RU Insider – Spring 2022

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

SPRING 2022

Angels Among Us “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

Hebrews 13:2

STANDING IN SOLIDARITY With Our Neighbors

R

“One of our goals has always been to give back, and

I was ready for the answer. I first acknowledged that the request is different from other universities because Rockhurst is different from other universities. We are part of the Jesuit network, which is the oldest, continuous education system in the history of the world. This means that values, ethics, and a commitment to justice matter here, and we prepare students not just for professional success but also to live and lead with purpose. Connecting their experience in the classroom to real-life experiences in the community is essential to their Jesuit education.

“We are thankful to God that he has enabled us to help nursing students, and we hope to encourage other people to consider how they can give,” added Terry.

ecently, I was in a conversation with a charitable foundation about our plans for the Alvin Brooks Center for Faith-Justice. They told me that our request for funding was different from any other request they have received from a university. They went on to ask why Rockhurst is engaging in work that is community-based and external facing. They wanted to know how that connects with the education of our students?

Mary Mooney Burns, ‘93 Vice President of University Advancement

Rockhurst is a proud part of a vibrant community located east of Troost Ave in Kansas City, MO. That vibrant community is full of neighbors and organizations working together to meet the community's needs. We stand in solidarity with them to meet their needs, such as reducing crime, supporting financial independence, providing education for the incarcerated for hope-filled futures, and inviting all people into conversation, prayer, and worship. I invite you to learn more about the new project on page 5 of this newsletter.

a recent inheritance has made that possible for us,” said JoAnn Rennack. JoAnn and her husband, Terry, have established a sponsored scholarship of $10,000 this year to support BSN students who are completing the last two years of their degree at Rockhurst.

The Rennacks’ have two daughters who have shouldered extra burdens during the pandemic, one is a teacher, and one is a nurse who graduated from Saint Luke’s College.

The pandemic was especially on their minds when the Rennacks decided to establish a scholarship.

“I think the nursing profession has been underrated, under appreciated, and underestimated, and this Pandemic has reminded all of us how critical our nurses are,” said Terry.

During this pandemic, the Rennacks, and all of us

cared for by nurses, salute student nurses who recite this International Nurses Pledge at their graduation: “I solemnly pledge myself to the service of humanity and will endeavor to practice my profession with conscience and with dignity. I will maintain, by all the means in my power, the honor and noble tradition of my profession.”

If you are interested in making a gift to nursing scholarships, please get in touch with Paula Moss at paula.moss@rockhurst.edu.

The message I hope the foundation members heard was that financial support impacts our students who have been called to become and create the positive impact our world so desperately needs and guides them toward their dreams to serve their professions and their communities. I am proud to be at Rockhurst University, where things are intentionally different.

“And now, these three remain: faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.” 1 CORINTHIANS 13:13

Blessings,

When Ben, ’00, and Angie Geis talk about their family,

the love for each other and their children comes through loud and clear. They met at Rockhurst University and began dating, quickly becoming committed to one another.

Angie, a junior at RU, and Ben, a senior, found themselves starting a family earlier than expected. “What was always clear,” says Ben, “is that we would be together forever.”

Mary Mooney Burns, ’93

Alumni of Color Networking Event (AOC) During the Alumni of Color Network Launch Event in February, members of the alumni community and students of Black Student Union (BSU) gathered to network with one another.

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SERVING HUMANITY: Student Nurses Need Our Support

rockhurst university insider

Grotto Dedication December, 2021 The statue of Mary and her new grotto were dedicated by Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J. This grotto was made possible by a gift from Rosemary Kilker and her late husband, Bob Kilker.

One of the first people they talked to about their commitment to one another and their new pregnancy was Fr. Burger, SJ. “Congratulations. The Catholic Church is lucky to have you,” was his immediate response to their new situation. Standing outside of Massman Hall, just steps away from what will be the new Rockhurst Faith Justice Center and Chapel, Ben and Angie reveled in the security and confidence that this one comment gave them to live their faith. “Fr. Burger and the Jesuits meet you where you are,” said Angie. Because of this positive experience, along with many others at RU, they support the Chapel and Alvin Brooks Center for Faith-Justice with a transformative gift.

