain, Rage and Revenge. The two also are on a crusade to encourage schools to instruct teachers how to combat bullying in their classrooms. Their relationship started when Sosland read Fried’s first book, Bullies & Victims — Helping Your Child Through the Schoolyard Battlefield (co-authored with her daughter, Paula Fried, Ph.D., in 1996). Teaching at Park at the time, Sosland was so moved by what she read that she invited Fried to conduct a workshop for her students. Sosland adapted the book into teaching materials and started including sessions on bullying in her classes. In Banishing Bullying Behavior, Fried and Sosland bring their combined experience of working with teachers, students and parents to present a blueprint to help reduce the cycle of pain and depression caused by bullying. Winter 2011 - 6
Cyber bullying
Bullying behavior can be physical or verbal. It’s not limited by age, gender or education level. It is not a phase and it is not a joke. Bullying is a barrage of name-calling and intimidation that is increasingly happening online — through e-mail, text and social networking sites — also known as cyberbullying. In the years since Fried wrote the first book, bullying has grown into a nationally discussed issue that is more frequently making headlines. Unfortunately, it’s not because bullying is being eradicated; it’s quite the opposite. “The Internet has made it so easy,” Fried said. “A young person who would never have the nerve to do this face-to-face can sit behind a computer and make up horrendous things.” Statistics show that 43 percent of kids have been bullied online. More than 20 percent have received mean or threatening e-mail or other messages.
Teaching the teachers
So, what’s the answer? For Fried and Sosland, the solution starts with giving teachers the tools to combat the problem so they can better help their students. They believe that teachers need to be taught how to make their students feel safe in a classroom and how to feel comfortable
talking to an adult if they are being bullied or know someone who is. “We need to teach that tattling is getting someone in trouble; reporting is getting someone out of trouble,” Sosland said. They are quick to point out that the problem of bullying is about more than the victim (who they prefer to call “the target”) and the bully (who they call “the bullier”). More often than not, they say, the bullier has issues that need to be addressed. “They are often hurting, too,” Sosland said. “We can’t stress enough trying to find out what the bullying is about.” Michelle “Shellie” Myers, Ed.D., dean of Park’s School for Education, knows bullying is an issue her students will face in their classrooms. She said School for Education students learn about bullying in two ways. “First, we teach them how to recognize the warning signs,” Myers said. “We then help them understand the heavy weight of responsibility on their shoulders as teachers, and how to access services available to them and their students. Teachers need to be aware of their schools’ policies and act as soon as they suspect a problem.” Sosland and Fried say it will take a partnership approach to solve the problem. “Educators and parents working together,” Sosland said, “is the way to ensure the most effective approach to the problem.”
Financial relief Student teachers use fellowship award to help pay bills Relief. That’s what receiving the Student Teaching Fellowship means to Danielle Lee, ‘11, and Steve Chrostowski, ‘10. The two recent Park University graduates are the first recipients of the award, which was established by the late C. Ann Wentz, Ph.D. Wentz co-founded the fellowship to help Park School for Education students with the financial burden that often comes with student teaching. The money from the fellowship does not have to be used for tuition or books, but is available for students to use at their discretion. “Student teaching consumes you,” said Chrostowski, who used the award before graduating in May 2010. “It really alleviated the financial burden. I have a wife and two kids, so this really took the pressure off.” Lee can’t imagine what life would have been like had she been trying to balance a student-teaching load and working. She’s thankful that the fellowship was able to “relieve a lot of pressure.” During her time as an associate professor of education at Park, Wentz was known as a student advocate and was the first recipient of the Outstanding Distinguished Educator Award at Park. Neither Chrostowski nor Lee knew Wentz, who retired in 2006 and passed away on Nov. 5, 2010. “I have heard that she would do anything to support pre-service teachers,” Chrostowski said. Lee graduated in December 2011 and is currently substitute teaching while applying for a full-time teaching position. Chrostowski teaches special education at Congress Middle School in the Park Hill (Mo.) School District. “The fellowship was just invaluable,” Chrostowski said. “It helps more than you know. Her support for educators makes the world a better place.”
Special teacher event A special one-day conference, Literacy Strategies For All Learners, hosted by the Dorothy Harper Watson Literacy Center and the School for Education at Park University.
Saturday, April 14, 2012 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Park University’s Parkville Campus $35 fee includes continental breakfast and box lunch The one-day conference is designed for K-12 public and private school teachers, pre-service teachers, teacher educators and other educators. The conference will focus on strategies to assist learners of all ages who face literacy challenges, especially those for whom conventional approaches have not been successful. Such learners are often seen as struggling learners with problems or deficits of various kinds, but a more positive way to view them is as learners who have strengths and abilities that can be built upon to help them grow as literate individuals. The conference marks the 10th anniversary of the Dorothy Harper Watson Literacy Center at Park University.
Reservations or more information:
Kathy Lofflin, Ph.D., Director Dorothy Harper Watson Literacy Center kathy.lofflin@park.edu (816) 584-6419
Throughout her career as a teacher educator, Wentz encouraged her students to reach their greatest potential, said Michelle “Shellie” Myers, Ed.D., dean of the Park School for Education. “This scholarship will continue her legacy of generosity and dedication to students entering the field,” Myers said.
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UNIVERSITY NEWS Students Dryden, Francis earn prestigious scholarships, grants Rachel Dryden, a junior geography/ physical science major, was awarded the Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to increase undergraduate training in oceanic and atmospheric science, research, technology and education, and foster multidisciplinary training opportunities. She spent the Fall 2011 semester in a prestigious internship with NASA at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., completing the Quality Control of Doppler Radar Wind Profiler Database Internship, part of NASA’s Undergraduate Student Research Program. Esther Francis, who graduated from Park University in May 2011 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in business administration/ human resources and business administration/international business, was awarded a 2011-12 Fulbright Binational Business Grant to enhance knowledge, expertise and understanding of Mexico. The grant includes a full-time internship with a participating company in Mexico City and the opportunity to enroll in graduate level courses at the Mexico Autonomous Institute of Technology in the southern part of Mexico City or the Monterrey Institute of Technology in Santa Fe.
Park degree programs ranked “best buy” by consumer group Seven Park University online degree programs were ranked as “best buys” by the national editorial review team at GetEducated.com, a consumer group that reviews and ranks online university degree programs for cost, quality and credibility. Among Park’s online degree programs earning recognition included the Master of Public Affairs, which ranked 8th in the Online Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Affairs category. Winter 2011 - 8
Park University students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members participated in the University’s annual Park Pirate Family Fun Night in September 2011. In the top photo, the “Dread Cap’n Payne, rogue sociologist of the high seas” (also known as Kevin Payne, Ph.D., assistant professor of sociology at Park) is shown with a little pirate girl. In the bottom photo, a young boy is getting his pirate moustache at the student-run face painting booth. The event is held in conjunction with International Talk Like a Pirate Day, which is celebrated each year on Sept. 19.
UNIVERSITY NEWS
New provost, dean appointed to University posts Jerry D. Jorgensen, Ph.D.
Thimios Zaharopoulos, Ph.D.
Jane Wood, Ph.D.
Park University appointed Jerry D. Jorgensen, Ph.D., as provost and vice president for academic affairs. Jorgensen began his duties June 15, 2011. (Read profile story on Jorgensen that begins on page 2.) Thimios Zaharopoulos, Ph.D., who for the previous two years served as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, assumed the position of special assistant to the president for academic outreach. In April 2011, Jane Wood, Ph.D., was appointed dean of the University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Wood had been serving as interim dean of the CLAS since July 2009.
New bachelor’s degree programs added to University’s slate of offerings Park University is offering two new bachelor’s degree programs: The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program. The interdisciplinary studies degree program, offered online and face-to-face, allows students to develop a major by combining two different disciplines, which provides students the flexibility to design their own degree, while also making efficient use of credit hours students have accumulated. The nursing degree, offered online, is designed to provide a flexible format with the busy registered nurse at heart. This career mobility program gives students an opportunity to expand their nursing knowledge and customize their plan of study.
Magazines rank Park for bachelor’s degrees awarded to minorities Park University was ranked in the top 100 of bachelor’s degrees conferred to students of color in the United States, according to Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine. In its June 9, 2011, issue, DIHE ranked Park in the top 100 in 28 categories of race/degree major combinations, including Hispanic, African-American, Native American, Asian-American and all minorities combined, and degrees ranging from psychology, computer and information sciences, and various businessrelated degrees. Park ranked No. 78 in the nation in the “Total Minority-All Disciplines Combined” category, and of colleges/universities within the West North Central states of the Midwest region (among Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota), Park ranked No. 3. Park was the only institution based in Missouri ranked in the top 100. The University earned national top 5 rankings in three categories, including two No. 1s in the categories of “Hispanic-Human Resources Management and Services” and “Total Minority-Human Resources Management and Services.” The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine also ranked Park University among the top 100 colleges and universities in the U.S. for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded to Hispanic students. In the May 2, 2011, issue of the magazine, Park was ranked No. 60 nationally with 437 degrees awarded, representing 18 percent of the total number of degrees the University awarded in 2010. Park was the top-ranked school within the West North Central states of the Midwest region and was the only institution based in Missouri ranked in the top 100, according to 2010 data gathered by the National Center for Education Statistics Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System.
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UNIVERSITY NEWS
Student Katuwal receives inaugural scholarship Miki Katuwal, a senior majoring in biology and physical geography, received the inaugural Presidential Honors Scholarship at Park University’s Founders Day celebration in May 2011. For nine years, Founders Day has been raising funds to establish the Presidential Honors Scholarship, which provides full tuition, room and board for academically talented students.
From left: Park President Dr. Michael Droge, Miki Katuwal, Park Board of Trustees member Tom Holcom and Dr. Virginia Brackett, director of Park’s Degree with Honors program.
Park University’s military programs, director honored by Missouri organization
Stephen Terry, Park University’s director of military and veteran student services.
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Park University’s Department of Military and Veteran Student Services and Park Warrior Center, and Stephen Terry, the department’s director, were honored by the Missouri College Personnel Association. The Department of Military and Veteran Student Services and Park Warrior Center received the 2011 Missouri Innovative Program Award, and Terry was honored with the Missouri Outstanding Professional Award.
Katuwal's academic accomplishments include completion of a summer research internship at the University of Pittsburgh and a summer research program in molecular biology at Princeton University.
