Alumni Owned Businesses

ARIZONA

Valor Benefits, LLC
Phoenix, AZ
Valor911.com
623-337-3556
Owner – Jeremy A. Spreitzer, ’98
“We are independent insurance agents, trained and licensed in your State to give insurance advice and provide insurance products through brokering. Since we work together with you, the customer, we are here to advise you and help find the best insurance.”

CALIFORNIA

Hayes Realty
12629 Truro Avenue #D
Hawthorne, CA  90250
www.hayesrealtycanhelp.com
800-217-0034
Owner – Emmitt K. Hayes, III, ’02
Full service real estate company

Leatherneck Cane Corso Kennel, LLC
374 Meadow Lark Lane
Banning, CA  92220
http://www.leatherneckcanecorso.com/
951-849-6579
Owner –  Nichelle Webb, ‘09 Breeding and boarding the dog breed Cane Corso.

COLORADO

Clean Response
5365 Hopalong Trail
Colorado Springs, CO 80922
www.clean-response.com
719-302-1782
Owner – Janet Gouveia, ’05, MPA’07
Restoration

FLORIDA

Ready Set Go Tour & Travel
PO Box 5748
Bradenton, FL 34281
941-281-5308
Owner – Dottie Deerwester ’79
“Ready Set Go Tour & Travel provides full travel service to individuals, families, corporations & groups. ‘Explore the World, One Adventure at a Time.’”

GEORGIA

Highway 2 Holiness (H2H) Productions
PO Box 5180
Macon, GA  31208
www.h2hmacon.com
478-737-9050
Owner – Tony Gerard Blash, ’06, MA ’11
“We are a music, production, and talent management agency.”

KANSAS

Food & Feature Writer
531 Northrop Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66110
913-206-5621
Owner – Bob Winner, ’86
Freelance food & feature writer

MISSOURI

Awaze
3415 Main
Kansas City, MO 64111
awazekc.com
816-756-5111
Owner – Paul E. Brown, ’94
Awazé is the best Kansas City restaurant serving authentic Ethiopian and Jamaican cuisine. We offer you a taste of authentic East African and West Indian dishes that will surely keep you coming back for more.

Back Office Brigade, LLC
4813 NE Sherwood Drive
Kansas City, MO  64119
www.backofficebrigade.net
816-405-7694
Owner – Antoinette Madeira, ’88
Business Consulting, Accounting and Certification Services

Boyer Web Studios LLC
9933 N. Cherry Drive
Kansas City, MO 64155
www.boyerwebstudios.com
816-313-7907
Owner – James Boyer, ’18
Quality custom web design, personally crafted to represent your brand accurately on your digital storefront.

Change of Life, LLC
4602 NE 83rd Terrace
Kansas City, MO 64119-7617
https://jennifernewcomer.amtamembers.com
816-666-7329
Owner – Jennifer Dawn Newcomer, ’95
Licensed Massage Therapy and Emotional Wellness Life Coaching

Crazy Beatz Productions
PO Box 527
Kearney, MO 64060
www.crazybeatzdj.com
816-365-5544
Co-owner: Russell Taylor, ’16
DJ production company providing music, MC, lights, sound and photo booth to Kansas City and its local areas.

Distinct Business Solutions
1882 Texas Prairie Road
Bates City, MO 64011
816-726-1237
Owner – Barbara (Kaminski) Wilkerson, ’02, MBA ’05
Construction Accounting Software Consulting

Dominic’s Casual Italian
6209 NW 63rd Terrace
Kansas City, MO  64151
www.dominics.it
816-437-7200
Owner – Philip Licata, ’00
Classic Italian recipes in a casual, convenient restaurant.  Dine-in, Drive-thru, web orders, take out available 7 days a week.  Call us for your catering needs as well!  Beer & wine available.  Patron seating available.

