ROCK NEWS Fall Alumni Magazine
2017
Rockhurst ALUMNI MAGAZINE
WHAT’S INSIDE
A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT “EXAMENing” at Rockhurst High School
2 A Word From the President
16 Seniors Earn National Academic Recognition
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McDonnell ’62 Honored as Alumnus of the Year
17 Rockhurst Receives Prestigious Certification
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Rite of Dedication for New Facilities
18 A Word From the STEAM Team
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Hall of Fame Members Inducted
19 Students Construct Meaningful Halloween Costume
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2017 Hall of Fame Inductees
20 New Faculty Welcomed
7-10 Alumni Achievements
21 School Gathers for Solar Eclipse
11 Marriages, Births, Deaths
22 Hurtado Scholars Continue Growth
12 A Word From the Principal
23 Auction Sets New Bar
12 Rockhurst Renews Jesuit Sponsorship
24 Alum Serves as School Archivist
13-14 Rockhurst Enjoys New Facilities
25 Sports Seasons Add Four Banners
15 Ignatian Spirituality
26 Recent Grads Continue as Student-Athletes
In starting his religious order during the early Renaissance, St. Ignatius Loyola seized the opportunities that transportation innovations meant for his new religious order’s missionary outreach. As he watched his brother Jesuits board ships from Europe bound for Latin America, Asia and Africa, Ignatius reminded them that, despite the many thousands of miles that would separate each of them, they would remain united always by their shared experience of the Lord encountered in the Spiritual Exercises retreat. It was this experience that he reminded them to renew daily, wherever they were, through the praying of what he called “the Examen” (N.B.: pronounced with a long “a”). At Rockhurst, our students pray the Examen prayer near the end of every school day. The Examen is relatively brief and consists of five stages, in order: Thanksgiving (Asking oneself, for what am I grateful today?); Intention (What do I desire to offer to God this day?); Examination (How have I experienced God’s love through the persons and experiences that I encountered this day?); Contrition (What are those choices that I have made where I could have responded to God’s invitation more fully? I ask God for forgiveness.); and Hope (As I look to tomorrow, I ask that God help me to respond more generously). It is in the spirit of the Examen that I refer you to the contents of this latest Rock News.
Next, you will read about items for which we offer God our Intention: That God might bless our initiatives to provide students with a faith-based education rooted in the best of the Jesuit, humanistic tradition, while also embracing innovations offered them through a dynamic STEAM curriculum. Also, you witness the culmination of an institutional Examination: I refer you to the story and photos regarding the renewal of our official sponsorship by the United States Central and Southern Province of the Society of Jesus at our annual Mass of the Holy Spirit. A further Ignatian reflection from Fr. Giacabazi, SJ, in this issue illustrates how we are always examen-ing God’s call at Rockhurst. Finally, we acknowledge our need for Contrition and do so with great Hope: Having examined our tradition of educating young men for and with others, and recognized our need to strive for the Magis, we share here our students’ efforts to help better the less fortunate through works of service, as well as the opportunities that your contributions have meant for less financially advantaged students, like our Hurtado Scholars, to attend and contribute fully to our shared mission at Rockhurst High School. Thank you, and may God bless you for your support of Rockhurst. Sincerely,
First, you will read of many items for which we give God great Thanksgiving, including: the celebration of our recent 2017 Alumni Reunion Weekend, culminating in the induction of several alumni to our Athletic Hall of Fame and the honoring of Mr. Thomas McDonnell ’62 as our 2017 Alumnus of the Year; the opening of the new Academic Learning Commons in our main building and the Hawklets Center at Dasta Memorial Stadium; the great success of our April 2017 Spectacular auction that goes far in funding the tuition assistance needs of many students; and the arrival of several new faculty and staff members.
Rev. William T. Sheahan, SJ Interim President, 2017-18
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Rockhurst ALUMNI MAGAZINE
MCDONNELL ’62 HONORED AS ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR Rockhurst High School celebrated Thomas McDonnell of the class of 1962 as its Alumnus of the Year during the Homecoming Mass on Oct. 4. During his professional career, McDonnell was hailed as a futurist in the data services industry. He was an executive at DST Systems, Inc. from 1969 to 2009, leading the company through explosive expansion and revolutionary information systems. After retiring from DST, he shifted his talents to the charitable sector as President and Chief Executive Officer of Ewing Marion
Kauffman Foundation. The foundation had assets that grew to more than $2 billion under his management. He has also been instrumental in Rockhurst’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) efforts that have made the school a regional leader in education. “Tom McDonnell is a lot of things. He is a remarkable husband, a father, a grandfather, an entrepreneur, a businessman, a philanthropist, and a true Kansas City civic leader,” commented Rev. William Sheahan, SJ, at the Oct. 4 ceremony. “You could sum it up to say that Tom is a ‘man for others.’”
RITE OF DEDICATION FOR NEW FACILITIES On Saturday, Oct. 7, students, alumni, parents, and friends of Rockhurst High School gathered on the Brian Anselmo ’99 Friendship Commons at the Hawklets Center to witness the blessing of the new campus facilities. Interim President Rev. William Sheahan, SJ, led the ceremony, which included blessing various rooms of the Hawklets Center and Academic Learning Commons. He was joined by Jesuit community members Rev. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ, Rev. Daniel Tesvich, SJ, and Rev. Robert Hagan, SJ ’59, as well as Chairman of the Board of Trustees Jon Haden ’75 and Principal Greg Harkness ’81.
“The blessing of the Hawklets Center and the Academic Learning Commons is another milestone in the ‘Building on Our Tradition’ campaign,” said Haden. “The vision of Fr. Terrence Baum, Greg Harkness and Gould Evans, as executed by JE Dunn, is now manifest for the benefit of current and future Rockhurst students.” Guests were then invited to walk through the Hawklets Center and main building.
