2017 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS BANQUET
PA R K U N I V E R S I T Y
Celebrating the INSPIRATION, DEDICATION and PERSEVERANCE
of Park alumni.
PIRATE
GOLD
VISION Norrington Learning Commons remodeled exterior
RE AL IT Y It’s been 142 years since Park University opened its doors, and we haven’t lost a drop of our determined can-do drive. In fact, we’re gaining momentum. We’re transforming Park into an even more efficient, adaptable learning environment for the 21st century.
Rendering of the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center, future home of Park University’s School of Business
There’s never been a better time to be a Pirate! Norrington Learning Commons, an original Carnegie Library, has been renovated inside and out, and once again houses the McAfee Memorial Library.
Remodeled Thompson Commons/Pirate Café
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Park’s current “Building Passion” campaign for the construction of the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center, which will house the School of Business, including a state-ofthe-art finance lab, and will be the new home of the expanded Global Warrior Center. Thompson Commons has been updated to provide students, faculty and staff with a modern dining facility, appropriately titled the Pirate Café.
MAKING A QUALITY HIGHER EDUCATION AVAILABLE TO ALL ISN’T A PART OF WHO WE ARE. IT IS WHO WE ARE. Park was founded on the belief that if someone was willing to contribute, he or she could earn an education. In the early days, many students worked in exchange for room and board. This fall, Park reinstated this honorable tradition in the form of the Fides et Labor Scholarship. In exchange for being an involved student on campus and working 20 hours a week at a campus job, the student earns free room and board. 30 students were awarded this scholarship.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Friends, There’s never a need to search for pirate gold at Park University. Everyday, we strike gold as we witness the extraordinary dedication of faculty and students at Park’s campus centers across the country and online around the globe. And every year, we are proud to honor the achievements of our treasured alumni. The alchemy of their inspiration, dedication and perseverance sets the gold standard for success ever higher for us all.
Greg Gunderson, Ph.D. President, Park University
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WALTER The Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes Park University alumni who have distinguished themselves through career, service or community achievements.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way” is more than a motto for Walter Pearson, ’90, who knows what it takes to make things happen. I’ve always been driven by my faith, family and friends — like an unending
proposition — to find ways to fix and improve things to impact people’s lives,” he said. Raised by his grandmother during the 1960s, Pearson said he persevered through life’s challenges with a love of education and knowledge, always striving to make a difference. Though he retired in February as the assistant commissioner for the State of Missouri’s Office of Administration, Pearson will never retire from what drives him forward in life.
PE ARSO N ,
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“I’ve always been driven by my faith, family and friends — like an unending proposition — to find ways to fix and improve things to impact people’s lives.”
MAKING THINGS HAPPEN During Pearson’s tenure in Jefferson City, Mo., he provided administrative leadership to three of the State of Missouri’s executive branches: Department of Economic Development, Department of Natural Resources and the Office of Administration. In 1994, Pearson served as the assistant director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development where he oversaw the Missouri Division of Tourism, Missouri Arts Council, Missouri Film Commission and Missouri Minority Business Advocacy Commission. In 1998, he was appointed by Gov. Mel Carnahan to serve as the director of business and urban affairs for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. In 2009, Pearson was appointed as the assistant commissioner for the Missouri Office of Administration, where he was responsible for the Division of Personnel, Division of Purchasing and Office of Equal Opportunity. After more than 26 years in public administration and 11 prior years in corporate management, Pearson reflects on his first and most valued accomplishment: education.
“I was fortunate to attend Park and complete a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. And I was especially proud to be the first in my family to graduate from college,” said Pearson, who went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration. “Park gave me the opportunity to be my best — and I took advantage of it.” Education is a value Pearson instilled in his three children: Carla Walker, ‘99, also a proud Park graduate; Angela Pearson, who graduated from Missouri State University in Springfield; and Walter Michael Pearson, who graduated from Howard University in Washington, D.C. “Education is the cornerstone for the rest of your life,” he said. “No one can take it from you.”
A ROLE MOLDER
“Education is the cornerstone for the rest of your life. No one can take it from you.”
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With his success in the public sector, Pearson considers himself to be a role model —although he prefers the term “role molder.” “A role model is someone looked to by others as an example to be imitated. But a role molder gets involved and provides assistance and input,” he said. “This kind of personal connection makes more sense to me.”
