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COMMUNITY update fall 2021
COMMUNITY update
University President the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J.
University President Announces Plans to Step Down 5151 Troost Ave., Suite 100 Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. - noon Upcoming Workshop: Join the Prosperity Center for a workshop from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 at the Rockhurst University Community Center (5401 Troost Ave.) for “Understanding Your Credit and Identity Theft,” designed to help attendees monitor and build good credit, as well as with how to protect themselves from identity theft. A to-go boxed lunch will be provided and masks are required. Register by calling 816-501-4239 or emailing prosperitycenter@rockhurst.edu.
In September, Rockhurst University President the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., announced plans to leave following the end of the current academic year on June 30, 2022, after completing his 16th year as president. Fr. Curran arrived at Rockhurst University in 2006 to assume the role of the 14th president. Under his leadership, the University expanded its health sciences programs with the acquisition of Saint Luke’s™ College of Health Sciences; prioritized diversity, equity and inclusion efforts; and re-energized the institution’s focus on social justice and its core values. Under his leadership, the University has seen the construction of Arrupe Hall, the Magis Activity Center and the current renovation of historic Sedgwick Hall. Fr. Curran also led a number of social justice initiatives, including the establishment of the Prosperity Center for
Financial Opportunity and the Chillicothe Companions program. “We are extremely grateful for Fr. Curran’s visionary leadership and all that he has accomplished over the past 15 years,” said Thomas Hastings, M.D., ’81, chair of the Rockhurst University Board of Trustees. “Rockhurst today is a much stronger university than when Fr. Curran arrived and is in a good position to attract and welcome his successor.” Fr. Curran plans to take a sabbatical following his tenure to prepare for his next assignment. Details will be shared when those plans are finalized. The Board of Trustees has retained AGB Search, a professional firm with proven expertise in higher education, to conduct the search with the goal of announcing the 15th president of Rockhurst University in the first part of 2022 for a July 1 start date.
Rockhurst Partners Up to Make 49/63 a Little Greener Pretty soon, you might notice a little more shade around the 49/63. Inspired by an idea that came from neighbors, more trees are on the way to the area north of the Rockhurst University campus. This mass planting project is possible because of the Heartland Tree Alliance, a Bridging the Gap affiliated program. According to Jason Riordan, Rockhurst associate vice president of facilities operations, it was Rockhurst’s neighbors who came forward with the idea to plant more trees in 49/63. The properties the university owns on the north side of campus, as well as shared goals in making the area a little leafier, made the institution a natural ally in the effort.
Health care is becoming one of the most in-demand careers in the nation, and Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers a medical assisting certificate to help you get started. Our certificate programs offer flexible schedules, hands-on experience and are rooted in the Jesuit tradition of care for the whole person. A medical assisting certificate can be a launch point for a career or an associate or bachelor’s degree.
it also ties in our commitment to the trees on our own campus and sustainability in general,” Riordan said. Expect to see trees planted in the spring.
More trees will soon be planted throughout the neighborhood because of a new partnership.
“It was important to partner on this project because it helps with the beautification of the neighborhood, and
Take Flight With the Hawks This Winter! Fans are back at Rockhurst University athletic events, so plan to join us and catch Hawks basketball in action! UPCOMING GAMES:
Sophomore guard Keegan Sullivan looks for a pass
RU Ready for a Career in Health Care?
Thursday, Dec. 2 Women’s and men’s basketball vs. Southwest Baptist University 5:30 p.m. (women) and 7:30 p.m. (men) Mason-Halpin Fieldhouse Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022 Women’s and men’s basketball vs. University of Illinois Springfield 1 p.m. (women) and 3 p.m. (men) Mason-Halpin Fieldhouse TICKET PRICING 5 and under: Free 6-12 years old: $1 13-17 years old and seniors: $5 18 and up: $8 PLEASE NOTE: All guests must wear face coverings during indoor events, regardless of vaccination status.
But don’t just take our word for it — visit rockhurst.edu/medical-assisting or email admissions@rockhurst.edu to learn more from our Admissions Counselors. A medical assisting certificate from Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences can help launch a health care career.
Mark Your Calendar: Ceremony of Lessons and Carols Get in the holiday spirit with Rockhurst University on Saturday, Dec. 4. Join us at 7 p.m. in Arrupe Hall auditorium for the Ceremony of Lessons and Carols, Rockhurst University’s annual student Christmas concert, which features contemporary, classical and traditional seasonal favorites along with scriptural readings of the Christmas story. This event is free and open to all. A holiday reception follows the event. Visit rockhurst.edu/center-arts-letters for more information or to register for this free event.
Open Minds Book Club to Discuss “Heartbeat of a Struggle” The Open Minds book group will discuss “Heartbeat of a Struggle” by Diane C. Fujino at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24, at the Rockhurst University Community Center, 5401 Troost Ave. The book is a biography of Yuri Kochiyama, a Japanese immigrant who grew up in California and became a prominent activist for social justice during the 1960s. This discussion is facilitated by Cecilia Samonte, Ph.D., associate professor of history. Visit rockhurst.edu/center-arts-letters for more information or to register.