ROCK NEWS Winter Alumni Magazine 2021
Rockhurst ALUMNI MAGAZINE
WHAT’S INSIDE
A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Rockhurst Community,
2 A Word From the President
18 A Word From the Principal
3 Rockhurst Works Through COVID-19 Challenges
19 A Word From the Admissions Team
4 Faculty Goes Beyond Call of Duty for Students
20 Hurtado Scholars Program Continues Growth
5 Class of 2020 Graduates to Alumni
21 Five Seniors Named National Merit Finalists
6 Roberson ’84 Celebrated as Alumnus of the Year
22 Speech & Debate Competitors Leave Mark on Program
7 New Sports Hall of Fame Members Announced
23 Class Members Recognized for Contributions to School
8 The Impact of Community Giving
24 Class of 2020 Student-Athletes Commit to Colleges
9 Rockhurst Welcomes New Director of Institutional Advancement
25 Student-Athletes Celebrated for Work Beyond Sports
10 Spectacular 2021 Plans to "Rock the World" on April 17 11 Alumni Accomplishments 17 Alumni Births, Marriages, Deaths
26 2019-20 Sports Seasons Find Success Amid Uncertainty
David J. Laughlin President, Rockhurst High School
I am glad we are conducting in-person school, thanks to dedicated efforts, even though it is an unusual way of proceeding to maximize safety, because it is great to see our young men and have them with one another. And those who must remain in remote learning are doing a great job of staying involved and finding success.
But, I do miss a good pep rally in the gym. We’ve figured out how to have all-school Mass and our Student Government Association has done creative contests online for spirit and fun. But not pep rallies. I miss pep rallies! Among the things I miss is the students’ talent to imitate their teachers or administrators. They are really good. Actually, even as I meet alumni many years since their time at Rockhurst, they can imitate these teachers with extraordinary precision. It seems that this skill of imitation passes from generation to generation of Hawklet without fail. Here is a short list of many educators the young men imitate so well: Andy Hagedorn has been an instructor of English at Rockhurst for four decades. His classes continue to look at works of literature and help young men develop critical thinking, analysis and writing skills, just to name a few. Phil Helt is a former student of Don Ramsey. Phil now runs our traditionally successful Speech & Debate program. Critical thinking, cogent logic and elocution are also foundational in our Jesuit tradition.
Teachers like Molly Reardon, Matt Nickson, Alan Ratermann, Stephen Charbonneau and Fr. Daniel Tesvich, SJ, continue to provide the faith formation upon which Rockhurst is built. A Rockhurst education continues in the classical humanities-based tradition that promotes critical thinking, logic and expression. A Rockhurst education: • Has adapted itself once again to make certain that instruction and curriculum provide our students relevant materials for the world they will help to lead. • Remains grounded in God and its Catholic identity to give perspective to all other endeavors for the proper world view. • Understands WHY students imitate their teachers. The balance of the internal and external and the balance of the temporal and the eternal are our focus at Rockhurst. Last year, Rockhurst was one of 10 high schools in the United States of America recognized for excellence by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association. The STEAM curricular advances are exceptional opportunities for our students. Required coding, Engineering courses, Robotics, Entrepreneurs for Others: These are new courses in the recent life of Rockhurst. Our young men are learning not only what they need to know, but who they are becoming and most especially as beloved sons of God, Made in God’s Image. As a tuition-based school, with a dedicated faculty and staff, this mission extends broadly across the greater Kansas City community. Rockhurst is able to provide nearly half of our students financial assistance (last year $2.7M), thanks to you! On behalf of these young men and their parents, I thank you for your generous support of these young men and their tremendous formational program that is relevant for today’s world but looking beyond it to eternity. They are Future Ready and Made in the Image of God!
Sam Anderson has established a first-class Choral program at Rockhurst. The growth of these programs in recent years is a testament to his leadership.
May God bless you and those you love! In Christ,
Michael Dierks is our Cross Country coach dedicated to decades’ worth of student athletes. Tony Severino retired last year, but they sure did imitate him! Coach Donohoe is new, and so I look forward to the boys imitating him.
David J. Laughlin President, Rockhurst High School
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ROCKHURST WORKS THROUGH COVID-19 CHALLENGES
FACULTY GOES BEYOND CALL OF DUTY FOR STUDENTS
Rockhurst High School has educated young men in Kansas City in the Jesuit tradition for more than 110 years. The formation at Rockhurst is based on an emphasis of cura personalis (individual care for each person), led by the faculty and staff. That carries into their peer-to-peer relationships, formed in the Ignatian Experience.
Rockhurst faculty members not only worked to move to online learning, but also understood the toll that the cancellation of in-person learning, activities and athletics took on their students.
Also on May 7, Fr. Princpal Giacabazi, SJ, and President Laughlin drove to the homes of the three Senior Award Winners to present them with their honors. This is typically part of the all-school awards assembly that could not take place in the spring.
Teachers volunteered to assist with countless events and dropoffs to make their students feel loved, as they would in a regular year – especially the seniors.
The Junior Ring ceremony was transformed into a drive-thru ceremony on May 23, in which the rising seniors (and family members who joined) remained in their cars and were handed rings or lapel pins by President Laughlin. Each student then received a blessing from Fr. Giacabazi, SJ, and Fr. Tesvich, SJ.
On March 12, 2020, President Laughlin sent an email to all Rockhurst families informing them that out of caution, in-person learning would be put on hold. Over the next two weeks (including over spring break), faculty members worked tirelessly to rework their lesson plans to a digital platform for distanced learning. “The Rockhurst faculty, on short notice and with limited professional development, transitioned to a combination of asynchronous and synchronous virtual learning for the fourth quarter of the 2019-2020 academic year,” said Mike Wickenhauser, Assistant Principal for Academics. “These teachers redesigned curriculum and incorporated new platforms, programs and practices with great eagerness and energy, largely because they knew it was necessary for the success of their students. Their commitment, flexibility and consistent care for their students is noteworthy, to say the least. I am both humbled and honored to work alongside such a tremendous group of teachers.” As the spring semester concluded, with all schools utilizing online learning, Rockhurst administrators began forming a Task Force to Reopen School (TFRS). The goal of the committee was to create
a plan that allowed for safe return to in-person learning, should families choose to do so. This task force met more than 30 times over the summer to complete and execute the safety plan. Rockhurst welcomed students back to campus on Aug. 17 for the fall semester, while also offering livestreams of all classes to students whose families made the decision to stay home. Rockhurst was the first high school in Kansas City to return to in-person learning, with its plan approved by the City of Kansas City Health Department. New protocols in place to ensure the safety of all students and faculty included daily health screening (with record-keeping) and temperature taking upon entering the building, requirement of face coverings, staggered arrival and departure times for students, physical distancing in all classrooms and common spaces, eating lunch in classrooms while physically distanced, custodial cleaning and sanitizing four times throughout the school day and disinfecting the entire building each night, and more. We are proud of what we were able to accomplish to close out last year’s fourth quarter and to open on schedule at the start of this school year. The preparations and precautions were not, however, without a literal cost. By October 31, the school had incurred nearly a quarter of a million dollars in unbudgeted COVID-related expenses. To learn more about these expenses or to make a gift to help defray these costs, please visit www.rockhursths.edu/covid-expenses.
On April 24, faculty members divvied up all 267 members of the senior class and delivered them customized pretzels from Pretzel Boy’s. Over the first week of May, faculty members placed a “Proud of Rockhurst Seniors Class of 2020” sign in the yard of each senior. One senior tradition at Rockhurst is a donut party on the football field the morning of the final day of classes for seniors. To keep that tradition alive, faculty members delivered donuts to the home of each senior on May 7, the final day of online classes for the Class of 2020.
Fola Okediji picks up her box of Pretzel Boy’s to deliver to seniors.
To enter school each morning, each student must pass by a thermal scanner to read his temperature, and also pass a daily health screening questionnaire.
Pete Campbell ’89 demonstrates how to properly clean a desk at the end of a class period.
And finally, on July 13, faculty members placed a “Welcome to The Rock” sign in the yard of every incoming freshman in the Class of 2024. In the spirit of cura personalis – in fact, care of our combined community – the faculty, staff and administrators at the school wish to thank all of the family and alumni volunteers who took care, time and resources to take care of us, delivering notes of encouragement as well as pick-me-up gifts and even providing lunches for the entire Rockhurst team on multiple occasions. We are humbled by your kindness.