Military publications recognize Park University Park University was ranked by Military Times EDGE magazine as the most popular nonprofit master’s level institution in the country for service members using tuition assistance in fiscal year 2010. When taking into account all colleges/universities nationwide, including for-profit and public, and associate/doctoral levels, Park was ranked No. 8. Within specific branches of the military, Park ranked fourth in providing education to members of the Air Force and Air Guard, and sixth in providing education to members of the U.S. Marine Corps. For the third consecutive year, Park University was honored by G.I. Jobs magazine on its list of Military Friendly Schools. The list recognizes the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools doing the most to embrace America’s military service members and veterans as students.
UNIVERSITY NEWS Affordability of University acknowledged by magazine, Department of Education
University commemorates Windows of Opportunity campaign Park University celebrated the success of its “Windows of Opportunity” fundraising campaign during a ceremony on June 24, 2011. The campaign raised $336,500 to replace windows in the historic Norrington Center, which currently houses Park’s Office of Admissions, Student Assistance Center and faculty offices. The effort began in March 2009 to replace the windows and frames in the 103-year-old building — formerly known as the Carnegie Library — with state-ofthe art, custom-made thermal windows. Thanks to more than 340 donors and the matching support of an anonymous business partner, the goal was reached and the windows were installed.
Park University was ranked as the seventhmost affordable private university/college in the nation and first in the Midwest for tuition and fees, according to a report by U.S. News and World Report. Park University President Michael Droge, Ph.D., said Park is proud of the recognition. “Even in these challenging economic times, Park remains committed to providing access to quality educational opportunities at a reasonable cost,” he said. Among the 817 ranked private colleges — and schools whose rank is not published — that provided data to U.S. News and World Report’s survey, the average cost of tuition and required fees for the 2010-11 school year was $26,079. Comparatively, Park’s tuition and fees cost $8,898. According to a Department of Education list of institutions with the lowest net price, Park University is the only private, not-for-profit school based in Missouri ranked by the DOE. Park’s net price (after scholarships and grant aid) is $8,192, while the national average for private, not-for-profit four-year or above schools is $19,009. The average net price ranking was generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government or institutional grant or scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state, where applicable), books and supplies and the weighted average for room and board and other expenses. The average net price is for full-time beginning undergraduate students who received grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution.
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Leading the way Rest assured, Park University is in good hands. Gayden F. Carruth, Ph.D.
Executive Director Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City Kansas City, Mo. As superintendent of the Park Hill (Mo.) School District, I was already very familiar with Park University when I was asked to be on the Board of Trustees. I live in Parkville, Mo., and worked with the University on a lot of programs that were very beneficial to the Park Hill district. Now, as executive director of the Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City, I work with school districts in providing cutting-edge, state-of-the-art collaborative professional development services in seven Missouri counties. We represent more than 165,000 students and 30,000 employees. In the Spring 2011 issue of the Park University Magazine, we launched this special series to highlight individual trustees and members of Park’s various advisory boards who provide support and counsel to the University. Park is grateful for their invaluable commitment of time, expertise and financial support to lead the way to the University’s continued success. 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, alumni and friends, who advocate on the University’s behalf. From academic policies to strategic planning and fiscal management, Park’s Board of Trustees work tirelessly to ensure the University is operating effectively to achieve its mission, strategic priorities and financial objectives.
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I think what’s always attracted me to Park is its strong military connection, that it serves a wide range of students, and, even though it has a typical historically significant campus, it has a very diverse and strong student population. Park, while facing challenges not unlike every institution of higher education, also has enormous opportunities ahead of it as well. The University continues expanding on its already strong commitment to members of the military. Programmatically, it’s exciting how the University is addressing the needs of its students in nursing and business. Those are two areas where Park is very future-focused. What is most important about Park is the students’ efforts. They are committed to getting their degrees; they are committed to making their lives better; and they are committed to education in general.
Board of Trustees 2011-12 Deanna K. Medlin Armstrong, ‘70 President/CEO Communication Design Consultants
Daniel J. O’Neill Owner/President The Roasterie Inc.
Donald P. Arndtsen, ‘50 Manager Arndtsen Cooperative Enterprises LLC
Rosemary Fry Plakas, ‘63 Curator/Historian Library of Congress
R. Lynn Bondurant, ‘61 President Bondurant Consulting John C. Brown President and CEO ELCA Properties Inc.
Katheen J. Dodd Founder and CEO The Corridor Group Overland Park, Kan.
I’ve spent more than 20 years building my business, The Corridor Group, which focuses on professional home care and hospice consulting services. Since 1999, the company has been international as we started partnering with a company in Turkey to provide services there. My experiences and what I’ve tried to do with my business fit well with Park — I think that’s why I was asked to join the Board of Trustees. I’m so proud to be in affiliation with a university such as Park. Every day there are wonderful things going on at the University. At my company, we have launched an online education component for our home care and hospice clients. This makes me particularly interested and proud of what Park has done and continues to do in pioneering online education. I don’t think people realize, or have a sense, of all that Park does around the world. I think people perceive it as a small school, but that’s if they only see the Parkville Campus. This is a university with 22,000-plus students around the world. As an entrepreneur with a business that reaches around the world, I see how small the planet really is and how important it is for students to have a sense of the world around them. Park is uniquely positioned to take advantage of some great opportunities because of its diversity, its place in the global marketplace, its graduate programs and with the way it addresses the needs of the military. We have incredible professors and deans who have done notable things that students need and want from their education. The graduates from Park should be very proud of their university and their education.
Robert C. Burns Dentist/Owner (Retired) Burns Dental Care Gayden F. Carruth Executive Director Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City Peter J. deSilva Chairman and CEO UMB Bank, n.a. Katheen J. Dodd Founder and CEO The Corridor Group Dennis H. Epperson, ‘69 Patent Attorney (Retired) Private Practice and Partner Knobbe, Martens, Olson and Bear Kristopher Flint, ‘97 CEO Stark Collective LLC Joseph Geeter III, ‘99 Corporate Employee Relations Manager AmeriGas Propane Thomas H. Holcom President, Military Banking Division MidCountry Bank Benny Lee Chairman Lee Research Institute Susan Kensett McGaughey, ‘74 Home Health Aide Grace Hospice Ann Mesle Circuit Court Judge 16th Judicial Circuit of Missouri Lt. Gen. John E. Miller President Miller Analytic
Jeanette Prenger, ‘09 President Ecco Select Eugene A. Ruiz President Ruiz & Associates P.C. Danny K. Sakata Analyst Northrop Grumman Judith M. Simonitsch CPA (Retired) Deloitte and Touche LLP Richard E. Thode CPA (Retired) PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP J. Eric Wade, ‘82, M.P.A. ‘85 City Administrator City of Lenexa, Kan. N. Gary Wages President/CEO (Retired) Saint Luke’s Northland Hospital David Warm Executive Director Mid-America Regional Council Philip D. Wheeler, ‘62 Food Industry Executive/Consultant (Retired) Julie M. Wilson Senior Vice President/ Chief People Officer Cerner Corp.
Honorary Trustees Howard C. Breen Robert P. Corbett, ‘38 Charles A. Garney CEO Briarcliff Development Co. Virginia B. McCoy L. Louise Morden Vice President Niagara’s Wax Museum Complex Gerald R. Moss
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Megan Behr (white helmet) plays jammer for the KC Roller Warriors.
Photo by Randy Pace.
Roller derby reigns Park University boasts many who skate their way to the top. If you are of a certain era, your idea of roller derby was likely formed in watching the movie “Kansas City Bomber,” featuring Raquel Welch and her teammates fighting their way to love and victory on the track. More recently, Ellen Page and Drew Barrymore brought a roller derby story to the big screen in “Whip It.” The sport, which has long been a female bastion, is back in a big way with leagues,
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matches and tournaments popping up all over the country. The idea is fairly simple: five on a team with the goal of helping your team’s “jammer” lap the other team to score points.
derby names, which have to be unique in the country. For most, participating in the sport is an emotional, physical and creative outlet that allows them to show another side of their personalities.
Park University students and employees alike are hitting the rink. After a long day at work or in class, they can leave it all behind with a spirited practice or match. They can take on a new persona, exemplified by their
Park University Magazine talked to a number of these “derby dolls” to find out why they participate, if their friends and families are supportive and what’s behind their unique alter ego names.
Elisha Bailey
Lee Ann Parsons, ‘10
Regina Reed continued I also was happy to get the number I wanted: F451. Fahrenheit 451 is one of my favorite books.
Jessica Tonnies
How did you get started? I’ve been skating since I was 3 years old. While at community college, I had a professor who encouraged me to join the team in Riverside, Mo.
Why roller derby? I like anything that involves exercise and I’m really competitive. I’ve met an amazing group of people — we’re really a family. When I’m on the rink, I forget about everything else and can get any aggressions out.
Why roller derby? It’s really fun. A lot of people think I’m nuts. I’m only 5’3”; I’m little, but I’m mighty. Our team is really our own little family. I figured I’m going to fall, I’m going to get hurt, but I will deal with it. I plan on having a good reason for getting hurt.
What do people think? A lot of my family and friends were surprised that I would do this. I’m small and they were afraid I’d get hurt. I’ve been voted the most graceful faller on my team. I have friends who have ended up joining the team and my co-workers love to come and watch.
How did you come up with your name? Goth Angel is just who I am.
How did you come up with your derby name? A friend and I were going through celebrity names and came up with it. I’m not a huge fan of the Kardashian shows, but I have watched on occasion.
Derby name: “Goth Angel” Park University junior majoring in fine art
Megan Behr
Derby name: “Crystal Brawl” Park University junior majoring in social work How did you get started? I was an artistic roller skater as a kid growing up in Washington. I missed it when I moved away. I needed something for me outside of work, so I played for three seasons in Salt Lake City and am in my second season with the KC Roller Warriors Plan B travel team. Why roller derby? I love the support network and the community. I made instant friends. It’s given me great confidence; I like how the team pushes me to do my best. It’s also a great way to stay in shape. How did you come up with your name? I am terrible with names. That’s really what I was most nervous about. My cousin actually came up with it.