McDonnell’s wife, Jean, and other family members joined together for the Mass and a luncheon at Rockhurst. The Alumnus of the Year Award is named for Very Rev. Pedro Arrupe, SJ, 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. The Award provides a role model for students to give them an example of the type of man the school and Alumni Association hope they will aspire to become during their lives.
Thomas McDonnell ’62 (middle) was honored as the 2017 Alumnus of the Year during Homecoming Week. He is pictured with wife, Jean, and (L-R) Rev. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ, Rev. Robert Hagan, SJ, ’59, Rev. William Sheahan, SJ, Rev. Daniel Tesvich, SJ, and Greg Harkness ’81, Principal.
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He is a remarkable husband, a father, a grandfather, an entrepreneur, a businessman, a philanthropist, and a true Kansas City civic leader.
- Rev. William Sheahan, SJ
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Rockhurst ALUMNI MAGAZINE
2017 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
’87
NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED TO SPORTS
HALL OF FAME
Christopher Russell • Three-year starter as offensive and defensive lineman • Key player on 1986 State Championship football team • 1986 team forced five shutouts and allowed just 5.4 PPG • 1984 team gave up a school-record low of 23 points all season
’99
’95
Derek Wathan • Four-year starter on baseball team • As a senior, led team to 14-4 record • All-Metro and All-State as junior and senior • 1995 Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year
Sean Doyle • Three-year starter on football and baseball teams • Most career tackles in Rockhurst football history • Led team in tackles as sophomore, junior and senior • Three-time All-State selection • Winner of the 1998 Simone Award
Andy Metzler
’00
• Part of four straight tennis State Championships • Singles State Champion as a senior • State record-holder in singles wins in a season • State record-holder in career combined singles and doubles wins • 2nd in State Doubles as a sophomore; 2nd in State Singles as a junior
The six newest members of the Rockhurst Sports Hall of Fame: (L-R) Sean Doyle ’99, Christopher Russell ’87, Brandon Shelby ’00 (unable to attend, but represented by his parents Carl and Charleszetta), Coach Paul Winkeler, Derek Wathan ’95, and Andy Metzler ’00.
The Rockhurst High School Sports Hall of Fame inducted six new members on Oct. 6 as part of Alumni Reunion Weekend.
Currently, there are 100 alumni, 11 coaches and three friends of the program who have been inducted as members.
The 2017 honorees are: Christopher Russell ’87, Derek Wathan ’95, Sean Doyle ’99, Andy Metzler ’00, Brandon Shelby ’00, and Paul Winkeler (coach).
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.
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 means recognition among the “best of the best” in Midwestern athletic history.
’00 Brandon Shelby
• Three-year starter on football team • Earned Super Prep All-American honors and Simone Award in 1999 • All-State as a junior, leading team in rushing and top defensive back • As a senior, set RHS single season total yards record (2,182) that still stands
Paul Winkeler – Coach • Led Swim & Dive team to 11 consecutive State Championships • Seven-time Missouri Coach of the Year • Produced 17 individual State Champs and 14 State Champion relay teams • Coached 35 All-Americans
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Rockhurst ALUMNI MAGAZINE
ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENTS Michael Van Dyke ’66 joined Polsinelli in August as Senior Partner. Van Dyke brings more than 40 years of experience as an attorney to the company.
Doug Albers ’69 is a partner at GreatLIFE KC – a firm that owns, operates and/or manages a portfolio of both public and private golf courses in the Kansas City area. GreatLIFE was ranked in the “Top 10 of the Largest Management Companies in the World” in Golf Inc. Magazine.
Mark Mullinix ’74 assumed the responsibilities of Interim President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond in April. He is also the Chief Operating Officer at the Richmond Fed. Mullinix joined the bank in 2013 as its first vice president.
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Rockhurst is more than just a place of education; the relationships you foster as a student last a lifetime. Our alums have a responsibility to act in their communities as “men for others,” and that is more true today than ever. -Michael Comiskey ’03, Director of Alumni Events
Richard Paradise ’74 released his book Living Life Riverside. The book is a tragicomedy about an average Midwestern couple who reached the age of 50 and decided to pursue the American dream by purchasing a historic and haunted hotel in the frozen extremes of Middle Park, CO.
Mark Thompson ’79, Paul Thompson ’80, Timothy Thompson ’82, Christopher Thompson ’86 and their sister, Mary O’Connor, were featured in the Kansas City Business Journal for their work at Country Club Bank, which was selected as a “Champion of Business.”
Michael Mayer ’82 is the Managing Principal of Cushman & Wakefield’s Kansas City office. He was cited as an expert in the Kansas City Business Journal on a story about Kansas City ranking 22nd on the list of top U.S. tech cities.
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John Wilcox ’86 was named Second Vice President of the Transportation Lawyers Association (TLA) at its annual membership meeting in Santa Fe, NM, in April. Wilcox will become TLA’s president in 2020.
John Clune ’93 is the CEO of Kansas City-based Cavern Technologies. He was chosen as a featured speaker and panel participant at the 7th Annual Provider Forum on Data Centers & Cloud Services Infrastructure in Washington, D.C., in June.
Dr. Jeffrey Dunn ’95 and his software startup, Redivus Health, landed a partnership with the University of Kansas Health System. Redivus created a mobile app that reduces medical error in cases of cardiac arrest, stroke and sepsis.
Taimoor Nana ’98 and Rehan Nana ’03, were featured on the FYI Network’s “You Can’t Turn That Into a House.” The show follows the duo and a friend as they turn an unusual container like a garbage dumpster, dairy truck or two yellow school buses into tiny homes with big personalities.
Kevin Teasdale ’98 is President of Secure Medical Transport, LLC. The company landed a contract with the Tutera Group, which named Secure Medical Transport as the exclusive provider of transportation services for its skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities in the Kansas City area.
Ryan Anderson ’01 and Terrence Anderson ’02 are coFounders and co-Presidents of Platform Ventures, formerly Mariner Real Estate Management. They changed the company’s name to reflect its growth into a diversified real estate investment company focused on providing opportunities to both institutional and accredited investors.