While growing up and raising his family in Kansas City, Mo., Pearson’s list of role-molding volunteer work is long, but he’s particularly proud to be a founding board member of the Kansas City Media Project and the Jefferson City Boys and Girls Clubs. He’s also served as a board member for the Bruce R. Watkins Culture Heritage Center and the Jefferson City NAACP.
WHAT MATTERS Learning is a way of life for Pearson. “I’m always thinking and starting conversations,” said Pearson, who created KPRS-FM’s first call-in talk show, “Point/ Counterpoint,” to encourage thoughtful community discussions in Kansas City. Pearson, who lives in Jefferson City with his wife, Virginia, is now enjoying the freedom to travel. “Retirement is just another step in life’s challenges and we all should look forward to it,” he said. He also enjoys time with his seven beautiful grandchildren. But Pearson said it won’t be long before he’s back in the mix, helping people, in whatever way he can. Until then, Pearson is living his lifelong philosophy: “Learning — and sharing ideas about what we’ve learned — is how we make a difference. It’s what matters. It’s what remains.”
“A role molder gets involved and provides assistance and input.”
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The Torchlighter Award honors individuals who have made significant, longstanding contributions and commitments to Park University, whether alumni, faculty or friends. Recipients of this award who are not graduates are bestowed the honor of honorary alumnus.
As a serial entrepreneur, Benny Lee is known for lighting up the world. Park University has been fortunate to
bask in the glow of his enthusiastic support for more than a decade. “Park is special to me for many reasons, from its service to the military to how it warmly welcomes international students,” Lee said. “As a music lover, I’m happy to see the growing worldwide recognition for Park’s International Center for Music.”
HOME-COOKED WELCOME
The success of Park’s ICM is due in no small part to Lee’s dedication and financial support. Since its inception in 2003, Benny and his wife, Edith, have welcomed ICM faculty and students into their home — for concerts, holidays and home-cooked meals.
“Many ICM musicians come to Park from around the globe,” Lee said. “We’re glad to help them feel welcomed at Park while they improve their talents for the world to enjoy.” And the world is definitely watching: Lee said he’s especially proud of ICM graduate student Kenny Benny and Edith Lee Broberg, who this summer was selected as the silver medalist at the 15th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
There’s hardly a facet of Park’s success that Lee has not influenced. Currently, Lee serves on Park’s ICM Advisory Council and he served three terms on Park’s Board of Trustees from 2003 to 2012. This spring, Lee was honorary chair for Park’s annual Night at the Helm fundraiser, with this year’s event proceeds benefiting the ICM and Park’s Global Warrior Center.
“Giving back is just as important as succeeding. Always be generous — in business and in life. Then you will find fulfillment.”
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BENNY
L E E
“Named 2014 Philanthropist of the Year by Nonprofit Connect, a Kansas City organization.”
CULTURAL AMBASSADOR As an ambassador for cultural exchange, Lee has helped strengthen Park’s partnership with the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City, where he served two terms as president. Born in Taiwan, Lee earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Taiwan’s Tatung Institute of Technology. In 1979, he founded Mitco, a Taipei-based trading company that sourced products such as the popular Ginsu knife and Handy Stitch sewing machine. With his wife and three daughters, Lee moved to the U.S. in 1995 when he founded Top Innovations, a marketer of SteamFast steamers. In 2008, he sold the business, and as a major stockholder in DuraComm Corp., became its sole owner.
KEEP LEARNING ALL YOUR LIFE Lee often shares his wisdom with Park students and alumni. “You will never know everything, so don’t be afraid of what you don’t know. Keep asking questions and learning all of your life,” said Lee, who in 2013, decided to learn how to play the clarinet. After only 10 days of lessons, he played at a reception for an ambassador from the Czech Republic. Affirming his belief that the U.S. is the most philanthropic country in the world, Lee lives the practice of giving back. Lee and his family have eagerly embraced U.S. citizenship and have demonstrated extraordinary generosity. In 2014, he was named Philanthropist of the Year by Nonprofit Connect, a Kansas City regional association that serves individuals involved in the management of nonprofit organizations.
“You will never know everything, so don’t be afraid of what you don’t know. Keep asking questions and learning all your life.”
