Rock News Fall 2022

THE ROCK NEWS AD MAJOREM DEI GLORIAM

FOR THE GREATER GLORY OF GOD

Mr. Todd A. Schieffer

“ONLY IN THE IMAGINATION OF OUR PRAYER, AND WITH GOD’S HELP, CAN WE DREAM, JUST AS THEY DID IN MESSINA, ITALY IN 1548, WHAT GOD WILL DO WITH SO MUCH GOODNESS IN THE YEARS AHEAD.”

DEAR ROCKHURST COMMUNITY,

When Jesuit education’s first school was established in Messina, Italy in 1548, doubt those earliest Jesuits could ever have imagined how the impact of their decision would influence the world. To be sure, they were not afraid to trust God and dream big. But the truth is that with our most generous actions, no one among us really understands just how far the good extends. Only God sees the ultimate result of our acts of goodness. Generous actions can be large and well known – or, as Mark and Luke’s Gospel reminds us of the donation of the widow’s mite – they can be quiet and only known to God.

On September 30, 2022, Rockhurst High School celebrated its 60th anniversary on the Greenlease Memorial Campus. The Greenlease Family was close to the Jesuits of Kansas City, and their family suffered the terrible tragedy of their son’s kidnapping and murder in 1953. Among their selfless acts in care of others after suffering this tragedy was the gift of the campus we have operated on for 60 years.

Can any among us even begin to imagine the good that has come from the resources of the Greenlease Campus?! And, subsequent to its founding, over those 60 years, other benefactors have helped us add and improve the resources of our campus for the formation of the young men who attend our school.

And so it is with every good act of generosity that takes place in our community: the hard work of our dedicated faculty to form the minds and hearts of our boys; the sacrificial work of our Jesuits who offer Sacramental grace to our community through their presence; the sacrificial lives of our parents who offer themselves entirely for their children’s development;

the generous support of our benefactors, who make so much possible each year; and the amazing young men who come with such talent, joy, and energy each day… each builds upon and improves the resource and the community supporting our mission!

God is finding us in all things at Rockhurst. The ultimate Giver, God’s presence has been abundantly clear in the spirit, joy, hard work, and community building of this year.

Thanks to everyone in our Rockhurst community for large and small acts of generosity, all of which are focused on the young men we serve today. Only in the imagination of our prayer, and with God’s help, can we dream, just as they did in Messina, Italy in 1548, what God will do with so much goodness in the years ahead. Truly, a hope-filled future with God’s companionship.

IN CHRIST, DAVID J. LAUGHLIN | PRESIDENT ROCKHURST HIGH SCHOOL

A Word From the Alumni Association President

My fellow alumni,

Since Rockhurst High School’s first graduating class in 1917, more than 15,000 men have earned the honor of Rockhurst alumnus. Around 11,000 of alumni had their Rockhurst experience here on Greenlease Memorial Campus before going out into the world to live as “men for others”.

The foundation of their lives was built in these classrooms and hallways, and although campus may look slightly different than it did when you were a student, the Jesuit spirit remains as strong as ever.

In my role as President of the Board of Governors of the Rockhurst High School National Alumni Association, I have frequent interactions with the Board of Trustees, the school’s administration, faculty, and staff. I can personally attest to the amazing things happening at the school right now, and I can honestly say that I have never been more confident in the leadership and direction of the school and the exciting opportunities ahead.

I am most excited about new opportunities to continue to engage the alumni community and the broader Rockhurst community in support of the mission of the school.

The purpose of the Rockhurst High School National Alumni Association is to cultivate a highly engaged, diverse alumni community that strengthens the ties between alumni, the Kansas City community, and Rockhurst High School.

Over the past several years, the Board of Governors (the Alumni Board) has been canvasing our alumni community to understand what meaningful engagement looks like to our alumni. Based on that input the board has collaborated with Meredith Suarez, Director of Alumni Engagement, and the school’s administration to reshape our alumni engagement priorities and programs.

The focus of our alumni engagement strategies is to cultivate the interest of our alumni community and help them support and connect with the mission of the school.

Over the next few years, we will explore exciting new initiatives to drive alumni engagement which include:

• Enhancing our alumni database

• Revamping our alumni recognition programs

• Providing meaningful alumni volunteer opportunities

• Facilitating opportunities for alumni to connect with each other and with students.

Every Rockhurst alumnus has the potential to help us to realize these opportunities and make an impact on the mission of Rockhurst High School and the lives of current and future students. The Board of Governors is actively looking to fill volunteer roles on our various committees which produce our alumni engagement programs. Please reach out to Meredith Suarez (msuarez@rockhursths.edu) if you are interested.

Lastly, would like to welcome Todd Schieffer ’90, Nick Porto ’96, and Blaise Gassman ’16 to the Alumni Board and to extend sincere gratitude to Tom Knox ’88 and Frank Reardon ’07 who have concluded their service on the board.

These dedicated volunteer leaders embody what it means to be an engaged alumnus by intentionally giving their time, expertise, advocacy, and financial means to support the mission of Rockhurst High School.

Thank you for all that you do to support the mission of the school, the current students and families, as well as the broader Rockhurst community. I look forward to connecting with many of you through our upcoming alumni programs.

Pete Browne ’85 Honored as Alumnus of the Year

The National Alumni Association Executive Committee presented Peter B. Browne ’85 as its 2022 Alumnus of the Year during the school’s Homecoming Mass on September 29, 2022, and formally recognized Browne at the annual Fr. Puricelli, SJ, Alumni Spaghetti Dinner on November 3.

“Pete is a fantastic example of what it means to live out the Jesuit ideals,” said Frank Allen ’05, president of the Alumni Board of Governors. “He has continually reinvested his time and resources to support his local parish, the Rockhurst community, and the broader Kansas City community. We are fortunate to have him as an alumnus of Rockhurst High School and we are pleased to recognize him with this award.”

While a student at Rockhurst in the early 1980s, Browne developed his passion for community building and service. Those experiences would shape his professional calling a decade later.

“I had a wonderful experience at The Rock,” commented Browne. “Beyond the great education, it was dedicated teachers like Mr. Tom Norman and the Jesuit ‘men for others’ ethos that have informed my approach to building a business and serving our community.”

Browne co-founded Kissick Construction in 1994 with fellow longtime Rockhurst

supporter Jim Kissick ’68. They began the construction firm with a commitment to provide quality service to their Kansas City client base. That dedication has led to employing almost 400 team members and managing projects as large as $100 million. Throughout his more than 36 years of experience and leadership in the construction industry, Browne has developed a strong reputation for providing innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges for their clients, including Rockhurst High School.

The same enthusiasm and care are devoted to Browne’s community service work. He is an advocate for the arts, education, and community development.

Browne currently serves in leadership roles with Notre Dame de Sion Schools of Kansas City, the Folly Theater, The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, The Heavy Constructors Association, and is a member of the KCUR Radio Community Advisory Board. He previously served the Roanoke Park Conservancy, Kansas City Industrial Council, and Kansas City Area Development Council.

His most recent undertaking has been his election as the president of the Kansas City Public Library’s Board of Trustees. Browne joined the board in 2020 and accepted his new role in January 2022, becoming the first new president in 17 years.

“Pete exudes what it means to be a ‘man for others’,” said Spencer Hardwick ’07, Alumni Board of Governors secretary and Alumnus of the Year Chairman. “His accomplishments both in the private and public sector over the course of his career speak for themselves as well as his steadfast commitment to Rockhurst in a variety of ways. We’re humbled to honor his contributions in this capacity and celebrate knowing that his best work is still ahead.”

Generous supporters and advocates of Rockhurst High School, Browne and his spouse, Julie Walker Browne, are also proud to have their sons, Joe ’25 and Jack ’28, as a current and future Hawklet, respectively. Their daughter, Maureen, is a senior at Notre Dame de Sion.

