Unveiling of The Crow's Nest on June 6, 2022
In the bustling heart of Missouri and Arizona, Park University continues to shine as a beacon of academic excellence and community engagement. Here are some highlights from the University's recent news:
Mark Dunning, MPA '19, to Become Lee's Summit City Manager
Mark Dunning, the current assistant city manager of infrastructure and development for Lee's Summit, Missouri, has been announced as the city's new city manager, effective from September. The news was shared on Link 2 Lee's Summit on May 19.
Independence Day Holiday and Academic Sessions
The Independence Day Holiday will fall on July 4, with University offices closed nationwide. However, Summer Session and Julymester classes will continue as scheduled. Julymester classes will begin on July 4, and the session will end on July 31.
Student Veteran Leadership Award for Rob Kudratov, '18
Rob Kudratov, a Park University alumnus, was honoured with a 2022 Student Veteran Leadership Award by G.I. Jobs. This recognition is a testament to his dedication and contributions to the veteran community.
Jeff Fore in the Spotlight
Jeff Fore, the Gilbert (Ariz.) Campus director of athletics and women's basketball head coach, was interviewed for a story that aired on Bally Sports Arizona/Cronkite Sports on May 13. The interview was related to the recent opening of Legacy Sports USA/Bell Bank Park.
Art Exhibition: "Fate" by Laurel DeFreece and Robin VanHoozer
The art exhibit "Fate" by Laurel DeFreece and Robin VanHoozer will be on display at Park University's Campanella Gallery from June 7 to July 29. A reception for the artists will be held on June 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Gallery. Admission to the Campanella Gallery is free.
F.E. Warren Air Force Base Commencement
The F.E. Warren Air Force Base (Wyo.) Campus Commencement will be held on June 24 at 3:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m. Mountain time), Trails End Event Center.
Academic Achievements at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition
Two Park University faculty members, Stanislav Ioudenitch and Ilya Shmukler, have made significant strides at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Stanislav Ioudenitch, listed as guest faculty for piano at the International Center for Music at Park University in 2025, was the silver medal winner of the 15th Cliburn Competition. Ilya Shmukler, a graduate student at Park University's International Center for Music, advanced to the quarterfinal round of the 16th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. The final round of the competition will be held on Tuesday-Wednesday, June 14-15 and Friday-Saturday, June 17-18.
Community Engagement and Recognition
Several members of the Park University community have been recognised for their contributions. Danica Love, adjunct instructor of early childhood education, was recognised with a President's Award from Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri. Lorraine Moore, development director, was highlighted in The Independent, Kansas City's journal of society, on May 14. Moore also graduated from Leadership Northland in May, a program of the Northland (Kansas City, Mo.) Regional Chamber of Commerce. Jeanette Prenger, a member of the Park University Board of Trustees (and immediate past chair), was featured in the May 20 issue of the Kansas City Business Journal as one of its 2022 Champions of Business.
Academic and Community Contributions
Eugene Matthews, Ph.D., associate professor of criminal justice administration, was interviewed for stories that aired on KSHB-TV in Kansas City on May 12 related to a string of suspected arsons in Caldwell County, Mo. Steve Youngblood, associate professor of communication arts and director of the Center for Global Peace Journalism, appeared on the Express to Impress podcast on May 27 to discuss word choice in journalism and business.
The Valor Medals Review Project
The Valor Medals Review Project, being conducted by Park University's George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War, has gained significant attention. The project was featured on KSHB-TV in Kansas City on May 26 and was the subject of a cover story that appeared in The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City newspaper) on May 29.
Congratulations to David Radzynski
David Radzynski, who earned a Graduate Certificate in Music Performance (violin) in 2014 from Park University's International Center for Music, has been appointed concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra.
The Art Exhibition: "Fate"
The art exhibition, "Fate," by Laurel DeFreece and Robin VanHoozer, explores the random events that intertwine the common threads of tomorrow. The exhibition will be on display at Park University's Campanella Gallery from June 7 to July 29.
Allan Coy in the Spotlight
Allan Coy, an incoming Parkville Campus men's basketball player, was featured on KQTV in St. Joseph, Mo., on May 11.
Opinion Column by Abhijit Mazumdar
An opinion column authored by Abhijit Mazumdar, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication arts, related to the Citizenship Amendment Act which was passed by India's Parliament in 2019, appeared in Sunday Guardian Live in India on May 14.
- Mark Dunning, the new Lee's Summit city manager, has shown a commitment to lifelong learning and self-development, having earned his Master's in Public Administration from Park University.
- To enhance online-education opportunities, Park University faculty members Stanislav Ioudenitch and Ilya Shmukler have recently made significant strides in the music realm, demonstrating their expertise in the field through their contributions to the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
