RU Insider - Fall 2019

Insider rockhurst university

c e l e b r at i n g s t o r i e s o f m a g i s

FA L L 2 0 1 9

Sedgwick’s Transformation

A Rockhurst milestone becomes a cornerstone for its future

Grandma’s Pantry Brings Food Justice to Campus, With Simple Mission

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esuit Educated. It is not what we are, it is WHO we are.

It is hard to understand the impact of a Jesuit education until you have experienced it. Often, even our incoming students are unaware of the transformational opportunity that is before them as they begin their Rockhurst experience.

The doors opened in April on a new initiative at Rockhurst University inside Massman Hall. Grandma’s Pantry, located next to Mabee Chapel, is a food pantry available to students as well as faculty and staff with a simple, free-will philosophy — take what you need, give what you can.

But you know. As companions with us in this mission, you have made a commitment to not only champion why Jesuit education is needed in our world, but you are also making a financial commitment to it. For that, we are so grateful.

Stocked with non-perishable staples and frozen meals, the pantry is open throughout the week. Those who stop by to pick something up are asked only to note what they took and what they want to see in the future. Bins placed in Massman, Arrupe and Conway halls collect staples for the pantry.

It is not just a slogan or tag line — we deeply believe that what the world needs now, more than ever, is more citizens who are Jesuit educated.

Mary Mooney Burns, ‘93 Vice President of University Advancement

Rockhurst is more than part of the nearly 500-year-old Jesuit academic movement; we are a transformational experience in the heart of Kansas City. Many of our graduates are propelled to the top of their businesses and organizations. Why? Clearly, they are prepared, but what recruiters and employers also tell us is that it is because of the type of person and leader they are.

Perhaps the best way to describe our Jesuit mission is by reading the inscription on our campus bell tower, which reads in part “You are called by the Society of Jesus to be men and women who reflect upon the reality of the world around you with all is ambiguities, opportunities, and challenges, to discern what is really happening in your life and in the lives of others, to find God there, to discover where God is calling you...” These words were first spoken by the Rev. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., 29th superior general of the Society of Jesus. They remain profound today.

Rockhurst’s educational mission (our search for truth) is grounded in a world created by a loving God. Our mission looks to a truth that lifts the human spirit and unites us with other human beings and with God. If you believe we need mission-driven leaders guided by a conscience that has been formed in the values of the Society of Jesus, then we need you on our side, telling our story, and championing our mission.

Rockhurst is in a period of growth in an effort to meet the needs of our community, region, and world.

In order to grow our base, we all need to lean in and stay committed to an education with heart and passion. Thank you for journeying with us thus far. We are asking for your continued prayers, advocacy, and philanthropy.

While newsletters are a great way to communicate to many people, what we really prefer is to meet with our alums and donors in person. Let’s connect in person soon!

photo and caption to come OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT: (Back row, from left) Cole Eason, Bebe Harrington, Gina Speese, Brent Blazek, Amy Reardon, Molly Sova, (front row, from left) Katie Bolton, Sara Hale, Marie Pickard, Mary Mooney Burns, Jody Burgard, Paula Moss

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In addition to supporting Grandma’s Pantry, Creasy has recently established an endowed scholarship to support a student in one of the University’s business programs. We thank Nancy for her generous support to so many University programs.

Grandma’s Pantry supporters Cathy (Ems) Taschler, Nancy (Ems) Creasy, ’84 and Father Curran.

Interested in learning more about how you can support Grandma’s Pantry please email AdvanceRU@rockhurst.edu or make your gift online at rockhurst.edu/give.

Center for Arts and Letters Brings World-Class Music, Lectures, Poetry and More to Rockhurst Campus Since it was founded in 1989, the Center for Arts and Letters at Rockhurst University has each year presented a diverse slate of cultural events to the Kansas City community.

This coming calendar is no different. We are proud to present a full schedule comprised of offerings from the Midwest Poets Series, Musica Sacra Chorus and Orchestra, and the Visiting Scholar Lecture Series, bringing nationally renowned speakers and poets, in addition to concerts featuring performances of renowned classical composers, works of theater, and more to the University campus.

Find more information, view the full schedule, or register for events at rockhurst.edu.

Please plan to join us at one of the upcoming Center for Arts and Letters events:

AMDG,

Mary Mooney Burns, ‘93

Food insecurity on campus resonated with Nancy (Ems) Creasy, ’84, and her siblings, who are financially supporting the pantry in honor of their mother, Peggy Ems. Peggy was known for saying, “No one is ever going to go without food in our family.”