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Rockhurst ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Patrick Williamson ’12 received a full scholarship and admittance into the master’s program in chemical engineering at Oklahoma State University. He is currently researching in the field of tissue engineering.
Adam Balentine ’01 was promoted to Partner at Thomas McGee Insurance in May. Balentine was hired as the firm’s Director of Insurance Operations in early 2015 after eight years at Lockton Companies.
Charles Brain ’12 co-founded Cape Venture Wine Co. & Lubanzi, which produces wines from Cape Town, Africa. The company was “created to impact those who make our wine a reality,” as 50% of all profits are donated to the Pebbles Project, an NGO that works with low-income families who live and work on South Africa’s wine farms.
Michael Comiskey ’03 returned to Rockhurst High School in August to work as part of the Advancement Team, serving as the Director of Alumni Events.
Michael Kincaid ’03 is the President of The Redwood Group, LLC, which partnered with Stricks, LLC to form Stricks Ag, LLC. It plans to deliver Montana’s premier food, seed and grain operations.
Gregory Owsley ’00, Alexander Altomare ’03, Michael McShane ’03 and Andrew Brain ’09 were all selected to the list of KC Top Connectors in Education & Entrepreneurship. More than 3,000 were nominated and just 222 were chosen.
Joseph Tulipana ’08 is the owner of Blind Box BBQ in Shawnee, KS. The restaurant is more than doubling its occupancy and tripling in size. It is opening a private event space, a designated to-go area and catering section, and a front patio that will seat 60-80 people.
Jordan Willis ’13 was selected in the third round of the NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. In his senior season at Kansas State, he was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.
Joseph Dunn ’04 is the Founder and CEO at Nutrilyze, a nutrition scoring application for restaurant meals. Dunn launched the company’s mobile app for Kansas City. Nutrilyze has more than 1,600 meals across 120 restaurant brands around the Kansas City area.
Shea Callahan ’14 was selected for an internship with Euronet Worldwide/Ria Financial Services in their Madrid, Spain, office for the summer of 2017.
Seth Sinovic ’05 threw out the first pitch at the Royals game on June 8. Sinovic just finished his seventh season as a defender for Sporting KC, and volunteers as an assistant coach for Rockhurst’s soccer team.
Spencer Hardwick ’07 was selected to Ink Magazine’s “30 Under 30” list. He is currently a managing director and Chief of Staff at Teach for America - Kansas City, a nonprofit that recruits, trains and develops young and talented teachers from across the country.
Todd Czinege ’13 was chosen by the Colorado Rockies in the 29th round of the MLB Draft in June. He started all 199 games in his career at Villanova University and was a three-time All-Big East selection.
Daniel Wikiera ’07 has opened his own Pretzel Boy’s in Kansas City. The original shop is in St. Louis, but Wikiera wanted to bring that same concept to KC. It is located at 95th & Nall.
Jack Dunn ’11 is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Pilot for Airware Drone Company in San Francisco. He works to enable proof-of-concept flights with enterprise customers in multiple industries.
Paul Freeman ’15 won TCU’s Entrepreneurship Club Elevator Pitch Competition in September. Freeman beat out 17 other students to win the competition with his pitch for Headstrong Wearables – a wearable technology for construction hats that monitor workers’ vitals to prevent heat exhaustion on the job.
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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Marriages
Deaths
Dr. Charlie Peters ’02 and Beth Patton
Alumni
Friends
Brian Fagan ’03 and Ashley Kelly
James Kehoe ’40
Mary Catherine Atchity
Brian Illig ’04 and Michelle Mileski
James Lehaney, Jr. ’41
Carolee Atha
Stuart Lane ’04 and Emily Lykens
William Gilwee, Jr. ’47
Jean Bessenbacher
Martin Schneider ’04 and Laura Young
John Jackson ’47
Charleen Brain
Lawrence McManus ’47
Phyllis Brennan
Robert Dubler ’50
Michael Brocato
John Egle ’51
Angela Browne
James Gleeson ’53
Betty Brummer
Peter Dougherty ’54
Patrick Clune
David Korth ’09 and Courtney Hylen
Dr. Alfred Lorenz, Jr. ’54
Judy Collins
Peter Moorman ’09 and Meg Gullen
John May ’54
Mons. James Comiskey
Lucas Schneider ’09 and Elly Leavens
Michael Naughton ’54
Mary Suzan Cramer
William Nulton ’10 and Jordan Miller
Paul Bannister ’55
Barbara Culver
Kevin McNamara ’11 and Tierney Spiker
Gerald Meiners ’55
William Dalton
R. Brien Boggess ’56
Glenn Davis
Lawrence Hughes ’56
Nathan Galate
Edward O’Malley ’56
George Guastello
Michael Nash ’58
Linda Kay Haake
Paul Selzer ’58
Catherine Harms
Dr. Michael Ryan, Jr. ’59
Dan Holmes
Michael Reiter ’60
Thomas Holmes
John Craig ’61
Anna Knopke
Walter Meiners ’65
Thomas Marx
William Steffen ’65
Henry McEnany
John Connealy ’69
Maryann Munjak
Joseph Lusco ’69
John Noonan
Thomas McAuliffe ’73
James Nutter
Michael Darby ’73
Thomas O’Sullivan, III
James Sulit ’84
Neal Patterson
Jerome Bolin ’87
Jeanne Lillig-Patterson
Scott Leahy ’95
Victoria Quinn
Lt. John Rheuark ’98
Helen Reardon
Matthew McCullough ’00
Mark Rebein
Nicholas Henning ’10
Walter Regan
William Rockers ’10
Carmen Aguirre Rodriguez
Theodore Breidenthal, Jr. ’12
Nancy Ryan
Harrison Rupp ’20
Kathryn Shea
John Nagle ’05 and Callie Jones Patrick Doyle ’08 and Mary Kralemann David Messick ’08 and Allison Corley Collin Sigler ’08 and Dr. Elizabeth Myers Von Cunningham ’09 and Lindsay Jungers Thomas Keenan ’09 and Jenny McLiney
