The Stylus
A student publication of Park University since 1895
Park University President Smeed announces departure
Abby Beagel Editor-in-Chief
Park University President Shane Smeed has been appointed the 19th president of Utah Tech University in St. George, Utah, the Utah Board of Higher Education announced Feb. 26.
A start date has not been set, and Park University’s Board of Trustees will focus on developing a transition plan. The board’s executive committee is expected to discuss the process during its March
6 meeting, with more information, including plans for an interim president, to follow.
Smeed joined Park in September 2015 as vice president of enrollment and student services. He has served as president since November 2020 and was officially named the university’s 18th president in January 2022.
During his presidency, Park University launched initiatives focused on student success, enrollment growth, shared governance, and the development of
Orscheln named new Park VP of enrollment and student services
Abby Beagel Editor-in-Chief
Park University has appointed Paul Orscheln, Ed.D., as vice president of enrollment and student services, effective March 3.
In the role, Orscheln will oversee enrollment and student services, international student admissions and services, student financial services, marketing, campus center operations and athletics. He will lead recruitment efforts, help shape university policies and support students from enrollment through graduation.
Orscheln has more than 25 years of experience in enrollment management and student services, including 13 years
See Orscheln on page 7
Dr. Paul Orscheln, above, has been named the new vice president of enrollment and student services at Park University.
Vision 2030, a strategic plan guiding the university’s future.
In a message to students, faculty and staff, Terry Calaway, Ed.D., chair of the Board of Trustees, thanked Smeed for his leadership and service, adding that Park remains committed to advancing its strategic efforts during the leadership transition.
Shane Smeed, right, is leaving Park University for Utah Tech University.
African voices on Black History Month
and vast the continent’s history is, should African history — beyond the slave trade — be incorporated into Black History
Now that Black History Month has come to a close, there’s one more perspective to hear from — the African perspective. Black History Month often celebrates the history and impact of Black Americans in America, but the African perspective is not always included in the conversation.
The origins of Black History Month began in the United States, specifically in Chicago, to celebrate Black historical achievements and pivotal moments in America, such as the civil rights movement, the Emancipation Proclamation and the fight for voting rights.
However, celebrating Black History Month by incorporating African history to make historical connections between Africa and Black Americans has become a growing trend. Considering how rich
Zaire Ervin Editor
PHOTO COURTESY/ Park University
PHOTO COURTESY/ Park University
March 7, 2025
Luigi Mangione and the UnitedHealthcare Murder
Abby Beagel Editor-in-Chief
When my friend and I booked a trip to New York this January, we chose HI NYC Hostel because it seemed like the nicest and cheapest option. It wasn’t until after we booked that we realized Luigi Mangione had stayed there too, just days before being arrested for the murder of UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson.
We knew about the case — social media had already turned Luigi into a headline and a punchline — so of course, once we checked in, we couldn’t resist asking the front desk about it. The receptionist hit us with the classic, “I can’t confirm that,” which we took as industry code for, “Yes, but I’m not allowed to say so.”
But staying there didn’t make me think about Luigi’s cheekbones or Brian’s legacy. It made me think about the disconnect between what actually happened, what the internet decided happened, and how our generation reacts to stories like this. Because honestly? I don’t feel much sympathy for Brian Thompson. But that doesn’t mean I think Luigi’s a hero either.
Here’s what actually happened. Luigi Mangione’s mother reported him missing in San Francisco on Nov. 18, 2024. By Nov. 24, he was caught on surveillance arriving in New York by bus. On Nov. 30, he checked into HI NYC Hostel, where he stayed until the morning of Dec. 4. That day, prosecutors allege, Luigi left the hostel at dawn, rode an e-bike downtown and ambushed Brian Thompson outside the Hilton Midtown — the same hotel where UnitedHealth Group’s investor meeting was being held. Luigi allegedly fired multiple rounds, calmly cleared a gun jam mid-attack and fled into Central Park. By Dec. 9, Luigi was recognized and arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Penn. When police took him into custody, they found a 3D-printed ghost gun, a silencer, fake IDs, cash and a handwritten manifesto outlining his anger toward the American health care system — with
companies like UnitedHealthcare called out by name.
Meanwhile, back in New York, investigators recovered more evidence near the crime scene, including Luigi’s abandoned e-bike, a cell phone believed to be his and a backpack filled with Monopoly money — an eerie symbol of wealth and corporate greed. Investigators also found three 9mm shell casings at the scene, each engraved with the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” — a direct reference to the notorious phrase often used to describe how insurance companies handle claims: deny the request, defend the decision and depose anyone who fights back.
