Rockhurst University Awarded $900,000 Challenge Grant to Begin Construction of Campus Chapel

The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation has given Rockhurst University a $900,000 challenge grant to fund the construction of a new campus chapel.

The Foundation committed to donating $900,000 if, by January 2025, the University meets its challenge of raising the remaining cash and pledges of $1,740,135 needed to meet the total construction goal of $4.46 million. With the grant, the University anticipates beginning construction in April.

“This challenge gift is so exciting, and our gratitude goes out to The Mabee Foundation. We look forward to celebrating a new chapel in 2025,” said Nancy Creasy, ’84, chair of the Rockhurst University Board of Trustees.

The chapel will be a place for the celebration of Mass for those in the University’s Catholic community and a sacred space for prayer and reflection for people of all faiths. With a capacity of about 140 people, the design mirrors that of the campus bell tower, with a large window facing north, providing visitors with a unique view of this iconic structure. And, preserving the legacy of the worship space that has served campus since 1984 inside Massman Hall, it will carry over the name Mabee Chapel.

The Mabee Foundation has a long history of support for projects that enhance the student experience or campus services. The foundation committed $500,000 to support construct the MAC (Magis Activity Center), a student fitness center, locker rooms, and multipurpose meeting space that opened in 2019

“We are so thankful for the long-standing relationship and generosity of the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation to the Rockhurst University campus. They have generously supported building projects at Rockhurst for over 40 years that have transformed our University,” said Sandy Cassady, Ph.D., president and CEO of Rockhurst University.

The construction of the new chapel will coincide with work to transform the Rockhurst University Community Center into the Alvin Brooks Center for Faith-Justice. Named for Kansas City civil rights icon Alvin Brooks and embodying the idea of a "faith that does justice" and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, the ABCFJ will house departments that focus on service, community outreach, and solidarity immersion experiences. Consisting of offices, conference rooms, a collaborative gathering space, and a kitchen where Rockhurst and community partners (in particular neighbors along the Troost Avenue corridor) can collaborate to address injustice. Students, staff, and faculty will partner with community agencies to develop relationships grounded in reciprocity that strive to meet the needs of the community and promote social change.

Construction on the chapel and the Brooks Center is expected to last 12 months, with an opening anticipated in spring 2025.