Recognition of Outstanding Leadership Achievements at Park University through the Howell Awards
The 26th annual Dr. Doris A. Howell Leadership Awards were held virtually on April 14, 2021, honouring the outstanding contributions of students and staff at Park University.
The Student Organization of the Year Award was presented to the Speech and Debate Team, a relatively new organisation that formed within the past academic year. The Residence Hall Council's Grocery Bingo program was recognised as the Program of the Year.
Molly Soltis, a senior mathematics major from Kansas City, Missouri, was named the Student Employee of the Year. Soltis, who attended Platte County High School, demonstrated her exceptional work ethic and commitment to the university.
The Tipton Award was given to Nathan Marticke, MACL '10, the chief advancement officer, in recognition of his outstanding service contribution to Park University.
The C.W. Bailey Award was presented to two students, Kokouvi Alowonou and Diyorbek Nortojiev, to facilitate their education and enable them to make a significant contribution to society.
The Park Student Government Association / Cindy Anderson Senator of the Year Award was given to Timothy Gibson, a senior elementary education major from Liberty, Missouri.
The Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Awards were presented to students who distinguish themselves uniquely as leaders, regardless of position or title. This year's recipients included Allison Anderson, Taylor Dumsky, Ryan Eisenbacher, Skyler Jensen, Manika Karki, Rithchamy Polynice, Haley Schields, Pranoj Thapa, Danielle Whitfield, and Savanna Wyatt.
The Toni Griggs Award was given to Barrett Price, graduate student success coach from Kansas City, Missouri, and Stefanie Rettenbacher, MBA '21, Office of Student Life graduate assistant.
The Faculty/Staff Newcomer of the Year Award was presented to Rachael Chapman, copy centre specialist from Raytown, Missouri (staff category), and Kristin Whiteley, assistant professor of accounting from Smithville, Missouri, and Camile Abdel-Jawad, visiting assistant professor of library services from Overland Park, Kansas (faculty category).
The Park Family Award, which recognises individuals who embody the university's family-like culture, was given to Zac Jarrard, information technology services project manager, and Tonya Wessel, director of residence life.
The Dusing-Proudfoot Award, which honours an outstanding contribution by a Park University faculty or staff member, was presented to Katherine Renner, director of student success/daytime program.
The Toni Griggs Award, given to honour students who have made an outstanding contribution to Park University through leadership, service, or work performance, was also presented to Stefanie Rettenbacher.
The Outstanding Class Member Awards honour two students from the junior and sophomore classes, as well as non-graduating seniors who best represent their class in service to, and participation in, Park University. This year's recipients were Demetria Byers, Bruno Comin, Macy Masters, Gabriel Soares, Manoj Khatiwada, and Hailey Rawhouser.
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.
In addition to these awards, Vanessa Groves, a graduate assistant in the Department of Social Work from Laclede, Missouri, was named the Graduate Assistant of the Year. Bayan Salam, a senior criminal justice administration/law enforcement major from Kansas City, Missouri, received the Park Servant Leader of the Year Award.
The recipients of the C.W. Bailey Award, given in memory of C.W. Bailey, grandfather of John Shelton, a 1976 Park graduate, were not specifically mentioned in the available information. For criteria regarding the Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Awards, interested parties are advised to consult Park University's official resources, such as their website or student affairs office.
- The C.W. Bailey Award, aimed at facilitating education and enabling recipients to make a significant contribution to society, was presented to Kokouvi Alowonou and Diyorbek Nortojiev, two students at Park University, signifying their pursuit of personal growth and learning.
- The Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Awards, which honor students who distinguish themselves uniquely as leaders in education and self-development, were presented to a group of students, including Skyler Jensen, demonstrating their commitment to personal growth through their leadership at Park University.
