By Matthew Quick, Ph.D., Vice President of Student Development & Dean of Students, Rockhurst University
At some point in their journey, nearly every student asks themselves a fundamental question: Why am I here? It’s more than a question about a class schedule or career path; it’s a search for meaning, for identity, for purpose.
At Rockhurst University, we take that question seriously. As one of the nation’s Jesuit universities, we don’t just focus on helping students land their first job, we focus on helping them build a life of purpose. That’s not simply a slogan or a tagline. It’s a way of proceeding rooted in our Jesuit tradition and woven into every aspect of campus life.
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What It Means to Live a Life of Purpose
When I think about what it means to live purposefully, a few things come to mind. First, I believe living with purpose requires us to move from simply reacting to life, to actively shaping it. Too often, people drift, waiting for clarity or chasing what others expect. But a purposeful life has direction. It’s grounded in reflection, guided by values, and oriented toward something greater than oneself.
At Jesuit universities, we emphasize the importance of discernment, that ongoing process of reflection and decision-making that helps us align our actions with our convictions. Purpose begins with asking the big questions: Who am I? What do I value? How can I make a difference in the lives of others?
And most importantly: Where is my heart being drawn?
Purpose Is a Process—Not a Product
At Rockhurst, we understand that students rarely arrive with all the answers. That’s okay. In fact, it’s expected. Finding your purpose is a process, one shaped by relationships, experiences, and time. Our job as educators, mentors, and companions is to walk with students as they explore that process.
That journey often starts in the classroom. Across disciplines, our faculty challenge students to engage deeply with complex ideas and develop the critical thinking skills that are essential today. At Jesuit colleges, we pride ourselves on teaching students how to think, not what to think. And we do it in learning environments that are dynamic, personalized, and built around dialogue.
But learning isn’t limited to lectures and labs. Some of the most meaningful moments of discernment happen in residence halls, campus ministry offices, during service projects, and in student organizations. Whether it’s a late-night conversation with a mentor or a quiet moment in the chapel, we provide the space—and the grace—for students to pause, listen, and reflect.
Relationships That Make a Difference
If you ask me why I’ve stayed at Rockhurst for more than 24 years, when I originally thought I’d be here five, it comes down to one thing: the people. This is a place where relationships matter. Where students are known by name, not number. Where mentorship isn’t a buzzword, it’s a daily reality.
Because of our size and culture, students build lasting relationships not only with their peers, but also with faculty, staff, and the wider Kansas City community. I regularly hear from graduates who tell me that a single conversation, professor, or experience helped shape the trajectory of their life. And I’m still in touch with students I met decades ago; we continue learning from each other even years after graduation.
These relationships become part of a student’s discernment. They become mirrors, helping students see their gifts more clearly and imagine what their purpose could look like in the world.
Experiences That Shape the Soul
Purpose isn’t just found in ideas; it’s revealed in action. At Rockhurst, we give students the opportunity to test their values in real-world settings. Whether it’s an internship, a service trip, a leadership role on campus, or a new club they create from scratch, students are given the opportunity to live out what they’re learning.
Earlier this year, I had the privilege of traveling to Belize with a group of students as part of one of our Solidarity & Service Immersion programs. Together, we built a home for a family in need. It was muddy, exhausting, and hot, but our students never complained. They laughed, they lifted one another up, and they gave everything they had.
By the end of the trip, you would have thought I’d taken them on an all-inclusive vacation. That kind of joy, the kind rooted in service and solidarity, is hard to describe, but easy to recognize. It’s what purpose looks like in action.
Student Leaders Who Lead with Heart
Another space where I see purpose lived out is through student leadership, especially in groups like Student Senate, which I have the honor of advising. At many universities, student governments and administrations are adversaries. At Rockhurst, they’re partners.
Our students consistently model what it means to lead with humility and curiosity. They don’t come in asking what’s in it for me?—They ask How can I help? Whether it’s weighing in on university policy or guiding programs like our new “RU Ready” initiative, their input helps shape the future of this institution. And in return, we make space to learn from them.
This kind of mutual respect and shared purpose is part of what sets Jesuit colleges apart. We don’t just educate students to lead; we invite them to become the kind of leaders the world actually needs.
For Students Still Searching
To the student who’s still figuring it all out, who may not know exactly what they want to do, but knows they want their life to matter, I offer this:
First, your life already matters. You don’t need a polished plan or perfect clarity to make a difference. Just showing up, staying curious, and being present for others is a powerful start.
Second, don’t let the abundance of options paralyze you. In today’s world, having choices is a privilege, but it can also feel overwhelming. Learn from the Jesuit tradition of discernment: explore widely, reflect deeply, talk to people who know and love you, and pay attention to what stirs your heart.
Sometimes, others will see things in you that you haven’t yet seen in yourself. That’s part of the gift of community. Let those insights guide you. And when fear creeps in, when you start to imagine what could go wrong, ask yourself instead: What if it goes better than I expected?
A Jesuit Way of Proceeding
One of the most powerful things I’ve encountered in my time at Rockhurst University is something we call the Ignatian conversation. It’s a framework inspired by Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, and it shapes how we engage with one another.
At its core, it’s a way of showing up in the world, with respect, intentionality, and love. It reminds us to assume the good in others. To listen fully. To disagree with compassion. And to give each conversation the time and grace it deserves.
My hope is that every student who passes through Rockhurst leaves with this way of proceeding. That they’ve had it modeled for them, practiced it themselves, and are ready to carry it into their workplaces, families, and communities. Because in a world often marked by division and noise, we need people who know how to pause, reflect, and lead with purpose.
That’s the kind of graduate Jesuit universities strive to shape. And that’s the kind of person the world needs now more than ever.
Ready to start discovering your ‘why’?
At Rockhurst University, you’ll find more than an education; you’ll find a community committed to helping you lead, serve, and grow with purpose. Explore our programs and see where a Jesuit education can take you.