Births Justin Begnaud ’97 and Ali, a son, Hank Heywood Michael Judy ’99 and Mary Jane, a son, George Oliver James Radovich ’99 and Jessica, a daughter, Ruby James Gregory Owsley ’00 and Carolyn, a son, Paul Vinton Ryan Anderson ’01 and Annie, a son, Brady Harris Jeffrey Kratofil ’01 and Jenny, a daughter, Eleanor Grace Terry Anderson ’02 and Lindsey, a son, Redford Terrence Michael Illig ’02 andAmy, a son, Clive Robert Michael Stasi ’02 and Jenny, a daughter, Peyton Elizabeth Brian Betterman ’03 and Crystal, a son, Mason Matthew Joshua Boesen ’03 and Maureen, a daughter, Susan Margaret Michael Comiskey ’03 and Elise, a son, Max Oliver Michael Kincaid ’03 and Kristy, daughters, Keegan and Kennedy Alexander Kopulos ’03 and Andriana, a son, Gus Gregory Scott McCaffrey ’03 and Hannah, a son, Tripp Lawrence Cory Van Dyke ’03 and Mallory, a son, Jack Patrick Ryan Van Dyke ’03 and Lauren, a daughter, Scotlynn Grace James Maggard ’04 and Erin, a son, Arthur James Patrick Tweedy ’04 and Annie, a daughter, Caroline Ann Frank Allen ’05 and Nicole, a daughter, Madeline Paige Matthew Betterman ’05 and Meg, a son, Robert James Mark Davidson ’05 and Molly, a son, William Roscoe Sean Kitts ’06 and Sarah, a daughter, Cody McKinzie Daniel Brocato ’09 and Lindsay, a daughter, Olivia Kathryn Jake and Alex Doller ’09, a daughter, Jordy Anne Clarke O’Dowd ’09 and Shelby, a daughter, Harlan Jewell
William Sheahan, Sr. Betty Sosna
A WORD FROM THE PRINCIPAL The school year is off to a great start! Our students have enjoyed and are using our new spaces to continue our school’s tradition of academic excellence. The new Learning Commons offers unique learning spaces for all students. This year we added an Engineering course as well as the “Entrepreneurs for Others” course. Students have enthusiastically embraced both of these new programs. We congratulated eight National Merit Semifinalists and our seniors are fully engaged in the college application process. There is great success in our fall cocurricular programming. There are many wonderful things happening here at 9301 State Line Road. Please know that all of us remember our alumni and friends in our thoughts and prayers in thanksgiving for all you do to assist us in the education of the young men of Kansas City. Gregory Harkness ’81 Principal, Rockhurst High School
ROCKHURST RENEWS JESUIT SPONSORSHIP Rockhurst High School students gathered together for the first time in the 2017-18 academic year for the Mass of the Holy Spirit on Aug. 30. The school was excited to welcome the Very Rev. Ronald Mercier, SJ, who is the Provincial of the Jesuits’ U.S. Central and Southern Province. A main responsibility of the Provincial is to determine and affirm each of its schools to be an apostolic work of the Society of Jesus and a Jesuit school in what is referred to as “Sponsorship.” There is a clearly stated written agreement between the Provincial and the school’s governing board, which describes the relationship between them and the roles of the Provincial, the Board of Trustees, and the Director of Work (in this case, the school’s president), as well as the Jesuit Community. Joined by Rockhurst’s Interim President Rev. William Sheahan, SJ, and Chairman of the Board Jonathan Haden ’75, Fr. Mercier signed the Sponsorship Agreement to publicly reaffirm Rockhurst as an apostolic work of the Society of Jesus, and specifically as a Jesuit school.
Chairman of the Board Jonathan Haden ’75 (left) and Rockhurst’s Interim President, Rev. William Sheahan, SJ, (right) look on as Provincial of the Jesuits’ U.S. Central and Southern Province, the Very Rev. Ronald Mercier, SJ, signs the Jesuit Sponsorship Agreement of Rockhurst High School.
Janet Cauley Stephenson Dr. Arnulfo Sulit Jean Sweeney Frank Toplikar Patrick Weiland Mary Helen Williams
It is a sign of faith that Fr. Mercier entrusts the care of the Jesuit mission to the Board of Trustees and, at the same time, that Fr. Sheahan and Haden accept the responsibility. 12
Rockhurst ALUMNI MAGAZINE
ROCKHURST ENJOYS NEW FACILITIES
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The best part of the new Academic Learning Commons has been the reception from our students. They utilize the space at any given time throughout the school day.
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The newly constructed Hawklets Center is a great space not only for our student-athletes, but for coaches, alumni and guests. The increased space allows for five varsity programs to use the building while we can also entertain guests on the second floor. From the celebration of athletics in the wall photos to the personalized lockers and increased technology, the Hawklets Center will be a building that we can grow into for years down the line.
Michael Dierks ’91, Director of Athletics
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Amy Gansner, Director of Library Media Services
The Academic Learning Commons
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Conference rooms used for small group collaboration
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Since the Learning Commons opened, I have found myself doing a lot more homework, just because there are a lot of comfortable places to sit and spread out, and the conference rooms make it easier to study in groups. Thomas Seitzer ’19
View of the Hawklets Center from the field at Dasta Memorial Stadium
“The new Hawklets Center training rooms is clean and professional. It’s state-of-the-art, and I can now treat student-athletes more timely and efficiently with these modern facilities. Paul McGannon ’72, Athletic Trainer
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Various tables, desks and chairs allow for individual or group work
Silent Study Room used for silent, individual study
Tech Desk
Newly turfed practice field behind the Hawklets Center (Davis Field)
Cross Country/Soccer/Lacrosse locker room
New training room includes workout equipment, whirlpool and taping bench
Football/Track & Field locker room
Second floor multipurpose room
Coaches conference room and offices
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Rockhurst ALUMNI MAGAZINE
IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY
SENIORS EARN NATIONAL ACADEMIC RECOGNITION
“Rockhurst Belongs” is a piece by Rev. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ
Eight Rockhurst High School seniors were notified in early September that they had qualified as National Merit Semifinalists. They are: Benjamin Coates, Andrew Connor, Max Connor, Anthony Cordes, Minh Nguyen, Wyatt Pelton, Drake Rebman and Rory Reidy.
