Ray Evans '78 Celebrated as Alumnus of the Year

YOUNG ALUMNI LEAD SUCCESSFUL EVENTS

With each new graduating class at Rockhurst High School, and the Class of 2022 being the 106th, young men are expected to continue as “men for others” in their college years and beyond. Rockhurst offers these graduates a simple message:

Your school never leaves you.

Alumni are always welcome on campus for Rockhurst alumni events. For the 2021-22 school year, the Philanthropy & Engagement Office hosted more than 20 alumni events. Most would not have been possible without the efforts of alumni volunteers, many of them graduates within the last 10 years.

Three examples are Joe Giwa '15, Blaise Gassman '16, and David Sandvig, III '16. All three decided to attend the Ignatian Leadership Kick-Off Dinner on Sept. 9, 2021 and wanted to become more involved with their alma mater.

Within weeks they began planning and promoting the Young Alumni Pizza Party on Dec. 21, a gathering for alumni classes that graduated within the last five years. Through their dedication, the celebration had its largest ever turnout, with nearly 100 alumni attending. The trio was also involved with hosting a soldout Alumni Breakfast Series at the Polsinelli Offices in December, and then a packed Alumni Breakfast Series on campus in March.

“Rockhurst has undoubtedly molded me and left a lasting mark on me, which I truly appreciate. I first owe it to the school to give back because it gave me a lot more than tuition could ever cover: friends that turned into family, a mindset of reflection and critical thinking, and Jesuit faith values,” said Gassman. “Secondly, we have all heard too often that paying it forward does you more good than you could imagine. It keeps me grounded and appreciative.”

They encourage other recent Rockhurst grads to get involved as well, in both attending events and considering charitable gifts.

“It’s so important to support Rockhurst because it’s up to us to make sure that future students have the same opportunity to get the Rockhurst experience,” said Sandvig. “Almost 50% of students receive financial aid and that is made possible by generous alumni who understand the importance of supporting our alma mater. It’s never too late to get involved, reconnect with some old friends, and even form new friendships.”

Chris Miller '11 and James Shay '11 have also made an impact through their alumni efforts. Miller is leading the return of the Alumni Yard Games in June, a favorite event for alumni of all ages, and Shay joined the National Alumni Association Board of Governors in 2020.

If you would like to become an alumni volunteer, please contact Meredith Suarez, Director of Alumni Engagement, at

msuarez@rockhursths.edu.

Pictured to the right: David Sandvig, III ’16, Blaise Gassman ’16, and Joe Giwa ’15.