Crows Nest Update - September 7, 2023: Latest News and Headlines
Park University Alumni Association Announces 2023 Award Honorees
The Park University Alumni Association has announced the recipients of its 2023 awards. Among the honourees are Paul Bilanzic, a 2015 graduate and attorney, who is the recipient of the Park Promising Young Professional Award, and Nancy Potter, a 1966 Park graduate, who is the recipient of the Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Service Award.
In a separate announcement, Amisi Mpole, a freshman marketing major and Parkville (Mo.) Campus men's soccer player, was awarded a $5,000 Emerging Sports Leaders Scholarship from Sporting Kansas City's Victory Project. Mpole, a refugee from Tanzania, hopes to obtain a Master of Business Administration degree and start a business that generates employment opportunities and fosters economic growth within marginalized communities in Kansas City.
Donald Chrusciel, Ph.D., has been appointed as vice president of finance and administration at Park University. Meanwhile, Pat Fayard, who retired after 22 years as assistant to the athletic director, is the recipient of the Torchlighter Award.
The Park University Golf Scramble, scheduled for October 16 at The National Golf Club of Kansas City, is another event worth noting. The event includes 18 holes of golf with a cart, box lunch on the course, driving range access, on-course games and contests, refreshments, and flight prizes. Various sponsorship packages, ranging from $1,500 to $5,000, are available for the golf scramble. Registration fees for the golf scramble are $250 per golfer or $1,000 per four-person team.
Park University's Gilbert Campus Department of Athletics has been recognized as a 2022-23 NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star institution at the gold level. This recognition is a testament to the department's commitment to academic integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.
In other news, Dennis Okerstrom, Ph.D., professor emeritus of English, is the recipient of the 2023 Paul H. Gault Service Award. Sandra Abbey, senior director of academic affairs at Park University's Gilbert Campus, authored the book "Nine Secrets of Resilient Leaders for Coaching Teams." The book provides a framework to cultivate personal and team resilience and stories of leaders who triumphed over challenges.
Lastly, Michael Collins, a 2004 graduate and founder of Grayson Capital, is the recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Melissa Ford has been appointed as associate vice president for advancement at Park University.
For more information or to register for the tournament, visit the Park University website or contact Nathan Marticke at [email protected] or (816) 584-6844. The ceremony for the award recipients will be held during Park's Homecoming and Parents Weekend on September 29.
Park University's golf scramble promises to be an exciting event, and we encourage everyone to participate or support it in any way possible. Let's celebrate the achievements of our alumni and the future leaders of our community!
The Park University Alumni Association's 2023 award recipients include Paul Bilanzic, showcasing great promise in his profession, and Nancy Potter, recognized for her dedication to service. Additionally, ongoing news highlights Donald Chrusciel's appointment as vice president of finance and administration at Park University, and the book "Nine Secrets of Resilient Leaders for Coaching Teams," authored by Park University's Sandra Abbey, focusing on building resilience in leaders and teams.