“With my work in the construction business, we intentionally begin with a rock foundation. If the soils are sandy, we drill down deeper to anchor into rock because it’s just that important,” remarked Browne to the Rockhurst student body.

“So I say to the thousand strong Rockhurst student body assembled here: this Rock is your foundation.”

Frank Allen ’05 National Alumni Association President

Pete Browne ’85 and his family following his acceptance of the Alumnus of the Year Award in front of the student body on Sept. 29, 2022.

Scan to watch Browne’s remarks at the Homecoming Mass.

Pat McInerney ’82, Tom Knox ’88, Blaise Gassman ’16, Frank Allen ’05, and Todd Schieffer ’90 have dedicated their service to the Alumni Board. Knox has concluded his service, while Gassman and Schieffer have recently joined.

Frank Allen ’05, National Alumni Association President

ROCKHURST CELEBRATES ALUMNI REUNION

Rockhurst High School celebrated its Alumni Reunion Weekend October 6-8, 2022 with an emphasis on campus and facilities tours and connecting with today’s Hawklets.

“Our Rockhurst community is strengthened by the stories told and lifelong friendships made by our alumni. Being back together on campus for Alumni Week activities was particularly special this year,” said Meredith Suarez , Director of Alumni Engagement. “Everyone enjoys connecting with old friends and seeing how their school has changed, but at Rockhurst, the bonds of brotherhood run deep. The guys had a blast laughing and reminiscing with friends, some of whom they have known for over 50 years. They had so much fun they’re already talking about the next reunion!”

On Thursday, three alumni attorneys offered their time to speak with current students interested in a career in law. Ivan Nugent ’99, Krigel & Krigel Shareholder, Sean McLaughlin ’01, City Attorney, City of Lenexa, and Henry Thomas ’06, Sportradar’s Global Group Counsel, shared their experiences and advice through a conversation facilitated by Mock Trial team members Sam Grilliot ’23 and Pete Mandacina ’25.

Shortly after, members of the great Class of 1967 returned to campus for a luncheon celebrating their 55th year reunion. They were surprised by an enthusiastic greeting from current junior and senior Hawklets, clapping and cheering for them as they made their way into the Dining Commons.

On Friday, Paul Winkeler, swim & dive head coach, led a tour of Rockhurst’s

new facility, The Goppert Rock Plex (formerly the Red Bridge YMCA). Then more than 30 alumni returned to campus to volunteer for the Freshman Retreat Alumni Talks, speaking with the newest Hawklets about their Rockhurst experiences and the amazing opportunities they have in front of them.

In the evening, Rockhurst hosted its annual football tailgate party and Hall of Fame induction celebration. Over 300 alumni joined together on the Al Davis, Jr. Field for dinner prior to the Football Hawklets beating Blue Springs 35-21. The seven new members of Rockhurst’s Sports Hall of Fame were recognized during the tailgate and at halftime of the game (see next page). Following the football game, reunion attendees went to individual class gatherings organized by class captains.

The annual Alumni Soccer Match, loyally organized by Tom Knox ’88, took place on Saturday afternoon and featured 40 former Soccer Hawklets competing on Severino Field at Dasta Memorial Stadium.

Alumni from all classes filled the Sacred Heart Chapel at 4:00 p.m. for a celebration of Mass, led by Rev. Michael Sheeran ’57, followed by a lively reception in the Pesci Atrium as classmates reflected on the weekend activities and continued to catch up with one another.

The highlighted class celebrations on Saturday night were for the great Classes of 1967 and 1972, celebrating their 55th and 50th reunions. Both classes enjoyed dinners on campus and shared Rockhurst memories spanning more than five decades.

“Without a doubt, this was the best reunion program in my 55 years since graduation. It’s difficult to name the best part of the week since everyone made all events the best – even the students got involved to help us celebrate!” said John Oades ’67, class captain. “But two events that stuck out were the Friday Tailgate and our Class Dinner on Saturday. Both of these were on the school grounds, and both were done to perfection. And we can’t talk about the best parts of the reunion without mentioning the camaraderie with our classmates! We had guys come in from Arizona, Oregon, Texas, and even Belgium. To spend time reconnecting with all the guys at the reunion was priceless!”

Attendees for the Golden Jubilee (50th reunion) celebration shared similar sentiments.

“What a unique, enjoyable experience catching up with someone you haven’t seen or talked to in 50 years! Thanks again to the committees for organizing the weekend activities,” said Bill Ronan ’72.

Jim Van Dyke ’72 , class captain, added that classmates returned for their Jubilee Reunion from Mexico, Alaska, California, Massachusetts, Texas, and many other places. Attendees expressed how many life-long friends they met while at Rockhurst and how grateful they were to have received such a well-rounded Jesuit education.

Juniors and seniors lined the hallway outside of the Dining Commons for a surprise welcome and greeting for the great Class of 1967 prior to their luncheon together.

The great Class of 1972 celebrated its Golden Jubilee, which included a Saturday night dinner at the Hawklets Center.

Members of the great Class of 2017 returned to The Rock for their five year reunion and were reunited with their classmates and significant others at the football tailgate party.

Dr. Frank Huppe ’52 was the most senior alumnus attending Reunion Weekend and received special recognition at the tailgate party.

NEW MEMBERS INDUCTED INTO SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Established in 1991 by legendary coach and athletic director, Al Davis, Jr., along with Mike Lillis ’56, Rockhurst High School’s Sports Hall of Fame honors alumni, coaches, and friends who have had a major impact on the school’s athletic tradition.

With the induction of seven new members on Oct. 7, 2022 during Alumni Reunion Weekend, the Sports Hall of Fame now includes 142 members of Rockhurst’s storied athletic tradition, celebrated over the last 31 years.

The 2022 class included Paul McGannon ’72 (athletic trainer), Vince Hodes ’90 (football), John Teasdale ’97 (football), Zach Frisch ’05 (tennis), DJ Hord ’05 (football and track), Thomas Robinson ’06 (swim & dive), and Conner Teahan ’07 (basketball).

Highlight accomplishments for the 2022 inductees include:

PAUL MCGANNON ’72

• Athletic trainer in Kansas City for more than 40 years

• Founded Sports Rehab in 1978 and began assigning one of his trainers to Rockhurst Athletics

• Officially joined Rockhurst’s staff in 2012

• Has assisted thousands of Hawklet student-athletes

VINCE HODES ’90

• Three-year defensive back and kicker

• Kicked game-winning field goal against Jeff City in 1987 en route to State Title

• 2nd Team All-State DB in 1989

• 2nd in program history with 7 INTs in a season

JOHN TEASDALE ’97

• Three-year starter on offensive and defensive lines

• Recorded 33 tackles and 9 sacks his senior season

• 1st Team All-State lineman in 1996

• USA Today Honorable Mention All-American

DJ HORD ’05

• School record holder in 100m and 200m

• Placed top-4 at State in both events three straight years

• Three-year starting wide receiver, averaged 20 YPC for career

• 2004 US Army All-American and Gatorade Missouri Player of the Year

THOMAS ROBINSON

’06

• Member of first-ever relay State Title

• First AquaHawk individual State Champ with win in 100 Backstroke

• Member of two State Titles, starting streak of 11 consecutive championships

• Nine-time All-American

CONNER TEAHAN ’07

ZACH FRISCH ’05

• 1st Rockhurst athlete to win State as a player and a coach

• Two-time doubles State Champion

• Career doubles record of 64-2

• RHS head coach from 20122017, won three State Titles

• Led RHS Basketball to three straight Final Fours

• Two-time Gatorade Missouri Player of the Year

• As a senior, averaged 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists

• 2007 Mr. Show-Me Basketball winner

Rockhurst Sports Hall of Fame members were celebrated on October 7, 2022. Pictured left to right: Michael Dierks ’91, athletic director, Rev. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ, principal, Paul McGannon ’72, inductee, Vince Hodes ’90, inductee, John Teasdale ’97, inductee, Zach Frisch ’05, inductee, DJ Hord ’05, inductee, Coach Paul Winkeler representing inductee Thomas Robinson ’06, Conner Teahan ’07, inductee, Peter Browne ’85, Rockhurst’s 2022 Alumnus of the Year, David Laughlin, president, and Tim Reidy ’02, head of Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

Eyrie Fund Relies on Faithful Community Support

Each year at Rockhurst, we witness amazing things as we observe the growth and formation of our young men at Rockhurst. And each year alumni, parents, grandparents, past parents, and friends help build the eyrie which supports this great Jesuit Catholic tradition at Rockhurst. Thanks to this community support, as our Hawklets leave this eyrie, they in turn become leaders in the community.