KC Daiquiri Shop
1116 Grand Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64106
https://kcdaiquirishop.com
816-974-3275
Owner – Calvin D. Vick, ’00
New Orleans Style Eating and Daiquiris

KC Esthetics Spa
303 Marshall Road, Suite 2
Platte City, MO 64079
www.facebook.com/kcestheticsspa
816-945-9479
Owner – Desiree B. Spears, ’05
15% Discount to all Park Alumni & Students    Esthetics Services: Custom Facials, Chemical Peels, Dermaplaning, Eyelash Extensions, Microblading, Body & Face Waxing, Brow & Lash Tinting, and Lash Lifting (Image Skincare and Lavish Lashes products)

LegalShield
http://kathrynhernandez.legalshieldassociate.com
816-261-0709
Owner – Kathryn M. Hernandez, ’83
Prepaid legal plans

MVT LLC
9014 Holly Street
Kansas City, MO 64114
www.mvtvideo.com
816-510-0187
Owner – Eddah Malicoat, ’06, MBA ’14
MVT offers the latest in video and graphics technology along with the latest in lighting, effects, and full audio packages. We also provide set design and drapes for backdrops. MVT can provide entire productions both indoors and outdoors.

Parkville Coffee Roasting Co.
103 Main Street
Parkville, MO 64152
www.parkvillecoffee.com
816-216-6560
Owner – Kristin Helling, ’12
Coffeehouse, bakery, and roaster!

Restless Spirits Distilling
109 E. 18th Avenue
North Kansas City, MO  64116
Restlessspiritsdistilling.com
816-679-6938
Owner – Benay D. Shannon, ’03
A new family of Spirits – The Same tired tastes have haunted you for long enough.  It’s time to cast expectations aside and discover a sip of fine, new spirits that are proud to call Kansas City home.

Rod-O-Matic Plumbing LLC
1750 NW 53rd Street
Kansas City, MO 64118
www.rodomatic.com
816-453-6099
Owner – Garett M. Green, ’08
Plumbing Services

Sweet Combforts Ft Wingman Kitchen
4117 Pennsylvania Avenue
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
816-569-4313

Owner- Rayan Fouad Azab ‘05

Taste of Brazil
25 E. 3rd Street
Kansas City, MO  64106
Tasteofbrazilkc.com
816-527-0400
Owners – Cristian D. Maciel, ’07 & Marco D. Rabello, ’07
It is our hope you will stop by for a visit and instantly feel the hospitality of Brazil (known for being the most hospitable country in the world!) while enjoying authentic Brazilian foods and drinks.  Our environment is relaxed and friendly and we do our best to make you feel as comfortable as our friends and family does!

TCD Parts Inc.
19450 Highway B
Edgerton, MO 64444
www.tcdparts.com 
800-823-8313
Owner – Mark B. Fisher, ’64
Distributor/manufacturer of parts for commercial dish machines, and laundry operations.

Thomas Danner Photography
7700 N. Nodaway Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64152
816-519-6224
Owner – Thomas Danner, ’06
Commercial Photography

TKA Enterprises, LLC
7700 N. Nodaway
Kansas City, MO  64152
816-519-6224
Owner – Thomas E. Danner, ’06
Photography, small engine repair, and lawn services: aerating, power raking, verticutting, seeding

Valor Benefits, LLC
Liberty, MO  64068
Valor911.com
877-216-4680
Owner – Jason R. Spreitzer, ’98
“We are independent insurance agents, trained and licensed in your State to give insurance advice and provide insurance products through brokering. Since we work together with you, the customer, we are here to advise you and help find the best insurance “

Wonder Werks, LLC
118 Lee Drive
Saint Robert, MO 65584
www.wonderwerks.biz
573-855-5600
Owner – Thomas D. Wielgosh, ’10
Mortgage Field Services, Handyman Services, Lawn & Property Maintenance Services and Upgrades

Wordwraith Books LLC
705-B SE Melody Lane #147
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
www.wordwraiths.com
www.kristinhelling.com
Co-owner – Kristing Helling, ’12
Independent publisher of genre fiction.  Story studio of resources for other authors in the indie market.

NEVADA

ArtParty4U
4332 Jadestone Avenue
Las Vega, NV 89108
www.artparty4u.com
702-420-2665
Owner – Edward Mueller, ’06
Award-winning body art in the Las Vegas area, as well as social art classes in oil, acrylic, and watercolor.