THURSDAY, OCT. 24 Visiting Scholar Lecture Series: The Rev. Steve Katsouros, S.J., “Come to Believe: How the Jesuits are Reinventing Education (Again)” 7:30 p.m., Arrupe Hall auditorium WEDNESDAY, NOV. 6 Visiting Scholar Lecture Series: Sister Helen Prejean, “Getting Jesus Right: My Spiritual Journey” 7:30 p.m., Arrupe Hall auditorium

THURSDAY, NOV. 14 Midwest Poets Series: 2018 Kate Tufts Discovery Award winner and author of Bestiary Donika Kelly 7 p.m., Arrupe Hall SUNDAY, DEC. 8 Musica Sacra presents “A Baroque Christmas” Live Program Notes at 6:45 p.m., performance at 7:30 p.m., Arrupe Hall auditorium.

rockhurst.edu/center-arts-letters celebrating stories of magis

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SEDGWICK REIMAGINED as Home for Health

THE FUTURE OF HEALTH SCIENCES AT RU IS HERE! In July, Rockhurst University announced an affiliation agreement that would result in Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences becoming part of the University, a move designed to help meet the growing need for health science professionals in the region and beyond.

“The Sunderland Foundation applauds the kind of vision embodied by Rockhurst University’s expansion in the health sciences, and their commitment to meeting the needs of our community well into the future.”

– Kent Sunderland, President and Trustee Sunderland Foundation

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edgwick Hall was the first building on the Rockhurst campus. Standing for more than a century, this important piece of University history is now slated to become an even more important piece of its future.

When the University began seeking support for “reimagining” Sedgwick Hall as home for a growing health sciences curriculum, administrators were only able to say that they were working on a plan for an expanded nursing program. That plan became clear with the joint announcement July 31 that, upon regulatory approval, Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences would become part of Rockhurst.

Rockhurst has secured more than $15 million in gifts and pledges for the $23 million project, including a $6 million gift from the Sunderland Foundation.

“The Sunderland Foundation applauds the kind of vision embodied by Rockhurst University’s expansion in the health sciences, and their commitment to meeting the needs of our community well into the future,” said Kent Sunderland, president and trustee of the Sunderland Foundation.

Pending approval by the Higher Learning Commission, the arrangement would mean the addition of associate’s, undergraduate and graduate level degree programs in nursing and the health sciences to the University’s offerings.

This expansion will reverberate far past the confines of the Rockhurst University campus, according to Mary Mooney Burns, ’93, vice president for university advancement.

“We’re so grateful to our donors, especially the Sunderland Foundation, for recognizing the enormous impact an expanded health sciences program at Rockhurst University will have on our city and the entire region,” said Burns. “This facility will be the heartbeat of our new partnership and the key to providing access to education in the health sciences to students from all walks of life.”

Much of the original façade will be retained and interior space renovated, with a new addition extending into the interior of the campus. The 55,000-square-foot facility will provide the latest in classroom technology and simulated clinical experiences for educating the next generation of health science professionals.

Rockhurst has partnered with Helix Architecture + Design, Co Architects and JE Dunn Construction on the project, which is in the design phase. The University should be able to share initial designs in fall 2019.

Construction is expected to begin in fall 2020.

The Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences is expected to move to the Rockhurst University campus in 2022 when the renovation of Sedgwick Hall is complete.

Those programs will complement existing programs in Rockhurst’s College of Health and Human Services and could mean new pathways to education for working adults and nontraditional students.

Classes will continue for now at the Saint Luke’s College Health Science’s current location in midtown Kansas City. However, in 2022 classes are expected to move to the Rockhurst campus, following an extensive renovation of Sedgwick Hall, expected to begin fall 2020.

Interested in learning how you can support the Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences at Rockhurst, please contact Paula Moss, Executive Director of Development at paula.moss@rockhurst.edu or by calling at 816-501-4418.

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SCHOLARSHIP SPOTLIGHT

PLANNED GIVING SPOTLIGHT

JOSEPH GLAS, ’60 Born during the Great Depression, Joseph Glas, ’60, Ph.D., was the oldest of seven children in Des Moines, Iowa. His mother dreamed of attending college but had to forgo a college scholarship to work and help support her family. When her son was awarded a four-year General Motors scholarship to Rockhurst College, she would not allow him to miss such an opportunity.

In 1994, Joseph and his wife Donna established the Dr. Joseph Glas Scholarship in gratitude for his education at Rockhurst, and to provide opportunities for future students to get a quality Jesuit, liberal arts education.

Joseph, ’60, and Donna Glas

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO GIVE TO SCHOLARSHIP YOU CAN: ENDOW A SCHOLARSHIP

SPONSOR A SCHOLARSHIP

An investment in the perpetuity of the University. A minimum of $50,000 to start in the University endowment. Annual distribution goes to scholarship students.

