CLAS Newsletter- July 2012 - Park University
CLAS Newsletter- July 2012 - Park University
CLAS Newsletter- July 2012 - Park University
- TAGS
- clas
- july
- park
- university
- park.edu
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
A Touch of <strong>CLAS</strong><br />
Vol. 5 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2012</strong><br />
A message from Dr. Jane Wood, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences<br />
There has been much talk<br />
recently about the “value” of<br />
a liberal arts educa�on. I<br />
have been asked by the leadership<br />
at the Council of Colleges<br />
of Arts & Sciences to<br />
be part of a project that will<br />
“predict” the future of liberal<br />
arts ins�tu�ons by 2022.<br />
There is concern among<br />
liberal arts and science faculty<br />
and administrators na�onwide<br />
that the general popula�on<br />
may not have a full<br />
understanding of the importance<br />
of the tradi�onal<br />
liberal arts and sciences<br />
undergraduate educa�on<br />
A new Center for Global<br />
Peace Journalism has<br />
been approved by the<br />
<strong>Park</strong> Board of Trustees,<br />
and Professor Steve<br />
Youngblood con�nues<br />
his peace journalism<br />
projects. For more, turn<br />
to page 5.<br />
I share this concern, but,<br />
ul�mately, I believe that the<br />
undergraduate curriculum<br />
based in a tradi�onal liberal<br />
arts and sciences milieu will<br />
not only remain, but will<br />
prevail. In a recent Chronicle<br />
of Higher Educa�on ar�cle<br />
(Sept. 2010), Kevin Carey<br />
cites that only 64.6% of students<br />
who start at private<br />
nonprofit ins�tu�ons graduate<br />
within six years. While<br />
this figure is not stellar, the<br />
rate of the for-profit ins�tu-<br />
�ons is 15.7% (h�p://<br />
chronicle.com/blogs/<br />
brainstorm/college-gradrates-stay-exactly-thesame/29394<br />
. The future of<br />
higher educa�on has perhaps<br />
never been in a �me of<br />
more uncertainty. However,<br />
this �me of change may be<br />
the spark that guides us<br />
toward the essence of what<br />
truly ma�ers; a philosophy<br />
Copley Hall has a new<br />
media lab, serving<br />
photography,<br />
journalism, and<br />
communica�on<br />
students. To read<br />
more about the new<br />
lab, turn to page 10.<br />
that began thousands of<br />
years ago. Peter Karabell<br />
writes that “The modern<br />
university is the child of the<br />
medieval monastery and the<br />
medieval guild, and deep in<br />
the recesses of the professoriate’s<br />
iden�ty is the model<br />
of the monk”(54). The<br />
evolu�on of the university<br />
from its monas�c beginnings<br />
creates a�ributes about<br />
valuing the “sacred” that<br />
calls for us as faculty and<br />
administrators to reflect on<br />
knowledge not only as “job<br />
prepara�on” but instead<br />
fosters a return to thinking<br />
of knowledge as a life’s journey<br />
of the soul. In this context,<br />
by “sacred” I do not<br />
mean any par�cular religious<br />
affilia�on, but instead those<br />
things that we, in the <strong>University</strong>,<br />
hold dear. Do we want<br />
more students to graduate?<br />
Certainly. But we also want<br />
Inside this edi�on: pg.<br />
Meet the Deans 2<br />
more students to think cri�cally,<br />
apply scien�fic and<br />
historical knowledge to current<br />
societal dilemmas and to<br />
value crea�ve expression.<br />
Gradua�on rates are not the<br />
only predictor of success,<br />
though I think the success<br />
rate of the non-profit ins�tu-<br />
�ons underscores the validity<br />
of the medieval tradi�on that<br />
yet guides and steadies us. As<br />
we run and stumble into the<br />
future, we might do well to<br />
remember what William<br />
Faulkner told us: The past is<br />
never dead. It's not even<br />
past”. I may not be able to<br />
accurately predict the future<br />
of what colleges of arts and<br />
sciences will look like in 2022.<br />
But what I do believe in both<br />
mind and spirit is that people<br />
need the arts and sciences;<br />
while the future will bring us<br />
yet untold innova�ons, it will<br />
be those deep and las�ng<br />
tradi�ons that sustain us.<br />
Published Works 3<br />
Special Events 4<br />
Department Highlights 6<br />
Student Awards and Honors 12<br />
Faculty Awards and Honors 14<br />
Program Administra�on 16
TOUCH OF <strong>CLAS</strong> Page 2<br />
Message from Dr. Kenneth Christopher, Associate Dean of Social Sciences<br />
Have you ever listened<br />
to the Phish song,<br />
Chalk Dust Torture?<br />
“But who can unlearn<br />
all the facts that I've<br />
learned; as I sat in<br />
their chairs and my<br />
Introducing Dr. Virginia Brackett, Assistant Dean of Arts & Humanities<br />
Dr. Virginia Brackett, associate<br />
professor of English, has served<br />
as assistant director and director<br />
of <strong>Park</strong>’s Degree with Honors<br />
Program since she came to<br />
<strong>Park</strong> in 2006, and has chaired<br />
the <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong> Department<br />
of English and Modern Languages<br />
since the combining of<br />
the two departments in 2009.<br />
She has been involved in various<br />
initiatives at <strong>Park</strong>, including<br />
development of the general<br />
education program, and she co-<br />
chairs the HLC Criterion Two<br />
Work Group. In recognition of<br />
her advocacy of service learning<br />
through Honors Program course<br />
work, Brackett received the Missouri<br />
Campus Compact Community<br />
Engagement Professional of<br />
the Year Award, 2011. Her 13<br />
books have received various citations.<br />
Her most recent book pub-<br />
lication is Critical Companion to<br />
Mary Shelley (Infobase publishing,<br />
<strong>2012</strong>). She has published<br />
more than 125 articles and<br />
stories for adults and young<br />
adult readers, for both popular<br />
and academic audiences. She<br />
chaired a Task Force in fall<br />
2011 to investigate the possibility<br />
of development of an<br />
Honors College, and will use<br />
the Task Force’s model to<br />
transition the Honors Program<br />
into an Honors Academy beginning<br />
in fall 2013.<br />
Dr. Brackett will begin Assistant<br />
Dean duties Aug 1,<strong>2012</strong>.<br />
Introducing Mr. Scott Hageman, Assistant Dean of Natural & Applied Sciences<br />
Scott A. Hageman is an Associate<br />
Professor of Geology and Geography<br />
at <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong>. He is a native of<br />
Maryville, MO and grew up in higher<br />
education at Northwest Missouri<br />