President Laughlin and Fr. Principal Giacabazi, SJ, deliver a senior yard sign to Gus Williams ’20.
Greg Owsley ’00 grabs donuts and yard signs to deliver to a group of seniors.
Sam Anderson teaches his Choir classes in the performance gym to allow for proper physical distancing.
Principal Giacabazi, SJ, welcomes members of the Class of 2024 during Freshman Orientation. The Loyola Center is now utilized as a large classroom space.
President Laughlin and Fr. Principal Giacabazi, SJ, present Michael Kuklenski ’20 with the Carl G. Kloster, SJ, “Special R” Award.
Fr. Daniel Tesvich, SJ, gives a blessing to a rising senior who just received his Junior Ring.
Michael Comiskey ’03, shows off the yard signs that were delivered to every incoming freshman in the Class of 2024.
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CLASS OF 2020 GRADUATES TO ALUMNI Rockhurst High School’s Class of 2020 became the 104th graduating class from the school, adding 267 members to the alumni ranks. A majority of the group received its diplomas in a socially distanced ceremony at Municipal Auditorium on July 25, two months later than originally scheduled. Several graduates were unable to attend, so President David Laughlin and Fr. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ, attended eight in-home diploma ceremonies prior to and following the main graduation ceremony. The Class of 2020 added their unique achievements in academics, athletics, arts and community service to the school’s history. They distinguished themselves in many ways, including: • Fourteen members were recognized by the National Merit Program – six as Finalists (Joseph Berglund, Watson Deacon, Brendan Kiefer, Michael Navato, Casey O’Halloran and Caleb Phillips) and eight as Commended Students. • Thirty members were recognized as Advanced Placement Scholars for achieving a score of 3 or higher on at least three full-year AP examinations. Twelve were named Advanced Placement Scholars with Honor for receiving an average of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of the exams. And 10 were named Advanced Placement Scholars with Distinction for receiving scores of 3.5 or higher on five or more AP exams. • Wes Kelley, Phil Licata and Michael Navato were selected to the Kansas City All-District Choir. Jacob Borchert, Nate Ciocca, Ryan Flood and Luke Rottinghaus were named to the Kansas City Honor Choir. • Luke Brown earned a position on the Kansas City Metro District Jazz Band on tenor saxophone and was also selected to the Missouri All-State Jazz Band. • Grant Auman, Kenan Blakey, Alex Gallagher, Harper Molen and Jackson Valenti qualified for the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) National Tournament. • Grant Auman was named the Garrett Clark NSDA Show Me District Student of the Year. • The Class of 2020 donated more than 26,000 hours of community service during its Senior Service Projects. Seniors volunteered at 57 different Kansas City agencies, and 62 seniors participated in immersion trips to Guatemala and Tijuana. • Six swimmers were named Academic All-Americans. Three basketball players were named to the Academic All-State Team. • Seven members were selected to All-State Teams: Wes Porter (cross country); Tommy Eckels, Owen Lawson (football); Thomas Gansner, Max Goodwin, Caden McLagan (soccer); and Dylan Nill (swim & dive). Spring sports seasons were canceled.
ROBERSON ’84 CELEBRATED AS ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR The Rockhurst High School National Alumni Association Executive Committee named Allen Roberson ’84 as its Alumnus of the Year for his service to Rockhurst High School and the greater Kansas City community. Roberson accepted the award during the school’s Homecoming Mass on Oct. 5, 2020.
• Class of 2020 members earned individual recognition for their athletic efforts: Wes Porter was named the KC Cross Country Runner of the Year and the Gatorade Missouri Runner of the Year, and Dylan Nill was named an All-American in the 500 Freestyle. • Twenty-one student-athletes signed to play a sport in college. In addition, members of the Class of 2020 were significant contributors to overall Rockhurst accomplishments during the 2019-20 school year, including: • Rockhurst was a recipient of the STEM School of Excellence Recognition by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA). There were only 10 schools in the world selected for this honor for the 2019-20 academic year.
The Class of 2020 joined the ranks of Rockhurst High School alumni on July 25, 2020.
• Rockhurst was ranked in the 98th percentile of Newsweek Magazine’s list of “Top 5,000 STEM High Schools.” • Rockhurst’s Speech & Debate Team won the yearlong Overall Sweepstakes Trophy for the Kansas City Parliamentary Debate League. The team also earned membership in the NSDA’s “200 Club,” which ranks Rockhurst among the top 10% of schools nationwide.
Members of the Class of 2020 proceeded out of Municipal Auditorium with their diplomas.
• During Mission Week, students raised more than $30,000 for local, national and international agencies. • Seniors led the Hawklets to strong athletic seasons, including a second-place finish in swim & dive and a sixth-place finish in cross country. Congratulations to the Class of 2020!
“I am a strong believer that we make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give,” said Roberson. “My time as a student at Rockhurst High School was one of the most formative experiences of my life. It began a journey for me, which I hope exemplifies just how much service means to my family. I am humbled that Rockhurst High School and my fellow alumni would recognize me in this truly special way.” Roberson has tirelessly worked on behalf of Jesuit education for more than 20 years. His first term of service on the Rockhurst High School Board of Trustees began in 1998. After completing his six-year term in 2004, he was asked to rejoin the Board in 2010. During his second term, he was treasurer of the corporation and Chairman of the Board, and led the Search Committee that recommended the selection of David Laughlin as president in 2017.
Kenan Blakey ’20 received his diploma on stage.
Christian Elmore ’20 received his diploma in an at-home ceremony on June 27, 2020.
Roberson became Rockhurst High School’s Chief Financial Officer in 2019 to define strategy, business and financial plans for the school. He manages staff for finance and accounting, human resources, technology, risk management, food service operations (liaison) and campus store operations.
“Allen’s quiet leadership speaks volumes,” remarked Andrew Stafford, Sr. ’93, President of the Alumni Executive Committee. “His presence at Rockhurst has come at a critical time in our existence given all the uncertainty. Financial oversight is in good hands under the guidance of Allen; he is a great addition to the executive management team. I have seen firsthand the impact Allen can make and understand why so many businesses and charities in the Kansas City area clamor for Allen’s attention.” After graduation from Rockhurst High School in 1984, Roberson attended Drake University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in the Study of Accounting (BSBA) in 1988. His career experience includes leadership roles as vice president of finance and administration for SEKISUI XenoTech, LLC; chief financial officer and general manager for CyDex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; and chief financial officer for Planet Biopharmaceuticals Inc. Roberson managed his own strategic advisory firm, AKR Consulting, before coming to Rockhurst High School in a professional capacity.
Allen Roberson ’84 was awarded the Alumnus of the Year on Oct. 5, 2020, alongside his wife, Nicole.
Roberson serves on the boards of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Notre Dame de Sion Schools, Boys Hope Girls Hope of Kansas City and BioKansas. Among other civic activities he was a volunteer coach in the Kansas City Parochial League for 29 years. He has been an alumni class representative since his graduation. Roberson and his wife, Nicole, have one daughter, Laila. The Alumnus of the Year Award is named for Very Rev. Pedro Arrupe, SJ, who was Superior General of the Society of Jesus from 1965 to 1983. Fr. Arrupe coined the phrase “men for others,” as a challenge to alumni of Jesuit institutions to change the world with devotion and service to mankind. Award recipients serve as role models for the entire Rockhurst High School community, particularly its students.
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NEW SPORTS HALL OF FAME MEMBERS ANNOUNCED Eight Rockhurst High School alumni and one former head coach were selected to the school’s Sports Hall of Fame. The 2020 honorees are: Jim Houston ’82, Ted Brooks ’93, Doug Albers ’97, Jon Osgood ’97, Aaron Clevinger ’00, Matt Jewett ’00, John Mayberry, Jr. ’02, Will John ’03, and Coach Chris Lawson. The Hall of Fame honors alumni, coaches and friends who have had a major impact on the school’s athletic tradition. Given Rockhurst’s storied heritage of sporting excellence in the Midwest, selection to the Sports Hall of Fame means recognition among the “best of the best” in Midwestern athletic history.
THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY GIVING Jon Osgood ’97 • • • •
Tennis doubles State Champion in 1996 Member of Team State Championship in 1996 Singles runner-up at State in 1997 Member of Team State Championship in 1997
Aaron Clevinger ’00 • All-State lacrosse player in 1997, 1999, and 2000 • Led Rockhurst to State Semifinals all four years • 1st in State in assists and 2nd in points in 2000 • Rockhurst career record in assists and points
Currently, there are 115 alumni, 13 coaches and three friends of the program who have been inducted as members. Honorees are determined by a Selection Committee that reviews nominations by Alumni Class Captains, as well as recommendations from the public at large, before submitting a slate to the Rockhurst President for his approval. Here is a bit about each of the 2020 inductees:
Rockhurst High School relies on the generosity of its community in order to live out its mission of forming “men for others” within a diverse environment. Without the support of alumni, past and current parents, and friends of Rockhurst, the school would not be able to fulfill its role of educating students of diverse socioeconomic circumstances, race, religion and culture. In the 2020-21 school year, 46% of all students rely on financial assistance to make a Rockhurst education possible. The school is able to offer $2.7 million to those families this year, an especially difficult year for so many families, through the kindness of the Rockhurst community.
This commitment to others was very apparent during Rockhurst’s “Rock Giving Tuesday” campaign on Nov. 10, 2020. With a lead gift of a $95,000 Match Challenge offered by Sylvia & Greg Fendler ’94, Christen & Eric Fisher ’89, Patti & Steve Gound, Buffy & Matt Gunter, Amy & Paul Holewinski, Trish & Michael Mayer ’82, Molly & Mike Trigg ’96, and others, the announced goal was $250,000. By the day's end, $313,000 had been raised for Hawklet scholarships. Even more gifts came in over the following days, closing the campaign at more than $322,000. “People invest in Rockhurst’s faculty and students because they believe in the school’s mission,” said Gus Sonnenberg ’90, Director of Principal Gifts. “They have experienced it themselves, through family members and friends. That experience is something they want to make possible for others.”
Matt Jewett ’00 • Four-year varsity soccer letterman • Led team to State Championships in 1998 and 1999, combined record of 54-1-2 • All-State in 1998 and 1999 • 2000 KC POY, Missouri Offensive POY, All-Midwest, All-American nominee
Jim Houston ’82 • Linebacker for 1981 State Championship football team • 1st Team All-State • Led defense that allowed just 5.2 PPG • Defense recorded six shutouts in 13 games
Ted Brooks ’93 • • • •
School-record 15 sacks in 1991 2nd Team All-State in 1991 1st Team All-State in 1992 Also earned two varsity letters in both basketball and baseball
John Mayberry, Jr. ’02 • All-Metro basketball, averaged 14 PPG and 10 RPG • USA Today All-American in baseball • 1st Team All-State; Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year in 2002 • Drafted 28th in 2002 MLB Draft; 19th in 2005 Draft
Will John ’03 • Four-year varsity soccer letterman; All-State in 2000, 2001, and 2002 • 2002 Missouri Offensive POY, Gatorade POY, and All-American • Scored school-record 36 goals in 2002 • Drafted #18 overall in 2005 MLS SuperDraft
Doug Albers ’93
Coach Chris Lawson
• • • •
• 553-151-25 record in 25 seasons as head soccer coach • 21 Final Four appearances, winning seven State Titles • Missouri State Coach of the Year six times • Regional Coach of the Year four times
Three-year letterman in golf Placed 5th individually at State in 1991 Placed 3rd individually at State in 1993 Led team to 2nd-place finish in 1991 and 1993
The Darby Family presents a gift to the Mike Darby Memorial Fund on Dec. 11, 2020.
Bruce McKibbin added a tile to the scholarship wall for the newly announced McKibbin Family Scholarship Fund on Dec. 4, 2020. Bruce has two sons who graduated from Rockhurst, Matthew ’04 and Sean ’09.
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ROCKHURST WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Rockhurst High School welcomed Diane Marty, CFRE, as its Interim Director of Institutional Advancement in September 2020. Diane joins Rockhurst following nearly 25 years of fundraising leadership for nonprofit organizations throughout Kansas City in community development, higher education, the arts and social services. She has been an adjunct faculty member at the Helzberg School of Management at Rockhurst University since 2005 and also serves as a Senior Fellow at the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership through the Henry W. Bloch School of Management. She will complete her EdD in Human & Organizational Development from Diane Marty the Peabody College of Education at Vanderbilt University in August. Her proudest accomplishment to date has been raising two Hawklets – Max ’16 and George ’18 – here in Kansas City with her husband, Kirk.
“Knowing the experience my own sons had at Rockhurst and the bonds that our entire family formed with other Rockhurst families, it’s an honor to be able to relive that experience on an exponential scale with alumni and current families,” said Marty. “Equally exciting is to be working with this administration and advancement team to vision and strategize the innovation and growth of that experience yet ahead for future generations of Hawklets.” Laurence Freeman ’82 filled the Chief Advancement Officer role since 1995 and will now focus his efforts on alumni of Rockhurst, serving as the Director of Alumni Relations. “We are excited to have someone of Diane’s energy and expertise lead our team,” said Freeman. “Our alumni, parents, faculty and students have been a tremendous source of pride for me these past 26 years as we have worked together to strengthen the mission and tradition of Rockhurst High School. It is a privilege to serve such good people.”
The Spectacular 2021 Co-Chairs: Patrick & Courtney O’Farrell, Jim Brown ’88 & Christian Weld Brown, Lisa & Mike Connor ’88, and Courtney & Rob Sprague, alongside President David Laughlin
Laurence Freeman ’82
Following a fall semester consultancy, Diane accepted the role as full-time Director of Institutional Advancement effective in January 2021.
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SPECTACULAR 2021 PLANS TO “ROCK THE WORLD” ON APRIL 17
I'm excited to welcome Diane Marty to Rockhurst in this important role. Having met her through various Rockhurst connections, and learning of her professional expertise over many years, I believe Diane brings an abundance of experience to help solidify the work of our Advancement team. As a former Rockhurst parent herself, she understands the impact of Rockhurst's formation and mission. Her leadership will build upon the wonderful work of many in our department, and build upon the decades of relationships with people like Laurence Freeman, who continue to promote and ensure our mission at Rockhurst High School. – David Laughlin, President
Purchase your raffle shares for a chance to win a 2021 Chevy Trailblazer, courtesy of Chris Igoe ’93 and Heartland Chevrolet.
Rockhurst High School hosted its first-ever virtual auction in the spring of 2020. We are ever grateful to our chairs: Dori & Brad Boers, Kate & Patrick Carr, Kara & Doug Ciocca and Patty & Rob Hummel for their leadership of the record-breaking event. Spectacular 2021 – “Rock the World” will also be a virtual event on April 17. This year’s co-chairs, Christian Weld Brown & Jim Brown ’88, Lisa & Mike Connor ’88, Courtney & Patrick O’Farrell, and Courtney & Rob Sprague, have a goal to surpass last year’s record-breaking support of more than $1.2 million raised for tuition assistance at Rockhurst High School.
There are many ways to participate and support Spectacular: • Save the date for the livestream event on April 17 at 7 p.m. • Register for the event at: www.bidpal.net/spectacular21. • Purchase a raffle share to win a 2021 Chevy Trailblazer, made possible by Chris Igoe ’93 and family, along with Heartland Chevrolet. • Become an Event Underwriter. • Donate an Auction Item: • Vacation home or condo stay • Unique experiences – behind the scenes, internships, “day in the life,” hunting, fishing, golf, etc. • Sports memorabilia • Hotel stays/points • Exercise equipment – Peloton, Mirror, Bowflex • Outdoor parties, food trucks • Outdoor entertainment – fire pits, grills, smokers, outdoor movie projection kit • Home services – stone/tile work, painting, landscaping, home repair/handyman service Contact Moira Healy at mhealy@rockhursths.edu for more information OR visit www.rockhursths.edu/Spectacular21.
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ALUMNI ACCOMPLISHMENTS Tom Jantsch ’77 was named a CFO of the Year by the Kansas City Business Journal. He is among nine honorees chosen from a highly qualified pool of applicants. Jantsch is the CFO of Bardavon Health Innovations LLC, a national specialty physical medicine network.
Sam Enna, PhD, ’61 won the 2020 Otto Krayer Award in Pharmacology, given by the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET). Also, in November 2019 he was named a Foreign Honorary Member of the Chinese Pharmacological Society in a ceremony in Beijing. Dr. Enna is only the second person to receive this honor in the history of the Chinese Pharmacological Society.
Capt. Tom Spink ’63 released a new book, Pacific Patrol: A History of Patrol Aviation during the Cold War in the Pacific. The book details a brief history of Patrol aviation in the Pacific, with stories by VP aviators from the Korean Conflict, Vietnam and the Cold War. It also includes more than 400 photos.
