Political Upheaval: January 3, 2025 Report from The Crow's Nest
Park University in the Spotlight: A Roundup of Recent Achievements
Park University has been making headlines recently, with several students, faculty, and alumni garnering recognition for their exceptional achievements.
In the world of sports, J'Vonelle Simpson, Class of 2013, has made a name for herself as a clinical laboratory scientist in the field of transplantation and histocompatibility. Simpson, who was shot in her leg when she was just six years old, found solace in sports, particularly soccer, which led her to Park University's Parkville (Mo.) Campus. Recently, she was featured in the Jamaica Observer, her home country's newspaper.
The University's women's volleyball team has also been a source of pride. Izabella Ceratti, a senior opposite hitter, was named to the 2024 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) / National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-Midwest Region first team. Ceratti led the team in points (366) and kills (344) during the 2024 season, hitting .240. Other honorees included seniors Grecia Ung and Irene Verdino, sophomore Avery Caskey, and Argentina, a women's volleyball graduate student at Arizona State University who was named Big 12 Setter of the Year on Dec. 3.
The men's soccer team also saw success, with seniors Brock Allen, Peyton Ayers, and Grant Barry, along with junior Jacksyn McIntyre, being recognised with College Sports Communicators Academic All-District awards.
In the realm of academics, Tom Kuehnel, a sophomore political science major, authored an article titled "Why did NATO's Post-Cold War Policy Toward Russia Fail?" which was published in the recent edition of InterAgency Journal. Matt Harris, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, provided comments for stories that aired on KMBZ-FM in Kansas City on Dec. 10 related to the plans the Missouri Legislature has in store for 2025.
The George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War and the Valor Medals Review Project have been receiving attention, with a story appearing in Task & Purpose, a publication for the military community, on Dec. 10. The project is currently reviewing the cases of indigenous World War I veterans, a similar story of which appeared in Military Times and four other related publications on Dec. 24.
Cultural events are also a significant part of Park University's vibrant community. Michael Davidman, Class of 2023, was highlighted in a story that appeared in the Indianapolis Star on Dec. 5 for a concert he was performing with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra on Dec. 8. The Park Trio, an ensemble of Park University's International Center for Music, will perform in concert on January 24, 2025, at the 1900 Building in Mission Woods, Kan. The performance will include "Piano Trio in D Minor, Op. 32" by Anton Arensky and "Piano Trio in E Minor," Op. 90" (also called "Dumky Trio") by Antonin Dvorák. Tickets for the concert are available through Eventbrite.
The University is also taking steps to ensure the safety of its community. ParkAlert, a mass notification system, will be used to notify the University community with important/urgent/emergency messages and/or weather-related alerts and updates, not for advertising or other unsolicited content. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to sign up for this service.
Lastly, the Frances Fishburn Archives and Special Collections will be placing puzzles featuring images of buildings of the University's flagship Parkville (Mo.) Campus past and present around the campus in mid-January 2025.
These achievements and events highlight the diverse and vibrant community at Park University, a testament to its commitment to academic excellence, cultural enrichment, and community engagement.
- At Park University, the Park Trio from the International Center for Music will be performing a concert showcasing works by Anton Arensky and Antonin Dvorák on January 24, 2025, in the 1900 Building, blending entertainment and music.
- In the realm of sports, the men's soccer team secured College Sports Communicators Academic All-District awards for Brock Allen, Peyton Ayers, Grant Barry, and Jacksyn McIntyre, combining athletic prowess with academic dedication.
