Recognition of Leadership Milestones Granted by Park University's Howell Awards
In a virtual ceremony held on April 14, 2021, Park University celebrated its 26th annual Dr. Doris A. Howell Leadership Awards. Named after Dr. Doris A. Howell, a 1944 Park graduate and an internationally renowned leader in pediatrics and hospice care, these awards recognise students who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities, commitment to community service, and academic excellence.
This year, several students were honoured for their achievements. Pranoj Thapa, a senior information and computer science/software development major, and Allison Anderson, a senior business administration/international business and marketing major, were among the recipients of the Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Awards. Savanna Wyatt, a junior multimedia journalism/public relations major, and Skyler Jensen, a sophomore communications studies and multimedia journalism/public relations major, also received the prestigious awards. Ryan Eisenbacher, a senior graphic design major, and Danielle Whitfield, a senior psychology major, were other recipients. Manika Karki, a sophomore criminal justice administration/corrections and economics major, and Manoj Khatiwada, a senior business administration/management major, were honoured for their outstanding class contributions. Rithchamy Polynice, a freshman biology major, and Gabriel Soares, a sophomore nursing major, were also recognised.
The Toni Griggs Award was given to Stefanie Rettenbacher, MBA '21, the Office of Student Life graduate assistant, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Park University. The Dusing-Proudfoot Award, which honours an outstanding contribution by a Park University faculty or staff member, was presented to Katherine Renner, the director of student success/daytime program.
The C.W. Bailey Award, given in memory of C.W. Bailey, grandfather of John Shelton, a 1976 Park graduate, was awarded to Diyorbek Nortojiev, a freshman music/strings major, and Kokouvi Alowonou, a freshman information and computer science major. This award is given to students for the purpose of facilitating their education to the end that they may make a contribution to society in the tradition of Bailey.
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, Tonya Wessel, the director of residence life, was the recipient.
The Faculty/Staff Newcomer of the Year Award, given to new faculty and staff members who have made an outstanding contribution to Park University, was presented to Kristin Whiteley, assistant professor of accounting from Smithville, Mo., and Camile Abdel-Jawad, visiting assistant professor of library services from Overland Park, Kan. (honorary). Rachael Chapman, copy center specialist from Raytown, Mo., received the award in the staff category.
The Tipton Award, which honours an outstanding service contribution to Park University by a Park alumnus/alumna, was given to Nathan Marticke, MACL '10, the chief advancement officer.
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, Demetria Byers, a junior criminal justice administration/law enforcement major, was recognised for the junior class. Macy Masters, a sophomore nursing major, and Hailey Rawhouser, another senior social work major, were honoured for their contributions to the sophomore class. Bayan Salam, senior criminal justice administration/law enforcement major from Kansas City, Mo., received the Park Servant Leader of the Year Award.
The Student Employee of the Year Award was presented to Molly Soltis, senior mathematics major from Kansas City, Mo. The Program of the Year Award was given to Grocery Bingo, Residence Hall Council. The Graduate Assistant of the Year Award was presented to Vanessa Groves, pursuing Master of Social Work degree. The Student Organization Adviser of the Year Award was given to Zac Jarrard, information technology services project manager, for advising Alexa Club.
The Barrett Price, graduate student success coach from Kansas City, Mo., received the Student Success and Impact Award. The Speech and Debate Team was recognised as the Student Organization of the Year Award for being formed within the past academic year.
For more specific details about the criteria for the Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Awards and the recipients for the 2020-21 academic year, it is recommended to consult Park University's official announcements, such as press releases, awards pages, or contact their student affairs or leadership offices directly.
- The recipients of the Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Awards, such as Pranoj Thapa and Allison Anderson, demonstrated their commitment to personal growth and learning through their achievements in education and self-development.
- The Honorees for the Outstanding Class Member Awards, like Demetria Byers and Macy Masters, showcased their dedication to academic excellence, community service, and personal growth, reflecting the qualities that the Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Awards also recognize.
