50 Years of Women's Athletics
CELEBRATING THE IMPACT OF FEMALE HAWKS ON AND OFF THE FIELD
Dear Companions on this journey,
As we look back on the Easter season, I want to express my gratitude for your support of Rockhurst University students and student-centered programs. Your gifts, especially to scholarships and student programs, allow them to “go forth and set the world on fire,” in words attributed to St. Ignatius Loyola.
Because of that support, students like Sarahi from the Class of 2026 can pursue her dream of medical school at Rockhurst. She receives scholarship assistance, lives at home and works two jobs, all while balancing her classwork. She is one of many outstanding first-generation students at Rockhurst, and it’s possible because of you. Sarahi said she expresses gratitude daily for the opportunity to get a life-changing, Jesuit education at Rockhurst. “I could not be on this amazing journey without the generosity of donors to Rockhurst,” she says.
Recognizing the ever-growing need for scholarships, I hope you will join me in supporting the True Blue for RU movement. Our goal this year is to double the scholarship dollars awarded to students at Rockhurst University.
I am grateful to you for your support of Rockhurst. Please consider participating in Celebrate RU early by sending in your gift today in the enclosed envelope. See more information about Celebrate RU on page 7.
Easter blessings to you and your family,
Sandra L. Cassady, Ph.D. President and CEO, Rockhurst University
WELCOME, Annie Fischer, ’03
Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations
Annie has spent a career honing her communication skills in a variety of nonprofit and media environments — with years of experience working as an editor, curator, grant writer, educator, arts administrator and journalist — and she is thrilled to have the opportunity to build strong and innovative partnerships in support of her alma mater.
A 2014-15 Fulbright Fellow to Budapest, Annie received a Bachelor of Arts degree in business communication from Rockhurst University in 2003 and an MFA in creative writing and media arts from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2012, where she was honored as a Durwood Fellow. You can contact Annie at 816-501-4276 or annie.fischer@rockhurst.edu.
Rockhurst University Awarded
$900,000 Challenge Grant for New Campus Chapel
The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, for a second time in the For the Greater campaign, has generously stepped forward to support Rockhurst University in meeting the needs of students and faculty. The foundation has given the University a $900,000 challenge grant to help build a new campus chapel. The chapel will be a gathering place for the celebration of Mass for those in our Catholic community and a sacred space for prayer and reflection for people of all faiths.
The foundation committed to donating $900,000 if, by January 2025, the University meets its challenge of raising the remaining cash and pledges of $1,740,135 needed to meet the total construction goal of $4.46 million.
Construction of the new chapel will continue the legacy of the current worship space in Massman Hall. The name, Mabee Chapel, will be carried to the new building along Troost Avenue and 54th Street. It is a legacy that started in 1984 and will continue because of the generosity of the Mabee Foundation.
The Mabee Foundation committed its first gift in the campaign of $500,000 in support of building the Magis Activity Center — a student fitness center, locker rooms, and multipurpose meeting space — that opened in 2019.
“We are so thankful for the long-standing relationship
and generosity of the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation to the Rockhurst University campus. They have generously supported building projects at Rockhurst for over 40 years that have transformed our University,” said Sandy Cassady, Ph.D., president and CEO of Rockhurst University.
“This challenge gift is so exciting, and our gratitude goes out to The Mabee Foundation. We look forward to celebrating a new chapel in 2025,” said Nancy Creasy, ’84, chair of the Rockhurst University Board of Trustees.
Rockhurst University anticipates construction for Mabee Chapel to begin in April, with an opening in spring 2025. If you are interested in making a gift to the Mabee Chapel, please contact Paula Moss, vice president for advancement, at 816-501-4418 or paula.moss@rockhurst.edu.
Gratitude is the Way for the Johannesman Family
Gratitude is a way of life for the Johannesman family. They learned from the example of their mom and dad, Dick and Dolly Johannesman, that being grateful and kind returned huge rewards.
The Johannesman siblings have deep roots at Rockhurst University. When the brothers and sisters decided to make an impact, they went all in, together. Ann Johannesman Tollefson, ’80, Richard, ’83, Matt, ’89, Andy, ’94, and Gina Pluemer Johannesman, ‘96, made a gift to the new Alvin Brooks Center for Faith-Justice, which will also house the new Rockhurst University campus chapel. This gift gave a boost to the completion of this new campus project.
Led by their faith and a deep appreciation of their RU Jesuit education, these siblings came together to create a gift for the naming wall.
Annie Fischer, ’03, Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations
Dolly and Dick Johannesman
Alumni Medical Network Event in St. Louis Pre-med students Abby McMaster, Esha Francis, Sarah Hinkcamp with Dr. Tom Hastings, '81.
