"Crow's Nest Daily Update - 4th October 2024"
Park University has been a hub of activity this week, with a variety of achievements, recognitions, and upcoming events to share.
Political science Associate Professor Matt Harris found himself in the spotlight, being interviewed for stories aired on KCTV in Kansas City on both September 11 and 22. The first interview focused on celebrity political endorsements and their impact, following Taylor Swift's endorsement of Kamala Harris. The second interview was related to the Missouri Supreme Court releasing opinions that put Amendment 3 on the ballot in November. Harris also participated in a live discussion on KCUR-FM's "Up To Date" on September 11, discussing the previous night's presidential debate.
In the realm of academics, Park University athletic programs have been recognised by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Thirty-three athletic programs were honoured for achieving a minimum 3.0 grade point average. Among these, the women's cross country team from the Gilbert Campus had a combined grade point average of 3.71, while the women's outdoor track and field team and the women's beach volleyball team from the Gilbert Campus both achieved a commendable 3.67. The women's cross country team from the Parkville Campus also had a combined grade point average of 3.67, and the women's volleyball team from the Parkville Campus maintained a 3.55 average. However, it is important to note that specific data for Park University in the 2023-24 academic year is not available in the provided sources. For detailed and official academic honours for Park University athletics from 2023-24 tied to NAIA recognition, it is recommended to check Park University’s official athletics website or contact their compliance or athletic academic support office directly, as well as the official NAIA site for academic award announcements.
Yumi Hernandez-Hohm, a 2002 graduate, was appointed as the senior marketing coordinator at the St. Louis headquarters of KAI, a planning, engineering and construction firm, on September 5. Adam Shirley, a 2015 graduate, was named the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan for September and was featured on the Sporting Kansas City (Major League Soccer team) website on September 19.
Sarah Doran, a 2019 graduate and U.S. Army veteran, was featured on the Lansing (Kan.) School District website on September 24 as part of an alumni spotlight. Ilya Shmukler, a graduate student from the Park University International Center for Music, performed Igor Stravinsky’s "Three Movements from Petrushka" and was aired on American Public Media’s "Performance Today" program in mid-September.
George S. Robb, a 1912 graduate of Park University (then Park College), was featured as part of the U.S. Department of Defense's "Medal of Honor Monday," a weekly series which highlights the more than 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients.
In other news, Park University hosted a poverty simulation event on September 16 and was featured on KSHB-TV in Kansas City. Two Park University political science experts will hold a discussion on "The 2024 U.S. General Election: Public Policy Implications" in October. The discussion will take place on the University's flagship Parkville Campus.
Sebastian James (Anderson), a 2016 graduate and MBA 2018 alumnus, is launching a solo career, with his debut album, "Old School Cool," set to be released on Friday, October 4. A performance of Ilya Shmukler was reviewed on the KDHX radio website on September 12. A story about Sadikov and NAVO Arts was published in The Independent, Kansas City's journal of society, on September 25.
Upcoming events at Park University include an art exhibit, concerts, a golf scramble, an open house, a political discussion, and commencement ceremonies in various locations. Park University's Frances Fishburn Archives and Special Collections is hosting an open house for students, faculty, and staff on October 16.
Lastly, Ricky Godbolt, a 1993 graduate, received the 2024 Park University Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus Award and was featured in the Magnolia (Ark.) Banner-News on September 7. Harris was also interviewed by RTVI, a Russian-language television network based in New York City, about new voter registration on September 17.
Stay tuned for more updates from Park University!
Discussions on education and self-development were not absent at Park University, as Ilya Shmukler, a graduate student from the Park University International Center for Music, performed Igor Stravinsky’s "Three Movements from Petrushka" and was aired on American Public Media’s "Performance Today" program in mid-September. On the other hand, general news included a sports segment, with Adam Shirley, a 2015 graduate, being named the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan for September and was featured on the Sporting Kansas City (Major League Soccer team) website on September 19.
