RU Insider — Spring 2023

To You with Gratitude

St. Ignatius instructed that gratitude is the foundation of our prayer to God.

Gratitude is more than an attitude or a helpful strategy. It’s a way of praying, a way of seeing, a way of remembering, and ultimately a way of proceeding.

St. Ignatius and the Jesuit priests who followed him also referred to each other, actually all people, as companions.

Our alumni, friends, parents, students, faculty and staff at Rockhurst University are companions in the vital work of advancing the Jesuit Catholic mission that is alive and well right here at 54th and Troost. It is with deep, reverent gratitude for your companionship and your investment in our students and mission.

Higher education is not protected by the economics of our time. Some factors and pressures will be a challenge to the University.

Together, as companions, we will meet those challenges with confidence and grace.

WELCOME, Annie Lehwald, ’08, ’10 MBA

Annie (Seago) Lehwald, ’08, ’10 MBA, joins the Advancement/Alumni team after over a decade of work in the Rockhurst Office of Admission. As an alum of Rockhurst’s undergraduate and graduate business programs, Annie deeply understands our transformative education.

40 Years of Faithful Support of Rockhurst

Rockhurst donors often have a few things in common: a love of Rockhurst and a desire to give back, pay it forward, and change lives. But Pamela Miller and Bob and Rosemary Fasl also share something unique in common: 40 years of uninterrupted giving to Rockhurst University.

Since Pamela, Bob and Rosemary graduated in 1980, they have given to RU every consecutive year in the testimony of loyalty and changing students' lives.

For Pamela, giving back is something she feels honored to do. “I could never have had the college education I dreamed of without scholarship assistance… I feel empowered by my investment in Rockhurst's future and joy in giving others the opportunities I was so fortunate to have been afforded.”

For Bob and Rosemary, their generosity “is inspired by the spirit of giving instilled in us by the sacrifice of the Jesuits that was taught to us at Rockhurst.”

Rockhurst and thousands of students would not be the same if it were not for loyal donors like Pamela, Bob and Rosemary. We are so grateful for your continued investment in RU’s mission.

How You Can Create Lasting Impact on Rockhurst University

It’s not uncommon to hear from alumni how much they credit a Rockhurst University education for their professional successes. To Richard Ong, ’57, his education and his time on campus compelled him to give back to future generations.

“Rockhurst gave me an excellent education, and I used that, and hard and conscious work, to build the career that has led me to give back through my estate plan,” he says. “I want my legacy to benefit the greater Kansas City area, my country and the world.” Richard has named Rockhurst University a beneficiary of his will, and he did so in just a few words. These donations, called charitable bequests, are easy to complete and can be made by anyone. Naming Rockhust in your will or trust can be done in as little as two sentences and does not interrupt your cash flow during your lifetime, creating a legacy that will impact future students.

Mary Mooney Burns, ‘93 Vice President of University Advancement

As the director of advancement operations and technology, Lehwald will oversee technical efforts and the daily operations team. You can contact her at 816-501-4276 or annie.lehwald@rockhurst.edu.

To learn more about donating through your will and join the Heritage Society like Richard, contact Doug Anderson, associate director of planned giving, at 816-501-4672 or doug.anderson@rockhurst.edu.

“I want my legacy to benefit the greater Kansas City area, my country and the world.”

RICHARD ONG, ’57

Bob Fasl, ’80 Pamela Miller, ’80

Rosemary (Artman) Fasl, ’80

Annie Lehwald, ’08, ’10 MBA

Director

of Operations and Technology

Celebrate RU was a huge success on April 19, but we still aim to hit the goal of $500,000 from 555 donors !

With Your Generous Support, FOR THE GREATER

I n 2017, Rockhurst University launched a major fundraising campaign called For the Greater to transform campus and support future generations of Hawks. We asked you to join us in imagining a bold vision for the future of this institution so many of you have called home. And you answered. So in this look back at what we accomplished together in the For the Greater campaign, we want to celebrate you.

