October 11, 2019 - The Crow's Nest Report

October 11, 2019 - The Crow's Nest Report

Park University, nestled in Parkville, Missouri, continues to thrive and excel, as evidenced by the numerous recent developments and recognitions.

In a significant move, Brian Bode has been appointed as the new Vice President of Facilities, overseeing the University's facilities and administrative operations across its 42 campuses nationwide. Bode is responsible for the future construction of the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center on the University's Parkville Campus, as well as administering Park's deferred maintenance and master plan.

Meanwhile, Rana Lacer has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer at Park University. Lacer ensures that the University has requisite financial resources, including cash management and borrowing agreements. As the new CFO, she oversees the financial and accounting operations of the University, managing all fiscal services, including financial systems, reporting, and controls, and fiscal policies and regulations.

The University's academic community has also been making waves. Blanche Sosland, Ph.D., delivered a discussion on bullying behavior at Park University on Oct. 23. Steve Bell, Ph.D., J.D., professor of economics, was interviewed for a story that aired on KSHB-TV in Kansas City on Sept. 18 related to the United Auto Workers strike against General Motors and the impact it could have on the economy.

Several students have also been honoured for their achievements. Six Park students were announced as royalty during a pep rally on Sept. 20 as part of Park University's Homecoming and Family Weekend 2019. Nada Meawad was awarded Female Athlete of the Year, while Zach Rutland, '19, was awarded Male Athlete of the Year. Erik Bergrud received the Don Breckon Award for demonstrating leadership and service to the community and constantly displaying advocacy to Park University.

Park University's community spirit was further demonstrated through various events. Fright Night, the University's annual Halloween celebration, will be held on Oct. 24. The Parkville, Mo., edition of "Discovering Kansas City" won a National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Mid-America Chapter Emmy Award in the "Magazine Program" category at the NATAS Mid-America Gala on Oct. 5 in Branson, Mo.

The University also honoured staff and faculty who reached milestone service anniversaries between Aug. 2, 2018, and Aug. 1, 2019. Park University was also well represented on the Ingram's 250, a list of the most powerful business leaders in Greater Kansas City, according to Ingram's, Kansas City's business magazine, in its September issue.

In addition, Park University is holding commencement ceremonies for 2019 graduates across its campuses. The University's "Park Through the Years" historical exhibit in the Fishburn Archives exhibit space on the Parkville Campus was featured in a podcast on DannyClinkscale.com on Sept. 18.

Moreover, the Department of Military and Veteran Student Services is looking for volunteers to support Kansas City's homeless veterans during the Heart of America Stand Down event on Nov. 8. Laura Albate's photographic essay, "Darkest Hour," is on display at Park University's Campanella Gallery and focuses on post-traumatic stress in military veterans.

Lastly, renowned violinist Maria Ioudenitch, daughter of Stanislav Ioudenitch, artistic director of Park University's International Center for Music, appeared on KSHB-TV's "Kansas City Live" on Sept. 20. Zac Jarrard presented sessions on "How Fighting Monsters and Building Cities Inspired Me" at Minefaire Chicago, Sept. 21-22. Debra Olson-Morrison, Ph.D., assistant professor of social work, was the keynote speaker at the YMCA's Togetherhood Poverty Summit on Oct. 4, in Parkville, Mo.

Brian Hoffman, Ph.D., presented a paper he co-authored at the Geological Society of America's annual meeting in Phoenix on Sept. 23. Brent Geary, Ph.D., a historian with the Central Intelligence Agency, will present a discussion on "Very Secret, Very Cool, but not Aliens: The U-2, the A-12 and Area 51" at Park University on Oct. 30. Jeanette Prenger, '09, was recognized by the Hispanic Information Technology Executive Council on its 2019-20 list of the 100 most influential Hispanic leaders in technology.

Carolyn Elwess, university archivist, authored a historical article related to the old water plant for the City of Parkville, Mo., fall 2019 newsletter (page 10). Kay Barnes and Laurie DiPadova-Stocks, co-presented a pair of sessions at the American Business Women's Association national leadership conference in Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 4-5.

In conclusion, Park University continues to be a vibrant and active community, with a wide range of events, achievements, and recognitions. From academic pursuits to community service, the University remains committed to fostering growth and success in all its endeavours.

1. The continued growth and success of Park University is evident in its focus on education-and-self-development, as demonstrated by the numerous appointments of key personnel like Brian Bode and Rana Lacer, who are tasked with overseeing facilities management, financial operations, and strategic planning.
2. Park University also encourages self-development and leadership among its students, as evidenced by the recognition of Erik Bergrud for demonstrating leadership and service to the community and constantly displaying advocacy to Park University.

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