Jack Holland ’68 was appointed President of the Kansas City Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners in November 2019. The Parks Board was established in 1892 and is responsible for managing the KC Parks system, which includes more than 12,000 acres of parkland and playgrounds, hundreds of miles of boulevards and parkways, five golf courses, 10 community centers, eight museums and 48 fountains.
Brian O’Laughlin ’75 was awarded the Hibernian of the Year traveling trophy from the Fr. Bernard Donnelly Division of the Kansas Ancient Order of Hibernians. The Hibernians is an Irish-Catholic fraternal organization whose motto is Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity. They support many Catholic charities in the Kansas City Metropolitan area.
Joe Drape ’80 released a book called The Saint Makers: Inside the Catholic Church and How a War Hero Inspired a Journey of Faith. It details the life of Father Emil Kapaun, a priest from Wichita who is the most decorated military chaplain in American history, with honors that include the Congressional Medal of Honor and a bronze star.
Mike Rader ’90 was named the Best Lawyer in America in the fields of Product Liability and Personal Injury Litigation. Rader is a partner at Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader in Leawood, Kansas.
Shawn Hair ’82 is the boys’ head basketball coach at Shawnee Mission East High School. On Dec. 10, 2019, Hair earned his 300th win as the Lancers’ head coach. Hair has been the SME boys’ varsity basketball coach for 24 years, and a varsity head coach for 29 years.
Bob Spaniol ’72 was named a “Hero in Healthcare” by Ingram’s Magazine. Spaniol is the director of the University of Kansas Health System’s privacy and security of patients’ health information, and has been involved in the hospital’s “Christmas in October” program.
Kevin Regan ’73 was included in the Super Lawyers Top 50 list of the finest attorneys in Kansas and Missouri. Regan has held this distinction for over 10 years. In 2020 he was also named to serve a multiyear term with the Missouri Bar Foundation Board of Trustees. In addition, he was made an honorary life member of the Special Forces Association, Bull Simons Chapter, a rare honor bestowed upon a civilian by Special Forces soldiers.
Sean Miller ’77 was celebrated by Synergy Services, Inc. at its 30th Annual “Kindest Kansas Citian Awards – A Celebration of Our Superheroes” on May 1, 2020. Miller is the CEO of The Miller Group, an insurance brokerage firm based in Overland Park.
John Cooper ’87 was named an assistant coach of the SMU Men’s Basketball Team. Cooper has served as head coach at Miami (Ohio) and Tennessee State, as well as an assistant coach at Oklahoma State, South Carolina, Oregon and Auburn. Stephen Reintjes, Sr., MD, ’75 was named the CEO of North Kansas City Hospital and began the role in April 2020. Founder of the neurosurgery practice at North Kansas City Hospital, Dr. Reintjes has held many leadership positions during the last 30 years, including director of spine surgery and medical staff president.
Peter Mallouk ’88, president and chief investment officer of Creative Planning, announced on March 17, 2020, that his company has increased their gift to Harvesters – The Community Food Network to $1 million. The donation helped assist the food bank’s response to the COVID-19 crisis to deliver food for families that couldn’t afford food.
Jeff Dunn, DO, ’95 worked as a hospitalist for 10 years after residency, then left clinical practice in 2015 to start Redivus Health, a health care technology company. In April 2020 he decided to reenter clinical practice to aid frontline physicians in fighting COVID-19.
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Mark Blanck, Jr. ’98 accepted the position of Director of Major Gifts for Health Sciences at the University of MissouriKansas City in February 2020. Blanck worked at Rockhurst High School since 2010, serving as the Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving for five years and the Director of Major Gifts for four years. During his tenure, Blanck worked tirelessly to help secure significant and impactful charitable gifts to the school. Josh Brewster ’99 was named to Ingram’s Magazine’s “40 Under Forty” list. Brewster is the vice president of public relations at KC-based Trozzolo Communications Group. He joined 13 years ago and has worked his way up from senior account executive to director of client engagement and then account group vice president before taking on his current role in 2017.
Eric Munninghoff ’99, Henry Thomas ’06 and Max Kaniger ’09 were selected to the Kansas City Business Journal’s list of NextGen Leaders Award Program. This program honors 25 emerging leaders in the Kansas City area. A panel of judges selected the 25 NextGen Leaders based on their accomplishments, talents and drive.
Stephen Stinger ’05 won the Young Engineer of the Year award from the Western Chapter of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE) at the 69th Annual Engineers’ Week Celebration. Stinger is a civil/structural engineer at Black & Veatch in Kansas City. He is also the current vice president of the Kansas City Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
Andrew Elmer ’03, an architect at HOK, led the design team that won the commission to design a new $20 million lacrosse-specific stadium for Ohio State University. The stadium will hold 2,500 fans with grandstand seating, berm seating and rooftop decks.
PJ Thompson ’06 was named vice president of finance and corporate administration at Country Club Bank. Thompson becomes the first of the third generation of Byron Thompson leadership at the bank. PJ’s father, Paul Thompson ’80, is the chairman and CEO.
Brian Smith-Vandergriff ’99 was selected as the chief financial officer of Ohio University Credit Union (OUCU). SmithVandergriff brought nearly two decades of financial experience to OUCU, including 13 years with a credit union-owned broker/ dealer and investment advisor and over five years as owner and partner at Financial Management Services, Inc.
Charlie Peters, MD, ’02 has joined the surgical staff at Penrose-St. Francis Hospital in Colorado Springs as a Surgical Oncologist. He recently completed a two-year Fellowship in Surgical Oncology at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.
Hani El-Halawany, MD, ’03 is now board-certified in Gastroenterology. Dr. El-Halawany is an Advanced Interventional Endoscopy Fellow at Carolinas Medical Center/UNC-Charlotte.
John Moffitt ’06 was selected by Super Lawyers as a Missouri and Kansas Rising Star for Personal Injury litigation – a list that included no more than 2.5% of attorneys in each state. This is the third year in a row that Moffitt has been recognized for this award by his peers and colleagues. He is an associate attorney with Holland Injury Law LLC in St. Louis.
Reeves Wiedeman ’04 released his first book, Billion Dollar Loser, on Oct. 20. It’s about the strange rise and swift fall of WeWork, and the startup bonanza of the 2010s. It was included on the New York Times’ list of 17 New Books to Watch For in October.
Cornell Ellis ’08 is the Founder/Executive Director of BLOC (Brothers Liberating Our Community), which aims to sustain and ultimately retain black men in schools. BLOC won a grant from LEANLAB supporting Black and Latinx innovators who are working toward a better education for Kansas City children.
Scott Campbell ’03, Jeff Huggins ’07 and Kemer Quirk ’08 have linked up to create a team at Smash My Trash (SMT), a nationwide franchise new to KC. SMT’s main goal is to disrupt the waste removal industry. SMT exists to deliver two primary functions: financial savings for clients and reductions of emissions. Their trucks smash the contents of the dumpster and reduce the number of hauls to the landfill by 70%, which saves clients a guaranteed 20% on their waste removal cost. Quinn Damon ’08 was named to Detroit Business’ list of 30 in Their Thirties. Damon is a partner and vice president of Lockton, currently in the company’s Detroit office. For a period, Damon worked with clients in construction and manufacturing. After building a book of business in Kansas City valued at more than $1 million, he was promoted to vice president and partner.
Lucas Commodore ’09 opened a new Imo’s Pizza location in Kansas City in October 2020, at 42nd & Rainbow. The revamped space is initially focusing on curbside carryout and delivery, but has a brand new dining room as well.
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Max Kaniger ’09 is the founder and executive director of Kanbe’s Markets, which focuses on delivering fresh produce to corner and convenience stores in Kansas City’s food deserts. The nonprofit company, founded in 2018, recently received its largest gift – a $200,000 grant from Bank of America Corp.
Michael Rockhold ’09 was named to the Ingram's Magazine list of “20 in Their Twenties.” He leads the capital markets unit for Five Elms Capital, a source of vital early-stage funding for promising companies. His capital markets group formed a little more than a year ago, but already is engaged in dialogue with more than 500 organizations.
Nathan Scheelhaase ’09 was named to 247 Sports’ 30Under30 list for the second consecutive year. He is currently the wide receivers coach at Iowa State University. The website also wrote an article titled “Nathan Scheelhaase emerging as one of CFB’s top young coaches.”
