RU: Summer 2017

SUMMER 2017

THE MAGAZINE OF ROCKHURST UNIVERSITY

They’re

practical.

They’re

inclusive.

. s l ia n n e l il m t o n e ’r y e h T

LEADING THE WAY

“I love this city. I love what I get to do.

And I believe I’m in this position because of some of the things that I learned at the feet of Jesuits at Rockhurst — the way they taught, the way they made us question, the way they showed us how to succeed without putting ourselves out in front but by putting others in front.”

SLY JAMES, ’80 Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri

SUMMER 2017

THE MAGAZINE OF ROCKHURST UNIVERSITY

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS LEADING THE WAY Sly James, ’80

12

page

HERE COMES GEN Z

ROCK REPORT Faculty Kudos

7

Faculty Profile

8

Athletics News

9

They may seem like a bundle of contradictions and their approach to college might surprise you. Gen Z is here and they are definitely making their own way.

page

FOR ALUMNI Class Notes

25

Alumni Q&A

27

Magis Award

28

Career Center

29

From the Chapters

31

In Memoriam

33

IN CLOSING Emma Priesendorf, ’16

TIME AND PLACE Friday, April 14, 2017

36

16

GREENLEASE GETS GOLDEN How does a library celebrate its 50th anniversary? Hint: it doesn’t involve card catalogs or telling people to be quiet.

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page

SHELF LIFE

Four faculty members reveal their literary lives and tell us what pages they’ll be turning this summer.

ROCKHURST.EDU

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

AandtoBackZAgain

C

hange and adaptability are the norm in our Ignatian-Jesuit “way of proceeding.” According to John W. O’Malley, S.J., in The First Jesuits, Ignatius Loyola believed that change would be more constant than staying the course. It’s worth reminding ourselves of this way of proceeding as we embark on a new school year and prepare to welcome Generation Z: those born from late 1990s through 2010. Since our founding in 1910, we have welcomed six different generations of students.

Here are some of the things that are being shared about Generation Z. Firstly, they desire to make a difference and are convinced they can.

Secondly, they are entrepreneurial and want to be in control of their destiny.

Thirdly, they want to solve problems that have not been solved yet, and they want to ask questions that have not been asked. Fourthly, they have very high ideals and are suspicious of large corporations and organized religion.

When it comes to attending college, they are very pragmatic. They see college as the means to a good job. And they want that college to recognize and embrace their individuality. They acutely felt the impact of the recent recession and they are averse to assuming debt for college or their future.

Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J. President, Rockhurst University

I am told this describes the Class of 2021. It will be our responsibility and pleasure to respond in an authentic and consistent way. Gen Z is intent on making a difference. As a Jesuit institution of higher learning, we are intent on creating a more just world. Zs are entrepreneurial; Ignatius invited us to be flexible, adaptable and ingenious. As for solving problems and asking the questions that need to be asked, we like to call this being people of compassion, those willing to enter the chaos. The incoming class wants us to know that they are skeptical of large corporations and organized religion.

In response, we will make sure there is sufficient and meaningful time available to experience God in the cathedral of the streets. This is where there is great need and we encounter God’s desire for companionship with the unwanted, the unloved and underserved. Discovering that Generation Z is pragmatic and looking for a return on its investment (ROI) in college will be met with our longstanding success in having our graduates depart from campus with below average debt, garner a good job, gain entrance into their first choice of graduate school and lead a meaningful life.

Generation Z is depicted as quite distinct from those who preceded them including the millennials, Generation X, baby boomers, the greatest or silent generation and the lost generation. The study of generations can result in making broad generalizations. We need to be cautious about not heading in this direction. However, there is no denying that generations have similar experiences because of living in the same time period. Each of us occupies space, but we share time. And that shared time affects the way we see and live our lives. Rockhurst University is about to welcome the next generation.

We may need to change some things and adjust some ways of communicating our message. This is part of being flexible and adaptable. That has been our “way of proceeding” since the first Jesuit school was begun in Messina, Italy, in 1848. What will not change is our intent to meet students where they are.

And then, we will invite them, as individuals, to seek “the magis,” and to live as men and women for and with others for the greater glory of God.

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SUMMER 2017

sive. They’re not

l. They’re inclu

SUMMER 2017

They’re practica

millennials.

ROCK REPORT

THE MAGAZINE OF ROCKHURST UNIVERSITY

They’re

practical.

They’re

inclusive.

They’re not millennials.

Nonprofit Leadership Studies Program Recognized as National Leader

THE MAGAZINE OF ROCKHURST UNIVERSITY SUMMER 2017 RU, the magazine of Rockhurst University, is published by the Office of Public Relations and Marketing.

Staff Sharon Alexander, ’11 Jeremiah Barber, ’16 EMBA Alicia Douglas Katherine Frohoff, ’09 EMBA Estuardo Garcia Jennifer Knobel Tim Linn Michelle Smith Melissa Thompson Angela Verhulst Editor Katherine Frohoff Design JJB Creative Design Contributing Writers Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J.; Estuardo Garcia; Tim Linn; Emma Priesendorf, ’16: Michelle Smith Photography Evan Bolton; Katie Bolton; Mary Mooney Burns, ’93; John Dodderidge; Alicia Douglas; Katherine Frohoff; Estuardo Garcia; Tim Linn; Mark McDonald; Earl Richardson; Dan Videtich Send letters to: Katherine Frohoff Rockhurst University 1100 Rockhurst Road Kansas City, MO 64110-2561 or katherine.frohoff@rockhurst.edu Printed on recycled paper.

Students and faculty in the Helzberg School of Management’s nonprofit leadership studies program

B

y giving students the opportunity to work directly alongside leaders in the community’s mission-driven organizations, the nonprofit leadership studies program at Rockhurst University’s Helzberg School of Management has made a name for itself in Kansas City.

Now the program has caught the attention of its peers nationally. In January, the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance recognized the University with its Campus Program Excellence award at its annual Alliance Management Institute in Denver, Colorado.

In addition to recognizing the overall merits of the program, the award is also based on the strength of the NLA Student Association, whose members are committed to not only sharpening their own skills, but also offering area nonprofit organizations help with fundraising and promotional efforts. According to Jennifer Rinella, Ed.D., assistant professor and director of the nonprofit leadership studies program, the honor was a recognition of how far the program has come and an indication of where it is going.

“We are blessed with an exceptional team of adjunct faculty and the support of Kansas City nonprofit partner organizations that provide mentors and highimpact experiences for our students, so it’s fun to see their contributions recognized in this way,” Rinella said.

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Scott Kelly Tells Leadership Luncheon “The Sky Is Definitely Not the Limit”

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stronaut Scott Kelly, who set a record spending nearly a year in orbit above the earth, told an audience of nearly a thousand at the Rockhurst University Leadership Series luncheon on Tuesday, April 4, not to be afraid to reach for the stars.

Kelly was the keynote speaker for the fifth annual RULS luncheon. In his presentation “The Sky Is Not the Limit: Leadership Lessons from a Year in Space,” Kelly said becoming part of an international crew dedicated to pushing the boundaries of human exploration solidified his belief that true leadership rarely comes from taking the easy route — it takes a great team with a goal that is focused and unafraid of failure.

“We can choose to do the hard things,” he said, “and if we choose to do that, then the sky is definitely not the limit.”

During the luncheon, the University also presented its Rashford-Lyon Award for Leadership and Ethics to Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Sly James, ’80, who spoke about how he learned at Rockhurst the value of leading for the benefit not of oneself, but of others.

Astronaut Scott Kelly speaks to an audience at the 2017 Rockhurst University Leadership Series.

 PRESENTING SPONSOR

The Rockhurst University Leaders Council thanks this year’s sponsors for making the event possible.

