Have you driven by campus lately? You will notice construction at the entrance of campus on 54th and Troost – the Alvin Brooks Center for Faith & Justice and the new Mabee Chapel! If you keep driving onto campus, be sure to stop by the Science Center’s new auditorium or Van Ackeren’s improved lobby. Don’t forget to check out the College of Business and Technology lobby so you can keep on top of what your stock is trading at or the latest news worldwide!
You know the one thing that ties all these exciting projects together –YOU! Rockhurst University would not be able to expand our chapel for the growing number of students attending Mass or have space for the largest exercise science class we have ever had on campus if it were not for all of you supporting RU. Your contributions, whether big or small, make our University thrive. Thank you for being an integral part of our success!
It takes the support of everyone to provide the needed resources and rigorous education for almost 3,000 Rockhurst University students. As you will see on the Insider pages, so many alums, parents, and friends of the University are making a difference in the lives of RU students.
I hope you will also welcome four new members to our team – Chris, Poppy, Katie and Peter. We are excited to have their energy and expertise on our Advancement team, and we look forward to the positive impact they will have on our community. Your support and feedback are invaluable to us, and we are eager to hear your thoughts on our new team members.
Please enjoy our newsletter and thank YOU for being a faithful and loyal Rockhurst University supporter.
Site on Campus Honors Alumnus’ Passion
There’s a picture somewhere of Phil Hageman, ’13, family members say, on the front lawn of a house he lived in while at Rockhurst, sitting with people from the neighborhood and teaching them basic bike maintenance. As a student and as a physical therapist, he had a passion for staying active and advocating for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
Phil passed away tragically and suddenly in December 2021. In July, members of his family — parents Tom and Vicki and sister Naomi, ’17, ’19 CSD — helped spearhead an effort to install a bike station on campus in his memory.
Located on the sidewalk northwest of Conway Hall,
the new site on campus is made up of a FixIt bicycle repair and maintenance station, alongside a new bike rack, stone bench and tree. The University worked with BikeWalkKC, a local bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organization, for the repair station, which will be listed in the searchable map of such stations maintained by its manufacturer, Dero.
“He always had his bike with him and was always trying to get people to ride their bikes,” Naomi said.
“He definitely would have used it. I think in that sense, this is a great way to honor his memory. I also think he would be happy that it's for the neighborhood and the community as well as for students at Rockhurst.”
Paula Moss Vice President of Advancement and Alumni Relations
ADVANCEMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS
Maigan Bridgette, ’15, A Changemaker in the Kansas City’s Professional Soccer Scene
Maigan Bridgette, ’15, is making an impact through sports — specifically, soccer. Since 2023, Bridgette has been the manager of community impact at Sporting Kansas City (MLS). In this role, she has worked to create and develop community impact programming in partnership with Sporting KC's corporate partnerships team, the Victory Project, MLS Works, and various other non-profits.
Bridgette said she did not initially think she would work in sports but was excited about the opportunity to affect change in her community through sports. She noted that Sporting KC's commitment to community involvement aligned perfectly with her values and aspirations, making it an ideal platform to leverage sports for community engagement and social change.
According to Bridgette, the biggest reward is the collaborative efforts of community partners and stakeholders, creating a lasting positive impact. “Knowing our work helps to build stronger, healthier communities and provides youth with pathways to success is truly gratifying.” Her time at RU prepared her to be the changemaker she is today, she said. Bridgette described her Rockhurst University experience as “transformational.” Rockhurst's experiences and opportunities helped shape her personal and professional growth, setting the foundation for her career. Giving back as a donor is her way of expressing gratitude and ensuring future students access the same transformative opportunities!
Paula Moss Vice President of University Advancement
TEAM:
Back Row: Amy Reardon,’92, ’98; Annie Fischer,’03; Gina Speese, ’83; Peter Volmert; Chris McCoy; Katie Cangelose; Hannah Tarwater, ’18, ’21; Second Row: Poppy Di Candeloro, Paula Moss; Brent Blazek, ’17 Front Row: Jody Burgard, Becky Sanchez and Ann Zanaboni
Maigan Bridgette, ’15
COVER PHOTO: AMU-DEI grant recipients Sarah Joseph, ’25, and Dayanara Zamora Mendoza, ’24, volunteering at a community health fair.
