Park University Honors Staff with 2020 Long-Service Accolades
Park University Honours Staff and Faculty with Service Anniversaries
Park University celebrated the achievements of its dedicated staff and faculty members during its milestone celebration in 2025, marking the institution's 150th anniversary year. The event recognised the long-standing service of numerous individuals who have contributed significantly to the university's success.
Glenda Holder, Executive Administrative Assistant to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, celebrated her 15-year service anniversary. Niki Rittenhouse, a Reporting Analyst, and Wen Hsin, a Professor of Computer Science, also reached their 15-year milestones. Shellie Myers, the Provost, and Lora Cohn, an Associate Professor of Communications, joined the 15-year anniversary club as well.
Debra Sheffer, associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and professor of history, was honoured for her 30-year service at Park University. Her dedication and commitment to the university have been instrumental in shaping its academic landscape.
Several other members of staff and faculty were recognised for their service anniversaries. Shannon Nichols, Campus Center Director I, and Erin Stocking, Administrative Assistant, celebrated their 5-year service anniversaries. Danita Hodges, the Alumni and Constituent Relations Coordinator, and Brenda Royals, a Lecturer of Biology, reached their 10-year milestones.
Donna Baker, the Senior Director of Financial Reporting, and Henry Roehrich, an Associate Professor of Marketing/Management, both celebrated their 15-year service anniversaries. Ed Austin reached a significant milestone as Lead Help Desk Technical Specialist, marking his 5-year service anniversary.
Andrea Lee, an Assistant Professor of Fine Art, and Judy Caudill, a Campus Center Coach, both celebrated their 5-year service anniversaries. Jason Kline, the Head Men's Basketball Coach (Parkville Campus), and Raima Dominguez, a Custodian I, also reached their 15-year service milestones.
Amy Mecklenburg-Faenger, an Associate Professor of English, and Brett Gregory, a Lead Campus Safety Officer, both celebrated their 5-year service anniversaries. Kathy VanCleave, the Online Instructor Services Administrator, and Erik Bergrud, the Associate Vice President for University Engagement, both reached their 15-year service milestones.
Silvia Byer, a Professor of English and Modern Languages, and Pedro Carmona, another Custodian I, both celebrated their 15-year service anniversaries.
Remarkably, 40 adjunct faculty members were presented with 20-year service pins for their consecutive years of teaching at least one class for Park University. This impressive achievement reflects the university's commitment to providing quality education and the dedication of its adjunct faculty.
Linda Waxse, counselor and coordinator of the Counseling Center, also served 30 years at Park University. Tim Westcott, an Associate Professor of History, and Kenneth Hefner, the Head Women's Soccer Coach (Parkville Campus), both reached their 20-year service milestones.
Sicley Sidoran, a Campus Center Director, and Keith Dailey, another Campus Center Director, both celebrated their 5-year service anniversaries. Mike Bishop, a Senior Systems Administrator, and Steven Houston, a Senior Technical Support Specialist, both reached their 5-year service milestones.
Maria Distasio, a Student Accounts Representative, and Mari Distasio, an Assistant Professor of Nursing, both celebrated their 5-year service anniversaries. Dan Veis, an Assistant Professor of Music, and Lindsey Edwards, an Admissions Counselor, both reached their 10-year service milestones.
Janel Tait, a Custodian II, and Alvina Mannix, a Campus Center Coach, both celebrated their 10-year service anniversaries. JoMarie Mortelli, the Advancement Services Manager, and Dincer Guler, an Associate Professor of Mathematics, both reached their 15-year service milestones.
Penny Emory, a Financial Aid Operations Coordinator, and Brian Shawver, the Associate Provost for Teaching and Learning, both celebrated their 10-year service anniversaries. Norman Cooper, the Head Women's Basketball Coach (Parkville Campus), also reached his 10-year service milestone.
In total, Park University honoured 45 employees for their service anniversaries, amounting to a combined total of 475 years of service. This milestone celebration highlighted the university's rich history and the dedication of its staff and faculty members, whose collective efforts have shaped Park University into the esteemed institution it is today.
[1] For more information about Park University's milestone celebration, please visit Park University's official website.
During the milestone celebration of Park University's 150th anniversary year in 2025, several announcements were made regarding education-and-self-development courses, as adjunct faculty members were presented with 20-year service pins. This general-news item showcased a commitment to providing quality education and the dedication of adjunct faculty, with a total of 40 adjunct faculty members receiving this recognition.
Moreover, the university also recognized staff and faculty for their longevity of service, recognizing the importance of personal growth and the contributions of both faculty and staff to the overall success of Park University. In total, 45 employees were honoured for their service anniversaries, adding up to a combined total of 475 years of service, emphasizing the dedication of its staff and faculty members.
