Awards Celebrating Leadership Achievements from the 2024-25 Academic Year Honored by Park University
In a grand celebration of academic achievement and leadership, Park University recognised its exceptional students and staff at the annual Dr. Doris A. Howell Awards Ceremony held on April 16, 2025.
The event, named after Dr. Doris A. Howell, a 1944 Park graduate who was an internationally renowned leader in pediatrics and hospice care, honoured a diverse range of individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the University and its community.
Eny Mejia, Ognjen Petrovic, and Manuel Reyes were among those honoured with the Outstanding Class Member Awards for the senior class. Their dedication, academic excellence, and leadership qualities were recognised as exemplary.
Makayla Artis, Dorianna Braxton, Amelia Britting, Nina Distasio, Mariah Hirst, Nicholas Mattivi, and Eric Young were recipients of the Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Awards. These students have shown exceptional leadership abilities, academic achievement, community involvement, and alignment with the values and legacy of Dr. Howell.
Vivian DeJesus and Michell Lebron received the Park Family Award for embodying the University's family-like culture. Their contributions to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment were highly appreciated.
Addisen Andrew, a sophomore communication/multimedia journalism major from Kearney, Mo., was presented with the Park Student Government Association / Cindy Anderson Senator of the Year Award. His dedication to student representation and advocacy was commendable.
Damian Gonzalez, digital storytelling coordinator from Shawnee, Kan., was recognised as the Student Organization Adviser of the Year. His guidance and support to student organisations was instrumental in their success.
Tom Kuehnel and Faith Romano were honoured with the Outstanding Class Member Awards for the sophomore class. Their commitment, academic excellence, and leadership were acknowledged.
The Photography Club, a new student organisation, was given the New Student Organization of the Year Award. Their contributions to the University's creative community and their rapid growth were notable.
Brandi Schaffer, student records and graduation lead from Smithville, Mo., received the Student Success and Impact Award. Her dedication to ensuring student success was highly appreciated.
Fabiola Salgado Hernandez, a Master of Business Administration student from Kansas City, Mo., was awarded the Graduate Assistant of the Year Award. Her academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to the University were recognised.
Molly Pierson, dean of students from Overland Park, Kan., received the Staff Newcomer of the Year Award. Her dedication, professionalism, and positive impact on the University were commendable.
Kelly Gilhaus, assistant teaching professor of interior design from Leawood, Kan., was presented with the Faculty/Staff Newcomer of the Year Award. Her dedication to teaching, research, and service was highly appreciated.
Garima Baral and Nora Spornitz received the C.W. Bailey Award. Their academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to the University were recognised.
Yvette Karanja was awarded the Park Servant Leader of the Year Award. Her dedication to serving the University and its community was highly appreciated.
Allyson Price received the Tipton Award for her outstanding service contribution as a Park University alumnus. Her dedication to the University and its community was commendable.
Alana Mathis and Steven Garcia were honoured with the Toni Griggs Award for their outstanding contributions to Park University. Their commitment, leadership, and service were recognised.
Amanda Bryant, director of student life from Gladstone, Mo., was presented with the Special Award - Dedication to Student Advising. Her dedication to supporting students was highly appreciated.
Maria Eduarda Araujo, Samantha Hall, and Marina Perdiguero Martin were honoured with the Outstanding Class Member Awards for the junior class. Their commitment, academic excellence, and leadership were acknowledged.
Veronica Spottswood received the Dusing-Proudfoot Award for her outstanding contribution as a faculty member. Her dedication to teaching, research, and service was highly appreciated.
Dah Shee, a senior nursing major from Kansas City, Mo., was honoured with the Student Employee of the Year Award. Her dedication, professionalism, and contributions to the University were recognised.
The Biology Club's Study Party was recognised with the Student Organization Program of the Year Award for its contributions to local, national or global communities. Their commitment to learning and community service was highly appreciated.
For specific criteria regarding the Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Awards, it is best to consult Park University’s official website or their scholarships and awards office directly. The criteria for these awards often include demonstrated leadership ability, academic achievement, community involvement, and sometimes alignment with the values or legacy of the award’s namesake. However, the exact criteria for the Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Awards at Park University were not found in the search results.
Personal growth and learning were evident in the recipients of the Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Awards, as they demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities, academic achievement, community involvement, and alignment with the values and legacy of Dr. Howell. The event also acknowledged students like Eny Mejia, Ognjen Petrovic, and Manuel Reyes, who displayed dedication, academic excellence, and leadership qualities through their personal growth and learning during their time at Park University.
