Inspired by Ignatius’ Words, University Launches “Love in Action” Fund

“Love ought to manifest itself in deeds rather than in words” goes the St. Ignatius of Loyola quote familiar to so many in Jesuit circles.

Rockhurst University is heeding that call in a new way with the launch of the Love in Action Fund, designed to help meet the often unique, sometimes urgent circumstances in which members of the Rockhurst community — students, faculty, and staff — can find themselves.

“We absolutely see this as part of living out our mission, of walking with one another as companions in a spirit of compassion that ever more fully embodies our commitment to cura personalis,” said Cindy Schmersal, vice president for mission and ministry.

With seed funding provided by Rockhurst Dining Services, the Love in Action Fund currently consists of three distinct programs:

• The Food Justice initiative, including Grandma’s Pantry, the on-campus food pantry for students, faculty and staff that opened in April 2019. Grandma’s Pantry is also funded by an endowment for operations.
• Magdalena mini-grants, intended to assist during extraordinary hardship or emergency. This program is named for St. Ignatius’ sister-in-law, who played a pivotal role in his life.
• Donations of decommissioned employee laptops to students without access to a dependable computer for academic use.

Schmersal said some of those needs emerged from responses in the University’s 2018 campus climate study. And as the University becomes a more inclusive place a “home for all,” including welcoming an increasingly diverse student population, there is a growing need to address the barriers to success some face.

Students, staff and faculty can anonymously apply for assistance through the web page for the program.