Local update from The Crow's Nest, June 6, 2022:

News Article: Highlights from Park University's Latest News

Park University is buzzing with activity as we move through the summer months. Here are some of the latest updates from the university:

Art Exhibition "Fate" Opens at Park University's Campanella Gallery

The art exhibition "Fate," a collaboration between Laurel DeFreece and Robin VanHoozer, is now on display at Park University's Campanella Gallery. The exhibit, which explores the interconnectedness of random events in rural America, features encaustic, mixed media, and collage techniques. The reception will be held on June 24, from 2-4 p.m. at the Campanella Gallery.

Summer Session and Junemester Begin

The Summer Session and Junemester at Park University began on June 6, providing students with opportunities to continue their academic journey during the summer months.

Park University's Participation in the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition

Two pianists from Park University's International Center for Music (ICM) participated in this year's Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Jiarui Cheng, a notable participant representing ICM Park, competed in the competition. Yanjun Chen reached the semifinals, and Vitaly Starikov won the silver medal this year. The competition, one of the most prestigious piano competitions globally, features young pianists from around the world.

Notable Achievements and Recognitions

Eugene Matthews, Ph.D., associate professor of criminal justice administration, was interviewed for stories that aired on KSHB-TV in Kansas City on May 12 related to a string of suspected arsons in Caldwell County, Mo.
A story about Mark Dunning, MPA '19, appeared on the Link 2 Lee's Summit (Mo.) website on May 19. Dunning is set to become the city manager of Lee's Summit in September.
Camille Abdel-Jawad, assistant professor of library instruction and outreach at Park University, presented a breakout session on "Perceived Authority, Real Consequences: Research-Informed Practices to Teaching Students about Authority and Misinformation" at the Library Orientation Exchange Conference on May 7.
Lorraine Moore, development director, was highlighted in The Independent, Kansas City's journal of society, on May 14. Moore also graduated from Leadership Northland in May, a program of the Northland (Kansas City, Mo.) Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Rob Kudratov, '18, was honored with a 2022 Student Veteran Leadership Award by G.I. Jobs. The award, which was announced on May 25, honors student veterans who make a positive difference at their school and in their communities.
Kirby Brown, dean of Park University's College of Management, provided the keynote address for Pittsburg State University's Memorial Day Observance on May 30.
Jeanette Prenger, '09, and a member of the Park University Board of Trustees (and immediate past chair), was featured in the May 20 issue of the Kansas City Business Journal as one of its 2022 Champions of Business.

Upcoming Events

The quarterfinals of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition will be held tonight (Monday, June 6) at 8:15 p.m.
The final round of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition will be held on Tuesday-Wednesday, June 14-15 and Friday-Saturday, June 17-18.
The F.E. Warren Air Force Base (Wyo.) Campus Commencement will be held on June 24, 3:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m. Mountain time), at Trails End Event Center.
The Park United Conference will be held on June 21-24, at the Parkville Campus/Virtual/Hybrid.
The Independence Day Holiday (all University offices closed nationwide; Summer Session and Julymester classes held as scheduled) will be held on July 4.
The Summer Session / Julymester ends on July 31.
The Juneteenth Holiday Observed will be held on June 20 (all University offices closed nationwide; Summer Session and Junemester classes held as scheduled).

Academic Achievements

Tim Westcott, Ph.D., associate professor of history, director of the George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War, and associate archivist at Park University, represented the University at the Lesser-Known Stories of the Great War: Women, Minorities, Civilians and the Untold Symposium on May 13.
Andrea Lee, Ph.D., assistant professor of art and director of the Campanella Gallery at Park University, presented a virtual public lecture on "African American Art: Fine and Folk Traditions" for the Mid-Continent Public Library on May 11.
Danica Love, adjunct instructor of early childhood education at Park University, was recognized with a President's Award from Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri.

Other Noteworthy Mentions

Steve Youngblood, associate professor of communication arts and director of the Center for Global Peace Journalism, appeared on the Express to Impress podcast on May 27 to discuss word choice in journalism and business.
Greg Volker, MPA '97, was appointed chief of police for the city of Benson, Ariz., and the news appeared in the San Pedro Valley (Ariz.) News-Sun on May 10.
The Valor Medals Review Project, being conducted by Park University's George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War, was featured on KSHB-TV in Kansas City on May 26. The Valor Medals Review Project was also the subject of a cover story that appeared in The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City newspaper) on May 29.
An opinion column authored by Abhijit Mazumdar, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication arts, related to the Citizenship Amendment Act which was passed by India's Parliament in 2019, appeared in Sunday Guardian Live in India on May 14.

Engaging in online education, such as the Summer Session and Junemester at Park University, allows students to continue their education-and-self-development as well as learning in a convenient manner. When relaxation time is due, entertainment options can be found in the various events scheduled at the university, like the upcoming Park United Conference, where there will also be opportunities for music appreciation, such as the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, where Park University's International Center for Music pianists have made significant strides.