Park University Honors Students for Their Academic Successes at Yearly Recognition Ceremony
On the 17th of April, 2024, the Park University Honours Convocation took place on the Parkville Campus, marking a special occasion to recognise the accomplishments of its students and faculty.
Among the notable recipients of awards was Skyler Jensen, a senior communications studies and multimedia journalism/public relations major from Earlham, Iowa. Jensen, who also received the Outstanding Parkite Award, was honoured for her exceptional contributions to the university. In 2021, she received the Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Award, and in 2022, she earned communication/journalism/public relations department honors. In addition, Jensen served as the editor-in-chief of The Stylus, Park's student newspaper, and recently won a first place award in sports page writing and design at the Missouri College Media Association Conference, as well as eight additional individual or collaborative awards.
Jensen was not the only student to receive recognition at the event. Annastasia Bair, a senior biology major from Omaha, Nebraska, was also awarded the Outstanding Parkite Award. Bair, who boasts a 4.01 cumulative grade point average and has been a Park University Presidential Scholar for the past three academic years, was also recognised with a Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Award and biology department honors in 2023. Bair served as president of the University's Biology Club and as a resident assistant.
Faculty members were also celebrated for their achievements. Jeff Kimmons, Ph.D., associate professor of biology from Kansas City, Mo., received the Excellence in Academic Advising Award. Brian Hoffman, Ph.D., professor of biology from Kansas City, Mo., received the President's Award for Teaching Excellence. Amanda Norton-St. George, adjunct instructor of psychology from Gilbert, Ariz., received the Provost's Award for Teaching Excellence.
Andrea Lee, Ph.D., associate professor of art and design and director of the Campanella Gallery, Liberty, Mo., received the J.L. Zwingle Award. Zoe Franzen, a senior graphic design major from Lee's Summit, Mo. (attended Lee's Summit North High School), also received the Louisa Davidson Hinde / Carolyn Hinde Zarkaryan Memorial Award. Bryce Butler, a senior multimedia journalism/public relations major from Kansas City, Mo. (attended Oak Park High School), also received the Louisa Davidson Hinde / Carolyn Hinde Zarkaryan Memorial Award.
The Park University Honours Convocation is a testament to the university's commitment to recognising and celebrating the achievements of its students and faculty. For more information about awards and recognitions at Park University, please visit their official communications or awards announcements page.
Skyler Jensen's academic achievements and contribution to education-and-self-development through her roles in The Stylus and various awards demonstrate her passion for personal-growth and learning. Annastasia Bair's academic excellence, leadership, and service as the president of the University's Biology Club also showcase her pursuit of personal-growth and commitment to learning.
