List of the Most Significant Events and Tales from Park University in 2021 Unveiled
Top 10 Significant Events and Stories of Park University in 2021
Park University experienced a year filled with achievements, recognitions, and milestones in 2021. Here are ten notable events that marked the university's progress during the year.
- Opening of the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center and School of Business
August 2021 saw the opening of the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center and School of Business on Park University's Parkville Campus. The new centre was a significant addition to the university's infrastructure, providing state-of-the-art facilities for business education and entrepreneurship (issuu.com/our websitealumni/docs/our website_magazine_-_winter_2022/s/14424186).
- Park University's Volleyball Coach Honoured
Park University's women's volleyball head coach Mike Talamantes was recognised with two prestigious awards in 2021. He was named the NAIA Coach of the Year and the AVCA Midwest Region Coach of the Year.
- Chemistry Professor Inducted into Wiley's STEM Hall of Femme
Dr. Donna Jean, an associate professor of chemistry at Park University, was inducted into Wiley's STEM Hall of Femme in 2021, acknowledging her contributions to the field of science.
- Kenny Broberg's American Pianists Association Win
Graduate student Kenny Broberg, studying at Park University's International Center for Music, won the American Pianists Association's 2021 American Pianists Awards in June 2021.
- Shane B. Smeed's Appointment as Park University's President
Shane B. Smeed was appointed as the 18th president of Park University, effective from January 1, 2022. His appointment marked a new era for the university.
- Nada Meawad's Volleyball Achievements
Nada Meawad, a senior on Park University's Parkville Campus women's volleyball team, had an exceptional year. She was selected to the 2021 NAIA Women's Volleyball All-America first team for an unprecedented fifth time, was named the 2021 NAIA Player of the Year and Attacker of the Year, and received numerous other awards.
- Edna Martinson's Google for Startups Funding
2012 Park University graduate Edna Martinson received $100,000 in funding from a Google for Startups program for her company Boddle.
- Carneysha Mendoza's Testimony on Capitol Security
Carneysha Mendoza, a 2016 Park University graduate and a U.S. Capitol Police captain, testified in front of the U.S. Senate and Homeland Security committees regarding security failures during the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Her testimony was broadcast on various news outlets and published by The Kansas City Star.
- Stanislav Ioudenitch's Induction into Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame
Stanislav Ioudenitch, associate professor of music/piano and artistic director of Park University's International Center for Music, was inducted into the 2021 class of the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame.
- Cyprienne Simchowitz's Recognition by France
Cyprienne Simchowitz, a member of Park University's Board of Trustees, was recognised by France as she was promoted from knight to officer within the National Order of Merit, France's second-highest honor.
These events demonstrate the diversity and depth of achievements at Park University in 2021, showcasing the university's commitment to excellence in education, sports, research, and community service.
- In the realm of education and self-development, Dr. Donna Jean, an associate professor of chemistry at Park University, was inducted into Wiley's STEM Hall of Femme, a testament to her significant contributions in the field of science.
- For sports enthusiasts, general news in 2021 featured the recognition of Park University's women's volleyball head coach, Mike Talamantes, who was honoured with two prestigious awards, including the NAIA Coach of the Year and the AVCA Midwest Region Coach of the Year.