State <strong>University</strong> where his father<br />
taught in the Art Department for over<br />
30 years and was Department Chair<br />
for nearly 20 years. He started college<br />
while still in high school taking<br />
college release courses at NWMSU<br />
and his first college course was Geology.<br />
He transferred to the <strong>University</strong><br />
of Kansas where he completed his<br />
B.S. in Geology and then continued<br />
his graduate studies in Geology at<br />
the <strong>University</strong> of Kansas and <strong>University</strong><br />
of Tennessee. He accepted a<br />
synapses burned; and the torture<br />
of chalk dust collects on<br />
my tongue. . . .” While the<br />
lyrics are intriguing, the melodies<br />
take the listener on a<br />
soaring journey with changing<br />
patterns and chord progressions.<br />
It is a liberating piece of<br />
music. As I work with <strong>CLAS</strong><br />
students, I find the business of<br />
education liberating. There are<br />
many different melodies, with<br />
students from all over the map<br />
and different walks of life. Like<br />
the music from Phish, the experience<br />
of guiding students<br />
goes in many different direct-<br />
full time teaching position in 1998<br />
with <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong> as a natural science<br />
assistant professor that has now<br />
evolved into a Geography Degree<br />
Program with over 50 majors.<br />
Scott Hageman has received various<br />
awards for his teaching, scholarship,<br />
and service including:<br />
ions. As much as I want to<br />
provide students with a clear<br />
cut and simple path to their<br />
success, the truth is each student’s<br />
journey is different.<br />
More and more, my experience<br />
is that each student needs and<br />
deserves our best individual<br />
educational guidance to illuminate<br />
the way for them. As<br />
much as I would like to offer a<br />
simple “off the shelf” solution<br />
for every student, I find that<br />
the best solutions are those<br />
that are crafted with the individual<br />
student’s goals, objectives,<br />
resources, and level of<br />
motivation in mind. When<br />
students make a positive,<br />
personal connection with their<br />
<strong>University</strong>, their experience<br />
will be much richer. In a year<br />
where <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong> has<br />
engaged in a new strategic<br />
plan, it seems logical and<br />
appropriate to engage our<br />
students closely in developing<br />
their own strategic plan.<br />
Hopefully, our efforts will minimize<br />
any “torture of chalk<br />
dust” for our students.<br />
Best,<br />
Kenneth Christopher<br />
J.L. Zwingle Award, <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
Governor’s Award for Excellence in<br />
Teaching, Missouri Department of<br />
Higher Education, Distinguished Faculty<br />
Scholar Award, <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
Excellence in Teaching Award, National<br />
Society of Leadership and Success,<br />
Excellence in Teaching Award,<br />
<strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong> Excellence in Academic<br />
Advising Award, <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
Excellence in Post Secondary Education<br />
Award, Northland Regional<br />
Chamber of Commerce .<br />
Mr. Hageman will begin Assistant<br />
Dean duties Aug 1, <strong>2012</strong>.
TOUCH OF <strong>CLAS</strong> Page 3<br />
Published Works and Presenta�ons<br />
Publica�ons:<br />
-Dr. Virginia Bracke� published the book Cri�cal Companion to Mary Shelley (Info Base Publishing/Facts on File).<br />
‐Dr. Lolly Ockerstrom published an essay for the Literary Encyclopedia en�tled “England’s Hour, by Vera Bri�ain.” The Literary<br />
Encyclopedia, published online in Great Britain, is a resource for students wri�en by academics.<br />
‐Brian Shawver published the short story “Defense” in Beecher’s magazine, May <strong>2012</strong>.<br />
‐Dr. Dennis Okerstrom published the book The Final Mission of Bo�oms Up: A World War II Pilot's Story<br />
(<strong>University</strong> of Missouri Press). Denny made several local personal appearances to discuss the book with his<br />
collaborator, Mr. Lee Lamar.<br />
Presenta�ons:<br />
-Dr. Virginia Bracke� made several presenta�ons this year, one being "Flush and the Hero's Journey: Woolf, the Monomyth and<br />
Literary Archetypes" at the Interna�onal Virginia Woolf Conference June 6-10 in Saskatchewan.<br />
-Dr. Silvia Byer presented “The mys�cism of Caterina Paluzzi: her autobiography and spiritual journey” at the November South<br />
Atlan�c Modern Language Associa�on conference in Atlanta, GA, November 3-6, 2011 . Silvia also chaired a panel on Medieval and<br />
Renaissance Italian Literature at the same conference.<br />
‐Joe Cunningham presented “Telecollabora�on for Professional Purposes: Towards Developing a Formal Register in the Foreign<br />
Language Classroom” was presented at the <strong>2012</strong> na�onal symposium of the Computer Assisted Language Instruc�on Consor�um<br />
in June at the <strong>University</strong> of Notre Dame. He also presented “Topic Nego�a�on in Professional Computer‐Mediated Discourse” at<br />
the Second Language Research Forum at Iowa State <strong>University</strong> in Ames, Iowa, October 14-16, 2011.<br />
‐Dr. Emily Donnelli co-presented "Integra�ng Service Learning into a <strong>University</strong> Honors Program: Three Types of Bridges," with<br />
Dr. Virginia Bracke�, at the Campus Compact Heartland Conference in Overland <strong>Park</strong>, Kansas, which took place September 22-23,<br />
2011. Dr. Donnelli also presented “Loca�ng Faculty Development for Community Engagement: A Study of Ins�tu�onal<br />
Factors,” at the Interna�onal Associa�on for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement conference, November 2-4<br />
in Chicago, sponsored by Illinois Campus Compact, DePaul <strong>University</strong>, Na�onal-Louis <strong>University</strong>, Loyola <strong>University</strong> Chicago,<br />
Columbia College Chicago, and Northern Illinois <strong>University</strong>. As part of acceptance to this conference, a summary of her research<br />
will be published in the refereed conference proceedings.<br />
-Dr. Lolly Ockerstrom presented “Photography, History, and Memoir of the Spanish Civil War: Interdisciplinary Views by Virginia<br />
Woolf, Gerald Brenan, and Gamel Woolsey,” at the Interna�onal Virginia Woolf Conference June 6-10 in Saskatchewan.<br />
-Dr. Deborah Osborne presented the following three papers: “Figh�ng the Good Fight: Academic Credit for ESOL Classes” at the<br />