Jay Austin ’11 works to help underserved communities in Kansas City gain access to critical COVID-19 testing resources. He was able to secure a grant that allowed for 5,000 COVID tests. Austin continues working to partner with different community organizations to offer more tests to those in need.
Capt. Chandler Smith ’11 was included on Men’s Health UK’s list of “13 Inspirational Black Men Who Are Leading Their Fields and Paving the Way for the Next Generation.” Capt. Smith is a U.S. Army Captain and an elite-level CrossFit athlete. He finished sixth in this year’s CrossFit Games.
Emerson Hodes ’12 was named to the Ingram's Magazine list of “20 in Their Twenties.” He is the senior talent scout and marketing manager for Chief of Staff, a recruiting agency. Hodes also is founder of The Loop KC, an organization that helps young professionals find resources and connections vital to early-career success.
Kyle McLagan ’14 signed a one-year contract with the KC Comets in the Major Arena Soccer League in December 2020. At Rockhurst, McLagan was an All-American who helped lead the Hawklets to the 2013 State Championship. Then he was a 1st Team All-Southern Conference player at Furman University before playing professionally in Denmark for two years and Iceland for six months.
Robert Kelly ’14 was named the interim head coach of the Avila men’s soccer team on Oct. 22, 2020. He made the transition from assistant coach to head coach. Kelly helped Rockhurst win a State Championship as a player in 2010 and then went on to play collegiately at the University of Tulsa, Cloud County Community College and San Francisco State University before playing professionally for the KC Comets.
Ralvell Rogers II ’14 founded a publishing company called Ambitious Stories, LLC. The company published his first book, The Kansas City Boys Choir: Providing Hope For Tomorrow, in collaboration with The Kansas City Boys Choir (KCBC) and its founder, Ah’Lee Robinson.
Brion Dennis ’18 received a Renée L. Harrangue Ph.D. Award from Loyola Marymount University. The award honors sophomore students “who have distinguished themselves as leaders in service ‘with and for others.’”
Trey Vickers ’14 has joined FreeState Roofing as a Sales Representative. He specializes in residential and commercial roofing, as well as siding installation and guttering.
Charlie Heck ’15 was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft. He was taken by the Houston Texans with the 126th pick. Heck is an offensive lineman who started in his final 34 games of his career at North Carolina. As a senior, he was named 2nd Team All-ACC and surrendered only 1/3 of a sack all season from his left tackle position.
Patrick Bessenbacher ’16 was accepted into the Master of Opera program at The Juilliard School in New York. He studied Opera Performance at the University of Colorado Boulder. In February 2020, Bessenbacher was named a 2020 Seagle Music Colony Emerging Artist as a tenor.
Krishon Harris ’18 executed a 3D printing medical mask project through The STEAM Studio and Rockhurst University. Harris figured out the codes and modified the original design to make the mask more comfortable. Alumni Submissions Would you, a family member or friend like to be included in the Rock News? If you have a story idea, accomplishment, or announcement of marriage, birth or death, please let us know! All submissions should be sent to Robbie Haden ’09, Director of Communications, at rhaden@rockhursths.edu.
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Births
Marriages
Mark Blanck ’98 and Natalie, a son, Connor Stephen
Will Tarr ’07 and Katherine, a daughter, Amelia Grace
Jack Shuler ’05 and Maggie Higgins
Scott Reagan ’99 and Claire, a son, Isaac Harris
Conner Teahan ’07 and Alyssa, a son, Macoy Richard
Daniel Kovac ’06 and Mallorie Moore
Corey Egan ’00 and Lindsey, a daughter, Olivia Jeanne
Alex Cowan ’08 and Abigail, a son, Patrick Alexander
Griffin Foley ’07 and Molly Rice
Brandon Shelby ’00 and Jennifer, a daughter, Londyn Grace
Taylor Dorman ’08 and Madison, a son, Case William
Lou Groff ’07 and Kara Bellina
Chris Bachkora ’02 and Molly, a son, Joseph Charles
Michael Looney ’08 and Amy, a son, Christopher Michael III
Kevin Looby ’07 and Erin Kohake
Wes Cotter ’02 and Betsy, daughters
Jerry Mancusco ‘08 and Haley, a daughter, Mary Madeline
Kelly Mercer ’07 and Mollie Smith
A WORD FROM THE PRINCIPAL Alumni & Friends of Rockhurst,
Evelyn Jane and Margaret Rose
Andrew McCracken ’08 and Anna, a son, Judah David
Drew Arensberg ’08 and Kara Tweedy
Danny Martucci ’02 and Annie, a daughter, Evelyn Grace
Michael Bahl ’09 and Erin, a daughter, Zoe Calliope
Paul Boushka ’08 and Taylor Grant
Cameron Nordholm ’02 and Morgan, a son, River Charles
Johnny Belfonte ’09 and Kristin, a daughter, Cecilia Corraine
Peter O’Neill ’08 and Lilly Jianas
Dr. Charlie Peters ’02 and Beth, a daughter, Natalie Elizabeth
Jack Caffrey ’09 and Sarah, a son, Louis Andrew
Delaney O’Rourke ’08 and Kirsten Gobell
Chris Schaefer ’02 and Kelsey, a son, Everett Christopher
Jacob Davis ’09 and Briana, a son, Wesley Craemer
Joe Tulipana ’08 and Maggie Miller
Brian Betterman ’03 and Crystal, sons, Cooper Carnes
John Hoefer ’09 and Marisa, a son, Francis Michael
Jared Dull ’09 and Sarah Gill
Brendan Houlehan ’09 and Celeste, a daughter,
Bob Harbin ’09 and Chloe Gremaud
and Liam Harvey Drew Davison ’03 and Jenna, a daughter, Morgan Ellie
Brett Kreikemeier ’09 and Brittany Green
Serafina Marie
Colin Groves ’03 and Amanda, a son, Louis Philip
Peter Moorman ’09 and Meg, a son, Brooks Thomas
Christian Krueger ’09 and Lauren Bukaty
Tucker Keatley ’03 and Liz, a daughter, Ada Rhiannon
Jeff Shuler ’09 and Bri, a son, Ellis Timothy
Patrick Lillis ’09 and Emily Noland
Kevin Lenihan ’03 and Cathy-Anne, a son, Alexander Paul
Kyle Toth ’09 and Melanie, a daughter, Mila Jeanne
Joe Rasmussen ’09 and Melanie Kubayko
John-Paul Nigro ’03 and Christy, a son, Robert Anthony
Will Nulton ’10 and Jordan, a daughter, Mary Grace
Tim Schulte ’09 and Kylie Deneen
Peter Novick ’03 and Susannah, a son, Beau Walter
Jimmy Martucci ’11 and Meagan, a son, Colin Christopher
Michael Bangert ’10 and Alison Stephens
Marcus Perry ’03 and Kelsey, a son, Thomas Dean
Chris Miller ’11 and Chandler, a son, Crew Hudson
Sal Belfonte ’10 and Leah Miener
Seamus McLaughlin ’04 and Brittany, a daughter,
Jimmy Shay ’11 and Maddie, a daughter, Hadley Marie
Chris Camarata ’10 and Jackie Piszczek
Ezra Boyd ’14 and Laura, a daughter, Sophia Annelise
Taylor Conklin ’10 and Katie Kwedar
Emmaline Anne
When we safely reopened school for inperson learning and formation in August of 2020, the students and staff who were gathered for orientations and inservices heard this consistent message from the Principal: “I’m just happy to be here.”