 MAGIS

SPONSOR

®

 KANSAS

CITY SPONSORS

Marny and John Sherman

Bayer

Anonymous

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City Bukaty Companies

 JESUIT

SPONSORS

DST Fendler Family Fund J.M. Fahey Construction Company

Cerner Country Club Bank George J. Shaw Construction Co. Husch Blackwell J.E. Dunn Construction

Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences

Lockton Companies

Mike and Denise Strohm

ScriptPro

PwC Tom and Lynn DeBacco Trozzolo Communications Group

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VanTrust Real Estate

ROCK REPORT

CSD, OT Graduate Students Make Big Difference in Local Schools

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t an early age, being able to hear what a teacher is saying and to communicate clearly through speaking or writing can have a big effect on a student’s learning.

That’s why what started as an effort to provide hearing screenings at one school evolved into full-service offerings by graduate students in Rockhurst University’s communication sciences and disorders and occupational therapy programs.

The goal is to help children develop skills that will facilitate classroom performance.

Since 2013, students in Rockhurst University’s communication sciences and disorders program have offered weekly speech-language therapy services to children at Kansas City’s St. Peter’s School. This collaboration is a way to provide structured clinical experiences for CSD students and allow the school to offer services to families. Since the launch, the provision of services offered has increased about 25 percent each year, according to Katherine Ermgodts, M.A., CCC-SLP, chair of the CSD department, expanding to three additional Catholic schools in the area.

And they’ve been joined by graduate students from Rockhurst’s occupational therapy program, who in 2014 started providing structured developmental group activities for the early childhood students at St. Elizabeth’s School, one of the CSD sites. That program, too, has grown into offering the OT students the opportunity to apply their clinical knowledge in working with younger children. Second-year OT student and site coordinator Ashlyn Metheny said the graduate students focus on providing activities that develop hand skills for writing tasks, visual memory and perceptual abilities — all of which aid them in the preschool, prekindergarten, and kindergarten classrooms.

First-year communication sciences and disorders student Kayleen Turnis works with 4-year-old Samantha Heos in a session on campus.

“The children have the opportunity to step outside of the classroom and work on these activities that look a lot like play to them but are really developing these important skills.”

– Ashlyn Metheny, second-year OT student and site coordinator

“The children have the opportunity to step outside of the classroom and work on these activities that look a lot like play to them but are really developing these important skills,” she said.

HEARD ON CAMPUS “It was a tough year, but I believe challenges come into our lives so that we can learn lessons. I learned to hang in there until the job is done. I learned to trust myself and my own instincts first. I learned that others were there for me.”

— Carlotta Walls LaNier, one of the “Little Rock Nine,” in a presentation on campus about the difficulties faced on the front lines of racial integration in America.

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5

A Serendipitous Reunion

The Rev. Carl Heumann, S.J., campus chaplain, and his godson, Emmanuel Mangar, junior, in 1995 and 2017.

“I was excited at the opportunity to get to know him all over again.”

– Rev. Carl Heumann, S.J.

T

he Rev. Carl Heumann, S.J., and his godson Emmanuel Mangar, Rockhurst junior, stood in the kitchen of the Jesuit residence looking down at a bowl of homemade Belizean potato salad.

“This doesn’t look right,” Mangar said to Fr. Heumann.

Fr. Heumann agreed that something was wrong and the pair decided to Skype Mangar’s mother in Belize to ask for a way to fix the recipe.

This relationship has roots going back to 1978, when Fr. Heumann met Larry Mangar, Emmanuel’s father, as both were working to become a Jesuits. The two studied together before parting ways in 1987. Larry returned to Belize and left the Jesuits in 1989. In 1994, Fr. Heumann’s provincial sent him to Belize where he was reunited with his friend and his new wife. The following year the Mangars were expecting their first child and Larry couldn’t think of anyone better to be the baby’s godfather than Fr. Heumann.

Mangar said he remembers Fr. Heumann visiting during the summers and how Fr. Heumann bought him a skateboard when he was a teenager.

Fr. Heumann was reassigned to the United States in 2002 and stopped visiting Belize regularly in 2007, mostly communicating with Larry and his family via Facebook.

By 2014, Mangar was attending his first year of school at St. John’s College in Belize. He heard about the great academic reputation of Rockhurst from a fellow Belizean, Aldair Gongora, ’16, and decided to apply in the spring of 2016.

At the same time, Fr. Heumann was finishing nine years at St. Louis University High School and his provincial wanted to move him to higher education.

Providentially, the provincial chose Rockhurst as Fr. Heumann’s next move.

He had no idea that was Mangar’s top choice.

Within a few days of each other, they each found out Kansas City would be their next home.

“I was excited at the opportunity to get to know him all over again,” Fr. Heumann said about reuniting with his godson.

Mangar said he felt the same way.

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SUMMER 2017

“Because he is here, I had a foundation and some support,” Mangar said.

“It’s kind of like having a piece of Belize here with me.”

ROCK REPORT

Travel Is on the Books for Two Retiring Faculty

Susan Proctor, Ph.D., and Margaret Wye, Ph.D.

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t the end of the school year, Susan Proctor, Ph.D., professor of theater, will take one last bow at Rockhurst University. Since 2005, Proctor has directed the campus theater department as it has performed one-act plays written by students to hit Broadway shows like RENT. She said the best part about teaching at Rockhurst was watching for the “aha” moments when students were able to finally connect all the pieces in their play or when a cast finally connected with their characters and scripts as in the University’s production of Molière’s Tartuffe.

Proctor said after retiring from teaching, she wants to continue with professional theater, but is really looking forward to spending more time with her husband and traveling to see her children and grandchildren.

Margaret Wye, Ph.D., has been hitting the road recently to Texas, Colorado, Nevada and California as she conducts research for her upcoming memoir. Wye has been a professor of English at Rockhurst University for the past 23 years and will become professor emerita next year. She said she was blessed that Rockhurst hired her despite starting her academic career later in life when she obtained her Ph.D. at the age of 52.

Besides her memoir, Wye also has plans to research and write a book about Henry Thomas Austen, the troubled brother of Jane Austen, who Wye posits is the template for many of Jane’s beguiling villains.

Wye said teaching is a two-way street and even though she was the one in front of the classroom, she will miss the challenge and lively interaction with the students.

Faculty Kudos Nancy DeBasio, Ph.D., RN, president of Research College of Nursing, was named one of the 2017 Icons of Education

by Ingram’s magazine.

Acey Lampe, Ph.D., executive assistant professor of management, gave a presentation titled “Presenting Well” to the Kansas City Healthcare Communicators Society.

[From left] Kyle Veazey, DPT ’14; Garrett Greaves, DPT ’17; Kelly Meiners,’97, ’99 PT, Ph.D., assistant professor of physical therapy; and Matt St. John, DPT ‘17.

For more faculty news, visit rockhurst.edu/facultykudos.

Kelly Meiners, PT, Ph.D., assistant professor of physical therapy, and Christina Wisdom, PT, Ph.D.,

assistant professor of physical therapy, provided sports medicine coverage for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, held at the Sprint Center in January. They were joined by students in the DPT program.

Glenn Young, Ph.D., assistant professor of theology and religious studies, has written a paper titled “Meister Eckhart and Fred Craddock: Preaching as Mystical Practice,” which was published in Homiletic 41, No. 2 (2016).

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OT Professor Conducts Research to Help Special Needs Children

K

etti Coffelt, OTD, M.S., OTR/L, assistant professor of occupational therapy, is drawn to the harder issues.

Whether it be as a teacher, a practitioner or simply as a person who wants to help others, she thrives on a challenge.

It comes as no surprise, then, that she started her career working with visually impaired children at the Kansas State School for the Blind after receiving an undergraduate degree in horticulture therapy from Kansas State University. Coffelt’s innate ability to view the children in terms of what they can do instead of what they cannot do made her a perfect candidate for a career in pediatric occupational therapy.

After earning a graduate degree from the University of Kansas, Coffelt practiced in the field for 20 years before coming to Rockhurst in 2013 and completing her doctoral degree from Creighton University.

Coffelt’s interest in helping children led her to explore ways of improving the classroom experience for those with special needs. Recently, she has studied the effects of compression garments on children with difficulty processing sensations.

Research subjects wear an undergarment beneath a T-shirt or top to limit outward signs that would differentiate the child from others. The garment, manufactured by Kansas City company Knit Rite, provides stimulation to help the child with sensory processing, self-regulation and overall performance in everyday learning tasks.

