Those honored at the “Bravo” event included (from left) Gary Vontz, ’69, Denny Hogan, ’70, Bonnie Vontz, Maureen Haake and Jerry Haake, ’70. You can see photos from the “Bravo” Benefactor Celebration in Rockhurst’s online photo gallery at www.rockhurst.edu/photos.

The Board of Trustees hosted a special celebration Friday, Sept. 19, to honor some of Rockhurst’s most distinguished benefactors. Attendees enjoyed the early fall weather on the pergola with some live jazz and R&B, courtesy of the Lori Tucker Quartet. They heard from the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, O.S.F.S., president, and Rockhurst junior Erikka Dunn. 

Dunn shared the story of how she came to Rockhurst. Her older sister is a Rockhurst graduate, but at first, Dunn wanted a college experience of her own. So she enrolled as far away as she could afford.

Everything went well, but as time passed, Dunn knew she wasn’t being challenged. A heart-to-heart with her sister and parents led her to Rockhurst, where she quickly found her niche in the theater program. Today she is involved in performances, the executive board of the student theater organization and even a regional theater festival.

“I know that there is no other place I could imagine spending my undergraduate career than in this moment, with these professors and these friends,” she says.

“Thank you, because it is through your support – whether you establish a scholarship, provide funds to fix a boiler in Sedgwick Hall or even attend a play – that students like myself are afforded one of the finest educations our great country has to offer.”

See photos of the event.