Class of 1974 Golden Hawks Scholarship
Are you interested in making a difference in the life of a Rockhurst student? Your gift to the Class of 1974 Golden Hawks Scholarship will do just that. Over 96% of Rockhurst Hawks rely on scholarships to attend Rockhurst, and your donation will ensure they receive the same transformational education that you received.
If you are interested in making a gift to the Class of 1974 Golden Hawks Scholarship, please Becky contact Sanchez, director of annual giving, at 816-501-4431 or rebecca.sanchez@rockhurst.edu.
ADVANCEMENT OFFICE WELCOMES NEW COMPANIONS
WELCOME, Katie Cangelose Office Coordinator for the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations
With over a decade of administrative experience, including a recent role as executive assistant at Grandparents for Gun Safety, Katie brings a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm to the team. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in child and family development and is deeply committed to Rockhurst’s mission of service and education. Katie looks forward to contributing to Rockhurst's vibrant alumni community and supporting their advancement initiatives.
WELCOME, Poppy Di Candeloro, MA Director, The Center for Arts and Letters and Greenlease Gallery and Panacea Project Space
We welcome Poppy Di Candeloro to the advancement and alumni relations team. Poppy has dedicated her career to refining skills across various educational and artistic arenas. With extensive experience as an arts advisor, curator and educator, she is excited about the chance to integrate academia with creativity.
Poppy earned a Bachelor of Arts in art history from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 2008 and a Master of Arts from the University of St. Thomas in 2012.
Contact Poppy at 816-501-4510 or poppy.dicandeloro@rockhurst.edu.
MISSY LING, DBA
Happiest While Teaching Rockhurst Students
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t was while working in corporate accounting and finance that Missy Ling, DBA, assistant professor of accounting and finance, realized she loved teaching. That realization led her to pursue her MBA at Rockhurst University and Doctor of Business Administration at Creighton University. She now serves as a tenure-track faculty member at Rockhurst and shares in two words the most rewarding aspect of her position — the students.
“Rockhurst students are exceptional and inspiring. They inspire me every day with their drive and ambition,” she said.
The students also inspire Missy to give back financially to Rockhurst programs. She said, “I want to ensure we have a university that is here for them for years to come.”
Ling’s word to describe Rockhurst: HAPPINESS! “Educating, mentoring, and following the success of our students makes me incredibly happy. I always cry with joy at graduation.”
WELCOME, Chris McCoy, Ph.D. Associate Director of Development and Planned Giving
Chris joins the Rockhurst advancement team with over two decades of experience in arts administration and education with nationally recognized institutions and community organizations. Most recently, Chris worked for the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, William Jewell College and Theater League.
An enthusiastic advocate for higher education, Chris holds two Master of Arts degrees and a Ph.D. in performance studies and looks forward to helping alumni, families, and friends of Rockhurst achieve their philanthropic goals.
Contact Chris at 816-501-4199 or chris.mccoy@rockhurst.edu.
WELCOME, Peter Volmert, MBA Stewardship and Scholarship Manager
Peter comes to Rockhurst advancement from medical staffing, followed by time as a Catholic school teacher. Another St. Louis native in the City of Fountains, Peter attended St. Louis University High School, where he developed a true passion for Catholic, Jesuit education.
Having been a beneficiary of scholarships that facilitated his higher education, Peter deeply understands the transformative power of donor generosity. His personal experience fuels his eagerness to collaborate with Rockhurst’s benefactors, with the shared goal of positively impacting the lives of the University’s students and, ultimately, the world.
Contact Peter at 816-501-4537 or peter.volmert@rockhurst.edu.
Creating a Lasting Legacy for Rockhurst Students A Home For All
R“Throughout his career, my dad was energized by and loved discovering distinctive new talent,” said Maureen McMeel, daughter of John McMeel.
ockhurst University’s Jesuit mission calls us to pursue one of our core values, wisdom, as a means of understanding and bettering our world.
It is in that spirit that Rockhurst University partnered with Kansas City-based publisher Andrews McMeel Universal in 2022 on the Andrews McMeel Universal DEI Award, which awards grants of up to $5,000 for student-driven communication, multimedia or art projects that increase awareness and understanding regarding critical issues related to equity, inclusion, social justice, and diversity.”
