Events and Stories Highlights from Park University's 2021 Calendar
Park University Shines in 2021: A Year of Achievements
Park University, located in Parkville, Missouri, had a remarkable year in 2021, with numerous accomplishments across various fields. Here are some of the highlights:
Sports Success
Nada Meawad, a senior on the Parkville Campus women's volleyball team, made history by being selected to the 2021 NAIA Women's Volleyball All-America first team for an unprecedented fifth time. Meawad's impressive performances earned her not only the NAIA Player of the Year and Attacker of the Year titles, but also the national American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) NAIA Player of the Year award, as well as the AVCA Midwest Region Player of the Year.
Meawad's coach, Mike Talamantes, also had a reason to celebrate as he was named NAIA Coach of the Year and AVCA Midwest Region Coach of the Year.
Academic and Musical Recognition
In the realm of academia, Donna Jean, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, was honoured by Wiley's Academic and Professional Learning Organization as part of its Woman's Equality Day celebration. She was also named to Wiley's STEM Hall of Femme.
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.
New Facilities and Leadership
The year 2021 saw the opening of the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center and School of Business on the Parkville Campus in August.
Shane B. Smeed was appointed as the 18th president of Park University, effective from January 1, 2022.
Community Service and Recognition
Carneysha Mendoza, a 2016 Park University graduate and a U.S. Capitol Police captain, testified in front of the U.S. Senate committees regarding security failures during the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Her testimony was broadcast on C-SPAN, CNN, MSNBC, and other news outlets, and was also published in The Kansas City Star.
Cyprienne Simchowitz, a member of Park University's Board of Trustees, was recognised by France and promoted from knight to officer within the National Order of Merit, France's second-highest honor.
Entrepreneurial Achievements
Edna Martinson, a 2012 Park graduate, received $100,000 in funding from a Google for Startups program for her company Boddle.
These achievements demonstrate the diverse talents and accomplishments of the Park University community. For more information about Park University's achievements, please visit their official website, press releases, or news archives.
Education and self-development were noteworthy aspects of Park University's achievements in 2021, as evidenced by Donna Jean, Ph.D., being honored for her academic prowess by Wiley's Academic and Professional Learning Organization as part of its Woman's Equality Day celebration, and her subsequent induction into Wiley's STEM Hall of Femme. Additionally, 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, showcasing his proficiency in music education.