EYRIE FUND contributions are annual gifts supporting the daily operations of Rockhurst High School to keep Jesuit formation and education a vibrant and accessible option for families throughout the Kansas City metropolitan region. Every student at Rockhurst benefits from your support because the operational gap between tuition income and operating costs is $2,195 per student.

Gifts to the EYRIE FUND enable us to enact our mission, as your gifts to this fund provide resources supporting everything we do, including academics, co-curriculars, athletics, community service, and pastoral ministry.

Your philanthropic generosity also allows us to provide $2.7 million in financial assistance direct to students who would not be a part of our

Rockhurst Eyrie community were it not for donor generosity.

Your prompt commitment to provide support of the EYRIE FUND will enable your gift to create impact right away.

If you’d like to speak with someone directly about your philanthropic support, please call Diane Marty, Vice President of Philanthropy & Engagement, at 816.363.2036 x538 or email dmarty@rockhursths.edu.

To make your gift online use the QR code below.

Whether you are an alumnus, parent, grandparent, past parent, or friend you know the impact of a Rockhurst education for our graduates – and, as men for others – for the world.

We are embarked on another year of thriving for your collective sons, brothers, and friends, and invite you to make Rockhurst High School your top philanthropic priority for the results you are experiencing yourselves…and watching take flight in today’s Hawklets.

Your gift is their present.... and their future.

Make your gift to the EYRIE FUND today!

“Eyrie”

Gentile ’75 Leads “Santa for a Day” Initiative

This is a wonderful image for our Hawklets at Rockhurst High School –the metaphor we use in naming our Annual Fund the EYRIE FUND

Standing in line to mail last-minute Christmas gifts some 20 years ago, Rich Gentile ’75 saw a stack of children’s letters to Santa on the counter of the post office. The letters were meant to be fulfilled by generous citizens, but the majority would remain untouched through the holiday season.

The sadness that struck him that day would be the genesis for Santa for a Day (SFAD), a public charity organization founded by Gentile that answers letters to Santa for disadvantaged kids. First established in 2018 in Chicago, SFAD has grown to seven cities, including Kansas City.

Gentile’s professional career was spent in television production with CBS Sports. Through his extensive network, he was able to facilitate partnerships with NBA teams including the Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, and Philadelphia 76ers to help expand to those cities.

The 2021 addition of Kansas City as an SFAD city was fueled by a partnership with Rockhurst benefactor John Sherman, owner of the Royals, who then involved Royals Charities. In its first year in Kansas City, Royals Charities provided 500 kids with the gifts they asked for in their letters to Santa.

Through partnerships with the housing authorities in each of the participating cities, SFAD recipients come from families living 150% below the poverty line. Gentile’s organization ensures that each child in the program receives a Christmas gift. The program also adds a literacy emphasis for the children in writing the letters that will be answered. The SFAD team facilitates gift requests and purchases, so no letters go unnoticed or untouched.

To date, SFAD has provided 30,000 gifts for 15,000 kids, and Gentile looks forward to continued growth and success. “My Jesuit background plays an important role in this undertaking because I was taught to become someone for others,” he says. “And knowing that kids had unanswered letters just broke my heart. So the initial goal of this was just to show the power of kindness in the face of adversity.”

Spoken like a “man for others”.

To learn more about Santa for a Day, visit www.santaforaday.org.

(EYE-ree): the nest of a hawk. The place where a Hawklet develops before he can take wing and be prepared to embark in the world on his own.

Rich Gentile ’75 (left) is the founder of Santa for a Day. Image from Evanston RoundTable Newspaper.

SCHOLARSHIPS HONOR LOVED ONES THROUGH FAMILY GENEROSITY

MIKE DARBY ’73 FINANCIAL AID FUND

“Of all the accolades that have been attributed to my brother Mike, a ‘man for others’ is at the top of that long list. By fully funding the Mike Darby ’73 Financial Aid Fund we have ensured that, because of Mike, a young man who would otherwise not have been able to attend Mike’s beloved Rockhurst will now be able to experience a Rockhurst education, just as Mike did.”

-Bob Darby

“When we tragically lost Mike back in 2017 our family was devastated. It was a senseless loss of life and we struggled with the best way to honor his legacy. We have been fortunate to partner with Rockhurst to find an outlet for that grief and turn it into something positive. We are able to find some solace in contributing to this wonderful institution with a gift that will allow for future generations to allow for a student to attend The Rock and hopefully live out the principles that Mike exhibited. Thank you to all that have contributed both their time and finances.”

-Brett Darby ’94

RICHARD CONNOR ’48 LEAVES

ESTATE GIFT; CHILDREN ESTABLISH SCHOLARSHIP

“Our dad was Jesuit-educated from start to finish: St. Francis Grade School, Rockhurst High School, and Spring Hill College. Much of his success derived from his Jesuit formation. Frs. Fred (Regis College) and Jack (SLU) Daly, SJ, and Luke Byrne, SJ, were relatives and close friends of the family and left a lasting impression on mom and dad. For other young men to be formed in the Ignatian way, particularly those of less means, through mom and dad’s gift would be gratifying to them both.”

-The Connor Children

Keith ’76, Rev. Brian ’78, Kevin ’81, Brennan ’83, Malachy ’86, and Mary Kate (Rubin)

To make a gift to an existing fund or inquire about establishing a Named Investment or Named Intent Fund, please contact Dr. Diane Marty, Vice President of Philanthropy & Engagement, at 816.363.2036 x538 or dmarty@rockhursths.edu.

JAMES M. KUKLENSKI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

“Rockhurst High School provided care and attention to our family during a critical time in our lives. The support of the administration, faculty, and overall community was genuine and palpable, and should be shared by many. With this scholarship, our hope is that this incredible outreach can be expanded to any and all young men wishing to attend Rockhurst.”

-Mary Kuklenski

“Rockhurst became a second home for me from the moment I started, and my dad played a large part in that. Many memories were shared with him based around the Rockhurst community. The hardworking and enthusiastic atmosphere that the staff creates represents Jim perfectly. He always preached ‘leading by example’, and having a scholarship in his name epitomizes what it means to be a ‘man for others’.”

-Michael Kuklenski

Scholarships Aid Current, Past, and Future Hawklets

Contributions, pledges, and legacy commitments are gratefully accepted to continue growing each fund. With any questions, please contact Dr. Diane Marty, Vice President of Philanthropy & Engagement, at 816.363.2036 x538 or dmarty@rockhursths.edu.

Each of these funds has a minimum cash value of $225,000 as of June 30, 2022. Based on the current spending policy, a fund with a three-year rolling value of $225,000 provides scholarship distributions of approximately $11,250, or 70% of the current-year tuition ($15,975).