TESOL Interna�onal Conven�on and English Language Expo, Mar. 28 – 31, <strong>2012</strong>, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; “Linguis�c,<br />
Sociological and Psychological Challenges Faced by ELLS” at <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s Spring <strong>2012</strong> Literacy Conference on April 14, <strong>2012</strong>;<br />
and “Academic Credit for ESL Classes: It’s Time” at the NAFSA Region IV Conference, Nov. 12 – 15, 2011 in Cedar Rapids, IA.<br />
- Dr. Judith Richards presented “Who’s Telling This Story? Playing with Narra�on.” and a special panel she organized on “La�no<br />
Literatures,” were presented at the Midwest Modern Language Associa�on Conference in St. Louis in November, 2011.<br />
- Mr. Brian Shawver “The Litera�: Deconstruc�ng Publishing Myths” was presented with Danielle Evans and Jacinda Townsend at<br />
the Associa�on of Writers and Wri�ng Programs Conference, March 2, <strong>2012</strong> in Chicago.<br />
-Dr. Dees Stallings presented “Iden�fying and Solving Communica�on Problems in virtual Academic Workgroups” in<br />
collabora�on with Cathy Taylor, Ju�a Pegues, and Hank Roerich, was presented as an online general session at the 17th TCC<br />
Worldwide Online Conference, April 17-19th. He also presented “It’s the Law: Mee�ng the Standards of the 2010 Plain Language<br />
Act” at Global Advances in Business Communica�on (GABC), 4th Annual Tricon�nental Conference June 6, <strong>2012</strong> at Ypsilan�, MI.<br />
- Dr. David Fox presented “A Bridge Too Far: and Other Myths Concerning the Historical Geography of St. Joseph, Missouri”<br />
during the Associa�on of American Geographers (AAG) Annual Mee�ng in February <strong>2012</strong>.
TOUCH OF <strong>CLAS</strong> Page 4<br />
Special Events<br />
Civil War Encampment and Art Exhibit<br />
In October of 2011, <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s main campus played host to a Civil War encampment and reenactment on the lawn near the<br />
chapel. Following the encampment, an art exhibit was set up in the Campanella Gallery on the campus, and remained open un�l<br />
November. These are just a few of the pictures taken during this �me. All pictures are courtesy of Dr. Timothy Westco�.<br />
Above: Two men in tradi�onal Civil War era clothes chat on the lawn by the<br />
Chapel.<br />
Below: Ba�le reenactment taking place.<br />
Above: A woman in Civil War era costume at the encampment .<br />
Below: The exhibit in the Campanella Gallery
TOUCH OF <strong>CLAS</strong> Page 5<br />
Special Events<br />
Center for Global Peace Journalism Opens<br />
Approval was given early in the<br />
Spring <strong>2012</strong> semester for a<br />
new Center for Global Peace<br />
Journalism, headed by<br />
Professor Steve Youngblood.<br />
This center is planned to be a<br />
resource for a wide range of<br />
people, from <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
students and faculty to high<br />
school journalists and<br />
professional journalists around<br />
the world and other<br />
organiza�ons with the same<br />
thoughts and ideals. Resources<br />
made available by the Center<br />
include tradi�onal courses for<br />
<strong>Park</strong> students, online courses<br />
for non-<strong>Park</strong> students, and<br />
study abroad possibili�es. <strong>Park</strong><br />
faculty and other non- <strong>Park</strong><br />
students have the<br />
opportuni�es for further<br />
research, ar�cle publica�on,<br />
and interna�onal collabora�on<br />
on research, projects, and<br />
other ini�a�ves.<br />
Currently, Youngblood has<br />
several projects involving the<br />
Center for Global Peace<br />
Journalism. In December, 2011,<br />
Youngblood went to Uganda to<br />
help start a peace media and<br />
counter-terrorism project,<br />
combining media and Ugandan<br />
security groups on what<br />
Youngblood describes as an�terrorism<br />
efforts. This was<br />
done with a grant from the U.S.<br />
State Department. Another<br />
project is the ongoing training<br />
The cover of the first edi�on of The Peace Journalist magazine printed for the Center for<br />
Global Peace Journalism. A PDF version is available on the Center’s web page at h�p://<br />
www.park.edu/peacecenter. Photo courtesy of Steve Youngblood.)<br />
Steve Youngblood listens to a par�cipant at the Peace Media and Counter-<br />
Terrorism seminar in Gulu, Uganda in December, 2011.<br />
(photo courtesy of Steve Youngblood)<br />
of journalists in Uganda in how<br />
to prevent media-induced<br />
violence at all �mes, but<br />
especially during elec�on<br />
years.<br />
The Center is also planning the<br />
release of a peace journalism<br />
magazine, appropriately called<br />
“The Peace Journalist.” The<br />
magazine will be published<br />
semi-annually, and feature<br />
ar�cles wri�en by Youngblood,<br />
his colleagues worldwide, and<br />
even papers wri�en by the<br />
students in his Peace<br />
Journalism courses.<br />
Youngblood writes about the<br />
magazine on the Center’s<br />
webpage, saying, “ As part of<br />
the ac�vi�es of the new Center<br />
for Global Peace Journalism at<br />
<strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong>, we are ge�ng<br />
ready to publish the first<br />
edi�on of The Peace Journalist,<br />
a semi-annual publica�on<br />
highligh�ng peace and conflict<br />
sensi�ve journalism. In each<br />
issue, we will feature a sec�on<br />
on current ac�vi�es worldwide<br />
in peace and conflict sensi�ve<br />
journalism. This is very wide<br />
ranging, anything from<br />
seminars to publica�ons to<br />
lectures to projects to<br />
classroom/educa�onal<br />
programs--really anything at all<br />
as long as it’s relevant.” The<br />
first edi�on features ar�cles<br />
from all over the world—<br />
Uganda, Afghanistan, and<br />
India, among others—and also<br />
featured the wri�ng of Julie<br />
Dolezilek, one of the students<br />
in Youngblood’s peace<br />
journalism course at <strong>Park</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong>.<br />
Youngblood has already<br />
started to receive new material<br />
for the second edi�on of The<br />
Peace Journalist, planned for<br />
October <strong>2012</strong>.<br />
This center is also an aid to the<br />
newest of several peace<br />
journalism projects<br />
Youngblood has led around the<br />
world and in his Peace<br />
Journalism classes at <strong>Park</strong>. The<br />
Center’s webpage features<br />
links to the various informa�on<br />
packets, projects, and the pilot<br />
online Peace Journalism course<br />
for those who are not part of<br />
<strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s student body.
