PARKVILLE — In celebration of the leadership achievements of Park University students, faculty and staff during the 2024-25 academic year, the Office of Student Life and the Park Student Government Association announced recipients of honors as part of the 30th annual Dr. Doris A. Howell Leadership Awards. The awards program, held last month, is named for Howell, a 1944 Park graduate who was an internationally renowned leader in pediatrics and hospice care before passing away in November 2018.
Several awards were given to students, staff and faculty with ties to Gladstone, Kearney, Liberty and Smithville.
The Dr. Doris Howell Leadership award is given to students who distinguish themselves uniquely as leaders regardless of position or title. Recipients represent the spirit of a Park University by pursuing integrity in every endeavor, inclusiveness as a global citizen and excellence in modeling the Park University lifestyle. The two Northland recipients are Nina Distasio, senior biology major, Kansas City (attended Liberty High School) and Mariah Hirst, senior psychology major, Smithville (attended Smithville High School).
The Dusing-Proudfoot Award is given to honor an outstanding contribution by a Park University faculty or staff member. It is named in honor of two former Park University professors, Albert Dusing and Merrill Proudfoot, who worked at Park for more than 20 years each and are respected for their academic and teaching betterment of students. Veronica Spottswood, acquisition assistant, McAfee Memorial Library, Gladstone, received this award.
The Student Success and Impact Award recognizes educators who have made an outstanding impact and profound difference on Park students. This year’s winner is Brandi Schaffer, student records and graduation lead, Registrar’s Office, Smithville.
Park Student Government Association / Cindy Anderson Senator of the Year Award recognizes the senator who made the greatest contribution to PSGA during the year. The award is named for Anderson, a Park freshman soccer player from Grimes, Iowa, who was killed in an accident (along with a teammate and head coach) heading to a NAIA playoff game in 2000. Addisen Andrew, sophomore communication/multimedia journalism major, Kearney (attended Kearney High School) received this year’s honor.
Biology Club’s Study Party Special Award is given for a dedication to student advising which recognizes commitment to guiding, mentoring and empowering students, fostering growth and leaving a lasting impact on the personal and academic journeys of students. This recipient is Amanda Bryant, director of student life, Gladstone.