OHIO

Guru One Management Advisory Services LLC
https://guruonemgnt.com/
15306 Judson Drive
Cleveland, OH  44128
216-544-3014
Owner – Barry D. Bennett, ’08
Management Advisory Services, Accounting Services, Non-profits, Church Finances

OKLAHOMA

Boddle Learning
Tulsa, OK
boddlelearning.com
Co-Founder – Edna Martinson, ’12
“Boddle is a gaming platform for education that makes grades K-6 math fun and personalized, and helps identify and address gaps in learning. Boddle embeds learning content, like practice questions and instructional videos, into gameplay using adaptive technology to boost engagement and tailor learning. Free to sign up for both parents and teachers.”

PENNSYLVANIA

RKS Consultants, Inc.
8 Chinkapin Drive
New Oxford, PA 17350
717-316-5575
Owner – Ronald K. Schwartz, ’70
Pension Actuarial Services

TEXAS

Click and Move Realty, LLC
6326 Soveriegn Drive, Suite 235
San Antonio, TX  78229 https://www.clickandmoverealty.com/
202-533-5239
Click and Move Realty is a real estate brokerage for all home seekers, and our REALTORS® are a highly trained group of professionals ready to go the extra mile to help you find the right home for you and your family. Our REALTORS® are standing by ready to help if you’re buying or selling. We believe that everything must C.L.I.C.K (Compassion, Loyalty, Integrity, Communication, and Knowledge). This is the core principle of our brokerage. Our brokerage is here to serve the San Antonio and surrounding areas. “You’re only one click away from your next move.”

Lockhart Café
1203 S. US 183
Lockhart, TX 78644
512-398-6188
Owner – Eduardo Rodriguez, ’07
American, Mexican, Deli, Italian, Seafood. Local business in food service since 2011.

Military Spouse Advocacy Network
PO Box 769908
San Antonio, TX 78245
www.militaryspouseadvocacynetwork.org
915-203-1974
Owner – Verenice Castillo, ’18
NonProfit Org – 501c3

Tessmer Enterprises
900 Bugg Ln Ste 110A Unit 278
San Marcos, TX 78666
www.tessmerenterprises.com
512-439-9560
Owner: April Tessmer, ’10
Full business support and staffing

UTAH

Avon by Carol Duncan-McIntyre
1162 S. 885 E
Ogden, UT  84404
Youravon.com/carolduncan
801-564-5661
Owner – Carol E. McIntyre, ’99
Cosmetics and skin care specialist

Deliberate Kindness LLC
1162 S. 885 E
Ogden, UT 84404
www.deliberate-kindness.com
801-814-0544
Owner – Carol E. McIntyre, ’99
Kindness Box Delivery Service in Northern Utah

International Alumni Owned Businesses

UGANDA

Pathway Impact
Tirupati Mazima Mall Room 149 Gaba Road
Kampala, Uganda
www.pvuganda.org
+256 414 662 832
Owner – Simon Golola, ’07, MPA ’09

Diploma Reorder

The following section is for alumni only. If you are a current student and wish to complete a degree or program, please go to MyPark > Student Tab > Academic Information icon > Application for Diploma and Commencement Ceremony is a link on the left.

If you are an alum wishing to request a copy of a diploma that has been awarded, you will continue with the Order Replacement Diploma link below and follow the ordering instructions. The fees for replacement diplomas and certificates are:
– $65: Associate, Bachelor, or Master degrees
– $75: Education Specialist degree
– $65: any Undergraduate or Graduate level certificates

Alumni must submit a separate order for each degree/certificate they wish to receive (AA, BA, BS, MBA, etc.). The diploma reorder will first go to the Registrar’s Office for verification and then to our vendor for production. The vendor will contact the alum with diploma delivery information approximately 7-10 business days after Park University verifies the request and authorizes the order.

The name printed on the diploma reorder will default to the name appearing in Park University records. Alumni will be able to choose a middle name, middle initial, or suffix during the ordering process. However, if an alum wants to update the legal first or last name on the diploma, the alum must complete the Change of Personal Information Request Form (CPI) and submit one valid form of identification. Submit CPI forms and identification to registrar@park.edu.

 

ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS

Online diploma services for Park University are available through a vendor, Michael Sutter Company. Using their portal, alumni may order a physical copy of a diploma or certificate, search the status of an order, or report an issue.

If it has been less than one year from the degree’s graduation date, an alum may request an additional copy of a granted diploma or certificate for no additional charge. The alum will visit our vendor’s website (Michael Sutter Co, michaelsutter.com/PARK) and either enter the student ID and last name to search for the diploma in the Michael Sutter Co database, or select Request a Secure ID button on the page.

