Park Alumniad, Spring 2007

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U N I V E R S I T Y

ALUMNIAD

SPRING 2007

GROWTH. OPPORTUNITY. OUTREACH.

President Beverley ByersPevitts’ Six Years of Academic Excellence

PARK

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U N I V E R S I T Y

ALUMNIAD

SPRING 2007

President of Park University Beverley Byers-Pevitts, Ph.D. Vice President for University Advancement Caren Handleman Associate Vice President for Communication Rita Weighill, ’90 Communication Coordinator Summer Evans, M.P.A. ’06 Director of Alumni Relations Julie McCollum (816) 584-6206, (800) 488-PARK (7275) fax (816) 505-5409 julie.mccollum@park.edu alumnioffice@park.edu Alumni Relations Assistant Alisha Coggins, ’03 (816) 584-6207 alisha.coggins@park.edu

Matt Dodson, ’98 Treasurer FinRisk@kc.rr.com Scott Briscoe, ’04 scott.briscoe@pirate.park.edu Jay Flaherty, ’71 flahertyjay@sbcglobal.net Chris Hershey, ’03, M.P.A. ’05 Chris.hershey@gmail.com Dirk Lawson, ’94 dlawson@pswslaw.com Susan Kensett McGaughey, ’74 mcgoo302@comcast.net Jeff McKinney, ’81 upwarddestiny@sbcglobal.net Michael Newburger, ’70 newie@kc.rr.com

Editor Kathy Walker Walker Texas Writer

David Oswald, x65 stlouisdavid1@juno.com

Assistant Editor John Dycus

Bruce Wilson, ’03 bruce.wilson@kclawns.com

Art Direction Jennifer Henderson jodesign

Ken Zacharias, ’71 kzacharias@paint.org

We would like to hear from you. Send your comments to Rita Weighill at rita.weighill@park.edu.

Established in 1875, Park University is a national leader in higher education, distinguished by its innovative adult degreecompletion programs. The University has 25,169 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs at 43 campus centers located in 21 states and Online.

2006-07 Park University Alumni Council Karen Peters Frankenfeld, ’59 President frnknfld@aol.com

Alumniad Advisory Board Donna Bachmann, associate professor of art and design Cathy Colapietro, director of admissions and student financial services Brian Davis, associate vice president, College of Distance Learning Jerod Dahlgren, sports information director Olga Ganzen, M.P.A. ’99, Ph.D., assistant professor of international education, director of international education and study abroad Caren Handleman, vice president for university advancement Julie McCollum, director of alumni relations Diana McElroy, dean of student services Summer Evans, M.P.A. ’06, communication coordinator Rita Weighill, ’90, associate vice president for communication Kathy Walker, editor

Neal McGregor, ’89 Vice President scotsman@toto.net Cover by jodesign.

See www.park.edu for more information about Park University.

Alumniad is published by the Office of University Advancement for Park University alumni and friends. Send comments and address corrections to Office of University Advancement, Park University, 8700 N.W. River Park Drive, Parkville, MO 64152, or call (816) 584-6200 or e-mail advancement@park.edu.

Features

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Focus on Park University This edition focuses on two Missouri campus centers.

Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster is home of the B-2 bomber, and Fort Leonard Wood in the Missouri Ozarks is an all-military combat training post.

International Connection Park remains a center for excellence and innovation in global education through partnerships with countries such as Australia, New Zealand, China, Russia, Switzerland, Taiwan and the Czech Republic.

Byers-Pevitts Stirs Vision into Motion President Beverley Byers-Pevitts, Ph.D., shares memories of time spent since her arrival at Park and a glimpse of what to expect in the University’s future.

Growth. Opportunity. Outreach. President Beverley Byers-Pevitts’ six years of academic excellence Under President Beverley Byers-Pevitts’ leadership, Park has grown into a University that prepares graduates to compete in an increasingly global economy.

The Ireland Experience Twenty-two alumni and friends visit the Emerald Isle and discover Ireland’s Old World charm, incredibly green coastline and endless beauty.

Park and World War I Army Lt. George S. Robb, ’12, was among the more than 50 students and numerous alumni who enlisted in U.S. military branches after the United States declared war on Germany in April 1917. Ten Park men died while in service; Robb survived and received the Congressional Medal of Honor.

On the cover: Somewhere on the cover is a tiny Mackay Hall. Join other readers in finding this University icon on every issue cover.

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Our mission: The mission of Park University, an entrepreneurial institution of learning, is to provide access to academic excellence that will prepare learners to think critically, communicate effectively and engage in lifelong learning while serving a global community.

Our vision statement: Park University will be a renowned international leader in providing innovative educational opportunities for learners within the global society.

Our core values:

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Table of Contents

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Departments 4 In Academia 8 Support for Park 9 Tribute Gift Recognition 18 Campus News 22 Pirates 2007 All-sports Schedule 23 Pirate Club 24 Highlights of AWE 2007 Insert AWE Registration Form 26 Alumni Section 28 Class Notes 30 Park Mourns

• Commitment to commonalities and differences.

• Commitment to community among all peoples of the world.

• Commitment to lifelong learning.

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In Recognition of Park University

President Beverley Byers-Pevitts’

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Six-Year Anniversary

When the Board of Trustees selected Dr. Beverley Byers-Pevitts, as the University’s 14th president, we had no idea we were kicking off the century with a bang! She arrived on campus in June 2001 committed to making Park the best it can be, and that commitment has never flagged.

Surely few graduates of the previous century ever envisioned that the University would

achieve its current status. In just six short years under President Byers-Pevitts’ leadership, we can see our future, and it is bright indeed. Consider these achievements: Park serves 25,169 students at 43 campus centers in 21 states, up from 17,509 students six years ago.

Enrollment has increased 41 percent and the endowment fund by 81 percent. U.S. News & World Report ranked Park No. 2 for Online degree-granting programs in 2006 and No. 1 among nonprofit higher education institutions.

The University received top, 10-year accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Park is enjoying international business and cultural acclaim through its Hauptmann School for Public Affairs, International Center for Music and the Park University Youth Conservatory for Music and is currently developing programs with St. Petersburg University of Finance and Economics in Russia and Beijing Normal University in China.

The stage is set for the University to continue this competitive advantage because President Byers-Pevitts instituted a strategic plan, Explorations & Transformations 2012: Access to Academic Excellence, which was developed based on input from all constituents — faculty, students, administrators, alumni and community leaders. The plan not only drives decisions, but it is on the Internet so these folks can see the future, follow our progress and know how they contribute.

If the true leader is one who surrounds herself with quality individuals, then President Byers-Pevitts personifies this characteristic. The quality is most evident in the Board of Trustees, whose broad range of governance, financial and business expertise contributes to the University’s well-being, and in the president’s executive staff and their teams, which have the Board of Trustees’ profound gratitude and support.

On behalf of the 2007 Board of Trustees and the University, we salute the 2001 Board for asking Dr. Beverley Byers-Pevitts to come to Parkville as president. We celebrate her extraordinary accomplishments and are thankful for her tireless work in making Park University an exceptional name in higher education both in the United States and abroad.

Brenda Wisniewski Chair, Board of Trustees

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Focus on Park University Park University provides degree-completion programs at two Missouri military bases.

Whiteman Air Force Base Campus Center Knob Noster, Mo. O P E N E D : March 1977 Campus Center Director: Beth Hicks Academic Director: Marty Harrison www.park.edu/whit

B-2 bomber; photo by Airman 1st Class Linch

Located 85 miles southeast of Kansas City, Whiteman Air Force Base is the closest militarybased campus center to the Parkville Campus. Park degree-completion programs are available to men and women assigned to the base, their family members and community members with base security clearance. Degrees include management/accounting, social psychology, human resources, computer information systems and management.

Whiteman Air Force Base is home to the Air Force’s premier weapon system, the B-2 bomber, and its operations and maintenance crews, the 509th Bomb Wing. The 442nd Fighter Wing, an Air Force Reserve command unit that flies the A-10 Thunderbolt II, and the Missouri Army National Guard 1-135th Aviation Battalion, which flies the AH-64 Apache helicopter, are stationed there. The Navy Reserve Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 114 also operates from Whiteman, providing surveillance, intelligence and force protection measures for naval assets.

Fort Leonard Wood Campus Center Waynesville/St. Roberts, Mo. O P E N E D : October 1994 Campus Center Director: Nathalie Brech Academic Director: Kevin Hillman www.park.edu/ftlw Fort Leonard Wood is an Army basic combat training post that serves all military branches. The post, located southwest of St. Louis in the Missouri Ozarks, is known for its training of non-combat arms soldiers, motor transport operators, engineers, chemical specialists and military police. Park degree-completion programs are available to military and non-military personnel and include the associate degree in construction management and management; the bachelor’s degree in management/human resources, management/engineering administration, management, management/health care and management/marketing; and the bachelor’s degree in public administration.

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In Academia PARK PRESIDENT RECOGNIZED FOR INTERNATIONAL SERVICE President Beverley Byers-Pevitts received the International Relations Council’s International Academic Leadership Award on Sept. 28, 2006, in Overland Park, Kan. The award recognizes exceptional publishing materials, innovative administrative or classroom leadership in teaching international subject material, and effective administration of international education programs.

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Ph.D., received the Distinguished Service Award for International Statesmanship at the event.

FACULTY HONORED FOR ACADEMIC SERVICE Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers 2005/2006 honored seven Park faculty members — John S. Dean, assistant professor of computer science; Timothy M. Gabor, Ph.D., associate professor of biology; Brian Hoffman, Ph.D., professor of biology; Andrew T. Johnson, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology; marsha m. morgan, associate professor of theatre; J. Mark Noe, Ph.D., professor of communication arts and associate dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; and Donald L. Williams, Ed.D., associate professor of biology — for educational excellence.

Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers honors educators who have been nominated by students from Who’s Who Among American High School Students, Who’s Who Among American High School Students-Sports Edition or The National Dean’s List.

PARK WINS ONLINE TECHNOLOGY AWARD Park’s Online Instructor Evaluator System won the Creative Use of Technology Award from the Association for Continuing Higher Education on Oct. 28-30, 2006, at its 68th annual meeting in Los Angeles, Calif. The award recognizes ACHE members for their innovative uses of instructional and distance learning technologies in lifelong learning.

The Online Instructor Evaluator team

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includes Frank Incalcaterra, business assistant professor; Marthann Schulte, Ph.D., director of Online learning and education assistant professor; Jutta Pegues, Ph.D., academic director and history assistant professor; Lisa Bunkowski, Ph.D., professor of history and humanities; Kay Dennis, Ed.D., assistant professor in Park’s Master’s of Healthcare Leadership program; Michael Eskey, Ph.D., assistant professor of criminal justice and School for Online Learning instructor evaluator; and Roxanne Gonzales, Ed.D., associate dean, College for Distance Learning.

ESKEY PRESENTS AT CRIMINAL JUSTICE CONFERENCE Michael Eskey, Ph.D., assistant professor of criminal justice and School for Online Learning instructor evaluator, co-presented a paper, Developing an Online Homeland Michael Eskey Security/Emergency Management Program: Meeting the Needs and Getting It Right, with Tom O’Connor, Ph.D., from Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tenn., on Sept. 21, 2006, at the 2006 Southern Criminal Justice Association meeting in Charleston, S.C. They presented at the panel session on Within and Beyond Our Borders: Terrorism, Homeland Security and International Issues.

HSPA COORDINATOR PRESENTS AT KANSAS SAFETY CONFERENCE Jeffery A. Hartle, CFPS, MIFIREE, presented at the 57th Annual Kansas Safety & Health Conference on Oct. 3, 2006, in Topeka, Kan. His presentation, Fire Department Operational Safety: Case Studies, addressed safety practices among fire departments in the Caribbean, Ireland and the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Division of Industrial Safety & Health of the Kansas Department of Labor sponsored the conference.

Hartle is a visiting assistant professor of public affairs and coordinator of the disaster and emergency management emphasis for the Hauptmann School for Public Affairs.

HSIN PRESENTS AT CRYPTO CONFERENCE Wen Hsin, Ph.D., associate professor of information and computer science, presented on electronic voting (evoting) at the 20th Midwest Conference Wen Hsin on Combinatorics, Cryptography and Computing on Oct. 5, 2006, at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kan. Hsin proposed an efficient e-voting algorithm that offers numerous security features, including anonymous voter identification, lost or stolen e-vote solution, forgery e-vote protection, double-casting resolution and signature protection.

PARK REPRESENTATIVES ATTEND TELECOMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE Members of the College for Distance Learning attended the 18th Annual Western Cooperative for Educational Telecommunications Conference, Blazing the e-Learning Trail … Forging New Ways to Learn, on Nov. 1-4, 2006, in Portland, Ore. WCET is an international cooperative engaged in sharing cuttingedge research and best practices in technology in higher education. Park was a Silver Sponsor of the conference and is an institutional member of WCET. Presenters included Michael Eskey, Ph.D., assistant professor of criminal justice and School for Online Learning evaluator; Frank Incalcaterra, business assistant professor; and Marthann Schulte, Ph.D., director of Online learning and education assistant professor. Schulte’s presentation, Improving Academic Quality through Peer Review Evaluation Systems, described the Online Instructor Evaluation System, which is unique to Park. Eskey and Incalcaterra copresented in the session Growth is Great — Managing It is Better, which highlighted the demands of rapid growth in Park’s Online learning. It focused on the University’s challenges in managing growth related to how Park recruits, trains and evaluates Online faculty,

<< IN ACADEMIA

develops and evaluates Online courses and works with key constituents.

FACULTY PRESENT AT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE Lisa Bunkowski, Ph.D., assistant professor of history; Michael Eskey, Ph.D., assistant professor of criminal justice and School for Online Learning evaluator; and Roxanne Gonzales, Ed.D., education assistant professor and College for Distance Learning Online learning instructor, co-presented at the 12th annual Sloan-C International Conference on Asynchronous Learning on Nov. 9, 2006, in Orlando, Fla. Their presentation, Ensuring Academic Quality: Innovations in Faculty Mentorship and Evaluation, focused on maintaining academic standards, retention of quality faculty and establishing a measure for promotion that can be achieved through faculty evaluation. It also provided an overview of Park’s Online Instructor Evaluation System.

KISTHARDT PRESENTS AT INSTITUTE FOR MENTAL HEALTH EXPERTS Walter Kisthardt, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Department of Social Work, presented at a one-day institute for 300 mental health social workers, supervisors and administrators at Temple Oheb Shalom on Dec. 1, 2006, in Baltimore, Md. The institute focused on the purpose, principles and core helping functions of evidence-based community practice.

