Online appeal initiated by Gunderson to grant a Medal of Honor
Park University News: A Glimpse into the University's Diverse Community
In the realm of academia and beyond, Park University continues to make strides, with numerous achievements and events unfolding. Let's delve into some of the recent happenings.
Academic Recognition
Several faculty members have been honoured for their dedication and excellence. Suzanne Discenza, Ph.D., was bestowed the 2018 Chester A. Newland Presidential Citation of Merit Award by the American Society for Public Administration. Meanwhile, Penelope DeJong, Ph.D., associate professor of marketing, was promoted to professor of marketing, while John Dean, Ph.D., Bin "Crystal" Peng, Ph.D., and Alex Silvius, Ph.D., all received tenure as associate professors of computer science, biology, physics, respectively. Lastly, Patricia Ryberg, Ph.D., was promoted to associate professor of biology.
Achievements in the Arts
The creative spirit at Park University is thriving, as evidenced by the Campanella Gallery's current exhibit, "New Works: An Invitational Featuring Artwork by Park University Faculty." Violinist Hanna Zhdan, senior applied music/violin major, also made waves by placing second and receiving $3,500 at the Hellam Young Artists' Competition in Springfield, Mo.
Scholarships and Competitions
Zhdan, along with pianists Evangeliya Delizonas-Khukhua, graduate student, and Simon Karakulidi, sophomore applied music/piano major, were awarded scholarships by the Kansas City Musical Club and the Kansas City Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota.
Historical Recognition
Sgt. William A. Butler, a World War I hero, has recently been the subject of renewed interest. Despite being nominated for the Medal of Honor, his nomination was downgraded, a reflection of the racial prejudices prevalent during that time. Although specific primary source documentation on the downgrade is limited, the significance of Butler's nomination—and its alteration—lies in the broader historical context that African-American soldiers were often denied the highest military honors during World War I.
In recent years, Congress has begun redressing this issue by posthumously awarding the Medal of Honor to Cpl. Freddie Stowers and Sgt. Henry Johnson for their service in WWI. Park University President Greg Gunderson has launched an online petition to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Sgt. William A. Butler.
Community Events
The Center for Research and Training in Integrated Behavioral Health at Park University will host a gerontology-based forum on April 17. The forum will include an expert panel examining the types of transitions facing aging individuals.
Patricia Ryberg, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, will be discussing microscopic evidence and how it tells the story about a crime at the University's Johnson Family Lecture Series in Science.
Paola Mendoza, a national organizer and artistic director of the Women's March on Washington, D.C., will be the featured speaker in a Women's History Month event at Park University.
Panel Discussions
A social work conference will focus on gerontology, while a forum will delve into NATO-Russia Relations, with Patrick Moon, who served as U.S. ambassador/chief of mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, presenting the discussion.
The forum will also feature a panel discussing the transition challenges facing aging individuals, with panelists including Geri Dickey, Ph.D., assistant professor of social work, and two Park alumni, Deborah Babbitt, '90, and Valerie Jaramillo-Babbitt, '16, '17.
Registration Information
Registration for the gerontology-based forum is $60 and can be done by visiting this link.
Archival Additions
Lastly, Park University's Fishburn Archives and Special Collections have added a collection of four property abstracts from the files of the late Dick Fickle.
Maria Ruiz, an All-America women's soccer player from 2004 to 2007, will be inducted into the Park Athletics Wall of Honor.
In conclusion, Park University continues to flourish, with a multitude of achievements across various fields. From academic recognition to artistic success, and from historical recognition to community events, the university remains a vibrant hub of activity and learning.