Sandra L. Cassady, Ph.D., President and CEO
Alumni Medical Network Event in St. Louis Pre-med students Nicole DeMarco, Taiwo Awe, Jenni Chavez, Arlet Fernandez.
Skala Family Leaving a Legacy of Excellence and Transformation
This year marks 50 years of women’s athletics programs at Rockhurst University. In those five decades, many female student-athletes have worn the Hawks jersey, including Taylor (Sares) Skala, ’15, who might be not only one of the most decorated female student-athletes in University history, but has dedicated herself to giving back to her alma mater and its athletics programs.
Taylor Skala competed at Rockhurst for four seasons in both basketball and women’s soccer. Her many accolades include being the all-time leading goal and point scorer in soccer program history, NCSAA All-American, three-time GLVC AllDefensive Team in basketball, NCAA Academic All-American, and finalist for the 2015 NCAA Woman of the Year award. “Athletics added so much to my experience at Rockhurst. I loved competing and wearing the Rockhurst jersey, formed lifelong friendships with my teammates, and developed important skills in time management, leadership and smart decision making, all things I still benefit from in my professional career and as a mother to a young toddler,” she said.
While Taylor’s parents Donna and Joe lived in Chicago, they followed her closely throughout her career and saw the positive impact athletics was having on her life. “Through her participation in sports she learned qualities such as empathy, commitment and appreciation of being part of a team. When the teams visited Chicago, we would always host them at our home for lunch. Every time we were so impressed with how unique and talented the men and women on the soccer and basketball teams were,” said Donna and Joe.
To this day Taylor, Donna, and Joe are still active members of the Rockhurst Athletics family and continue to support future generations of student-athletes. Whenever the Hawks travel to play at Lewis in Chicago they are on the sidelines cheering them on. “I love bringing my daughter Leah to the game and watching the girls compete, secretly wishing it was still me,” Taylor said.
The family’s support goes beyond supporting the Hawks on gameday, but also investing in the experience of future generations of student-athletes. Through past gifts from the Kaminski Charitable Trust, the Skalas have made
improvements to Mason-Halpin Fieldhouse, Bourke Field, and Loyola Baseball Park possible. Thanks to their support in 2024, new stadium and bleacher seating is being installed at Loyola Softball Park.
“Rockhurst is a very special place that we will always thank for providing Taylor with the skills she needed to be successful in her career. It is a privilege for us to help provide that same experience for future generations of student-athletes. Improvements to the athletic facilities will help allow for increased participation in athletics, and the more students who are involved, the more their lives will be impacted like Taylor,” said Donna.
In honor of Taylor’s outstanding career at Rockhurst, the University established the Taylor (Skala) Sares StudentAthlete of the Year Award in 2022. The award is presented annually to a student-athlete who has excelled in athletics, academics and community service throughout her Rockhurst career.
“I’m honored to have the award named after me, but even more honored that it is given to a female student-athlete who excels in athletics, academics, and service. These are three pillars of my life that have brought the most joy, most heartbreak, and the most learning experiences that have made me the woman I am today,” Taylor said.
She will be present to recognize this year’s finalists and winner of her award during the women’s athletics celebration weekend April 12-14. You can learn more about the celebration and purchase tickets at www. rockhursthawks.com/womens50.
For more information on the celebration or how you can support Rockhurst student-athletes please contact Brent Blazek, associate athletic director, at brent.blazek@rockhurst.edu.
APRIL 12-14, 2024
All Hawks fans are invited to be part of a milestone celebration weekend honoring 50 years of intercollegiate athletics at Rockhurst University! The weekend will include many opportunities for alumni and fans to celebrate their favorite women's athletics programs, cheer on the Hawks in women's lacrosse and softball, and the official blue carpet celebration program!
Complete information on the weekend, sponsorships, and tickets can be found on the official event page at www.rockhursthawks.com/womens50.
Questions? Contact Brent Blazek at brent.blazek@rockhurst.edu or 816-896-5237.
Men’s Basketball Gets a Special Guest from Australia
O
ne of the many highlights from this past season for the men’s basketball team included a special visit from Shirley Majors, the wife of late Hall of Famer Norman Majors, ’62. Shirley, her children and grandchildren traveled to Rockhurst University from Jolimont, Australia, to visit Mason-Halpin Fieldhouse and see where Norm played his hall-offame career over 50 years ago. The visit included tours of campus, cheering on the Hawks in their win over Manhattan Christian, and seeing how their support through the Norman Majors Family Fund is positively impacting the program. Before his passing, Shirley and Norm worked together to establish this endowed fund dedicated to supporting particular areas of need and opportunity within the men’s basketball program.
“Rockhurst University played a crucial role in Norm's life,” said Shirley. “It helped him set and achieve personal goals, develop leadership skills and realize the importance of teamwork and committing to being the best you can be. We are honored to carry on his legacy by supporting future generations of men’s basketball student-athletes,” said Shirley. Men’s Head Basketball Coach Drew Diener presented Shirley with a special jersey to commemorate the visit and the family’s incredible support of the program.