The award honors the pioneering work of John P. McMeel, who died in July 2021. By giving emerging comic artists and columnists a national audience through newspaper syndication, book and calendar publishing, and entertainment, McMeel and AMU have played an important role in adding new, diverse voices to the American conversation.
“Throughout his career, my dad was energized by and loved discovering distinctive new talent,” said Maureen McMeel, daughter of John McMeel, director of the McMeel Family Foundation, and member of the Andrews McMeel Universal Board of Directors.
“He was a vocal and involved supporter of Kansas City and a vibrant advocate of Rockhurst University. His passion for people, entrepreneurial spirit, and journalistic instincts were the foundation of his business success. This award is a natural extension of these passions, and a unique and meaningful way to honor his legacy while making a difference in our community.”
Year One Projects: A Difference on Campus and in KC
The first grants were awarded at Rockhurst as part of the Festival of Student Achievement in 2022, with two projects focused on creative approaches to helping the community and the campus, respectively. Sarah Joseph, junior, and Dayanara Zamora Mendoza, '24, alongside faculty adviser Annie Lee, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, were awarded for a project called “Decrease Disparity, Promote: Fighting Against Inequities in Healthcare,” built around a voluntary survey to provide insights on health care among underserved populations as well as a community health fair that allowed residents to seek care and fostered new connections among some of the organizations with similar missions working in the Kansas City community.
The other project from the first round of awards was a video, titled “The Brunch Bunch – A Home for All,” to Ashley Mann, ’23. Modeled after “The Breakfast Club,” this short film tells the story of a group of students working on a Saturday morning, with the students experiencing interpersonal conflict before realizing the diverse strengths they bring to the table.
Year Two Projects: Connecting Communities Beyond Campus
The most recent awards promise to build on that foundation, with projects selected highlighting unique perspectives in different mediums. Junior Chris Obersteadt is designing a mobile app, now called KC Social Nest, designed to connect users more efficiently with needed medical assistance. And Lisa Suter and Vermonn Roberts, students at the Chillicothe Correctional Center, where Rockhurst partners for the Companions in Chillicothe program, will produce a podcast titled “Page 65 –Stories of Those behind Bars,” which aims to give those outside the correctional system a humanizing glimpse of life for those who are incarcerated. These projects are underway this year — the results will be presented to the University community in the spring and to Andrews McMeel Universal.
“We’ve been so impressed with the quality of the projects that have been proposed,” said Paula Moss, vice president for advancement and alumni relations. “It’s been rewarding to see the effort those students have put into their work and the final product that results. I truly believe John McMeel would be extremely proud that this program carries his name and legacy.”
Recipients of the Andrews McMeel Universal DEI Award at April’s Festival of Student Achievement.
Top: Lisa Suter participates in class at the Chillicothe Correctional Center. Middle: Vermonn Robers, a graduate of the Companions in Chillicothe program and grant co-recipient. Bottom: Lisa Suter, a graduate of the Companions in Chillicothe program and grant co-recipient.
Top: Students volunteer as part of a health fair at Kansas City’s Gregg/Klice Community Center. Bottom: A still from “The Brunch Bunch — A Home for All.”
Passing the Baton to the Next Generation of Hawk Runners
This fall, the Hawks men’s cross-country program will compete in its fifth season at the NCAA DII level since restarting in 2019. Over these last five years, many alumni and fans have supported the program, including Jim Narron, ’88, who was part of it from 1985-1988 when it competed at the NAIA level.
“For me, running was part of a well-rounded portfolio of activities at Rockhurst,” said Narron, an NAIA ScholarAthlete and Academic All-American involved in other campus organizations, including Alpha Delta Gamma fraternity.
Now, he happily supports the Hawks men’s and women’s programs so that student-athletes today can have an equally valuable, well-rounded experience and leave Rockhurst prepared to be successful in their careers.
“Being a student-athlete will make you better prepared for the workplace in many ways, including understanding what it means to be part of a team,” said Narron, who spent nearly 27 at the Federal Reserve, including serving as first vice president and COO in Philadelphia for seven years before retiring in 2023. Hawk fans can join Jim Narron in supporting athletics by visiting rockhursthawks.com/give or contacting Brent Blazek, associate director of athletics for development and engagement, at brent.blazek@rockhurst.edu.