Kisthardt was invited by the Mental Hygiene Administration of Maryland as a part of its continuing education in best community practice initiative. His research has supported the conceptual development of strength-based, personcentered practice, which has been integrated in many states throughout the country and in selected programs in England and New Zealand.

NORRIS EXHIBITS PHOTOGRAPHY FROM THE FAR EAST Lynn Marie Norris, adjunct instructor of communication arts, exhibited her photography, The Beauty of Asia, on Dec. 4, 2006-Jan. 4, 2007, at the Unitarian Gallery in Kansas City, Mo. Norris spent nearly four years traveling in Asia and shares the beauty and spirit of the Far East through her photography. She brought back images of colorful markets, sacred shrines, laughing children, lush rainforests, beautiful

beaches and funky street scenes.

Countries featured in the exhibit include Bangladesh, India, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines.

professor, as assistant editor. The monthly journal publishes research analysis and inquiry into issues of importance to the business community.

GUPTA, HAMILTON PRESENT AT CIVIC ENGAGEMENT CONFERENCE Sapna Gupta, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, and John Hamilton, Ph.D., assistant professor of criminal justice, presented Creating Agents for Change: Improving Communities through Faculty Village Children and Student Leadership in February at the National Conference on Civic Engagement. The conference offered specialized tracks for university presidents, faculty and staff, including topics focused on service learning and civic engagement.

DIPADOVA-STOCKS RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS Laurie DiPadovaStocks, Ph.D., dean of the Hauptmann School for Public Affairs and associate professor of public affairs, has received two national awards — the Distinguished Extended Laurie DiPadova-Stocks Learning Leadership Award of Excellence from the Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, for exemplary leadership and significant contributions to the field of continuing professional education and extended learning for the public service; and the Distinguished Service and Contributions to the PNP Division Award from the Public and Nonprofit Division of the Academy of Management, for her 20-year contributions to the organization. She is the first recipient of the lifetime achievement award.

CDL INSTRUCTOR EVALUATORS PRESENT AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE Roxanne Gonzales, Ed.D., education assistant professor and College for Distance Learning Online learning instructor; Frank Incalcaterra, business assistant professor; and Marthann Schulte, Ph.D., director of Online learning and education assistant professor, presented at the 68th National Meeting of the Association of Continuing and Higher Education on Oct. 27-30, 2006, in Los Angeles, Calif. Their presentation, Take the Lead in Faculty Mentorship and Evaluation to Make the Difference in Academic Quality, featured the Online Instructor Evaluation System and encouraged attendees to translate it to their own institutions.

KOUDOU NAMED JOURNAL’S ASSISTANT EDITOR The African Journal of Business Management appointed Nicolas Koudou, Ph.D., director of the M.B.A. program and business administration associate

THE IOUDENTICH STUDIO Park University’s Piano Trio, featuring Stanislav Ioudenitch, associate professor of music and artistic director of the Youth Conservatory for Music and the International Center Ben Sayevich, Stanislav for Music, piano; Ben Ioudenitch and Martin Storey Sayevich, violin; and Martin Storey, cello, performed a recital on Nov. 3, 2006, in the Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel. They performed Shostakovich’s Trio No. 2 in E minor, Opus 67, and Tchaikovsky’s Trio in A minor, Opus 50.

SHEFFER PRESENTS LECTURE AT HALL CENTER Debra Sheffer, assistant professor of humanities, presented the lecture Honor, Manhood, Nostalgia, and Civil War Soldiers on Dec. 1, 2006, at the Hall Center for the Humanities Peace, War & Global Seminar in Lawrence, Kan. CHRISTOPHER PRESENTS AT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Frank Incalcaterra, Marthann Schulte and Roxanne Gonzales

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IN ACADEMIA >>

Kenneth Christopher, D.P.A., assistant professor of criminal justice, conducted a workshop Oct. 16, 2006, at the Kansas City Professional Development Council’s Higher Education Professional Development Conference. He presented Interpersonal Communications and Conflict Resolution: Strategies for Productive Communications in Higher Education Organizations at Kansas City Kansas Community College.

PEW, HUMSTON PRESENT AT SHEPHERD’S CENTER Steve Pew, Ph.D., associate professor of healthcare leadership, and Debbie Humston, special project coordinator for the Professional Development Institute, attended the Shepherd’s Center of America National Conference on Nov. 14, 2006, near Little Rock, Ark., to present on health care advocacy and the certificate program offered through Park’s Professional Development Institute.

Steve Pew and Debbie Humston

FACULTY SELECTED FOR INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP IN DENMARK The Office of International Education and Study Abroad selected Jolene Lampton, Ph.D., Austin Campus academic director and assistant professor of management accounting, and James Pasley, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, to attend the Denmark International Studies International Educators Workshop on Nov. 28-Dec. 2, 2006, in Copenhagen.

Lampton and Pasley attended a variety of classes, met with staff and participated in the DIS signature Gary Bachman homestay program.

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BACHMAN PART OF NATIONAL FOCUS GROUP Gary Bachman, social work associate professor and director of field practice, was one of nine undergraduate faculty members nationwide to participate in a focus group on curriculum innovation Oct. 24, 2006, in Los Angeles, Calif.

Gero-Ed Center and Hartford Fellows Programs have collaborated over the past eight years in funding and developing geriatric education curriculum in graduate social work programs.

Bachman and other participants identified means by which the two organizations may be introduced into undergraduate social work programs.

The group worked with the director and principal investigator of the Council on Social Work Education at the National Center for Gerontological Social Work Education and the senior project officer from the John A. Hartford Foundation of New York.

UNIVERSITY WELL-REPRESENTED AT MODEL U.N. EVENT Park had a strong contingent of 14 members and four administrators at the 36th annual Kansas City Mayor’s U.N. dinner Oct. 24, 2006, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City.

Simona Cibotaru, president of Park Model U.N., led the Park contingent. Park was one of three college teams, and there were eight high school teams. More than 80 high school and college students attended. George Belzer, presenter and Park’s co-Model U.N. sponsor, stressed how Model U.N. provides a valuable learning experience by teaching critical thinking, cooperation and research skills.

36th annual Kansas City Mayor’s U.N. dinner

PARK NAMED TO GoArmyEd SOLDIERS ADVISORY GROUP The U.S. Army Continuing Education System selected Park to serve on the 2006-07 GoArmyEd Advisory Group to

discuss program issues and potential functional and technical enhancements.

ACES also will establish a GoArmyEd Soldiers Advisory Group to focus on soldier-student experience with the system. In addition to Niki Rittenhouse, technology coordinator for finance and administration in Park University Accounting Services, the group will include GoArmyEd, the Army Continuing Education System, Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges, IBM and the financial community. Rittenhouse is one of six University representatives selected to serve on the committee.

AGNEW-TALLY PARTICIPATES IN ETS TEAM Josephine C. Agnew-Tally, Ed.D., associate dean of the School for Education, was on the ETS International Evaluation team to revise the PRAXIS II in Early Childhood Education. Agnew-Tally is the state president of Missouri Early Childhood Teacher Educators and represents all educators from the organization’s private and public colleges and universities. She works with DESE and the state legislature on issues and policies related to Missouri early childhood teacher education.

BOEHR, KNOWLES ATTEND MIDWEST CONFERENCE ON DESIGN ETHICS AND EDUCATION Interior design Assistant Professors Kay Boehr and Evelyn Knowles, Ph.D., attended the Midwest Regional Conference of Interior Design Educators on Oct. 20-22, 2006, in Manhattan, Kan. Knowles presented Developing Continuing Education Programs for Design Professionals. The paper included determining the strengths of the education provider, augmenting the sources of information with content experts, preferred learning styles of practicing designers, and matching delivery modes to availability for the target audience.

VESTAL NAMED TO MAIL SYSTEMS EXECUTIVE BOARD The Mail Systems Management Association re-elected Linda Vestal, ’94, assistant director of University Mail Services, to a second term as secretary of the executive board of the Kansas City chapter.

International AFRICA Nicolas Koudou, Ph.D., traveled to Ghana in May 2006 for professional development in association with the Office of International Education and Study Abroad.

AUSTRALIA In July 2006 Laurie DiPadova-Stocks, Ph.D., attended the 23rd International Conference of the World Association for Case Method Research and Application in Brisbane. The conference, at Queensland University of Technology, focused on Interactive Learning: The Next Generation.

From Aug. 13-27, 2006, Olga Ganzen, M.P.A. ’99, Ph.D., visited Macquarie and Canberra universities. She also represented Park at the 50th People to People International Anniversary and annual conference.

BRAZIL From June 2-15, 2006, Deborah Osborne, Ph.D., taught English as an International Language in Recife and conferred with local communities to determine English language knowledge.

Eight students and seven faculty/staff returned to Recife from Oct. 13-23, 2006, for the second service-learning project since March 2006. They taught courses in psychology, computer science, business, education and EIL. Four orientation sessions introduced students and faculty to Brazilian customs and culture.

CHINA Olga Ganzen, Ph.D., M.P.A., ’99, and Thomas Peterman, Ph.D., met with university officials and governmental institutions Nov. 24-Dec. 5, 2006, in Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong to explore areas of common interest and partnership. They researched the demand for Online or hybrid (Online and face-toface) graduate programs and the process of securing approval for partnerships.

In December 2006 junior Krista Irick received the Freeman-Asia Award for study abroad, funded by the Freeman Foundation. She is in Nanjing, China, for the spring 2007 semester, through the City University of New York (see Campus News, p. 19).

DENMARK Jolene Lampton, Ph.D., and James Pasley, Ph.D., attend an international educators workshop in Copenhagen (see p. 6).

Connection

ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND Michael Droge, Ph.D., and Ed Hight, Ph.D., traveled to the United Kingdom and Scotland from Aug. 25-Sept. 4, 2006. They visited London’s Accent and Acorn to explore the possibility of programs in the United Kingdom. In Newcastle they participated in the Northumbria EARLI SIG Assessment Conference 2006, where Hight presented a paper, Creative Collaboration Leads to Innovative Assessment.

KOREA The Office of International Student Services and the Office of International Education and Study Abroad sent Michael Hernandez on a two-week recruiting trip in October 2006.

Stanislav Ioudenitch, associate professor of music and artistic director of the Youth Conservatory for Music, and Geum-Suk Son, Ph.D., associate director of the International Center for Music, visited Korea, where Ioudenitch conducted master classes in fall 2006.

NEW ZEALAND From Aug. 27-Sept. 3, 1996, Olga Ganzen, Ph.D., M.P.A., ’99, cultivated future partnerships with the University of Waikato in Hamilton and the University in Canterbury. She also discussed chapter cooperation with Gibby Lee, president of the Christchurch chapter of People to People.

CZECH REPUBLIC, AUSTRIA, SLOVAK REPUBLIC Sapna Gupta, Ph.D., and Park Trustee Benny Lee traveled to Prague, Czech Republic; Vienna, Austria; and Bratislava, Slovak Republic, from Sept. 10-16, 2006, as part of the Kansas City World Trade Center’s 2006 GLOBE program. They attended market briefings, discussions with business leaders and networking receptions in all three cities. Gupta participated in the year-long GLOBE program.

RUSSIA Olga Ganzen, Ph.D., M.P.A., ’99, and Marthann Schulte, Ph.D., visited St. Petersburg State University on Sept. 19, 2006, to continue the Office of International Education’s work toward developing a joint M.B.A. program with the St. Petersburg University of Humanities and Social Sciences. The efforts are in cooperation with the Park University Office of Academic Affairs and legal counsel.

SWITZERLAND From Sept. 12-19, 2006, Olga Ganzen, Ph.D., M.P.A., ’99, attended the Annual European Association of International Educators conference in Basel. She and members of the People to People International Switzerland chapter discussed possible programs and cooperation with the PTPI Park chapter.

TAIWAN In fall 2006 Park initiated a student exchange with Ming Chuan University in Taipei City, bringing five students to study in the United States: Kok Fang (Darrell) Loo, Wei Ling (Linda) Lai, Ying Ying (Lucy) Hung, Chiao Ying (Cora) Wang and Uen Ling (Sophia) Lin. Plans are to send Park faculty to teach at Ming Chuan. Park’s international student population includes 580 students representing 110 countries.

PARK’S WORLD TRAVELERS DiPadova-Stocks, dean of the Hauptmann School for Public Affairs Droge, provost and senior vice president Ganzen, executive director of the Office of International Education and Study Abroad Geum-Suk, associate director of the International Center for Music Gupta, associate professor of chemistry Hernandez, director of International Student Services Hight, associate professor of music and artistic director of the Youth Conservatory for Music Ioudenitch, assistant professor of education Koudou, associate professor of business administration and director of the M.B.A. program Lampton, Austin Campus director and assistant professor of management accounting Lane, executive director of the Professional Development Institute Lee, Trustee Osborne, coordinator of the English as an International Language program Pasley, associate professor of political science Peterman, vice president for distance learning Schulte, director of education and Online learning

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Support for Park R

ent or own? Lease or purchase? Credit or debit?

Low interest rate or cash back?

Anyone who has bought a car, refinanced a home or applied for a credit card has been bombarded with options. Yet the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) finds that a majority of Americans feel unprepared to deal with those critical choices, particularly involving long-term financial goals. AICPA research further indicates that more than half of baby boomers worry more about rising energy costs, medical expenses and credit-card debt than about longer-term issues such as saving for retirement.

Americans aged 25-34 especially face an uncertain future unless they change their ways. This group’s median net worth, which was $6,788 in 1985, dropped to $3,746 by 2004, despite higher incomes. The AICPA study also reveals: • The number of 25- to 34-year-olds maintaining an interest-bearing savings account declined from 61 percent in 1985 to 47 percent in 2004.

• This group’s ownership of other savings instruments, such as stocks and bonds, IRAs and 401(k) accounts, fell from 65 percent to 55 percent between 1985 and 2004.

• Americans in this age group show an increased willingness to acquire unsecured debt. The average debt in 1985 was $3,118, compared to $4,733 in 2004.

Source: http://www.aicpa.org/ pubs/paltr/nov2006/index.htm

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Partnership Leads to Program Growth Jolene Lampton, Ph.D., was concerned about these statistics.

As the Austin Campus academic director and assistant professor of management accounting, she recognized the importance of financial literacy and committed herself to educating Austin young adults on good financial habits.

