Rockhurst University awarded 217 degrees at its December commencement ceremony, held virtually Dec. 12, 2020.
The program featured student speaker Marc Kerby, who received a Master of Education, elementary education certification track.
Alad Aguirre
Mara Akers, honors program, magna cum laude
Akeem Akinola
Celeste Allen
Ana Amaya
Kristen Anderson
Anatali Aquino-Rodriguez
Sam Archer
Baylee Arcuri
Charity Arnold
Alexus Atchison
Corey Austen
Matt Baker
Peter Baker, summa cum laude
When Rockhurst University last updated its vision statement, one very specific word was included — “transformative.”
It’s a term University leaders use often, and one that alumni evoke when describing what their education meant to them.
This Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills will face off in the AFC Championship game. And the presidents of the two Jesuit universities in those respective cities have decided to make it interesting.
Rockhurst University is recognizing anniversaries for faculty and staff members who have served the University for at least 5 years. Congratulations to these dedicated companions:
Staff
35 years
Laurie Hathman, Greenlease Library
30 years
Mary B. Cary, College of Arts and Sciences dean’s office
Steve Lyons, physical plant
25 years
Geoff Smith, admissions
Shirley Mitchell, physical plant
For many, the news in December of the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer was, understandably, cause for celebration.
But it would mean a mobilization like the nation has not seen since World War II to get those doses to the American people. And that’s where people like Brad Dunn, ’08, and the family business in St. Louis where he is vice president, Cee Kay Supply, come in.
Rockhurst University has announced the dean’s list for the fall 2020 semester. This honor recognizes students who have achieved a grade-point average of 3.5 or above.
The following students were named to the dean’s list:
Lauryn Adams
Macee Adams
Nate Adamson
Peyton Aerni
Mara Akers
Shereen Al-Saoudi
Kassie Albers
Xenia Alegria Martinez
Alexandra Allen
Michael Allen
Jennifer Alonso
Anthony Altobella
Litzy Alvarado Islas
Joseph Alvey
Ashley Anderson
Rockhurst University Companions,
January 6, 2021, was marked by the loss of life, the exposure of public servants to great harm, the destruction of property we considered “a temple of democracy,” and a rupture to principles we thought were cherished by all. Nonetheless, we can be consoled and encouraged with the psalmist who tells us that while the night might have left us in tears, the dawn brings the promise of joy. (30, 6)
Of all the activities that have been curtailed as a result of the pandemic, live performances have continued to prove among the most vexing for many arts organizations.
Projecting one’s voice without a mask, through singing or as a stage actor, is unfortunately exactly the kind of activity that can put people at risk for contracting the virus. Add an audience indoors, and it’s a recipe for potential spread.
After securing all but nearly $1 million of the expected $23 million cost, Rockhurst University will begin construction on the renovation of a campus cornerstone, Sedgwick Hall, into the future home of the Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences at Rockhurst University.
Rockhurst University will begin the search for a new athletics director after the first of the year, allowing the current AD, Gary Burns, to focus on his role as head baseball coach and to assist the university’s advancement division with relationship building and fundraising. He will continue to serve as AD until June 30, 2021.