SO MANY WAYS TO GIVE:
Joe Naylor and Yosuke Chikamoto
Establish a Legacy of Giving at RU
“Iwould not have been able to receive Jesuit education at Rockhurst if it had not been for scholarships,” says Joe Naylor, ’87. His experiences at Rockhurst paved the way for a successful career in nonprofit leadership, which included fundraising for many Jesuit institutions. In recent years, he and his husband, Yosuke Chikamoto, have created ways of giving back to RU to support and inspire current students.
Naylor passionately tells two life-changing experiences at Rockhurst. First, he learned about nonprofit management in the American Humanics program, which culminated in an internship with the YMCA in Greater Kansas City. This experience may have something to do with his 17-year career at various YMCAs in California. Second, following the recommendation from the Rev. Nick Rashford, S.J., his spiritual director, he spent a summer in Belize working with children at an orphanage in a partnership with St. John’s College funded by the Miller scholarship. Fast-forward 30 years when Naylor and Chikamoto wanted to sell a condominium that had appreciated in value since they purchased it. As a seasoned fundraising professional, he investigated a Charitable Remainder Trust. This would allow them to give the
total value to nonprofits, including Rockhurst, while avoiding paying taxes on the capital gains.
Because Chikamoto worked in health care, they designated this money to an exam room in Sedgwick Hall. “I looked back on the time I was teaching at universities,” he said, “and I wish I had been able to offer my students practical and active learning opportunities. This is why we decided to dedicate this donation to a Rockhurst exam room.”
About five years ago, they also established a scholarship using their Donor Advised Funds (DAF), some of which have been successfully matched by a national program called Half My DAF. The scholarship is designated for students from Naylor’s hometown, St. Louis, who are interested in a nonprofit career.
More recently, after moving to Portugal, Naylor and Chikamoto live the Jesuit motto of “men and women for others” by teaching leadership and communication to refugees and migrants at the Jesuit Refugee Service Center in Portugal.
To make a gift from your DAF, Charitable Trust, or will, contact Chris McCoy, associate director of development and planned giving, at 816-501-4199 or chris.mccoy@rockhurst.edu.
Jim, ’88, and Pam Narron
Joe and Yosuke visiting Montserrat, Spain.
Golden Hawks from the Class of 1964 celebrate their 60th Reunion with dinner in the Magis Activity Center on October 5.
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Donor's Impact Lives On in Hummanities Scholarshp
Charles J. Egaan
Charles J. Egan died June 10, leaving an indelible legacy of philanthropic support at Rockhurst University.
As founding trustee of the Stanley H. Durwood Foundation, established in 2004, Egan directed gifts toward Musica Sacra, the Midwest Poets Series and the Center for Arts and Letters for several years.
ROCKHURST UNIVERSITY STL LEADERSHIP SERIES SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
DURWOOD SCHOLARSHIPS
Support for scholarships followed in 2010, when the Durwood Foundation pledged $625,000 toward student awards, including $425,000 toward the Stanley H. Durwood Endowed Scholarship – eligible to full-time undergraduates in any course of study who met admission requirements and scholarship criteria.
Beam Topping Ceremony Marks Milestone in New Chapel and Center Project
There’s still a lot to do before construction of the Alvin Brooks Center for Faith-Justice and Mabee Chapel on the Rockhurst University campus is complete.
However, the project hit a major milestone on Friday, Sept. 6, with the final steel beam placed atop the steeple at the front of the new part of the structure at the corner of Troost Avenue and 54th Street. And, as is tradition, it was placed there bearing the names of students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends, who were invited to sign the beam before the ceremony.
When complete, the project will consist of two structures — the Brooks Center, named for Kansas City civil rights icon Alvin Brooks and designed to embody the idea of a “faith that does justice” and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching; and a new campus chapel, which will carry the name of the current campus worship space, Mabee Chapel.
