Highlights from Park University in 2022: Featured Events and Notable Tales
Park University, located in Parkville, Missouri, had a year filled with significant achievements and milestones in 2022. Here are some of the highlights:
David Radzynski, a 2014 graduate of Park University's International Center for Music with a Graduate Certificate in Music Performance (violin), was appointed as the concertmaster of the renowned Cleveland Orchestra.
The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development awarded Park University a $999,508 Private MoExcels grant. The funds will be utilised for a project titled "Boosting State Economic Recovery through Adult Learner Pathways to Careers in Health Care."
A documentary titled "More Than a Medal" debuted on March 24, shedding light on the work of the Valor Medals Review Project by Park University's George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War. The cover story of the Des Moines (Iowa) Register on April 3 featured the Valor Medals Review Project, focusing on U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Rufus Jackson and Josh Weston, Robb Centre senior military analyst and senior European history major.
Ilya Shmukler, a graduate student at Park University, advanced to the finals of the 16th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Shmukler not only made it to the finals but also won a cash prize of $10,000 as a finalist and was selected as the winner of the "Best Performance of a Mozart Concerto," earning an additional $5,000 prize.
Park University's Gilbert (Ariz.) Campus held its inaugural commencement ceremony for graduates on April 30 at Paloma Community Church in Mesa, Ariz. About 70 students participated in the ceremony.
Adam Wilkins, a sophomore nursing major at Park University, won the college junior division of the International Public Debate Association at the Gorlok Gala event in Webster Groves, Mo., in January.
The Board of Trustees appointed Shane Smeed as the 18th president of Park University, effective January 1.
Janie Kluempers, assistant athletic trainer for Park University's flagship Parkville (Mo.) Campus, was appointed as the assistant athletic trainer for the USA Women's Eagles Rugby team which will play in the month-long Rugby World Cup in New Zealand beginning in early October.
Bob Kendrick, a Park University alumnus, was featured in The Kansas City Star on Jan. 12 with a full front page photo and accompanying four-page-long story which called him "Kansas City's Ambassador." Kendrick is the president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
The university also aims to scale up its new certified medical assistant program in partnership with North Kansas City Hospital.
These achievements and milestones reflect the university's commitment to excellence in education, research, and community engagement. For more updates, visit Park University's official website.
Education and self-development were integral parts of Park University's achievements in 2022. Ilya Shmukler, a graduate student, advanced to the finals of the 16th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, winning a cash prize and the "Best Performance of a Mozart Concerto" award. Additionally, the university aims to enhance its programs through partnerships, such as scaling up its certified medical assistant program with North Kansas City Hospital.