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CASI
JOY
M cC A L L ,
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“A public speaking class at Park helped me overcome my fears. Now I can’t seem to shut up on stage. I love The Promising Young Professional Award recognizes Park University alumni who show exceptional promise of leadership and contribution to their profession and/or community.
“I started singing when I was 5 years old — and I was terrible,” said Casi Joy McCall,’12,
who, after winning the attention of country singer Blake Shelton on NBC’s “The Voice,” is now touring the country to promote her new solo album.
“Even my family will tell you I was a terrible singer,” she said. “But it’s what I’ve always wanted to do. Music is my North Star.” When she was around 10 years old, McCall (who goes by the stage name Casi Joy) said her parents, Kay and Scott McCall, started to notice “something going on” with her blossoming talent. They’ve since been her biggest cheerleaders. “We lived in hotel rooms nearly every weekend when I was in middle school on the Midwest Opry circuit,” she said. “My parents gave up so much to help me chase my dream,” McCall said. “You hear it all the time, but it’s true. No matter what, never ever give up on your dreams.”
Casi Joy’s new album “Love On Repeat.”
“Earning my degree took a lot of sacrifice and determination — it does for everyone — but I knew if I just stuck with it, I’d never regret it.”
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SACRIFICE AND DETERMINATION Music, sports, music — that was McCall’s world growing up in Smithville, Mo. “College was never on my mind,” she said. McCall, who comes from a family of teachers, said something came over her in high school. “Despite my music dreams, I wanted to go to college, and when Park offered me a track scholarship, I decided to go for it,” she said. “I loved my degree program and everyone at Park, which helped me apply myself and earn my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. I even graduated with honors!” she said. “It took a lot of sacrifice and determination — it does for everyone — but I knew if I just stuck with it, I’d never regret it.”
talking to the crowd and I owe that to Park.”
While at Park, McCall used her teaching skills working at the School of Rock, a music school in Parkville, Mo., where she taught voice, piano and guitar for seven years. She also developed new curriculum for Little Wing, the school’s program for 3 to 5 year olds. Watching her perform on stage, it’s hard to imagine McCall was ever afraid of public speaking. “I’d sing one song after another and wouldn’t stop and talk to the audience because I was terrified. A public speaking class at Park helped me overcome my fears,” she said. “Now I can’t seem to shut up on stage. I love talking to the crowd and I owe that to Park.”
BITE THE BULLET After graduation, McCall decided to get serious about music. “If I was ever going to make my dream a reality, I had to bite the bullet and go to Nashville,” she said. On New Year’s Day in 2015, McCall packed her bags for the Music City. Since then, the vibrant songbird has opened for Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Chaka Khan and others. In February, McCall’s career took a giant leap when she auditioned for Season 12 of NBC’s “The Voice,” singing LeAnn Rimes’ “Blue.” Her yodel caught the attention of all four celebrity judges who quickly turned their chairs around, signaling a thumbs-up vote for McCall on the reality TV singing competition franchise. While on tour this fall to release her debut album, “Love on Repeat,” McCall finds time to make another dream come true. With a thick binder near her guitar, McCall is planning a big family wedding to marry her high school friend-turned-fiancé, Bryan Lankford, on Oct. 14. When she returns to visit family, McCall wows the hometown crowd singing the National Anthem for the Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs and Sporting Kansas City.
“You hear it all the time, but it’s true. No matter what, never ever give up on your dreams.”
Casi Joy singing the national anthem at Arrowhead Stadium.
Casi Joy with a few of her country music fans.
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MICHAEL The Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Service Award recognizes Park University alumni volunteers service to the community and/or civic organizations. It’s often said that in life, you play the cards you’re dealt. But Michael Woolstrum, ’12, chooses to deal only one
card to every person fortunate to cross his path. The ace of hearts guides his life’s mission:
“Every facet of my life is focused on investing in people to make a meaningful difference.”
• Accept people where they are. • Challenge people in their relationship with God and each other. • Encourage them every step of their way, whether it’s forward or backward. Woolstrum knows firsthand the transformative power of acceptance, challenge and encouragement. “I know what it’s like to think you’re damaged goods,” he said. He generously deals the ace of hearts as the senior pastor at Bible Baptist Church in Pflugerville, Texas, where he has served for 12 years. With his wife, Elena, he’s been dedicated to charitable endeavors for more than 25 years, specifically with at-risk, economically disadvantaged families. “You can’t make a positive impact by beating people up with the ace of spades,” Woolstrum said. “And it doesn’t help to simply throw money at them with the ace of diamonds, or to wish them luck with the ace of clubs.”
