2020 Park University Alumni Association Awards

Out of a sense of responsibility and an abundance of caution, Park University held its 2020 Alumni Association Awards ceremony virtually on Sept. 17, 2020.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD

Vlatko Andonovski, ’08

U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Head Coach

“The opportunity that Park University provided me and my wife, who is also a Park graduate, is something I will forever be grateful. It’s an inspiration to continue working hard in my career to represent Park in the best possible manner.”

Vlatko Andonovski was appointed head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team in October 2019. He began his professional career playing six seasons in his home country of Macedonia. When he came to the U.S., he played four seasons with the Kansas City Comets, where he was a two-time Major Indoor Soccer League (now Major Arena Soccer League) All-Star. He coached FC Kansas City to back-to-back National Women’s Soccer League titles in 2014 and 2015, as well as the Comets to the MISL championship in 2014. Andonovski also led the USWNT to SheBelieves Cup titles in 2020 and 2021, as well as a bronze medal in the 2021 Summer Olympics.

TORCHLIGHTER AWARD

Blanche Sosland, Ph.D.

Professor Emerita of Education

“A wise educator once said, ‘More than my students learn from me, I learn from my students.’ Thank you for the precious years I had to learn from my students at Park University and for the privilege of being a part of the Park family.”

A lifelong ambassador for education, Blanche Sosland spent most of her teaching career at the college and university level, including 21 years at Park University, where she also served as chair of the Department of Education (now the School of Education). Her areas of expertise include identification and intervention for twice-exceptional children (those who are both gifted and learning disabled). In 2019, she authored Banishing Bullying Behavior: A Call to Action from Early Childhood through Senior Adulthood. The book explores various types of bullying — physical, verbal, emotional and cyber — and the devastating, lifelong effect they have on victims.

MARLOWE SHERWOOD MEMORIAL SERVICE AWARD

Lisa Ray, ’13

Honeywell Manufacturing Manager

“Service has been instilled in me since I was young. It’s always been something I’ve enjoyed — being able to help others and give back where I can.”

Lisa Ray is a highly sought-after mentor, coach, trainer and inspirational leader. She has a relentless passion to assist others, spending countless hours of her personal time assisting youth through mentoring and coaching, providing scholarships, and supporting organizations and initiatives such as March for Babies, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Black Achievers, 2020 Leadership of South Kansas City and Honeywell Black Employment Network. She is also an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, serving as her chapter’s vice president, and is an active member of Park University’s Alumni Council.

PARK PROMISING YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AWARD

JT Daniels, ’11

Illustrator and Muralist

“My time at Park University was influential in what I’m able to do today as a professional artist. I never would have been in the position to speak to the organizations and companies I work with if I hadn’t been prepared while I was at Park.”

After graduating from Park University, JT Daniels rented a studio space in the Kansas City area to focus on commissioned work. During a challenging time, he considered giving up his studio. That’s when he got the call that changed everything. A scout was looking to photograph Midwest artists in their studios for a marketing campaign. Afterward, a New York advertising firm noticed his colorful, fluid style which led to Daniels’ vibrant designs being featured on Brisk iced tea products. His uplifting murals — many which address social issues — can be seen throughout the Kansas City region, from the walls of businesses to Kansas City Streetcar stops to the historic 18th and Vine District.