A yearly contribution of $1,500 or more that goes directly to a scholarship student. Is not invested in the University endowment.

ROCKHURST FUND SUPPORTING SCHOLARSHIP Any dollar amount can be given to support all scholarships at Rockhurst University.

SUSAN DEANN LEHIGH, ’87 Susan DeAnn Lehigh graduated from Rockhurst University in 1987. She joined the Air Force Reserve as a student at Rockhurst and left for boot camp soon after graduation. She was getting ready to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and, despite having a will as required for all reservists in a deployable position, her will was generic.

JERRY GRIMAUD, ’74 Jerry Grimaud, ’74 retired last year, but he still doesn’t take it easy. As a member of the Rockhurst University St. Louis Leaders Council, he’s very involved with Rockhurst outreach in St. Louis. The leaders council works to positively influence the community at large, including planning the annual Rockhurst University Leadership Series luncheon, a large-scale, leadership- and ethics-focused event to raise awareness of Rockhurst in the area. Grimaud is also a steadfast supporter of the Rockhurst Fund, supporting the University’s greatest needs. He says, “Giving back is my way of thanking Rockhurst for all they gave to me, while supporting future generations of alumni.”

Jerry Grimaud, ’74

As a man for others, Grimaud is also on the advisory board for Midtown Community Services, which helps the financially underprivileged in The Grove neighborhood in St. Louis. Through his work with the organization, Grimaud said he has encouraged at least one student to apply to Rockhurst. That student began classes this fall.

Grimaud was the owner of Lawrence Fabric & Metal Structures, Inc. until his retirement in 2018. In 1979, he was hired at Lawrence as a general manager. He says his employer chose him as a finalist because of his Jesuit education. Twenty-seven years later Grimaud bought the company and, upon his retirement, sold it to his employees.

To become involved in the Rockhurst University St. Louis Alumni Association, contact Riley O’Dell at riley.odell@rockhurst.edu or 816-501-4389.

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Sept. 20-22 Family & Alumni Weekend Kansas City, Missouri Wednesday, Oct. 2 Networking Night at Creative Planning Kansas City, Missouri

"As I reflected on the legacy I wanted to leave if I didn’t return home, I knew that I wanted to give back to the place that gave me so much. Rockhurst gave me more than a great education that set me on my path to success, it gave me my faith and my three best friends. How could I not leave something in my will showing appreciation to the University that gave me so much?”

Tuesday, Nov. 5 St. Louis Leadership Series St. Louis, Missouri

Rockhurst University is grateful to DeAnn and all members of the Rockhurst Heritage Society.

Tuesday, Nov. 12 Networking Night at MRIGlobal Kansas City, Missouri

If you have specific questions concerning scholarship, contact Bebe Harrington at 816-501-4537 or bebe.harrington@rockhurst.edu.

RU ST. LOUIS LEADERS COUNCIL SPOTLIGHT

UPCOMING EVENTS

Simple ways to leave a lasting legacy: • Make a gift through your will or estate • Give life insurance you no longer need • Donate appreciated stock and save on taxes • Make a gift from your IRA • Make a gift that provides payments for life • Make a gift that protects your assets Contact us today to learn more about how you can make a gift that endures for generations.

Molly Sova Assoc. Director of Philanthropy 816-501-4256 molly.sova@rockhurst.edu rockhurst.plannedgiving.org

Monday, Nov. 11 Veteran’s Day Mass Kansas City, Missouri

Friday, Dec. 6 St. Louis Christmas Party St. Louis, Missouri Saturday, Dec. 7 Santa in the Rock Room Kansas City, Missouri

For more information, visit rockhurst.edu/alumni.

Looking to organize a Rockhurst gathering where you live?

Contact Brent Blazek, ’17 MBA, brent.blazek@rockhurst.edu.

SAVE THE DATE

April 22, 2020

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Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

Kansas City, M0.

Permit No. 782

1100 Rockhurst Road Kansas City, MO 64110-2561

MAKE YOUR MARK ON

Bourke Field Starting this fall, fans of Rockhurst soccer and lacrosse will get to cheer on the Hawks from a new viewing area at Bourke Field that includes new bleachers and stadium seating.

To commemorate this new addition to the field, fans have the opportunity to sponsor a stadium seat and leave a lasting legacy at Bourke Field.

Seat sponsorships are $500 per seat and can be purchased by visiting www.rockhurst.edu/bourkefieldseats.

All proceeds from sales support the R Club and student-athletes at Rockhurst University.

Questions? Contact Brent Blazek in the Office of University Advancement at 816-501-4375 or brent.blazek@rockhurst.edu.

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