Charitable work, without faith, is called responsible citizenship, but the Mission and Vision of Rockhurst invite each student to a sense of belonging far more widereaching than a city or country. Our students are called to citizenship in heaven, and Christ invites them to faith in Him and to belong to His enterprise of bringing about God’s kingdom.
More than 1.6 million high school students took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) and around 50,000 earned the highest index score to qualify for National Merit Scholarship Program acknowledgment.
In classrooms and learning spaces, music halls and theaters, mock trial courtrooms and debate platforms, athletic arenas and weight rooms, and in all other curricular and cocurricular activities, our students belong not only to their class, organization or team, but they belong ultimately to God, whose creative hand willed them into existence and endowed them with the very gifts by which they glorify His name. The nearly five-hundred-year-old Society of Jesus – the Jesuit Order – continues to sponsor Rockhurst High School as an official “apostolate,” whereby the Jesuit provincial superior formally recognizes that the school belongs to the Roman Catholic Church and to the Society of Jesus, just as the Rockhurst students, faculty, staff, administrators and board members belong to them and to their worldwide mission to help souls toward their heavenly homeland.
Of those top students, fewer than two-thirds, or about 16,000, are then named as Semifinalists. Looking forward to February, some 15,000 Semifinalists will be notified that they have been selected to Finalist standing.
Rev. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ, Theology Department Chair
Seven Rockhurst seniors earned recognition as National Merit Commended Students, which includes the other 34,000 who were just short of Semifinalist qualification. For the class of 2018, they are: Zachary Croake, Ryan Fitzgerald, Braden McCanles, William Pirner, Kyle Ruark, Zachary Telford and Samuel Torti.
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...our students belong not only to their class, organization or team, but they belong ultimately to God, whose creative hand willed them into existence and endowed them with the very gifts by which they glorify His name.
Rev. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ, Theology Department Chair
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The 2017-18 Rockhurst High School National Merit Semifinalists are pictured with Interim President Rev. William Sheahan, SJ, (left) and Principal Gregory Harkness ’81 (right). The seniors, from left to right: Andrew Connor, Wyatt Pelton, Anthony Cordes, Drake Rebman, Max Connor, Benjamin Coates, Minh Nguyen and Rory Reidy.
TWO SENIORS EARN PERFECT ACT SCORES In the 2016-17 academic year, more than 2 million students nationally took the ACT. Of those, just 2,760, or 0.136 percent, earned a perfect score of 36. Drake Rebman ’18
Two current seniors in the Class of 2018 were among this fraction of a percent: Drake Rebman and Zachary Telford.
Zachary Telford ’18
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Rockhurst ALUMNI MAGAZINE
ROCKHURST RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS CERTIFICATION Rockhurst High School became just the 80th school in the nation, and the first in Missouri and Kansas, to earn STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) certification. The accreditation team from AdvancED visited, toured, and then awarded Rockhurst the STEM designation In March. “The most profound aspect of this achievement is that it is completely based on our Jesuit mission of growing and educating to the best of our ability,” said Gregory Harkness ’81, Principal. “We are not a ‘STEM school’ but a Jesuit school with STEM certification. Our students and faculty have done an outstanding job of understanding and accepting the need to adopt this type of learning, which is way different than it was fifty, twenty, even ten years ago.” According to the AdvancED website, AdvancED’s STEM certification provides institutions a research-based
framework and criteria for their awareness, continuous improvement and assessment of the quality, rigor and substance of their STEM educational programs. Through valid and reliable processes, tools and training, AdvancED STEM certification ensures that even the most effective educators and programs continually assess and improve to meet the needs and demands of the real world. “The certification acknowledges that the STEAM initiative helped Rockhurst further fulfill its mission as a Jesuit School,” said Gregory Owsley ’00, STEAM Director. “Increased student collaboration in active learning classrooms and creating opportunities for students to merge their skills into their service opportunities helps connect the qualities of intellectual competence with a commitment to justice. The STEM certification team was very impressed when they interviewed students because the students proactively articulated how their opportunities were connected with the values of Rockhurst High School, specifically in terms of the Profile of the Graduate at Graduation.”
A WORD FROM THE STEAM TEAM From Gregory Owsley ’00, STEAM Director Why do we assume that ‘school world’ is separate from the ‘real world’? The STEAM initiative serves Rockhurst High School’s mission by helping form innovating “men for others” who live and collaborate in an engaging learning environment. The school looks like a coworking space with students actively learning.
When you visit Rockhurst’s new Learning Commons, the energetic buzz of young minds is unavoidable. Teams of students draw up plans in the mini breakout rooms, students build miniature prototypes at the maker counter, and others are intensely studying in the quiet study room.
After only two years, Rockhurst’s robotics team, the Jesubots, are a top regional team, making it to the world championship their first year. Every freshman learns how to code in “Introduction to Computer Science” (they are learning processing, which is an extension of Java). Science students spend more time immersed in labs or engineering builds – in “Principles of Engineering” – than in lectures.
It’s an incredible time to be a Rockhurst student! Rockhurst will help lift up the Kansas City education ecosystem in March 2018 when it hosts a STEM Summit. As the only AdvancED-certified STEM school in Missouri or Kansas, Rockhurst models how a mission-driven school can stay true to its values while preparing students for today’s world. Come visit and experience it for yourself!