Br. Lawrence W. Eilert, S.J. Scholarship

Brian M. Anselmo Memorial Scholarship Fund

Brian P. Euston Memorial Endowment Fund

Brown Family Scholarship Fund

Class of 1978 Endowment Fund

Dehaemers Family Endowment Fund

Donald P. Clarkson Memorial Scholarship Fund

Jed & Sharon Ervin Scholarship Fund

Forster-Powers Scholarship Fund

General Endowment Fund

Goppert Endowment Fund

Hurtado Scholars Tuition Assistance Fund

Jack S. Accurso Memorial Scholarship Fund

James M. Kuklenski Memorial Scholarship

James T. Glynn Family Scholarship Fund

Jim Kennedy Memorial Scholarship

Joseph Patrick McCormick Memorial Scholarship Fund

Joseph S. Geisel, III Memorial Scholarship Fund

Joseph Sr. and Maureen Gravino Memorial Endowment Fund

Each of the funds that follow have a cash value between $50,000 and $224,999 as of June 30, 2022.

Albert and Mary Kleinman Memorial Scholarship Fund

Alexander Family Fund

Alfred and Anita Valenzula Memorial Scholarship Fund

Andrew A. Klughartt Memorial Scholarship Fund

Bickimer/Franck Memorial Scholarship

Bourk Family Endowment Fund

Brenneman Family Endowment Fund

Brosnahan Family Endowment Fund

Bryan A. Gromowsky Memorial Scholarship Fund

Cavanaugh Family Scholarship Fund

Charles and Mary Regan Endowment Fund, Honoring Rev. Robert L. Poirier, S.J.

Charles G. Haake, Jr. Scholarship Fund

Class of 1962 Financial Aid Fund

Class of 1968 Endowment Fund

Class of 1970 Scholarship Fund

Dominic L. Passantino Memorial Scholarship Fund

Don and Evelyn Foley Fund

Edward J. Reardon Memorial Scholarship Fund

Emmett and Barry Scanlan Scholarship

Find A Way Scholarship Fund Honoring Tony and Marilyn Severino

Gabriel M. and Michael A. Rieke Memorial Endowment

Garcia Immigration Law Firm Fund

Gary C. Batz Memorial Fund

Lawrence D. Love Memorial Scholarship Fund

Leiker Scholarship Fund

Louis B. McGee Memorial Scholarship Fund

Manuel A. Deleon Memorial Scholarship

Marcia and Brien Boggess Scholarship Fund

Margaret and Frank McGee Memorial Scholarship Fund

Marie and Henry Zahner Memorial Scholarship Fund

Matthew W. Bloskey Memorial Scholarship Fund

McAnany Family Scholarship Fund

McDonnell Family Scholarship Fund (2) McKibbin Family Scholarship Fund

McLaughlin Family Endowment Fund

McMahon Family Scholarship

McNamara Family Scholarship

Meiners-Hodes Family Scholarship Fund

Michael Mangan Scholarship Fund

Mike Darby Financial Aid Fund

Miller Family Scholarship Fund

Nicholas S. Callegari Endowment Fund

Paul G. Damon Memorial Scholarship Fund Phillips Family Scholarship Fund

Pierce M. Lawless Memorial Scholarship Fund

Raymond and Helen Sonnenberg Family Scholarship

Rev. Charles E. Sullivan, S.J. Scholarship Endowment

Rev. Mario T. Puricelli, S.J. Scholarship Fund

Rev. Terrence A. Baum, S.J. Endowment Fund

Rev. Thomas A. Pesci, S.J. Campus Beautification Fund

’20

Kahn Family Scholarship Fund

Laurence Wade Freeman Man for Others Fund

Louis R. Trigg Scholarship Fund

M. Kelley Wilson Memorial Scholarship Fund

Mabel Batchel Scholarship Fund

Matthew McCullough Scholarship

McDonnell Family Scholarship

McGurren Family Endowment Fund

Philip and Mary Gravino Scholarship Fund

Robert J. and Joan E. Metzler Scholarship Fund

Stephen Neenan Memorial Scholarship Fund

St. Peter Claver Jesuit Community Scholarship

The Brannan Scholarship

Rev. William T. Sheahan, S.J. Scholarship

Thomas M. Murphy Faculty Development Fund

Thompson Family Scholarship Fund

Van Dyke Family Endowment Fund

Drs. William and Louise Barry Endowment Fund

Gene and Peggy Freeman Scholarship Fund

George B. Byrnes Scholarship

George P. Reintjes Memorial Scholarship

Greg A. Wilkerson Memorial Scholarship

Hager Family Scholarship Fund

Hawley Family Endowment Fund

Henry J. Massman, III Scholarship Fund

Howard M. Mayer Memorial Scholarship Fund

Ismert Family Endowment Fund

Jack and Martha Spence Endowment Fund

James F. Haake Memorial Endowment Fund

James H. Hess Memorial Endowment Fund

Janice and William E. Clarkson, Sr. Memorial Endowment Fund

John E. Grier Memorial Endowment Fund

Kairos Retreat Fund

L. Alton Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund

Laurie and George McLiney Family Scholarship Fund

Rev. Thomas A. Pesci, S.J. Ignatian Scholarship Fund

Richard and Bernadette Miller Scholarship Fund

Roche Family Scholarship Fund

Sam Saviano Memorial Scholarship Fund

Sean S. Fitzgerald Memorial Scholarship Fund

Shea Family Scholarship

St. Francis Xavier Memorial Scholarship

Teahan Family Endowment Fund

The Jim and Kathy Polsinelli Hurtado Scholars Program Fund

The Murphy Brothers Endowment Fund

Thomas R. McGee, Sr. Leadership Incentive Award

Tommy Simone Memorial Scholarship Fund

Vines/McCarthy Endowment Fund

Wholey Family Endowment Fund

William E. Franke Memorial Scholarship Fund

Bill Darby ’71 and Bob Darby add the Mike Darby Financial Aid Fund tile to the board of fully-funded scholarships at Rockhurst High School.

Michael Kuklenski ’20 adds the James M. Kuklenski Memorial Scholarship tile to the board of fully-funded scholarships at Rockhurst High School.

Dick Connor ’48 left a generous estate gift to Rockhurst High School, enabling young men to receive the Jesuit education he and his five sons experienced.

Named Investment Funds (cont.)

Each of the funds that follow have a cash value of up to $49,999 as of June 30, 2022.