Days later, the Manhattan district attorney formally charged Luigi with first-degree murder as an act of terrorism, second-degree murder, multiple counts of weapons possession and possession of a forged instrument tied to the fake IDs found on him. Then, on Dec. 19, federal prosecutors also unsealed charges against Luigi, including stalking, murder and using a silencer in a crime of violence — serious charges that some believe are designed to leave the door open for the death penalty, something state charges wouldn’t allow.
The facts? Important, but they barely stood a chance. The minute Luigi’s mugshot hit the internet, the story shifted into something else entirely. He wasn’t just a murder suspect anymore — he was “hot Luigi.” TikTok edits, “he can shoot my shot” tweets and even campaign slogans like “Free Luigi” took over. His name made it funnier, his face made it marketable and the victim — a health care CEO — made it feel like some kind of revenge fantasy.
Here’s the thing: countless families have mourned loved ones because of decisions made by UnitedHealthcare — denied claims, endless red tape, profits over people. Brian Thompson wasn’t personally responsible for all of that, but he was a highly paid cog in the machine. A machine that has destroyed lives. It’s hard
PHOTO COURTESY/Getty Images
to say “poor Brian” when so many people have suffered under the system he helped lead.
Do I feel bad for his loved ones — his wife, his kids — because we’re all human? Yes, of course. But at the same time, countless people have lost their loved ones because of the policies, decisions and agenda Brian spent his career pushing. It’s uncomfortable to admit, but grief cuts both ways, and when the system itself profits off suffering, it’s hard to pretend Brian was just some innocent bystander.
And it’s not just anger — it’s action.
As of Feb. 11, a group calling itself the December 4th Legal Committee has raised nearly $328,000 for Luigi’s legal defense — not through GoFundMe (which banned the fundraisers for violating its policy against defending people accused of violent crimes), but through GiveSendGo, a platform that’s become a hub for controversial and politically charged cases. Many of the donations come with notes blaming UnitedHealthcare and the American health care system for driving Luigi to this point. It’s not just a crime story — to a lot of people, this has become a political case.
But that doesn’t make Luigi a hero. Luigi murdered someone. It was calculated.
See Mangione on page 7
Luigi Mangione sits at a hearing at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City in February.
Staff List
Editor-in-Chief
Abby Beagel
Assistant Editor-in-Chief
Matalyn Smith
Reporters
JoShenna Richardson
Editors
Zaire Ervin
Audrey Hentges
Halle Magee
Destiny Pearson
Adviser
Melody Alexander
Braving the cold: Winter weather on campus
Destiny Pearson Editor
The winter season has brought below-freezing temperatures and icy conditions to Parkville, making outdoor activities challenging. Students have been bundling up in heavy coats and scarves as they navigate campus pathways, often lined with frost and snow. The university’s maintenance staff has been diligent in keeping walkways clear, ensuring safety for all.
Most students felt it was too cold to go outside. “It’s so cold outside, I don’t even want to walk to the cafe,” said junior psychology major Sara Fataki. Meanwhile, a few students found a silver lining. “The campus looks beautiful covered in snow, and there’s always something to do indoors,” said senior marketing major Kaden Paul.
Indoor events keep students engaged
With outdoor activities limited, many students have turned to indoor events for entertainment and engagement. Park University’s student organizations have been actively hosting events that cater to diverse interests.
The Student Government Association recently organized a Winter Warm-Up Social, offering students hot cocoa, coffee and snacks. The event, held in the Thompson Student Center, provided a warm and welcoming escape from the cold.
The university’s Campus Activities Board has also led several themed events, including movie nights, bingo and board games.
Athletics and fitness in the winter months
Park University’s athletics teams have been pushing through the cold with intense indoor training sessions. The track and field team recently competed in the Heart of America Indoor Conference Championship, showcasing their dedication despite winter weather affecting travel.
For students looking to stay active, the Breckon Sports Center has remained a popular destination. The campus gym offers open gym hours and free basketball court time to help students stay in shape during the colder months.
Looking ahead to spring
With spring on the horizon, students are eagerly anticipating the arrival of warmer weather. Until then, Park University remains a lively and
engaging environment, proving that even the cold can’t freeze student enthusiasm.