The Learning Commons pitch space features a guest speaker each week for the new “Entrepreneurship for Others” class. Students in this class cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and are challenged to solve actual problems that will help the community.
Gregory Owsley ’00, STEAM Director
SENIOR NAMED STEAM MENTOR OF THE YEAR More than 50 Rockhurst High School students volunteered at the STEAM Studio during the 2016-17 school year. As volunteer mentors, students help elementary and middle school students complete projects involving robotics, drones, programming, 3D printers and other STEAM subjects. Krishon Harris ’18 was recognized by the STEAM Studio as its Mentor of the Year at the studio’s luncheon in May.
Krishon Harris ’18 spends much of his after-school free time at the STEAM Studio, where he volunteers to work with elementary and middle school students.
“To me, winning the Mentor of the Year Award means that I’m making a difference; all of my hard work and dedication to the STEAM Studio have been worthy contributions,” said Harris. “I started working with the Studio as a service project to get my required hours out of the way. However, I instantly fell in love with the project.” Harris’ technological skills and eagerness to help are just as noticeable at Rockhurst as they are at the STEAM Studio. Before and after school and during any free period, Harris can usually be found at Rockhurst’s Tech Desk. His inviting smile and wide array of talents assist countless students (and even some teachers) every week.
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It’s an incredible time to be a Rockhurst student! Rockhurst will help lift up the Kansas City education ecosystem in March 2018 when it hosts a STEM Summit. Gregory Owsley ’00, STEAM Director
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Rockhurst ALUMNI MAGAZINE
STUDENTS CONSTRUCT MEANINGFUL HALLOWEEN COSTUME
NEW FACULTY WELCOMED Rockhurst High School looked a bit different to start the 201718 school year. The Hawklets Center and Academic Learning Commons opened in August, and new signage and wall banners spread throughout the school. Several new faculty and staff members also made for new Rockhurst offerings. Ten of these new hires are full-time, while four are members of the Alumni Service Corps (ASC). ASC members are recent college graduates who attended a Jesuit high school and/or college and volunteer a year of their time and talents to teaching, coaching and moderating at one of the Jesuit high schools. The new full-time employees are: Jake Bradshaw (Physical Education), Dr. Megan Caughron (English), Michael Comiskey ’03 (Advancement Office), Brandon Hord (Instrumental Music), Joshua Lawlor (Choral Music), Dirk Lawson (History and Computer Science), Ryan McAnany ’12 (English and Yearbook), Jim Monteil (Mathematics), Brandon Severino ’99 (Physical Education), and Lisa Weis (Health and Wellness Program).
New Rockhurst High School faculty/staff members from left to right: (1st row) Lisa Weis, Anthony Re, Ryan McAnany, Nick Sykora, Dirk Lawson; (2nd row) Joshua Lawlor, Brian Dugan, Jamie Placht, Jake Bradshaw, Jim Monteil; (3rd row) Brandon Hord, Michael Comiskey, Brandon Severino, Megan Caughron
The ASC members for 2017-18 are: Brian Dugan (Theology), Jamie Placht (Science), Anthony Re (History), and Nick Sykora (Science).
FRESHMEN SPEND FIRST DAY IN SERVICE On Tuesday, Aug. 15, Rockhurst High School welcomed the Class of 2021 as they met together for the first time on Freshman Orientation Day.
The Rockhurst community worked together to construct an ambulance costume for 7-year-old Grant.
Students and teachers from various Engineering and Arts classes came together to participate in a nonprofit organization called “Walkin’ & Rollin’ Costumes.” These Rockhurst High School students constructed a Halloween costume for 7-year-old Grant, who is bound to a wheelchair. Grant wanted to be an ambulance, so the Rockhurst group spent time before, during and after school to make it happen.
“Students and staff have been working with Walkin’ & Rollin’ for the first time, and it has really put the ‘men for others’ mantra into action,” said Tate Owens, Visual & Performing Arts Department Chair. “They’ve created a lifelike ambulance that attaches to his wheelchair, and they’re extremely proud to make his Halloween dream a reality.” The costume was presented to Grant on Oct. 19, so he would have it in plenty of time before trick-or-treating.
After meeting their Senior Brothers and walking the hallways to their classes, the newest Hawklets were sent out into the community to volunteer at service organizations. These included Avenue of Life, Giving the Basics, Elmwood Cemetery, Harvesters, KCKPAL, Hillcrest Transitional Housing, Community LINC, and cleaning Brush Creek. “As a Jesuit school, we are called to be ‘men for others,’” said Max Magee, Ignatian Service Coordinator. “The hope is that freshmen recognize the importance of our school’s motto and understand that attending Rockhurst is not only about what you do here at school, but how you engage the community outside our walls – especially the poor and marginalized – through service.”
Rockhurst’s Class of 2021 spent part of Freshman Orientation Day at service agencies throughout the Kansas City area.
-Thomas Reintjes ’18, Regis Club president
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Rockhurst ALUMNI MAGAZINE
SCHOOL GATHERS FOR SOLAR ECLIPSE
HURTADO SCHOLARS CONTINUE GROWTH The Hurtado Scholars Program at Rockhurst High School grows each year, as a new group of young men join the ranks of “Hurtado Scholars.” This past summer, 14 rising sixth-graders entered the program, joining the eight seventh-graders, seven eighth-graders, eight freshmen, and sophomores who have been enrolled since their summer following fifth grade. The program began in 2013 and was a vision of Rev. William T. Sheahan, SJ; Rev. Terrence A. Baum, SJ; and Gregory Harkness ’81; who spent months researching similar programs in the country as well as meeting with local school officials. Enrollees to the program are based on recommendations from the principals at three diocesan urban grade schools – Holy Cross (MO), Our
The Scholars spend five weeks in the summer, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rockhurst High School. They spend their days on intensive math and language arts, lab science, pottery, computer science, and physical activity (soccer, chess, basketball, disc golf, ultimate Frisbee). Their teachers are all Rockhurst High faculty members, and current students and alums serve as mentors. During the school year, the Scholars participate in the after-school program every Tuesday and Thursday from September through May at the Rockhurst University Community Center.