TOUCH OF <strong>CLAS</strong> Page 6<br />
Department Highlights<br />
Ellen Finlay Earhart Nursing Program<br />
Nursing students par�cipated in 960 hours of service learning,<br />
planning and taking part in many ac�vi�es. They organized and<br />
implemented a community health fair for the <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong> and<br />
<strong>Park</strong>ville communi�es. Our nursing students also organized health<br />
screenings for children in schools that have no nurse. They<br />
par�cipated in pediatric school health screening with Score 1 for<br />
Health, a non-profit organiza�on offering free health screening for<br />
elementary age students in the heart of urban Kansas City. Student<br />
Nurses Associa�on was presented with <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s Club At Large<br />
award.<br />
The Nursing Department has moved! The classrooms are now<br />
located on the first floor of Hawley Hall. The nursing offices are on the<br />
2nd floor.<br />
English<br />
Students from the interna�onal English honor society, Alpha Eta<br />
Epsilon a�ended the annual Sigma Tau Delta conven�on in New Orleans,<br />
LA in the Spring of <strong>2012</strong>.<br />
The conven�on is an opportunity for it’s members from around the<br />
globe to gather in one locale. They meet face to face with other students,<br />
faculty, and respected authors to discuss the disciplines of the<br />
English language and literature.<br />
Criminal Jus�ce<br />
Criminal Jus�ce faculty members are proposing to develop a new major in Homeland<br />
Security. It is believed such a program will be of substan�al interest to our military<br />
and other students interested in careers in this s�ll expanding subfield of Criminal<br />
Jus�ce.<br />
Student accomplishments this past year included the awarding of Departmental<br />
Honors to gradua�on Senior, Lauren Montgomery and to Junior, Cordell Eby.<br />
Several student-members of Tau Lambda Alpha Epsilon a�ended the Lambda<br />
Alpha Epsilon regional conference held October, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. The<br />
students earned several compe��ve awards, including 1st place Upper Division– Correc�ons<br />
and 3rd place Upper Division– Juvenile Jus�ce.<br />
Nursing Student Terri Rose takes<br />
a students blood pressure.<br />
Hawley Hall<br />
English students a�ended Alpha Eta Epsilon trip to New<br />
Orleans, LA .<br />
Seniors Melissa Trimble, Kerissa Godsey, and<br />
Lauren Montgomery holding award received at<br />
the Lambda Alpha Epsilon regional conference.
TOUCH OF <strong>CLAS</strong> Page 7<br />
Department Highlights<br />
Interior Design<br />
Students in Jason Ayers' Furniture Design Class have been making prototype<br />
chairs out of cardboard for years. With help, the project has evolved from<br />
building chairs by hand using Exacto knives, to construc�ng chairs using<br />
sophis�cated digital technology. Marvin Lynch from Arrowhead Container<br />
became interested in the project, and now students dra� chair components<br />
using AutoCAD, take the drawings by flash drive to Arrowhead, and with<br />
assistance, cut out their chairs. Other helpers are Dimensional Innova�ons, who<br />
each year helps pick a chair to build from other materials. This year's chair of the<br />
year is by Julie Knapp, and is now made from plywood and aluminum with a<br />
mesh seat. Knoll Studio helps organize a First Friday Chair exhibit in Kansas City's<br />
Crossroad's Art District. Employees working include <strong>Park</strong> Interior Design graduate<br />
San�na King Cessor and Barb Corley. Students who exhibited chairs included Andrea<br />
Breer, Ashley Comfort, Alexandria Hahn, Leslie Goldhahn, Julie Knapp, James Smolen,<br />
Melissa Slinkard, and Stephanie Weddle.<br />
Athle�c Training<br />
Athle�c Training student Jessica Gonzalez will be joining the U.S.<br />
Olympics organiza�on this summer. As part of an internship, Jessica<br />
will be providing massage therapy to athletes compe�ng in the U.S.<br />
Olympic Team Track and Field trials. This is largest na�onal<br />
championship track meet in the world and will determine the athletes<br />
represen�ng Team USA at the <strong>2012</strong> London Olympic Games.<br />
Liberal Studies<br />
The Department of Liberal Studies is the newest department in the College,<br />
having separated from History and Poli�cal Science. We consist of Philosophy,<br />
Religion, Liberal Studies, and Peace Studies. We have a new Philosophy minor and<br />
the Liberal Studies major has been re-wri�en for a greater emphasis on the Liberal<br />
Arts. Religion and Peace Studies minors are planned for the future.<br />
We’re working on re-vamping LE100, the first year experience course, for Fall<br />
of 2013. The emphasis will be on the history and future of the university.<br />
Some of our best students are in the Philosophy Club which this year hosted a<br />
dance, frequent discussions, and a debate about the existence of God.<br />
Julie Knapp’s cardboard chair and its more durable<br />
counterpart (Photo courtesy of Kay Boehr)<br />
Jessica Gonzalez pictured massaging<br />
fellow <strong>Park</strong> student.<br />
Liberal Studies student Mintao (Nathan) Huang, from<br />
