Events and Noteworthy Tales Highlighted by Park University in the Year 2021
Park University Shines in 2021: A Year of Achievements and Recognition
In 2021, Park University continued to make a significant impact, with a host of notable achievements and recognitions across various fields. From sports to academia, and from the arts to community service, the university's community members excelled in their respective domains.
In the world of sports, Park University's women's volleyball team and their senior player, Nada Meawad, made history. Meawad was selected for the 2021 NAIA Women's Volleyball All-America first team for an unprecedented fifth time. Her exceptional performance earned her not only the 2021 NAIA Player of the Year and Attacker of the Year titles, but also the national American Volleyball Coaches Association NAIA Player of the Year award, as well as the AVCA Midwest Region Player of the Year. Head coach Mike Talamantes was also recognised, being named the NAIA Coach of the Year and the AVCA Midwest Region Coach of the Year.
In the realm of academia, Donna Jean, Ph.D., an associate professor of chemistry, was inducted into Wiley's STEM Hall of Femme. Meanwhile, Edna Martinson, a 2012 Park graduate, received a substantial $100,000 in funding from a Google for Startups program for her company Boddle.
The university's commitment to fine arts and music education was evident in the Parkville Campus's opening of the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center and School of Business in August 2021. This new facility is set to provide an enriching environment for students and faculty alike.
In the field of music, Stanislav Ioudenitch, associate professor of music/piano and artistic director of Park University's International Center for Music, was inducted into the 2021 class of the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame. Kenny Broberg, a graduate student at the International Center for Music, also made waves when he won the American Pianists Association's 2021 American Pianists Awards.
Beyond the university's campus, Carneysha Mendoza, a 2016 Park University graduate and U.S. Capitol Police captain, testified in front of the U.S. Senate and Homeland Security committees regarding security failures during the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Her testimony was broadcast on various news outlets and published by The Kansas City Star.
These achievements and recognitions underscore Park University's ongoing commitment to excellence and its dedication to nurturing its students and faculty members to reach their full potential. For a more comprehensive list of 2021 notable stories and events, exploring official Park University news archives or typical notable event categories such as commencement, academic achievements, sports milestones, and community outreach would be beneficial.
- In the realm of education and self-development, Park University's commitment was highlighted during the induction of Donna Jean, Ph.D., into Wiley's STEM Hall of Femme, and the substantial funding received by Edna Martinson, a 2012 Park graduate, from a Google for Startups program for her company Boddle.
- The university's achievements in sports were noteworthy, with Nada Meawad making history, being selected for the 2021 NAIA Women's Volleyball All-America first team for the fifth time, and earning several prestigious awards. Meanwhile, in the world of music, Stanislav Ioudenitch and Kenny Broberg received recognition, with Ioudenitch being inducted into the 2021 class of the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame, and Broberg winning the American Pianists Association's 2021 American Pianists Awards.