MENDING FENCES Born Michael Zarkas, he suffered a rough start in life. But things began to turn around when, at age 7, he became the first foster child of Richard and Carol Woolstrum, who later adopted him. To help more boys, the Woolstrums dedicated their property in 1972 to become the Century Youth Ranch, a place that welcomed more than 60 boys from broken homes with long-term, family-style housing. Woolstrum is grateful to have grown up at Century Youth Ranch, where he benefited from its guiding motto: Like a broken fence, a child’s life can be mended. Today, he gives back to mend fences for others.
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Century Youth Ranch is now Century Charities, a global nonprofit where Woolstrum is a board member. Its expanded mission includes opening K-12 schools in Texas, California, Oklahoma, Mexico and Thailand, and coordinating retreats and resources for communities in need around the globe.
WO O L ST RU M ,
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Michael Woolstrum in action sharing the knowledge he has about navigating life’s transitions.
PULPIT TO PODIUM Woolstrum also deals the prized ace of hearts as the chief executive officer of Touch International, an Austin-based company he co-founded in 2002. The company designs touch screen display technologies for use in healthcare, military, aerospace, retail and hospitality industries. “I’m no different speaking at the pulpit on Sunday than I am speaking at a podium in a business meeting on Monday,” said Woolstrum, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business at Park and is now pursuing a doctorate in education. “Every facet of my life is focused on investing in people to make a meaningful difference.”
“Most of these kids haven’t been 50 miles from home. We use these fun adventures to help them navigate new experiences and explore new horizons. I want kids to see there’s much more to life than the problems they’re enduring now.” MORE TO LIFE Each year, Woolstrum takes a group of high school students on a cruise and a camping trip coordinated by E3 Christian Academy, a Century Charities ministry. “Most of these kids haven’t been 50 miles from home. We use these fun adventures to help them navigate new experiences and explore new horizons,” he said. “I want kids to see there’s much more to life than the problems they’re enduring now.” Having raised three children — Anthony, Richard and Meagan — and welcoming three grandchildren, Woolstrum and his wife have also opened their home to more than 50 single mothers and their children over the years to actively teach parenting skills. Pastor. CEO. Board member. Husband. Father. Grandfather. Student. How does Woolstrum do it all? “People spend too much time on things that don’t matter. I don’t waste time,” he said. “We all have to carefully decide how to use the time God has given us to make a purposeful and lasting impact.”
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PA S T PA R K U N I V E R S I T Y A L U M N I
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Every year, Park University honors a few of its outstanding alumni and friends for their extraordinary achievements in their diverse career and civic engagements — and look to them as guiding examples of leadership, innovation and excellence. #ONEFAMILY
2013
Bob Kendrick, ’85
President, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Kansas City, Missouri
2016
Anthony Melchiorri, ’90
2015
Jack Fowler, ’54
Host, co-creator and Owner, Fowler Real Estate Boulder, Colorado co-executive producer of Travel Channel’s “Hotel Impossible” series New York, New York
2014
Darryl Forté, ’90
Chief of Police (Ret.) Kansas City, Missouri
2016
2015
2014
2013
President, Scottrade Inc. St. Louis, Missouri
Park University School of Business Advisory Board Kansas City, Missouri
(1929-2015)
Honorary Park Trustee Lewiston, New York
Peter deSilva
Jeanette Hernandez Prenger, ’09
2015
2014
City Administrator for Riverside, Missouri Kansas City, Missouri
Director, Children’s Division, Missouri Dept. of Social Services Jefferson City, Missouri
Founder of BullySafe USA Prairie Village, Kansas
Greg Mills, ’97
Tim Decker, ’82
SuEllen Fried, ’75
2015
2014
2013
Owner, Guayama Group Alexandria, Virginia
Deputy Chief Information Officer Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms, California
Instin LLC Kansas City, Missouri
Head Women’s Basketball Coach University of California, Merced Merced, California
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2010
CMSAF James A. Roy, ‘96
Donald P. Arndtsen, ‘50
Distinguished Alumnus
Distinguished Alumnus Torchlighter Award
Heywood H. “Woody” Davis
Torchlighter Award
2009
Park Promising Young Professional
Stephen Cox, ‘88
Rodrigo Neri, ’09
Sarah Hopkins-Cherry ’07, Co-founder & Chief Product Officer M.A.C.L. ’09
2008
2006
Florence Byham Weinberg, ‘54 Lee Salem, ‘68
Allan Larson, ‘59
Distinguished Alumni
Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Service Award
Robert Burns, D.D.S.