Faith, hope, and especially love is the foundation on which Ben and Angie have built their lives. “We encourage people to look back at what is important in their life and find it in their heart to support what is important to them. Know that good stories will come out in the future that aren’t written yet.” The Geis’ know that generosity changes lives. “Someone was generous before us so we could stand where we are standing today. Now it is our time to give back.”

Ben, ’00 and Angie Geis and their children. celebrating stories of magis

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A FAREWELL TO FR. CURRAN AND A WELCOME TO DR. CASSADY! Rockhurst University has announced its next president, and it’s a historical choice.

The Rockhurst University Board of Trustees announced it has selected Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., to become the 15th president of Rockhurst University, effective July 1, 2022.

The Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., 14th President of Rockhurst University with Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., incoming 15th President of Rockhurst.

Introduced to a standing ovation from students, faculty, and staff on Feb. 28 in Arrupe Hall, Cassady will become the first female and first lay president in Rockhurst’s 112-year history. Having earned a Ph.D. in exercise science from the University of Iowa, Cassady comes to Rockhurst from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. She serves as vice president for strategic initiatives and dean of the College of Health and Human Services. In these roles, she works closely with each division of university administration, including enrollment management, finance, and fundraising. In addition to leading the development of new academic programs across the university, she oversees undergraduate, graduate, and transfer admissions, advising, and academic student services.

Cassady also has experienced being “in the city for good,” having led the development of new mission-focused academic programs at St. Ambrose that strengthen partnerships with area agencies serving the under served, such as social work and public health.

ALVIN BROOKS CENTER

for Faith-Justice on Campus Rockhurst University will honor Alvin Brooks, longtime Kansas City

leader in social justice and civil rights, establishing the Alvin Brooks Center for Faith-Justice. The center will house many of the university’s faith-justice related efforts, including a chapel, mission and ministry programs, and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Work has begun to raise funds for the center, and construction dates are being planned.

The Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., president of Rockhurst University, announced the initiative at the Jewish Community Relations Bureau|AJC’s annual Human Relations event on Nov. 18. He was honored with the Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award.

“I believe a Catholic university president must ensure that the Catholic and religious order identities of the institution remain vibrant while personifying, articulating, and celebrating the Catholic mission of the university,” Cassady said. “The Catholic, Jesuit mission of Rockhurst University and its vision to create a more just world through inclusive, innovative and transformative education are what drew me to Rockhurst and are closely aligned with my own values and experience. I look forward to leading and partnering with the Rockhurst community and greater Kansas City community as we continue the work toward realizing this vision.”

The award recognizes “a person who has led by example, sought justice, and who embodies the Jewish mission of ‘repairing the world.’” In his acceptance remarks, Fr. Curran called Henry Bloch and Alvin Brooks true and genuine humanitarians.

Rockhurst President the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., who announced his intention to step down at the end of this academic year — his 16th at the helm of the university — applauded Cassady’s commitment to the work of Catholic higher education.

At the end of May, Fr. Curran will complete his 16th and final year as president of Rockhurst University. He announced in September that he would leave to have a sabbatical followed by his next assignment with the Society of Jesus, the Jesuit order of Roman Catholic priests of which he is a member.

“Her desire to become a companion in our Jesuit way of proceeding, expressed in a faith that does justice, is humbling and gratifying,” he said. “I look forward to welcoming and assisting her, as she becomes the new Director of the Work in the Society of Jesus, at Rockhurst University, so she is positioned for professional success and personal transformation in our Jesuit enterprise of higher education.”

Fr. Curran plans to take a sabbatical following his tenure to prepare for his next assignment with the Society of Jesus, which will involve coordinating a Jesuit network of colleges and universities of education programs for incarcerated individuals.