Ketti Coffelt, OTD, M.S., OTR/L, demonstrates a compression garment she is using to assist children with special needs with everyday tasks.

Coffelt says that although this approach has yielded limited evidence of effectiveness so far, she believes it will ultimately lead to viable solutions.

“We hope our research will add to the current literature base of using sensory adaptive approaches as an effective way to increase school performance of children with ADHD.”

Student Group Raises $16,000 to Benefit School Across the Globe

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or this year’s Social Justice Week, student group Voices for Justice went big.

Before the start of their annual week of events, during which the group raises both awareness and funds for a social justice-related cause, they announced a goal even Voices for Justice leaders admitted was ambitious — raise $8,000, with another $8,000 available as matching funds, to provide scholarships for students at Ocer Campion Jesuit College in Gulu, Uganda. As the week wore on, Voices for Justice leaders said they held their breath.

“There was definitely a moment of disbelief,” upon learning the final result, said Nick Bader, a junior who was the chair for this year’s Social Justice Week.

The idea grew from the University’s existing relationship with the school — each summer, Rockhurst students live and work on the Ocer campus as part of a 10-week internship. The total raised will cover tuition, room and board, school supplies, meals Connor Moynihan, senior, with a student at Ocer Campion Jesuit College in Gulu, Uganda and uniform costs for 22 students at the school.

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ROCK REPORT

In Baseball and Business, Student-Athlete Brings the Heat and the Ice

Athletics director Gary Burns with the GLVC Commissioner’s Cup

Rockhurst Captures First-Ever Commissioner’s Cup Henry Weiler, senior, pitcher and first baseman for the Hawks baseball team, throws fire and serves ice.

C

urveball. Fastball. Snowball?

That’s a look at the repertoire of Henry Weiler, a Rockhurst University senior first baseman and pitcher for the Hawks baseball team. No, the snowball is not some new, top-secret pitch — it’s his job. In 2015, the Leawood, Kansas, native had a new dream to indulge his entrepreneurial side.

“I knew I wanted to own my own business, I just didn’t know what it was going to be,” he said. “Then I came across a food truck on Craigslist.”

Weiler said he had some convincing to do — his parents were reluctant to lend him the money. So he made some calls.

“I booked four events without owning a truck,” Weiler said.

SnoFlower Shaved Ice, which began as a single vehicle offering all-natural flavors, is now numerous trucks traveling to places such as Arrowhead Stadium and the Kansas Speedway, as well as permanent kiosks at Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun. When he started college as a baseball recruit at the University of Arkansas, Weiler said he had a different path in mind — a career in the majors — before Tommy John surgery caused him to miss more than a year of action and experience lasting effects on his pitching. He transferred to Rockhurst University, where he splits his time as a pitcher and first baseman and plans to pursue an MBA. It’s a lot to balance, but Weiler — who once worked his way through pilot school with his high school job directing planes on the tarmac at Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Municipal Airport — seems to always relish the next challenge.

“It can be a lot of work sometimes, but I really enjoy it, and it’s been successful beyond anything I’d imagined,” he said. “And Coach (Gary) Burns and everyone else have been nothing but supportive.”

F

or the first time, Rockhurst University has earned one of the Great Lakes Valley Conference’s top honors.

In May, the Hawks received the GLVC Commissioner’s Cup during the conference’s awards reception in St. Louis. The Commissioner’s Cup is a traveling trophy awarded each year to the school whose student-athletes excel in seven core sports identified by the conference. Those core sports — men’s and women’s soccer and basketball, along with softball, baseball and volleyball — are awarded points based on team performances.

During 2016-17, Rockhurst accumulated 82 points, three points ahead of second-place Southern Indiana University, bolstered by a conference title in men’s soccer, a second-place finish in women’s soccer, fourth-place conference finishes in volleyball and softball, and a fifth-place conference finish in women’s basketball.

Last year, the Hawks earned second place in the Commissioner’s Cup standings behind the University of Indianapolis. Their two-year cumulative point total, 162, is the highest in that period among all other GLVC schools.

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Academic Success Leads To All-American Honors T his proved to be a stellar year for Rockhurst studentathletes, with the announcement of eight student-athletes who have received national academic honors.

Four Hawks from the men’s soccer team were chosen as National Soccer Coaches Association of America Division II Scholar All-Americans: defender Evan Craig, senior; defender Connor Mullen, junior; forward Kaleb Jackson, junior; and midfielder Gianluca Bottoni, senior.

Bottoni also was named a first-team Academic All-American by the College Sports Information Directors of America for maintaining his 3.9 GPA in accounting.

On the women’s soccer team, midfielder Kristin Wolff, senior, has been named second-team Academic All-American

by CoSIDA. The nursing major helped Rockhurst to a 17-3-2 record while maintaining a 3.98 GPA. For basketball, Mary Dineen, senior, and Alex Hagan, junior, were recognized for their academic and athletic accomplishments.

Dineen was named first-team Academic All-American by CoSIDA for her 3.9 GPA in nursing and for being ranked second in the GLVC and 20th in the nation for scoring, with an average 19.1 points per game.

Hagan was named third-team Academic All-American for NCAA Division II men’s basketball by CoSIDA for maintaining his 3.9 GPA in exercise and sport science.

His contributions on the court helped the Hawks to back-to-back Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament appearances.

Gary Burns, director of athletics, said he is proud of the Hawks’ accomplishments.

“We take great pride in the success of our student-athletes,” he said. “Our coaches love to win, but they know to also push our students to perform at a high level academically.”

Hawks midfielder Gianluca Bottoni, senior, one of eight studentathletes to earn national academic honors.

“We take great pride in the success of our student-athletes.

Our coaches love to win, but they know to also push our students to perform at a high level academically.”

– Gary Burns, director of athletics

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ROCK REPORT

Hawk Ranks Second in School Scoring History

M

ary Dineen, senior, is an expert at putting points on the board. The four-year starting guard recently finished her basketball career at Rockhurst as a top all-time scorer, second to record-holder Kathy Anderson, who played for Rockhurst from 1986 to 1990. Dineen scored a career total of 1,797 points and averaged 19.1 points per game during her final season.

“I didn’t beat the all-time scoring record, but that is perfectly acceptable to me,” Dineen said. “I have just been trying to win games and enjoy the ride.

I am happy with the successful career I’ve had at Rockhurst, and I would do it all over again if I could.”

Despite her success on the court, Dineen is no stranger to the tough times that come with being an athlete, including a devastating knee injury during her senior year of high school that led to a subsequent injury her freshman year at Rockhurst. She credits her coaches and teammates for supporting her through the hard times.

Mary Dineen, senior, a guard on the Hawks women’s basketball team.

“They picked me up when I was down, provided positive encouragement that kept me going and helped me through my slumps. I am honored to have had the opportunity to play with and for the people at Rockhurst,” Dineen said.

In her four years at Rockhurst, Dineen has accumulated a lengthy list of accolades. Most recently, she earned the No. 2 spot in the Great Lakes Valley

Conference in scoring, the No. 1 spot in Rockhurst program history in 3-point field goals made, and was named to the Academic All-America Division II Women’s Basketball First Team.

Dineen graduated in May with a 3.9 GPA in the nursing program, and plans to work as a pediatric ICU nurse in her hometown, Omaha, Nebraska.

Baseball Coach Earns 700th Win in Thrilling Fashion

I

n March, the longtime head coach of the Rockhurst University baseball team reached his latest career milestone in an incredibly unlikely way. Gary Burns’ Hawks squad was down 11-2 against Cedarville University after five innings — the makings of what’s known as a “laugher.”

Instead, the team roared back in what Burns said might be a program-record comeback to deliver their coach his 700th all-time win, 14-12. Burns said the significance of the victory only caught up with him after the game.

“I walked out to the meeting we always have after every game, and the players were already all there — they handed me the game ball and congratulated me,” Burns said.

For someone who has been at the helm of the Hawks since the program was revived in 1993 and is listed among the 25 winningest coaches in Division II, Burns said the 700th win

Men’s head baseball coach Gary Burns huddles with his players.

is a nice, round number to commemorate. But other measures of success are just as significant.