Derby name: “Slim KarSmashian” Park University bookkeeper
Regina Reed
Derby name: “Callie Ente” Park University telecommunications administrator How did you get started? I got started in roller derby thanks to a friend who invited me to a recruitment night. This is my second season. My family, friends and co-workers think it’s crazy, but cool. My boyfriend has become a referee, so we’ve really folded it into our lives. Why roller derby? Roller derby is great on several levels. If I’ve had a stressful day, the time on the skates is a great way to de-stress. It’s also great exercise. I think it’s increased my confidence. It’s helped me not care as much what others think of me. How did you come up with your name? I really struggled with a name. Finally, my boyfriend came up with “Callie Ente.”
Derby name: “Strawberry Cutthroat” Park University senior majoring in Spanish and secondary education/Spanish
Why roller derby? I never played team sports; I have no hand-eye coordination. I knew somebody on the KC Warriors team and thought I’d try. It’s a really cool group of women. They keep me motivated, in shape and out of trouble. The whole community is really a family. What do people think? My family and friends think it’s perfect for me. How did you come up with your derby name? I like the juxtaposition of the sweet strawberry to the cutthroat — which also plays off of the Park pirate mascot.
Mary White
Derby name: “Carnage Kitten” Park University senior majoring in management/logistics How did you get started? My sister was on a team; it looked like so much fun that I decided to join a team. Why roller derby? I like the speed. I like to skate fast and get through the pack. Because I work as a civilian at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah (where Park University has a campus center), it’s a good way to hang out with women — you really bond with the people on your team. How did you come up with your derby name? I was looking for something that was an oxymoron. I can dish it out or be sweet as a kitten.
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Class in session tep into the classroom of one of the more than 6 million teachers in the United States and it might not look like you remember: dusty chalkboards replaced with interactive whiteboards and computers in use by teachers and students alike. Being a teacher is different than it was just five or 10 years ago. Teachers are expected to not just educate, but to also inspire and prepare students for a world that is changing at warp speed. While facing many of today’s challenges in education, teachers remain engaged and enthusiastic about their profession and the ultimate rewards of seeing their students excel. Park University Magazine caught up with a number of Park graduates to find out what they think about education today, their students and how Park influenced them in the classroom. Winter 2011 - 16
“A teacher affects eternity: he can never tell where his influence stops.” – Henry Adams
Nick Abanavas, ‘71, M.Ed. ‘08 Sophomore English teacher Roosevelt High School Educational Campus New York City
My most enjoyable experience in teaching is the daily interaction with young adults. I work in an “at-risk” environment fraught with obstacles in a facility challenged in more ways than I can enumerate. Yet the one constant that I have found is the positive connections to young adults, no matter what their challenges, is always appreciated. Kids are keenly aware of what is real and what is fake in their relationships with the adults they come in contact with. So, the old 1960s saying, “keep it real,” is still valid today. My
experience at Park opened my mind to a world that I was unaware of growing up in New York City and I bring that awareness to the classroom. I’m especially interested in bringing the philosophy of using visual images to reinforce classroom content and have recently written a how-to book for teachers called Cardboard, Scissors and Paint: The Art of At-Risk Teaching.
Jan Balmer Bates, ‘68 First grade teacher Northumberland Elementary School Heathsville, Va.
Inspired by Park University’s Dr. Ann Weaver, I have always had a passion for literacy, which catapulted me into a 19-year career as a reading recovery teacher (a reading program for “at-risk” first graders). I love teaching because every child is unique. Every day is different. Working to meet my students’ individual needs is both challenging
and rewarding. I work with students who struggle with reading. Meeting the literary needs of the bottom 20 percent of my school’s first grade population is challenging, but the amazing results make it an overall joyful task. I can thank my time at Park for helping me survive for more than 37 years in education. While at Park, I formulated a philosophy of education that has stood the test of time and has been easily applied to each phase of my career. It is simply, “the way a child feels about himself is more important than what he/she knows.”
Mary Howlett Brandon, ‘96 Principal Liberty High School Bedford, Va.
In my opinion, teaching is the second most important job in the world (parenting is No. 1). Educators prepare students for their future. We open doors and, hopefully, minds to the realm of possibilities. Without us, chaos reigns. As a principal, I am always concerned about hiring highly qualified staff. Teaching, however, goes beyond qualifications. I want teachers who care and will build relationships with their students. As an administrator, I work with teachers to support them by discussing weaknesses, working to get appropriate division level staff to support them and finding training if needed. Attending Park opened the doors to teaching for me. At that time, I never even considered administration, but the experiences at Park prepared me to be a good classroom teacher and leader. From teaching to administration, it has been a journey of learning. Each day is different — some extremely challenging, but many that are filled with the joy of watching a student “get it.”
Jan Balmer Bates, ‘68, has enjoyed a 19-year career teaching reading to first-graders.
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Class in session Mike Brennan, ‘96
Physical education, English as a second language and humanities teacher Vienna International School Vienna, Austria Park provided me with the knowledge and international experience that I have used throughout my entire teaching career. Graduating from a university with such a strong international component has been essential in my career. I have worked for the last three years at the Vienna International School in Austria as a physical education, English as a second language and humanities teacher. Since I work in an international environment, I constantly have to assess and adapt to the students’ cultural backgrounds. I came to education after eight years of playing professional football in Europe. I would volunteer at schools during my days off and found that I enjoyed giving back. Now I have the power to influence young minds from all over the world.
Keith Ciani, M.Ed. ‘04 Adjunct instructor University of Northern Colorado Greeley, Colo.
I was a high school teacher when I earned my master’s degree from Park University’s School for Education. One of the biggest shifts I’ve seen in education is with technology and the growth of online classes. While I was an undergraduate, the movement was only just beginning. I’ve now taught many sections of online classes. Besides the format, I don’t
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think there’s an inherent difference between online and traditional classes. I’ve taught online classes with a strong sense of community and face-to-face classes with little interaction. I wouldn’t be here without Park. Everyone there helped me design a thesis program so that I could go on to earn a doctorate. Park really helped me achieve my goals. The faculty went above and beyond to give me an opportunity.
LaDonna Frazier Ebright, ‘80
Assistant professor of early childhood education Park University School for Education Parkville, Mo. One of the things I enjoy most about teaching is having my students come back to see me and see how excited they are about teaching; about how they have been able to connect what they’ve learned here with their classrooms. The biggest difference between their college classroom experiences and mine is the technology available. Since I’ve been at Park as faculty, we’ve taken so many classes to the online environment, in addition to teaching face-to-face. We have done excellent work writing our School for Education online courses. Other colleges and universities look to us for guidance. I believe “setting the standard for others” is a hallmark of Park. When I graduated from Park and went into my first classroom, I was well prepared. I realized the rigor I went through at Park was worth it. I am proud to be a Park graduate and I am concerned that all colleges and universities do not demand the same rigor in teacher preparation.
Sara Caldwell Fahring, ‘05 First grade English teacher TED Antalya Koleji Antalya, Turkey
I have taught in both China and Turkey. I didn’t know what to expect as a teacher in a foreign country. I knew the cultures would be unique so I expected the children to be equally so. The Chinese kids, for instance, are deathly afraid of making a mistake, so it takes great effort to get them to speak. When you ask them to write or copy, they are much more comfortable. On the other hand, Turkish kids learn amazingly well with games and activities, but don’t start writing until second term in first grade. I had to change everything I did in the classroom when I moved countries. Two of my biggest influences at Park came from my opportunity to study abroad in Greece and the theater department. My trip to Greece is part of the reason why I decided to try living outside of the United States. Being involved with the theater helped me become more animated, which really helps to get the attention of primary kids. The storytelling techniques I learned in theatre work perfectly, even with the language barrier.
Jessica Moody Morgan, ‘09, M.Ed. ‘11 First grade teacher Southeast Elementary School Kansas City, Mo.
The best thing about teaching for me is
“I touch the future. I teach.” – Christa McAuliffe seeing the progress and growth in my students — whether that’s in a week, within a particular unit of study or looking back in May and seeing where they are in comparison to where we started in August or September. It’s mesmerizing to see how their thinking has changed and to know that I had a little part in that. I love that teaching is such a creative job. Students learn in so many different ways, and you as the teacher have to be creative in figuring out how to reach them. Park made an influence on me, not so much in one class, but the attitude and work ethic I saw in the teachers. So many were retired professional teachers and the time we spent in class with them telling stories and talking about their experiences is what I hold dear. It’s their passion that’s really stuck with me.
Denise Richardson, ‘71
World languages department chair/ Spanish teacher Charles Herbert Flowers High School Springdale, Md. What I enjoy most about teaching is that I have the power to impress young people and to revel with delight at their progression in speaking the target language with increased proficiency. We live in a multicultural society and speaking another language is critical in this global economy, if one is to be totally successful. Teaching has changed during my 39 years in the classroom. The greatest change that I see is that the students we now teach are digital natives. Older people, such as myself, are digital immigrants. Therefore, teachers must use technology to successfully reach students of the 21st century. My best friends, even today, are Parkites. Dr. Ann Weaver and professor Arturo Sanchez were great influences on my life.
Ayda Sandoval, ‘97 High school Spanish teacher Rio Rico High School Rio Rico, Ariz.
I love the fact that I get to make an impression and a difference in my students’ lives. A big part of that is how I have included my dogs in my classrooms through the years. So many of my students are originally from Mexico; English isn’t their first language. They are forced to use English to teach the dogs. It’s amazing to see them have their “a-ha” moment and to see the excitement on their faces. Everybody’s winning. The kids are learning faster and the dogs are certainly happy with all the attention they are getting. I was so motivated and encouraged while I was at Park. I grew so much while I was there. I’m grateful that Park offered me the opportunity to earn a degree that enabled me to change lives and to still be changing them today.
Above: Jessica Moody Morgan, ‘09, M.Ed. ‘11 explains an activity to her first grade students. Below: Sara Caldwell Fahring, ‘05, enjoys sightseeing in Turkey on her day off from teaching.