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Rockhurst Establishes the

rockhurst university insider

Alvin Brooks and The Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J.

“To me, they epitomize what it means to cooperate and co-labor with the gentle disposition of God’s providence to bring about ‘mishpat, tzedek,’ ‘justice in our time,’” Fr. Curran said.

For more information on the Alvin Brooks Faith-Justice Center and Chapel please contact Paula Moss at paula.moss@rockhurst.edu.

Scan this QR code for a timeline of The Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J.'s legacy at Rockhurst Univesity.

celebrating stories of magis

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Legacy Lives on Through GOLF TOURNAMENT AND SCHOLARSHIP For Reggie Thorpe, ’71, supporting Rockhurst University student-athletes through the annual Fr. Joseph M. Freeman, S.J., Rockhurst Cup golf event was the highlight of each year. Thorpe was the long-time coordinator for the golf event that would bring many of his friends like Jim Bracco, ’71 to Kansas City for a day of golf and supporting Rockhurst Athletics.

“Reggie had a passion for sports and knew the importance that college athletics played in contributing to campus life,” said Bracco.

Reggie Thorpe, ’71

For information on the Rockhurst Cup golf tournament, please scan this code.

When Thorpe suddenly passed away before the event in 2021, Jim along with many of Reggie’s friends, came together to keep Reggie’s spirit alive.

Many of them returned for the golf tournament that included a ceremony on the first tee with Reggie’s twin sister Renee Thorpe. In addition, many more of Reggie’s friends supported the Reggie Thorpe, ’71, Memorial Scholarship to benefit future student athletes.

This year’s Rockhurst Cup event will be on June 27, 2022, at the Nicklaus Golf Club at LionsGate in Overland Park, KS. Information on individual tickets and sponsorships, including a new Reggie Thorpe Legacy Sponsor, can be found by scanning the QR Code with your phone or contacting brent.blazek@rockhurst.edu.

Rockhurst Alumna Supports

ALUMNI OF COLOR NETWORK

For Carmelita Bahamonde, ’16, the Jesuit work and values first brought her to

Rockhurst University. She obtained her associate’s degree at Donnelly College and transferred to Rockhurst to complete her bachelor's degree in History. Bahamonde shared, “my experience as a student was transformative.” Bahamonde works as a Bilingual Programs Specialist for Mid-Continent Public Library. She helps create programs for the community and leads the library system’s English Language Learners (ELL) program.

In December 2022, the Office of Alumni Relations announced the addition of a new alumni constituent group, the Alumni of Color Network. This network will strive to support the University’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The network’s mission is to engage, support, and enhance the vibrant, diverse, multicultural network of students and alumni who self-identify as individuals belonging to a minority racial or ethnic group or underrepresented national origins and nationalities. Bahamonde enjoyed attending the network launch event in February. “My hopes and dreams for this new alumnus group are that it helps Alumni connect with the current diverse community of students at RU.” Interested in learning about the Alumni of Color Network please get in touch with the director of Alumni Relations at alumni@rockhurst.edu. Interested in learning more about the Young Alumni Association? Connect with Hannah Tarwater, ’18, ’21 MA at hannah.tarwater@rockhurst.edu.

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rockhurst university insider

Learning Leadership through

ROCKHURST ATHLETICS For Alex Brickner, ’92, supporting Rockhurst

athletics goes beyond helping student-athletes be successful on the fields and courts. More importantly, helping them have an experience that prepares them for successful post-college careers. Brickner, a senior vice president for sales for Vyne Medical, attributes much of his career success to the skills and experiences as a member of the men’s basketball team, including being named captain his junior and senior years.

Brickner attributes the leadership qualities he gained leading his teammates at Rockhurst to his success in leading a national multi-milliondollar sales team. “The translation to my career has been seamless. By that I mean that leadership, mentoring, and getting everyone to buy into a common goal has been essential for success in basketball and business.”

Brickner hopes RU can continue to enrich the student-athlete experience. Gifts that are designated toward athletics build up the program so students can thrive, both on and off the court.