“The most important thing is these young men,” he said.

“I want them to be able to look back on their athletic, academic and social accomplishments and I want them to be proud.”

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Make Way,

Millennials —

Gen Zers spend 15.4 hours a week on smartphones.

BY MICHELLE SMITH

Digital natives. Pragmatic planners. Competitive entrepreneurs.

The pivotal generation. Gen Z has arrived on the scene, and not only are they here to stay, they’re here to make a difference.

W

hen it comes to technology, education and consumerism, Gen Z is changing the name of the game for brands – whether they are businesses, educational institutions or charitable organizations. They are non-conforming conventionalists. Progressive in their social views, but traditional when it comes to higher education and finances. While organized religion may not be as important to them, creating an inclusive, caring and compassionate world is. Making up 25.9 percent of the U.S. population and contributing $44 billion to the economy, it’s easy to see why this group cannot be ignored.

The first stop on Gen Z’s road to redefining the rules is technology and the web.

Millennials may have forged the path to online media and digital devices, but Gen Z is writing the rulebook. Born between 1995 and 2010, this group has never experienced a time in their lives without technology, customized digital content and social media. They have established their version of social media etiquette, defining where they want to see different types of content.

Facebook is for blog-like posts, messages, events and keeping in touch with relatives and past friends. Snapchat is for sharing casual, real-time photos with close friends. Instagram is for emotion-driven, artistic images. YouTube is the primary destination for video-viewing.

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FEATURES

Gen Z by the Numbers 66.67%

say their biggest fear is drowning in student loan debt

65%

say the benefits of earning a college degree outweigh the cost.

66.67 %

use social media to research and inform their college decision

44%

check social media hourly

15.4 hours

47%

volunteer their time to community service

60%

say they want to change the world

a week on smartphones

Balancing five screens at once, their attention is never undivided and they expect whatever environment they’re in to live up to their technological standards.

In fact, Gen Z prioritizes digital experiences up there with some of the most essential human needs, according to research done by Kansas City-based advertising agency, VML. “They haven’t known a world without immediate connectivity, and even place technology in the same category of importance as water and air,” said Abby Gray, associate planner and contributor to the Gen Z research project at VML. Gen Zers value digital experiences so much, they even look to social media and other online resources for decisions on pivotal life experiences, such as choosing a college. In fact, two-thirds say they use social media to research and inform their college decision, according to Brazen, a source used in the VML research.

“I searched online on college websites, in addition to attending college fairs that my city hosted,” said incoming Rockhurst freshman and Gen Zer, Sama Shah.

Going beyond the digital presence of their college options, Gen Z looks for institutions that offer engaging and interactive learning experiences that will support their unique individuality.

“Gen Z wants to know up front what their specific experience will be,” said Matt Ellis, associate vice president of enrollment at Rockhurst. “Opportunities, benefits and potential outcomes are based on their individual interests and strengths.”

Incoming Rockhurst freshman and Gen Zer Margaret Gerards is no exception.

Continued on page 15

Gen Z is interested in making the world a better place. (From left) Freshmen Zachary Bodeau, Christina Burton and Lucas Youtsey with the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., during the 2016 Finucane Service Project

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Generational Divide GEN X

(1965-1977)

SHAPED BY

WORK ETHIC

EMPLOYMENT

COLLEGE COSTS

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

SOCIAL MEDIA

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VS.

MILLENNIALS (1978-1994)

VS.

GEN Z

(1995-2010)

global political events like Vietnam War and end of the Cold War

technological revolution

Great Recession

hard work is the key to getting ahead

participation trophies

competitive; willing to hone their skills to reach their goals

plan to work past age 65 or do not plan to retire

feel entitled to jobs and an education

feel fortunate when opportunities come their way

Major goal is providing for children’s college costs

experiencing massive student loan debt

No. 1 fear is student debt

42 percent consider themselves entrepreneurs

32 percent consider themselves entrepreneurs

33 percent currently own their own business or would like to someday

seven hours a week on social media

six hours a week on social media

44 percent check social media hourly

Statistics for this story were compiled by VML from the following sources: Brazen, Fast Company, Institute for Corporate Productivity, National Education Association, University Business and Vision Critical.

FEATURES

“Gen Z wants to know up front what their specific experience will be.

Opportunities, benefits and potential outcomes are based on their individual interests and strengths.” —Matt Ellis, associate vice president of enrollment at Rockhurst Continued from page 13

“My generation has grown up with social media as a common form of communication and I think that has emphasized, for us, being your own unique individual. When it comes to college, this mentality encourages us to distinguish ourselves from our peers both academically and personally,” said Gerards.

Furthermore, as the most diverse generation in history, Gen Z wants a school that offers an inclusive campus climate with resources for international students, LGBTQ groups and service opportunities.

Their priorities on an inclusive environment and opportunities to impact the world for good do not overshadow the importance they put on credibility of the program in which they want to study. Many millennials began their studies without a declared major. Not Gen Z. These practical planners enter college with a plan in place and major in mind based on the greatest chance of postgraduation success.

To enhance their likelihood of post-graduation success, Gen Z places great significance on cost when choosing a college to avoid student debt. After growing up in the debt crisis of the great recession and witnessing the massive millennial student debt, their biggest concern is affordability. According to Fast Company – a contributing source to VML’s research – two-thirds say their No. 1 fear is drowning in student loan debt, so it comes as no surprise that this financially cautious group carefully considers the return on investment when it comes to college.

Chadwick Andrews, ’11, client engagement supervisor at VML and contributor to the Gen Z project, remembers his college search experience in contrast with his brother-in-law, a Gen Zer. “As a millennial shopping for colleges, I viewed tuition as a safe investment with a guaranteed return. Gen Zers like my brother-in-law don’t share that naïve optimism, but actually want to understand what majors and fields will justify incurring student debt now.”

But as risk-averse as they are, they still place great value on the college experience.

Sixty-five percent of those surveyed said the benefits of earning a college degree outweigh the cost, according to the National Education Association.

“What they’re willing to invest in is entirely contingent on what they believe they can get out of an experience,” said Gray.

Shah’s main reasons for choosing Rockhurst are very much in line with that Gen Z desire for practicality.

Service (Top) and technology (Bottom) are two interests that captivate Gen Z.

“The most important thing for me was making sure there was a good pre-med program, and it was not too far from home.”

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Greenlease Gets Golden

BY TIM LINN

THE LIBRARY AT 50

(Above) The Greenlease Library became an important addition to the Rockhurst campus in 1967 at a construction cost of $1 million.

(Right) The library remains a popular space for group collaboration and study.

W

ithout libraries, “we have no past and no future,” author Ray Bradbury once said.

Despite advances that have connected the world in ways that once seemed the domain of science-fiction writers like Bradbury, the local library is still a central part of many communities.

Their academic counterparts, like Rockhurst University’s Greenlease Library, have a similar standing.

But in addition to offering bestsellers, academic libraries are keepers of information crucial to helping faculty and students alike access the information they need. In the 50 years since it opened, Rockhurst University’s Greenlease Library has seen plenty of changes in technology and culture.

It’s no coincidence that when then-president the Rev. Maurice Van Ackeren, S.J., outlined a future path for the University in the “Blueprint for 1970” comprehensive strategic plan, a new library was one of the major goals. An ashlar and cut granite midcentury modern structure on the northwest corner of campus, the Greenlease Library could house 143,000 physical volumes. On Oct. 12, 1967, the building was opened in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the University’s first college classes.

It represented a big step forward. Before its construction, volumes were squeezed into Conway Hall.

The opening of Greenlease Library gave students more than just bigger shelves — it quickly became a center of campus life.

That’s true for Jeanine Cindrich, ’75. As a “day-hopper,” she would commute from her home to campus every day with her brother.

“I didn’t have a car,” she said. “So I would be on campus from about 8 a.m. into the evening, and I used every part of the campus, especially the library.”

Cindrich said she would often go straight for the study carrels — desks enclosed on either side — to concentrate. But heading to Greenlease wasn’t always about hitting the books.

