University Mourns Loss of Fr. Raul Navarro

Rockhurst University is saddened to announce the death of the Rev. Raul Navarro, S.J., on June 23, 2015, in Cusco, Peru. He was 55 years old.

Born in Mexico City and moving to New Orleans with his family at the age of 12, Fr. Navarro attended Redemptorist High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in geology in 1983 from Loyola University-New Orleans. A lifelong learner, he would then work in Loyola’s financial affairs office as he earned two more degrees — a master’s degree in education and Master of Business Administration. After following his vocation and entering the novitiate in the Society of Jesus in 2002, Fr. Navarro studied philosophy and theology at Loyola University Chicago and earned his Master of Divinity degree from the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University in Berkeley, California. He was ordained a Jesuit priest in 2013.

Throughout his life and career, Fr. Navarro displayed a passion for education and service. He taught at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory Academy and helped establish a Cristo Rey school during his regency in Houston. He was also active in campus ministry activities throughout his career in higher education, taking part in service trips domestically and abroad and leading regular student Masses at Rockhurst.

“Fr. Navarro was a wonderful example of everything for the greater glory of God, whether that was celebrating Mass or chatting with students, faculty or staff in the dean’s office of the College of Health and Human Services,” said the Rev. William Oulvey, S.J., the rector of the Jesuit community at Rockhurst. “He had an infectious enthusiasm and always looked for ways to help those around him become the best they could be.”

Fr. Navarro was brought on as the assistant dean of the College of Health and Human Services (formerly the School of Graduate and Professional Studies) on July  1, 2014. He was also the director of study abroad programs and an active part of the campus community. He had recently transitioned into a role as chaplain for the University.