Park University Honors Its 2024-25 Academic High-Achievers at Yearly Honors Ceremony
Park University celebrated its annual Honours Convocation on April 23, 2025, on the flagship Parkville Campus. The event recognised students, faculty, and staff who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, academic excellence, community involvement, or contributions to the Park University community.
This year, the Outstanding Parkite Award, the most prestigious honour at Park University, was bestowed upon two individuals: Raeven Brownell and Gabrielle de Oliveira Campos Sandins.
Brownell, a senior majoring in biology and psychology from Kansas City, Mo., (attended Park Hill High School), is a member of Park's Honours Academy and served as president of the Park Student Government Association for the past two years. Sandins, a senior majoring in sport and exercise science from Sao Paulo, Brazil, has been a member of Park's beach volleyball team for three seasons (2023-25).
Brownell was also recognised for her service as the president of the Park Student Government Association and her membership in Park's Honours Academy. She received the Outstanding Parkite Award for her significant contributions to the Park University community.
Sandins, on the other hand, was a co-recipient of the Sport and Exercise Science Service and Professional Development Award for 2024-25 and received a Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Award for 2023-24. In addition to her athletic achievements, Sandins has shown dedication to her academic pursuits, earning an Undergraduate Certificate in tactical strength and conditioning in March 2025.
The Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award was given to two individuals this year. Jeffery Kimmons, Ph.D., an associate professor of biology from Kansas City, Mo., and J.L. Zwingle Award recipient J. Mark Noe, Ph.D., a professor of communication arts and director of the Master of Arts degree in communication and leadership program, Parkville, Mo., were both honoured for their exceptional contributions to teaching and research.
Teaching Excellence Awards were also presented to Tammy Good, D.B.A., an adjunct instructor of construction management from Pompano Beach, Fla. (Provost's Award for Teaching Excellence for adjunct faculty), and Leslie Jensby, associate teaching professor of social work and director of the Bachelor of Social Work program, Kansas City, Mo. (President's Award for Teaching Excellence for full-time faculty).
Camille Cook, director of library services and assistant professor of library instruction and outreach, Lawrence, Kan., was also recognised with the Excellence in Academic Advising Award.
The Louisa Davidson Hinde / Carolyn Hinde Zarkaryan Memorial Award was given to two students this year: Lauren Buck, a junior graphic design major from Kansas City, Kan. (previously attended Sumner Academy of Arts and Science), and Danny Burger, a senior communication studies major from Tunas, Mo. (previously attended Rosedale Christian Academy, Winchester, Va.).
To find the most accurate and up-to-date information about Park University award recipients and their accomplishments, we recommend checking Park University’s official news releases or website, Park University social media channels, and university newsletters or alumni magazines. These resources often highlight award winners and their achievements.
Raeven Brownell's dedication to education-and-self-development through her participation in the Honours Academy and her role as president of the Park Student Government Association led to her receiving the Outstanding Parkite Award, a testament to her personal-growth and significant contributions to the Park University community.
Gabrielle de Oliveira Campos Sandins showcased both her learning abilities and personal-growth by earning an Undergraduate Certificate in tactical strength and conditioning, alongside her athletic achievements and awards in sport and exercise science, demonstrating her passion for education-and-self-development.