Athletics programs create an alumni network of future leaders who are proud and grateful for their own wonderful experience as RU athletes.

For more information on supporting or getting involved with Rockhurst Athletics, please contact Brent Blazek at brent.blazek@rockhurst.edu or visit www.rockhurst.edu/rclub.

Alex Brickner, ’92, ’94 MBA Drew Diener (Head Coach, Men’s Basketball) Kristy Bayer (Director of Athletics) Brent Blazek, ’17 MBA (University Advancement) Diego Gutierrez, ’05, ’14 EMBA (Assistant Professor, College of Business, Influence, and Information Analysis).

Class of ‘71 Alumnus Supports Rockhurst For

OVER FOUR DECADES

Joe Miklovic,

’71, has supported Rockhurst annually for over 40 years.

He supports various programs, including the 70- ’71 Golden Hawks Scholarships, the Rockhurst Fund, Celebrate RU Day, and the Angels Unawares campaign. Joe is a proud father of 5 and grandfather of 12. He shares with us why he is motivated to support Rockhurst.

Joe Miklovic, ’71 and his wife, Susan

“I remain connected to RU for many reasons, but mainly because the Jesuit philosophical discipline at Rockhurst University cannot be underestimated or overstated - to learn, to lead, and to serve others. That campus discipline prepared me for the rigors of Public Accounting and life as a CFO. This discipline also awarded me the strength to overcome life’s ups and downs while rewarding my family with financial success. Fr. Curran, a Follower of God’s marine, has provided prestige to the Rock through his commitment to Jesuit education.

My four years at Rockhurst were memorable because of the friends I made, its academic challenges, the mindexpanding world of St. Thomas Aquinas' Philosophical tenants, and the multiple intramural athletic opportunities.

I also enjoyed the St. Benedict's vs. Rockhurst athletics rivalries, the Rockhurst Follies, and midnight mass at the “Fish Church.”

I challenge all alums to heed the words of St. Matthew, “For with whatever measure with which ye measure, it will be measured back to you again. If you want to be average, do what others do. If you want to be awesome, do what no one does.”

Joe's commitment to RU, his dedication to his family, and his life of service provide us with a model to live by. celebrating stories of magis

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Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

Kansas City, M0.

Permit No. 782

1100 Rockhurst Road Kansas City, MO 64110-2561

UPCOMING EVENTS APRIL 28 MEET THE MAKERS! ENGAGING LOCAL LEADERS IN KC 5:30 p.m., Arrupe Hall FRIDAY, JUNE 10 RU DAY AT THE ROYALS Join us for a night at the ballgame that will include a special RU parking lot tailgate, tickets to the game, and seeing Fr. Tom Curran, S.J., in the Buck O’Neill Legacy Seat!

SEPT. 29-OCT. 2 FAMILY AND ALUMNI WEEKEND OCT. 11 RU ST. LOUIS LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON

Join HawkLink!

rockhurst.edu/alumni/hawklink

HONOR YOUR ANGEL TODAY Are you ready to honor an angel in your

life? My siblings and I are making a gift to Rockhurst of more than $250 so that we can J. Russell Gramlich, ’35 have our beloved father's name, J. Russell Gramlich, ’35, added to the Angels Unawares plaque outside Arrupe Hall.

Our dad, J. Russell Gramlich, ’35, loved Rockhurst. He was fortunate to attend on an athletic scholarship; while at school in the 1930s, he became a Catholic and helped construct one of the new buildings. Dad became successful at home and work; he told us Rockhurst made him the man he became. Honor the angels in your life. Make your gift today to secure a spot on this unique plaque.

Peggy Baker, Daughter of J. Russell Gramlich, Rockhurst Class of 1935

Scan this QR code to honor your angel today!

For more information, visit rockhurst.edu/alumni.

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rockhurst university insider

Cover Photo: The dedication of the Angels Unawares statue in front of Arrupe Hall with Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., Drs. Tom, ’81 and Mary Hastings.