FOR THE GREATER TIMELINE

AUGUST 2018

A completely renovated Townhouse Village opens for the fall 2018 semester, including new flooring, furnishings, interior and exterior paint and landscaping, an estimated $2 million in improvements made possible by donors.

FOR THE GREATER GIFTS BY GIVING LEVEL

16 13 63 55 277 182

$1 million or more

$500K-$999,999

$100K to $499K

$50K to $99K

$10K-$49,999

$5K to $9,999

FOR THE GREATER BY THE NUMBERS

$2 MILLION Townhouse Village

$10 MILLION Annual Fund

$7 MILLION MAC

$15 MILLION+ Endowment

$23 MILLION Sedgwick Hall renovation

NOVEMBER 2021

JUNE 2022

OCTOBER 2019

The Rockhurst University community celebrates the opening of the MAC with a dedication and blessing.

JUNE 2017

For the Greater campaign launches with a $55 million goal.

AUGUST 2019

University reaches halfway mark for the $55 million goal of the For the Greater campaign.

JUNE 2018

University breaks ground on the MAC (Magis Activity Center), a 16,200 square-foot fitness and recreation center for students. The design includes a multipurpose room, a fitness studio and locker rooms for men’s and women’s soccer.

DECEMBER 2020

Construction begins on the $23 million renovation of Sedgwick Hall into a state-of-the-art health sciences facility, the centerpiece of the For the Greater campaign.

Rockhurst President Emeritus the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., announces one final project for the campaign – the construction of the Alvin Brooks Center for Faith-Justice on campus, where campus offices related to social justice and mission-centered programming and community organizations will serve side by side, in addition to a new campus chapel.

University hosts ribbon cutting for Sedgwick Hall, the centerpiece of the For the Greater Campaign. With a large classroom space, offices for faculty, the Seelos Simulation Center and other features, the first building on campus becomes the new home of the Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

JANUARY 2021

Having already raised approximately 90% of its $55 million initial goal, the For the Greater campaign goes “public,” inviting all members of the Rockhurst University community to contribute to it remaining priorities.

2020

A $6 million gift funds the Seelos Simulation Center, a state-of-the-art health sciences training and learning facility to be located in the renovated Sedgwick Hall.

MAY 2022

For the Greater campaign officially meets $55 million goal as gifts continue to come in.

You are why I have the opportunity to foster relationships with professors, coaching professionals, and mentors through my scholarship to attend Rockhurst.

EMMA BARBEN, ’23

Omaha, NE

Because of scholarships, can learn from exceptional faculty who motivate students to excel in their fields.

BRAYAN MANCIA GUARDADO, ’23

Grandview, NE

Because of scholarship assistance, I can participate in multiple academic organizations where I can discover and discern career options.

MARCI MCCANN, ’23

Grandview, NE

ROCÍO DE LA ROSA DUNCAN, Thirty Years of Service to Rockhurst

Have you ever been in a place where you notice that you don’t belong? Like a square peg in a round hole. Imagine the excitement of going to college to pursue your dream of obtaining an undergraduate degree, and the environment is like nothing you have experienced. You look around and find nothing familiar; everyone seems very different from you, so you try to find someone that might be familiar to you. Rocío De La Rosa Duncan, Ph.D., was that someone for many of our alumni of color in the Jesuit tradition of building a home for all.

Ani Haroian, ’16, was recently at an event that included several Rockhurst alumni. Word of Rocío’s June, 2023 retirement spread, and the typical remark from many at the event, “she was the reason I stayed at Rockhurst.”

In honor of her 30 exceptional years of service and being a beloved professor at Rockhurst, a group of her alumni has come forward to raise money for an endowed scholarship in honor of Dr. Duncan on her retirement from Rockhurst.