Rockhurst High School students, teachers and staff gathered at the Dasta Memorial Stadium to experience the Solar Eclipse on Aug. 21.
The worldwide phenomenon of the Solar Eclipse took place Aug. 21 and Kansas City was one of the best places in the world to be for viewing the event. The Rockhurst High School community gathered in the stands of Dasta Memorial Stadium to experience God’s creation together. Each student and faculty and staff member was given a pair of solar glasses to help see the eclipse.
Lady of Hope and St. John Francis Regis. Each student who is selected into and completes the program will receive the necessary financial support to attend Rockhurst, thanks to a generous grant from the McGowan Charitable Fund and the support of community donors.
Grade school Hurtado Scholars spent their summer days at Rockhurst building their academic skills, including introduction to computer coding.
“It is exciting the Scholars are not only coming to Rockhurst, but are doing well academically and socially. They are putting in the necessary work to improve academically,” said Mr. Marvin Grilliot, Director of Hurtado Scholars. “While doing so, they are building community among themselves. And that community is growing through their continued dedication to community service, so we always have an opportunity to give back.”
Astronomy students collected data leading up to and through the eclipse. The rest of the students were asked to reflect on the once-ina-lifetime experience and God’s plan for each of them, and the school community prayed the Examen before heading back to class. “Here at Rockhurst, we wanted our students to experience more than just the science of the eclipse,” said Paul Winkeler, Science Department Chair. “For us, studying science brings students closer to God. And this was a perfect opportunity for our students to experience that.”
Hurtado Scholars on a summer field trip to the Kansas City Aquarium.
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Rockhurst ALUMNI MAGAZINE
AUCTION SETS NEW BAR
ALUM SERVES AS SCHOOL ARCHIVIST The 2017 Spectacular Auction, “Rock Aloha”, raised a record $787,220! All proceeds from the auction go directly to tuition assistance, which 43 percent of all Rockhurst High School students receive. Rockhurst thanks the 2017 co-chairs for their countless hours of work in making the event a huge success: Steph & Andy Eilert, Lisa & Scott Hallier, Rebecca & Brad Hewlett, Karin & Josh Selzer ’90, and Katie & Lance Slaymaker.
The co-chairs of the record-setting Rock Aloha, pictured with Rev. Terrence Baum, SJ: Scott & Lisa Hallier, Brad & Rebecca Hewlett, Lance & Katie Slaymaker, Karin & Josh Selzer, and Stephanie & Andy Eilert.
“It felt great to know that our efforts gave a financial hug to those in need,” said Karin Selzer. Mark your calendars for the 2018 Auction on April 21, which will include a nautical theme.
NEW ENDOWMENT LEAVES LEGACY OF FRIENDSHIP
Matthew McCullough ’00
Matthew McCullough ’00 left friends and family with grand memories – a fitting legacy to a lifetime devoted to enduring friendships. A tradition shared by all alumni of Rockhurst High School, and one his family wanted to ensure any young man could share, if he wanted it.
McCullough unexpectedly passed away on April 14, 2017. He was a beloved son, brother, and uncle, and as evidenced by the hosts of well-wishers who attended the Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Thomas More Church, he was a source of tremendous love for countless Rockhurst High School alumni and friends.
During his life, McCullough lived the Ignatian ideal that Jesuit education was a gift, not to be kept, but given away to benefit other people. He joined the coaching staff for Rockhurst High School’s track and field program for exactly that reason – to teach students to be better athletes and guide them to be “men for others”. “I knew Matt his entire life,” commented John Houlehan ’60. “I’ve never met someone who lived every moment of life to its fullest. My family us proud to support a fund in his memory that will help young men to receive a Jesuit education that will serve them for the rest of their lives.”
McCullough attended grade school at St. Thomas More. His passion was for sports, particularly basketball. At Rockhurst High School, he continued to develop as a basketball player, and extended his interest to soccer and track. McCullough attended the University of Missouri and eventually earned his degree from Rockhurst University. McCullough’s professional pursuits included with his brother, Todd, at Proshred in recycling and document security services. He also worked in commercial real estate.
This is due to the efforts of History teacher and Lacrosse Coach Timothy Reidy ’02, who last year undertook the role of School Archivist. “Over the years, the school compiled so many photos, but they were just collected in a Library closet,” said Reidy. “We always talked about our history and tradition, but we never really displayed it. The new spaces gave us a great opportunity to do that – to tell the story of Greenlease Campus, and some of the major events in our school’s history.” In addition, two digital touch screens, which include old yearbooks, class composites, alumni awards, and histories of sports and cocurricular activities, can be found in the Learning Commons and Hawklets Center. These serve as interactive exhibits on Rockhurst history. If you have items you’re willing to donate to showcase Rockhurst tradition, or if you’d like to utilize the resources, please contact Reidy at reidy@rockhursths.edu.
True to the McCullough family’s character as “men and women for others,” McCullough’s parents, Thomas and Sharon McCullough, established an endowment to offer tuition assistance grants for families in need at Rockhurst High School - the Matthew McCullough Memorial Scholarship Fund. “We are humbled and honored by the McCullough family’s kindness,” commented Rev. William T. Sheahan, SJ, Interim President of Rockhurst High School. “The response in giving from alumni and friends has been equally overwhelming. It says how much people loved the kind of man Matt was to this community.”
Along with the new facilities on Rockhurst High School’s campus, historic photos, timelines and murals now fill the walls of Rockhurst’s Hawklets Center, Academic Learning Commons, Service Desk in the Barry Commons and elsewhere throughout the school.
