Park Named Outstanding Alum for 2021
Dr. Eric Park, of Washington, will receive the East Central College Outstanding Alumni Award at the commencement ceremonies in May. 
This is the highest award presented to an alum by the ECC Foundation. It recognizes an alum who has brought honor to the college through professional achievement, leadership, and community impact.
“Eric’s commitment to not only the college, but his career and community is truly outstanding. He is such a deserving honoree,” said Bridgette Kelch, executive director.
To be considered for the award, nominees must have completed a college credit course at ECC at some point in their educational journey.
Park attended East Central College (ECJC at the time) after he received his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army. He earned an associate degree in May 1982. He then continued his education, earning an undergraduate degree in business, two master’s degrees, one in finance and one in personal financial planning, and his PhD in Economics from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2014.
In addition to being a student at ECC, Park once served as an instructor. He also is a founding board member of the ECC endowment program. Currently, Park serves on the East Central College Board of Trustees and Foundation Board.
Park also promotes education through his participation on the board of the Franklin County Chapter of the Mizzou Alumni Association.
A successful investment advisor for more than 35 years, Park is co-founder of LPL Financial, Eric Park & George Meyer, investment firm in Washington. He has received several national industry awards for his dedication to quality investment management. He was named the Registered Rep’s Outstanding Broker of the Year in 2005 and was admitted to Research magazine’s Advisor Hall of Fame in 2007.
Outside of work, Park is past president of the Franklin County Humane Society and the Washington Rotary Club. He also is past district governor of Rotary International and helped with international poverty relief efforts in developing nations.
Additionally, he has served on the Missouri State Commission charged with regulatory oversight of credit unions and as a member of the St. Francis Borgia parish finance committee.
Park is currently a representative of the Association of Financial Educators and provides educational programs to area companies to help them and their employees better understand how retirement plans can benefit them.
Park is married to Dr. Rui Yao. He has one daughter, Samantha Park Alexander, and one grandson, Mac Alexander.
ECC is planning to hold five commencement ceremonies the weekend of May 15-16 to accommodate social distancing for both 2020 and 2021 graduates and their guests. Scott Breckenkamp, the 2020 Outstanding Alumni honoree, also will be honored at the ceremonies.