Knowing that a business or accounting degree is not a “one size fits all” answer, she developed a program of community workshops.

The 90-minute sessions, offered during brown-bag lunches or on weekend mornings, target 18- to 35year-old working adults with practical information on essential financial principles and money-managing techniques.

Once the program was designed, Lampton needed a project partner.

One of her students, Davina Hosick, is Austin Citibank at Work relationship manager. Intrigued with the idea of putting her education and Citibank’s resources to work in the community, Hosick presented Lampton’s idea to her employer.

A partnership developed, and on Jan. 9, 2007, Citibank presented a $1,000 check to Lampton and Austin Campus Director Heather McAllister.

The grant funds 10 financial literacy workshops throughout the Austin area. Citibank and Park share a common dedication to community outreach efforts. Citibank, a worldwide institution, is committed to educating the public about banking and financial topics, mortgage loans, credit and identity theft and other such topics. Park’s core values are built around providing access to education for all interested students.

Co-presented by Hosick and Lampton, the sessions are for Park

and Austin residents. Fifty students participated in the initial meetings, at the Austin Campus’ Student Appreciation Nights on Jan. 30-31.

Adjunct Professor Ed Bridgman helped facilitate.

This type of community partnership, part of Park’s civic engagement initiative, gives the University an immediate, tangible impact on the cities it serves. Staff and faculty members are always looking for ways to connect with local businesses and develop projects that address community needs. Often, those connections are made through students or alumni who work at the businesses.

Consider talking to your company’s on-site community relations manager about working with Park on projects of mutual interest. University Advancement staff are available to make presentations to committees or develop written proposals.

Introducing Park to your company could begin a relationship that is a real force for improvement in your city!

From left, Davina Hosick, Citibank at Work relationship manager; LisaMarie Nelson, financial executive; Greg Guillory, business banking officer; Shirley Evans, teller; Veronica Chacon, lead teller; Jacqueline Boston, Financial Center manager; Kunal Bhavsar, personal banker; Brenda Goodwin, Financial Center manager; Heather McAllister, Austin Campus director; and Jolene Lampton, Park assistant professor of management accounting

Tribute Gift Recognition

>> Alumni and Friends Who Make a Difference

Park University gratefully acknowledges the individuals, associations, corporations and foundations that honored loved ones and friends through tribute gifts between July 1 and Dec. 31, 2006.

IN MEMORY OF Harry Armstrong, 1898, and Alice Richards Armstrong, 1900, to the Chapel Terrace Robert Armstrong

Robert Gray, ’88, to the Dr. William Pivonka Science Scholarship Sam Potter, ’66, and Nancy Rohlfing Potter, ’66

Michael Baier to the Friends of the Library Harold Smith, ’44, and Carolyn Douglas Smith, ’47

Charles Griffith to the Organ Restoration and Repair Fund Peter Leveton and Mary Ann Offutt Leveton, ’58

Donie Baisden to the Park Fund Mark Baisden, ’05 Robert Barnett to the Park Fund Elizabeth Bates Barnett, ’41

John R. Hall, ’50, to the Park Fund Douglas Graham, ’50, and Charlotte Housman Graham, ’50

John J. Blair, ’39, to the Park Fund Mildred J. Schrimsher

John Hamilton to the Dr. John M. Hamilton Endowed Scholarship Floyd Jury and Shirley Flint Jury, ’60

Mary Ewell Bowen, ’42, to the Park Fund Arthur H. Bowen

Ola Mae Hendricks to the Park Fund Priscilla Hendricks, ’77

Charles Boyd, ’72, to the Park Fund Donna Latson Gittens, ’74

Thom Hunter, ’42, to the Park Fund Ruth Rinehart Hunter, ’44

Hans Brisch, ’64, to the Hans Brisch Endowed Scholarship Margaret Gatton Brisch, ’63 Rosemary Fry Plakas, ’63 Wayne Rogers, ’64

Verna Gail Johnson to the Friends of the Library Harold Smith, ’44, and Carolyn Douglas Smith, ’47

Elsie Brooks to the Park Fund Kenneth Brooks, ’89

Dimitar Kalchev to the Park Fund George Kalchev

Russell Jones Sr. to the Friends of the Library Harold Smith, ’44, and Carolyn Douglas Smith, ’47

Althea McLaren to the Park Fund Robert McLaren, ’45

Marco Summers to the Park Fund Alex Summers Jr., ’90

Jack and Elva Miller to the Park Fund Jack Miller Jr., ’02, and Donna Miller

Lindsey Turner Jr. to the Park Fund Catherine Richardson Turner, ’34

Willie Jane Moore to the Park Fund Kim DeBow, ’00 Peter Mori, ’45, to the Park Fund Yoko Mori

Christi Warner to the Founders Day Fund Cliff Warner

Oleva Morrison Myers, ’32, to the Myers Scholarship Fund Robert C. Myers, ’61 Stacie O’Dowd to the Park Fund Dorothy Potter O’Dowd, ’39

IN HONOR OF Adeile Ahmu to the Park Fund Alalagafa and Faafualua Tauanuu

Robert J. Pevitts to the Park Fund Sue Miner

American Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan Patrick Savelli, ’75

Merrill Proudfoot to the Friends of the Library David Peironnet, ’75

James Bellamy, ’66, to the Physics Department Hazel Bellamy

Claude Rader, 1908, to the Park Fund Harold Swischer, ’33

Nicole Betz to the Women’s Softball Fund Helen Rudolph

Claude Rader, 1908, and Olive Rader, 1908, to the Music Department Maurine Rader Summerfield, ’31

Jean Curl, ’50, to the Park Fund William Walinow Jr., ’71

Jean McCorkle Ross, ’42, to the Park Fund Thomas R. Ross, ’40

G. Lynn and Edna Browning to the Theatre Department Frank Browning, ’54

H.L. Kimbhal to the Park Fund Willie Kimbhal, ’95, and Isela Kimbhal

Laura Patterson Casper, ’39, to the Park Fund Linda Lee Marshall

Mary McGrew Lee to the Friends of the Library Albert and Betty Dusing G. Ann Schultis

Eleanor Chesnut, 1888, to the Park Fund Charlene Chesnut

Elizabeth Lerma to the Friends of the Library G. Ann Schultis

John R. Sanders to the Dr. John Sanders Memorial Scholarship Debra McArthur Carol Sanders

Lolita Nellans Clardy, ’53, to the Park Fund Guy Clardy, x51

Mary Milligan Locke, ’41, to the Park Fund Richard Locke, ’73

Wilber L. Schooler, ’35, to the Park Fund Mary Dean Schooler, ’38

Harold Condit to the Park Fund Harriett Luthi, ’95

Ruth Lofflin to the Friends of the Library Albert and Betty Dusing G. Ann Schultis

Marlowe Sherwood, ’63, to the Marlowe Sherwood Endowed Scholarship Julie McCollum

Louis and Dorothy Lynch to the Park Fund Lonie Lynch Horton, ’86

Lucille Picco Simpson, ’62, to the Park Fund Clifford Porter, ’64, and Elizabeth Streeter Porter, ’62 Barbara Walker Psarakis, ’62

Anna Cundiff to the Friends of the Library Albert and Betty Dusing David Davila to the Park Fund Augustin Davila, ’83, and Kyong Ok Davila Mary Riggs Dixon, ’47, to the Friends of the Library Harold Smith, ’44, and Carolyn Douglas Smith, ’47 Mary Soper Dunivant, ’51, to the Park Fund Ann Soper Davidson, ’52 David Elwess, ’64, to the Park Fund Deidre Bowman, ’71 Domenic Ferrante to the Park Fund Barbara Ferrante, ’98 Jack Friedman, ’71, to the Friends of the Library Albert and Betty Dusing G. Ann Schultis Myron Gabor to the Friends of the Library Albert and Betty Dusing G. Ann Schultis Delta Gier to the Park Fund Joseph Darby, ’56

Ethel Lyon to the Park Fund Anonymous Ruth Marie Roach Malan, ’38, to the Biology Department Hugh D. Malan, ’36 Ana Malpica to the Park Fund Tomas Rivera, ’94 Nicholas Manchion to the Nicholas Manchion English Award Joyce Nevins Susan Smith Shirley Stalford Marsh, ’44, to the Park Fund James D. Marsh Hugh McAfee, ’41, to the Park Fund Woody and Louise Davis Robert McBride, ’44, to the Friends of the Library Harold Smith, ’44, and Carolyn Douglas Smith, ’47 Marian McKee Cares, ’46, to the Park Fund Charles Cares

Sam Williams to the Nicholas Manchion English Award Clarene Rosas

Joy Rushfelt to the Park Fund Gerald Rushfelt

Evelyn Lare Smith, ’60, to the Evelyn Lare Smith Scholarship Fund Chevron Corp.

James Cobb, ’56, and Phyllis Dawson Cobb, ’58 Alexander Patience, ’59, and Roberta Fehlman Patience, ’56 G. Ed Stocking and Alice Lare Stocking, ’55 Charles Wright, ’54, and Mildred Wright, ’56 Mary McDowell Yagelowich, ’56 Ronald Zimmerman, ’56, and Susan Zimmerman Lucinda Bridgeland Smith, ’17, to the Park Fund Stuart and Pauline Smith Starfire, ’65, to the Dr. William Pivonka Science Scholarship Sam Potter, ’66, and Nancy Rohlfing Potter, ’66 Armour Stephenson, ’78, and Shirley Stephenson to the Park Fund Jeffrey Winston, ’79 William Strange, ’39, to the Park Fund Florence Heacock Strange, ’39

Dr. Jerzy Hauptmann to the Park Fund John Deryck, ’74 Alston Horrocks to the Park Fund Michael Horrocks, ’71 Virginia McCoy (T) to the Transfer Scholarship Fund Ray Seidelman Jr., ’00, and Sandra Seidelman Donna Miller to the Park Fund Jack Miller Jr., ’02 Dr. William C. Pivonka to the Dr. William C. Pivonka Science Scholarship Ron Cooperman, ’66 Art Kluge, ’65, and Susan Kluge Sam Potter, ’66, and Nancy Rohlfing Potter, ’66 Raytheon Co. Ronald Schwartz, ’70, and Michelle Minyard Schwartz, ’70 Harold Smith, ’44, and Carolyn Douglas Smith, ’47, to the Friends of the Library Jeraldeen McComb Sullenberger, ’45 Saranna Johnson Temple, ’43, to the Park Fund Barbara Fields Dr. Dorothy Harper Watson, x52, to the Park Fund Margaret LeShure Stark, x51 Lafe Williams, ’73, to the Park Fund W. Wilford Kale Jr., ’71 (T) Trustee

All donors are recognized in the Report to Investors, in the fall 2006 Alumniad.

If a name is not listed, please accept our apology and notify susan.smith@park.edu. We wish to honor all Park donors by listing their name correctly.

Spring 2007 ‹‹

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Byers-Pevitts

Stirs Vision into

by Rita Weighill, ’90, associate vice president for communication

The Park University Board of Trustees in December unanimously extended the contract of Park’s 14th president, Beverley Byers-Pevitts, Ph.D., until 2010, with an option through 2013. n Dr. Byers-Pevitts’ six years at the University, tremendous growth has occurred. Enrollment has increased 41 percent, from 17,920 in 2001 to 25,169 today; the budget has increased 123 percent, and the University’s endowment has grown by 81 percent.

Byers-Pevitts is a proven leader with the ability to stir vision into motion. She brought to the Park community an energy defined through renewed academic excellence, strengthened student services

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and the fostering of a one-University culture that embraces global education.

The Park of 2007 is focused on a future carefully sculpted in the imagination of those who have invested their creativity to develop a far-reaching strategic plan that will forward the University’s mission.

Here, President Byers-Pevitts shares memories of her time at Park and a glimpse into the University’s future.

You became Park’s 14th president in 2001, and there have been numerous changes since. How have these changes affected the Park community?

We have had a great change in culture in recent years, and we will continue to make changes as we fulfill our mission to serve our global community. We are a planning culture, and we invite everyone to be involved in the planning process.

There have been four major planning

groups in the past six years.

The first, the Strategic Planning Committee, involved more than 125 people in direct, active planning and resulted in Explorations & Transformations 2012: Access to Academic Excellence, our strategic plan. The committee included students, faculty, alumni, Trustees, staff and community leaders who participated in the development of this road map to our future.

Nearly two years ago we formed our Master Planning Commission, and that group worked for a year developing the Parkville Campus Master Facilities Plan, which was called for in Explorations & Transformations 2012.

The Enrollment Management Task Force was assembled for planning student support and career services based on demographic analysis, environmental scanning for sources of students, and a student retention plan. Resources for students include academic programs, admissions, financial resources, student support and career services that will be available to our learners on a “24/7-365” format.

In fall 2006 I appointed a Commission on Shared Governance. The charge for this 30-person commission is to put forward a working definition for shared governance at Park and how it can be enhanced at the University through collaborative and open communication strategies that will ensure quality education and scholarship for our student learners. Each commission member represents a University constituency. We have a broad representation from students, Trustees, faculty, staff and each major academic division. The commission is cochaired by Dr. Walter Kisthardt, a faculty member who also heads the Division of Social Work, and Judge Ann Mesle, the chair of our Board of Trustees Trusteeship Committee.

These four major initiatives are part of the foundation on which Park’s future will grow and be strengthened. It is important that we continually engage strategic groups that promote thinking and visioning about the betterment of the institution.

What are the core actions needed to ensure that the Park community is engaged and supportive of the University?

As president of Park University, I must always be guided by the mission of the institution, by promoting that mission to all University members and the communities we serve.

When Anne Mulcahy, CEO of Xerox, visited Park, I shared Park’s mission statement with her and asked what she looked for in new employees. She said, “We can train our employees to be the best if they come out of school prepared to communicate clearly and to think critically and creatively. Park University is an example of higher learning that is focused on a mission to prepare graduates with the knowledge to compete in an increasingly global economy.”

Our University culture is focused on Park’s mission and vision. Individuals who interview for positions with Park often tell me that everyone with whom they have met during the interviews talks about the University’s mission and vision. If we put trust in our mission and goals, then together we can achieve much success at Park.

What elements have you integrated into Park’s culture for faculty and staff that promotes a professionally developed workforce?

