Park University's Howell Awards Honour Leadership Achievements from the 2024-25 Academic Year
30th Annual Dr. Doris A. Howell Leadership Awards Celebrate Outstanding Students and Staff
The 30th annual Dr. Doris A. Howell Leadership Awards ceremony was held on April 16, 2025, recognising and honoring the exceptional achievements of students and staff at Park University.
The event, named after Dr. Doris A. Howell, a 1944 Park graduate and internationally renowned leader in pediatrics and hospice care, saw several students receive prestigious awards.
Garima Baral and Nora Spornitz were the recipients of the C.W. Bailey Award. Vivian DeJesus and Michell Lebron were the recipients of the Park Family Award. Makayla Artis, Dorianna Braxton, Amelia Britting, Nina Distasio, Mariah Hirst, Nicholas Mattivi, and Eric Young were the recipients of the Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Awards.
In the student category, Alana Mathis received the Toni Griggs Award, while Steven Garcia was the recipient in the employee category.
The Outstanding Class Member Awards were also presented. Maria Eduarda Araujo, Samantha Hall, and Marina Perdiguero Martin were the recipients for the junior class. Tom Kuehnel and Faith Romano received the awards for the sophomore class, and Eny Mejia, Ognjen Petrovic, and Manuel Reyes were the recipients for the senior class.
Addisen Andrew, a sophomore communication/multimedia journalism major, received the Park Student Government Association / Cindy Anderson Senator of the Year Award. Fabiola Salgado Hernandez, a Master of Business Administration student, received the Graduate Assistant of the Year Award.
The Biology Club's Study Party received the Student Organization Program of the Year Award. Pi Gamma Mu (Missouri Mu chapter) was awarded the Student Organization of the Year. The Photography Club received the New Student Organization of the Year Award.
Several individuals were also recognised for their dedication and contributions. Kelly Gilhaus, assistant teaching professor of interior design, received the Faculty/Staff Newcomer of the Year Award. Molly Pierson, dean of students, received the Staff Newcomer of the Year Award. Amanda Bryant, director of student life, received the Special Award - Dedication to Student Advising.
Yvette Karanja was honoured with the Park Servant Leader of the Year Award. Brandi Schaffer, student records and graduation lead from Smithville, Mo., received the Student Success and Impact Award. Veronica Spottswood was the recipient of the Dusing-Proudfoot Award.
Dah Shee, a senior nursing major from Kansas City, Mo. (attended Lincoln College Preparatory Academy), received the Student Employee of the Year Award. Damian Gonzalez, digital storytelling coordinator from Shawnee, Kan., received the Student Organization Adviser of the Year Award.
The Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Awards are given to students who distinguish themselves uniquely as leaders regardless of position or title. These awards serve as a testament to the university's commitment to fostering leadership and recognising outstanding achievements among its students and staff.
Education-and-self-development and personal-growth are crucial aspects for the recipients of the Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Awards, as they demonstrate outstanding achievements in learning and leadership at Park University. The awards serve as a symbol of the university's commitment to fostering education-and-self-development and personal-growth among its students and staff.
