First Graduates of Companions at Chillicothe Program Earn Degrees

On Wednesday, 11 new Hawks joined Rockhurst University’s worldwide alumni network.

And in receiving their associate of arts in liberal studies degrees, these students earned another distinction – they became the first graduates of the University’s Companions in Chillicothe program at Chillicothe Correctional Center, located about an hour and a half northeast of Kansas City.

The program was established in 2017 to offer college credit courses at no cost to both incarcerated individuals and staff of this state facility housing women. Offering one course at a time, faculty members travel each week to teach in person at the facility. In 2022, the University was given authority to grant associate degrees to students in the program. And since its founding, the Companions program has become one of the foundations of the Jesuit Prison Education Network, which aims to establish similar programs across the Jesuit network in the U.S.

Wednesday’s ceremony, with an audience of Department of Corrections staff, faculty and administration from Rockhurst, other incarcerated individuals, and family and friends, marked the culmination of the program for five incarcerated students and six staff members.

“Wherever life takes you, hold this thought close to your heart — your connection with Rockhurst University will not end today,” said Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., University president. “Rockhurst will always be a part of you, and you will always be a part of Rockhurst University.”

Lisa Smith, an institutional parole officer, said because she started her family young, she never had the chance to pursue a college education. Now, she sees herself as a living example for her children and grandchildren.

“I feel like this kind of says that it’s never too late for you to go after your dreams,” she said.

For the incarcerated students, the program led to significant personal transformations. Stepping to the podium to deliver her speech, Lisa Suter held two important pieces of paper in her hands. One was her acceptance letter from Rockhurst University. The other was an email from her father. She considered both prized possessions — and connected.

“I believe Rockhurst literally saved my life. I have been incarcerated for over 30 years and I was tired. Tired of living the same day over and over. I had taken every class that was available to me and had every job at the facility. I felt like giving up,” she said. “They gave me more than an education; they gave me hope. The kind of hope that offered a different kind of day, a different kind of life.”

The email from her father came after he read an essay she wrote in class. He wrote back that he was proud of her, something Suter said she had waited years to hear. The program has inspired Suter to be a mentor to future students in the class and others in the facility.

In addition to a sense of purpose, incarcerated students who earned degrees said the program helped them reclaim something more basic — a sense of humanity.

“I’m not sure what the next leg of this journey will involve, but I intend to make it count for eternity as I share the truth in love with the lost and hurting,” said Lucille Duncan. “Thank you for being companions in this journey and for caring enough to offer a helping hand to the often forgotten members of society.  You are making a difference.”