If it has been more than one year from the degree’s graduation date, an alum must order a replacement diploma from Michael Sutter Co (michaelsutter.com/PARK) for $65-$75 fee.
 

SUPPORTING PARK UNIVERSITY

Proceeds from the purchase of each diploma reorder goes to support the Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Scholarship Fund, the Alumni Association’s legacy scholarship. This scholarship is designed to assist alumni to continue their own education in a Park University graduate program or to send their spouses, siblings, children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, parents and grandparents (including stepchildren, etc.) to Park University. This scholarship is “created by the alumni for the alumni.”
 
Contact registrar@park.edu if you have any questions.

Legacy Scholarship

MARLOWE SHERWOOD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Marlowe Sherwood, ’63
as sketched by the late professor
emeritus, Vincent Campanella

The Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Scholarship Endowment was established by Park University’s Alumni Council in recognition of Marlowe Sherwood’s 14 years of service to the University as the Alumni Director. The fund continues to grow through gifts from members of the Alumni Association and friends of Park University.  Scholarship awards are made annually from the earnings of the fund.

Read a tribute to Marlowe (Alumniad, Fall 2002).

This scholarship will be awarded to alumni of any Park undergraduate program for use in one of the Park academic programs or to any spouse, sibling, child, grandchild, niece or nephew (including stepchildren, etc.) of a Park graduate (undergraduate or graduate program) to use in either a Park University undergraduate or graduate program.

Apply for this scholarship.

Donate to this scholarship.
Select “Marlow Sherwood Scholarship Fund” in the designation box.

Questions? Reach out to Nathan Marticke at nathan.marticke@park.edu or (816) 584-6844.

As of June 30, 2022, the endowment balance was $103,767. Thanks to the support of alumni, family and friends of Marlowe Sherwood, and proceeds from replacement diplomas we are able to continue making this fund grow!

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • When was Park University established? 
    Classes were first held on May 12, 1875. The first class graduated in 1879.
  • When did Park College become Park University?
    The conversion to “university” was completed in 2000.
  • Does Park University have a religious affiliation?
    Park University no longer has affiliations with any church or religious organization. Students of all religions are welcomed into the Park family and are encouraged to celebrate their faith. Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel is used for musical performances, weddings and events.
  • Is there a family work program on the Parkville campus?
    The official required family work program was discontinued in the mid-1960s. Today many students participate in the work study program through the Financial Aid Department. This program provides on-campus jobs for students. Most Park University students have at least a part-time job while attending classes. There has been an explosion of growth in the Northland area near Parkville that provides a variety of employment opportunities for our students.
  • How many campuses does Park University have?
    The school is continually growing. Currently there are 42 campus centers, including the Online program. 
  • How many students are enrolled today? 
    Enrollment is approximately 16,290 students, including all undergraduate and graduate schools.
  • Does Park University have an athletic program?
    The athletic program is located on the Parkville campus. Sports include men’s and women’s teams in soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross country and track. A men’s baseball team and women’s softball and golf are also part of the program. Park is a member of NAIA. To learn more about Park athletics go to the athletic web site.
  • Does Park University have school symbols?
    School colors: Canary and wine (gold and burgundy)
    Mascot: Pirate.
    Song – Alma Mater and The Canary and The Wine
    Official Park logos can be found here.
  • Is the chapel available to rent for weddings?
    The chapel is available for weddings between June 1 and July 31. Alumni, current students, faculty and staff are eligible to rent the chapel. Restrictions apply to eligibility.  For full details contact Special Events, President’s Office at 816-584-6202, president@park.edu
  • What is the building in all the photos?
    Mackay Hall is the primary administration building on the campus. It was completed in 1890 and is on The National Historic Registry. The President’s office is located in this building. The building also houses:
    • University Advancement
    • Academic Affairs and the Provost
    • Accounting
    • Human Resources 
    • Registrar’s Office 
    • Classrooms
    • Faculty offices

Park Magazine

Park University Magazine

Park University Magazine, published annually, is a “magazine within a magazine” and includes The Alumniad, events, class notes, obituaries, alumni benefits, and announcements of interest specific to alumni.

The magazine highlights activities and news of general interest to all of the Park University community, our students, faculty, staff, trustees, and friends, as well as our alumni.