The most important asset in any institution is its people. Therefore, I strongly believe in continued personal and professional development for Park faculty and staff. I look for leaders who can communicate clearly and think

creatively, because creativity is an excellent path to problem solving. However, the most important characteristics I seek in a leader are actions and words that demonstrate a commitment to decision making that will benefit our students and move the University forward in its mission.

I envision the significant impact that will be made by the Park University Administrative Council, a group created several years ago that includes direct reports to the vice presidents. This group meets monthly and is concentrating on solving policy and training issues, as well as student and employee services. We view this innovative group as aspiring leaders and administrators. Succession planning is very important within the institution, and we provide training and development opportunities for emerging leaders.

As Park leaders are identified, the University provides these professional development opportunities, and I encourage faculty and staff to take advantage of these offerings. In return, I expect them to be leaders in their respective fields; I know that they will take on more responsibilities and will contribute back to the community and to the body of knowledge.

Because of the ongoing military involvement in world affairs, what is Park doing to help military personnel and their families?

We serve our military and their families wherever they are in the world.

We have served the military at campus centers on military installations since the early 1970s. We have always had some kind of support for dependents of activeduty personnel. After 9-11 the senior leadership team saw a need to provide more support for military spouses, and we began a military spouse endowed scholarship that is supported by alumni and friends.

Today, as our students engage in battle and other active-duty deployment, we recognize that this impacts those who stay home and take on additional roles, becoming both father and mother to the children. Often, the spouse’s educational Spring 2007 ‹‹

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goals are put on hold because of financial strains placed on the family. I believe that Congress should address this issue and that spouses should receive the same tuition assistance as active-duty members receive. As I said to one of our senators last spring, even if half of military tuition assistance was provided for the spouses of our active-duty personnel, it would positively impact retention in our country’s military ranks. Tuition assistance for spouses is a major point in Park’s legislative agenda, and we will continue to talk to Congress about this important issue facing military families.

I am also pleased that the senior leadership team recommended that the Board of Trustees reduce our graduate tuition for active-duty, active-duty dependents and retired military by 25 percent in order to assist access to graduate education. I cannot, on behalf of Park, speak to Congress and other citizens in this country about doing something to support military families if we at this University are not doing our part.

It is our duty as U.S. citizens to not just take care of our active-duty personnel, but also our active-duty dependents, especially military spouses, male and female. It saddens me that many people go about everyday life in the United States and never think about any obligation that we as citizens have to our military.

We continue to seek funds for our Homefront Military Spouse Endowed Scholarship.

What are your goals for Park?

We must dream about the possibilities that can transform Park as we fulfill the remaining goals of our strategic plan, Explorations & Transformations 2012, and believe that the Park community will advance the University by fulfilling these important goals.

What roles have the University’s Board of Trustees demonstrated in moving Park forward?

Park University is fortunate to have a forward-thinking governing Board. The Trustees understand what the University is doing and the need for varying

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modalities of delivering education.

Whether we are providing Online or faceto-face classes, our Trustees understand the importance of the University’s entrepreneurial nature.

Our Board, like boards of private institutions across this country, has a great responsibility to ensure that the University’s mission, policies and financial focus remain healthy. Our Board does that. The Trustees are always interested in promulgating Park’s mission. At every board meeting they ask how we are implementing the mission of the University. They want to know how we are accomplishing the goals and objectives of our strategic plan. They ensure appropriate policy changes, which will continue to advance Park’s 21st century higher education leadership for a global society.

They encourage us always to be engaged in revision and review of our policies and decision-making processes.

Our Trustees are innovative, entrepreneurial and intellectually sensitive to the needs of our student learners.

Our Board members share the story of Park University in their lives and work, wherever they go. Many are involved in international organizations and corporations as well as U.S. businesses.

We have several Trustees who as innovators in business are helping direct the institution to be engaged in the business of higher education. Ours is a very dedicated Board of Trustees, and I couldn’t be happier with or more grateful for our members!

Has the University’s international focus shifted in its purpose and outreach since your arrival?

Park’s international focus began in 1881 with two international students, one from Canada and one from Japan. Park’s mission from the beginning has been about access. Park prepared students to go around the world as educators, medical leaders and missionaries. Students still come to the University because during the late 1880s someone from Park went to their country and influenced the life of its individuals through education. That

influence advanced to the country’s next generations and created a chain of students who attend the University.

Every year, the number of Park international students grows, including those who are enrolled across the country.

One of our recent international graduates said to me, “I wanted to go out and see the world. I came to Park, and I met the world!” That is such an exciting concept.

Our emphasis on international and global education is not about just students coming to Park from other countries. It is also articulated through our student learners who have the opportunity to go around the world and share their educational experiences in other countries.

In what ways have Park faculty played an integral role at the University?

We have many incredible faculty members who are teaching, developing research and changing the lives of our students, whether they are teaching faceto-face or Online. A great number are engaged in the research of teaching, and many are engaged in active research and creative achievement in their professional areas. We have dedicated faculty who are well-prepared through their professional academic backgrounds to lead by example through their teaching, scholarship and/or creative activity. They continue to push the envelope, to search out what is in the best interest of our students, and to identify research that will prepare them for teaching in their literal and virtual classrooms.

I am thrilled about InSight … A Collection of Faculty Scholarship, created by our Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. The publication’s mission is “to connect faculty with resources to enhance academic excellence; promote a culture of reflective teaching practice to stimulate instructional innovation; create opportunities for cross-disciplinary faculty collaboration and exchange; and to recognize and reward faculty contributions to the scholarship of teaching and learning.”

I see more and more faculty embracing

our internationalization commitment, and Park is highly respected and recognized in higher education because of this commitment. We have been selected for the second year by the American Council on Education to participate in its Internationalization Task Force, and that has provided professional development opportunities for our faculty to have greater international opportunities.

In what ways has higher education changed over the years?

Higher education has been slow to change. If colleges and universities had been more innovative, this country’s higher education institutions would be in greater position now to be more effective.

We have to remain focused on access, affordability and assessment of student learning outcomes.

Access provides the way for every student to have an opportunity for education beyond high school. Park excels at providing access. We are grateful for recent federal legislation that provides the first increase in Pell Grants in the past five years for low-income students.

All academically qualified students should have access to higher education.

We at Park continue to support our needbased students with scholarships and institutional aid, and we maintain tuition rates comparable with public state universities, far below the cost of the average private higher educational institution’s tuition.

Park’s strategic plan, Explorations & Transformations 2012: Access to Academic Excellence, has made an impact on the University’s progress.

What are some of the major accomplishments?

Park has always been innovative and entrepreneurial. The University’s future is centered on all of our student learners

wherever they are located, whether faceto-face at one of our campuses or Online somewhere around the world.

When I gave my inaugural address in April 2002, I asked the University community to dream with me of new realities and new capabilities and new global horizons for all of our student learners in order that we could maximize our creative, educational and entrepreneurial potential. Much of what we have done through our planning and visioning document has led us in that direction.

In that same address I envisioned a center for technology and student services for all learners. We are currently working on a University Student Success Center that will be a virtual space for all of our students wherever they are around the globe.

Over the past five years we have developed new graduate programs, including the Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership and the Master’s in Healthcare Leadership. And we really expanded the areas of Master’s of Education, Business Administration, and Public Affairs. All of our master’s degrees are now delivered Online as well as face-to-face.

Our international connections continue to increase as faculty and students participate in academic programs and civic engagement opportunities. It is imperative for the University to prepare its learners through cultural awareness: through the ability to lead, the ability to communicate and the ability to conduct global business.

Our work is focused on completing our strategic plan; however, if we are to remain successful, we must continue to reflect on our past, be cognizant of our present and dream for the future.

There is a lot of buzz about the International Institute for Global Culture, Economics and

Understanding. What is it and how will it serve the University?

The International Institute for Global Culture, Economics and Understanding is a physical and virtual space. The physical building will be in a prominent place on the Parkville Campus and will provide a professional presence for Park’s globally connected academic programs.

The institute will host major cultural, entrepreneurial and economic academic conferences for global solutions. It will provide fine arts and performing arts space to be utilized for cultural engagement and fine arts performance activities for the benefit of our students and our communities.

Conferences hosted at the Global Institute will be accessible through live webcasts that will convey content to our 43 campus centers around the United States and the world. These live web conferences will include people in Parkville, India, China or other international settings. It will allow citizens worldwide to interact about global solutions, cultural engagement and entrepreneurial opportunities for creating a global society and for healing a wounded world.

I believe that the building will stand as an icon for global understanding through the accomplishments of the three major academic centers housed there: the International Center for Culture and the Arts, the International Center for Civic Engagement, and the International Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development.

We saw the potential impact of live webcasts at our December commencement. A Marine student stationed in Iraq was presented his Park diploma by his commanding officer through a live video feed, which was viewed on screen by more than 5,000 people in attendance at the Kansas Cityarea commencement. He shared the following comment about his Park experience: “Park has been nothing but supportive to my unique challenges in pursuing my degree. I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all Park professionals (continued on pg. 33) Spring 2007 ‹‹

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Growth. Opportunity.

Outreach.

President Beverley Byers-Pevitts’ six years of academic EXCELLENCE 2001

2002

Beverley Byers-Pevitts, Ph.D., arrives at Park University as its 14th president and the first woman president in school history.

The Presidential Honors Scholarship is established with financial gifts received from the faculty and staff fundraising campaign. When fully endowed, the scholarship will provide full tuition to academically gifted students — five freshmen, five sophomores, five juniors and five seniors.

Park begins the acquisition of Fred Pryor Seminars, CareerTrack and Evelyn Woods Reading Dynamics under Park University Enterprises, a nonprofit corporation.

The University undergoes assessment by internal and external teams.

Peter Soule, ’73, Ph.D., professor of economics, receives a Fulbright Scholarship to teach in the Ukraine.

Following the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, Park establishes the Homefront Military Spouse Scholarship to aid spouses of active-duty personnel and the Homefront Project to help families of active-duty military adjust to deployment.

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At her inauguration, President ByersPevitts announces the establishment of the Strategic Planning Committee to oversee the task forces charged with exploring ways to revitalize and expand campus resources to better serve students.

The historical Mackay Hall, one of the most photographed buildings in Greater Kansas City, undergoes a face-lift and other restoration, including replacement of the original 1893 roof with a slate version, work on the tower, a new carillon and improved outside lighting.

The campus community enjoys a weeklong series of events to commemorate the inauguration of Park’s 14th president, culminating in an Investiture Ceremony on April 12 in the Breckon Sports Center.

Park University is approved by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools to deliver Online master’s degrees in every area that Park offers undergraduate majors.

The Community College of the Air Force selects Park University to offer Online education courses to its military personnel.

The Randolph AFB Campus Center in San Antonio, Texas, opens.

The student-run Pirate Grounds coffee shop opens in the Millsap Foyer of the Academic Underground. The business serves the Park community with a variety of hot and cold beverages, including the Park Blend, made especially for the University by The Roasterie in Kansas City, Mo. The Roasterie’s founder and CEO, Danny O’Neill, is a Park Trustee.

Yearlong renovations to the Park University White House are completed, reinstating the house’s original 1916 design. Built for Park’s second president, Frederick Hawley, and his wife, Pauline, the White House has served as home to every Park president since 1916. In November 2002 President Byers-Pevitts and her spouse, Robert Pevitts, Ph.D., moved in.

2003 Stanislav Ioudenitch, a world-renowned musician and 2001 winner of the Van Cliburn competition, joins the faculty as an associate professor of music. This complements the resurrection of Park’s music

program as an academic major.

Ioudenitch teaches in the International Center for Music and is the creative artistic director of the Youth Conservatory for Music.

The International Center for Music is launched.

The Park University Board of Trustees approves the 10-year strategic plan, Explorations &Transformations 2012: Access to Academic Excellence, the University’s 10-year strategic plan,

The Watson Literacy Center in the Academic Underground is dedicated in honor of benefactor and alumna Dorothy Harper Watson, ’52, Ph.D. The center serves to help education students and the community. In the spring it hosts the River Read Children’s Literacy Festival for students to meet children’s book authors.

The Charleston AFB Campus Center in South Carolina opens.

Park University is one of 14 national locations and the only Midwest location chosen to host the Association of American Colleges and Universities dialogue between university, civic and community leaders to discover ways universities can better serve democracy and help students become better learners. The meeting’s dialogue for the meeting is Greater Expectations: A New Vision for Learning as a Nation Goes to College.

Nicolas Koudou, Ph.D., director of graduate programs in business

administration and an associate professor of business administration, receives a Fulbright Scholarship to teach for nine months in the Republic of Benin, West Africa.

2004 Park University partners with the Pioneer Services Foundation to provide Online education to active-duty military personnel and their dependents, Department of Defense civilian employees and retired military personnel.

The Hanscom AFB Campus Center in Bedford, Mass., opens.

The College for Distance Learning opens with a ribboncutting ceremony.

President Byers-Pevitts declares Nov. 8 “Democracy Day,” using the U.S. Constitution as the theme and instituting an essay contest for high school seniors in the Greater Kansas City area and in Virginia. Each year the essays focus on a specific constitutional topic, with a panel of distinguished scholars and public officials serving as judges. The grand prize winner receives a $2,000 scholarship to Park or a $1,000 scholarship to another school.

The Platte County Economic Development Council in Missouri honors Park University with the Job Development Award for creating jobs for Platte County residents.

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Park University incorporates a new document managing system provided by Jenzabar CX and Xerox Global Services to help meet President Byers-Pevitts’ charge to function as “One University.”

The new technology serves Park’s unique student body and multiple campus structure and assists the University’s administrative offices to extend their services to ensure accessibility to all Park’s constituents worldwide.

The Model United Nations, started on the Parkville Campus by Professor Emeritus Jerzy Hauptmann, Ph.D., is revitalized. Park’s People to People International chapter, local high school students and teachers participate in the program and role-play as U.N. countries to resolve conflicts and create international cooperation.

The 42nd campus center opens at Wentworth Junior College in Lexington, Mo.

The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools grants Park University a 10year accreditation — its top approval for an institution of higher learning.

The College for Distance Learning relocates to the Academic Underground.

2005 Park’s Downtown Kansas City Campus relocates to the eighth and ninth floors of Commerce Towers at 911 Main St. The location consists of 31,000 square feet and state-of-the-art classrooms. It will serve as home to the Graduate School and the Professional Development Institute.

The Austin (Texas) Campus Center celebrates its relocation to the Avallon Building II with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

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Park launches the International Center for Civic Engagement to advance the school’s global mission, establish links with international efforts and provide innovative educational opportunities for Park learners within a global society.

