Speaker Series

Each year, the College hosts a speaker on campus to discuss issues related to current trends in health or human services.

2023 Speaker: Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., P.T.

Hosted by The School of Nursing

This year was a special year for the Saint Luke's College of Nursing and Health Sciences with our DPT program celebrating 40 years! Rockhurst University's President, Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., P.T., spoke on "Using Adaptive Leadership to Advance Person-Centered Care."

2022 Speaker: Dr. Ryan Cox, PhD

Hosted by The School of Nursing

Dr. Ryan Cox presented “Affirming Healthcare for Gender and Sexual Minorities” in Arrupe Auditorium. Dr. Cox discussed the discrimination that gender and sexual minorities face when seeking healthcare and ways we can move forward with healthcare that is both equitable and compassionate.

2021 Speaker: Mike Kenny

Hosted by the Department of Exercise Science

Mike Kenny presented “Saving Lives: The Warriors’ Ascent Story” in Arrupe Auditorium. Kenny spoke of founding Warriors Ascent and its mission to empower veterans and first responders experiencing the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress.

2019 Speaker: Sarah Mai, MOT, OTR/L

Hosted by the Department of Occupational Therapy

Sarah Mai presented "Innovative Leadership in Community-based Practice" in Arrupe Auditorium. Mai shared stories from her 25 years of experience working with people with developmental disabilities and her innovative therapy methods to support those with Down Syndrome in a community setting.

2018 Interprofessional Care: Joining Forces to Combat Concussions

Hosted by Saint Luke's College of Nursing and Health Sciences Interprofessional Committee

Rockhurst faculty and guest speakers from a variety of disciplines participated in a panel presentation centered around the causes and treatments of concussions and the benefits of interprofessional care. Following the presentation, breakout sessions focused on clinical and elementary classroom care for concussions.

2017 Speaker: Holly Godfrey, '02

Hosted by the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Holly Godfrey spoke about her role as founder and CEO of Catalyst Scrubs - a fair trade medical apparel company that partners with women in need around the world to provide sustainable, fair-wage jobs.

2016 Speaker: Cole Galloway, Ph.D., PT

Hosted by the Department of Physical Therapy

Dr. Cole Galloway, physical therapist, neuroscientist, and founder of the GoBabyGo! movement, discussed emerging technology he hopes will empower people to create their own world through mobility.