Continued on page 18

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FEATURES

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Continued from page 16

“If you were looking for somebody, that would be the place to find them,” she said. “Even if you were meeting up just to head somewhere else.”

Cindrich said she met her husband, Michael, ’74, at the library for the first time. And as a member of the Rockhurst University Library Guild — established the same year as the library itself — she helps ensure that the facility remains vital for new generations.

So it is for students like Liz Mitchell, sophomore, a business management and nonprofit leadership studies major who spends a lot of time in the library both for her work-study job and her academics.

“I love the resources and the quiet places to study,” she said, especially a secret spot on the basement floor. “But I really love the staff and how willing they are to help me and other students find things when we need them.”

Customer service has always been a top priority, according to Jeanne Langdon, the director of the library from 1997 until 2007. She remembers a student coming into the library in tears, unable to find a needed review of a certain film. After calming him down, Langdon said she walked the student through a search as they found what they were looking for.

“I always appreciated teaching the students one-on-one, which even our faculty didn’t often get to do,” she said. “You weren’t just there to take care of information or books, you were there to teach students how to use all that for themselves.”

The library has had to do some learning itself, according to the library’s director since 2007, A portrait of Mother Teresa (now St. Teresa of Calcutta) overlooks the former card catalog location (Left) and what is now an open study area (Above).

“It’s a different world, and it’s exciting, but it means we’ve had to emphasize data and information literacy programs so that students know to access good information.”

—Laurie Hathman, library director

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FEATURES

Laurie Hathman. Mobile devices and laptops need power, so students can now check out power cords and chargers at the front desk. The main floor of the library was recently refurnished with technology and collaboration in mind. And students can still ask for help by calling or visiting the front desk — but they can also email, chat online, or text a librarian for assistance.

The arrival of the internet has resulted in perhaps the biggest changes. Langdon said she remembers traveling alongside other library staff to see a demonstration of the web. It was an early glimpse of the information revolution.

A CENTURY AS A FEDERAL PARTNER Greenlease Library is also a designated federal depository, a distinction held since 1917. What does that mean? According to Hathman, the status was originally the way that federal agencies distributed documents to communities across the nation.

Today’s Greenlease Library is home to University events as well as spaces for individual study and reflection.

“There was an expert in classics with us, and he was really excited to see what was out there for Homer, the Greek poet,” she said. “So we typed in ‘Homer,’ and it returned all these pages — but most of them were about Homer Simpson.”

Hathman, an employee of the library since the 1980s, said what formerly was accessible by flipping through vast paper card catalogs or searching the stacks is now available through a computer.

That’s great for students and faculty, but Hathman said it doesn’t mean all of those sources are equal.

“It’s a different world, and it’s exciting, but it means we’ve had to emphasize data and information literacy programs so that students know to access good information,” she said.

Looking ahead, there are likely more changes on the horizon — libraries have always been communal places, but there’s a growing need for social, collaborative and innovative spaces and technology.

There is also the growing number of electronic resources — things like “open access” academic journals provided for free, or virtual textbooks that can be updated by authors and editors in real time.

But Hathman said the library is ready to navigate those changes in a way that is true to its original mission.

“I get asked a lot about whether there will be a day when libraries won’t have any books,” she said.

“I don’t think so, but we have to be flexible and look at what is coming. The focus always has to be on the success of students and faculty and doing that in a way that reflects the mission and the values of the University.”

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SHELF

Life

BY KATHERINE FROHOFF, ’09 EMBA

I

f you’re planning some downtime this summer and are looking for a good read, look no further. A glimpse into the literary lives of four Rockhurst University faculty members may inspire your next selection.

JASON ARTHUR, PH.D.

Associate Professor of English and Chair of the Humanities and Fine Arts Division Jason Arthur co-edits the Journal of the Midwest Modern Language Association and is author of Violet America: Regional Cosmopolitanism in U.S. Fiction Since the Great Depression.

He regularly writes book reviews for The Rumpus and The Millions.

Q: When you read a book for fun, are you thinking about how you would write a review of it?

A: Yes. That’s a habit I began when I was an English major at Rockhurst. The habit has developed into the deep conviction that literature isn’t alive, or even finished doing its job, until after a reader responds and, if he’s lucky, starts a conversation. Plus, I really like writing book reviews.

Q: Who is your all-time favorite author and when did you realize it?

A: Alfred Kazin is my all-time favorite author.

I realized it the moment I found out that he wrote On Native Grounds: An Interpretation of American Prose Literature (1942) in the reading room of the New York Public Library — when he was 27.

Willa Cather, Sherwood Anderson, James Agee and Russell Banks are close runners-up, but my capacity to appreciate those kinds of writers I owe to Alfred Kazin.

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Q: Where is your favorite place to read?

A: When warm, on my front porch.

All other times, in crowded coffee shops.

Q: Is your reading list for summer different than at other times of the year?

A: Not really. My reading list is contingent on my scholarly and teaching agendas.

That sounds boring, but it’s true. My reading list is like my Netflix queue, it always grows and never diminishes no matter how much I chip away at it. And my lists always include titles that my smart friends have recommended and that I never actually get to. In other words, my reading list is often an occasion for shame.

Q: What books are you looking forward to reading this summer?

A: Lydia Millet’s My Happy Life (2007); John Thompson’s Merchants of Culture (2012); Sarah Gerard’s Binary Star (2015); Ottessa Moshfegh’s Eileen (2015); Nathan Hill’s The Nix (2016); Sarah Schulman’s The Cosmopolitans (2016) Continued on page 22

FEATURES

Jason Arthur, Ph.D.

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Continued from page 20

ROCÍO DE LA ROSA DUNCAN, PH.D.

Professor of Spanish and Chair of the Modern Languages and Literatures Department Rocío De la Rosa Duncan enjoys photography and soccer, and her research interests include Latin American women writers.

Q: Do you prefer to read for pleasure in Spanish or English?

A: Spanish Q: Which Spanish-speaking author’s work do you believe translates especially well into English?

A: I really don’t know because if the writer’s original work is in Spanish, I will read it in Spanish. I don’t read translations, so I don’t really know who translates well into English.

Q: Which fictional character would you like most to have lunch with?

A: I would love to have lunch with Virginia Woolf, but she is not a fictional character! If I have to choose a character I would say Madame Bovary.

Q: Where is your favorite place to read?

A: At home in my living room. I have a sofa in front of the window and I love to sit there with a book, by myself, in silence, no music.

Q: What are you looking forward to reading this summer?

A: El amante japonés, by Isabel Allende, Puertos abiertos, by Sergio Ramírez, Crónicas para sentimentales, by Jacinta Escudos, and Their Dogs Came With Them,

by Helena María Viramontes.

Rocío De la Rosa Duncan, Ph.D.

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FEATURES LAKRESHA GRAHAM, PH.D.

Assistant Professor of Communication LaKresha Graham’s research interests include intercultural communication and socioeconomic justice.

Q: Would you rather read the book first or see the movie?

A: Reading the book first leads to disappointment because the movie is never as accurate or satisfying. Watching the movie first, then reading the book allows me to go, “Oh, yeah, THAT’S why that happened!”

Q: Where is your favorite place to read?

A: On my couch or a comfy chair.

LaKresha Graham, Ph.D.

Q: What are you most looking forward to reading this summer?

A: Several books, such as Aunting, by Laura Ellingson and Patricia Sotirin, and The Unbanking of America, by Lisa Servon. There are other books I want to read once I get access to them but these are currently on my shelf.

MARY PAT SHELLEDY, ED.S.

Chair of the Education Department and instructor in education When Mary Pat Shelledy is not reading, she enjoys travel and running, and her research interests include urban literacy.

Q: What book would you only read if it were assigned as homework?

A: Canterbury Tales. Possibly if I read it today I would have a different reaction.

Q: What’s your favorite book with a teacher in it?

A: To Kill a Mockingbird. While Atticus is not officially a teacher, he nonetheless teaches his children many valuable lessons.

Mary Pat Shelledy, Ed.S.

Q: Where is your favorite place to read?