Erik Bergrud, M.P.A. ’94, is appointed executive director.

Park ranks second in the U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” issue based on African-American diversity in the Midwest Region in 2006. Park also ranks in the top 100 colleges and universities in the nation for minority student graduation numbers.

Park University introduces its Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership degree to equip students to be effective leaders and communicators in the global community.

2006 U.S. News & World Report ranks Park’s Online as the second largest provider for Online education in the nation.

The magazine’s E-Learning Guide notes 40,000 student enrollments in Online classes at Park during the 2004-05 academic year.

As part of the guideline for the future set forth by President ByersPevitts, Park establishes the Master Planning Commission to chart development of the Parkville Campus.

Park University confers the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to retired Gen. Richard Myers, former chairman of

the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the 2006 spring commencement ceremony.

The Council on Social Work Education grants full accreditation to Park University’s baccalaureate social work degree program.

Steven Youngblood, assistant professor of communication arts, receives his second Fulbright Scholarship to teach in Azerbaijan in spring 2007. He received his first Fulbright in 2001 to teach in Moldova.

The University establishes the Hauptmann School for Public Affairs fellows program to affiliate distinguished community leaders with the HSPA. President Byers-Pevitts and Park faculty and staff from the Washington, D.C., campus centers at the tomb of the unknown soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

Park develops its first international degree program for classroom teachers on the islands of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia, and on Majuro and Ebeye in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. In fall 2006, students from three cohorts in the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific enroll in the first international course, Educational Psychology, taught by education Associate Professor Ed Hight, Ph.D.

Park University opens its 43rd campus center at Vandenberg AFB in California.

Park introduces its Master’s in Healthcare Leadership degree.

Sprint Nextel partners with Park to install a custom underground network to offer cellular service in the Academic and Commercial underground areas for its customers. Park’s underground area is the first fully cellular underground facility in the Kansas City area.

On Sept. 11, 2006, President ByersPevitts joins with Park representatives, faculty and staff from the Washington, D.C., Campus Centers at Arlington National Cemetery to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, tragedies. The wreath honors the memory of all Park University students who gave their lives for their country.

The U.S. Army Continuing Education System selects Park University to serve on the 2006-07 GoArmyEd Advisory Group. The advisory group will serve as a forum for discussion of GoArmyEd issues, including possible functional and technical enhancements.

During the fall 2006 commencement ceremony in Kansas City, for the first time Park University The confers via live International video feed a Relations degree to a Council military student presents serving in Iraq, President Byersmade possible Pevitts with the

by Freedom International Calls Foundation Academic (see p. 19). Plans Leadership are underway to award to confer other President Byers-Pevitts and former Secretary of recognize her degrees to State Madeleine Albright, Ph. D. commitment to military students preparing students for participation in overseas at the spring 2007 the global community. commencement.

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Campus News Interior Design Students Design Petwares Student designers and architects created fashionable pet attire and wares for the PetUtopia II “Couture + Habitats + Petware” event Oct. 6.

Creations benefited Canine Companions for Independence.

Park seniors Santina King and Kathi Thibault made a doggie outfit for display and auction at Encompas gallery in Kansas City, Mo. Kansas City architects, interior designers and firms, as well as local designers and artists, created pet furnishings and accessories for the International Interior Design Association-sponsored event.

History Students Attend Great Plains Conference History majors Courtney Culp, senior, and juniors Brett Ferguson and Hana Thornton presented papers at the 41st Annual Northern Great Plains History Conference in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Oct. 5-6, 2006.

Ferguson’s paper was titled How Would Have the American Colonies Evolved? A Counterfactual Examination.

Culp presented on Cultural Separation and the Captive Narrative, and Thornton’s paper addressed The Dark Goddess: The Pre-Hellenic Goddess Cults and Their Demise after the Hellenic Invasions.

Timothy Westcott, Ph.D., assistant professor of history, presented a paper, I am an American: A Case Study of Nisei Students Attending College and the National Response. Ann Schultis, director of library systems, and freshman history major Brian Moon also attended the conference.

Park Shares Leadership Competencies with Land Grant Universities Park hosted a segment of Lead-21, a 12month leadership development program for senior faculty and recently

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appointed administrators at land grant universities, Oct. 10, 2006, on the Parkville Campus. Participants learned from Park’s model on innovation, adaptation, diverse perspectives and sophisticated appreciation of the role of higher education in society.

The session included an overview of the University by Provost and Senior Vice President Michael Droge, Ph.D. One panel discussion covered distance education pedagogy/technology, leadership, innovation, change management, assessment and diversity. Panel members included graduate student Denzil Ross, ’06; Communication Coordinator Summer Evans, M.P.A. ’06; communications arts Associate Professor Mark Noe, Ph.D.; College of Arts and Sciences Dean Thimios Zaharopoulos, Ph.D.; and education Assistant Professor Ed Hight, Ph.D. The day concluded with a panel that discussed leadership and its challenges: fostering an entrepreneurial culture, positioning to take advantage of change and opportunities, and the importance of diversity.

Park Hosts CERT Training On Oct. 14, 2006, Park University Public Safety welcomed nine county representatives and five county emergency managers from the Kansas City metropolitan area for the Northland Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) search and rescue exercise. Two groups worked their way down from Observatory Hill to rescue victims trapped in a building on the lower campus.

In addition to county public safety officials, an Eagle Scout volunteer participated in the exercise to earn his final patch. All victims were found, and the exercise concluded successfully.

ICS Students Take Second in Programming Contest Information and computer science students won second place at the annual Association for Computing Machinery programming contest at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Mo., on Nov. 4, 2006.

Park’s competitors were divided into team Pirate, with senior Nick Kreeger,

Students Gather Toys for Tots The Zeta Omicron Chapter of Park’s History Honor Society collected more than 350 toys during the Toys for Tots fundraiser in November 2006 at the Parkville Campus.

Zeta Omicron, Cub Scout Pack 348 and Lifetouch Publishing collected new, unwrapped toys for needy children in the Greater Kansas City community. Toys for Tots is sponsored by Students Caleb May, Mariette the Marine Corps Janning and Courtney Culp with President Byers-Pevitts.

Reserve.

The History Honor Society encourages research, good teaching, publication and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians. It seeks to bring students, teachers and writers of history together for intellectual and social exchange.

<< CAMPUS NEWS

Park: one University, 43 campus centers in 21 states and Online senior John Nickell and junior Rodrigo Neri, and team Kidd, with sophomores Bavitha Vinod and Azbilegt Chuluunbat and senior Donovan Thompson. Pirate earned second place, and Kidd took honorable mention. Associate Professor and CS Program Coordinator Wen Hsin, Ph.D., is the coach.

Contestants were challenged to solve seven problems in five hours. Northwest Missouri State’s team of two graduate students and one undergraduate solved five problems. Park’s team Pirate solved four problems. Team Pirate solved the first problem within 16 minutes, and team Kidd within 87 minutes, leading most other teams by a considerable margin.

The ICS faculty “are so proud of our students who participated in the event,” Hsin said. “As far as we’re concerned, these students are all winners.”

Third Annual Career Fair a Success The Career Development Center again hosted the annual Meet, Eat and Greet Career Fair on Nov. 8, 2006, in the Breckon Sports Center.

The fair was attended by 202 students and 56 employers. Afterward, President Beverley Byers-Pevitts, Ph.D., welcomed 131 employers and 13 faculty at a luncheon. Clarinda Creighton, vice president of student services, also attended.

Senior Igor Glisic speaks with an FBI representative.

ACM Student Clubs Host Computer Programming Workshop The Association for Computing Machinery’s Online and Parkville student

Student Serving in Iraq Receives Diploma via Live Feed The audience burst into applause at the Dec. 16, 2006, commencement ceremony when 1st Sgt. Robert Palechek, ’06, appeared on three jumbo screens at the Community of Christ Auditorium in Independence, Mo. Palechek, who is deployed to Iraq, received his diploma from President Beverley Byers-Pevitts, Ph.D., via live video feed made possible by the Freedom Calls Foundation. His commanding officer, Capt. Nathan Frye, presented the diploma.

Originally from Pleasanton, Calif., Palechek completed a bachelor of science in management/human resources (summa cum laude) from Park University Online while being deployed. He has served 18 years in the Marine Corps and is enrolled in Park’s Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership program.

His wife and three children live in Murrieta, Calif. Video recording of the ceremony is at www.park.edu/grads/. chapters hosted the second Squeak computer programming workshop for Parkville Science Club students and area community students at the Parkville Campus on Nov. 11, 2006.

Daniel Green of Sun Microsystems introduced the history of computing and other multimedia programming environments. Students also learned how to use various Squeak tools to race cars.

Park ACM student participants included Online ACM President John Nickell, senior; Secretary Rodrigo Neri, junior; and Parkville ACM President Nick Kreeger, senior. ACM faculty adviser Wen Hsin, Ph.D., assisted in the workshop.

The first Squeak workshop, conducted May 13, 2006, taught students programming basics. ACM scheduled the second workshop in response to positive feedback.

Library Adds Databases The McAfee Memorial Library has added electronic databases, most of which contain full-text periodical articles. The databases are accessible for all students, faculty and staff through the library’s web site, www.park.edu/library/database.aspx, and

by remote access with an OPEN ID and password.

Practice Your Language Proficiency at Lunch Parkville Campus faculty, students, staff and community members practiced their French and Spanish during the fall — over lunch. The gatherings provided a casual atmosphere where speakers at all levels could refresh their language skills and meet people. The only rule: English was not allowed. The French coordinator was Angie Peterson, the Spanish coordinator Jennifer Sanders.

Student Receives Freeman-ASIA Scholarship Junior Krista Irick has received the Freeman-Asia Award, a nationally competitive scholarship that funds study in an Asian country.

Irick’s major is in East Asian linguistics and culture study, and she is Park’s first applicant and first winner of the scholarship. Her study in Nanjing, China, in the 2007 spring semester will be provided by the College Consortium for International Studies.

Through the generous support of the Freeman Foundation, the Institute of Spring 2007 ‹‹

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CAMPUS NEWS >>

International Education administers the Freeman-ASIA Awards. Since the program began in 2000, Freeman-ASIA has helped more than 2,500 U.S. undergraduates study in East and Southeast Asia.

Freeman-ASIA Awards seeks to increase the number of U.S. undergraduates who study in East Asia.

Awardees are expected to encourage study in East Asia and further an understanding of Asian peoples and cultures by sharing their experiences with their home campuses and community.

Wreath Placed at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier On the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, President Beverley ByersPevitts, Ph.D., and Park faculty and staff from the Washington, D.C., campus centers placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. See a slideshow of the event at www.park.edu/executivestaff/gallery.html.

Art Exhibit Honors Mexican Celebration The Campanella Gallery featured the invitational group exhibit Ofrendas: Offerings to Loved Ones Lost on Oct. 23Dec. 1, 2006. Curated by Allison Pinneke, arts education coordinator of the Mattie Rhodes Center in Kansas City, Mo., the exhibit is a special expansion of the Mattie Rhodes Art Gallery celebrating El Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead). Mexicans recognize El Dia de los Muertos as a way to honor deceased relatives.

Artists Alisha Gambino, Maria Vasquez Boyd and Pinneke created the ofrendas, or altars. The exhibit parallels the efforts over the years at the Mattie Rhodes Art Gallery to encourage cultural understanding in other parts of Greater Kansas City.

Faculty Members, Student Graduate from CERT Training Pat Chernovitz, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry and physics, and theatre freshman Michael Andrews are Park’s first graduates of the Northland CERT 20-hour course in basic emergency medical, search and rescue, fire safety and emergency preparedness.

Training took place Nov. 17-19, 2006, at

Park Representatives Attend Kofi Annan’s Final Public Address Students, faculty and administrators were at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Museum and Library on Dec. 11, 2006, for Kofi Annan’s final public speech as United Nations secretary-general.

President Beverley Byers-Pevitts, Ph.D.; Erik Bergrud, M.P.A. ’94, special assistant to the president and director of Park’s International Center for Civic Engagement; communication arts Assistant Professor Steven Youngblood; and four members of Park’s Model U.N. Club represented Park. Following the speech, they met with Rep. Emanuel From left, Alvin Brooks, Lindsey Deegan, Erik Cleaver II, D-Mo., and Kansas City, Mo., Bergrud, Beverley Byers-Pevitts, Emanuel Cleaver II, Vusal Mamadov, Gelin Liao, Salam Lazkani and Mayor Pro Tem Alvin Brooks, a member of the University’s Board of Visitors. More Steven Youngblood. at www.trumanlibrary.org.

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Pat Chernovitz and Michael Andrews extinguish a fire during CERT training.

the Parkville Campus.

The volunteer program prepares community members to take care of themselves, their family and their neighborhood in a disaster, and to assist the police and fire departments.

Youth Have Fun with Science and Technology Park hosted Kansas City’s FIRST LEGO League Robotics Tournament on Jan. 20, 2007, at the Business and Technology College in Kansas City, Mo. The Kauffman Foundation funded the event.

FIRST LEGO League is an international robotics program for students 9-14 that helps ignite enthusiasm for discovery in science and technology. The annual event presents challenges based on issues of the day, and teams research, design and build an autonomous robot to meet those challenges. Youth use science technology and engineering, learn through fun and hands-on experiences, and experiment with and overcome obstacles and gain self-confidence.

This year’s theme was Nano Quest.

Twenty-nine teams with up to 10 members each registered for the tournament.

Founded in 1989, FIRST LEGO League is in 45 countries and has had more than 90,000 participants. For more information about FLL, visit www.usfirst.org.

The

Ireland

Experience

by Julie McCollum, director of alumni relations

Park alumni and friends convened Sept. 8 on the Emerald Isle to experience the Alumni Association’s 2006 tour of Ireland. The 22 travelers hailed from Montana, Arkansas, Illinois, Virginia and Missouri. Some had taken other trips together, but most were new to the group. By trip’s end, all were friends.

Many explored the city, which is full of ancient historical sites and modern Irish nightlife.

From Galway the group was ferried to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands.

There we experienced traditional Irish

peat bogs and other sights. The highlight of the day was Kylmore Abbey, a magnificent mansion that began as a home and later was converted to an abbey and girls school. On the second day we experienced the extreme contrasts characteristic of Ireland. We drove through the stark, barren limestone shores of the Burren region, taking in scenery that evolved into one of The group represented the most beautiful coastlines in the campus centers nationwide, world, best known for its spectacular traditional and nontraditional Cliffs of Moher. The stay in Galway programs, undergraduate and ended with a medieval dinner, graduate schools and classes complete with the “royalty” sharing spanning six decades. their castle and “mead.”