Hong Kong, is defending the existence of God a�er<br />
the debate. (Photo courtesy of Adam Po�hast)
TOUCH OF <strong>CLAS</strong> Page 8<br />
Department Highlights<br />
Honors Program<br />
Students from <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s honors program a�ended the annual Great<br />
Plains Honors Council Conference. The conference brings together students from<br />
Honors Programs in the Midwest region to share their research through paper<br />
and poster presenta�ons. In spring <strong>2012</strong>, it was held at the Doubletree Hotel in<br />
Overland <strong>Park</strong> and was jointly sponsored by Johnson County Community College<br />
and <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong>. Virginia Bracke�, director of <strong>Park</strong>'s Honors Program, and<br />
Silvia Byer, assistant director of <strong>Park</strong>'s Honors Program helped to plan and to<br />
host the conference.<br />
Senior Miki Katuwal had the honor of winning the Boe Research Award. The<br />
Dennis Boe award is to showcase and reward outstanding scholarly work by the<br />
honors program/college students of its members ins�tu�ons.<br />
Modern Languages<br />
<strong>Park</strong>'s Department of Modern Languages faculty members, Dr. Silvia Byer<br />
(Program Coordinator) and Nancy Hake (Adjunct professor of Spanish) hosted<br />
the Modern Language Fair (MLF) on February 16th, <strong>2012</strong> at the <strong>Park</strong>ville campus.<br />
The Fair's goal is to increase awareness of <strong>Park</strong>'s Modern Language Programs<br />
among high school students.<br />
Students who a�ended the fair par�cipated in many language ac�vi�es<br />
such as: Poem recital, Spanish Jeopardy, Salsa dancing ,Spanish song and<br />
board game workshop. Students were awarded a cer�ficate of a�endance.<br />
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place are awarded for the Poem Recital compe��on. This is<br />
the second year the MLF has taken place and more than 50 students from the<br />
high school level and <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong> a�ended this year.<br />
Pictured le� to right: Honor students Breonna<br />
Thomas, Miki Katuwal, (host) Bryan Busby –KMBC<br />
Chief Meteorologist and Dr. Silvia Byer.<br />
Pictured le� to right: Nancy Hake, Dr. Silvia Byer<br />
(<strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong>) Marta Silva, Tina Phillips (Bishop<br />
Ward High School).<br />
Dr. Silvia Byer (Program Coordinator) presents student with cer�ficate.
TOUCH OF <strong>CLAS</strong> Page 9<br />
Department Highlights<br />
Computer Science<br />
Our Associa�on for Compu�ng Machinery (ACM) Club hosted an inhouse<br />
programming contest on Saturday, April 14, with awards coming<br />
from sponsors from local IT company Wa�master, who employs ICS interns.<br />
ACM President Cong (Anna) Luo and VP Niren Shakya are in charge<br />
of the Club. The programming contest results are:<br />
Team 1: Anna, 5 problems solved (2nd prize).<br />
Team 2: Long & Brandon , 5 problems solved (1st prize).<br />
Team 3: Josh & Jay, 2 problems solved (3rd prize).<br />
Team 4: Aiba & Jessica, 2 problems solved (4th prize).<br />
Special thanks to judge Niren Shakya, the contest volunteer Steve, and<br />
sponsor Wa�Master.<br />
Natural and Applied Sciences<br />
<strong>Park</strong>ville junior meteorology major Rachel Dryden has won two pres�gious<br />
interna�onally compe��ve fellowships for the <strong>2012</strong>-2013 academic year.<br />
The first, the Killam Fellowship, is an award by the Canadian Fulbright<br />
Commission to study abroad in Canada.<br />
The second, the Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD)/<br />
German Academic Exchange Service Undergraduate Scholarship, is an award<br />
to study abroad in Germany for a semester.<br />
Rachel will study in Canada at McGill <strong>University</strong> in Montreal, Quebec in<br />
the fall of <strong>2012</strong>, and in Berlin, Germany at the Freie Universität’s Ins�tute of<br />
Meteorology in the spring of 2013.<br />
Culture and Society<br />
Group picture of the programming contest par�cipants.<br />
(Photo courtesy of John Dean)<br />
Rachel Dryden, Junior<br />
Meteorology major<br />
<strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong> History majors held a signing ceremony at<br />
the Na�onal Archives—Kansas City loca�on on April 13, <strong>2012</strong>,<br />
establishing the “Civil War Endowment Fund” at the State<br />
Historical Society of Missouri located in Columbia.<br />
The aspira�on to establish the Civil War Endowment<br />
Fund occurred by happenstance during a research visit to the State Archives (Photo courtesy of Dr. Timothy Westco�)<br />
in the summer of 2011 by a former history major and Dr. Timothy Westco�, associate professor of history. While researching in<br />
prepara�on for a student-faculty exhibit on Pla�e County’s Civil War, they viewed ar�facts in which preserva�on procedures<br />
were wan�ng.<br />
The purpose of the Civil War Endowment is to preserve, conserve, maintain, digi�ze, and purchase papers, manuscripts<br />
and other archival (non-three-dimensional) material related to the Civil War in Missouri, including documents from the period<br />
leading up to and following the War.