John Houlehan ’60 and Edward Houlehan ’53 present a gift in memory of Constance Cooper to Laurence Freeman ’82 and Raymond “Gus” Sonnenberg ’90 that honors Rev. Terrence Baum, SJ. They are joined by friends of Rockhurst Thomas McCullough (Hogan HS class of ’60) and Todd McCullough ’90.
During the 2017-18 Academic Year, more than $2.4 million in tuition assistance was awarded to 42% of the student population at Rockhurst High School. Requests for aid reached $4 million in this year alone, which can only be satisfied through charitable gift support and income from the endowment.
New signage for the Hawklets Center and upper campus
Tim Reidy ’02
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Rockhurst ALUMNI MAGAZINE
RECENT GRADS CONTINUE AS STUDENT-ATHLETES
SPORTS SEASONS ADD FOUR BANNERS Spring is the busiest sports season of the year at Rockhurst High School, as five different varsity teams represent The Rock. The 2017 spring season proved to be a successful one, as three teams finished in the top three in their divisions.
Two individuals and one relay team qualified for the track & field State Championships. Danny Toomey ’17 placed third in the 800-meter, John Luder ’17 placed fourth in the 1600-meter, and the 4x800 relay team finished 11th.
The golf team found itself in second place after the first day of competition, trailing Glendale by five strokes. Despite windy conditions, the squad outplayed the rest of the competition and shot eight strokes better than Glendale on day two to win the State Championship.
The fall sports teams also produced successful seasons.
Individually, Jake Propeck ’18 tied for second, Rob Enright ’17 tied for fifth, Carson St. Clair ’18 tied for 15th, Patrick Bessenbacher ’20 tied for 30th, and Ethan Packel ’17 tied for 36th. The lacrosse team played its way back atop the Lacrosse Association of Kansas City (LAKC), after falling in the playoffs the past two seasons. The Hawklets went undefeated throughout the year in LAKC play and finished with an overall record of 17-5. In the LAKC Championship, the Hawklets jumped out to a 9-5 lead and were able to hold off Shawnee Mission East 10-9 to take home the league title. Goalie Jake Sullivan ’17 was named Tournament MVP. The tennis team earned its way into the State Final Four for the 23rd consecutive season. The Hawklets were knocked off in the semifinals by eventual champions Columbia Rock Bridge. However, The Rock bounced back strong in the third-place match and beat Parkway Central. The baseball team finished the regular season with a 15-13 record and earned a first-round bye in Districts. The Hawklets beat RayPec in the semifinals, but fell 4-2 to Lee’s Summit in the finals.
The cross country team won the Sectional Championship and placed 4th at the State Championship Meet. For the first time in program history, the team had three All-State runners: Thomas Seitzer ‘19 (5th), Peter Campbell ‘18 (22nd), and Wes Porter ‘20 (24th). Facing another difficult regular season schedule, the football Hawklets entered Districts with a 6-3 record. They won their first two playoff games over Lee’s Summit North and Lee’s Summit West, but fell in the District Championship to Park Hill. The soccer team proved itself to be the best team in Missouri. The Hawklets topped off a 27-3 season with the Class 4 State Championship, and didn’t lose a game to another Missouri school all year. The Rock avenged last year’s penalty kick loss in the championship game to CBC by beating the Cadets in this year’s semifinals. The Hawklets then captured the school’s seventh soccer title by defeating Vianney. The swim and dive team qualified several individuals and relay teams for the State Championships, and the team placed 11th. The 200-yard medley team finished 7th and Dylan Nill ‘20 finished 6th in the 500-yard freestyle.
In addition to the four football players, two wrestlers and one soccer player in the Rockhurst High School Class of 2017 who committed to their colleges during early signing period, more student-athletes signed in late spring. The baseball team had seven seniors commit to playing at the collegiate level. They were: Jack Burns (Rockhurst University), Jim Burns (Rockhurst University), Ty Dalinghaus (Washington University in St. Louis), Jared Dunagan (Rockhurst University), Max Hewlett (Cowley Community College), Hunter Sands (Rockhurst University), and Ryan Suholaski (Benedictine College). All-District Basketball player Chris Teahan committed to the University of Kansas as a preferred walk-on. The cross country team won its first State Championship in program history in 2016. Three instrumental seniors on the team, as well as in track, were John Luder (University of Kansas), Branden Schaff (Truman State University), and Danny Toomey (DePaul University).
Class of 2017 baseball signees with Coach Jim DeGraw (far right): Max Hewlett (Cowley Community College), Jared Dunagan (Rockhurst), Ty Dalinghaus (Washington University in St. Louis), Hunter Sands (Rockhurst), Jim Burns (Rockhurst), Jack Burns (Rockhurst), and Ryan Suholaski (Benedictine College).
Swimmers Ethan Bock and Collin Nill continued their careers at the collegiate level. Bock (pictured with former Head Swim Coach Paul Winkeler) signed to UMass and Nill (pictured with Head Swim Coach Bob Barth) signed to St. Olaf College.
Lacrosse midfielder Robert Dakan signed to Carthage College in Kenosha, WI. Six-time individual All-State swimmer Collin Nill committed to St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. Two-year Rockhurst swimmer Ethan Bock committed to University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Robert Dakan, pictured with Head Lacrosse Coach Tim Reidy ’02, committed to Carthage College.
Chris Teahan, pictured with his parents Donna and Mark ’78, was a preferred walk-on at KU.
Three runners signed, pictured with Head Cross Country Coach Michael Dierks ’91 (left) and Head Track Coach Michael Day ’01 (right): John Luder (Kansas), Danny Toomey (DePaul), and Branden Schaff (Truman State).
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OUR MISSION 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: , Matthew Roxas 18
, Pianist Matthew Roxas 18 was selected as the First Prize Winner of the Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition. As part of his prize, he will perform in December at the Auditorium Parco della Musica Teatro Studio in Rome, Italy, which is considered the equivalent to Carnegie Hall in the United States.
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.
AD MAJOREM DEI GLORIAM © 2017 Trozzolo.com
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