Honors Bestowed upon Outstanding Leaders at Park University's Howell Awards Ceremony
Park University Honours Leadership Achievements at 24th Annual Dr. Doris A. Howell Awards
In a celebration of leadership and achievement, Park University held its 24th annual Dr. Doris A. Howell Leadership Awards ceremony on April 18, 2019, at the Parkville Campus. This event, co-hosted by the Office of Student Life and the Park Student Government Association, recognised students, faculty, and staff who have made significant contributions to the university community.
The Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Awards were presented to students who distinguished themselves as leaders regardless of position or title. This year's recipients included Matheus Matos Martins, a senior economics major, Katherine Payne, a junior graphic design major, Jessie Arms, a graduate student in the Master of Social Work program, Cherie Servello, a senior social psychology major, Camelin Cochran, a sophomore organisational communication major, Christian Ngoy, a senior economics major, and Ozoda Narzullaeva, a sophomore information and computer science/software development major.
The Outstanding Class Member Awards honour one male and one female student from each class who best represent their class in service to, and participation in, Park University. This year's recipients were Arthur D'Avila and Rinku Gopali for sophomores, Christian Leonard and Adrianna McMullen for non-graduating seniors, and Kenneth (K.J.) Courtney for seniors.
The Park Student Government Association 5K was awarded the Program of the Year Award for its contributions to local communities through organised service and civic engagement programs. The Dusing-Proudfoot Award, which honours an outstanding contribution by a Park University faculty or staff member, was presented to Lora Cohn, Ph.D., associate professor of communication.
The C.W. Bailey Award, given in memory of C.W. Bailey, grandfather of John Shelton, a 1976 Park graduate, was presented to Gabriel Maldonado, a sophomore secondary education major, and Sophie Roper, a sophomore business administration/logistics and business administration/management major.
Kalli Cheffey, residence life coordinator from Parkville, Mo., was honoured with the Student Organization Adviser of the Year Award for her guidance and advice to Park's Residence Hall Council. Melissa (Carin) Bublitz, a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership program, was another recipient of the Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Awards.
The Park Family Award recognises Park staff and/or faculty members who embody the University's family-like culture in their interaction with students and fellow staff/faculty. This year's recipients were Gulmira Isomadinova, military and veteran funding analyst, and Sarah Weygand, director of military and veteran student services.
The Toni Griggs Award, given to students who have made an outstanding contribution to Park University through leadership, service, or work performance, was presented to Jocelyn Clayton, a junior English and secondary education major. The Park Servant Leader of the Year Award was given to Catherine Rose, a senior fine art major, and Eric Rodriguez, a junior K-12 education major.
The Tipton Award honours an outstanding service contribution to Park University by a Park alumnus/alumna. This year's recipient was Cary Lundy, a 1982 graduate and current baseball head coach. The Graduate Assistant of the Year Award was presented to Michaela Petsch, a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership program, working in the Counseling Center.
Lastly, the Faculty/Staff Newcomer of the Year Award was given to Azin Agah, Ph.D., lecturer of chemistry from Lawrence, Kan., and Juli Wilson, campus center coach from Gilbert, Ariz. The Drag Club was recognised as the New Student Organization of the Year Award recipient, having been established within the past academic year.
The 24th annual Dr. Doris A. Howell Leadership Awards ceremony was a celebration of the university's vibrant community and the individuals who contribute to its success. The event served as a testament to the university's commitment to recognising and rewarding leadership, service, and academic excellence.
- The Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Awards, presented at the 24th annual ceremony, honored Matheus Matos Martins, a senior economics major, and Melissa (Carin) Bublitz, a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership program, demonstrating the university's emphasis on fostering leadership in business, education, and self-development.
- The Graduate Assistant of the Year Award, presented to Michaela Petsch, a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership program, working in the Counseling Center, underscores the university's commitment to integrating leadership training in professional programs within finance, education, and business.
