Gentile ʼ75 Leads “Santa For A Day” Initiative

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

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.

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