A: Generally, outside, but if I am inside, on a sofa or comfy chair.

Q: Is there an author whose work you buy as soon as it’s published?

A: Candice Millard. Her writing is so interesting and absolutely draws me into the story she is telling.

Q: What are you looking forward to reading this summer?

A: Nothing in particular, just having the time to read. There are so many good books that have been published in the last year, so I am looking forward to reading a wide range of books.

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24

Kirby Montgomery, ’09, ’10 MBA, helps Colleen Lawler, ’10, dig plant beds at Jerusalem Farm during the Young Alumni Council’s service Saturday on April 1.

SUMMER 2017

FOR ALUMNI

ALUMNI

Stay Connected

CLASS NOTES ’49 Bob Cunningham was featured in an article about his longtime volunteer work to repair rosaries in The Leaven, the newspaper for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

’61

You’re part of the Rockhurst University community.

That means you belong to an organization that’s changing the world one leader at a time.

Don’t miss out on news meant for you. Go to rockhurst.edu/update and update your information today. Be sure to share your email address to receive the latest University and alumni news.

’07 ’08 MBA

Spencer J. Brown received the Purcell Professionalism Award at The Missouri Bar/ Missouri Bar Foundation Public Service Awards luncheon on Sept. 21, 2016.

Brown is a partner with Deacy and Deacy, LLP, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Daniel Holmes will serve as a partner and co-practice leader of RubinBrown’s gaming practice in Las Vegas, Nevada.

’69 Jim Downs has been recognized by the Traveler’s Century Club for reaching Platinum Membership Status by visiting 250 countries and territories around the globe, including all seven continents.

’77 Carson Ross, mayor of Blue Springs, Missouri, was named the 13th recipient of the Legacy Award from the Overland Park and Leawood, Kansas, units of the NAACP.

’85 Amber (Cozort) Redburn is an associate member of the Missouri State Teachers Association Education Policy Committee for 2016-18

’05 Andrew Eck is now senior policy advisor to the chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services and policy lead of the Subcommittee on Terrorism and Illicit Finance. He previously worked for KPMG LLP and Sen. Pat Roberts.

’08 Jennifer (Lawrence) Welder and her husband, David, welcomed their second child, Addison Lucille, on Sept. 25, 2016.

’08 ’10 MBA Annie (Seago) Lehwald and her husband, Steven, welcomed their son Dean Steven Lehwald on Nov. 22, 2016.

Dean weighed 8 pounds, 7 ounces and was 19.75” long.

The Lehwalds also have a daughter, Sadie.

’09 Jason Anderson has joined CommunityAmerica Credit Union to develop a brand new program in education and career planning.

Connect with Rockhurst University through your favorite social networks.

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Submit a Class Note

We’d love to hear from you. Submit a class note online at rockhurst.edu/classnotes. ’14

’09

Ahmad Maaz has been accepted into law school at Harvard University and Yale University. He plans to attend Yale Law School.

Mark W. Lenihan joined the law firm Sims|FUNK, PLC, located in Nashville, Tennessee, in February 2017.

He will work closely with the firm’s partners Sam Funk and Scott Sims to represent the firm’s clients in a broad range of complex business disputes.

’10 JQ Sirls is the author of a children’s book titled It All Started When…

’11 MBA Edgar Palacios was named to the 2016 Big Brothers Big Sisters Most Wanted Auction

’13 EMBA Abbot Benedict Neenan, O.S.B., was blessed as the 10th abbot of Conception Abbey by Bishop James V. Johnston of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017. He was elected by the monastic community on Nov. 27, 2016, and became abbot immediately upon acceptance of the office. The blessing of an abbot is a special sacrament of the Roman Catholic Church and is traditionally officiated by the local bishop.

’13 MBA Cassidy Mears, was named Roger Cohen Rookie of the Year by the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors’ commercial division.

Chris and Rachel (Neel) Ostertag met their freshman year at Rockhurst University and they married in December 2014. They currently live in St. Louis with their daughter, Sophia. Rachel is an accountant at Apex Oil Company and Chris is working on his Ph.D. at Saint Louis University in health care ethics.

’15 M.ED. Megan Butler was honored as Rockhurst University’s outstanding beginning teacher in Missouri at the Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education spring conference held March 29. She teaches in the Raytown School District.

’16 Shereen Salfity is second author on an article titled “MUC16 regulates TSPYL5 for lung cancer cell growth and chemoresistance by suppressing p53,” which was published in Clinical Cancer Research.

1940

RETRO ROCKHURST

A group of students congregates outside the Dowling House.

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SUMMER 2017

Q&A

FOR ALUMNI

WITH MIA LEONIN, ’90

MIA LEONIN IS THE AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF THREE BOOKS OF POETRY AND A MEMOIR. SHE IS A MEMBER OF THE CREATIVE WRITING FACULTY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI. Q: How did you become a poet?

A: I think I’m becoming a poet still. I hope so at least. To be alive is to participate in the process of becoming. Poems reveal points in this journey, moments crystalized.

Mia Leonin, ’90

“Above all, trust yourself. Poetry is the synergy between three forces – the poem, the poet and the reader. For this reason, not every poem will appeal to every reader.”

—Mia Leonin, ’90

Q: What inspires your writing?

A: Anger and frustration. Love and beauty.

Q: Who has had the most influence on you as a writer?

A: Those who have hurt me most deeply have made me a writer. I also define “pain” as the suffering that society and its institutions sometimes inflicts on groups and individuals through marginalization, repression, etc.

Q: How do you instill a passion for writing in your students?

A: I try to share some ideas about craft and expose them to writers whose voices and subject matter I hope will speak to them. From there – and this is the most important part – I try to get out of the way. In as many ways as possible, I let my students take the reins regarding how they will write poems, what they will write about, and so on.

Q: What advice can you give to help people better understand and appreciate poetry?

A: Go to poetry as you might go to a prayer or spiritual text or as you might turn to a piece of music. In each poem exists a universe. Don’t feel bad if a poem doesn’t appeal to you. It’s just not the right poem for you at the moment. Above all, trust yourself. Poetry is the synergy between three forces – the poem, the poet and the reader. For this reason, not every poem will appeal to every reader.

Q: How were you influenced by your experience at Rockhurst?

A: I came from a small rural town and up until college, both my public school education and my academic performance had been lackluster. Rockhurst introduced me to an intellectual world completely foreign and mesmerizing.

For the first time I felt that my ideas mattered and my questions mattered even more.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but my professors were modeling for me what it is to have an earnest intellectual life and in doing so, they were communicating to me that I could cultivate my own, no matter where I was from or my station in life. For me, it was a lifeline.

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’16 MBA Matthew T. Shull and his wife, Alisha, welcomed their third son, Jackson, on March 22. He joins brothers Zachary and Bradley.

’17 EMBA Jason Ritchey was promoted to vice president, client delivery at Valorem.

Submit a Class Note We’d love to hear from you. Submit a class note online at rockhurst.edu/classnotes.

Magis Award Honors Alumnus’ Work for St. Louis Schools

R

ockhurst University gives its Magis Award each year to one St. Louis-area alumnus or alumna whose profound impact exemplifies the Jesuit core value of “magis,” or “more.”

Rockhurst University will honor Rick Sullivan Jr., ’73, the appointed CEO of St. Louis Public Schools since 2007, with this year’s Magis Award in recognition of his tireless work on behalf of the St. Louis community.

Following his graduation from Rockhurst, Sullivan joined McBride and Son homebuilders in 1973 as a property manager, and after a stint at Rubin, Brown, Gornstein and Co. accounting firm, rejoined McBride and Son in 1978, the same year he earned his CPA certification. In 2007, Missouri Governor Matt Blunt named Sullivan CEO for St. Louis Public Schools, leading the system of approximately 25,000 students back to full accreditation with the state in January 2017 and earning praise from community members and colleagues for a leadership style that is humble and open.

During the ceremony, the University also will recognize Danny Duggan, ’14, with its Faber Young Alumni Award. The St. Louis native was one of campus’ most visible leaders during his time at Rockhurst. As director of human resources with Amigos for Christ in Nicaragua, Duggan lives service for and with others, developing and supporting an Amigos team improving life for people in the country’s rural communities.