TOUCH OF <strong>CLAS</strong> Page 10<br />
Alumni in the Spotlight<br />
World War I Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient<br />
<strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong> honored<br />
alumnus 1st Lt. George S.<br />
Robb, a recipient of the<br />
Congressional Medal of Honor<br />
for ac�on during World War I,<br />
at a dedica�on ceremony on<br />
Thursday, Nov. 10, at 1 p.m.<br />
outside the entrance of<br />
Thompson Commons on the<br />
<strong>University</strong>'s <strong>Park</strong>ville Campus.<br />
The ceremony included the<br />
dedica�on of a plaque and<br />
raising of the Congressional<br />
Medal of Honor recipient flag<br />
Prior to the start of the Fall<br />
2011 semester, the old<br />
photography and computer lab<br />
on Copley Hall, Room 2 was<br />
updated.<br />
The room now holds 18 new<br />
Dell computers for student use<br />
if they are in a journalism,<br />
photography, or other<br />
communica�on course. The<br />
room s�ll connects to the dark<br />
room, and makes learning<br />
digital photography easier<br />
since every computer makes<br />
both Adobe Lightroom and<br />
Adobe Photoshop available to<br />
those students.<br />
Two semesters of courses have<br />
already been taught in the lab,<br />
including a new course �tled<br />
Digital Media Skills. Students in<br />
the course learned how to use<br />
in honor of Robb, a 1912<br />
graduate of <strong>Park</strong>.<br />
Robb was born on May 18,<br />
1887, in Assaria, Kan., and later<br />
joined the U.S. Army in Salina,<br />
Kan. Robb was part of the<br />
famous 369th Infantry<br />
Regiment, an African-American<br />
unit from Harlem, N.Y., known<br />
as the "Harlem Hellfighters."<br />
While leading a platoon in<br />
France in 1918, Robb was<br />
wounded. When his<br />
several programs from the<br />
Adobe CS5 suite, all of which<br />
gave them a larger set of skills<br />
to make them more appealing<br />
to future employers.<br />
Students learned how to<br />
properly create a newsle�er<br />
with InDesign. They took<br />
videos, edi�ng them with<br />
Adobe PremierePro. Students<br />
also learned how to edit audio<br />
clips, even crea�ng one about<br />
this new room in Copley Hall.<br />
Professors who teach in the<br />
room use the two big screen<br />
televisions on opposite sides of<br />
the room to show their<br />
students real-life examples of<br />
what they are teaching. The<br />
TVs are linked to the<br />
instructor’s computer at the<br />
front of the room, and display<br />
commanding officer was killed,<br />
Robb assumed command and<br />
led the platoon to exceed its<br />
original target, earning him the<br />
Congressional Medal of Honor<br />
in 1919. He died on May 14,<br />
1972, at the age of 84, and is<br />
buried in Salina.<br />
His medal is on display in the<br />
Kansas Museum of History in<br />
Topeka. A <strong>Park</strong> program,<br />
the George S. Robb Centre for<br />
the Study of the Great War,<br />
bears his name.<br />
New Addi�on: Media Lab in Copley<br />
anything shown on the<br />
computer’s screen, promo�ng<br />
discussion about the images<br />
and aiding students who prefer<br />
visual examples rather than<br />
explana�ons.<br />
When the room is not in use, it<br />
is open to communica�ons,<br />
journalism, and photography<br />
students 24 hours a day, with a<br />
work-study student assistant in<br />
Copley Hall Media Lab<br />
1st Lt. George S. Robb<br />
the room part of the �me. The<br />
open hours allows those who<br />
do not have the Adobe CS5<br />
Suite to use the various<br />
programs to complete their<br />
school work.
TOUCH OF <strong>CLAS</strong> Page 11<br />
Seventh Annual Symposium<br />
Held from April 9th through 12th, the Seventh Annual Student Research and Crea�ve Arts Symposium featured many<br />
projects created and developed by <strong>Park</strong> students, from art to architecture, content analyses and full research papers.<br />
These were some of the exhibits displayed in the Mabee Learning Center on Monday, April 9th.<br />
All photos used, and more, can be found on the <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong> Facebook page.
TOUCH OF <strong>CLAS</strong> Page 12<br />
Student Awards and Honors<br />
School for Arts & Humani�es<br />
English<br />
Mary Barlow Wri�ng Award for Outstanding Student Wri�ng~ Sonya White<br />
Nicholas Manchion Endowed English Scholarship Award ~ Janek Sunga<br />
William B. Markward Award in Early Modern, Language, Literature and Culture ~ Angelica Hodgdon<br />
Sigma Tau Delta~ Kris�n Carney, Rachel Correll, Sarah Foster, Brady Hanssen, Stephanie Healy,<br />
Jasey Huber, Ma�hew Mitchell, Paul Pursell, Caleb Roye, Sco� Warken�en, Sonya White<br />
Department Honors<br />
English ~ Sco� Warken�en & Cody Croan<br />
Fine Art ~ Elisha Bailey & Valerie Jahraus<br />
Graphic Design ~ Lindsey McDonald & Eric Liles<br />
Interior Design ~ Eva Rasmussen & Julie Knapp<br />
Liberal Studies ~ Amanda O�s<br />
Modern Language ~ Rachael King & Dylan Taggart<br />
Organiza�onal Communica�on ~ Wendy McCormick<br />
Public Rela�ons ~ Ka�e Mar�no<br />
School for Natural and Applied Sciences<br />
Burton W. Scheib Pre‐Medical Prize ~Tomi Lazarov<br />
The CRC Press Freshman Chemistry Achievement Award ~ Willie Washington<br />
The Dr. William C. Pivonka Award ~ Frances Venable<br />
The American Ins�tute of Chemists ~ Chalet Williams<br />
The Harold G. McDaniel Award ~ Janel Manns & Kristy Biermann<br />
The J. Malcolm Good Award ~ Abed Awuah-Gyawu<br />
Professor L.A. Robbins Memorial Award ~ Kris�n Beck<br />
Outstanding ACM Service Award ~ Anna Luo<br />
Department Honors<br />
Athle�c Training ~ Megan Shepherd<br />
Biology ~ Miki Katuwal<br />
Chemistry ~ Ryan Fawks<br />
Informa�on & Computer Science ~ Nirendra Shakya<br />
Geography ~ Lucas Youngblood<br />