How to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Kansas City
Mati Smith Assistant Editor-in-Chief
Every year leading up to March 17, residents of the Kansas City, Mo. celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with numerous events. This year is no different, with the upcoming St. Paddy’s Day Run, Snake Saturday Parade, and St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The St. Paddy’s Day Run will take place Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 7:30 a.m. in Mill Creek Park. For $33.30, you can choose to run a 5k, 10k, or half marathon. The cost is $33.30 per ticket to run. Once you purchase a ticket, a “swag bag” will be mailed to the address listed during the checkout process.
The bag includes a runner’s T-Shirt, finisher’s towel and medal, and digital training pack. Race bibs can be picked up before the race begins. The run organizers say a portion of the proceeds “will support local tree-planting, making every step count toward a more sustainable future.” To find out more about the race search for St. Paddy’s Day Luck Run at eventbrite.com.
North Kansas City is hosting a carnival on Friday, March 14, 2025 from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturday starting at 11 a.m., carnival-goers can enjoy the annual Snake Saturday Parade. There is no cost to
watch the parade. The festival includes food vendors, a car show, a petting zoo, and more. For more information leading up to the event visit SnakeSaturday.com.
Kansas City’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade is Monday, March 17, 2025 at 11 a.m. in Westport. This historic parade has been in existence since the 1970s and is organized by volunteers looking to celebrate the Irish heritage of Kansas City. To find out more details about the event visit KCIrishParade. com.
The only requirement for these events is to wear green!
CAMPUS LIFE
Broadcasting club hosts open mic night
CAMPUS LIFE
The Broadcasting Club at Park held its inaugural open mic night at McCoy Meetin’ House on March 6, 2025. Park students sang, read poetry, and spoke about a variety of topics.
PHOTOS/Mati Smith
ENTERTAINMENT
Opinion: Finding my faith through music
JoShenna Richardson Reporter
My sister has been Christian all of her life, and she is a big-time gospel fan. If you ask my sister to pick her favorite gospel song, it may take days for her to get back to you.
A few years ago, she challenged me to find one gospel song I resonated with. I was reawakening a long-stagnant relationship with my faith at the time, and she was there to motivate me.
As a music lover and a Christian, I’m sure she imagined this an easy task for me. Unfortunately, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston’s version of “When You Believe” from “The Prince of Egypt” soundtrack was the closest I got.
I don’t mean to bash the genre — gospel music has grown alongside other genres and can suit a variety of musical tastes nowadays. Call it modernization or an effect of multiculturalism, but the efforts have not gone unnoticed.
But I’ve always found it difficult to connect with God through gospel music. I’d awkwardly clap along during praise
and worship out of respect, but I’d be lying if I said I don’t skip the singing when watching sermons online.
About a month ago, I was searching for the song “Angel” by Halle Bailey, but Cleo Sol’s “Lost Angel” came up in my Spotify search. Since I hadn’t listened to it before, I went ahead and queued it up.
Four lines in, and I was so moved, fully falling in love with the song — playing it over and over for the rest of the day. It felt so true to my relationship with God and faith. Styled almost as a traditional church song, the simple piano and choir as backing vocalists, Cleo’s simple, uplifting lyrics made me want to sing to the sky.
The experience ended up jogging the memory of my sister’s challenge. So I decided to reinvestigate my connection with faith, music, and the job of an artist.
In my opinion, an artist’s job is not only to tap into themselves authentically but to tap into the people they create that art for. The gospel genre has an added duty: sharing a testimony of a relationship with God and/or God’s nature through a Christian lens.
It’s a form of worship, a link to a higher
power through art. But artists outside of the genre, like Cleo, still take on that added faith duty. She’s spoken openly about her connection with God and on using her gift to share that connection with listeners.
With that said, I still couldn’t tell you if her God and mine are the same. No matter the case, the depiction of God in her music fulfills something for me, brings me closer to the God I know, and reminds me of the importance of my faith.
On the other side, some artists who proclaim Christianity forgo the “Christian” precursor and decide to make music in a different genre instead. Foggieraw is one such rap artist and has caused controversy since his debut.
He openly professes his Christian beliefs and has been supported by both secular and Christian hip-hop consumers. Like Cleo, a majority of his songs reference his faith. But he does so while simultaneously earning an explicit content label on his albums.
This is where the debate over Foggie’s appeal arises. Clearly, Christianity and profanity don’t mix very well. However,
sharing beliefs in an authentic way is important for any artist and puts him in an interesting spot.
Yes, his execution is far from perfect, but that’s the point. Christianity can often be presented in perfect packaging, deterring those who don’t feel they meet the criteria.