Rick, '73, and Susan Sullivan

The recognition event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, in St. Louis, Missouri. Find more information at rockhurst.edu/magis17.

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5

FOR ALUMNI

CAREER CENTER

TIPS

for Creating a MissionDriven Workplace FROM JANINE LEE, ’99 EMBA

1 CLARIFY YOUR MISSION

People can’t be motivated by a mission they are not aware of or don’t understand. Make sure your mission is stated as clearly and succinctly as possible and displayed proudly and appropriately so that it remains top of mind.

2 ARTICULATE VALUES THAT SUPPORT THE MISSION What kind of values will it take to achieve your mission? Fairness? Creativity? Balance?

Work with your staff to name the three to five values that are critical to your work and that will create the culture you’ll need to achieve your mission.

3 NURTURE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THOSE VALUES

Allow employees to cultivate the values you seek. For example, if your mission is to help consumers avoid financial crises and honesty is a value that will help achieve that mission, then be sure you are honest with your own staff and give them permission to be honest in their conversations as well.

4 HIRE PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE

Those who look great on paper may not actually be inspired by your mission or values.

Instead of a standard interview, have a conversation to see what makes prospective employees light up. Or, have existing mission-driven employees conduct interviews with their would-be peers.

5 TALK ABOUT IT

Keeping your mission in the conversation helps keep it alive in the hearts and minds of your team.

Ask questions about how ideas or decisions reflect the mission. Explain your own decisions in mission- and value-specific terms. And always acknowledge the mission-driven actions of others.

MEET THE EXPERT

Janine Lee is president and CEO of the Southeastern Council of Foundations, a membership association of charitable foundations in 11 southeastern states.

During her career in philanthropy, Lee has held leadership positions at the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

In 2015, she was named one of America’s Top 20 Women in Philanthropy and Civic Engagement. She is co-author of Funding Effectiveness: Lessons in Building Nonprofit Capacity.

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HAWK HANGOUT UPCOMING

EVENTS JULY 25

Alumni Night at STEAM Studio Visit this innovative educational space for kids.

AUG. 10 Members of the executive MBA class of 2009 get together several times a year to catch up over dinner. In February, they visited Grünauer, near Kansas City’s Crossroads arts district. (From left) John Heiman, Dan Solito, Heddy Gagne and Dave Mauer, ’97.

Send your Hawk Hangout pictures to alumni@rockhurst.edu and you may see one in a future issue.

Cardinals vs. Royals Watch Party Join us in St. Louis for this Rockhurst tradition.

SEPT. 14 Kansas City Networking Night at Engage Mobile Mingle with fellow Hawks in Kansas City’s River Market area.

OCT. 17

CONNECT WITH

Rockhurst University through your favorite social networks.

Business of Beer Meet in Kansas City to explore the commercial side of suds.

For more information, visit alumni.rockhurst.edu.

Faculty Memory “Dr. Bryce Jones was my adviser for my economics major and I always knew he would shoot it to me straight. He was always very kind and full of great advice. I appreciated the novel approach he took in teaching certain subjects in class. He will be missed.” – Chris Kopecky, ’88 Bryce Jones, Ph.D., professor emeritus of economics, died July 9, 2016, in Olathe, Kansas.

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SUMMER 2017

FOR ALUMNI

FROM THE CHAPTERS

After you leave the Rockhurst University campus, you remain a Hawk for life. Connect with Hawks in your hometown by checking the calendar at rockhurst.edu/alumni. Looking to organize a Rockhurst gathering where you live? Contact Brent Blazek, ’17 MBA, brent.blazek@rockhurst.edu.

George Wendt at New Theatre Restaurant Former star of the hit TV series Cheers, George Wendt, ’71, starred in The Fabulous Lipitones at the New Theatre Restaurant, in Overland Park, Kansas.

After the Jan. 20 show, Wendt met with fellow RU alumni for a private Q&A.

Jesuit Leadership Series

RU Night at KC Rep On March 24, a group of Kansas City alumni and their family and friends attended the Kansas City Repertory Theatre in downtown Kansas City for the performance of Constellations. (From left) Tyler Keel, Maggie Keel, ’13, Jake Buchheit, ’16, Daniel Aistrope and Evan Bolton.

Chris Lowney, best-selling author, public speaker and leadership consultant, addressed the importance of ethical leadership in the 21st century during his talk at the Jesuit Leadership Series event April 28. Alumni from all 28 Jesuit universities were invited to attend the presentation and breakfast in St. Louis.

(From left): Chris Lowney, Tom Hastings, ’81, and Thom Digman Continued on page 32.

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FROM THE CHAPTERS Continued from page 31.

Palm Sunday in St. Louis St. Louis alumni, parents and friends came together for Palm Sunday Mass and brunch on April 9. Mass was celebrated by Rockhurst President the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., at Visitation Academy. (Back, from left) The Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J.; Katie Barkofske, ’87; Peter Barkofske, ’87; Francis Barkofske, ’60; Sarah Barkofske; and Mico Barkofske. (Front) Joe Barkofske.

Welcome!

Nearly 800 Hawks became automatic members of the Rockhurst University Alumni Association upon their graduation May 13.

Many of them celebrated with a symbolic hat toss, one of the traditions at Hawk Walk — a party in the Kansas City Power and Light District that follows the commencement ceremony.

RU Networking Series Alumni were treated to beautiful views of the Kansas City skyline and landmarks at a rooftop networking event at Holmes Murphy and Associates. The event was hosted by Gary Briles, ’14 MBA, and Lauren Roth, ’14 MBA. (From left) Mary Thompson, Paul Thompson, ’87 MBA, Brian O’Laughlin, ’79, and John O’Laughlin

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FOR ALUMNI

In Memoriam THE REV. WILFRED “BILL” LACROIX, S.J. Longtime professor of philosophy the Rev. Wilfred “Bill” LaCroix, S.J., died Dec. 22, 2016, in St. Louis, Missouri, at age 83.

A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Fr. LaCroix entered the Society of Jesus in 1959 after four years serving with the U.S. Navy, pronounced his final vows in 1979, and earned advanced degrees at Saint Louis University. Throughout the nearly 40 years he spent as part of the philosophy department at Rockhurst University, Fr. LaCroix was recognized for his commitment to student learning and beloved for his warmth and sense of humor. Fr. LaCroix was celebrated with memorial Masses in St. Louis and in Rockhurst’s Mabee Chapel.

THE REV. ROBERT COSTELLO, S.J. The Rev. Robert Costello, S.J., a former professor of psychology at Rockhurst University, died Feb. 21, in St. Louis. He was 87 years old.

Fr. Costello entered the Society of Jesus in 1951 in his native St. Louis and pronounced his final vows in 1972 at Rockhurst University. He spent nearly 20 years teaching in the psychology department at Rockhurst University from 1965 to 1983, during which time he also served as a staff psychologist at the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas, and launched the Seventy Times Seven program to change attitudes toward ex-convicts. Later, Fr. Costello held a variety of roles, including provincial of the Missouri Province, president of St. Louis University High School, and leader with Christian Life Communities at home and in Birmingham, England.

