University Celebrates 2024-25 Academic Successes at Anniversary Honors Ceremony at Park College
Park University celebrated its annual Honors Convocation on April 23, 2025, recognising the achievements of students and faculty members.
Manuchair Ebadi, Ph.D., established the Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award in honour of Delta Gier, Ph.D. This year, Jeffery Kimmons, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, was the recipient of this prestigious award.
J. Mark Noe, Ph.D., professor of communication arts and director of the Master of Arts degree in communication and leadership program, received the J.L. Zwingle Award. Meanwhile, Tammy Good, D.B.A., adjunct instructor of construction management, and Leslie Jensby, associate teaching professor of social work and director of the Bachelor of Social Work program, received the President's Award for Teaching Excellence.
The Outstanding Parkite Award, which typically recognises students who demonstrate exceptional involvement, leadership, and contribution to the university community, was given to seniors Raeven Brownell and Gabrielle de Oliveira Campos Sandins. Brownell, a senior majoring in biology and psychology from Kansas City, Mo., (attended Park Hill High School), served as president of the Park Student Government Association for the past two years and received biology department honors for the 2023-24 academic year. Sandins, a senior majoring in sport and exercise science from Sao Paulo, Brazil, has been a member of Park's beach volleyball team for three seasons (2023-25) and earned an Undergraduate Certificate in tactical strength and conditioning. Sandins also received a Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Award for 2023-24 and was a co-recipient of the Sport and Exercise Science Service and Professional Development Award for 2024-25.
Camille Cook, director of library services and first-year experience, and assistant professor of library instruction and outreach, received the Excellence in Academic Advising Award. Danny Burger, a senior communication studies major, received the Louisa Davidson Hinde / Carolyn Hinde Zarkaryan Memorial Award.
Additional Presidential Awards and Faculty/Staff Awards were presented at the Honors Convocation, but specific details were not provided in the paragraph. It is worth noting that the criteria for the Outstanding Parkite Award may vary each year or by category, so it is best to consult Park University’s official student awards page or contact their student affairs or awards office directly for the precise requirements.
Brownell, a member of Park's Honors Academy, has excelled in the classroom, making her a well-deserving recipient of the Outstanding Parkite Award. Sandins' commitment to service and extracurricular activities, strong academic performance, significant campus involvement, and positive impact on the Park University community also made her an ideal candidate for the award.
The honourees' achievements serve as an inspiration to the Park University community and beyond, demonstrating the university's commitment to recognising and rewarding academic excellence and community involvement.
Education and self-development were showcased in the achievements of Raeven Brownell and Gabrielle de Oliveira Campos Sandins, who were recognized with the Outstanding Parkite Award. Personal growth and learning were evident in the honourees' commitment to their respective fields and extracurricular activities.