Rocío, originally from Córdoba, Veracruz, México, obtained a degree in Spanish literature from the Universidad Veracruzana, along with a masters and Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

RU service trips to Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras increased her interest in Central American Literature written by women. Duncan has served as director of the Department of Modern Languages several times throughout her career. In May 2011, she received the Excellence in Teaching award, and in 2012 the Harry B. Kies Award for extraordinary service. And in 2015, Dr. Duncan was named Faculty Member of the Year by Rockhurst University students.

Through her active participation in SOL (Student Organization of Latinos), service trips and study abroad trips, Rocío helped change the world view for many students, says Haroian, ’16.

For more information on Dr. Duncan’s Scholarship, please contact bebe.harrington@Rockhurst.edu.

Hall of Famers Come Up Big to CELEBRATE RU

Men’s soccer hall of famers Denny Lee, ’77, and Rich Suit, ’74, made sure the men’s soccer program had a lot to celebrate for Celebrate RU 2022. Before the University’s annual day of giving, Lee and Suit contacted as many Rockhurst men’s soccer alumni as possible, encouraging support of the program on Celebrate RU. Their efforts resulted in $35,000 raised from 55 individual donations in a single day.

Being able to help the program sustain success amid a changing landscape in college athletics was a motivating factor for Lee and Suit. “Our student-athletes are putting in the time and doing everything they need to do to succeed. The least we can do is try to keep it at a level playing field to assist them in achieving their goals,” said Lee.

Lee and Suit are optimistic that the men’s soccer program alumni and fans can come together again in 2023 to have even more success. “Working together (in 2023) off the field will help us deliver what the teams need to compete at the highest level so we can all celebrate with pride,” said Suit.

Alumni, family members and fans can learn more about how they can be a part of Celebrate RU for all athletic programs by visiting rockhursthawks.com/celebrateRU.

Have you heard of the ‘Cody Fund’?

Tragedy turns to Overwhelming Generosity

Cody Schuler, ’13, passed away on Nov. 25, 2014, after a long battle with cancer. Philip Hageman, ’13, passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 12, 2021. The sadness of these statements is overpowered by the generosity and joy of some alumni in their inner circle: Tracy Sexton, ’13, Nick Traxler, ’13, Steven Bokel, ’13, Isy Perez, ’13, and Cody’s brother, Clay Schuler, ’14.

In 2014, these alumni formed a nonprofit organization called the Cody Fund. When Philip passed away seven years later, his family decided to make a significant gift to the Cody Fund to complete the endowment. This fund was designed to raise money for students to participate in RU service trips.

Cody and Philip were friends and roommates at RU. They also attended a service trip to Guatemala in the spring of 2011. “Knowing the positive impact of that service trip on Philip, it was our honor as a family to contribute to the

Cody Fund from the Estate of Philip Hageman. We know in our hearts that Philip would have wanted us to do this,” said Philip’s family, who completed the fund.

Are you interested in endowed funds at Rockhurst? Please contact Bebe Harrington at bebe.harrington@rockhurst.edu for more information.

Bernie Lee, Denny Lee, ’77, and Katherine Lee

Rich Suit, ’74, and his family (left to right): Lindsey, Samantha, Rich, Sandy and Danielle.

UPCOMING EVENTS

APRIL 26

PLANNED GIVING SEMINAR

4:30 p.m., Sedgwick Hall

MAY 3

MEET THE MAKERS

5:30 p.m., Arrupe Hall

MAY 13

HAWK WALK GRADUATION

CELEBRATION

Power and Light District

Let’s Celebrate!

PHYSICAL THERAPY

DEPARTMENT TURNS

40 YEARS

This year celebrates 40 years of the Physical Therapy Department at Rockhurst University. To honor our past and recognize the need to support future students, the Physical Therapy Advisory Board has launched efforts to raise money for an endowed physical therapy scholarship.

Through special events like our annual White Coat Ceremony, the Ellen Spake Lectureship Series, and other donations from PT alums, we hope to have this new scholarship endowed by 2025, and your help is needed today.

To learn how you can give back to support future PT students, contact Doug Anderson, associate director of development, at 816-501-4672 or doug.anderson@rockhurst.edu.