Connie Espinoza Springfield, ‘95
Associate principal Shawnee Mission West High School Overland Park, Kan. Having been a math teacher for seven years (and volleyball and basketball coach) and now an administrator for 10 years, the biggest change I’ve seen in education is the rise in technology. I believe the key to staying current with K-12 initiatives is knowing about the latest technology. It’s not just knowing about the technology, but learning where students are and meeting them there. It’s being willing to learn technology, too. A lot of educators want to ignore technology, but you have to educate yourself in order to meet the needs of your students. Park and what I learned there has influenced all of my experiences. At other schools, you don’t get the firsthand experiences you get at Park. Winter 2011 - 19
Fielding success Park University student-athletes take winning ways, lessons learned into post-graduate life Former Park University student-athlete Sarah Hopkins Chery, ‘07, M.A.C.L. ‘09, played basketball games for the Pirates inside Breckon Sports Center.
ee that soccer player who just scored the winning goal for the Park University Pirates? Or the Pirate runner who just crossed the finish line first? Today, they’re in pursuit of athletic excellence, but all too soon they’ll transition into a life as alumni. While they may leave Park, the valuable lessons they learn on the field, the court and the track stay with student-athletes for a lifetime. Athletics play an important role in life at Park, where student-athletes compete in 13 NAIA-level sports: men’s and women’s basketball, cross-country, soccer, track and field and volleyball; men’s baseball; and women’s golf and softball. For Claude English, his role as Park’s director of athletics is twofold: he is responsible for keeping athletics on a winning track and for ensuring that student-athletes are honoring the “student” part of their lives as much — or more — than the “athlete” part. “The lessons that students learn in sports are really life lessons: teamwork, discipline and
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the sacrifice you have to make to be successful,” English said. English knows what he’s talking about, having been a student-athlete himself. “I grew up in a single-parent family,” he said. “My coaches served as fathers to me. My teammates were my family. “For me, athletics were a vehicle to get out of the projects and go to college. I owe an awful lot to sports.” English works hard to give the studentathletes at Park the best experiences they can have in order to excel on the field and in the classroom. In his 20 years at the University (he served as men’s basketball coach from 1992-2005 and became director of athletics in January 1996), he’s worked hard to improve the athletic facilities as well. But English knows that even the sleekest, most up-to-date facilities don’t mean anything if the student-athletes at Park aren’t spending time in the classroom or in the library, and hitting the books to earn their degrees.
English had a coach who used to keep a deflated basketball on his desk to remind students that one day the ball would stop bouncing, the cheers would come to an end and it would be time to build a life off the court. “When you’re 19 or 20, you don’t stop to think, ‘what will I do when it stops,’” he said. “I hope all of our students are prepared for when the ball stops. One thing you can’t take away is a good education — it opens doors to a lot.” For Park University alumni studentathletes, a Park degree has indeed opened many doors. Park University Magazine caught up with a few to find out how being a student-athlete changed their academic lives and what lessons they learned on the field or court that they’ve carried to their professional lives.
Sarah Hopkins Chery, ‘07, M.A.C.L. ‘09
Sports: Basketball, cross-country and track and field US Airways supervisor; Park University and Johnson County (Kan.) Community College adjunct instructor; and junior varsity girls basketball coach at St. Pius X High School, Kansas City, Mo. I think one of the most important skills I learned as a student-athlete at Park that I take with me to work every day is time management. In general, being a student-athlete taught me about leadership, working well and dealing with all sorts of people. At Park, we were taught to be responsible for the things that we did and about setting priorities. Our coaches cared about us and about our academics. Their goal was graduation. If we missed classes, we had to face the consequences. They were heavily involved in our academics and made it clear that we weren’t just there to play.
Henry Logan, ‘98
Sport: Basketball Enterprise Rent-A-Car branch manager, Liberty, Mo. What was instilled in me at Park was to keep commitments, being where you’re supposed to be when you’re supposed to be there, loyalty and the overall team concept. Those things all still apply today in my professional and personal life. I think there were definite advantages to being a student-athlete at Park. As a freshman and sophomore, you might still be thinking of playing professionally, but by your junior and senior year, you start having different goals and dreams. You’re going to have to move forward, so you have to get as much knowledge as you can in school. As an athlete at Park, there was zero tolerance for poor academic performance.
Robert Pavlovic, ‘04
Sports: Cross-country and track and field Kansas City, Mo., police officer, North Patrol Division Being a part of the cross-country and track and field teams at Park really instilled in me an enormous sense of responsibility and discipline. I got a great sense about not giving up what you start. It was a great advantage to be a student-athlete. Coach Brian Renshaw was ruthless about our grades. You don’t have to be the biggest or strongest athlete, but if you have good grades, you’re good to go. In my job today I use many of the skills our coaches taught us about not skipping steps in training or learning how to do something. I see people often at their worst and I draw on what I learned at Park to help them slow down, explain what happened, realize that things can’t always happen as they want and to determine a solution.
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Fielding success continued Efrem Shimlis, ‘97
Sport: Soccer Park University men’s soccer head coach I came to Park from Ethiopia; I just felt comfortable at the school. I think college athletics are important for showing the diversity of the world and for helping prepare student-athletes for life after college. I work with my players to explore the diversity of Park and of the team. We always host a dinner where players cook food from their homes and talk about their cultures. I think they learn more from that than any diversity lesson in a classroom. Obviously, we want to win, but the bottom line for us is to help student-athletes learn how to work well with others, to realize how small the world is and to give them the tools to discover what they are going to do with the rest of their lives.
Max Taouil, ‘92 Dena Pires Voorhees, ‘09
Sport: Soccer Oncology nurse, Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, Mich. Being a student-athlete helped me academically in so many ways. When I came to Park, I had no idea what to major in; I just wanted to play soccer. The sport gave me the motivation to look to the future and succeed. My coach was a huge influence in my life, both on and off the field. He always made it clear that if you didn’t succeed in the classroom, no matter how good a player you were, you would not even see the practice field, never mind the game field. Hearing and seeing him make our education a top priority helped me as an athlete understand the importance of succeeding in school. One of the lessons I learned as a student-athlete that I apply to my career today is to never stop competing until the game is over and you hear that final whistle. Many times on my floor we have very sick patients, and they don’t always survive. I have to do everything in my power to give that person the best chance at life and the best quality of life for the time they have left. I never stop doing the best I can to make somebody happy and healthy again.
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Sport: Soccer Managing partner, RRR Equities/Bourbon Investment, St. Louis, Mo.. I didn’t know where Kansas City was when I first heard about Park University. I got out a map and thought, ‘Where’s the beach? I don’t think this is the place for me.’ Coming to Park was the best decision I ever made. I didn’t take going to class as seriously as I should have in the beginning. My professors and coaches made sure I knew that wasn’t going to be acceptable. At Park, you aren’t just a number — everyone cares how you do. Being a student-athlete taught me to be competitive. Our team spirit was to never accept defeat. Today, I use that same philosophy in business when I hear myself saying, ‘Let’s close this deal.’
Mikendra “Mikki” Massey Young, ‘01
Sports: Cross-country and track and field St. Therese Elementary School (Kansas City, Mo.) art teacher Distance running taught me a lot about self-discipline, endurance, patience and hard work. In my personal life and career, I am learning that self-discipline, endurance, patience and hard work will manifest creativity, enlightenment, peace and reward. Coach Brian Renshaw had the expectation that students succeed both academically and athletically. There were no exceptions. This helped me stay focused and motivated toward my academic goals in the classroom.
New track brings runners to their mark One of Claude English’s long-term goals when he became Park University’s director of athletics was to improve the Parkville Campus’ facilities. The basketball court in Labor Hall (now known as the Intramural Field House and Fitness Center) wasn’t regulation size. The soccer field didn’t have bleachers. There was no baseball or softball complexes, and the track was subpar. English set about solving the problems one by one. “The improvements are thanks to the commitment of the administration and their belief that athletics play an important role in students’ lives,” he said. This past summer, a new track was finished. “The track was last resurfaced in 1993 or 1994,” he said. “It had been in bad shape for a long time and I felt we had to do something.” The track now offers student-athletes a place to train and host competitions. The University was able to sponsor the construction, but fundraising to pay for the new track is ongoing, English said.
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In academia Publications Naseem Al Rahahleh, Ph.D., assistant professor of finance, wrote a chapter for the book, Capital Budgeting Valuation: Financial Analysis for Today’s Investment Projects. Al Rahahleh’s chapter, “Capital Budgeting Techniques in Practice: U.S. Survey Evidence,” re-examined the results of many important surveys — from the 1960s to the present — on actual capital budgeting practices of U.S. firms. Virginia Brackett, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of Park’s Department of English and Modern Languages, had her essay, “Christine de Pizan,” published in the supplement to The New Catholic Encyclopedia. Brackett’s essay summarized de Pizan’s life and her works, emphasizing her crucial contribution to early women’s writing. The Library Journal has cited the Encyclopedia as one of the top 50 reference sources of the millennium. Patricia Cardner, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology, had an article she co-authored published in the winter 2011 issue of The Chief of Police magazine, a publication of the National Association of Chiefs of Police. The article, “Community Policing: Is it Still a Viable Concept?” discussed the role that community policing can play alongside the more current and popular intelligenceled policing. Lora Cohn, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication arts, wrote a chapter for the book, Communication Technology for Students in Special Education and Gifted Programs. Cohn’s chapter, “Reflections on Teaching Students with Special Needs in an Online Master’s Program,” discussed accommodations needed for teaching students with exceptionalities. The book was co-edited by Joan Aitken, Ed.D., professor of communication arts. An article co-authored by Robert Kao, Ph.D., assistant professor of finance, was published in the summer issue of the Journal of the Academy of Finance. The article, “How is the High-Tech Bubble Affecting Company Performance?” analyzed key financial ratio variations that reflect company financial performance on both high-tech and non-high-tech companies before and after the impact of the high-tech bubble. A business textbook co-written by Brad Kleindl, Ph.D., dean of the Park School of Business, was published in spring 2011. Principles of Business (8th edition), targets high school juniors and seniors, and provides complete instruction in business concepts and skills students need in today’s competitive environment. Winter 2011 - 24
An article written by Jolene Lampton, Ph.D., assistant professor of accounting and management, was published in the Journal of Leadership, Accountability and Ethics. The purpose of the paper, “Using Discussion Teaching in an Online Ethics Course,” was to highlight the strategy Lampton used to obtain social interaction in an online ethics course. Walt Schrepel, adjunct instructor of liberal studies and philosophy, co-authored an article that appeared in the winter 2010-11 issue of the Joint Center for Operational Analysis Journal, a publication of the United States Joint Forces Command. The article, “Chinese Expansion into the Russian Far East: Mythical Threat or Emerging Reality,” researched the Russian strategic challenge in maintaining its presence and sovereignty in the Far East with a rapidly dwindling population.