Alumni Jean Benjamin Bell, Then it was off to Killarney. Day ’53; Bob Bell, ’53; Kathy trips included the Dingle peninsula Brogdon, ’04; Lisa Muntz, with its spectacular seascapes, M.P.A. ’05; Susan Nichols, quaint villages and ancient ruins, ’04; Clifford Porter, x63; Betsy and the Ring of Kerry, which Streeter Porter, ’62; Marie included Blarney Castle, where we Taylor, ’84; Tom Troutman, took turns kissing the Blarney Back row: Cheryl Campbell; Gary McCollum; Julie McCollum; Tom Troutman, ’02; Wanda Croasdale, ’65; stone. Killarney is filled with horse’02; Clifford Porter, x63 Third row: Wanda Croasdale, ’65; Susan Rablin, ’06; Marie Taylor, ’84; Alan Susan Rablin, ’06; and Mike drawn carriages, lavish gardens and McArthur, student; Mike Lamphier, ’90 Lamphier, ’90, were joined by pubs, where we spent our free time Second Row: Lisa Muntz, M.P.A. ’05; Kathy Brogdon, ’04; Carol Redenti; Bob Debra McArthur, Parkville people-watching and listening to Bell, ’53; Betsy Street Porter, ’62; Carol Lamphier Front row: Mary Jane Headley; Debra McArthur; John McArthur; Susan Nichols, Campus director of academic music. ’04; Jean Benjamin Bell, ’53; April McArthur, student support services, and Park Traveling to Ireland was an students Alan and April incredible experience that yielded McArthur. A few family members and culture and ancient Celtic ruins, and we many rewards. We saw where Angela’s friends added to the group dynamics.

Ashes took place and where Ryan’s bought Irish knits, ate Irish stew and After witnessing a breathtaking sunrise Daughter and The Quiet Man were drank Irish beer. Over the next two days over the incredibly green Irish coastline, filmed. We tasted, felt, smelled and heard we explored the area by motor coach and we landed at the Shannon Airport and so many places in ways you can never discovered that Ireland is a country of were greeted by our Go Next tour guides. experience through a photo or movie. amazing landscapes and vast beauty.

Our first destination was the coastal city How to sum up the Ireland We spent our first day trip on a bus, of Galway, where we spent free time experience? Incredible, indescribable, winding through the narrow roads of the adjusting to the six-hour time difference. inspiring! Wish you had been there!

Connemara and stopping to see castles, Plan to join us for the 2007 Alumni Association trips, when alumni and friends will visit Poland from July 26-Aug. 4 and Beijing, China, from Nov.1-8. You’ll be glad you did!

Spring 2007 ‹‹

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Pirates

All-Sp rts Schedule

WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GOLF April 2-3 5 6 9-10 16-17 23-24 30-May 1 15-18

SOFTBALL

William Woods Invitational, Fulton, Mo., TBA William Jewell Spring Invitational, Liberty, Mo., 1 p.m.

William Jewell Spring Invitational, Liberty, Mo., 8 a.m.

Baker Invitational, Baldwin City, Kan., 8 a.m.

Park University Spring Invitational, The National Golf Club of Kansas City, 9 a.m.

MCAC Championships, Bartlesville, Okla., TBA Region IV Championships, Sunflower Hills Golf Course, Bonner Springs, Kan., TBA NAIA National Championships, San Marcos, Calif., all day

April 4 6 7 11 14 14 17 20 21 24

BASEBALL April 3 4 6-7 11 13-14 17 20-21 24 25 May 3-5 9-12 15-19 25-26 28-June 1

Peru State College, Comfort Field, 1 and 3:30 p.m.

William Jewell College, Liberty, Mo., 3 p.m.

Newman University, Comfort Field, 1 and 3:30 p.m.

Benedictine College, Comfort Field, 1 and 3:30 p.m.

Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Bartlesville, Okla., 1 and 3:30 p.m.

College of the Ozarks, Comfort Field, 1 and 3:30 p.m.

Bellevue University, Bellevue, Neb., 1 and 3:30 p.m.

Peru State College, Peru, Neb., 1 and 3:30 p.m.

William Jewell College, Comfort Field, 3 p.m.

MCAC Tournament, Omaha, Neb., TBA Region IV Tournament, TBA Super Regional Tournament, TBA NAIA National Tournament, Lewiston, Idaho, TBA NAIA National Tournament, Lewiston, Idaho, TBA

26 28 May 3-4 9-11 18-23

Central Christian College, Park Softball Field, 2 and 4 p.m.

Peru State College, Park Softball Field, 2 and 4 p.m.

York College, Park Softball Field, 1 and 3 p.m.

William Jewell College, Liberty, Mo., 3 and 5 p.m.

Columbia College, Fulton, Mo., noon William Woods University, Fulton, Mo., 2 p.m.

Haskell Indian Nations University, Lawrence, Kan., 3 and 5 p.m.

College of Saint Mary, Omaha, Neb., 3 and 5 p.m.

Bellevue University, Omaha, Neb., noon and 2 p.m.

MidAmerica Nazarene University, Park Softball Field, 2 and 4 p.m.

Washburn University, Topeka, Kan., 3 and 5 p.m.

Ottawa University, Park Softball Field, 1 and 3 p.m.

MCAC Tournament, TBA Region IV Tournament, TBA National Tournament, Decatur, Ala., TBA

TRACK April 7 10 14 19-21 27-28 May 12 24-26

Northwest Missouri State Invitational, Maryville, Mo., all day Baker Quad, Baldwin City, Kan., all day William Jewell Relays, Liberty, Mo., all day KU Relays, Lawrence, Kan., all day UMKC Invitational, Kansas City, Mo., all day Emporia State Last Chance Meet, Emporia, Kan., all day NAIA National Outdoor Championships, Fresno, Calif., all day

MENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S VOLLEYBALL April 12-14

NAIA National Invitational Tournament, Riverside, Calif., TBA

Bold denotes games on the Parkville campus.

MCAC denotes Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference.

NAIA denotes National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.

Schedule is subject to change. Contact the sports information director at (816) 584-6490 or jerod.dahlgren@park.edu.

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Pirate Club mission statement Through our founding principles of Fides et Labor (faith and work), the Pirate Club promotes the rich tradition of Park University and its athletics by supporting, encouraging and developing the student-athlete.

On Oct. 6, 2006, 16 individuals with an affinity for Park and its athletic programs created the Pirate Club, the University’s first booster organization for athletic programs. Led by Athletic Director Claude English, Trustee Jinny McCoy and Roland Shelton, assistant vice president for development, the group has met nearly twice a month to finalize goals, bylaws and membership levels.

The Pirate Club will cultivate interest in and financial support for Park athletics while helping student-athletes achieve academic and athletic success.

To meet the growing demands of competition at a higher level, private contributions augment the athletic department’s operational funds. These contributions support the athletic budget for program enhancement and scholarships.

As an alumnus, alumna, fan, friend or former studentathlete, your support has a direct impact on the success of the University’s athletic teams.

M E M B E R S H I P

B E N E F I T S

Contributions are tax-deductible. Contact your tax adviser for specifics.

JOLLY ROGER: $15 (current students only) ●

Eye patch

●

Pirate T-shirt

CROW’S NEST: $25 ●

T-shirt

●

Decal

SWABBIE: $50 ●

Coozie

●

Decal

●

T-shirt

Decal

●

Pirate pin

●

Pirate pin

●

Pirate pin

MATEY: $100 ●

Polo shirt

●

GIVING Annual Gifts The most popular way to give is through cash or credit card.

These gifts allow the Pirate Club to allocate funds as needed. Your donation applies toward membership levels.

Matching Gifts Numerous companies offer matching gift programs for employee charitable contributions. A donation and matching gift apply toward your membership level. Check with your HR department.

Scholarship Endowments Endowing an athletic scholarship pays tribute to a friend, relative, former student-athlete or former athletic staff member, while solidifying the athletic department’s future.

PIRATE CLUB BOARD MEMBERS Jinny McCoy, Trustee, chair Dirk Lawson, ’94, chair-elect Bill Brooks, ’93, M.Ed. ’98, vice chair Ken Smith, ’94, secretary Rachel Knittel Slaughter, ’99, treasurer Anteco Cross, ’96, committee chair Pam Bankhead Jerod Dahlgren Claude English Johnnie Fields Elvin Hatamzada

Julie McCollum John McKinzie Jennifer Sanders Roland Shelton Jeff Stanley Max Taouil, ’92 Mishca Waliczek, ’95 Meg Waters Donald L. Williams

BUCCANEER: $250 ●

Watch

●

Decal

●

Pirate pin

To join or contribute to the Pirate Club, contact:

●

Pirate pin

Claude English, (816) 584-6492 claude.english@park.edu

CAPTAIN: $500 ●

Golf vest

●

Jacket

●

Decal

ADMIRAL: $1,000 ●

Decal

PIRATE CLUB LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP: $5,000 ● ● ● ●

Pass to all athletic events 2 tickets for annual awards banquet Preferred parking at tournaments hosted by Park ● Decal Watch

Roland Shelton, (816) 584-6844 roland.shelton@park.edu

Join the Pirate Club online at www.park.edu/give

Pat Fayard, (816) 584-6425, pat.fayard@park.edu

Spring 2007 ‹‹

23

• Golf Outing at Tiffany Greens Golf Course - Two-man scramble for alumni and friends - $75 per player includes greens fees, cart, food and prizes. Put your team together and register with the Office of Alumni Relations.

• Class of 1957 reunion - Golden Reunion Dinner hosted by President Beverley Byers-Pevitts, Ph.D., in the University White House garden • Reunion of the early ‘60s classes and friends at McCoy Meetin’ House

• Chapel service • Farewell brunch Schedule subject to change. Specific times will be available at www.park.edu/alumni and also will be distributed by mail.

additional features • Reunion tables at all events • Memorabilia displays • Class reunion gatherings throughout the weekend • Hospitality room hosted by the Alumni Council

• President’s Brunch for all alumni from classes prior to 1957 Purchase guests tickets as Friday breakfast. Indicate number of guests attending.

• Class get-togethers; watch your mail for details.

• Friends of the Library • Campus bus tours • A Special Evening at Liberty Memorial Be an Alumni Association guest from 5 to 7 p.m., when Park has exclusive after-hours access to the World War I Museum and Tower overlooking the city. Have dinner with President Beverley ByersPevitts, Ph.D., and Tim Wescott, Ph.D., history department chair, as they discuss Park’s role in the renovation of this American icon and share a video of Park’s first live via satellite feed graduation of a soldier-student deployed in Iraq. (Register for free museum tickets.

Dinner tickets are $15.)

• Alumni Association Annual Meeting - Presentation of Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Service Award to Francis C. “Pete” Campbell, ’78, and Torchlighter Award to Daley Walker - Presentation of Golden Diplomas to the Class of 1957 - Park University 2007, a presentation by President Beverley ByersPevitts, Ph.D., with Q&A session • Class reunion luncheon - Classes of 1937, 1942, 1947, 1952, 1957, early ’60s, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997 and 2002 - Class photos • Awards banquet and dance - Dancing Under the Stars, KCI Marriott Pavilion by the lake - Cocktail reception, dinner, dancing and Distinguished Alumnus Award presentation to Jerry L. Schrader, ’57 - Options available: banquet and dance, or dance only

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• The Point will be open • Van transportation on campus • Breakfast and lunch served in Thompson Commons, beginning Friday • Shelter house at Julian Field open all day Saturday

reunions • Golden Class Reunion, Class of 1957 • Class reunions for all classes ending in 2 and 7 • Early ‘60s and friends To receive reunion mailings, call (800) 488-7275 or e-mail alumnioffice@park.edu.

campus housing Dorm rooms will be available in Chesnut Hall. Indicate special housing needs on the registration form. The front desk will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

alternate housing options A rate of $84 per night is available at the Kansas City Airport Marriott, 775 Brasilia Ave., Kansas City, Mo., the location of the awards banquet and dance. For reservations call (800) 810-2771; the local number is (816) 464-5613.

alumni association awards Jerry L. Schrader, ’57, M.D., will receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award, the Park University Alumni Association’s highest honor, recognizing lifetime achievement. The award will be presented June 16 at the awards banquet and dance at the Kansas City Airport Marriott.

Francis C. “Pete” Campbell, ’78, will receive the Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Service Award. Daley Walker will receive the Torchlighter Award in recognition of 43 years of service to Park.

These awards will be presented June 16 at the Alumni Association meeting in Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel.

Recipients’ profiles will be published in the summer Alumniad.

by Carolyn McHenry Elwess, 71, archivist

lthough Park men participated in campus military drills as early as the Spanish-American War of 1898, they first saw combat on foreign soil toward the end of World War I. More than 50 students and numerous alumni enlisted in U.S. military branches after the United States declared war on Germany in April 1917.

Ten Park men died while in service; some were killed in battle and others were victims of disease. Some went above and beyond the call of duty, including Army Lt. George S. Robb, ’12, who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Lt. Robb distinguished himself on the battlefield and in 1919 was selected

by Gen. John “Black Jack” Pershing as one of his “100 American Heroes.”

A

LT. GEORGE S. ROBB, U.S. ARMY, 369TH INFANTRY, 93RD DIVISION

Following is an account of Robb’s heroism as printed in the August 1919 edition of The Ladies Home Journal.

“General Pershing’s citations of American officers show how splendidly our leaders measured up to the critical responsibility of their position.

Lieutenant Robb was one of those who paid no attention to their wounds until

certain they had done everything possible for their men. He was leading a platoon in the attack on Sechault France, September 29, 1918, when he was severely wounded by machine gun fire. Rather than go to the rear for proper treatment, he remained with his men until ordered to the dressing station by the commanding officer. Within forty-five minutes he was back on the firing line and remained on duty throughout the night, encouraging his men and establishing outposts. Early the next morning he was wounded again, but still insisted on staying at the head of his platoon. Later in the day his commanding officer and two other officers of his company were killed by a bursting shell, which also added two other wounds to those he had already sustained. Undaunted, he took command of the company, organized it to the best advantage in its trenches and continued to encourage the troops by this obstinate courage and tenacity at critical times. He was the only officer of his battalion who succeeded in advancing beyond the town, and by vigorous work in silencing enemy machine gun and sniping posts contributed largely to the aid of the battalion in holding its objective.

