Rockhurst News

TIME Magazine’s list of America’s Best Colleges for 2026-27 is out, and it includes Rockhurst University.

Summary

From milking calves at a cheese farm outside of Oviedo, Spain, to learning how to make authentic Basque cuisine in a culinary class in Bilbao and witnessing pilgrims complete The Camino at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, this trip was full of experiences that showcased the rich culture and history of the Iberian Peninsula and pushed students beyond their norms.

The Ignatian Spirituality Center of Kansas City, which has operated as a nonprofit organization under the auspices of the Jesuits USA Central and Southern Province, is becoming part of Rockhurst University, a Jesuit university founded in 1910 that is also one of the works in the province.

Rockhurst University welcomes two new Jesuits to campus this summer.

In June, Debbie Espinosa, ’98, was announced as the next president and CEO of Harvesters—The Community Food Network, a regional food bank based in Kansas City. It’s both a new challenge and a familiar role for Espinosa, who credited previous experience in the nonprofit sector and her Jesuit education at Rockhurst University for preparing her well to take the helm.

When Rockhurst University announced a strategic partnership with fellow Jesuit institution Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, in March 2025, it opened up numerous opportunities for students at both institutions. One was the possibility of studying at Spring Hill College’s Italy Center in Bologna, Italy — an opportunity one group of students from Rockhurst University became the first to take advantage of.

Women's assistant lacrosse coach Jennifer Douglas is an Advanced Animal Care Specialist with the Water’s Edge team at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium and her passion is serving as one of the point persons for 85 penguins.

SummaryAt the Rockhurst University Leadership Series in St. Louis Sept. 17, the University will honor Jim Powers, ’83, with its Magis Award, honoring his decades of service and leadership for the University and the St. Louis community.

Rockhurst University President Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., met Pope Leo XIV at the end of June, part of a delegation of presidents of Jesuit colleges and universities from the United States, Canada and Belize who visited the Holy See.