Michael Wiggins ’04 and Katy, a daughter, Rylie Hibler
Keaton Dorman ’10 and Courtney Martin
John Wilson ’04 and Becky, a daughter, Eleanor Marianne
Jack Evans ’10 and Rosie Hodes
Frank Allen ’05 and Nicole, a son, Jack Francis
Jon Feder ’10 and Kate McEnerney
Jeff Barnthouse ’05 and Jill, a daughter, Lily Mae
Phillip Moderson ’10 and Bailey Base
Terry McMahon ’05 and Bailey, a son, Marshall Edward
Nicholas Schilling ’10 and Ellen Kane
Trey Schorgl ’05 and Lesley, a daughter, Camille Marie
Alex Sosinski ’10 and Avery Johnson
Matt Switzer ’05 and Bridget, a daughter, Julia Rose
Mick White ’10 and Melynee Saya
Jack Hodes ’06 and Isabel, a son, Nicolas Francis
Travis Leinenbach ’11 and Bridget Pederson
Joseph Privitera ’06 and Kaitlin, a daughter, Nora Ann
Joey Mancuso ’11 and Abigail Leek
Jeremiah Reardon ’06 and Kelly, a daughter, Emmy Scout
Eric Orscheln ’11 and Shauna Moradi
Nick Vignatelli ’06 and Blair, a daughter, Hadley Love
Ryan McAnany ’12 and Moira Quinn
Dusty Kunce ’07 and Karen, a son, Griffin Joseph
Curran Steck ’13 and Kelly Stokes
This message, it was suggested on that warm, late-summer day – then five Rev. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ months into a global pandemic – was Principal, Rockhurst High School very likely an attitude of gratitude that many if not most students and staff felt, albeit with a bit of trepidation mixed in. We were all just happy, and grateful, to be here, particularly after living through stay-at-home orders for three months of an active school year that pivoted during spring break to emergency remote learning. Grateful and happy, and perhaps a little anxious, many of us wondered, will Rockhurst still be open after Labor Day? After fall break? After Thanksgiving and Christmas? Will we need to close again? With a full semester of sports, clubs, retreats and activities, and with many months of forming friendships and learning how to grow in the pillars of the Graduate at Graduation, our doors are open and remain open, and we continue our more than 110-year tradition of education and formation of “men for others”.
Last year there was a lot of understandable but ultimately negative energy in our country surrounding the idea that 2020 was a lost year, a year without any blessings, devoid of any worth or value. Yet, the daily witness of being Open to Growth and the herculean labors by our mission-centered, studentfocused faculty, counselors, coaches, club moderators, professional staff and Jesuit priests offer an alternative narrative. Indeed, 2020 was a tough year the world over, but at Rockhurst, we held true to our mission – amid months of riskmitigation planning and implementation – and we humbly offer every success that we have enjoyed, every obstacle we have overcome, to God’s greater honor and glory. Our students mean the world to us, and we are so grateful to them, as well as to their families, for believing in Rockhurst and for their ongoing trust and support. May 2021 – just like 2020 – be filled with many graces, and may we continue our attitude of gratitude for the boundless blessings bestowed on us each day by our ever-loving, always-present God.
AMDG,
Rev. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ Principal, Rockhurst High School
Deaths Alumni Herbert Ziegler, Jr. ’40 Edward O’Connor ’41 Robert Turgeon ’43 James Dishman ’46 Thomas O’Brien ’46 William Kelly, Jr. ’47 Rev. John Mannion ’47 Rev. Robert Brown Pflumm ’47 Charles Kempster ’48 Donald Krause ’49 Rev. Alexander Sinclair ’49 Henry DeVry ’50 William Harries ’50 Capt. Thomas Flannery III ’51 James Jordan ’51 Cornelius McCaffrey,Jr. ’51 John Runyan ’51 Rev. Luke Byrne, SJ, ’52 Edward Cleary ’52 Lawrence Nash ’52 Allan Fanning ’53 John Kirchner, Jr. ’53 Jerome Mahoney ’53 Jerome Cahill ’54
James Lawler ’55 Edward McMurren ’55
Emil Hecke ’78 T. Scott Jenkins ’78
Steven Burdge, Sr. Valerie Caffrey
Mary Kuhnlein Matt Levi
Michael Siragusa Richard Smith
Dr. Daniel Peterson ’55 G. Patrick Harriman ’57 Neil Sullivan ’57 Richard Corrigan ’58 Frank Rieger ’58 Edward Atchity ’59 Thomas Norman ’59 John Baker, Jr. ’60 Joseph Molinaro ’60 Joseph Witherow ’60 Gregory Allison ’62 Michael Earley ’63 James O’Neil ’63 Thomas McBrien ’64 Thomas Kramer ’65 Dr. V. Michael Bono ’68 James McGilley, III ’68 John O’Donnell ’68 Michael Bowen ’69 John Klein, III ’69 David Tremble ’69 Thomas Seibolt ’70 David Fitzgerald ’75 Thomas Craddock ’77 Stephen Crowley ’78
Peter Winger ’80 James Salerno ’82 Kevin Wyatt ’82 John Diemer ’85 Scott Allan ’86 Michael Naumann ’88 Michael Ryan ’88 Shenandoah Myers ’90 Christopher Paone ’99 Kyle Messerli ’09 Adrian Amaya ’12
Edward Carlin Barbara Concannon Dr. Daniel Connelly Jamie Cosentino Sarah Cubit Rev. Tom Cummings, SJ Barbara Daniels Clarinne DiGiovanni William Dooley Donald Dors Marceline Franey Deshon Gavin Dr. Braham Geha Dr. Jerry Goben William Gorden Marilyn Jean Gose R. Bradley Hansen Patricia Hardin Rose Harper Dr. John Hense Richard Howard, Sr. John Jenks Patricia Keller Nancy Kincaid William Korth
Majorie Lippert James Maher Donna Mandl Mary Beth Martz Judith Marx Phyllis McClard Manuel Medina Michael Menkal John Miceli Philip Morrisey Kathryn Gordon Murphy Mary O’Connor Michael Oyler Michael Parks Angelo Pascuzzi Doris Pesci Steve Phillips Kathleen Polsinelli Roberto Ramirez Patricia Rasmussen Ronald Rebore, Sr. Jackson Rouse Nancy Rowley Carol Schlitzer James Sheedy
Peggy Soden Marsha Stanton Rev. Edward Sthokal, SJ Barbara Strayer Kathleen Stubbers Leo Francis Stueve Rose Marie Swarts Joseph Taschler Suzanne Teeven Rita Teson Jim Thorman John Walker Donald Weston Fifi Wiedeman Marta Zamora
Friends Rev. Dr. Sam Akande Celia Banago Ann Bax Frances Berg Cathy Bianco Jeanne Blanck June Ann Bloskey Frank Bolling Robert Borchardt, Jr. Joan Boushka Nick Boyd, Sr. Buck Buchanan
* R ecorded since the last edition of the Rock News, December 2019
“
Our students mean the world to us, and we are so grateful to them, as well as to their families, for believing in Rockhurst and for their ongoing trust and support.
”
– Rev. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ
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Rockhurst ALUMNI MAGAZINE
HURTADO SCHOLARS PROGRAM CONTINUES GROWTH
A WORD FROM THE ADMISSIONS TEAM Hello from the Rockhurst High School Admissions team, Mike Comiskey ’03 and Beth Jerome.
Mike Comiskey ’03
Mike here! I’m in my second year as a member of the Admissions team, having spent the prior three years on the Rockhurst Advancement team as the Director of Alumni Relations. I graduated from Rockhurst High School in 2003 and went on to graduate from Eastern Illinois University in 2007. I’ve enjoyed the switch from working with our alumni to prospective students and families (and still many alumni!). The opportunity to help build our community has been an honor that I enjoy every day.
The unique challenges of 2020 have provided an opportunity for us to fast-track long-term goals and planning: virtual tours, virtual information sessions, outdoor events, digital content and more. The work of our administrators, faculty and staff this summer and school year has been amazing to witness. They’ve granted us the ability to host prospective families in a variety of capacities to provide the next class of Hawklets a vibrant and unique view of life at The Rock. We look forward to welcoming back those of you with grade school-aged boys, or grandsons, as you explore the high school search and decision process. Mike Comiskey ’03
Director of Admissions mcomiskey@rockhursths.edu 816-363-2036 ext. 559 Beth Jerome
Beth here! I’m in my second year at Rockhurst High School as part of the Admissions team, after spending 10 years in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph as a teacher and administrator. I graduated from St. Teresa’s Academy in 2002, was a Beth Jerome 2006 graduate of DePaul University, and received my master’s in teaching and learning from Avila University in 2016. I am a proud granddaughter, daughter and sister of Rockhurst alums and have always enjoyed cheering on the Hawklets. I have thoroughly enjoyed helping families through the application and enrollment process. What a year it’s been. In year one, we felt blessed to welcome 258 young men to the Rockhurst community in the Class of 2024. Bringing families together from 67 sending schools and 67 ZIP codes goes to show the strong attraction Rockhurst has across the entire Kansas City metro.
Assistant Director of Admissions bjerome@rockhursths.edu 816-363-2036 ext. 557
Since 2012, the Hurtado Scholars Program at Rockhurst High School has sought to assist boys who have great potential, but for whom a Catholic, college preparatory education may not be attainable. The program works with rising sixth grade boys through their eighth grade year to expand their skills and education in preparation for high school. If they choose to attend Rockhurst and are accepted, they will attend the school with minimal tuition cost, possible through the support of generous Rockhurst and Hurtado Scholars Program donors. As the program has grown, Rockhurst was also able to bring on Anthony Re as the program’s full-time Middle School Director.
