Announcing the Highlights and Noteworthy Incidents of 2021 by Park University
Park University Shines in 2021
Park University, located in Parkville, Missouri, had a year filled with achievements and milestones in 2021. Here are some highlights that stood out:
New Leadership Takes the Helm
On January 1, 2022, Shane B. Smeed officially took over as the 18th president of Park University. His appointment, effective from the beginning of the year, marked a new era for the institution.
Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center Opens
In August 2021, the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center and School of Business officially opened on the Parkville Campus. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and professional development for students.
Stanislav Ioudenitch Inducted into Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame
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. This prestigious honour recognises his significant contributions to music education.
Nada Meawad's Unprecedented Achievements
Nada Meawad, a senior on Park University's Parkville Campus women's volleyball team, made history by being named the 2021 NAIA Player of the Year and Attacker of the Year. She also received the national American Volleyball Coaches Association NAIA Player of the Year award, as well as the AVCA Midwest Region Player of the Year. This marked an unprecedented fifth time she was selected for the NAIA Women's Volleyball All-America first team.
Carneysha Mendoza's Testimony
In February 2021, Carneysha Mendoza, a 2016 Park University graduate and a U.S. Capitol Police captain, testified in front of the U.S. Senate committees regarding security failures during the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Her testimony was broadcast on C-SPAN, CNN, MSNBC, and other news outlets, and was also published by The Kansas City Star.
Edna Martinson's Google Funding
Edna Martinson, a 2012 Park graduate, received $100,000 in funding from a Google for Startups program for her company Boddle.
Kenny Broberg's Piano Victory
In June 2021, Kenny Broberg, a graduate student in Park University's International Center for Music, won the American Pianists Association's 2021 American Pianists Awards.
Cyprienne Simchowitz's National Honour
Cyprienne Simchowitz, a member of Park University's Board of Trustees, was promoted from knight to officer within the National Order of Merit, France's second-highest honour.
Donna Jean's Recognition
Donna Jean, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, was named to Wiley's STEM Hall of Femme.
For more detailed accounts and information about other notable events and stories at Park University in 2021, we recommend consulting Park University’s official communications platforms, such as their website news section, press releases, or annual reports issued by the Office of Strategic Communications. These sources will offer authoritative and detailed accounts for that year.
Education and self-development were emphasized at Park University in 2021, as evidenced by the opening of the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center and School of Business, a state-of-the-art facility designed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and professional development for students. Stanislav Ioudenitch, an associate professor of music/piano and artistic director at the university's International Center for Music, was also inducted into the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to music education.