Andrew S. Hagedorn Scholarship Fund

Arrupe Jesuit Community Scholarship Fund

Beach H. Tuckness Memorial Endowment Fund

Bernard J. Glynn Scholarship

Bernie and Sue Dierks Memorial Scholarship Fund

Bessenbacher Family Endowment Fund Bill Rocker Fund

Bowen Family Memorial Scholarship Fund

Bryan Funk Memorial Scholarship

Christine Metzler Elmore Memorial Scholarship Fund

Christopher Camarena Memorial Scholarship Fund

Class of 1956 Endowment Fund

Cosentino Family Scholarship Fund

Daniel W. Campbell Memorial Trust

Donnelly Family Scholarship Fund

Ed and Vi Stein and Children’s Endowment Fund

Elizabeth and John Travelent Endowment Fund

Evans Family Endowment Fund

Frederick W. Hess, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

Gabriel T. Van Boven Endowment Fund

Gene and Mary Lib McGannon Scholarship Fund

Hal J. Reno Memorial Scholarship Fund

Harrison Thomas Rupp Memorial Endowment Fund

Holland Family Memorial Scholarship

J. Bernard Finucane Memorial Endowment Fund

Jake Marsh Disabilities Fund

James M. Gorman Memorial Endowment Fund

John and Sandra Hess Faculty and Staff Development Fund

John and Sandra Hess Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

John J. Gramlich Memorial Endowment Fund

John J. Kopp Memorial Scholarship

John J. Reichmeier Memorial Endowment Fund

John M. Lillis Memorial Endowment Fund

John Wilkerson Memorial Scholarship Fund

Kathie Pazell Memorial Fund

Larry E. Ruby Family Endowment Fund

Leonard G. Seck Scholarship Fund

Lou B. Anderson Memorial Scholarship Fund

Luke Bresette Memorial Endowment Fund

Mary Liston Family Memorial

Matthew C. McGilley Memorial Endowment Fund

Michael Patrick Sullivan Fund

Peakes Family Endowment Fund

Rev. Luke J. Byrne, S.J. ‘52 Memorial Scholarship Fund

Rev. Ron Windmeuller, S.J. Memorial Fund

Rev. Thomas W. Cummings, S.J. Scholarship Fund

Rev. William Steiner, S.J. Scholarship

Reichard F. Bennett Scholarship Fund

Robert M. Ryan Endowment Fund

Robert W. and Helen C. Jantsch Scholarship Fund

Ronald J. Capaccia Memorial Trust Fund

Samuel L. Woodell Memorial Scholarship Fund

Stephen M. McGannon Memorial Scholarship Fund

Steven J. Adams Memorial Fund

T. Michael and Janet Lillis Memorial Scholarship Fund

Thomas E. Murphy, III Endowment Fund

Tyler Bradley Hansen Memorial Scholarship

Weiford Family Scholarship Fund

William J. McGraw Memorial Scholarship Fund

New Funds Since June 30, 2022

Judie Scanlon Memorial Scholarship Fund

Rev. Thomas A. Pesci, S.J. Ignatian Scholarship Fund

The Richard B. and Kathleen S. Connor Scholarship

JOIN US FOR THE SPECTACULAR AUCTION ON

APRIL 15, 2023

Mark your calendar for April 15, 2023 for Rockhurst High School’s Spectacular Auction!

This annual night of fun is Rockhurst’s largest fundraiser in support of the school’s $2.7 million financial assistance goal for families. You will be able to participate in Spectacular 2023 in a variety of ways: attending the event, purchasing a car raffle share, participating in Rock The Masters in March, and more.

Dr. and Mrs. Patrick Lillis and Shannon Lillis will return as our legacy co-chair couple, joined by Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence and Amanda Tynes, Mr. and Mrs. Mike and Christy Poe, and Mr. and Mrs. Kyle (’91) and Natalie Hartman.

Stay up-to-date on all things Spectacular at www.rockhursths. edu/auction.

Alumni Accomplishments

Gregory Joseph ’64 won the best character acting award at the Hollywood Shockfest Film Festival, starred in an official selection of the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner, and had the lead in a best ensemble acting award winner of the New York First-Run Film Festival. He was also nominated as best lead actor at the Show Low International Film Festival, and starred in a film that won best of fest honors at the Southern Arizona Independent Film Festival.

Bob Ring ’81 opened Rosati’s Pizza in August 2022 in Overland Park, KS. Rosati’s specializes in authentic Chicago pizza and has locations in 13 states throughout the country.

Jim Russell ’81 is the host of a familyfriendly G-rated reality TV show, Container Masters, streaming free on Tubi and Roku. In the show, repurposed shipping containers are turned into beautiful homes and unique building projects. Buyers bring their shipping container dreams to life.

Laurence Freeman ’82 joined the Philanthropy and Corporate Outreach team with the University of Kansas Health System as the Development Director, Grateful Patients. Previously, Freeman served in the then-Advancement Office (now Philanthropy & Engagement) at Rockhurst High School from 1994 through 2021.

Pat McInerney ’82 was included on the Missouri Lawyers Media’s POWER list for White-Collar Defense. It is the third consecutive year McInerney made the top attorney list. He has been a partner with Spencer Fane since 2016, previously working with Husch Blackwell (when the firm was known by another name), as well as Dentons’ Kansas City Office.

Mike Rader ’90 was named to Ingram’s Magazine’s list of “50 Missourians You Should Know”. Rader is a partner at Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader. He also serves on the Missouri governing board for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and volunteers with Missouri Special Olympics.

Joe Mabin ’93 was named interim Chief of the Kansas City Police Department in April. He earned the rank of sergeant in 2007, captain in 2016, major in 2020, and deputy chief in 2021.

Tony DeFeo ’94 joined Arizona State University as an associate director for football administration, tasked with executive leadership of the football organization. Previously, DeFeo held operations positions with the University of Michigan and the San Francisco 49ers. He also co-founded and led multiple companies in the social media/tech vertical.

Marcus Kain ’96 finished his Master’s in Elementary Education with a secondary endorsement in Business in May 2022. He is now teaching entrepreneurship and personal finance at Blue Valley Southwest High School while also coaching boys’ soccer. Previously, Kain was in the wealth management industry.

Paul Orscheln ’97 was promoted to principal at ATLAS Capital Partners, a multi-disciplined real estate development and investment firm in Phoenix, AZ. Prior to ATLAS, Orscheln was senior advisor and then vice president at Cresa in Phoenix.

Mark Blanck, Jr. ’98 accepted a new position in spring 2022 as Vice President of Advancement at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, KS.

Michael Judy ’99 was selected by Dysart Taylor Cotter McMonigle Brumitt PC as its new managing director. Judy is a 16year veteran civil litigator who specializes in defending the transportation, aviation, and insurance agencies. He’s been with Dysart Taylor for 17 years in two stints, taking a one-year break in 2015 to work as counsel for what is now Yellow Corp.

Sean Heiman ’03 has completed the process to become a licensed architect. Heiman is an associate vice president of Hoefer Welker in Kansas City, focusing on the healthcare and higher education sectors, working with public and private clients.

Joe LaScala ’03 accepted the role of campus minister at the Catholic Newman Center at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Stephen Hoefer ’04 was hired by Kansas Citybased The Cooperative Finance Association as its chief financial officer. The company has provided reliable financial products and services to the agricultural industry since 1943. Previously, Hoefer spent five-plus years at Platform Ventures as its fund controller.

Trey Thomas ’04 completed the Certified Advisor of Personal Insurance (CAPI) program through The Wharton School. He is a personal risk advisor at AssuredPartners in Kansas City, and is one of only four people at AssuredPartners who holds the CAPI designation.

Jason Crain ’05 was promoted to president of Slutty Vegan, an Atlanta-based vegan burger joint. Crain served as the company’s chief revenue officer since 2020 and led the $25 million Series A fundraising round that resulted in the company’s $100 million valuation announced in May 2022.

Brian McGannon ’05 was hired as the communications manager at Worlds of Fun. He is leading the Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun’s communications and PR initiatives for their 50th anniversary season and beyond.

Michael Wirtz ’05 was promoted to controller at VanTrust Real Estate, a fullservice real estate development company in Kansas City. He served as assistant controller from March 2013 until July 2022.

Tommy Mancuso ’10 president and founder of the BAD Investment Company, was invited on Bloomberg ETF IQ, which focuses on the opportunities, risks, and current trends tied to the trillions of dollars in the global exchange traded funds industry.

Martin Radosevic, Jr. ’16 accepted the position of director of sports information at West Virginia Wesleyan College. Radosevic was added to the Wesleyan Athletic Department in the fall of 2020 after two years at Baker University, where he played baseball as an infielder. Prior to Baker, Radosevic was a sports information student assistant at St. Thomas University from 2016-2018.

David Sandvig, III ’16 joined the Manning Horn Team of Berkshire Hathaway in Overland Park, KS. In 2021, the team sold over $40 million worth of real estate. Sandvig also offers real estate, real estate marketing, relocation, social media marketing, and negotiation services via LinkedIn.

George Marty ’18 is currently employed with the New York Giants in their Partnerships & Activation department.

Matthew Roxas ’18 hosted the final recital of his local concert tour, Love, Fantasy, & Fire at Rockhurst on May 7. Roxas is currently at the University of South Florida pursuing a Master of Music in Piano Performance; he received an accompanying assistantship which provides full tuition and a stipend as he pursues his graduate degree.

Henry Accardo ’20 is the co-founder of Kogo’s Kandies, a candy store located in the heart of the Student Center at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Accardo is also the founder of Crossroads Cars, which he started at the age of 16 and has grown to become the largest car show in Kansas City.