On a fall video call with a couple who have provided significant financial support to the Hurtado Scholars Program, two students were asked what it was like to be in person but have to wear masks all day. Without missing a beat, one student responded, “The packaging looks different, but the gift is the same.” Contributions in support of the gift of a Rockhurst education through the Hurtado Scholars Program can be made online at www.rockhursths.edu/hurtado/donate. If you would like to learn more about the program, join us for an early summer event, The Fire that Kindles Other Fires / El Fuego que Enciende Otros Fuegos. Email Moira Healy at mhealy@rockhursths.edu to request your invitation.
Scholars traditionally spend five summer weeks, Monday through Friday, learning, taking standardized tests and enjoying field trips. Due to COVID-19, the 2020 summer shifted to three weeks with longer academic periods to ensure maximum instructional time. “As teachers, we were thrilled to get to see our students again, and the boys were excited to learn again outside of their homes while also getting to see their friends,” said Re. “Several parents even went so far as to suggest that returning to Hurtado was one of the first times they had seen their sons smile in several months. While many of the nuts and bolts that make the program run were different this summer, the joy and gratitude of all involved (what I like to call the ‘heart’ of our program) were evident and seemingly stronger than ever last summer.” In previous years, Scholars have been picked up from their grade schools every Tuesday and Thursday during the school year to come to Rockhurst for tutoring and activities. Since using the school’s vans to transport dozens of students is not currently possible, the program had to rely on families to transport their Scholars on 18 Saturdays throughout the year to offer the three academic focuses: Math, Language Arts and enrichment.
Seven members of Rockhurst’s Graduating Class of 2020 were part of the pioneer group of the Hurtado Scholars Program.
“Things look different, and we don’t get to see the Scholars as frequently, but everyone associated with Hurtado has been fantastic in making sure these boys still get to be true Hurtado Scholars,” said Re. “They are still learning, they are still growing, and they are still being formed into the young men God created them to be.” For the 2020-21 academic year, there are 29 sixth to eighth grade boys enrolled in the program, and 33 graduates are current Rockhurst students. Rockhurst’s Graduating Class of 2020 included seven Hurtado Scholars graduates, who were part of the program’s pioneer group.
Anthony Re, Hurtado Scholars Middle School Director
Hurtado Scholars meet at the Hawklets Center for academic work on a Saturday in December.
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Rockhurst ALUMNI MAGAZINE
FIVE SENIORS NAMED NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS
SPEECH & DEBATE COMPETITORS LEAVE MARK ON PROGRAM The effects of COVID-19 in the spring semester of 2020 extended beyond the classroom; activities, athletics and clubs also saw major changes. In some cases they were forced to cancel for the semester. One popular co-curricular activity that was able to transition to virtual competition was Speech & Debate. The 2019-20 team featured a strong group of seniors, part of Rockhurst’s Class of 2020. Five members earned qualifications to the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) National Tournament: Grant Auman, Kenan Blakey, Alex Gallagher, Harper Molen and Jackson Valenti. The team also earned membership in the 200 Club of the NSDA, meaning Rockhurst was among the top programs in the country. Specifically, Auman and Blakey stood out for their accomplishments within the program during their four years.
Seniors Jack Morris, Braden Schleicher, Sean Kueny, Thomas Tietjen and Joshua Frerker were selected as National Merit Finalists.
Five Rockhurst High School seniors were announced as National Merit Semifinalists in September 2020. They are: Joshua Frerker, Sean Kueny, Jack Morris, Braden Schleicher and Thomas Tietjen. More than 1.5 million students entered the 2021 competition last school year by taking the 2019 PSAT, which serves as the initial screen for program entrants. Around 50,000 earned the highest index score to qualify for National Merit Scholarship Program recognition. Of those top students, approximately one-third, or about 16,000, are named as Semifinalists, and around 15,000 Semifinalists are then selected to Finalist standing. All five seniors were notified in February 2021 that they had earned Finalist recognition. Each scholar speaks to his National Merit Finalist selection. Jack Morris “The National Merit is an award that shows that my hard work is paying off. My favorite things are the people inside of the school and the teachers I’ve had in my four years. There are so many people I’ve met that I hope to stay in touch with outside of high school.” Braden Schleicher “Being named a National Merit Finalist came as an honor. This recognition encourages me for whatever
may lie ahead. The scholarship opportunities from the National Merit program are important, as they could open up doors to schools across the country I might not have considered.” Sean Kueny “The selection represents a great opportunity. College is extremely expensive these days, and I now have more doors open to pay for it. Overall, I am grateful for having been challenged academically and through co-curricular activities at Rockhurst. I feel that the school has pushed me to be more.” Thomas Tietjen “I am so honored to have been selected as a National Merit Finalist not only because of the prestige associated with this award, but also because of the opportunity to represent Rockhurst, my home away from home. I am blessed to be in the company of the four other recipients who were also recognized for this award.” Joshua Frerker “Being selected as a National Merit Finalist means a lot to me because the countless hours my fellow recipients and I have dedicated to our studies and other interests have now paid off. I am also very grateful for the teachers and staff at Rockhurst who have gone above and beyond to push me to be the best person I can be.”
Auman was named the 2020 Garrett Clark Show Me District Student of the Year, making him just the second Rockhurst student to ever receive the award. He was the fifth Hawklet in program history to be a three-time NSDA National qualifier. He was a 2019 NSDA Academic All-American. Also in 2019, Auman was both District and State Champion in LincolnDouglas Debate.
Grant Auman ’20 became just the second Rockhurst student to win the Garrett Clark Show Me District Student of the Year.
“Grant is one of the most talented debaters to come out of Rockhurst Speech & Debate,” said Phil Helt ’07, Speech & Debate Coach. “I firmly believe that if the 2020 MSHSAA State Championship had not been canceled, Grant would have easily become a two-time State Champion.” Blakey placed 11th in Informative Speaking at the 2020 NSDA National Tournament and was the Informative Speaking champion of the 3P Speech Showcase that featured competitors from across the country. He placed third in Poetry Reading at the 2019 MSHSAA State Championships, and fourth in Poetry Reading at the 2018 MSHSAA State Championships. Blakey was also a 2020 NSDA Academic All-American.
Kenan Blakey ’20 placed 11th in Informative Speaking at NSDA Nationals.
“As a competitor, Kenan is one of the best performers I have ever coached,” said Helt. “Kenan chose some controversial topics for his speeches, and ballots applauded him for his courage in educating the audience on why these topics mattered.” Rockhurst’s Class of 2020 had five members qualify for and compete in the NSDA’s virtual national competition: (L-R) Alex Gallagher, Kenan Blakey, Harper Molen, Grant Auman and Jackson Valenti.
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Rockhurst ALUMNI MAGAZINE
CLASS MEMBERS RECOGNIZED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO SCHOOL A long-standing tradition at Rockhurst High School is honoring five upperclassmen for their service to their classmates, school and community. Each year, three seniors and two juniors are chosen by Rockhurst students, teachers and administrators for these prestigious awards. The senior awards are announced each spring at the annual AllSchool Awards Assembly. Due to COVID-19, the assembly was not possible in 2020, so the awards were hand-delivered to the homes of the winners by President David Laughlin and Principal Rev. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ. Casey O’Halloran ’20 received the Senior Class Award of Excellence and Achievement. This is awarded by members of the senior class to the student who they believe possesses the qualities they hope that others find in them, having experienced and benefited from this extraordinary devotion to the class and to the school. Michael Kuklenski ’20 (pictured on page 3) received the Carl G. Kloster, SJ, “Special R” Award. This is conferred upon a graduating senior who embodies the spirit and tradition of Rockhurst High School and is a young man who consistently puts the welfare of his fellow students above his own interests. Luke Rottinghaus ’20 received the Jesuit Schools Network Award. This is given to a senior who is considered generous with his talents, dedicated to the Gospel message, and devoted to the Christian ideals as enunciated by the founder of the Society of Jesus, St. Ignatius Loyola, and who exemplifies the ideal graduate of Jesuit education by being open to growth, intellectually competent, religious, loving and committed to doing justice. Two juniors are honored during the grade’s Junior Ring ceremonies. Also, due to COVID-19, that event was changed to a drive-thru ceremony in May in which the award winners were surprised by Rockhurst faculty members. AJ Frazier ’21 received the Thomas R. McGee, Sr. Leadership Award, given in recognition of outstanding overall leadership qualities by a junior.
