Rockhurst University Recognizes 100th Birthday of Sister Rosemary Flanigan

On Sunday, Rockhurst University leaders and alumni recognized the continuing impact of Sister Rosemary Flanigan, CSJ, Ph.D., a former professor of philosophy at the University, who celebrated her 100th birthday.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude for your years of devoted service as a member of the Rockhurst faculty,” said Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., University president. “Your life of faith, teaching and service enriched our University community and inspired generations of students and colleagues.”

Sr. Rosemary was born in 1926 in Kansas City. She was received into the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1948 as Sister Thomas Marguerite. She earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the College of St. Teresa in 1947, a master’s in philosophy from St. Louis University in 1956 and a doctorate in philosophy from St. Louis University in 1964. She has been described as a “force of nature” and an indelible force for justice and ethics. In 1965, she joined the march on Selma, Alabama, as part of a delegation of Catholic nuns from St. Louis, advocating for voting rights and against racial segregation.

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Cassady was joined by numerous alumni who shared personal memories of how their experience in Sr. Rosemary’s courses and her example shaped their lives well beyond their time at Rockhurst.

“Your positivity, your faith and your energy inspired me to become a high school teacher,” said David O’Sullivan, ’87.

“You were always at the top of my list of most influential teachers,” said Diane Beckerle O’Brien, ’87.