With Park University’s 140th anniversary right around the corner, faculty and staff are busy working together to make it a memorable one.

This year, a committee has been formed to put together an official Park University history book.

The committee consists of co-chairs Dr. Timothy Westcott, associate professor of history; Carolyn Elwess, archivist; and Julie McCollum, director of alumni relations.

“Park has such an incredible history,” said McCollum. “We think it is time to share it with our students, alumni, employees and friends. There are so many proud moments and accomplishments that have been forgotten. And, there are many stories that float around the University that need to be corrected.”

With the deadline coming up on Thursday, Nov. 14, Elwess said the committee is working hard to get everything submitted.

“We are working with a guy named William Beck, who is writing a narrative for the book and is serving as the author,” she said. “We send him all the information we have and he puts it together for us.”

Elwess also said the 160-page book is going to be picture heavy.

“Because we can’t include everything in the book, we are going to create a website that will be able to hold more of what we weren’t able to put in the book,” she said. “It’s impossible to include everyone who has made an impact on a generation of students.”

Jennifer Erwin, who works with the military locations of Park, is also assisting with the book to provide information on the campus centers.

“That information is something we really didn’t have on hand, so it’s a win-win situation for the book,” Elwess said.
Past attempts have been made to put together a book on Park’s history, such as one done by college deans in 1961. But, Elwess said this book will be extensive and include many of photos up until this year.

There is still time to submit information to the committee to try to include in the book.

“If you have information or photos that you would like considered for inclusion in the official book or the accompanying website, please send your contributions to [email protected],” said Elwess, Westcott and McCollum in an email to faculty and staff.

“Please be aware that we may not be able to use all submissions but all are very much appreciated. Our deadline to send material to our writer is Nov. 14, 2014, so please present your submissions before Nov. 12. For those who have already contributed, thank you.”

The book will be available in late 2015, the year of Park’s 140th anniversary.

“The book will be available for purchase as well as in the library,” said McCollum.

“Our intent is to cover the cost of publication and raise a little money for the archives to help keep these wonderful artifacts and memorabilia safe and available for future viewing.”