"The Crow's Nest Report - 7th August, 2023"
Park University alumni and faculty continue to make a significant impact in their respective fields, as evidenced by recent achievements and recognition.
On July 18, Erik Bergrud, the chief strategic communications officer at Park University, was a guest on the OMNI Human Resource Management's "Power of People" podcast. Meanwhile, Mike Talamantes, director of volleyball and men's/women's volleyball and women's beach volleyball head coach for Park University, was named to IN Kansas City's Class of 2023 Innovators and Influencers, an honour announced on July 1.
ECCO Select, an IT talent acquisition and advisory consulting company in Kansas City, Mo., led by Jeanette Prenger, '09, was ranked No. 2 by the Kansas City Business Journal in the publication's July 14 list of Hispanic-owned businesses. Edna Martinson, '12, a recipient of the Park University Alumni Association's Park Promising Young Professional Award in 2021, was featured in Forbes on July 26 as part of the magazine's "Barrier Breakers: Profiles of New Entrepreneurs Making Change."
In a nod to the university's rich history, three Park University alumni were connected to the Manhattan Project, a research and development program in World War II that produced the first nuclear weapons. Joseph McKibben, '33, Ph.D., participated in the Manhattan Project and is known as "the man who pushed the button" on the "Trinity" test on July 16, 1945. John Cory, '42, pursued independent studies using the works of Niels Bohr and was recruited as a researcher for the early stages of the Manhattan Project after graduating from Park. However, detailed information on Park University alumni's involvement in the Manhattan Project or participation in the "Oppenheimer" film is not documented in the available sources.
In more recent times, Vlatko Andonovski, '08, head coach of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, has been highlighted in various media outlets, including The Kansas City Star on July 16 and the Washington Post on July 26.
Academically, Park University's online Bachelor of Public Administration degree program was listed by Forbes Advisor on its list of best online public administration degrees of 2023 in July. Scott Hageman, associate professor of geology and associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, was interviewed for a story that aired on KMBC-TV in Kansas City on July 25 related to how the recent extreme heat has been made more likely by climate change.
In the world of sports, Park University's baseball player Alex Rodriguez was featured in The Kansas City Star on July 27, being named the most valuable player at the Ban Johnson Collegiate League All-Star Game on July 25.
The Parkville (Mo.) Campus was highlighted in a story about the City of Parkville that appeared on the KCUR-FM website on July 1. Steve Youngblood, associate professor of communication arts and director of the Center for Global Peace Journalism, presented sessions on "Reporting about Peace" at the Thessaloniki International Media Summer Academy in Greece on July 19-20.
In the realm of academia and research, Tim Westcott, Ph.D., professor of history and university archivist, was interviewed for a story that aired on KMBC-TV in Kansas City on July 25. Matt Harris, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, published an article in The Conversation on July 24 titled "The Taylor Swift Official State Sandwich: Politicians Understand that Swifties are a Key Demographic."
Notable alumni were also featured in various media outlets. Erik Bergrud, chief strategic communications officer, and his wife, Kimberlee Ried, MACL '16, were highlighted in The Independent, Kansas City's journal of society, on July 22, related to their support of the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault. Crispin Rea, '08, was featured in an article that appeared in The Kansas City Star on July 3, becoming one of two Latinos elected to the Kansas City, Mo., City Council for the first time in 30 years. Mildred McAfee, granddaughter of Park University co-founder John A. McAfee, was featured on the Aerotech News and Review website on July 6 as its Veteran of the Day.
Two Park University deans started their roles on Aug. 1. Gayle Copeland, Ph.D., was appointed as dean for the College of Education and Health Professions, while Yang Sun, Ph.D., was appointed as dean for the College of Management.
Lastly, the Frances Fishburn Archives and Special Collections at Park University received attention in Kansas City region news outlets in late July due to the release of the biographical film "Oppenheimer." Grayson Capital, a commercial real estate development, property management, and advisory company led by Michael Collins, '04, was ranked No. 13 on the KCBJ's list of Black-owned businesses.
These achievements and recognitions underscore the ongoing impact of Park University's alumni and faculty in various fields, from sports and academia to research and public service.
Education and self-development continue to be a significant focus for Park University alumni, as demonstrated by the numerous learning opportunities and accomplishments they have achieved. For instance, Edna Martinson, '12, was featured in Forbes for her entrepreneurial endeavors, while Scott Hageman, associate professor of geology, discussed climate change on KMBC-TV. This commitment to learning and personal growth reflects the university's dedication to nurturing its students beyond the classroom.