Alumni are encouraged to submit class notes, photographs and story ideas to be published in the magazine. Alumni Association members with correct addresses in the alumni directory receive the magazine at no charge.

Alumni Association

The Park University Alumni Association exists to serve as a vital partner with Park University to inspire passion and pride, promote participation, and foster meaningful lifelong connections throughout our global and diverse alumni community. All graduates* of Park University are automatically members of the Alumni Association.

Read a history of the Alumni Association from 1882-1989.

*Non-graduates with at least 12 hours of academic credit from Park and who are no longer students at Park may request to be added to this list by contacting alumnioffice@park.edu.

 

The Alumni Council is the governing board of the Alumni Association. It is comprised of alumni from all decades and programs. The council meets a minimum of three times per year. The Annual Meeting of the Alumni Association is held on the Parkville campus.

The current bylaws of the Alumni Association were revised and accepted by a vote of the Alumni Association during the Annual Alumni Association Meeting on September 19, 2019.

Join the Alumni Council

2022-2023 Alumni Council

Officers
President: Phillip Reeder, ’12
President-Elect: Mary Celeste, ’70
Immediate Past President: George Ramsey III, ’12
Secretary: Mary Pride, ’96
Treasurer: Carla Walker, ’98

Members
Seth Arnold, MBA ’16
Stephanie Burgess, ’09, MBA ’13, MHA ’17
Christopher Cribb, ’04
Stephen Dobles, ’21
Timothy Griffin, ’18
Brandon Hoffman, ’16
Valerie Jaramillo-Babbitt, MHA ’16, MBA ’17
Nancy Potter, ’66
Gunjan Santiago, ’06
Brian Seipel, ’80
Skyler Stuke, ’19
Robin Titus, ’15
John Welchen, ’20

Board of Trustees Liaison
Gary Henry, ’89

Staff Liaison
Nathan Marticke

Membership in the Park University Alumni Association comes with a variety of benefits.

    • Park Magazine: This full-color magazine is published annually for Park alumni. It is full of information about events at Park as well as news about your friends and classmates. The magazine is available in print and online.
    • Park University License Plate Program: With an annual gift of $25 or more, you qualify to “ride with pride” by purchasing your specialized Park license plate (Missouri residents only.)
    • Access to Career Services: Market your skills, explore new career opportunities, or find your next employee through Park University’s Career Development Office. Start by viewing our online Career Center.
    • Continuing Education Opportunities: Application fees are waived for alumni enrolling in Park University master’s programs. Details about Park’s graduate degree programs can be found on the graduate school web page.
    • Scholarship opportunities for family members:   The Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Scholarship Endowment was established by Park University’s Alumni Council in recognition of Marlowe Sherwood’s 14 years of service to the University as the Alumni Director.

Each year, the Park University Alumni Association recognizes the accomplishments of its individual members at the award banquet during Homecoming Weekend. Awards include the Distinguished Alumnus/a Award, Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Service Award, Park Promising Young Professional Award, and Torchlighter Award.

Learn more about the awards, view the list of past recipients, or nominate a deserving alum.

 

Contact Us

OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION

Park University
University Advancement
8700 NW River Park Drive, Box 65
Parkville, MO 64152-3795

advancement@park.edu
816.584.6200

alumnioffice@park.edu

Melissa Ford
Chief Advancement Officer
816.584.2135
melissa.ford@park.edu

Laura Hanavan, MBA ’23
Director of Advancement Operations
816.584.6329
laura.hanavan@park.edu

Lisa Hickok
ICM Executive Director
lisa.hickok@park.edu

Jenny Keane, MBA ’21
Director of Alumni Engagement and Planned Giving
816.584.6846
jennifer.keane@park.edu

Jomarie Mortelli
Advancement Services Manager
816.584.6815
jomarie.mortelli@park.edu

Erik Bergrud, MPA ’94
Chief Strategic Communications Officer
816.584.6412
erik.bergrud@park.edu
@erikbergrud

Kay Barnes 
Senior Director for University Engagement

Brad Biles
Director of Communications and Public Relations
816.584.6888
brad.biles@park.edu
@bradbiles

Damian Gonzalez
Digital Storytelling Coordinator
816.584.6206
damian.gonzalez@park.edu