Presentations Bonnie Alsbury (left) and Wendy Richardson, ‘90, assistant professors of nursing, presented a poster at the Drexel University Nursing Education Institute in June 2011 in Atlantic City, N.J. The poster, “Teaching Concurrent Sections in Nursing,” focused on research completed by members of Park University’s Ellen Finley Earhart Nursing Program. They found that using a standardized course shell led to consistent learning results across concurrent sections of nursing courses while allowing professors to exercise individual academic freedom within the course. Shannon Cuff, Ph.D., assistant professor of literacy education, presented “Assessment Beyond the Essay” at the Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education’s meeting in Lake Ozark in April 2011. Cuff ’s session addressed various creative approaches of assessing teacher candidates’ experiences in practicum courses as well as their responses to academic text, and how these alternative responses to course reading material can encourage students’ critical thinking and promote class discussion. John Jumara, ‘90, Ph.D., (left) associate professor of management and public affairs, and Becky Stuteville, Ph.D., assistant professor of public administration and associate dean of the Hauptmann School for Public Affairs, presented a paper, “The Role of Path-Dependency in Public Administration and Economics and Implications for the Future,” at the European Consortium for Political Research General Conference in Reykjavik, Iceland, in August 2011. The paper examined the nature of change in American culture and the influence of path-dependency on public administration and economics.
In academia Dennis Kerkman, Ph.D., professor of psychology, co-presented a poster at the Multidisciplinary Symposium on the Design and Evaluation of Digital Content for Education in June 2011 in Ciudad Real, Spain. The poster, “Assessing Cultural Differences in Preferences for Online and Blended Learning in Mexico, Spain and the United States,” compared cultural differences and attitudes toward online learning in university students. Charlie Smith, Ph.D., associate professor of mathematics, presented “Three Irrational Rabbits and Meditating Transcendentals” at the Mathematics Association of America MathFest in Lexington, Ky. Smith’s paper was based on an independent study course he taught in spring 2011 on irrational and transcendental numbers.
Awards, appointments, and recognitions Gary Bachman, associate professor of social work, was elected to the board of directors for the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors. Bachman 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. Brian Ciolek, wellness, strength and conditioning coordinator, passed the exam to become a certified strength and conditioning coach through the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association. By virtue of Ciolek’s accomplishment, he is just one of four (out of 900) CSCCA-certified strength and conditioning coaches employed at an NAIA-level college/university. Brian Cowley, Ph.D., professor of psychology and chair of the Department of Psychology and Sociology, was elected president of the Board of Directors of the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City. Cowley has served on the Education Committee of the Guild since 2005, and he joined the Board of Directors in 2007. The Down Syndrome Guild is a nonprofit organization focused on advancements in education, inclusion and acceptance of people with Down syndrome.
Suzanne Discenza, Ph.D., director of the Master of Healthcare Leadership Program, was elected to the Board of Directors of the American Society for Public Administration’s Section of Women in Public Administration during the organization’s annual conference in March 2011 in Baltimore. She also serves as co-chair of its Professional Development Committee. A research fellowship awarded to Emily DonnelliSallee, Ph.D., associate professor of English and faculty director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, for 2010-11 from the Missouri Campus Compact was renewed to cover the 2011-12 academic year. The fellowship extends Donnelli-Sallee’s term as editor of The Journal of Public Scholarship in Higher Education through the publication’s second volume. Scott Graves, executive director of Park University’s Fort Bliss (Texas) Campus Center, was selected as the winner of the Excellence in Higher Education Leadership Award by the University of Texas at El Paso’s Department of Educational Leadership and the Higher Education Student Association in March 2011. The award recognizes students, faculty and staff in post-secondary education institutions who demonstrate leadership, dedication and commitment to student success. Graves was recognized for his work at the Fort Bliss Campus Center to increase access to higher education for soldiers and their families, and for several initiatives that have been developed to extend Park classes into Army units. Deborah Osborne, Ph.D., professor of modern languages and coordinator of the English as an International Language Program, was appointed editor of the higher education section of the newly formed Mid-America Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages Proceedings and Journal publications. The first publication will be available online this spring. Angie Peterson, director of international education and study abroad, was named People to People International’s 2011 Outstanding Campus Adviser, while Charif Hamidi, a May 2011 graduate, received the 2011 University Chapter Leadership Award. Peterson and Hamidi were recognized at the 2011 PTPI Board of Trustees meeting in Brussels, Belgium, in September. Steve Wilson, sports information director, was appointed to an at-large term for the NAIA Sports Information Directors Association’s Board of Directors. It is the first time a Park University SID has been selected to the national board.
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2011-12 Alumni Council Susan Kensett McGaughey, ‘74 President susan.mcgaughey@park.edu Jeff McKinney, ‘81 Vice President jeff.mckinney@park.edu Jay Flaherty, ‘71 Treasurer james.flaherty@park.edu Cynthia James Null, x58 Secretary cynthia.null@park.edu David Barclay, ‘53 david.barclay@park.edu Duane Davidson, ‘00, M.P.A. ‘03 duane.davidson@park.edu Bob Dandridge, ‘04 robert.dandridge@park.edu David Ehrlich, ‘00 david.ehrlich@park.edu Karen Peters Frankenfeld, ‘59 karen.frankenfeld@park.edu Nancy Greinke, ‘01 nancy.grienke@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 Michael Newburger, ‘70 michael.newburger@park.edu Denzil Ross, ‘06, M.B.A. ‘09 denzil.ross@park.edu Karie Schaefer, ‘06 karie.schaefer@park.edu Bobbi Shaw, ‘01 bobbi.shaw@park.edu
Staff Liaison Julie McCollum Director of Alumni Relations (816) 584-6206 | julie.mccollum@park.edu
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The Class of 1971 and friends return to Parkville for one incredible reunion last summer. For more photos from Alumni Weekend 2011, go to page 36 and also visit www.park.edu/alumni/awephotos. Photo by Heather Hodges Langdon, ‘06.
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.�
Winter 2011 Vol. 101 No. 1
www.park.edu/alumni Winter 2011 - 27
Director’s corner Making a new tradition Dear Alumni, First, I want to share with you my great news and gratitude. During Alumni Weekend this past summer, the Park University Alumni Association chose to extend a very special honor to three non-Park alumni. President Michael Droge, Ph.D., his wife, Molly Droge, M.D., and I were made honorary alumni! In addition, the Class of 1971 made me an honorary class member! It has been my privilege to be Park University’s director of alumni relations for the past 10 years, and being given this honor is truly a highlight of my career. To all the wonderful alumni friends I have made at Park and to those I have yet to meet, thank you for this privilege. I have more exciting news to announce. Alumni Weekend is moving to the fall — Sept. 27-30, to be exact. This change brings many new features to this traditional event. Alumni will have the opportunity to see the University in action. You will meet students and faculty. Classes will be in session. Soccer, volleyball, softball and basketball games are being planned. The campus will be buzzing with activity! Be assured that the usual activities that the alumni cherish, such as the class reunions, Park Sing and the awards banquet will continue as in the past. But now, added to this schedule, will be activities for alumni who want to experience the campus life, maybe even for the first time. If you have special requests or suggestions for the Alumni Weekend Committee as they make their plans for this fall, please send them to alumnioffice@park.edu or call (800) 488-7275. We hope to see you in Parkville in September!
Julie McCollum
Director of Alumni Relations (816) 584-6206 or (800) 488-PARK (7275) julie.mccollum@park.edu Join me on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
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Carolyn Elwess, ‘71, inducts Julie McCollum, director of Alumni Relations, into the Park University Class of 1971 as an honorary member.
Upcoming events Visit www.park.edu/alumni for additional details and registration. Watch your e-mail for invitations to events in your area.
Great Wolf Lodge Weekend
A Greek Cruise and Land Tour
Park Alumni at the ASPA National Conference
Montana Dinosaur Dig
March 5 Las Vegas, Nev. Erik Bergrud, M.P.A. ‘94, current president of the American Society of Public Administration, and the Park University Alumni Association invite alumni to a reception at the ASPA National Conference.
July 6-11 Hell Creek Formation, Mont. Join Park University’s Brian Hoffman, ‘85, Ph.D., professor of biology and mathematics, and Scott Hageman, associate professor of geology and Department of Natural and Physical Sciences chair, as they uncover hidden treasures near Jordan, Mont.
A Taste of Kansas City in Arizona
Park University Golf Scramble
February 3-5 Kansas City, Kan. A weekend of family fun at a special discounted Park University rate.
June 2-15 Park University Special Assistant to the President for Academic Outreach Thimios Zaharopoulos, Ph.D., will guide a tour of his homeland, along with Dr. Droge, for this 14-day trip. See the back cover for more details.
March 31 Surpise, Ariz. Spring training with the Kansas City Royals. Join Park alumni for baseball and barbecue.
Sept. 27 Participate in this University fundraiser to benefit Park’s Department of Athletics and stay for Alumni Weekend.
Dr. Jerzy Hauptmann Distinguished Guest Lecture
September 27-30 Alumni Weekend is joining Harvest Fest and moving to the fall. Reunions, athletics events, meet the professors and students, tour the campus and more. This is a great time to come home to Parkville, even if it’s your very first time!
April 4, 6:30 p.m. Kansas City (Mo.) Public Library - Central Library This year’s lecture marks the 20th anniversary of the series.
Destination Parkville
Founders Day Benefactors Party May (exact date TBA) Livestrong Sporting Park, Kansas City, Kan.
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Students and alumni join together for fun and service In the spirit of Park’s tradition of community service, students, alumni and staff joined together to raise money for the Wonderscope Children’s Museum on May 20, 2011. The group competed in the “Sand in the City” contest. The team, sponsored by the Office of Alumni Relations, designed and built a sand sculpture with Park students sculpt sand. a Park Pirate theme.
2011 fall reunions continued
Softball alumni scrimmaged with the 2011-12 team on Sept. 30, 2011 on the Parkville Campus. After the game, the group moved to Nick and Jake’s for refreshments and socializing, sponsored by the Park University Alumni Association. The next morning, men’s basketball alumni took to the court inside Breckon Sports Center. A runners’ reunion for track and cross-country alumni was held on Oct. 15, 2011. Returning alumni had the opportunity to get a firsthand look at Park’s new track facility on the Parkville Campus.
