Rockhurst University to Recognize Three Outstanding Alumni
Three alumni of Rockhurst University will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to their career fields and for their service to both the campus and their communities.
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Jessica Lea, ’14 EMBA, is the 2026-27 recipient of the St. Ignatius Alumni Award in celebration of her outstanding professional accomplishments and leadership within the Kansas City business and healthcare communities.
A pharmacist by training, Lea served as the co-founder and CEO of Tria Health from 2009-2026. She founded Tria Health with a vision for pharmacist-led, patient-centered care that improves outcomes while simplifying healthcare for self-insured employers.
In April 2026, Jessica was named president and chief operating officer at Stellus Rx. In this role, she helps lead the strategic direction and operations of the combined organization, which has more than doubled in size following Tria Health's acquisition by Stellus Rx in 2026. She oversees the clinical, product and operational strategy behind pharmacist-led care programs, ensuring high-quality outcomes for patients, clients, and partners nationwide.
A recognized healthcare innovator and business leader, Dr. Lea has received numerous local and national honors. She has been recognized by the Kansas City Business Journal through its Women Who Mean Business, Next Generation Leaders, Heroes in Healthcare, and Mentoring Monday programs, as well as by Ingram's 40 Under 40. Under her leadership, Tria Health was named a 2025 Champion of Business by the Kansas City Business Journal and received the Digital Health KC Lumi Award for company growth. Nationally, Dr. Lea was recognized by PharmaVOICE100 as one of the life sciences industry's most inspiring leaders.
Dr. Lea is a current member of the Rockhurst University Board of Trustees and served on the College of Business and Technology Dean’s Advisory Council from 2020-25.
“Jessica has built an extraordinary career, but what has always distinguished her is the way she leads — with vision, integrity and a genuine commitment to others,” said Paula Moss, vice president of advancement and alumni relations. “Her success as an entrepreneur and healthcare leader, along with her deep engagement in the Kansas City community, reflects the very best of our Jesuit tradition. We are proud to count her among Rockhurst University’s distinguished alumni and proud to honor her with the St. Ignatius Alumni Award.”
Dr. Lea will receive her award at the annual Bravo! reception Oct. 15.
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Denny Hogan, ’70, is the recipient of the Xavier Medal of Honor in recognition of his outstanding service to his community, both at Rockhurst University and the Omaha community.
In Omaha, Hogan has served the community in a variety of leadership roles on the Boys Town Development Board, Creighton Prep High School, and St. Vincent de Paul Parish. He also served as president of the Catholic Charities Foundation in Omaha. Hogan was inducted into the Creighton Prep Hall of Fame in honor of his community service in 2018.
Hogan served Rockhurst University as a member of the Board of Trustees from 2008-17. He has helped organize class reunions and golf tournaments and hosts the annual Rockhurst Family and Alumni Christmas Party at Champions Run Country Club.
“Denny has lived a life of generous and faithful service — to Rockhurst, to his community and to others,” Moss said. “Whether serving in leadership roles, bringing alumni and future Hawks together in Omaha, or quietly giving his time and talents wherever they are needed, Denny embodies the Ignatian call to be a person for and with others. We are deeply grateful for the many ways he continues to strengthen our Rockhurst community. It is a joy and a privilege to honor him with the Xavier Medal of Honor.”
Hogan will receive his award at the Omaha Alumni and Family Christmas Party on Wednesday, Dec. 2.
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Carolina (Cruz) Davis, ’16, will receive the Faber Young Alumni Award in recognition of her accomplishments as a young professional and commitment to serving the Kansas City community. After graduating in 2016 with her degrees in Spanish and communications, Davis embarked on a successful career as an Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist and has lent her talents in support of numerous community organizations, including Rockhurst University.
“Carolina is someone we are incredibly proud to call a Rockhurst alumna. As her career has grown, so has her commitment to giving back to Rockhurst and the Kansas City community,” Moss said. “She generously uses her voice, time and talents to serve others and reflects the very best of our Jesuit tradition—leading with purpose and using her gifts for the greater good. We are delighted to recognize Carolina with the Faber Young Alumni Award.”
Davis is currently the anchor for KCTV5 News This Morning and KCTV5 News at Noon. She began her journalism career in Rio Grande Valley, Texas, as a reporter for KRGV-TV from 2016 to 2018, where she covered major topics including Hurricane Harvey, immigration, and cartel violence. In 2018, she moved near Hartford, Connecticut, and was an anchor and reporter for WFSB-TV from 2018 to 2020. Davis returned to Kansas City in fall 2020 as the weekend morning anchor and reporter for KCTV5. In her role she has sought to make KCTV5 and its journalism more accessible to and representative of the communities it serves, including through the creation of "Cinco con Carolina," a Spanish-language news initiative designed to connect Kansas City’s Spanish-speaking community with trusted local information. The initiative was later highlighted as part of KCTV5’s 2024 Station of the Year recognition in Missouri and Kansas.
Since returning to Kansas City, she has supported multiple community organizations. Davis is a current board member for Harvesters, an advisor for Junior League of Kansas City, and an emcee for special events supporting Newhouse, Giving Hope & Help, and Angel Flight. Davis also served on the Rockhurst University Board of Trustees from 2021-23, guest lecturer for Leadership and Ethics Day, and the emcee for the Rockhurst Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony every year since 2022. She said continued involvement with the University is a reflection of the Jesuit ideals of leadership and service.
Davis will receive her award in a ceremony with colleagues.
