Rockhurst University, like all 27 Jesuit universities in the U.S., is guided by a set of core values. These annual themes are infused into the Rockhurst experience, from academics to special events to student reflections. Throughout their RU experience, students discover these values relate to their lives no matter what their beliefs are. Whether you’re on Rockhurst’s campus, Georgetown’s, Xavier’s or any of the other Jesuit campuses in the U.S., these values are visible.
Finding God in All Things
We believe that God is actively working in our lives and world; therefore, we strive: To search for and find God in every circumstance in life, not just in explicitly religious situations. To grow in love—love of God, of our neighbor, and of the world. To deepen our relationships with God and our own religious traditions. To model that all aspects of learning and teaching are relevant ways of encountering and responding to God.
Cura Personalis – “Care for the Whole Person”
We are committed to caring for others inside and outside the classroom; therefore, we strive to help people: To understand their inherent human dignity. To reach their greatest human potential. To share their experience and knowledge with others. To act in a way that reflects this growth.
Magis – “More”
We are committed to excellence; therefore, we strive: To understand better ourselves and others as people loved by God. To seek greater knowledge of the academic, spiritual, and social disciplines. To give greater love, care, and compassion for our neighbor. To find more purposeful and effective ways to carry out our work.
Reflection and Discernment
We are committed to the examined life; therefore, we strive: To seek for a greater knowledge of all creation. To reflect on our own lived experience of the world. To discern the movements of our heart and reason. To listen to the experience of other people.
Contemplation in Action
We are committed to just action through leadership and service; therefore, we strive: To take responsibility for our gifts and talents and to help build up the gifts and talents of others. To be agents of transformation, especially in the areas of social justice and equality. To bring our best resources to bear on creative responses to problems and challenges. To foster openness and curiosity about all things new and different. To foster a spirit of trust, hopefulness, collegiality, and dialogue. To value different points of view and experiences.
Wisdom – Sapientia Aedificavit Sibi Domum – “Wisdom Has Built Herself a Home”
We are committed to learning; therefore, we strive: To learn about all aspects of this God-charged world. To create an environment that values and champions the search for and communication of knowledge. To examine the moral and ethical implications present in each discipline and program. To view religious experience and religious questions as integral to the understanding of human existence and human culture. To foster love of the world that leads to the desire to create a better and more just existence.