New Mexico alumni
Park President Michael Droge, Ph.D., hosted Park alumni at two separate events in New Mexico last fall. On Oct. 21, 2011, alumni gathered in Santa Fe to meet Droge, his wife, Molly, and fellow Parkites. The following afternoon, alumni gathered in Albuquerque.
2011 fall reunions
The Class of 1991, joined by friends from the classes of 1990 through 1996, held its 20th reunion on the Parkville Campus, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2011. The weekend included a party on Friday night to get reacquainted, tours of the campus, athletic games and a Saturday night dinner/dance.
Alumni from the track and cross-country teams gather at River’s Bend in Downtown Parkville. Katrina Duncan Ward, ‘95, Michelle Franklin Streaty, x96, and Kecia Ward Croom, ‘95
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Watch for the announcement of the times for alumni athletic games and special reunions when Alumni Weekend moves to the fall, Sept. 27-30.
Reconnecting
Park’s 1976 Golf Team Front Row: Dwight Ower, x78, Coach Dale Laurtizen, Jim “Junior” Leonard, ‘79 Back Row: Brian Maloney, ‘81; Kevin Addington, ‘76; Carri Swift, ‘78, Rick Grayson, ‘76, John Burton, ‘78; Bill Burton, ‘78.
1976 golf team wins the long drive
In 1976, Park University’s men’s golf team was known for its long drives off the tee. Thirty-five years later, the “boys” proved they know a thing or two about long drives. The entire team reunited Sept. 18-19, 2011, at the lake cabin of teammate Rick Grayson, ‘76, in Shell Knob, Mo. All team members were present. Coach Dale Lauritzen had the longest drive, a little more than 4,000 miles round-trip from Eugene, Ore. Lauritzen said “It was a great time to see everybody again and to tell a few stories from the past.” The total mileage the Park graduates drove for the event was 13,330 miles round-trip. Though the team has stayed in touch over the years, this was the first time since 1976 they have all been together. The squad qualified for the 1976 NAIA national tournament in North Carolina, finishing in the top 20.
The Park University Alumni Council is launching its new alumni mentoring program, “Alumni Match.” The Alumni Council is seeking alumni who would like to host a group of students for an evening of dining and discussions. The event could be a dinner in a restaurant or hosted in your home. Both hosts and students complete short questionnaires so students and hosts can be matched to “ignite interest.” If you are interested in participating in this program, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumnioffice@park.edu, (800) 488-7275 or (816) 584-6206.
Alumni Association Awards
The Alumni Association Awards Committee is accepting nominations for the 2012 Distinguished Alumnus/a Award, Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Service Award and Torchlighter Award. The deadline for nominations is March 1. Nominations may be made online or by printing the form at www. park.edu/alumni/awards.asp.
Stay connected
www.park.edu/alumni Use your Park ID number to create an account or log on with your Facebook account. Don’t remember your Park ID number? Find your number next to your name on the label of this magazine or contact alumnioffice@park.edu. Keep up with Park alumni online at:
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Class notes Alumni Park University elected several new members to its Board of Trustees this summer. New trustees who are Park alumni include Lynn Bondurant, ‘62, Ph.D.; Dennis H. Epperson, ‘69, Ph.D., J.D.; Kristopher Flint, ‘97; Joseph Geeter III, ‘99; Rosemary Fry Plakas, ‘63, Ph.D.; and Jeannette Prenger, ‘09. In addition to the new trustees, the Board also elected alumni Donald Arndtsen, ‘50, and Eric Wade, ‘82, M.P.A. ‘85, to second terms. Philip Wheeler, ‘62; Deanna Medlin Armstrong, ‘70; and Susan Kensett McGaughey, ‘74, also are alumni who hold positions on the Board of Trustees.
1960s Paul Garret, ‘67, retired in 2005 from teaching after 33 years. However, after a year of substitute teaching, he returned to the field as a “technology paraeducator,” helping teachers and students make better use of technology. Greg Raymond, ‘68, Ph.D., is the 2010-11 Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Boise State University in Idaho. This is the highest honor the university gives to faculty members. Raymond holds the Frank and Bethine Church Chair of Public Affairs at Boise State. David Hawley, ‘69, wrote a musical play, Capital Crimes. The play is based on the notorious reputation St. Paul, Minn., had as a haven for gangsters in the 1930s, including John Dillinger and the Ma Barker gang. The musical debuted in April 2011 in St. Paul.
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1970s Eileen West Barber, ‘71, retired on Oct. 28, 2011, after more than 38 years of service to Park University. She had served in positions ranging from switchboard operator and bookstore manager to most recently as the University’s registrar. She married Kenny Barber on April 15, 2011. They plan to spend their retirement touring the U.S. Dennis Okerstrom, ‘74, Ph.D., had a book published, titled The Final Mission of Bottoms Up: A World War II Pilot’s Story. The book is an account of World War II, its aftermath and how the Great Depression generation went on to fight in the most expensive war in history. Okerstrom is a professor of English at Park University. Paula Davis Gabrault, ‘77, is vice president of human resources at Reintjes Services in Overland Park, Kan.
1980s Frederick (Rick) P. Tucker, ‘83, was appointed by Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon as circuit judge for the 41st Judicial Circuit, which includes Macon and Shelby counties. Anna Gee Blackwell, ‘84, received her second master’s degree in special education from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix on May 6, 2011, at age 82. She was also recognized by the Springfield (Ohio) News-Sun, Springfield Chamber of Commerce and United Senior Services of Clark County (Ohio) with the 2011 Second Act Revival Award for having achieved success in building a new career after retiring.
Don H. Compier, M.A.R. ‘85, is vice president for academic affairs, dean of faculty and professor of constructive theology at Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Mo. Terry Mahaffey, ‘86, earned his Master of Liberal Arts degree in art history from the University of St. Thomas, in Houston, in the fall of 2010. James M. (Mike) Williams, ‘87, was re-elected to his 10th term as president of the Bloomington/Normal, Ill., National Association for the Advancement of Colored People branch. He serves as chair of the NAACP Illinois State Conference Finance Committee. George E. Jordan Jr. ‘88, was awarded the Iraqi Campaign Medal after a 9-month tour in Iraq. Jordan is a logistical supply support officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
1990s Darryl Forté, ‘90, was appointed Kansas City, Mo., chief of police on Oct. 7, 2011. Kevin Olson, ‘91, is vice president for information services and chief information officer at Via Christi Health, Wichita, Kan. Erik Bergrud, M.P.A. ‘94, was sworn in as president of the American Society for Public Administration on March 15, 2011. Bergrud, the senior director for community and government relations at Park, leads the organization that consists of 8,500 members, including public and nonprofit practitioners, scholars, researchers and students. Richard Connet, ‘94, is principal of San Pedro Valley High School in Benson, Ariz. The school is a site-based alternative high school with an online academy for students ranging from sixth through 12th grades.
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.
Bryan W. Whittaker, ‘94, was named 2010 Detective of the Year by the Kentucky State Police. Bill Dolloff, ‘95, is the dedicated Boeing program manager at TRM Microwave, Bedford, N.H. TRM Microwave designs and manufactures passive radio frequency and microwave components, integrated assemblies and subsystem solutions for defense, space and commercial applications. Cindy Draper, ‘95, is finance and human resources director at Central Willamette Community Credit Union, Albany, Ore. Ken Allensworth, ‘96, is executive assistant to the director at Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, in Wichita, Kan. He is the recipient of the 2011 American College of Healthcare Executives Federal Excellence in Healthcare Management Award, which was presented at the Joint Federal Sector Breakfast at the 2011 ACHE Congress on Healthcare Leadership in Chicago. Robert A. Gunderson, ‘96, had a book published, titled Divine Providence, God’s Program for Humankind. James Simpson, M.P.A. ‘97, was appointed chief of police for Liberty, Mo., on Nov. 14, 2011.
Anesha McKinney, ‘98, is network support liaison for mobile virtual network operations business customers on the Sprint network. She was featured in an article about diversity-minded companies in communications in the June/July 2011 issue of Diversity/Careers in Engineering and Information Technology magazine.
Casey Bradley, ‘04, is the Stutsman County, N.D., auditor/chief operating officer. Bradley oversees the day-to-day operation of Stutsman County departments, serving as a liaison for the commission.
Bryan Williams, ‘98, is principal at Spring Branch Middle School, Houston.
Donald Downey, ‘04, had a book published, titled Recruiting for the Lord. The book is about being a witness for Christ Jesus, being a soul winner for the Lord and building up His spiritual militia.
Ali Alami, ‘99, is the general manager of Judy’s Book, a Seattle online business directory. Jeff Neumann, ‘99, teaches sixth-grade science at Rustburg (Va.) Middle School. Jeremy Willmoth, ‘99, M.P.A. ‘06, director of finance for Raytown, Mo., received the Government Finance Officers Association Award for 2010-11. This is the third consecutive year that Willmoth and the City of Raytown have received this award, which encourages state and local governments to prepare top quality budgets.
2000s Sarah Clark Day, ‘00, received a Master of Library Science degree from Texas Woman’s University.
Lesli Crawford, ‘98, M.B.A. ‘07, is marketing communications manager for Butler Manufacturing, Kansas City, Mo.
Carol Baker, ‘03, is currently working in Kansas City Power & Light’s Governmental Affairs department, serving as the liaison to eastern Jackson and Clay counties in Missouri.
Aaron Jordan, ‘98, is attorney for Stevens County, Minn.
Alexa Barton, ‘03, M.P.A. ‘07, is the Grain Valley, Mo., city administrator. She sits on the boards of the Greater Kansas City chapter of the American Society for Public Administration and Midwest Public Risk.
Joanna Kelley, ‘98, completed the 2011 Mayor’s Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska, on June 29. She participated on The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training in St. Louis.
Andy Morgan, ‘04, is assistant baseball coach at Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, La. Craig Scriven, ‘04, is assistant coach for the women’s soccer team at the University of Rhode Island. Brett R. Baker, M.P.A. ‘05, city administrator and economic development director of Hickman, Neb., received the 2010-11 Professional Award from the Nebraska Chapter of the American Planning Association and the Nebraska Planning and Zoning Association. Patrick Gallegos, ‘05, M.B.A. ‘07, retired as staff sergeant from the U.S. Marine Corps in July 2008. He now teaches for Park University at the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base (Calif.) Campus Center. Brent Miles, M.P.A. ‘05, as president of the Wyandotte Economic Development Council, was instrumental in the negotiations to bring Google Fiber to Wyandotte County, Kan. Miles currently is the vice president of economic development for Briarcliff Realty, Kansas City, Mo. He also chairs Park University’s Civic Advisory Council.
