Latest Update from The Crow's Nest: August 7, 2023 Edition
In the vibrant heart of Kansas City, Park University continues to make waves, with its alumni and faculty making significant contributions in various fields and its archives playing a pivotal role in preserving and illuminating history.
Two of its esteemed alumni, Erik Bergrud and Kimberlee Ried, have been highlighted for their support of the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault. Meanwhile, Tim Westcott, Ph.D., professor of history and university archivist at Park University, has been interviewed for a story that aired on KMBC-TV in Kansas City about the University's Manhattan Project connections. This connection runs deep, as Joseph McKibben, another alumnus, played a significant role in the Manhattan Project and is known as "the man who pushed the button" on the "Trinity" test on July 16, 1945. John Cory, yet another alumnus, developed an interest in nuclear science and was recruited as a researcher for the early stages of the Manhattan Project.
Park University's flagship Parkville (Mo.) Campus was also highlighted in a KCUR-FM story about the City of Parkville. The campus, a significant part of the community, is gearing up for several events this fall, including an art exhibit, faculty conference, and the start of the fall semester.
Academic achievements are also on the rise at Park University. Matt Harris, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, published an article about Taylor Swift and politics in The Conversation, while Yang Sun, Ph.D., has been appointed as the dean for Park University's College of Management. Gayle Copeland, Ph.D., has been appointed as the dean for Park University's College of Education and Health Professions, and Luke Herrington, Ph.D., authored an article about military UAP sightings for Joint Force Quarterly.
In the realm of sports, Alex Rodriguez, a Park University baseball player, was named the most valuable player at the Ban Johnson Collegiate League All-Star Game. Mike Talamantes, director of volleyball at Park University, was named to IN Kansas City's Class of 2023 Innovators and Influencers.
The University's Frances Fishburn Archives and Special Collections play a significant role in preserving materials related to the Manhattan Project and the biographical film "Oppenheimer." These archives, which hold collections that include primary source materials, such as personal papers, photographs, and documents associated with scientists and events of the Manhattan Project, are invaluable for scholars, filmmakers, and historians seeking accurate and detailed information on the subject.
The archives' role in the "Oppenheimer" film, while not explicitly detailed, strongly suggests they serve as a resource hub for research and historical verification that filmmakers and scholars can access. Archival collections like those at Park University underpin authentic storytelling and deepen public understanding of history depicted in films like "Oppenheimer."
Moreover, Park University's online Bachelor of Public Administration degree program was listed among the best online public administration degrees of 2023 by Forbes Advisor. ECCO Select, led by Jeanette Prenger, '09, was ranked No. 2 by the Kansas City Business Journal in its list of Hispanic-owned businesses, and Grayson Capital, led by Michael Collins, '04, was ranked No. 13 by the Kansas City Business Journal in its list of Black-owned businesses.
Mildred McAfee, granddaughter of Park University co-founder John A. McAfee, was featured as Veteran of the Day on Aerotech News and Review. Vlatko Andonovski, '08, head coach of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, was featured in several news stories.
In the arts, the Campanella Gallery at Park University is opening its 2023-24 season with an exhibit of landscape inspired prints and artwork by Dora Agbas. Greg Plumb, J.D., was appointed to the Platte County (Mo.) Committee for Public Safety.
As the academic year kicks off, Park University is also preparing for a series of events, including Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base Campus Commencement, Department of Nursing White Coat Ceremony, Board of Trustees Meeting, International Center for Music Concert, El Paso Campus / Fort Bliss Campus / Holloman Air Force Base Campus Commencement, Park University Homecoming and Parents Weekend, Paul H. Gault Service Award Ceremony, Alumni Association Awards / Athletics Wall of Honor, and Dr. Jerzy Hauptmann Distinguished Guest Lecture.
With its rich history, academic excellence, and community involvement, Park University continues to shine as a beacon of learning and achievement in Kansas City.
- Erik Bergrud and Kimberlee Ried, alongside Tim Westcott, Ph.D., have showcased their support for both science and education-and-self-development, featuring in discussions related to technology and history.
- The Park University Archives contribute significantly to the fields of science, education, and self-development, notably preserving materials related to the Manhattan Project, nuclear science, and biographical films, providing valuable resources for scholars, filmmakers, and historians.
