Rockhurst University to Honor Four Outstanding Alumni

Four Rockhurst University alumni will be honored for their achievements in their professional lives and their contributions to their communities during the annual alumni awards luncheon, part of the University’s Family and Alumni Weekend activities, scheduled for noon on Saturday, Sept. 30, in the Greenlease Library.

Chandra Clark, ’11 M.Ed., will receive the Faber Young Alumni Award. Clark is currently the manager of external partnerships and post-secondary programming for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City. A lifelong advocate for youth facing adverse circumstances and adults who suffered abuse as children, Clark previously served as career and alumni coordinator for the Kauffman Scholars program and president of M.O.D.E.L., among other positions. She also serves as a volunteer and board member on a number of organizations. In recognition of Clark’s efforts, she received the Young Athena Professional Leadership Award recipient in 2016, was named one of the Most Influential Women in Kansas City Business in 2015, and was Cerner’s First Hand Foundation’s Court honoree in 2017.

Rich Teahan, ’57, will receive the St. Ignatius Award, which honors an alumnus or alumna who has made significant achievements in their field or endeavor. Born and raised in East St. Louis, Illinois, Teahan served in the United States Army as a second lieutenant from 1957-59. He returned to his alma mater as a freshman basketball coach in 1960 and to teach night school until the early 1970s. Continuing his commitment to Rockhurst, Teahan has dedicated much of his volunteer time to the advancement of the Jesuit values and mission through service work, including membership on the Rockhurst University board of trustees, the Commission on the Future, the Jesuit mission committee, the honorary board of directors for Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society, and the Rockhurst University Leaders Council.

The Xavier Medal of Honor is given to alumni who personify the Jesuit tradition of “service to others” in their communities. This year’s honorees are Denny Rabbitt, ’64, and Ed McKee, ’67.

A St. Louis native, at Rockhurst University McKee was the captain of the men's basketball team and was drafted by the Indiana Pacers. He then continued his playing career for two more seasons in Akron for the Goodyear Wingfoots semi-pro team. He served from 1971-1980 as sports information director at Indiana State University, where he helped acquaint both regional and national media with emerging talents such as Larry Bird and Olympic gymnast Kurt Thomas. In 1980, he joined the Indiana Pacers as the club's director of media and public relations. He moved to Washington, D.C., in 1983 and for the next three years served as director of basketball for Special Olympics International. Finally, McKee spent over 25 years at George Washington University in athletic administration, athletic development and alumni relations.

Rabbitt was born and raised in south St. Louis, and graduated from Rockhurst in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in economics. Rabbitt was a member of both the Hawks baseball and basketball teams, including the 1964 NAIA national championship basketball squad. Following graduation, he worked over 42 years for Capitol Federal Savings in the home loan servicing department. Rabbitt has remained involved in athletics, serving on various boards associated with youth sports in his home in Johnson County and continuing as a steadfast supporter of Rockhurst University alumni and athletics programs.