So imagine how a young Black man — mouth full of gold teeth, unfiltered language and all — still openly embracing his relationship with God opens the door to new possibilities. He speaks to a demographic often cast aside, and when I felt less than worthy in 2016, Foggieraw’s “30&10” kept a flame alive for me.
I can’t speak for everyone, but I’d ask a question. When you’re gasping for connection, isn’t grabbing something better than letting go entirely?
Ultimately, I never completed my sister’s challenge. Even so, I haven’t been stopped or derailed on my faith journey. I’ve still encountered music that reminds me of my connection with God, albeit unconventional.
So maybe the challenge was failed successfully.
Onyx Storm sets up major series conspiracies
Halle Magee Editor
another release. That release is “Onyx Storm.”
Disclaimer: This article will contain spoilers for all books published within the Empyrean series.
Rebecca Yarros has just spoiled fans of the Empyrean series once again with
Yarros always has dramatic endings that leave things to be desired. But what will happen next with the fourth book in the Empyrean series, and what could be next for Xaden and Violet, our favorite dragon-riding couple?
For what seemed to be the last three years, Yarros had cranked out books. Now that readers must wait until about 2027, even though there wasn’t an official release date, there was plenty of time to think about Yarros’s next action plan.
Let’s recap the dramatic endings of the first three books before theories are
conceptualized. In the first book, “Fourth Wing,” it ended with, “Welcome to the Revolution, Violet.” In “Iron Flame”: “’And yet you just did.’ Jack laughs, and the sound curdles my blood. ‘All this time, you’ve been convincing everyone you’re the hero, and now you’ll be the villain…especially in her story. Welcome to our f*****-up family. Guess we’re brothers now.’” Finally, in the last book, “Onyx Storm,” “‘It’s an official blessing of your legal, binding marriage,’ Brennan whispers, stunned, then quickly rolls the parchment. ‘By the head priestess of Dunne’s temple.’”
I fell down a rabbit hole after reading this series with shattering endings. Here are my theories:
1. Violet will get pregnant if she isn’t
pregnant already.
2. The dragons are the villains.
3. Irid blood is the cure for veninism and Violet’s dad was the one who found this information.
4. Violet is part venin and was adopted.
5. Brennan is a traitor.
6. Xaden will want to be a venin.
7. Naolin turned venin, and that is why Tarin doesn’t want to talk about his previous rider.
As fans, we will have to just continue falling down our rabbit holes for years, but the wait will be worthwhile. The middle book had been written, and nothing could stop Yarros from blowing our minds in the next two Empyrean series relics.
ENTERTAINMENT
March 7, 2025
Something is cooking at Park University: The Spitfire Grill
Audrey Hentges Editor
Are you looking for comfort in these trying times? Are you ready to forgive yourself and others? Do you like the movie “Fried Green Tomatoes?”
Over spring break, Park University is collaborating with Bell Road Barn Players to bring a compelling work to the theatre on campus — “The Spitfire Grill” by James Valcq and Fred Alley, based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff. This musical follows a young woman looking for a fresh
Mangione
Continued from page 2
It was a political statement made through violence. You don’t have to sympathize with Brian to see that this wasn’t justice — it was assassination.
What I can’t stop thinking about is the fact that this murder is being treated as terrorism — when so many mass shootings in this country aren’t. A guy kills a health care CEO to make a political point? Terrorism. But a white 18-yearold shoots up a school or a Black church and suddenly we’re debating if it’s just a “troubled loner.” It’s not that I think Luigi should walk free — he shouldn’t. But the way crimes are labeled, the way certain violence gets called terrorism while other violence gets excused as an isolated incident, speaks volumes about who this country actually fears.
So am I surprised my generation made Luigi a meme? Absolutely not. This is exactly what we do. When the world feels broken and justice feels impossible, we cope through humor and detachment. Luigi’s face, his name, the cartoonish irony of an attractive young man with a manifesto killing a corporate villain — it’s tailor-made for internet brain.
Am I mad about it? Not really. I laughed at some of the memes too — because that’s what we do when the world is absurd, and this case is nothing if not
start after being released from prison. She decides to move to a small town in Wisconsin and works at the only restaurant in town, The Spitfire Grill. While working there, she discovers herself, the town, and how to be a part of a community again. This story is one of forgiveness and a lesson in never judging a book by its cover.