In spite of four severe wounds he carried on unflinchingly and gave the enlisted men of his command a magnificent example of unselfish courage.”

Robb’s response to his country’s highest military honor: “No one was more surprised than myself that I received the medal.” Other commendations included the French Legion of Honor, the French Croix De Guerre with Palm and the Italian War Cross.

Robb’s regiment, the 369th, was composed of African-American volunteers who insisted on being sent to the front, where they fought heroically.

The entire regiment received the Croix De Guerre from a grateful French government.

A few years after returning home, Robb was named postmaster of Salina, Kan., and in 1935 was appointed Kansas state auditor, a post to which he was reelected until he retired in 1960. Park honored him as a Distinguished Alumnus in 1961. Lt. Robb died peacefully May 14, 1972, and is buried in Salina. His congressional medal, helmet and photo are on display at the Kansas State Historical Society in Topeka.

Spring 2007 ‹‹

25

Greetings from the Alumni Office, When did you last visit the Parkville Campus? If it’s been awhile, or never, consider correcting that oversight this summer. Alumni Weekend 2007 offers happenings to entice alumni to travel to Parkville, the home of Park University. Among the campus tours, golf tournament and class reunions, two special events stand out, and change is in the air.

On Friday, June 15, the Alumni Association will host an evening at the National World War I Museum at the Liberty Memorial. We invite Park alumni to be our guests at this world-class museum and enjoy a spectacular view of the city from its tower. To read more about the Liberty Memorial, visit www.libertymemorialmuseum.org.

Park has a special connection to this museum, supporting its renovation through archival donations and operations leadership. President Beverley Byers-Pevitts, Ph.D., is on the Board of Governors, and history Professor Tim Westcott, Ph.D., is on the Board of Trustees.

Museum tickets are free to alumni and guests. Following the museum visit, dinner will include a video presentation of 1st Sgt. Robert Palechek, ’06, deployed in Iraq, receiving his Park degree live via satellite feed during our December 2006 graduation.

The 2007 awards banquet Saturday evening, June 16, will be a dinner-dance. Alumni will enjoy dancing under the stars at the Marriott Pavilion, next to the KCI Airport lake. The Distinguished Alumnus Award will be presented during dinner, after which a disc jockey will provide tunes enlivened by the fancy footwork of professional dance instructors.

The 2007 Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Service and Torchlighter awards will be presented Saturday morning in Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel.

In addition to campus activities, Parkville’s annual Jazz, Blues & Fine Arts River Jam will take place in English Landing Park, and Parkville shops will be open for antiquing.

If you’ve been considering a visit to Parkville, June 14-17, 2007, is the perfect time!

Hope to see you in June.

Julie McCollum We’d love to hear from you! Contact us: Julie McCollum, director of alumni relations (816) 584-6206, (800) 488-PARK (7275) fax (816) 505-5409 julie.mccollum@park.edu alumnioffice@park.edu

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>> www.park.edu

Alisha Coggins, ’03, alumni relations assistant (816) 584-6207 alisha.coggins@park.edu

COURTESY OF ALUMNI OFFICE

DIRECTOR’S

Corner

Bulletin Board

Alumni

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PARK UNIVERSIT Y OFFICE OF ALUMNI REL ATIONS

Alumni Travel The Alumni Association will organize two trips in 2007.

Jerzy Hauptmann’s Poland, scheduled for July 26-Aug. 4, will take alumni and friends to Krakow and Warsaw.

Sightseeing throughout the region will include Dr. Hauptmann’s hometown of Lodz, Wawel Castle, Auschwitz, Jasna Gora Monastery, Lazienki Park and the Palace, and St. John’s Cathedral. Space is limited.

Beijing, China, Nov. 1-8, is the second trip destination. See the ad on the back cover. Contact alumnioffice@park.edu or (800) 488-7275 for brochures.

Tucson Golf Scramble Tucson area alumni met friends Feb. 1, 2007, at the Davis-Monthan AFB golf course for the first Alumni Golf Scramble. Jeff Morgan, ’94, won for the longest drive, and Kevin Crook won closest to the pin.

The 2007 Tucson Alumni Golf Scramble is scheduled for Nov. 16, 2007.

BASKETBALL REUNIONS Basketball season featured two basketball reunions.

Alumni Basketball Games On Oct. 8, 2006, women’s and men’s alumni teams scrimmaged with former teammates at Breckon Sports Center. For the first time, enough women players participated that they formed two teams and scrimmaged each other. Twenty-eight men shared the court during the men’s reunion game.

1980s Basketball Reunion Early ’80s players joined former coach Randy Farris on Jan. 6, 2007, at the Parkville Campus to swap memories, catch up on their lives since Park and watch a little basketball.

Park After Hours The Alumni Association held its first Park After Hours on Jan. 25, 2007, at Harpo’s in Kansas City, Mo., where an exciting mix of Park alumni spanning five decades networked and shared memories. Jay Flaherty, ’71, chose the location and hosted the informal get-together. Alumni exchanged business cards, and drawings were held for Park “stuff.”

Chris Hershey, ’03, M.P.A. ’05, hosted the February event at Higher Grounds in Parkville on Feb. 22.

A Park After Hours is scheduled for the last Thursday of every month in 2007.

Locations will vary throughout the Kansas City area. Watch www.park.edu/alumni for locations and times. Notify the Office of Alumni Relations of your e-mail and permanent address so you won’t miss an invitation.

If you would like to host an evening at your favorite after-hours spot in the KC area, contact (816) 584-6207 or alumnioffice@park.edu.

5K Run/Walk Results

Mike Murray, Kevin Crook, Fernando Criessien, ’90, Ken Kingsbury, ’06

The Park University 5K Run/Walk was moved to fall 2006 to become a part of Harvest Fest. Student Leon Bowman won the Oct. 8 race. Jacob Kidd, ’04, took second place, winning the Fastest Alumnus title. Other winners included Fastest Alumna, Belinda Ambrose, ’01; Top Park Female Student, Monica Anderson; Top Male Faculty/Staff, Walter Kisthardt, Ph.D.; and Top Female Faculty/Staff, Deborah Osborne.

Jacob Kidd, ’04

Alumni Council Five new members were voted onto the Alumni Council: Jeff McKinney, ’81; Dirk Lawson, ’94; Bruce Wilson, ’03; Chris Hershey, ’03, M.P.A. ’05; and Scott Briscoe, ’04. Lawson is the liaison between the Pirate Club and the Alumni Council. Briscoe represents the Alumni Council on the Park University Scholarship Committee.

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Class Notes ’50s Dean Larrick, ’53; Dorothy Harper Watson, ’52; and Ruth Gatton Shook, ’55, had a “mid-Missouri Park reunion” in January.

Have you received a job promotion or award, gotten married or had a baby? Add your news at www.park.edu/alumni, “My Profile,” or mail it to Office of Alumni Relations, Park University, 8700 N.W. River Park Drive, Parkville, MO 64152.

Then watch for it in Alumniad.

Contact Alumni Relations: Julie McCollum, (816) 584-6206, (800) 488-PARK (7275), julie.mccollum@park.edu or alumnioffice@park.edu Alisha Coggins, ’03, (816) 584-6207 or alisha.coggins@park.edu

winning writer who has taught science and magazine writing, women’s studies and dream interpretation. She lives in Port Angeles, Wash.

’70s Wilford “Pete” Kale, ’71, retired from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission on March 31, 2007. He looks forward to spending time writing and plans to visit England to complete research for a master’s thesis.

Gail McMahon Batchelor, ’56, and Bob Batchelor, ’52, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married in the Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel on Sept. 16, 1956.

They live in Orange, Texas, and have five children and four grandchildren.

Noland Peebles, ’71, visited the Parkville Campus in October 2006 and caught up with fellow Parkites Susan Kensett McGaughey, ’74; Rich McGaughey, ’73; and Jay Flaherty, ’71.

’80s Steve Davis, ’80, was appointed executive vice president for national homebuilding operations at Meritage Homes Corp., headquartered in Arizona and Texas. He oversees the company’s customer satisfaction, national supply chain and national marketing initiatives as well as the implementation of best practices across its operating divisions. Davis will live in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Lauri Johnson Poe, ’82, is an accredited member of the American Society of Appraisers in machinery and technical specialties. She is a property tax manager with Woodson Partners, LLC, in Overland Park, Kan. Gary Greer, ’84, became city manager of Farmers Branch, Texas, in a unanimous City Council vote. He previously served three years as Grand Island, Neb., city administrator.

’90s ’60s Diana Wagner Somerville, ’64, has published her first book, Inside Out Down Under: Stories from a Spiritual Sabbatical.

Somerville is a prize-

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From left: Noland Peebles, ’71; Susan Kensett McGaughey, ’74; Rich McGaughey, ’73; Jay Flaherty, ’71

Sylvia Hill, ’78, owns H.M.S. Development Inc. and on Jan. 1, 2007, became president of the National Association of Residential Property Managers. She and her husband, Gil, live in Morgan Hill, Calif.

Doris C. Bolliger, ’91, was named assistant professor in the Department of Adult Learning and Technology, College of Education, University of Wyoming. She received a doctorate in education from the University of West Florida in 2002.

Vince Ortega, ’91, was honored for 30 years of Kansas City police work.

Deputy Chief Ortega, the department’s highest-ranking

<< CLASS NOTES Hispanic officer, retired Sept. 7, 2006.

Carlyn Williams Bozeman, ’93, is director of financial aid and scholarships at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio. She provides strategic and administrative leadership for financial aid operations and staff.

Bozeman is a member of the Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

Terry Bunker, ’94, ran as the Progressive Party candidate for Missouri state auditor in November 2006 after obtaining 10,000 signatures required to be placed on the ballot. Bunker has been accountant/controller for Investors Fiduciary Trust Corp. and its corporate successor, State Street, since 1998.

Rick Dodds, ’94, teaches theatre at Washington High School in Kansas City, Kan. In December 2006 he produced the first play presented at the school in seven years.

Judy Hadley, M.P.A ’95, is the Kansas City, Mo., city manager of revenue. She collects the city’s taxes and enforces its tax code.

Robert Moore, ’95, hosts a “freeform music show,” Sonic Spectrum, on KCUR in Kansas City, Mo. He also runs his own record label, Oxblood Records.

William Overton, ’95, graduated from Florida Coastal School of Law. Mary Lou Jaramillo, ’96, is president and CEO of El Centro Inc. She served 12 years as executive director of the Mattie Rhodes Center and spent the last year as executive director of the Hispanic Economic Development Corp. in Kansas City, Mo. Roger Wakeman, ’96, was promoted to outside salesperson for Koch Equipment, LLC, located in Kansas City, Mo.

Bob Ahring, M.P.A. ’97, is the University of Central Missouri’s director of public safety. On Sept. 7, 2006, he received the Clarence M. Kelley Meritorious Service Award during the annual training conference of the FBI National Academy Associates, Kansas/ Western Missouri Chapter. The award, named for the former FBI director and Kansas City, Mo., police chief, recognizes Ahring’s contributions to the criminal justice profession and the examples he has set in his professional and personal life.

’00s Barry James, M.P.A. ’01, and his wife, Susan, have a daughter, Meredith Eve Barry, born July 31, 2006.

(Picture was taken by her 3-year-old brother, Colin.)

Nathaniel Schmid, ’01, and his wife welcomed their first child, Logan Mae Schmid, on Sept. 28, 2006.

Deletta Dean, ’02, is manager of the neighborhood improvement program of the city department Neighborhood and Community Services in Kansas City, Mo. Caroline Hernandez, ’02, is a founding member of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation in Cedar Park, Texas. LEEF provides resources to support innovation, enrichment and equity in pursuit of academic excellence in the Leander Independent School District.

Thomas E. Leimkuhler, ’02, is a warrant officer 2 and a Black Hawk pilot stationed in Iraq.

Alexa Barton, ’03, was named Clay County administrator and is the county’s chief budget officer.

Kurt Kennedy, ’03, graduated in December 2006 from the Master in Creative Writing Program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Jeff Petersen, ’03, is a partner in Em Chamus, a new Brazilian churascaria in Parkville. The steakhouse opened Feb. 9, 2007.

Shelly Shetly, ’03, advocates for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities. She is on the Missouri Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Craig Rennich, ’05, is a consultant for Eide Bailly Technology Consulting. A network engineer, he installs, configures and supports technologies such as Microsoft Exchange, Windows servers and firewalls. He and his family live in Grand Forks, N.D. Heather Hodges, ’06, married David Langdon, ’06, on Jan. 6, 2007.

The wedding party included Amber Molenkamp West, ’03, and Patrick Ferguson, M.B.A. ’05.

Note: Send us a birth or adoption announcement to use in Class Notes, and we’ll send you a “Baby Pirate” bib. (The image will be imprinted on the bib.)

L

Did you find the hidden Mackay Hall on the cover? If not, look again.

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<< PARK MOURNS Ruth Witcraft Parks, ’37 July 17, 2006, Glendale, Calif.

Edwin A. Menninger, ’43 March 3, 2006, Lillington, N.C.

Dorothy Stevenson Venema, ’31 Oct. 17, 2006, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Mary Elizabeth McCoy Crandall, ’39 Sept. 14, 2006, Lathrup Village, Mich.

Oradelle Malan Havey, ’32 Sept. 26, 2006, Glen Carbon, Ill.

Hugh T. Richards, ’39 Sept. 29, 2006, Menomonie, Wis.

Evelyn Dahlstrom Backstrom, ’33 Aug. 25, 2006, Nashville, Tenn.

’40s

Mary Ann Bowman, ’44 Nov. 23, 2006, Lee’s Summit, Mo. Mrs. Bowman was a homemaker and had worked in retail sales. She was active in St. Regis Catholic Church, where she was a member of the Altar Society and the Rosary Society. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, and is survived by two daughters.

Park Mourns ’30s

Mildred Melcher Judah, ’33 June 25, 2006, Prescott, Ariz.

Maxine Kinch Allen, ’34 Nov. 1, 2006, Hemet, Calif.

Margaret G. Peterson, ’34 Aug. 29, 2006, Los Gatos, Calif.

Letitia Marie Jennings, ’36 Nov. 27, 2006, Tarzana, Calif.

Donald G. Cain, ’37 Jan. 30, 2006, South Hutchinson, Kan. Robert L. Clark, ’37, Ph.D. Jan. 13, 2007, Sequim, Wash.