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Class notes Elizabeth Weese, ‘05, earned a Master of Nonprofit Studies degree from Arizona State University. She is assistant director of alumni relations for the A.T. Still University, Mesa, Ariz., campus. Daniel Choe, ‘06, graduated from the Cape May County (N.J.) Police Academy in January 2011. He is a police officer in the Galloway Township (N.J.) Police Department. Laura Reeves Vernon, ‘06, is director of fixed route services for RouteMatch Software. Vernon provides oversight to RouteMatch Software’s fixed route implementations, as well as closely supports both fixed route business development and product development. Brett Ferguson, ‘08, is assistant volleyball coach at Northwood University in Midland, Mich. Andrew Garza III, ‘09, was promoted to master sergeant at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. He is a paralegal instructor at the Judge Advocate General’s School. Adam J. Gray, ‘09, graduated from the Missouri Highway Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy in Jefferson City, and is assigned to Zone 9, patrolling Lafayette County.
Kristin Drummond, ‘10, was instrumental in forming a Missouri state chapter of the National At-Risk Education Network. NAREN-Missouri is the second state in the U.S. to have a formal state chapter. The organization provides at-risk students in Missouri a needed voice and a group of dedicated stakeholders to lobby for them. Jessica Gonzalez, ‘11, is a support specialist for the new Transitional Resources and Opportunities Offered to Parents and Students program at North Middle School and Loy Elementary School in Grand Forks, Mont. The TROOPS program aims to ease transitions and reduce isolation, offer coping strategies and build resilience in the students. Jolynne Martinez, ‘11, is the editor and publisher of KC Education Enterprise, based in Kansas City, Mo. The publication covers Kansas City metropolitan area education news. Andiswa Nyovane, ‘11, is a social worker in South Africa at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.
Weddings
Jennifer Kurzava, ‘09, is social media manager at TriCom Technical Services, where she is involved in website redesign, building social media presence and interaction through Facebook, Twitter and its upcoming blog. Andrea Sampson, ‘09, earned a master’s degree in biology from the University of Nebraska, Kearney, in May 2011. Charles L. Ashe, ‘10, is a sexual assault investigator with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, where Park University has a campus center.
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Dena Pires, ‘09, married Jeremy Voorhees, ‘10, on Aug. 6, 2011. She is a registered nurse working at Spectrum Health. He is assistant to the project manager at Serv-U-Success Inc. They reside in the Grand Rapids, Mich., area. Hillary Hammond, ‘10, married Jacob Ryan Gaither on Oct. 8, 2011. Lindsey Anderson, ‘11, and Brenton Trogdon were married May 5, 2011, in Las Vegas, with “Elvis” officiating. She is a certified ophthalmic assistant at Ozog Eye Care and Laser Center in Great Falls, Mont. Jason Wettstein, ‘11, married Jennifer Noland on June 11, 2011. Wettstein works in commercial sales at Westfall GMC in Kansas City, Mo.
Births James Aaron Courter, ‘06, and Melinda Jansen, ‘08, M.A.C.L. ‘10, became engaged in November 2010 when he proposed at Park University. They were married June 11, 2011, in Branson, Mo.
Kristi Dalberg, ‘08, her husband, John, and son, Hudson, welcomed Reese Elisabeth Dalberg to the family at 3 p.m. on Jan. 26., 2011. She weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces, and measured 20 inches long.
Park mourns Note: All deaths occurred in 2011 unless noted.
1950s
Bryan Nickerson III, ‘72 Mexico, Mo., May 24
1930s
John A. Bennett II, ‘50 Madison, N.J., Nov. 23, 2010
Jack L. Houser, ‘73 Virginia Beach, Va., Aug. 9
Warren Campbell, ‘30 Norfolk, Neb., April 14
Dorsey C. Van Devander, ‘50 Calais, Maine, Dec. 28, 2010
William N. Wallis, ‘73 Belton, Mo., Aug. 14, 2010
Kathryn Manifold Link, ‘39 West Burlington, Iowa, May 7
Lois Hansen Metheny, ‘50 Lake Winnebago, Mo., Oct. 11
Larry E. Bridges, ‘74 Mt. Vernon, Ind., May 15
1940s
Joseph Cartwright IV, ‘51 Kansas City, Mo., April 12
Briggs Longbothum, ‘74 Gloucester, Mass., June 20
Ruth Colvin Davies, ‘41 Baltimore, Md., March 21
Leona Hoelscher Hartman, ‘51 O’Fallon, Mo., Oct. 11
Walter Norman, ‘74 Houston, Texas, March 30
Joyce Oliphant Goddard, ‘41 Kansas City, Mo., April 28
Rawland Lamoy, ‘52 Kansas City, Mo., May 28
Mark Edward Roth, ‘74 Kansas City, Mo., May 15
Allen S. Van Cleve, ‘41 Clive, Iowa, March 11
Robert Bell, ‘53 Winnetka, Ill., Sept. 14, 2010
Gesine Joanne Fields, ‘75 Braymer, Mo., June 10
George H. Horst, ‘42 Kansas City, Mo., July 21
Mary Young Decker, ‘54 Springfield, Ill., Feb. 13
Dr. Gregory Kelling, ‘75 Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 1
Carol Allison Polson, ‘42 Fresno, Calif., June 4, 2010
Frances Gerstner Finkbeiner, ‘54 Rexburg, N.Y., Aug. 30
Nathan Botwinik, ‘77 Santa Rosa, Calif., Jan. 12
Kathleen Hibbs Davison, ‘44 Ashburn, Va., Aug. 1, 2010 David Knight, ‘44 Tampa, Fla., Nov. 10, 2010 Eunice L. Lear-Crafts, ‘44 Rancho Bernardo, Calif., July 7 Henry M. Tardif, ‘44 Fort Myers, Fla., April 14 Sheldon C. Houts, ‘45 LaHabra, Calif., Jan. 3 Richard H. Webster, ‘45 San Jose, Calif., June 1 Nancy Nesbitt Yaxley, ‘45 Champaign, Ill., Jan. 8 James M. Hoyt, ‘47 Reno, Nev., May 3 Richard L. Kesel, ‘48 Rochester, N.Y., March 5 Kenneth E. Stevens, ‘49 Gladstone, Mo., March 17
Dorothy F. Adams Trindel, ‘54 Winsboro, Texas, May 1 Richard G. Pawley, ‘55 Claremont, Calif., Aug. 12
1960s Nancy Keaton Moore, ‘60 DeSoto, Kan., Sept. 20 Nancy Rae Neill, ‘63 Racine, Wis., June 10 William L. Monhollen, ‘64 Roswell, N.M., May 19 Cyril H. Dingwell, ‘66 Colorado Springs, Colo., Dec. 19, 2010
William B. Gemmill, ‘77 Spring Hill, Fla., June 20 Frank S. Heard, ‘78 Youngsville, N.C., Aug. 16
1980s Nehemiah Potts ‘82 Springfield, Ohio, June 25 James J. Riley, ‘82 Jacksonville, Ark., Oct. 2, 2010 Elaine J. Smelkinson, ‘85 Tucson, Ariz., Feb. 22 Robert N. Garrett, ‘87 Independence, Mo., June 4
1990s Mary C. Ackerson, ‘90 Liberty, Mo., April 19 Jimmie Keith Herman, ‘90 Fairview, Texas, June 2 Charlotte “Ann” Herold, ‘90 Columbus, Ohio, Oct. 4 Clifton B. Lopert, ‘90 Litchfield Park, Ariz., July 22, 2010 Fred L. Thorp, ‘90 Shawnee, Kan., April 15 Beverly L. Craig ‘93 Noblesville, Ind., Feb. 8 William H. Bagwell, ‘94 Alamogordo, N.M., Sept. 14 Judith G. Southern, ‘94 Rolla, Mo., March 17 Pam Marie Gray, ‘99 Excelsior Springs, Mo., June 6
2000s Michelle D. Walker, ‘01 Dayton, Ohio, March 20 Barbara Hollyfield Coppley, ‘02 Roanoke Rapids, N.C. July 24 Jama L. Clabaugh, ‘04 Liberty, Mo., Sept. 8 Helen V. Moulder, ‘06 Kansas City, Mo., May 17
2010s Mark Marbrey, ‘10 Columbus, Ohio, April 24
1970s Darlene L. Ennis, ‘71 LaFayette, Ind., Dec. 23, 2010
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ALUMNI WEEKEND Alumni Weekend Recap Park University alumni traveled to the Parkville Campus for Alumni Weekend 2011, June 24-26. Highlights of the weekend included the Class of 1971 and Friends Reunion; the dedication of the Norrington Center’s new windows; the Park Sing; a photo booth; reunion luncheon and class photos; the Class of 1966 and Friends Reunion; a special reunion luncheon at the home of Donovan Smith, ‘56, for the Class of 1956 and their friends; a presentation by Florence Byham Weinberg, ‘54, Ghosts in the Archives: Researching the Historical Novel, for the Friends of the Library; and the Alumni Association Awards Banquet, held in Thompson Commons. See profiles of the honorees on pages 39-41. The weekend concluded with an organ concert, presented by Michael Keach, x73, in Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel on Sunday morning.
A little fun in the Alumni Weekend photo booth.
For more photos and names, visit www.park.edu/alumni/awephotos.
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2011 Friends from the Class of 1966 pose in front of Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel. Left to right: Nancy Rohfling Potter, Gary Ross, George Green, Rita Hoover Green and Trudy Henderson Ross.
Friends from the Class of 1956. Left to right: Robert McGowan, Gail McMahon Batchelor, Barbara Moser Schaible and Donovan Smith.
Class of 1971 and friends: Don McAdam, ‘71, Dennis Oellig, ‘71, Jay Flaherty, ‘71, Mary Ann Webster Eichelberg, ‘70, and Michael DiDonato, x71.
Jeff McKinney, ‘81, presents the attendance award to the Class of 1971. Carolyn McHenry Elwess and Denis Walsh accepted.
President Michael Droge and his wife, Molly, at the awards banquet.
Nona Lynn Richardson, ‘58, Lora Kehr Fendlason, ‘58, and Cynthia James Null, x58, enjoyed dinner at Donovan Smith’s home. Winter 2011 - 37
ALUMNI WEEKEND George Green, ‘66, Barbara Zappulla House, ‘72, and Linda Morrow, x68, enjoy the picnic Friday evening.
