Annual Recognition of Leadership Achievements at Park University during the 2024-2025 Academic Year Through the Howell Awards
Park University celebrated its exceptional students, faculty, and staff at the annual awards ceremony held on April 16, 2025. The event, which recognised achievements across various areas, was a testament to the university's vibrant community and the dedication of its members.
Student Recognition
The evening began with the presentation of the Outstanding Class Member Awards. These accolades were given to students demonstrating outstanding leadership qualities, community involvement, academic excellence, and commitment to service. This year's recipients included:
- Eny Mejia, a senior biology major from Independence, Mo.
- Maria Eduarda Araujo, a junior psychology major from Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Tom Kuehnel, a sophomore political science major from Hamburg, Germany
- Manuel Reyes, a senior nursing major from Kansas City, Mo.
- Faith Romano, a sophomore interior design major from Clarksburg, Mo.
- Garima Baral, a freshman nursing major from Sunsari, Nepal
- Eric Young, a senior psychology major from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.
- Ognjen Petrovic, a senior logistics major from Cacak, Serbia
- Amelia Britting, a senior management major from Edgerton, Mo.
- Nicholas Mattivi, a senior accounting major from Kansas City, Mo.
- Makayla Artis, a senior political science/American politics major from Elkton, Ky.
- Mariah Hirst, a senior psychology major from Smithville, Mo.
- Yvette Karanja, a senior cybersecurity major from Nairobi, Kenya
Special Awards
In addition to the Outstanding Class Member Awards, several special awards were presented:
- The Student Employee of the Year was awarded to Dah Shee, a senior nursing major from Kansas City, Mo.
- The C.W. Bailey Award was given to Nora Spornitz, a junior elementary education major from Kansas City, Mo., and Allyson Price, '05, MBA '07, assistant registrar at the Registrar's Office, Kansas City, Mo.
- The Toni Griggs Award was presented to Steven Garcia, admissions counselor at the Office of Admissions, North Kansas City, Mo., and Alana Mathis, a junior organizational communications major from Kansas City, Mo.
- The Dusing-Proudfoot Award was received by Veronica Spottswood, acquisition assistant at McAfee Memorial Library, Gladstone, Mo.
- The Cindy Anderson Senator of the Year Award was given to Addisen Andrew, a sophomore communication/multimedia journalism major.
Organisational Honours
Several student organisations were also recognised for their contributions:
- The Biology Club's Study Party was awarded the Student Organization Program of the Year.
- The Photography Club was recognised as the New Student Organization of the Year.
- Pi Gamma Mu (Missouri Mu chapter) was named the Student Organization of the Year.
Faculty and Staff Recognition
The faculty and staff were also honoured for their contributions:
- Fabiola Salgado Hernandez, a Master of Business Administration student, received the Graduate Assistant of the Year Award.
- Damian Gonzalez, digital storytelling coordinator, was recognised as the Student Organization Adviser of the Year.
- Amanda Bryant, director of student life, received the Special Award - Dedication to Student Advising.
- Kelly Gilhaus, assistant teaching professor of interior design from Leawood, Kan., received the Faculty/Staff Newcomer of the Year Award.
- Brandi Schaffer, student records and graduation lead, received the Student Success and Impact Award.
- Molly Pierson, dean of students from Overland Park, Kan., was recognised for her contributions with the Faculty/Staff Newcomer of the Year Award.
The awards program is named after Dr. Doris A. Howell, a 1944 Park graduate who was an internationally renowned leader in pediatrics and hospice care. Dr. Howell's legacy continues to inspire the Park University community.
Personal growth and learning were evident throughout the evening as exceptional students, such as Eny Mejia, Maria Eduarda Araujo, and many others, were recognized for their academic excellence, leadership qualities, community involvement, and commitment to service at Park University's annual awards ceremony. The university's dedication to fostering education-and-self-development was highlighted in the recognitions, showcasing the positive impact of personal growth and learning on the vibrant Park University community.