Alumni Marriages Alumni Deaths Friend Deaths

David White ’87 and Lorenza Muñoz

Jesse Franke-Rose ’03 and Rachael Donegan

Joe Hager ’03 and Khanh Nguyen

Jack Fletcher ’07 and Sarah Kindscher

Steve Winget ’07 and Jennifer Gray

Danny Cunningham ’09 and Ryann Showmaker

Pat Fletcher ’09 and Audrey Gerber

Alex Kaplan ’09 and Anisha Eckert

Brody Johnson ’10 and Caitlin Johnson

Andrew Edmonds ’10 and Becky Schaller

Chandler Smith ’11 and Jessi Harper

Kevin Jantsch ’12 and Taylor Russo

Keaton Schieffer ’16 and Machella Dunleavy

Alumni Births

Matt Anderson ’03 and Jennifer, a daughter, Megan Florence Pat Allegri ’03 and Julie, twin sons, John Randall and Samuel Joseph Adam Wesley ’03 and Shannon, a son, Callen James

Jeff Owsley ’04 and Kelly, a daughter, Eloise McCabe

Patrick Tweedy ’04 and Annie, a daughter, Elizabeth Grace Seamus McLaughlin ’04 and Brittany, a son, Barnds Michael Matt Clifford ’05 and Louise, a daughter, Cecilia Louise

Jeff Smith ’05 and Cassie, a son, Charles Robert Matt Hanrahan ’06 and Amanda, a son, Hudson Thomas

Kevin Looby ’07 and Erin, a daughter, Amelia Joyce

Kelly Mercer ’07 and Mollie, a son, Patrick Thomas

Danny Esselman ’08 and Allie, a daughter, Madison Kathleen Jerry Mancuso ’08 and Haley, a daughter, Matilda Ann Pat McClain ’08 and Nancy, a son, Finn Reilly Danny Riesmeyer ’08 and Mary, a daughter, Frances Caroline

Jared Dull ’09 and Sarah, a daughter, Addy Elizabeth

Matt Herring ’09 and Rachel, a daughter, Eloise Marie

Brendan Houlehan ’09 and Celeste, a daughter, Maura Quinn

Billy Linscott ’09 and Lindy, a daughter, Maggie Seaton

Jeff Mason ’09 and Jordan, a son, Wyatt Dean Michael Reintjes ’09 and Hadley, a son, Bennett William

Nathan Scheelhaase ’09 and Morgan, a daughter, Rocky Roux

Stephen Westhead ’09 and Anna, a son, William James

Peter Moorman ’09 and Meg, a son, Patrick McCallum Andrew Miller ’16 and Abby, a daughter, Joanna Leigh

Edward Smith, Sr. ’44

Richard O’Neill, Sr. ’45

Rev. Thomas Wheeler, SJ, ’48

John O’Hare ’49

Frank Frohoff ’50

Robert Fling ’52

Daniel Reed ’53

James Richard ’54

Michael O’Flaherty ’55

David Richards ’55

Merle Smith ’55

Thomas Becker ’56

Jerry Fugate ‘56

Terrence Derr ’57

William Kenny, Sr. ’60

Thomas DeCoursey ’61

Stephen Heavey ’66

Col. Richard Nelson, III ’67

Robert Runnels ’67

Timothy O’Brien ’68

Charles Moxcey ’71

John Karwoski ’72 Mark Cunningham ’74 Timothy McGovern ’74

Thomas Rowe ’74

Paul Garner ’75

Brian Gepford ’75 Bill Whitaker ’77

David Baughman ’82 Chris Brown ‘86

Paul Sheedy ’88 Erik Michaelson ’90

Genaro Ruiz ’92

Dustin King ‘94

Andy Soloducha ’07

Michael O’Byrne ’11 Trevor Weinrich ’15

Gloria Angles

Lillian Batrick

Russ Blatt

Barbara Blickhan

Sandra Briscoe

Mary Ann Brown

Bernard Campbell

Paul Chaney

David Chartrand

Christine Crippin

David Dehaemers, Sr. Fred Delich

Tom Donohoe

Susie Haake

Roy Heilman

Patrick Kissick

Jim Lynch Shirley Marnett

Jane Miroslaw

Shannon Moore

Lawrence Nicholson Connie Perucca Steven Redmond Carol Riesmeyer

Edith Ricono Sophia Salerno Judie Scanlon

Antoinette Snodell Sean Stoy Janice Valenti

John Van Arsdale Rick Waldenmeyer Josephine Weingartner

Fred Wolf

ROCKHURST

FOR THE GREATER GLORY OF GOD

STRONG

**Announcements included have been received since March 2022. Any future announcements can be sent to Robbie Haden ’09, director of communications & branding, at rhaden@rockhursths.edu.

A Word from the Principal

Students Spend Summer in Service

While God Finding Us In All Things is our school-year theme for all students, parents, employees, board members, alumni, benefactors, and friends, the internal theme for teachers, counselors, and other professional staff is Collaborative Learning.

To co-labor, or work together, is central to the Ignatian way of proceeding. Part of that famous Prayer for Generosity, attributed to the founder of the Society of Jesus, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, reads, “Lord, teach me to be generous… to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to ask for reward, save that of knowing that I do Your will.” Decidedly, the vineyard is God’s, and we lovingly co-labor with God to ensure that the seeds are planted in rich soil that’s ready to promote growth. Jesus has shown us this way to realizing, at least in glimpses if not more tangibly, the Reign of God in the here and now.

The day our teachers, counselors, and other staff stop learning is the day we put up a For Sale sign on State Line Road. As lifelong learners, we educators and formators work together in mutuality, teaching one another and learning from one another. And, many times, we look to best practices and innovative approaches in the fields of secondary education and in our own areas of expertise to experience new life and learning in our Roman Catholic, Jesuit, college-preparatory environment.

Rockhurst is blessed with a great team of collaborative learners, including some new and even familiar faces on our Jesuit Apostolic Team. This year, Rockhurst humbly boasts nine (!) Jesuits missioned to the school: Fr. Derrick

Weingarnter, SJ, (Chairman of the Board of Members and ex-officio Trustee), Fr. Tom Pesci, SJ, (President-emeritus), Fr. Gary Menard, SJ, (Math Instructor and Faith Formation Assistant), Fr. Danny Tesvich, SJ, (Theology Instructor), Mr. Alex Coffey, SJ, (Theology Instructor), Mr. Ignatius Nguyen, SJ, (Math Instructor), Dr. Philip Nahlik, SJ, (Science and Fine Arts Instructor), Mr. Scott McKillip, nSJ, (Jesuit Novice on “Experiment”), and myself.

Along with our lay collaborators – lifelong collaborative learners all – we work toward one common Mission, that is, “educating Ignatian leaders, ‘men for others’” with the goal of “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.”

For Rockhurst, to the greater glory of God, I remain,

Yours faithfully in Christ,

For ten months out of the year, Rockhurst students are in school and constantly hear about the Ignatian calling for them to live as “men for others”. They are required to participate in various service opportunities throughout their Rockhurst career, and the hope is that they understand the importance of their service and continue to help others going forward.

While still at Rockhurst, many students respond to that calling and some, by going above and beyond required service, participating in summer service trips. Rockhurst’s Total Ignatian Experience (TIE) trips take place annually and involve approximately 75-100 Hawklets electing to spend their time, talent, and resources in service. With nearly ten percent of the student body participating each year, countless lives are impacted by the students’ commitment to living for a purpose larger than themselves.

In June, 28 students (one group of 15 and one group of 13) volunteered a week of their summer break to attend TIE Tennessee, traveling to Rollins, TN to partner with Habitat For Humanity to build a home for a family in need.

“I decided to do the TIE trip because I was interested in what an Ignatian experience really was, and I also wanted to get out and see the world,” said Patrick O’Farrell ’23, TIE Tennessee volunteer. “From the trip I learned that in most cases poverty is something that’s difficult to get out of because of circumstances that don’t allow the person to work. Therefore it is our responsibility as Catholics to assist those in poverty to raise the status of life for everybody.”