For questions on how you can support Rockhurst student-athletes, please contact Brent Blazek at brent.blazek@rockhurst.edu.
A Tapestry from the Threads of Compassion
PATRICK MCANANY, ‘65
‘65
In the spirit of honoring a life well-lived and the nurses who provided solace during a time of need, Patricia McAnany has established a scholarship in memory of her late husband, the Hon. Patrick McAnany, ’65, to support nursing students.
Patrick and Patricia McAnany were touched by the profound care and compassion of nurses during the challenging time of Patrick’s battle with cancer. Together, they chose to support nursing scholarships at Rockhurst University. Patricia, herself a nurse, recognizes the profound impact of those who dedicate their lives to the well-being of others.
Patricia’s annual memorial gift is dedicated to establishing scholarship funds for individuals embarking on a career change to become nurses. In her commitment to fostering a community of compassionate healers, Patricia aims to support those brave individuals choosing the noble nursing path later in life.
If you are interested in establishing a scholarship in honor of someone in your life, please contact Bebe Harrington, stewardship coordinator, bebe.harrington@rockhurst.edu or 816-501-4537.
APRIL 24, 2024
Rockhurst University’s annual day of giving will be held this year on Wednesday, April 24. It will be a day full of spirit, fun, picnics, challenges and more.
Each year, Rockhurst students rely on the generosity of alums, parents, and friends to support scholarships, research, and various programs. This year, the goal is BOLD.
Please make your gift early in the enclosed envelope and help us surpass the BOLD goal of 500 donors and $500,000! This will be a day that is a testament to the power of the community and the belief that, together, anything is possible.
New RU swag will also be offered… you know you’d love a pair of RU tulip socks! Faculty and staff will come together for a picnic that day, and a Betty Rae’s Ice Cream truck will be the cherry on top!
Watch your email for more details and remember you can send your Celebrate RU gift early in the enclosed postagepaid envelope!
ZDEŇKA GUADARRAMA,
Forever True Blue for RU
Zdeňka Guadarrama, Ph.D., professor of mathematics, has been with Rockhurst University for over 16 years. She loves her time at Rockhurst as she feels the University attracts people committed to service and justice. While teaching at Rockhurst, she also works on mathematics outreach in the Kansas City community along with Rockhurst students. She said she loves the students' creativity, energy and enthusiasm.
Guadarrama has been True Blue for RU for many, many years. Her gifts to Rockhurst support women in STEM programs. Last year, one of her applied mathematics students, sophomore Rosa Rivera, became involved in Mathapalooza, Rockhurst’s math community outreach program. Rivera provided leadership and direction in the programming. Among many other events, she collaborated with KC STEM Alliance to host a fractal-building event for community leaders in various areas of STEM. Guadarrama says this is why she gives back to Rockhurst and these student programs.
If you are interested in being True Blue for RU and making a monthly, recurring gift, please get in touch with Becky Sanchez, director of annual giving, at rebecca.sanchez@rockhurst.edu or 816-501-4431.
Patrick McAnany,
RU Alumni Christmas Party in St. Louis Glenn Heitmann, ’83; Rob and Judy Shipp, ‘83.
RU Alumni Christmas Party in St. Louis Tori Zanaboni Unser, ’16; Joey Zanaboni, ’13, Jacob Unser, Hope Zanaboni, ’20 and Kate Evola.
Rockhurst Alumni gather in Washington, D.C., for an evening of catching up!
UPCOMING EVENTS
MARCH-MAY
“REVELACIONES” GALLERY EXHIBITION
works by Patrick McGrath Muniz, Daily in Greenlease Gallery, Rockhurst University
APRIL 9
CAREER DAYS ALUMNI PANEL AND STUDENT NETWORKING EVENT
Rockhurst University
APRIL 12–14
CELEBRATION OF 50 YEARS OF WOMEN’S ATHLETICS
Rockhurst University
APRIL 24
CELEBRATE RU DAY OF GIVING
Rockhurst University
For more information, visit rockhurst.edu/alumni.
Class of 1974 Reunion Class of 1974 Reunion
Celebrate this special milestone with your 1974 classmates in Kansas City. You and your classmates will be formally inducted into The Golden Hawk Society!
October 3-6, 2024
October 3-6, 2024
Please mark your calendar and plan for this golden opportunity as we celebrate the Class of 1974! Reconnect and reminisce with classmates, interact with current students, and learn how the campus has changed over the last 50 years!
Formal invitations and registration details will follow.
For questions contact: Becky Sanchez, director of annual giving 816-501-4431 | rebecca.sanchez@rockhurst.edu