Distinguished Alumnus
Michael Newburger, ‘70 Virginia McCoy
Denzil Ross, ‘06, M.B.A. ‘09
Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Service Award
2011
Distinguished Alumni
Jack N. Wells, ‘59, Ph.D. Wilford “Pete” Kale, ‘71
Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Service Award
Anthony Melchiorri with Park students at last year’s Alumni Awards banquet.
Wayne E. Wilbourn II, ’10
2012
Deanna Medlin Armstrong, ‘70
Anthony Melchiorri, 90, joined Park University’s Board of Trustees for the 2017-18 year. We are extremely pleased to have Melchiorri on the Board as a Park graduate and successful entrepreneur who embodies Park’s core values: Accountability Civility and Respect Excellence Global Citizenship Inclusivity Integrity
Louise Morden
2016
Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Service Award
,
• • • • • •
Rev. David Barclay, ’53
Founder, President & CEO ECCO Select, Kansas City, Missouri
Darwin Rivera-Ortiz, ’04
2016
Ed Bradley
Timothy N. Pelton, ‘70
Robert McGowan, ‘56 Dean Larrick, ‘53
Torchlighter Award
2007
Distinguished Alumnus
Jerry L. Schrader, ’57
Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Service Award
Francis “Pete” Campbell, ‘78 Torchlighter Award
Daley Walker
Distinguished Alumnus Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Service Award
Rev. Edmund “Buzz” Loew, x55 Joyce Wilson Loew, ‘56 Jane Turner Dodson, ‘40 TO VIEW THE COMPLETE LIST OF PARK UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HONOREES SINCE 1949 AT ADVANCING.PARK.EDU/ALUMNI
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LEGACY
B E C O M E S Rendering of the future location of the Park Global Warrior Center
OF
SERV IC E PA R K U N I V E R S I T Y
alumni OWNED BUSINESS
PARK UNIVERSITY
Board of Trustees 2017-18 Scott D. McRuer Chair Parkville, Missouri Jeanette E. Prenger, ’09 Vice Chair Kansas City, Missouri Jacqueline Snyder Secretary Parkville, Missouri
Park’s annual International Sash Ceremony
Free window display decal for Park alumni-owned business. To order go to
ALL ARE WELCOME HERE Park University has educated generations of students from diverse backgrounds providing affordable access to a private education. At its founding in 1875, Park openly welcomed enrollment by both women and men, something that was unusual at the time. Park’s first class of 17 students included two Native Americans; our first group of graduating students included five women. And Park was a pioneer among higher education institutions for welcoming African-American students to live in Park’s residence halls in the 1950s — all early steps toward a world where education is a right, not a privilege. Our welcome mat continues to expand as we remain steadfast to our founding principles of a quality, affordable education for all.
WHO WE ARE PAYSCALE BEST VALUE
COLLEGE ROI REPORT 2016
Park University — private, nonprofit institution of higher learning since 1875 – values inclusivity and diversity. For 142 years, Park has been firmly committed to providing access to a quality, affordable education to students of all backgrounds.
WHAT WE DO
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We meet students where they are while challenging them to think critically, communicate effectively and demonstrate a global perspective to prepare them for a lifetime of learning and service to others.
WE’RE BIG AND SMALL, GLOBAL AND LOCAL
ADVANCING.PARK.EDU/ALUMNI
Park’s class sizes are small, but the University’s campus system reaches students across 41 campus centers in 22 states — including 33 campuses on military installations and online around the globe. Park is home to students from more than 55 countries.
Park Spirit Store carries Park University apparel, including adidas licensed shirts, long sleeves, hats, and bottoms as well as golf products, tailgate items, drinkware, bags and more. Check it out today!
