Rockhurst News

Rockhurst University Leadership Series guest Kevin Roose said AI is changing the landscape of the workforce, but gave three pieces of advice to those in the audience who felt uneasy about this technology

As part of the Rockhurst University Leadership Series event Tuesday night, the University honored Dave Harrison, ’81, founder and president of VanTrust Real Estate, with this year’s award. In more than 40 years in commercial real estate, Harrison company has left a recognizable mark on Kansas City and beyond.

A premier Kansas City educational institution with deep roots in whole-person learning, leadership and service and a local business are announcing an exciting new partnership to elevate their brand, tell their story and welcome more students.

Senior Caroline Knopke said she grew up diving — “it's the only sport I've really ever known,” she said — and competed through high school. When it came time to choose a college, she found herself drawn to Rockhurst University. But that meant the end of her competitive diving career (though she would still coach a local girls’ team). Until this year.

Seniors Chidera Okafor and Reggie Jeffrey didn’t necessarily have history in mind when they decided to run as a ticket in last year’s Student Senate elections.

“’Can I do the job well?’” was the first consideration that Okafor said came to mind.

But as perhaps the first Black Student Senate president and vice president in the University’s history, that’s just what they did.

Dave Harrison, founder and president of VanTrust Real Estate and a 1981 graduate of Rockhurst University, will receive the Rashford-Lyon Award for Leadership and Ethics from the University. The award will be presented as part of the 2024 Rockhurst University Leadership Series event, with presenting sponsor Tria Health, featuring renowned AI expert Kevin Roose on Tuesday, March 26, at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City.

Few areas of contemporary human life have not already been affected by the sudden rise of artificial intelligence technology.

Rockhurst University has announced the dean’s list for the fall 2023 semester. This honor recognizes students who have achieved a grade-point average of 3.5 or above.

The following students have been named to the list:

Omar Abla

Dati Abuladze

Haylee Ace

Ben Adams

Courtney Adams

Nate Adamson

Oscar Ahumada

Jessica Aldana

Sara Alghsein

Safiya Ali

Gage Allen

Michael Allen

Denim Allen

Drew Altic

Ahmad Aly

Tasnime Amellal

Zoe Amstutz

Morgan Andersen

Photos courtesy Kenny Ellison.

Glenn North has a number of titles on his resume — he’s a 2006 graduate of Rockhurst University, an adjunct faculty member in the English department, director of inclusive learning at the Kansas City Museum and poet laureate for Kansas City’s Historic 18^th and Vine District.