Class of 1965 Golden Hawks Scholarship
• Two premier table locations for 20 guests
Class of 1966 Golden Hawks Scholarship
• Representative in the live program of the event
Dr. James Ragan Memorial Fund
• Exclusive VIP reception and time with the Rev. Greg Boyle, S.J., and Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., president of Rockhurst University
Goppert Endowed Scholarship for the Humanities
• Company logo on event materials
• VIP guest experience
Honorary Directors All and Mary Helen Kleinman Fund
• Title sponsorship listing and acknowledgment in all marketing materials
Joe and Shirley Zanaboni Family Scholarship Fund
• Complimentary gift for each guest
• Valet parking for guests PRESENTING
John and Helen Costello Family Scholarship
Kenneth J. Sullivan Scholarship
Patricia Cleary Miller Scholarship for English
Patricia Cleary Miller Scholarship for French
Patricia Cleary Miller Scholarship for the Humanities
Patricia Cleary Miller Scholarship for the Arts
Thomas F. Heitlinger Endowed Scholarship
Vontz Family Scholarship Fund
Women for Others Endowed Scholarship
materials
• Complimentary gift for each guest ST. LOUIS SPONSOR $3,000
Following the retirement of iconic Professor Emerita of English Patricia Cleary Miller, Ph.D., from Rockhurst in 2015, Egan pledged a successful challenge grant from the Durwood Foundation to match up to $500,000 in new gifts toward new or existing scholarships specifically for humanities students at the University.
• Upgraded table location for 10 guests
• Exclusive VIP registration prior to the event
• VIP guest experience
Additionally, in 2019, the Durwood Foundation sponsored early research activities co-directed by health science faculty toward developing a multidisciplinary early childhood literacy program.
• Title sponsorship listing and acknowledgment in all marketing materials
• Complimentary gift for each guest MISSION SPONSOR $2,000
INDIVIDUAL TICKETS $150
Find more information and pricing at rockhurst.edu/stlleadershipseries2024
Egan’s admirable commitment to education, the arts, and expanding access to both provided Rockhurst with loyal support and an expansive vision for sustainable sponsorship. As of July 2024, the Durwood Foundation has helped make a Rockhurst University education possible for more than 220 students — with many more to come.
THE
REV.
Join Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient for the Rockhurst University STL Leadership Series Luncheon
GREGORY BOYLE, S.J.
Thursday, November 21, 2024 11:30 a.m., Clayton Plaza Hotel
Fr. Greg Boyle transformed thousands of lives as the founder of Homeboy Industries, the world’s largest and most successful gang intervention program. As a true leader, bringing faith and kindness to everyone he meets, his leadership and inspirational message challenge us to live with a deeply rooted sense of purpose.
To register for this luncheon, please scan the QR Code.
The Rev. Stephen Hess, S.J., Alvin Brooks and Sandra Cassady, Ph.D. attend the beam topping ceremony on the Rockhurst University campus.
1100 Rockhurst Road Kansas City, MO 64110-2561
In Memory – Darla Beggs
With deep sorrow, we acknowledge the passing of Darla Beggs, a beloved spouse of Gary and a successful entrepreneur. Her keen ability to work with clients and stakeholders was a testament to her professional acumen. However, it was her remarkable gift to develop others, including her employees and professional colleagues, that truly set her apart. Her mentorship has left an indelible mark on those she led, and her cheerful, curious, and engaging spirit will be deeply missed, says Craig Sasse, Ph.D., co-director of the executive MBA program at Rockhurst University. In this time of profound loss, our hearts go out to Gary Beggs and his family. We extend our deepest condolences and wish them strength and comfort.
UPCOMING EVENTS
NOV. 21
Rockhurst University Leadership Series – St. Louis Featuring the Rev. Greg Boyle, S.J., Founder of Homeboy Industries
DEC. 6
St. Louis Alumni Christmas Party
DEC. 7
Santa in the Rock Room
DEC. 16
Kansas City Alumni Christmas Party
DEC. 19
Omaha Alumni Christmas Party
Gary and Darla generously support the Gary and Darla Beggs Scholarship fund, which provides financial aid for students enrolled in the Rockhurst Executive Masters in Business (EMBA) program.
If you are interested in supporting a scholarship fund at Rockhurst, please get in touch with Peter Volmert, scholarship and stewardship manager, at 816-501-4537 or peter.volmert@rockhurst.edu.