While at Park, Mr. Clark majored in chemistry, was student body president, played baseball, soccer and track and met his wife, Ella May “Eme” Eskridge, ’38. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and worked for Merck and Co. in Rahway, N.J., for 36 years, retiring as a senior research fellow in 1978. He developed many pharmaceutical compounds to treat pain, syphilis, inflammatory illnesses, and diseases of chickens (coccidiosis). He received 72 U.S. patents, all assigned to Merck, and authored 12 publications.

Mr. Clark was a scoutmaster and high school Sunday school teacher for many years, as well as a deacon and an elder in the 331-year-old First Presbyterian Church of Woodbridge, N.J. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Eme; two daughters and a son; five grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

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Eleanor J. Laughlin Brown, ’41 Sept. 22, 2006, Kansas City, Mo. Faith E. Campbell, ’41 May 11, 2006, Denver, Colo.

Grant D. Whipple, ’41 May 11, 2006, Charleston, S.C. Roger V. Dickeson, ’42 June 21, 2006, Sylmar, Calif.

Frank Dobronte, ’42, D.D.S. Oct. 17, 2006, Pleasanton, Calif.

Mr. Dobronte earned a degree in dentistry from the University of Missouri School of Dentistry, Kansas City, Mo., and completed graduate work in periodontology at the University of Pennsylvania. He was a professor of periodontology at the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry.

During World War II, he joined the Naval Dental Corps, serving in the Philippines and Shanghai, China. He stayed in the military through the Korean and Vietnam wars and retired at his last duty station, Treasure Island, Calif., after 30 years of service. He then entered private practice as a periodontist in Pleasanton. He was on the California State Board of Periodontology.

Ruth Gresham McFarland, ’42 Aug. 10, 2006, Liberty, Mo. Ben H. Bedwell, ’43 July 9, 2006, Chesterfield, Mo. George R. Dalton, ’43 Dec. 25, 2006, Pittsburg, Kan.

Jean Flinchbaugh, ’45 Dec. 9, 2006, St. Marys, Ohio Mrs. Flinchbaugh was a licensed dietitian and had worked at the Pocono House and Sky Chef Inc. in Boston, Mass. She also was a librarian and assisted her husband, a Methodist minister, in his ministry.

She was a member of the Wayne St. United Methodist Church in St. Marys and the Van Wert Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, a devoted church member and avid bridge player. She is survived by a daughter, two sons and five grandchildren.

Mary Randall Hodges, ’46 Sept. 30, 2006, Casper, Wyo. Catherine Richards, ’46 Sept. 24, 2006, Milwaukee, Wis. Paul Raymond Bean, ’48 Oct. 21, 2006, Tulsa, Okla.

Mr. Bean was a customer service representative for Westinghouse Power Systems Division in Wichita, Kan., and Tulsa, Okla. He was third officer on a Navy sub-chaser during World War II. He volunteered with his church, the ICYE foreign exchange program and the American Red Cross.

He is survived by his wife, daughter and grandchildren.

’50s Francis X. Talty, ’50 Feb. 8, 2006, Dracut, Mass.

John “Jack” P. Ettershank Jr., ’52 Dec. 23, 2006, Newport News, Va. Mr. Ettershank retired as command chaplain, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Monroe, Va., in 1987 after 31 years of military service. In 1974 he was the first chaplain to graduate from the National War College in Washington, D.C. He was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and Master Parachutist Badge. Following retirement from the Army, he served as interim pastor for several Presbyterian congregations. He is survived by his wife, Irene, and two grandchildren.

David Rowe Harris, x53 Dec. 12, 2006, Orland, Calif.

Mr. Harris loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, played golf and was very fond of sailing. After serving in the Korean War, he attended Park, where his parents, Harold E. Harris, ’29, and Lucille Rowe Harris, had met. He worked in cancer research at Roswell Park Research Center in Buffalo, N.Y., and later taught computer science at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

Mr. Harris finished out his career as professor and chair of computer science at California State University, Chico. In 1977 he bought a farm in Orland, Calif., where he raised cattle and Saaren goats. He also established a sanctuary for Belgian draft horses.

Virginia “Ginny” Evans Schrader, x55 June 26, 2005, Panama City, Fla. Her husband, Bob Schrader, ’54, wrote, “I met her at Park, and she was the only girl I ever loved — we were married for 54 years.”

Rosemary Allen Seneker, x56 Aug. 10, 2006, Mount Vernon, Mo.

Mrs. Seneker was a retired first-grade teacher who enjoyed archaeology, her large family and writing children’s stories. She was married to the late Donald L. Seneker, ’57. Their daughter Becky Shannon died July 16. Mrs. Seneker is survived by three sons and two daughters and their spouses, 12 grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren.

’60s John Loren Washburn, ’62 Jan. 12, 2007, Loganton, Pa. Mr. Washburn taught political science at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., from 1965 to 1972 and political science at Lock Haven University in Lock Haven, Pa., from 1972 until his retirement in 2002. At Lock Haven, he chaired the political science department, served on the university promotions and curriculum committees and was an adviser to pre-law students and Harrisburg interns. Professionally, he authored papers, wrote book reviews and participated in academic conferences. He was active in his church, where he sang in the choir and was a council member, president and treasurer. He served a six-year term on the executive council of the National UCC. While serving, he was council vice chairman and chaired the planning committee for the General Synod. Over the years, Mr. Washburn was active in the regional church affairs of UCC’s Penn Central Conference. He is survived by his wife, daughter, a son and two grandchildren.

Michael Best, ’68 Oct. 17, 2006, East Windsor, Tenn.

Mr. Best was an active member of Park’s Men of Chesnut fraternity.

He began his career in transportation with Northwest Airlines and settled in Anchorage, Alaska, where he founded Anchorage Express. He relocated to Burlington, Conn., where he founded Hartford Express and raised his family. He was on the board of Burlington’s Economic Development Commission. He also was well-known in and around Bradley International Airport as the courier of record; as such, he was president of the Connecticut International Transportation Association. Mr. Best flourished as a father, grandfather, brother, friend and entrepreneur with his laid-back spirit, eclectic stories, a good joke and loyalty for all. He is survived by two children, two sisters, two grandchildren and his former wife. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter.

’70s Ernest L. Conway, ’74 May 16, 2006, Kansas City, Mo. Douglas B. Brittain, ’76 Nov. 25, 2006, Baton Rouge, La. Col. Brittain served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was accepted to the Air Force Officer Training Corps and became a pilot. Trained in fighters as well as bombers, he loved flying the B-52. His 28 years of military service included numerous awards and decorations, among them the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and the Air Medal with 19 oak leaf clusters. After retirement, he flew corporate jets.

Phillip S. Vawter, ’76 June 26, 2006, Walled Lake, Mich.

Edward A. Hegner, ’66 March 18, 2006, Fair Oaks, Calif.

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H. LaFelle Carey, ’77 Dec. 23, 2006, Austin, Texas Mr. Carey entered the Air Force upon graduation from high school.

He served during the Korean and Vietnam wars, earning numerous awards and decorations. In 1978 he retired as chief master sergeant.

Mr. Carey was a member of The American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans and Woodmen of the World. He was an active member of the Hyde Park Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife, two sons and a grandson.

John H. McMaken Jr., ’77 Dec. 30, 2006, West Milton, Ohio Mr. McMaken served in Vietnam with the Army. He owned and operated American Welding in Ludlow Falls, Ohio, and was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Post #3621 West Milton; Troy Fish and Game Club; Am Vets Post #88 Troy; American Legion Post #140 Greenville; VFW Post #7262 Greenville; Disabled American Veterans Miami County #98; Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #329 Greenville; and the National Rifle Association.

Greta E. O’Keefe Price, ’77 Dec. 25, 2006, Kansas City, Mo. Mrs. Price grew up near Karlsbad (now Karlovy Vary), Czechoslovakia.

In 1946 she and her parents were forced to flee to the German Federal Republic (West Germany). Ten years later, she came to the United States as a permanent resident but retained her German citizenship.

Her first employment in the Kansas City area was on the international sales staff of the Vendo Corp. She then was a secretary at the Kansas City consulate of the German Federal Republic. In 1962 she joined the Midwest Research Institute, became a research economist and principal scientist and then was appointed director of corporate communications. She retired from MRI in 1989. Through the Kansas City Chapter of People to People International, Mrs. Price was a

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civilian sponsor for international military officers and their families attending the Army’s Command and General Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. In the 1990s she volunteered in the International Executive Service Corps for projects in Egypt, Morocco, Hungary and Zimbabwe. She is survived by her husband, Charlton.

began taking classes at Park University Fairchild AFB and completed her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration at Whiteman AFB. An organ donor, she touched people even in death. She was buried with full military honors.

She is survived by her husband and two young children.

Nancy Adams, ’78 July 3, 2006, Kennet Square, Pa.

FACULTY Delta “Pop” Gier, Ph.D. Dec. 19, 2006, Prairie Village, Kan. “Pop” Gier had many roles at Park — professor, chair of the Chemistry Department, chair of the Division of Natural Sciences, dean of students. Contributions from his students created the Delta Gier Laboratory, located in the science hall, and a scholarship in his name. In the 1980s and 1990s, Dr. Gier became active in preprofessional health education, creating the nutrition major and the health sciences program at Park. He was a popular provider of continuing education classes for chiropractors and was made an honorary member of the chiropractic fraternity at Cleveland Chiropractic College. He is survived by his wife, Audra Calhoun Gier, x62; son, Delta David, and his wife, Angela; and grandchildren Delta Gabriel and Anna Julia.

’80 s Janet Huettenmueller, ’87 Jan. 12, 2007, Kansas City, Mo. Ms. Huettenmueller earned degrees in art and elementary education.

Her joy for the arts was seen in her many drawings and paintings.

Richard S. Goodell, ’88 May 21, 2006, Amarillo, Texas Morene S. Jacques Grisham, ’88 Oct. 3, 2006, Fort Worth, Texas After retiring as an Air Force master sergeant, Mrs. Grisham became a senior training specialist for Senior Mortgage Services. She is survived by her husband, Stephen Jensen, and mother, Maria Grisham.

’00 s Patricia A. Treece, ’04 Nov. 8, 2006, Dayton, Ohio Ms. Treece retired from the Army, where she was a drill instructor and worked in Transportation Services.

She was attending Ohio Institute of Photography and Technology at the time of her death.

Kora Parks, ’06 Dec. 4, 2006, Pleasant Hill, Mo. Mrs. Parks, 30, died from head injuries suffered in an automobile accident. The staff at Park University Whiteman AFB wrote, “She was a very wonderful young lady who always made you feel good when she was around.” Mrs. Parks

Patricia H. McClelland, Ph.D. Dec. 22, 2006, Kansas City, Mo. Dr. McClelland was a lifelong teacher who inspired countless students during a distinguished career. At her retirement, she was associate dean, professor and chair of the Park University Education Department.

She was dearly loved and will be missed. Her legacy will live forever through her students. She is survived by her husband, Gus; son, Michael; and daughter, Cathy McClelland, ’96.

Byers-Pevitts Stirs Vision into who assisted me along the journey. The honor of being the first active-duty member to be recognized in this manner is both exciting and humbling.” (1st Sgt. Robert Palechek, ’06) We live in a small world, and we have to understand the global communities we embrace. At that commencement ceremony I felt the response of the graduates and their families, friends and faculty gathered in the auditorium. They were connected by this major international event. And change comes through education and sharing the educational process.

The International Institute for Global Culture, Economics and Understanding provides a pathway for Park to reach out to the world and a way in which the world can connect to Park. As the institute aligns the University’s entrepreneurial spirit, Park will engage our students, and they can equally engage in entrepreneurial, cultural and economic development for the engagement of humankind.

You demand excellence of yourself, and you demand excellence from those with whom you work. What are your expectations of faculty and staff?

As a professor I taught for several years before I became an administrator, and I continued to teach as a department chair and as a dean. I would invariably

(continued from page 13) share with my theatre students a quote of the infamous actress Bette Davis: “There is only one way to work — like hell.” I never ask of anyone more than I am willing to give.

I believe in honesty and hard work and thoughtfulness in the process, and I believe in having a sense of humor. When you surround yourself with good people who are willing to dream, plan and respectfully work together, then you have an established blueprint for success.

University presidents nationwide are under microscopic examination, and the expectation for professional integrity has never been higher.

How do you model integrity?

Integrity and honesty and truthfulness guide what I do every day in higher education. And I expect those same characteristics from others. I don’t expect anybody to beat around the bush, I don’t expect anybody to sugarcoat anything, and I don’t expect anybody to lie or to be deceitful, or to talk in ways that are disrespectful to or harm the University.

My mother always said if you can’t say something positive about somebody, don’t say anything at all. Her advice, as an elementary school principal, has stayed with me. I believe you should have open and direct communication.

I tell our students that they are representatives of Park and that when they go out into the community, whether they are talking with their friends, performing on a stage or playing on an athletic field, they are modeling Park University. What they say and how they interact with others is reflective of the institution. That is true for me and all Park employees. We all have to be very mindful that we represent Park in what we say, because we are all “living logos” of the University.

What is ahead for Park University?

Park University is in the heart of America and in the hearts of more than 50,000 alumni.

From this place, the center of the country, we reach around the world.

We must constantly work at renewed enthusiasm for completing our tasks and our strategic plan’s goals and objectives so that we can continue our transformation into one University. At the same time, we must continue to be innovative and entrepreneurial in how we deliver education. Colleges and universities that are static — and are carrying out education as it has been done for the last 200 years — are at risk. It breaks my heart that every day we read about institutions having a deficit, about institutions laying off faculty and staff, because they can’t meet their budget.

Park has been experiencing its healthiest operating budgets in years, a result of our entrepreneurial spirit.

There will be ongoing emphasis on the enrollment across the country and around the world, quality of education, the caliber of students and faculty, the value of a Park degree, the Park endowment to support students and academic programs, and the quality of physical learning spaces. So at Park, our faculty will offer academic programs “on demand, any time, anywhere,” as that is the way students want to receive education. Park will continue to respond to that need through Online education. And we will continue to respond with our face-to-face programs as we offer education in appropriate modalities to provide access to academic excellence for our student learners wherever they are around the world.

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Office of University Advancement Park University 8700 N.W. River Park Drive Parkville, MO 64152 www.park.edu

Š 2007 Park University