Mathema�cs ~ Reisha Fregoe<br />
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Student Honors
TOUCH OF <strong>CLAS</strong> Page 13<br />
Student Honors and Awards<br />
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Student Honors (continued)<br />
School for Social Sciences<br />
Phi Alpha Honor Society ~ Cynthia Blair, Tara Bledsoe, Amy Jo Clark, Dawn Cook, Rachel Edmonds, Sandra Flores, Rhonda<br />
Fue, Theresa Meloy, Andrea Mitchell, Patricia Nimmo, Melissa Whitmore<br />
Psi Chi ~ Hannah Alpers, Rebekah Purvis, Taylor Whipple, Bri�any Wolf<br />
Department Honors<br />
Criminal Jus�ce ~ Cordell Eby & Lauren Montgomery<br />
History ~ Amber Ables<br />
Legal Studies ~ Melanie Brewer & Kyle Hamilton<br />
Poli�cal Science ~ David Abeyta & Amber Jarre�<br />
Psychology ~ Rebekah Purvis & Emma Hart<br />
Social Work ~ Melanie Jones & Cynthia Blair<br />
Sociology ~ Jeremy Brimer<br />
Social Psychology ~ Angela Phillips<br />
Outstanding <strong>Park</strong>ite Award<br />
Emma Hart & Tomi Lazarov<br />
The Outstanding <strong>Park</strong>ite<br />
Award is given to one senior<br />
female and one senior male<br />
student on the <strong>University</strong>'s<br />
<strong>Park</strong>ville Campus who best<br />
exemplify the ideals of the<br />
<strong>University</strong> in their character,<br />
conduct, scholarship and student<br />
ac�vity par�cipa�on. The<br />
awards are endowed by Dr.<br />
Elliot F. <strong>Park</strong>er in memory of<br />
his parents, Albert George and<br />
Jessie Bewley <strong>Park</strong>er.<br />
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Student Awards<br />
Toni Griggs Award<br />
Faith Stemmler<br />
This award is given to honor<br />
a student who has made an<br />
outstanding contribu�on to<br />
<strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong> through<br />
leadership, service or work<br />
performance. Griggs was a<br />
<strong>Park</strong> employee who was an<br />
integral part of the <strong>University</strong><br />
for three decades. She<br />
was a dear friend throughout<br />
the years to many <strong>Park</strong><br />
students, faculty and staff.<br />
Emerging Student Leader<br />
of the Year Award<br />
Ashley Harbin &<br />
Theodore McCord<br />
Awarded to the freshman<br />
or transfer student who<br />
has involved him/herself in<br />
student life to the fullest<br />
and has sought out and<br />
accepted leadership responsibili�es<br />
in an effort to<br />
improve the co-curricular<br />
life of all students.<br />
Newman Civic Fellows<br />
Award<br />
Taylor Whipple<br />
As a member of the Degree<br />
with Honors Program ,<br />
Whipple discovered a passion<br />
for working with physically<br />
and emo�onally disable<br />
children during her<br />
freshman year as part of a<br />
service learning course<br />
requirement. The award<br />
recognizes inspiring college<br />
student leaders who have<br />
worked to find solu�ons for<br />
challenges facing their<br />
communi�es.
TOUCH OF <strong>CLAS</strong> Page 14<br />
Faculty & Staff Awards<br />
The Dusing‐Proudfoot Award<br />
Cathy Boisen<br />
The Dusing-Proudfoot Award is given<br />
to honor an outstanding contribu�on<br />
by a <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong> faculty or<br />
staff member. It is named in honor<br />
of two former <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong> professor,<br />
Albert Dusing, professor<br />
emeritus, and Merrill Proudfoot.<br />
These two outstanding faculty members<br />
worked at <strong>Park</strong> for more than<br />
20 years each and are respected for<br />
their academic and teaching<br />
be�erment of students.<br />
Excellence in Academic Advising<br />
Award<br />
James Pasley<br />
This award is given to recognize faculty<br />
who have achieved excellence in<br />
providing <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong> students<br />
academic advising and mentoring.<br />
The award also recognizes outstanding<br />
contribu�ons in helping students<br />
define and achieve their academic<br />
Dis�nguished Faculty Scholar Award<br />
Andrew Johnson<br />
This award was established by Manuchair<br />
Ebadi, ‘60, Ph.D., in 1998 to honor Delta W.<br />
Gier, Ph.D., for former chair of the Department<br />
of Chemistry who served <strong>Park</strong> from<br />
1948 to 1990. The award pays tribute to a<br />
faculty member who shows evidence of commitment<br />
to high standards of excellence in the<br />
area of scholarship: teaching discovery , integra�on<br />
and/or service. The recipient also<br />
shows effec�ve and innova�ve connec�ons<br />
between teaching and research, especially by<br />
undergraduate student involvement and par-<br />
�cipa�on. The award recipient receives a<br />
plaque and monetary gi�. In addi�on, an inscribed<br />
name plate will be placed on the Dis-<br />
�nguished Faculty Scholar Award wall plaque,<br />
located in Mackay Hall, as permanent recogni-<br />
�on of the faculty member and the honor.<br />
<strong>Park</strong> Family Award<br />
Don Williams<br />
This award recognizes a <strong>Park</strong> staff or faculty<br />
member who embodies the <strong>University</strong>’s<br />
“family-like” culture in his/her interac�on with<br />
students and fellow staff/faculty.<br />
J.L. Zwqingle Award<br />
Gary Bachman<br />
This award is given to an outstanding<br />
faculty member for the<br />
current academic year. Students<br />
of <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong> are proud to<br />
pay tribute to an outstanding<br />
faculty member as voted by the<br />
student body.<br />
Provost Award for Teaching<br />
Excellence<br />
Nancy Hake<br />
This awards is given to recognize<br />
full-�me, face-to-face adjunct<br />
and online adjunct faculty members<br />
who exemplify excellence in<br />
teaching, as nominated by peers,<br />
students and staff.