Park University has been collaborating with Bell Road Barn Players since the late ‘70s and has been thriving on Park’s Jenkin and Barbara David Theatre ever since. This is the first musical Bell Road Barn has produced in the 70 seasons that have
absurd. But would I ever seriously say “Free Luigi”? No. He’s not getting freed — and frankly, he shouldn’t. What he did was a premeditated, politically motivated murder, and he’s almost certainly going to spend the rest of his life in prison.
But was it just a murder? That’s where this case is different — and why it’s sticking with me. Because even though Luigi’s act was violent and wrong, it was also a powerful political statement. One that hit a nerve because the health care system in this country is, objectively, problematic.
Luigi will pay the price for what he did — but the system that pushed him there?
It’s still in business, still denying claims, still ruining lives. I don’t feel bad for Brian Thompson, but I don’t think Luigi is innocent either. And while I definitely don’t think we should be romanticizing calculated murder, I understand exactly why this case became what it did.
It’s the perfect storm: a system everyone hates, a victim nobody loves, a suspect who looks like a model, and a generation that’s fluent in coping through chaos and comedy. The real tragedy isn’t just the murder itself — it’s the fact that so many people saw themselves in Luigi’s frustration. That’s what the memes can’t fully capture. And that’s what we should actually be talking about.
As of today, Luigi Mangione remains in custody, has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is awaiting trial.
played. While it is not directly a part of Campus life or led by the students at Park, Bell Road Barn is always looking for new actors, tech and set people, and directors for all their productions. They have several upcoming projects and auditions.
Bell Road Barn Players tries to choose compelling and female lead pieces every March. Director Michael Golliher talked about how he considers it extremely important to showcase stories such as “The Spitfire Grill.’ He said, “I liked the themes of welcoming a stranger and forgiving past wrongs; it feels like a nice hug after a
Orscheln
Continued from page 1
in executive leadership. Before joining Park, he served as vice president of enrollment services and student affairs at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo. His previous roles include leadership positions at Missouri Western State University, Colorado State University-
Black History
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Month?
“From my point of view, we don’t see it as Black. We just see it as history. When you come to America, it’s a different point of view,” said Kwesi Quagraine, a college graduate immigrant from Ghana who studied at University of Ghana. “The only reason I feel like it should be incorporated is because that’s where Black Americans actually came from.”
Quagraine, who has been in the United States for more than two years, said that in Ghana, people don’t really see race because everyone is Black, so racism was not a major issue. Still, Quagraine recognizes Black History Month as a celebration of how far Black Americans have come. However, he also acknowledged that some prominent political figures misuse the celebration to perpetuate ra-
troubled time.” This is Michael’s first show with Bell Road Barn Players, but as a Kansas City-based director, he has worked on numerous other plays through the Metro area. Michael said he wants audiences to resonate with the show and its themes the way it resonated with him. He said, “If there is one thing I hope the audience takes from this after viewing, it’s though it may never be too late to forgive, it’s also never too soon.”
The Spitfire Grill runs March 14-23. To purchase tickets, visit bellroadbarn.org.
Pueblo, Northern Kentucky University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Central Missouri.
A resident of St. Joseph, Mo., Orscheln holds a doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He earned his master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Central Missouri State University, now the University of Central Missouri.
cial tension — the very thing many Black historical figures fought to end.
On the other hand, Patience Dadzie, an innovation and quality management major and graduate student from Ghana at Park University, does not believe African history should be part of Black History Month.
“I’m really proud of the leaders who fought for Black freedom here in America,” Dadzie said. However, she believes Black History Month is its own celebration, focused on the hardships and achievements that advanced societal change for the Black community in the United States.
As Black History Month continues to evolve, diverse perspectives help shape the conversation around this national celebration. But the question remains: Should Black History Month evolve to include African history, or should it remain distinctly an American commemoration?
Pirates set records at Heart of America Conference
Destiny Pearson Editor
The Park University Pirates showcased phenomenal talent and determination at the 2025 Heart of America Athletic Conference Indoor Track & Field Championships, held Feb. 14 and 15 at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Mo. The men’s team secured a third-place finish with 112 points, while the women’s team placed sixth place, achieving 60 points. The event was marked by numerous individual performances, with Park athletes catching six individual conference titles and setting four new Heart Conference Championship records.
Men’s Team Highlights
Leading the charge for the men’s team was junior Alexander Caines, who delivered a record-breaking performance in the 600-meter run. Caines crossed the finish line in 1:19.61, setting a new Heart Conference record and establishing a Park University indoor record. His cousin, sophomore Shemar Caines, followed right behind, earning a second-place finish with a time of 1:19.64, which also surpassed the previous conference re-
cord. This family duo’s remarkable performances earned them First and Second Team All-Conference honors.