PARK PROUDLY SERVES OUR NATION’S MILITARY
Park’s Career Development Center provides key services to current students and alumni through advising resources, such as a quarterly newsletter called “The Passage,” tips for job hunting in the age of social media and events for networking (face-to-face and online career fairs). To access all the resources Career Development has to offer, go to PARK.EDU/CAREER
ACCESSIBLE AND ACCREDITED
Park University’s degree programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Dennis D. Fisher, Ed.D. Kansas City, Missouri Kristopher Flint, ’97 Mountain View, California Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Richard Keller Leavenworth, Kansas Anthony Melchiorri, ’90 New York, New York
Rosemary Fry Plakas, ’63 Alexandria, Virginia Danny Sakata Parkville, Missouri Cyprienne Simchowitz Mission Hills, Kansas Troy Teague Kansas City, Missouri Richard Thode Raytown, Missouri
Michael M. Collins, ’04 Immediate Past Chair Leawood, Kansas
Hon. C. Ann Mesle Kansas City, Missouri
J. Eric Wade, ’82, M.P.A. ’85 Lenexa, Kansas
Vince Clark Kansas City, Missouri
William Perry, ’67 Dallas, Texas
David A. Warm Kansas City, Missouri
James Cornelius Kansas City, Missouri
In addition, Park offers more than 24 bachelor’s degree programs and eight master’s degree programs online. Even if you are a thousand miles away, you are still a student at Park University, and we will make sure you feel that way. All our courses are highly interactive and designed to keep you involved.
Park University and the U.S. military enjoy an educational partnership that stretches back more than 90 years. The Park Global Warrior Center — part of the University’s Department for Military and Veteran Student Services — is dedicated to helping service members transitioning in and out of the military to get the educational resources and personalized assistance they require to achieve their educational goals. To meet the growing need, Park has plans underway to expand Park’s Global Warrior Center to be housed in Park’s new Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise on the Parkville Campus.
Judy Simonitsch Treasurer Independence, Missouri
Lynn Craghead Kansas City, Missouri
PARKSPIRITSTORE.COM
PARK UNIVERSITY
Alumni Council 2016-17 Sarah Hopkins-Cherry, ’07, M.A.C.L. ,‘09 President Merced, California Katherine Phillips Hernandez, ‘83 President-Elect St. Joseph, Missouri Toni Madeira, ’88 Immediate Past President Kansas City, Missouri James (Zac) Jarrard, ‘16 Secretary Kansas City, Missouri
H O M E C O M I N G H O M E C O M I N G
Derrick W. Quarterman ‘03 Treasurer Triangle, Virginia Michael J. Badilla, ‘09 Fort Belvoir, Virginia
SAVE THE DATE HOMECOMING 2018 September 13-15
Robert Dandridge, ‘04 New Baden, Illinois
Michelle Gaiewski, ‘10 Cedar Park, Texas
Charles K. Williams, ‘96 Trotwood, Ohio
Justin Huttie, ‘05, MBA ‘08 Kansas City, Missouri Exp. 2018
Dustin Woods, ‘15 Gladstone, Missouri
Ryan Kinne, ‘09 Liberty, Missouri Max Miller, ‘13 Kansas City, Missouri Elizabeth Weese Muncal, ‘05 Scottsdale, Arizona George Ramsey III, ‘01 Cedar Rapids, Iowa Amber Steele, ‘10 Excelsior Springs, Missouri Kara Walton, ‘13 Washington, D.C.
Monica Zavala, ‘12 Austin, Texas Staff Liaison: Erik Bergrud, MPA ‘94 Associate Vice President for External Relations ex officio member If you are interested in volunteering to help with alumni activities or in being considered for membership on the Alumni Council please contact Bergrud at erik. bergrud@park.edu or (816) 584-6209.
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Office of External Relations (816) 584-6209 / (800) 488-7275 alumnioffice@park.edu
Office of University Advancement (816) 584-6200 advancement@park.edu
Park University 8700 NW River Park Drive Parkville, MO 64152-3965 park.edu
“I succeeded in getting my education because I wanted it — and was grateful for the opportunity. It was incredible to me that Park made classes available for service members right on the base. When I left the military, I had my degree and was able to get going on my career. It’s really one of the highlights of my life because I was the first person in my family to graduate college.”
-Anthony Melchiorri, ‘90, host, co-creator and co-executive producer of Travel Channel’s “Hotel Impossible” series of shows, inlcluding “Five-Star Secrets,” and a member of the Park University Board of Trustees
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