Thirty-one rising seniors and six faculty members attended TIE Tijuana in July, working tirelessly for a week in the heat to help build homes for two families in northwest Mexico.

“I think Rockhurst really instills the Jesuit value of seeing God in all things. I saw the opportunity to work in solidarity with a family as a chance to realize this and apply it to my own life,” said Simon Connor ’23, TIE Tijuana volunteer. “The most important takeaway from the experience was the value of community – sharing work and hardship with my brothers, leaning on them for support, and working with and alongside the family.”

An additional ten students (seven rising sophomores and three rising juniors) plus three faculty members spent a July week volunteering on TIE Kansas City, working with local community agencies (Jerusalem Farm and Pendleton Heights Community Garden), painting houses, and assisting with landscaping.

“While the students offer a great deal of help to our various communities, they receive countless opportunities to practice their faith, develop leadership skills, and share the stories of the poor and marginalized,” said Alan Ratermann, director of Ignatian service programs.

“The TIE trips focus on four pillars: community, prayer, simplicity, and service. Students are awakened to and enriched by the fruits of practicing virtue throughout the week. The dedication these students offer overflows the week of service immersion and empowers them to live life as a ‘man for others’.”

On TIE Tijuana, 31 members of the Class of 2023 spent a week helping construct homes for two families.

Dear Rockhurst Community,

Rev. Vincent A. Giacabazi, SJ Principal

ROCKHURST VOTED BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL IN KC

Rockhurst High School was selected as Kansas City Magazine’s Best of KC 2022 winner for the Best Private School. Rockhurst also won the recognition in 2020.

The Best of KC is an annual poll to recognize the best Kansas City has to offer in 264 categories. Reader vote determines winners in each category.

Rockhurst also received strong marks from Niche, the market leader in connecting colleges and schools with students and families, including over 140 million reviews and ratings.

For 2022, Rockhurst earned an A+ ranking based on academics, teachers, clubs and activities, diversity, college prep, and sports.

“These recognitions are a testament to our skilled faculty and the hardworking spirit of our students. Each day they arrive to explore new educational concepts and foster skills and relationships through co-curricular activities,” said Mike Comiskey ’03, Director of Admissions. “Formation of the whole person continues to be the core of what we do each day, and that’s what we offer to these young men and their families.”

Rockhurst’s annual #RockGivingTuesday on November 9, 2022 raised more than $150,000 of its $250,000 goal. All proceeds benefit the Eyrie Fund, and students like the ones you see below. You can still make a #RockGivingTuesday gift in support of current Hawklets, especially on national Giving Tuesday (November 29) at www.rockhursths.edu/rockgivingtuesday.

NEW SPACES ADD TO ROCKHURST EXPERIENCE

Rockhurst High School was proud to open two new spaces for use by students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the general Rockhurst community.

On February 22, 2022, the school announced the purchase of the facility formerly known as the Red Bridge YMCA, which closed in December 2021. The facility served as the home of the Rockhurst swim & dive program since 2003, during which Rockhurst built the most successful swim & dive program in Missouri boys high school history, winning 13 State Championships since 2005.

Following The Goppert Foundation’s $1 million gift to secure the facility, it was renamed The Goppert Rock Plex. An additional naming gift christened the pool area as the Ann and Gary Dickinson Family Foundation Natatorium. The McDonnell Foundation is also recognized for its catalytic philanthropy to make the project possible.

Rockhurst hosted a dedication ceremony for The Goppert Rock Plex on August 8, 2022, celebrating the benefactors and all who contributed to the successful acquisition and ongoing renovation as well as the opening day of the 2022 swim & dive season. Future additional potential uses of The Goppert Rock Plex include STEAMsupportive academic activities, physical education courses, athletic rehabilitation, service learning activities, a potential eventual retreat center, student camps, health & wellness opportunities for faculty and staff members, and more.

“It is impossible to completely put into words what the impact of The Goppert Rock Plex will have on Rockhurst swim & dive, and the entire Rockhurst community,” remarked Paul Winkeler, swim & dive head coach, at the dedication. “Generations of Rockhurst swimmers and divers love this building, and it’s been our home for over 20 years. So to make it our permanent home is not only one of the greatest moments in the history of our program, but it allows us to do so much more as a program.”

The beginning of the 2022-23 academic year also marked the opening of the Jack Nestor ’34 Outdoor Lab & Classroom Located just to the south of the school’s main entrance, it features the Class of 2021 Discovery Pond, the Deb and Larry (’74) Krissek Regional Native Grassland Area, a naming gift from Lindsey and Matt (’00) Smith, and soon will also include a Hawklet statue gifted by the Class of 2022.

The space is used multiple times each week for class, as well as for faculty/staff and alumni gatherings. Additional naming opportunities remain available; contact Dr. Diane Marty, Vice President of Philanthropy & Engagement, at 816.363.2036 x538 or dmarty@rockhursths.edu.

In October 2021, a beautiful crucifix gifted by an anonymous donor was added to the east side of The Hawklets Center at Dasta Memorial Stadium, and in August 2022 a sitting area was constructed in front of the crucifix thanks in part to contributions from the Class of 1975. Already, the football team has begun a new tradition prior to home games, where each player and coach touches the feet of Jesus on the way to the Sacred Heart Chapel to pray as a group.

STADIUM CRUCIFIX

JACK NESTOR ’34 OUTDOOR

LAB & CLASSROOM

ANN AND GARY DICKINSON FAMILY FOUNDATION NATATORIUM AT THE GOPPERT ROCK PLEX

Watch a recap video of The Goppert Rock Plex dedication ceremony.

Brock Narciso ’23, Student Government Association (SGA) President, welcomes the Class of 2026 at Freshman Orientation.

Rockhurst High School’s 109th school year began on August 15, 2022. Although the school was founded in 1910, the first classes began in the fall of 1914. The beginning of this school year also marks the 60th anniversary of the school at our current location at 9301 State Line Road.

The school officially welcomed the Class of 2026 for Freshman Orientation, during which they celebrated Mass, became familiar with campus, and met their teachers for the first semester. The following day they participated in the first of four Freshmen Day for Others throughout the year; their second occurred October 12.

The service days begin with a morning discussion about the Universal Apostolic Preferences, as each service day will focus on one of the four Preferences:

Walking with the Excluded, Showing the Way to God, Journeying with Youth, and Caring for Our Common Home.

Freshmen are then divided into small groups and assigned to a community agency throughout the city to volunteer for several hours before returning to school to reflect on their service to others.

A highlight of the first quarter on campus for the Class of 2026 was their Freshman Retreat on October 7 in the midst of Alumni Reunion Weekend. Students heard from alumni speakers; got to meet and bond with classmates whom they might not have known yet from classes or cocurriculars; and enjoyed “hometime” dinners hosted offsite in the homes of student retreat leaders with group discussions led by faculty members.

The Freshman Retreat included small group bonding, teamwork-building activities, and Mass as a group.

Twenty-four new faculty/staff members joined the Rockhurst community for the 2022-23 school year…and many of them are familiar faces! Among alumni, past faculty members, and Alumni Service Corps (ASC) volunteers, several are returning to our Rockhurst Eyrie.