Freshman, Palmer O’Connor made a significant impact in the 1,000-meter run, capturing the conference title with a time of 2:28.53. This achievement not only secured him the top podium spot but also set a new Heart Conference Championship record. Sophomore teammate Ethan Willmann finished closely behind, securing third place with a time of 2:29.78 and earning Third Team All-Conference recognition.
In the draining 5,000-meter run, sophomore Lukas Mehl showcased endurance and speed, finishing first with a personal best of 14:54.05. This time established new records for both the Heart Conference and Park University’s indoor track history. Freshman teammate Cayden Walker also delivered a strong performance, finishing fourth with a time of 15:03.11, earning him an Honorable Mention All-Conference title.
The men’s relay teams demonstrated exceptional teamwork and speed. The 4x400-meter relay team, with Shemar Caines, Alexander Caines, O’Connor, and junior Chase Housh, set a new Park
University indoor record with a time of 3:18.11, earning them Second Team All-Conference honors. Additionally, the 4x800-meter relay team, featuring sophomore Thore Wegner, junior Manuel Reyes, Tom Kuehnel, and Ethan Willmann, secured a second-place finish with a time of 7:56.43, also achieving Second Team All-Conference recognition.
Women’s Team Highlights
The women’s team was led by freshman standout Rosjai Curtis, who delivered a performance across multiple events. Curtis dominated the 60-meter dash, setting a new Heart Conference record in the preliminaries with a time of 7.66 seconds, only to surpass it in the finals with a time of 7.62 seconds. Her exceptional speed earned her the conference title and First Team All-Conference honors. Teammate Mya Charles also showcased her sprinting, securing third place in the 60-meter finals with a time of 7.73 seconds, earning her Third Team All-Conference recognition.
Curtis had a further performance in the field events, where she claimed titles in both the long jump and triple jump. She set a new Park University indoor re-
cord in the long jump with a jump of 5.88 meters (19 feet, 3.5 inches) and secured the triple jump title with a mark of 11.92 meters. These remarkable performances added two more First Team All-Conference honors to her impressive freshman season.
The women’s 4x800-meter relay team also delivered an outstanding performance, finishing second with a time of 9:41.69. The runners were junior Hannah Mand, freshman Lilly Comarcho, sophomore Jonnicia Williams, and freshman Lily Brecheisen earned Second Team All-Conference honors for their effort.
Overall Impact
Park University’s track and field athletes concluded the championships with a total of six First Team All-Conference awards, five Second Team honors, four Third Team recognitions, and eight Honorable Mentions. These accomplishments reflect the depth of talent and dedication within the program. The Pirates built upon this success, with several athletes competing at the NAIA Indoor National Championships in Gainsville, Fla. From Feb. 27 through March 1.
Student-athletes network with KC women at Arrr & Arrr event
Mati Smith Assistant Editor-in-Chief
Park University hosted their annual Arrr & Arrr event on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. The event is for female athletes at Park University.
Senior Halle Magee, a softball player at Park University, attended and explained that the event is beneficial for people like her.
“One of the purposes of this event is networking,” Magee said. “Women who are around the Kansas City area — alumni, parents, or family — come and network for possible work options in the future. It helps open female student athletes’ eyes to new opportunities outside of their sport.”
Magee also went into detail about what this event means to her and other student athletes.
“This event is appreciation for female athletics,” she said. “It shows the hard work and dedication that goes into female athletics. It also showcases women who have helped aid younger student-athletes to achieve their goals. It showcased women aid-
ing in the community. The recognition of all those things means so much to female student-athletes because it highlights all of the work that has been put into making Park female athletics what it is today.”
Magee described the event as a great way for female student-athletes to connect with other women about their future.
The event was held from 4 to 6 p.m. Student-athletes and guests enjoyed food and drinks, a raffle, and a presentation about women who have helped Park Athletics become what it is today.
This year, the event was a little different compared to previous years, because it was held in the McCoy Meetin’ House and only seniors were able to attend. In previous years, it was held in Breckon Sports Center and juniors and seniors were able to attend. The change in location seemed to be beneficial to the female student-athletes.
Magee described how it “allowed them to get to know each other better” since the Meetin’ House is smaller than Breckon Sports Center.
Overall, she said she believed the event had a great turnout and was beneficial for the female student-athletes at Park University.