Breaking News at Crow's Nest, October 18, 2018:
Park University has taken a significant step to support students facing financial difficulties by establishing the Pirate Pantry. Located inside the Intramural and Recreational Fieldhouse on the Parkville Campus, the pantry is open to any Park University student and is operated by volunteers, primarily graduate students in Park's Master of Social Work program.
The pantry is organised in alignment with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's ChooseMyPlate.gov, with nonperishable food items categorised into proteins, grains, fruits, and vegetables. Students who visit the pantry can select a three-day supply of food, and personal hygiene items are also available.
Donations of nonperishable food and personal hygiene items are welcome and can be placed in the donation bin outside the Pirate Pantry space, dropped off in the Pirate Pantry on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., or e-mailed to pantry@our website for large volume donations. Financial donations are also accepted for the Pirate Pantry.
The Pirate Pantry has been funded completely by donations, including a major gift from North Kansas City Hospital. This initiative is part of the university's broader commitment to combating student food insecurity.
In addition to the Pirate Pantry, Park University has made headlines in October for various achievements. Park University was featured in the Kansas City Business Journal's "Graduate Programs: A Guide to Continuing Education" special section. Mark Murdock, '85, was appointed the director of the Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center, with feature stories appearing in the Cincinnati Business Courier and The Highland County (Ohio) Press.
Moreover, Park University received several rankings from SR Education Group, including being ranked No. 1 for Best Online Colleges Offering Bachelor's in Law Enforcement Degrees. The River Read Children's Literature Festival received media coverage, with Kathy Howe, Ph.D., and Debra McArthur both interviewed.
Faculty members at Park University have also been recognised for their contributions. Sarah Hopkins-Chery, '07, '09, was recognised by the Merced (Calif.) Sun-Star as a 2018 "20 Under 40" honoree on Oct. 3. John Hamilton, Ph.D., chair and associate professor of criminal justice administration, was interviewed by KSHB-TV on Oct. 17 for a story related to challenges police faced during a manhunt. Steve Bell, Ph.D., J.D., professor of economics, was interviewed on KMBZ-FM for a story related to news that some national retailers announced plans to raise their minimum wage to $15 per hour on Oct. 8. Matt Harris, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science, was interviewed on WDAF-TV, KSHB-TV, and KCTV for various stories on different dates in September and October. Kay Barnes, senior director for university engagement, was quoted as part of The Kansas City Star's "Influencer Series" reports on Oct. 8 and Oct. 15.
For more authoritative and detailed information about the Pirate Pantry, its founding background, goals, operations, and funding, it is recommended to consult Park University's official website or contact their student services or campus affairs office directly.
The Pirate Pantry, an initiative combating student food insecurity at Park University, not only offers a three-day supply of food categorized according to ChooseMyPlate.gov guidelines but also provides personal hygiene items. Donations of nonperishable food items, personal hygiene products, or financial assistance can be made to support this education-and-self-development focused project, which has been recognized as part of the university's lifestyle commitment to its students.