“I was honored to receive this award, but was also a little surprised that I was chosen for my leadership,” Frazier said. “But as I look at it now, I am a person that my classmates can follow and look up to. It was an honor to know I have become that type of person without even realizing it.” Tommy Tietjen ’21 received the Joseph Patrick McCormick Memorial Award. The family and friends of McCormick established the award in 1972 to perpetuate his memory at Rockhurst by honoring a student who is in his junior year, has merited an “R” Award, and manifests Christian values in a superior manner in his life. Past recipients have distinguished themselves with their loving commitment to service their classmates. “As I researched the award, I was extremely impressed with Joseph McCormick’s accomplishments and dedication to Rockhurst,” said Tietjen. “I was humbled to receive this award in memory of such an outstanding individual.”
CLASS OF 2020 STUDENT-ATHLETES COMMIT TO COLLEGES Many student-athletes in the Class of 2020 unfortunately saw their final seasons of high school athletics canceled due to COVID-19. Fall and winter sports enjoyed success during their seasons, but all spring sports were called off before competitions began. Still, 21 student-athletes in the Class of 2020 signed to continue their academic and athletic careers in college.
Casey O’Halloran ’20 received the Senior Class Award.
In baseball, six Hawklets signed to play in college: Sam Brady (Kansas), Stone Hewlett (Kansas), Chuck Ingram (Wichita State), Brennan Perkins (Truman State), Charlie Roder (Drury), and Will Walsh (Nebraska). In cross country/track, one Hawklet signed to run in college: Wesley Porter (Virginia).
Tommy Eckels, Owen Lawson, Tucker Atwood and Tim Glaser signed to play football in college. Not pictured: Luke Beshoner and Nick Smrt.
In football, six Hawklets signed to play in college: Tucker Atwood (Northwest Missouri State), Luke Beshoner (Central Missouri State), Tommy Eckels (Vanderbilt), Tim Glaser (South Dakota), Owen Lawson (Kansas State), and Nick Smrt (Dayton). Luke Rottinghaus ’20 received the Jesuit Schools Network Award.
In golf, two Hawklets signed to play in college: Michael Bessenbacher (Washburn) and Evan Highfill (William Jewell). In lacrosse, two Hawklets signed to play in college: Mason Vasta (Air Force) and Simon Williams (Lindenwood). In soccer, two Hawklets signed to play in college: Liam Bailey (Wisconsin) and Caden McLagan (St. Thomas).
AJ Frazier ’21 received the Thomas R. McGee, Sr. Leadership
Liam Bailey and Caden McLagan, joined by Head Coach Matt Darby ’00, signed to play soccer in college.
In track & field, one Hawklet signed to compete in college: Brendan Safley (Northern Iowa).
Award.
Tommy Tietjen ’21 received the Joseph Patrick McCormick Memorial Award.
Wesley Porter and Brendan Safley signed to compete in cross country/track and track & field in college. They are pictured with cross country and track & field coaches Michael Dierks ’91, Troy Harding and Martin Radosevic.
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Rockhurst ALUMNI MAGAZINE
STUDENT-ATHLETES CELEBRATED FOR WORK BEYOND SPORTS
2019-20 SPORTS SEASONS FIND SUCCESS AMID UNCERTAINTY Despite the challenges and some eventual cancellations due to COVID-19, Rockhurst High School’s athletic programs enjoyed success in their seasons. Looking back to the 2019-20 year, the fall sports season was highlighted by Wesley Porter ’20 winning the cross country individual State Championship, while also going undefeated in MSHSAA races during the season. Porter set a school record with a 5K time of 14:53.90, marking him as the third-fastest runner in Missouri state history. The team placed sixth overall. The football team lost by a field goal in the District Championship, ending the season with a record of 7-4. The soccer team made it to the Sectional Championship, but fell 2-1 and completed its season sitting at 16-7. The swim & dive team was runner-up at the State Championship Meet, led by Dylan Nill ’20 winning the 500 Freestyle. In the winter, the basketball team had a winning season, finishing 14-12. In wrestling, Rockhurst placed 11th of out 16 teams at Districts and Tyler Rinas ’20 earned a State qualification, ending his senior season with a record of 32-8. Following the effects of COVID-19, all spring sports in 2020 were forced to be canceled.
Fall sports in 2020 were able to be played, with practice and competition safety guidelines implemented. The swim & dive team made the most of its season, winning the program’s 12th State Championship – all under Head Coach Paul Winkeler. The Hawklets outscored the second-place team by nearly 100 points. Fourteen swimmers and divers earned All-State recognition, including Caden Francois ’23, who was State Champion in the 200 Freestyle and also part of the State Champion 200 Freestyle Relay team. The cross country team won Districts and qualified for the State Championship Meet for the 14th consecutive year, placing eighth as a team. Joe Seitzer ’21 finished 25th individually and earned All-State honors. The soccer team was District and Sectional Champions before losing in the State Quarterfinals in penalty kicks, ending the season at 18-3-1. All-State performers were Ryder Barrett ’22, Rocco Deppe ’21 and Ryan Thompson ’22. The football team carried a record of 5-3 into the playoffs, but unfortunately had to forfeit its opening round District game due to a COVID-19 case. Brett Harris ’21 was named to the All-State Team as an offensive lineman. The 2020-21 winter sports were still in-season at the time of print.
Mark O’Donnell ’21 was one of only 144 football players from across the country selected as a Great American Rivalry Series Student-Athlete.
“Student” always comes before “athlete” at Rockhurst High School. And although each student-athlete is required to meet a minimum GPA requirement to participate in sports, Hawklets are just as competitive in the classroom as they are on the field, court, track, course, and in the pool.
’21, Isaac Koch ’22, Wilson Selzer ’21, Bo Sprague ’21 and Daly Steinhauser ’22. Mark O’Donnell ’21 was chosen as a Great American Rivalry Series Student-Athlete Award Winner, one of only 144 from across the country. The football team collectively earned a semester GPA of 3.41.
Rockhurst student-athletes exemplified their commitment to academics in the fall semester. The cross country team had six Academic All-State selections: Aidan Callahan ’21, Brian Humphrey ’23, Eric LaSala ’21, Joe Seitzer ’21, James Tormohlen ’22 and Will Wooden ’22. As a team, the Cross Country Hawklets carried a 3.90 semester GPA.
The soccer team carried the highest GPA of any program, with a combined 3.91 GPA on the varsity team. Rockhurst received a United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award. Brooks Davidson ’21 was named to the Academic All-State Team, which included just 37 athletes total from all four classes in Missouri.
The football team included 14 Academic All-State honorees: Luke Bailey ’22, Will Eckels ’22, Aiden Flood ’22, AJ Frazier ’21, Will Gormsen ’22, John Michael Gyllenborg ’21, Cashius Howell
Rockhurst’s swim & dive team, the Aquahawks, boasted three Academic All-Americans: Adam Hawn ’21, Jack McAnany ’21 and Tommy Tietjen ’21. As a team, the Aquahawks averaged a 3.62 GPA.
The 2020 cross country team won Districts and placed 8th at State.
The seniors on the 2020 football team pose with first-year head coach Kelly Donohoe. The team’s season was cut short due to COVID-19.
The soccer team won District and Sectional titles in 2020.
The swim & dive team won the 2020 State Championship.
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ROCKHURST EARNS SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS
OUR MISSION
During the 2019-20 school year, Rockhurst High School received recognition from several local and national companies. Rockhurst was selected as an International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) STEM School of Excellence; only 10 schools in the world were selected. Rockhurst was ranked in the top 650 nationally (98th percentile) in Newsweek’s list of top STEM high schools. Rockhurst was named the Best Catholic High School in the Kansas City Area by Niche. Rockhurst was named the Best Private School by Kansas City Magazine. Rockhurst remains a STEM-certified school by AdvancED.
Rockhurst High School serves the greater Kansas City area by educating Ignatian leaders, “men for others,” in the Roman Catholic, Jesuit college preparatory tradition. In the spirit of Saint Ignatius Loyola, its goal is the formation of the whole person within a diverse and disciplined environment, as one who is open to growth, strives for academic excellence, is religious, loving and committed to justice through service.
A SPECIAL THANKS TO: Joshua Brewster ’99 and Trozzolo Communications Group for their assistance in the production of this magazine, and Sean O’Donnell and Raven Printing for their printing and mailing services.
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