Janice Stivers Case, ‘72, examines the Norrington Center “Windows of Opportunity” campaign recognition board.
Gary Tannen, ‘73, and wife, Karen, attended their first Alumni Weekend. Michael Keach, x73, entertained guests with an organ concert Sunday morning in Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel. Winter 2011 - 38
Brookie Blake, ‘77, and Christine DavisSwift, ‘77, explore the Parkville Campus.
Alumni Association awards Timothy N. Pelton, ‘70
Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Service Award When choosing a recipient of the Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Service Award, the awards committee looks for someone who has taken the lessons of fides et labor learned at Park University and applied them to the community in which they live. This year’s recipient, Timothy N. Pelton, Class of 1970, is a shining example of those lessons in action. Pelton has more than 20 years active duty with the Cheshire (Conn.) Fire Department. He has served in volunteer positions as assistant chief, command officer, department safety officer and director of training. Pelton has worked diligently to make this a “professional” department, and one of the best equipped, well-trained and highly motivated in New England. His daughter, Jennifer, nominated her father for this award and bragged, “It all started with my dad.” He has established protocols regarding education, safety and physical readiness. As “the voice of the CFD,” Pelton represents the organization in the community, attending events and providing media relations. Pelton is an advocate of Park’s tradition of lifelong learning. He continues to add to his skills and knowledge. In response to a community trauma, he signed up for training and joined the statewide team sponsored by the International Critical Incident Foundation based in Baltimore. As a team leader for the Northeast Critical Incident Stress Management Team, he responds to countless calls for fire department debriefings, speaks publicly on the topic and is part of a special response team that responds to national disasters, including school shootings, airline accidents (TWA Flight 800), the Oklahoma City bombing and the 9/11 attacks. In his words, “When very good people are having a very bad day, that is when I need to go and help.” Pelton’s commitment to service spreads wide. He holds volunteer leadership roles in the Connecticut Statewide Honor Guard, a group of fire service volunteers who specialize in the education, planning and execution of high honor line-of-duty deaths and funerals for emergency personnel; the Connecticut LAST Team, which provides assistance and guidance to the families and fire departments involved with line-of-duty-deaths; the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation; and the National Honor Guard Academy. In addition to his devotion to his community, Pelton does have additional responsibilities and interests, such as a business and family. He is vice president of Holdsworth Pelton and Associates Inc., which specializes in fire safety plan development, reimbursement, training and policy development. He is married to Andrea Lang Pelton, ‘70, and they have one daughter, Jennifer. They reside in Cheshire.
Winter 2011 - 39
Alumni Association awards The Park University Distinguished Alumni Awards are given to Park alumni who have distinguished themselves through career service or community achievements.
Jack Wells, ‘59, Ph.D.
2011 Distinguished Alumnus During the 50th reunion dinner for the Class of 1959, Jack Wells was the topic of many conversations. His classmates whispered among themselves that surely by now Jack had been recognized as a Park University Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus. When they discovered that he was missing from the list, classmates Karen Peters Frankenfeld, ‘59, and Jene Porter, ‘59, quickly set into motion the steps to correct this oversight. The Alumni Association awards committee agreed and is pleased to add Wells’ name to the list of distinguished alumni. After starting his education in a one-room Kansas schoolhouse, Wells excelled at Park, earning a double major in chemistry and biology. This combination of sciences directed Wells’ career path toward the world of higher education and research. He earned a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry from the University of Michigan and completed postdoctoral work in organic chemistry at Ohio State University. An assistant professorship in medicinal chemistry at Purdue University was his next step, spending nine years in this position. A yearlong sabbatical (1972-73) working with Nobel Laureate Earl Sutherland, M.D., at Vanderbilt University Medical Center convinced him to make the switch to Vanderbilt, where he was a member of the Department of Pharmacology faculty for 30 years. He retired in July 2003, as professor emeritus of pharmacology.
Research and Training Center Advisory Committee, the Standing Committee on Medical Education, the Evaluation Task Force of the Academic Program Committee, the Advisory Council of the School of Medicine, the Institutional Review Board and as the Department of Pharmacology representative in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program. Wells actively participated in executive, recruitment and admissions affairs. Jack married his college sweetheart, Marjorie Crabtree Wells, ‘60. They reside in Nashville, Tenn. They have two sons and two grandchildren.
Wells spent much of his career pursing his interests in research, especially cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases and adenosine receptors. For more than 10 years, he and his colleagues mapped the adenosine-binding site in the receptor using molecular and chemical experimental strategies. Wells’ professional goal was “to make breakthroughs that can be utilized for the betterment of clinical medicine.” His triumph came with a patent of one of his compounds. His research and contributions to this field resulted in more than 80 published articles and such honors and awards as the Lederle Faculty Research Award and election to Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi, Phi Lambda Upsilon, Pi Delta Sigma and Rho Chi. From 1976 to 1981, Wells was an established investigator of the American Heart Association. As a professor, Wells was a devoted mentor to 20 doctorate students throughout his career. In addition, he served on numerous committees for both Vanderbilt University and its medical school, including the Biomedical Science Advisory Committee, the Diabetes Park University President Dr. Michael Droge, Alumni Council President Susan Kensett McGaughey, ‘74, and Jack Wells, ‘59. Winter 2011 - 40
W. Wilford “Pete” Kale Jr., ‘71 2011 Distinguished Alumnus
Pete Kale’s journalistic career in his home state of Virginia has been rigorous and exceptional. During his 25-year tenure with the Richmond Times-Dispatch, he advanced from Williamsburg, Va., bureau chief to senior writer in the business-news department where he covered Virginia’s manufacturing companies, statewide agricultural issues and Fortune 500 businesses such as Philip Morris, Reynolds Metals Co. and James River Corp. His work has been recognized by the Society of Collegiate Journalists and Virginia Press Association. He was named “Journalist of the Year, 1993” by the Virginia Agribusiness Council. In 1994, Kale was selected to establish the Office of Public Affairs and Communications for the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. He held the positions of senior staff adviser and senior policy analyst until his retirement from VMRC in 2007.
In addition to authoring several books, on subjects ranging from biography to history, Kale is the managing editor of Botetourt Press (KHK Publishing Company), which specializes in regional Virginia books. Hark Upon the Gale — An Illustrated History of the College of William and Mary and Jamestown’s Story — Act One of the American Dream are two of the books listed on his résumé. Kale is an active member of his community, as evidenced by a long list of civic engagement, leadership and professional associations, and recognitions for his accomplishments. In addition to leadership roles in multiple service organizations, Kale served two elected four-year terms on the James City County (Va.) Planning Committee as well as on the local historical society and adult health care boards. For the past 30 years, Kale has served as president of the Virginia Society for Professional Journalists/Sigma Delta Chi Foundation, which raises money for journalism scholarships for university students. Thus far, more than $125,000 has been raised for two $2,000 annual scholarships. Although Kale began his undergraduate work at the College of William and Mary, he has made it no secret that after his service in Vietnam (U.S. Army from 1969-70), the Park University Military Degree Completion Program gave him the “second chance” he needed to earn his degree, and he has never forgotten it. While a student, he served as associate editor of The Stylus and honed his writing skills as Park’s assistant to the director of public relations. Since graduating with a degree in history, Kale has continued to stay engaged with his alma mater. Between 1981 and 1984, Kale assisted with the acquisition by the University’s library of the Ganter Collection, a collection of 15,000 rare and old books, most of which are still available for use by students today. From 1985 to 1990, Kale served on Park’s Alumni Council as member, president and Board of Trustees representative. In 1985, Kale received the Outstanding Service Award (now the Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Service Award) from the Alumni Association in recognition of his contributions. Kale is a true advocate of Park University’s philosophy of lifelong learning. As lecturer, adviser (to the Society of Professional Journalists) and journalist-in-residence (Evangel College, Radford College, Franklin College and twice at Eastern Illinois University), he continues to share his expertise and mentor new journalists. In April, Kale completed a master’s degree in history from the University of Leicester, United Kingdom. Kale resides in Williamsburg with his wife, Kelly, and two sons. A daughter, son-in-law and grandson live in Ohio.
Park University President Dr. Michael Droge and Pete Kale, ‘71. Winter 2011 - 41
Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Kansas City, Mo. Permit No. 6112
8700 N.W. River Park Drive Parkville, MO 64152 www.park.edu
Park University President Michael Droge invites alumni and friends to an exciting
TOUR OF GREECE
Classical Greece • Footsteps of St. Paul • Aegean Cruise In partnership with the Park University Alumni Association, please join Dr. Droge and his wife, Molly, on this one-of-a-kind trip led by our own Dr. Thimios Zaharopoulos, who will guide us through the many wonders of his homeland and take us to sites other group tours don’t go!
Athens
Explore the ancient city of Athens! Visit the Acropolis, the most famous site in all of Athens; Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first modern Olympics; Temple of Olympian Zeus; Hadrian’s Arch; Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier; the Academy; the University and the National Library. Our very own Dr. Zaharopoulos will also take us on a walking tour of central Athens.
Saronic Gulf Cruise
Embark on a cruise that will take you to three fascinating Greek islands. Explore the beauty of Aegina, Poros and Hydra all in one day.
Nafplion, Olympia, Delphi & Meteora
Private bus tour to historic sites throughout Greece, including ancient Corinth, the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, Mycenae, Nafplion, Olympia (both the archeological site and museum), the spectacular Meteora (one monastery) and Hermopylae (to see Leonida’s Monument).
Aegean Cruise
Visit the jet-set island of Mykonos, Patmos (where St. John wrote Revelations), the beautiful island of Rhodes and the breathtaking island of Santorini.
Space is limited to the first 34 alumni and friends who sign up!
JUNE 2 – 15, 2012
$3,985
with the 4-day Aegean Cruise, $3,285 without cruise.
Program includes: • Round-trip coach airfare from Kansas City • Prices based on double-occupancy at hotels and inside cabin on Aegean cruise • English-speaking guide during the City Tour and the 5-day bus tour • Entrance fees for the visits mentioned in the program • One-day side cruise • All transfers and taxes
For a full schedule, go to www.park.edu/alumni/greece2012 For more information contact: The Office of Alumni Relations at PARK UNIVERSITY (800) 488-PARK (7275)