Daily Gazette - August 7, 2023
**Park University Alumni Make Waves Across Various Fields**
Park University, nestled in the heart of Missouri, continues to produce exceptional graduates who are making significant contributions in their respective fields. From science and technology to business and the arts, Park University alumni are leaving their mark.
In a groundbreaking development, Hugh Richards, a Park University alumnus, played a pivotal role in the Manhattan Project. Richards developed special cameras for measuring radioactivity of fission fragments and retrieved the measurements collected after the Trinity test, the first detonation of a nuclear weapon. His work was instrumental in understanding the aftermath of the historic event.
However, it's important to note that, as of current search results, there is no evidence of significant contributions by other Park University alumni to the Manhattan Project. John Cory, another alumnus with an interest in nuclear science, pursued independent studies using the works of Niels Bohr, but his role in the project remains unclear.
Fast forward to the present day, and Park University alumni are continuing to excel. Edna Martinson, a recipient of the Park University Alumni Association's Park Promising Young Professional Award in 2021, was featured in Forbes as part of the magazine's "Barrier Breakers: Profiles of New Entrepreneurs Making Change." Her business ventures are making a positive impact, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future entrepreneurs.
In the realm of academia, Gayle Copeland and Yang Sun have been appointed as deans for Park University's College of Education and Health Professions and College of Management, respectively. They will be responsible for the curricular, personnel, budgetary, and administrative affairs of their respective colleges.
Meanwhile, in the world of business, Grayson Capital, a commercial real estate development, property management, and advisory company led by Michael Collins, '04, was ranked No. 13 on the KCBJ's list of Black-owned businesses. The company's success is a testament to Collins' leadership and the hard work of his team.
Crispin Rea, '08, made history as one of two Latinos elected to the Kansas City, Mo., City Council for the first time in 30 years in late June. His victory marks a significant step forward in representation for the Latino community in Kansas City.
In the arts, Mildred McAfee, granddaughter of Park University co-founder John A. McAfee, was featured on the Aerotech News and Review website as its Veteran of the Day. Her service and contributions to the arts are being recognised and celebrated.
Park University's online Bachelor of Public Administration degree program was listed by Forbes Advisor on its list of best online public administration degrees of 2023. The recognition underscores the quality of education offered by the university.
Mary Cracchiolo, '95, was featured in the July 2023 edition of Gulf Coast Woman magazine as the director of communications for MGM Resorts International's Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Miss. Her success in the hospitality industry is a source of pride for Park University.
ECCO Select, an IT talent acquisition and advisory consulting company in Kansas City, Mo., led by Jeanette Prenger, '09, was ranked No. 2 by the Kansas City Business Journal in the publication's July 14 list of Hispanic-owned businesses. The company's growth and success are a testament to Prenger's leadership and the hard work of her team.
In the realm of academia, Luke Herrington, Ph.D., authored an article titled "Cutting the Chaff: Overlooked Lessons of Military UAP Sightings for Joint Force and Interagency Coordination" in the third quarter 2023 edition of Joint Force Quarterly. His research sheds light on important issues related to military coordination.
Matt Harris, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, authored an article titled "The Taylor Swift Official State Sandwich: Politicians Understand that Swifties are a Key Demographic" which was published in The Conversation and picked up by media outlets across the country and in China. His insightful analysis of popular culture and politics is a testament to his expertise.
The recent release of the film "Oppenheimer" has highlighted Park University's connections to the Manhattan Project. While the contributions of Park University alumni may not be as widely recognised as those from other institutions, their role in the project is an important part of the university's history.
Upcoming events at Park University include an art exhibit titled "Plain Sight" by Dora Agbas, the Fall Faculty Conference, the start of the Fall Semester / Fall I Term, Opening Convocation, Opening Convocation Lunch / Student Activities Fair, Labor Day Holiday, Camp Pendleton (Calif.) Marine Corps Base Campus Commencement, Department of Nursing White Coat Ceremony, Board of Trustees Meeting, Dr. Jerzy Hauptmann Distinguished Guest Lecture: Dr. Yascha Mounk, International Center for Music Concert: Pianist Mikhail Voskresensky, El Paso (Texas) Campus / Fort Bliss (Texas) Campus / Holloman Air Force Base (N.M.) Campus Commencement, Park University Homecoming and Parents Weekend, Paul H. Gault Service Award Ceremony, Alumni Association Awards / Athletics Wall of Honor. These events promise to showcase the talents and achievements of Park University's students, faculty, and alumni.
In the sports realm, Mike Talamantes, director of volleyball and men's / women's volleyball and women's beach volleyball head coach for Park University's flagship Parkville (Mo.) Campus, was named to IN Kansas City's Class of 2023 Innovators and Influencers. His dedication to the sport and his students is inspiring.
Greg Plumb, J.D., was appointed to the Platte County (Mo.) Committee for Public Safety to find and recommend viable solutions for inmate detention. His expertise and commitment to justice will be invaluable in this role.
The Park University International Center for Music's "Stanislav and Friends" concert from March aired in two parts on KWJC-FM (Classical KC) in Kansas City in July. The concert, featuring renowned pianist Mikhail Voskresensky, was a testament to the university's commitment to the arts.
In a letter to his Park classmates, Joseph McKibben, a Park University alumnus, described his responsibility in closing the last switches that detonated the first bomb. His account provides a unique insight into the events of the Trinity test.
The achievements of Park University alumni are a testament to the quality of education and opportunities offered by the university. From science and technology to business and the arts, Park University graduates are making a difference in the world.
Science and space-and-astronomy education is a key focus for some Park University alumni, as demonstrated by John Cory's independent studies using the works of Niels Bohr. Learning about the history of nuclear science can further our understanding of the field (education-and-self-development).
On a related note, Luke Herrington, Ph.D., has authored an article on military UAP sightings for joint force and interagency coordination, shedding light on important issues related to military coordination and learning (science).