TOUCH OF <strong>CLAS</strong> Page 15<br />
Faculty Honors and Grants<br />
Faculty Honors<br />
- Mr. Greg Plumb received an appointment<br />
as Program Evaluator for the new Clay<br />
County Missouri DWI Court.<br />
- Dr. John Hamilton received an appointment<br />
to the Advisory Board for the Office of<br />
Community Complaints, KC, MO Police<br />
Department.<br />
- Dr. Kenneth Christopher received tenure<br />
and promo�on to Associate Professor of<br />
Criminal Jus�ce and also earned the Cer�fied<br />
Protec�on Professional designa�on<br />
from American Society for Industrial<br />
Security (ASIS)- Interna�onal.<br />
Vision Statement<br />
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Faculty Honors and Grants<br />
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES<br />
Faculty Grants<br />
- Dr. Virginia Bracke� directed a Missouri Arts council grant which<br />
supported the fi�h year of <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong> Ethnic Voices Poetry Series.<br />
- Dr. Emily Donnelli directed a Missouri Campus Compact grant �tled<br />
“ ‘Going Public’ with your Teaching and Research: A Faculty Learning<br />
Community at <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong>”.<br />
The College will be a leader in providing quality, innovative,<br />
programs for academic preparation and intellectual growth, through<br />
multiple means, in a way that meets the needs of people living in an<br />
interdependent world.<br />
Mission Statement<br />
The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences of <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong> will prepare graduates<br />
who are articulate, literate, reflective, lifelong learners and active global citizens.<br />
<strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong>– College of Liberal Arts and Sciences<br />
Campus Box 58<br />
8700 NW River <strong>Park</strong> Dr <strong>Park</strong>ville, MO 64152<br />
Phone: 816-584-6480<br />
Dr. John Hamilton<br />
Dr. Emily Donnelli<br />
Important Dates ~ Fall <strong>2012</strong><br />
August 9 & 10<br />
New Faculty Orienta�on<br />
August 13<br />
Fall registra�on/confirma�on<br />
August 13 & 14 (Mon‐Tue)<br />
Fall Faculty Conference<br />
August 20<br />
Fall Semester & Fall I begin<br />
August 24<br />
Opening Fall Convoca�on<br />
We’re on the Web!<br />
www.park.edu/clas
TOUCH OF <strong>CLAS</strong> Page 16<br />
Program Administra�on<br />
<strong>CLAS</strong> Program Coordinators<br />
Anthropology Jutta Pegues<br />
Art Donna Bachmann<br />
Athletic Training Anthony Erisman<br />
Biology Carol Sanders<br />
Chemistry Gregory Claycomb<br />
Communication Arts Lora Cohn<br />
Computer Science Erlan Burk<br />
Criminal Justice Michael Eskey<br />
English (EN105 and EN106) Lolly Ockerstrom<br />
English (EN 306) Dees Stallings<br />
English (Literature courses) Brian Shawver<br />
English as an International Language Deborah Osborne<br />
Geography David Fox<br />
Geology David Fox<br />
Graphic Design Jeffrey Smith<br />
History Debra Sheffer<br />
Honors Virginia Bracket<br />
International Center for Music Ben Sayevich<br />
Interior Design Kay Boehr<br />
Latin American Studies Timothy Westcott<br />
Legal Studies James Pasley<br />
Liberal Studies Adam Potthast<br />
Mathematics Aldo Maldonado<br />
Military Science Timothy Westcott<br />
Modern Languages Silvia Byer<br />
Natural Science Carol Sanders<br />
Nursing Gerry Walker<br />
Peace Studies Diane Keyser<br />
Philosophy Adam Potthast<br />
Physics Gregory Claycomb<br />
Political Science James Pasley<br />
Psychology Patricia Marsh<br />
Public Administration James Pasley<br />
Religion Steven Boster<br />
ROTC Timothy Westcott<br />
Social Work Walter Kisthardt<br />
Social Science Timothy Westcott<br />
Sociology John Noren<br />
Theatre Andrea Southard<br />
<strong>CLAS</strong> CONNECTORS COMMITTEE MEMBERS<br />
Cathy Breidenthal Michael Grimaldi: Chair James Nunnelly<br />
Ret. YWCA Trozzolo Communications Group Ret. COMBAT<br />
Olivia Dorsey: Chair David Johnson CiCi Rojas<br />
KMBC-TV David Johnson Attorney Truman Medical Center<br />
Courtney Goddard Nick Kenney Jeannie Thomas<br />
<strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong> KC Royals Crossroads Hospice<br />
Jane Wood– <strong>Park</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
College Administra�on<br />
Jane Wood, Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences<br />
Kenneth Christopher, Associate Dean, School of<br />
Social Sciences<br />
Chair - Criminal Justice<br />
Virginia Brackett, Assistant Dean, School of Arts &<br />
Humanities<br />
Scott Hageman, Assistant Dean, School of Natural &<br />
Applied Sciences<br />
Tom Bertoncino<br />
Chair - Athletic Training<br />
Emily Donnelli<br />
Chair– English & Modern Languages<br />
Dincer Guler<br />
Chair - Computer Science, Information<br />
Systems and Mathematics<br />
Donna Howell<br />
Chair - Natural and Applied Sciences<br />
Walter Kisthardt<br />
Chair - Social Work<br />
Teresa Mason<br />
Chair - Psychology and Sociology<br />
Mark Noe<br />
Chair - Arts and Communication<br />
James Pasley<br />
Chair - Culture and Society<br />
Adam Potthast<br />
Chair - Liberal Studies<br />
Gerry Walker<br />
Chair - Nursing<br />
<strong>CLAS</strong> Administra�ve Assistants<br />
Arts & Humanities:<br />
Cathy Boisen: (816) 584-6232<br />
Athletic Training:<br />
Michelle Forrest: (816) 584-6440<br />
Criminal Justice/Culture & Society:<br />
Denise Orf: (816) 584-6518<br />
Natural & Physical Sciences/Computer Science<br />
Information Systems & Mathematics:<br />
Donna Wadley: (816) 584-6476<br />
Nursing:<br />
Carol Duncan: (816) 584-6257<br />
Psychology & Sociology/Social Work:<br />
Renee Dahlquist: (816) 584-6503<br />
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences:<br />
Katie Werth (816) 584-6480