Park University Celebrates Academic Excellence of 2017-18 at Honors Convocation Ceremony
In a celebration of academic excellence and contributions to campus life, Park University held its 2017-18 Honors Convocation on April 25, 2018, at the Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel on the Parkville Campus.
The event recognised the achievements of several students and faculty members, with Margarita Araiza and Ryan Zitter being honoured with the Outstanding Parkite Award.
Araiza, a senior secondary education/biology major from Kansas City, Mo., boasts a remarkable 3.89 cumulative grade point average and has been actively involved in multiple aspects of campus life. She served as vice president and secretary of Spectrum, vice president of intercultural engagement, president of Park's Student Activities Board, and a member of the University's Diversity and Inclusion Task Force.
Zitter, a senior biology major from Overland Park, Kan., was a three-time Presidential Scholar, a member of Park's cross country and track and field teams, and was named to the American Midwest Conference's Academic All-Conference teams five times.
Other recipients of awards included:
- Louisa Davidson Hinde / Carolyn Hinde Zarkaryan Memorial Award: Arber Dumani (senior communication arts/public relations major from Tirana, Albania), Alayna Howard (senior English writing major from Kingston, Mo. who attended Cameron [Mo.] High School), and Florenda Jarrard (assistant director of academic support services and disability services coordinator from Kansas City, Mo.)
- J.L. Zwingle Award: Glenn Lester, assistant professor of English and first year writing program coordinator from Kansas City, Mo.
- Provost's Award for Teaching Excellence: Jim Weigand, adjunct instructor of chemistry from Parkville, Mo.
- Excellence in Academic Advising Award: Toni-Rochelle Ford, assistant professor of marketing from Kansas City, Mo.
- President's Award for Teaching Excellence: Alexander Silvius, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics from Parkville, Mo.
A paper co-authored by Araiza, "Growth Habit Indicators from Permian Antarctic Glossopterids," was also published in the Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology in 2017.
The Honors Convocation is a testament to the university's commitment to recognising and celebrating academic achievements and contributions to campus life. For more detailed information about award recipients, it is recommended to check Park University's official announcements, archives, or contact their student affairs or alumni office directly.
- Margarita Araiza's personal growth and achievements in education-and-self-development, evidenced by her academic success and campus involvement, were recognized at the 2017-18 Honors Convocation.
- Araiza's career-development was further highlighted by the publication of her paper titled "Growth Habit Indicators from Permian Antarctic Glossopterids" in the Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology.