Edward F. Gier, ’49 — March 20 W. Robert Aylward, ’50 — Jan. 15 Joseph N. Baker, ’50 — Dec. 4, 2016 William C Hopper, ’50 — Oct 22, 2016 Joseph William Jones Jr., ’50 — Dec. 12, 2016 J. Glenn Steinbacher, ’50 — Nov. 17, 2016 Eugene R. Bender, ’51 — Nov. 11, 2016 Maurice L. Soyer, ’51 — Feb. 8 Sanford L. Cohn, ’53 — Jan. 11 James L. Glenski, ’53 — Dec. 3, 2016 Walter F. Maley, ’53 — Jan. 27 Ronald A. Putthoff, ’53 — Jan. 9 Philip A. Van Thullenar, M.D., ’53 — Nov. 28, 2016 William R. McAuliffe, ’54 — Dec. 3, 2016 Henry P. Menze, ’55 — Feb. 26 Richard A. Butler, ’56 — Feb. 1 Howard A. Mischlich, ’56 — Feb. 2 Wayne P. Cornish, ’57 — Dec. 9, 2016

Charles J. Naudet, ’58 — Jan. 12 Ronald E. Perkins, ’58 — Nov. 7, 2016 James E. Murray, ’59 — Jan. 26 Richard G. Stablein, ’59 — March 26 Jerry L. Hill, ’60 — Dec. 15, 2016 Glenn P. Tank, ’60 — Oct. 20, 2016 Thomas A. Soetaert, ’61 — Dec. 16, 2016 John F. Hannigan, ’62 — Nov. 3, 2016 Robert B. Howard, ’63 — March 4 Donald. A. Slover, ’63 — Jan. 19 Robert A. Macrorie, ’64 — Jan. 30 John G. Dorsey, ’65 — March 20 Sidney R. Messer, ’65 — March 24 Mitchell A. Dzwonek, ’67 — Jan. 20 Dennis J. Owens, ’67 — Dec. 16, 2016 Timothy J. Carmody, ’68 — Jan. 18 Thomas M. Joseph, ’68 — Feb. 3 William A. Ransom, ’68 — Jan. 5 Rev. Thomas Hesse, ’70 — Nov. 26, 2016

Guy L. Simpson, ’70 — March 23 Jerome W. Keating, ’72 — March 6 Charles R. Swender, ’73 — Feb. 28 Kenneth C. Thomas, ’73 — Feb. 2 John F. Pirog, ’75 — Jan. 26 Patrick J. Weiland, ’75 — March 27 Millard E. Meyers Jr. ’77 — March 15 James. T. George, Ph.D., ’78 — Feb. 3 Vincent E. Clark Jr., ’79 — Jan. 14 Margaret C. Lyddon, ’79 MBA — Jan. 12 Gary L. Setley, ’80 — Feb. 16 Anthony J. Benvenuto, ’81 — Oct. 31, 2016 Walter J. Gomez, ’87 MBA — Nov. 14, 2016 William R. Illing, ’91 MBA — Dec. 22, 2016 Charlie Kwentus, ’97 — April 7 Christina Deines, ’09 MBA — Nov. 20, 2016 J. Edward Fornadel, ’16 EMBA — Dec. 6, 2016

ROCKHURST.EDU

33

?

WHERE ARE THEY NOW

CATCHING UP WITH FORMER ATHLETES

Juggling Duties Is Simple Science I

f there’s anyone who knows the value of versatility, it’s Kyle Miller, ’11.

The Overland Park, Kansas, native rotated through multiple positions in high school and as part of the Hawks soccer squad.

After graduating with bachelor’s degrees in accounting and finance as well as economics, Miller was drafted by Sporting Kansas City, fulfilling a lifelong dream. He later spent time with the Oklahoma City Energy and the Atlanta Silverbacks in the United Soccer League and the North American Soccer League, respectively.

It was through his pro career that Miller met Steve Spangler, a fellow player who had begun making and selling his own health-focused juices at a local fitness club and through home delivery. Their friendship soon blossomed into a business partnership. Coming from a world where small things can spell big advantages, Miller was a natural fit for Simple Science Juices, which uses a cold-press process to turn organic produce into nutrient-rich juice.

“I just loved the way that it made me feel,” he said.

Following his professional career, Miller became the company’s chief financial officer, overseeing its finances as new stores opened in Overland Park, in Kansas City’s Crossroads arts district and Brookside neighborhood, and in Omaha, Nebraska, with more in the works.

Despite the executive title, being part of a growing business means Miller is rarely stuck in an office. And that’s the way he likes it.

“We have to kind of do a little bit of everything,” from working in the store to balancing the books, he said.

“Being an athlete, you’re willing and able to put in the time and tasks to achieve your goals.”

Kyle Miller, ’11

HIRE A HAWK rockhurst.edu/hireahawk

Looking for the perfect addition to your team? Contact Rockhurst University’s Career Services to connect with RU alumni and students looking to start their careers and secure internships.

34

SUMMER 2017

FOR ALUMNI

EVERYDAY LEADERS

Son’s Cancer Diagnosis Drives Alumnus to Lead Charitable Organization

I

n 2010, Thomas “Red” Charles, ’95, received news that no parent ever wants to hear. His two-yearold son had been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. While navigating the complexities of childhood cancer, he was introduced to an organization that changed his life, and allowed him to do the same for others.

Supporting Kids Foundation, founded in 2009, offers financial assistance and encouragement to Kansas City-area families battling childhood cancer through a broad network of resources from donors to contractors to social workers.

“We had so many people helping us, we thought, ‘how do we thank them?’ Pay it forward, give back.

That’s how we thank them. That was part of my motivation,” Charles said of why he joined the board of Supporting Kids Foundation in 2011.

When Charles became president of the board in 2013, his dedication to give back was made evident through a lofty fundraising goal of $350,000.

“We are all unpaid volunteers, no United Way, no government assistance. I thought, ‘how are we going to raise 350,000?’” said Brian Hoban, ’96, current president of the board. “We took it to another whole level under Thomas’ leadership.”

Not only has Charles’ dedication touched the lives of children and families, it has inspired those closest to him.

“The strength he showed for his family when his son was battling for his life was remarkable. Then he goes and transfers that strength to build up an organization like SKF,” said Joe Accurso, ’97, current board member. “I am asked to approve requests daily as a board member and can’t help but think that a lot of this is because of Red.” Seven years after his diagnosis, Charles’ son, Joseph, just finished third grade and enjoys playing soccer, baseball and golf.

Thomas “Red” Charles, ’95 and his son Joseph

“We had so many people helping us, we thought, how do we thank them?’ Pay it forward, give back. That’s how we thank them. That was part of my motivation.” —Thomas “Red” Charles, ’95

ROCKHURST.EDU

35

IN CLOSING

Preserving the Past

BY EMMA PRIESENDORF, ’16

I

n August 2016, three months after walking across the stage to receive my history degree from Fr. Curran, I accepted the position of individual giving specialist at the National World War I Museum and Memorial. It has been an honor to further the work of this world-class institution — right here in Kansas City – dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. My history education at Rockhurst and ongoing work at the museum have given me ample opportunity to reflect upon how we can keep history alive and preserve our connections to the past.

A very visible part of my job involves one of the museum’s commemorative opportunities — the Walk of Honor brick program. At the semiannual commemoration ceremonies, we share photos of each honoree, and, in asking for these photos, I have found families and friends who are excited to share personal information and stories that make every honoree seem very real and present.

Recently, a woman whose family is honoring her great uncle, Cad, with a brick, contacted me. Her grandfather and Cad registered for the draft on the same day, but only Cad went to war. He never returned. Of her grandfather, the woman said: “He never really got over losing his brother and best friend.

I know he missed him until the day he died. He loved to tell us all about Cad. He was very proud of him and even though Cad is buried in France, the family placed a headstone in our cemetery here and we always plant flowers there on Memorial Day. I keep his memory alive by continuing the tradition and telling my grandchildren about my great uncle.”

Stories like these have changed my connection to World War I and history in general. Walking through the galleries at the museum now, my mind goes beyond the assassination, the dogfights, and the infamous Zimmermann telegram.

I think about Cad and the other people who went to war — the people who are remembered by their families even 100 years later.

No World War I veterans remain, and the generation whose fathers and grandfathers told them stories are becoming a rarity.

Generational memory of World War I is fading, and I now find myself in the position of helping to preserve that memory every day, to help future generations find their connection to the past and understand the lives of their forefathers.

Whoever you are, whatever you do, I encourage you to think about the ways in which you can connect to the past. How can you honor our shared history and keep it alive?

Emma Priesendorf, ’16, is individual giving specialist at the National World I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri. The museum hosted the official United States World War I centennial commemoration event in April.

36

SUMMER 2017

TIME AND PLACE

FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2017

Tyler Niemeyer, 11, from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, signs on to play Rockhurst baseball through the Team IMPACT program.

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Kansas City, M0.

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