RETURNING TO ROCKHURST:

• Jane Cory: Part-Time Staff Member (2021-22), returning as Registrar & Academic Coordinator

• Joe Lindgren ’04: Instructional Technologist

• Billy Linscott ’09: Faculty Member (2013-18), returning as Assistant Dean of Students

• Fr. Thomas Pesci, SJ: President (1993-2004), returning as President Emeritus to assist with mission work and ministry

• Patrick Pribyl ’10: Theater Manager & Technical Theater Support

• Cade Prins ’17: Science Faculty (Alumni Service Corps [ASC])

• Mitchell Tran ’18: Computer Science Faculty (ASC)

THOSE NEW TO ROCKHURST:

• Cameron Akagi - Director of Instrumental Music

• Andrew Becerra - Facilities Team

• Katie Bland - Mathematics Faculty

• Ryan Brennan - School Counselor

• Dr. Kevin Coker - Choir Director

• Yulys Espinosa Acosta - Modern & Classical Languages Faculty

• Pat Goodwin - Facilities Team

• Kelly Herdlick - Executive Assistant to the President

• Kimberly Hoglund - Modern & Classical Languages Faculty

• Scott Hopke - Communication Arts Faculty

• Chris Hopper - English Faculty

• Marcy Kincaid - School Counseling Office Administrative Assistant

• Elia Lima - Facilities Team

• Dr. Philip Nahlik, SJ - Science Faculty

• Ignatius Nguyen, SJMathematics Faculty

• Dr. Tiffany Rinne - Director of Library Services

• Sarah Schulenberg - Assistant to the Dean of Students

Rockhurst is also proud to be home to nine Jesuits for the 2022-23 year. Eight are pictured; Mr. Scott McKillip, nSJ joined us in October.

Mr. McKillip is a Novice on Experiment. Three are scholastics in Regency (Mr. Coffey, Dr. Nahlik, and Mr. Nguyen). Fr. Giacabazi and Fr. Tesvich are scholastics in Tertianship, and Fr. Menard and Fr. Pesci are Jesuits who have made their final vows. Fr. Weingartner is the Rector/Superior of the Rockhurst Jesuit Community, Board of Trustees Member, and Chair of the Board of Members.

Rockhurst families and friends are invited to the KC Jesuit Collaboration Speaker Series on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 hosted by The Ignatian Spirituality Center of Kansas City. It is an advent evening of reflection with Fr. Pesci. The event will be held in the Rose Theater at Rockhurst High School beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Right: Nine Jesuits are part of the Rockhurst community for the 2022-23 year (eight pictured; our ninth joined our community in mid-October).

NEW FACULTY MEMBERS JOIN RHS COMMUNITY

Rockhurst welcomed 24 new faculty/staff members for the new school year. Pictured left to right: (1st row) Kimberly Hoglund, Dr. Tiffany Rinne, Yulys Espinosa Acosta; (2nd row) Scott Hopke, Mr. Ignatius Nguyen, SJ, Katie Bland, Sarah Schulenberg; (3rd row) Chris Hopper, Mitchell Tran ’18, Fr. Tom Pesci, SJ, Kelly Herdlick; (4th row) Dr. Philip Nahlik, SJ, Cade Prins ’17, Joe Lindgren ’04, Billy Linscott ’09; (5th row) Cameron Akagi, Patrick Pribyl ’10, Dr. Kevin Coker, Ryan Brennan

Left: Dr. Kevin Coker, Rockhurst’s new choir director, works with the Freshman Choir.

Seniors Recognized by National Merit Program

Sixteen Rockhurst High School members of the Class of 2023 were awarded by the National Merit Scholarship Program. Eleven were selected as National Merit Commended Students and five were selected as National Merit Semifinalists.

The 11 Commended Students are Grant Anielak, Simon Connor, Dallas Dietsch, Freddie Graham, Brian Humphrey, Charlie Pace, Charlie Perricelli, Lukas Pitman, Nolan Shaw, John Tietjen, and Joseph Torrey. They are among the top 50,000 performers nationally, out of more than 1.5 million, based on the 2021 PSAT/NMSQT standardized tests.

The five Semifinalists are James Donohue, Thomas Kennedy, Charlie Lundstrom, Wes Roeder, and Max Smith. They are among the top 16,000 performers nationally; approximately 15,000 from within this group will be announced as Finalists in February 2023.

Each scholar spoke to his National Merit Semifinalist selection:

JAMES DONOHUE: “The National Merit Semifinalist selection, for me, is a demonstration of all the hard work that I have put into my education and all of the support and assistance I have received throughout my high school journey from teachers, classmates, friends, and family. My favorite things about Rockhurst include its rigorous academics, numerous co-curricular activities, supportive staff and teachers, and, most of all, its amazing brotherhood of students.”

THOMAS KENNEDY: “The National Merit Semifinalist selection has provided me an opportunity to bring my goal of becoming a doctor one step closer. Given the cost of medical school, I hope to avoid taking out loans to pay for my undergraduate degree, and National Merit Scholarships make that goal more achievable. As such, I am incredibly grateful that I was selected.”

CHARLIE LUNDSTROM: “I am happy for the National Merit Semifinalist recognition. I have worked hard at my studies for my time at Rockhurst, and being recognized for it feels like a great payoff. I love the teachers at Rockhurst and their passion.”

WES ROEDER: “This honor shows that the hard work my fellow Semifinalists and I have put into our education is paying off. Rockhurst has done an excellent job to prepare me not only for this test, but for my future as a successful young man. would like to thank my parents for sending me to Rockhurst and all of my teachers for their contributions to my education over the past three years. This award would not have been possible without their efforts.”

MAX SMITH: “Being a National Merit Semifinalist, while intrinsically a great honor, is certainly a validation of my hard work. The Rockhurst community has done nothing but guide and support me throughout the past four years, and I will always cherish the friendships that I have been able to form here.”

All five young men are still working through the college decision process, but each has had new opportunities and scholarships made available to them through their recognition in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Robotics Program Continues Growth

Rockhurst’s Robotics Team, The Jesubots, won the Central Missouri Regional Competition in the spring and qualified for the World Championships over the summer. Coached by faculty members Andy Wilcox and Tim Nendick ’08, the team is hoping to build off of that success.

The Jesubots competed in the Cowtown Throwdown Offseason Competition October 28-29, and made it to the elimination rounds. This was the final (non-ranked) competition that included use of last year’s robot, so team leaders noted that it was an important opportunity for veteran members to mentor new members in a low-stakes real competition.

Team leaders are forming a “new member experience” committee from a variety of second-year team members to help inform how to better recruit, train, and retain student talent.

A big emphasis for the 2022-23 season is students learning how to use computeraided design (CAD) to engineer the robot, so that the team can do more fabrication in-house instead of sourcing that work from outside of the building.

The software, onshape, allows for collaboration and student involvement no matter their computer hardware. This will allow the team to more fully design their robot before construction starts. The team’s new season starts in early January, and the first competition will be at the end of March.

“Students have been upgrading our lab space, installing a new dust collection system and upgrading our CNC router,” said Nendick. “The upgrades allow us to manufacture metal tubing more efficiently, as well as enabling students to do 3-D carving in wood for their own personal projects at home or use in the research course. The upgraded CNC,

alongside our desktop waterjet, allows us to design, build, and test the entirety of our 135-pound robot in house.”

Hawklets have also been building “swerve drive” modules that will allow the team’s robot to move in any direction, at full power, without turning.

And The Jesubots are not the only students working hard in the robotics room.

Wilcox shared: “The capstone project in Robotics 2 is a BotsKC BattleBot that is 100% student designed. Students learn how to use CAD and are tasked to attach a wheel/caster they drew to a base plate (also drawn by them in CAD).”

Eleven seniors were named National Merit Commended Students. Pictured left to right between President Laughlin and Fr. Principal Giacabazi, SJ: Lukas Pitman, Dallas Dietsch, Freddie Graham, John Tietjen, Charlie Pace, Brian Humphrey, Grant Anielak, Nolan Shaw, Joseph Torrey, and Charlie Perricelli. Not pictured: Simon Connor.

Five seniors selected as National Merit Semifinalists. Pictured left to right between Fr. Principal Giacabazi, SJ, and President Laughlin: Charlie Lundstrom, Wes Roeder, Thomas Kennedy, James Donohue, and Max Smith.

Rockhurst fall sports teams were entering their postseasons at the time of print. For information about the cross country, football, soccer, and swim & dive teams, visit www. GoHawklets.com or @GoHawklets on Twitter.