Skip to main content
Rockhurst logo
Rockhurst logo
ApplyRequest InfoVisitAcademicsCampus LifeAthleticsGive
Rockhurst logo
Rockhurst logo
ApplyRequest InfoVisitAcademicsCampus LifeAthleticsGive

Alumni

Rockhurst University Commencement Ceremony to Feature Alumnus with National ProfileRockhurst University Commencement Ceremony to Feature Alumnus with National Profile
Rockhurst University Commencement Ceremony to Feature Alumnus with National Profile
May 1, 2025
tags: Homepage, Academics, Alumni, About

More than 800 students will earn their degrees from Rockhurst University in front of loved ones during the annual commencement ceremony scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri.

Sports Broadcasting Legend Tells RULS Crowd to “Break the Huddle and Run the Play”Sports Broadcasting Legend Tells RULS Crowd to “Break the Huddle and Run the Play”
Sports Broadcasting Legend Tells RULS Crowd to “Break the Huddle and Run the Play”
Apr 10, 2025
tags: Homepage, Alumni, Campus Life

James Brown, known to many as JB, is no stranger to Kansas City. He said he has visited the city many times as a longtime broadcaster on “The NFL Today” on CBS and elsewhere. He knows the Chiefs, obviously, but also local landmarks like the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and has opinions on barbecue (but also knows enough not to pick a favorite).

“NFL Today” Broadcaster James Brown to Headline 2025 Rockhurst University Leadership Series“NFL Today” Broadcaster James Brown to Headline 2025 Rockhurst University Leadership Series
“NFL Today” Broadcaster James Brown to Headline 2025 Rockhurst University Leadership Series
Jan 8, 2025
tags: Homepage, Alumni

James Brown, host of “NFL Today” on CBS and a three-time Emmy Award-winning network broadcaster, will be the guest of the 2025 Rockhurst University Leadership Series, presenting "Break the Huddle and Run the Play” at the event scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway Boulevard in Kansas City, Missouri.

Former Chiefs Executive To Be Honored With Rashford-Lyon AwardFormer Chiefs Executive To Be Honored With Rashford-Lyon Award
Former Chiefs Executive To Be Honored With Rashford-Lyon Award
Feb 6, 2025
tags: Homepage, Athletics, Alumni, Campus Life

Denny Thum, a 1974 graduate of Rockhurst University who spent 36 years with the Kansas City Chiefs during one of the franchise’s most successful periods, will be honored by his alma mater with the Rashford-Lyon Award for Leadership and Ethics as part of the Rockhurst University Leadership Series on Wednesday, April 2.

University Hosts Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.University Hosts Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.
University Hosts Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.
Jan 31, 2025
tags: Homepage, Alumni, A Home for All

Faculty, staff, students and community members came together Jan. 24 to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. 96 years after his birth.

Graduate, BSN Students Celebrated in Hooding and Pinning CeremoniesGraduate, BSN Students Celebrated in Hooding and Pinning Ceremonies
Graduate, BSN Students Celebrated in Hooding and Pinning Ceremonies
Dec 17, 2024
tags: Homepage, Academics, Saint Luke's College of Health Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Alumni, Campus Life

The world is about to get more Jesuit-educated health care, education and business professionals. That’s after a series of hooding and pinning ceremonies Saturday that marked the completion of studies for more than 200 students in several Rockhurst University’s graduate degree programs and its Bachelor of Science in nursing program.

Alumna Recalls Hosting “Holiday Touchdown” Crew at Family Antique StoreAlumna Recalls Hosting “Holiday Touchdown” Crew at Family Antique Store
Alumna Recalls Hosting “Holiday Touchdown” Crew at Family Antique Store
Nov 25, 2024
tags: Homepage, Faculty, Alumni, About, Campus Life

“Holiday Touchdown: a Chiefs Love Story” is an all-new Hallmark Channel feature film that, as the title implies, is set in and around Kansas City and revolves around the Kansas City Chiefs. It’s set to premiere Nov. 30, complete with a red-carpet premiere, and features familiar locations in the city. Among them is an antique store on the Independence, Missouri, Square called The Keeping Room that has a connection to Rockhurst.

Because of His Own Journey, Thanksgiving Means More to AlumnusBecause of His Own Journey, Thanksgiving Means More to Alumnus
Alumni Feature
Because of His Own Journey, Thanksgiving Means More to Alumnus
Nov 25, 2024
tags: Homepage, Academics, Alumni, Campus Life

Jacob Scallorn, ’15, has a lot to be thankful for — and he’ll be the first to admit it. About 15 years ago, he was a deep in the cycle of addiction. He had lost seven jobs in eight months and wrecked his car twice. “God put me on the bench,” is how he puts it. But then something amazing happened — Scallorn said he entered rehab and it changed not just his physical health, but his mental wellbeing. He began to say “yes” to doing hard things and to devoting time and effort to accomplishing goals.

Missouri Arts Council Grant Helps Keep Musica Sacra Singing AlongMissouri Arts Council Grant Helps Keep Musica Sacra Singing Along
Missouri Arts Council Grant Helps Keep Musica Sacra Singing Along
Sep 23, 2024
tags: Homepage, Alumni, About, Campus Life

Music Sacra Chorus and Orchestra, the ensemble-in-residence Rockhurst University, is a unique musical entity.

 First Graduates of Companions at Chillicothe Program Earn Degrees First Graduates of Companions at Chillicothe Program Earn Degrees
First Graduates of Companions at Chillicothe Program Earn Degrees
Aug 16, 2024
tags: Homepage, Academics, Faculty, Alumni, A Home for All, Campus Life

On Wednesday, 11 new Hawks joined Rockhurst University’s worldwide alumni network. And in receiving their associate of arts in liberal studies degrees, these students earned another distinction – they became the first graduates of the University’s Companions in Chillicothe program at Chillicothe Correctional Center, located about an hour and a half northeast of Kansas City.

 New Bicycle Repair Station on Campus Speaks to Alumnus’ Memory New Bicycle Repair Station on Campus Speaks to Alumnus’ Memory
New Bicycle Repair Station on Campus Speaks to Alumnus’ Memory
Jul 25, 2024
tags: Homepage, Alumni, Campus Life

Phil Hageman, ’13, passed away tragically and suddenly in December 2021. On Tuesday, members of his family — parents Tom and Vicki and sister Naomi, ’17, ’19 CSD — helped members of the University community dedicate a new site on campus that honors his passion and his memory.

Hundreds of Students Earn Degrees at CommencementHundreds of Students Earn Degrees at Commencement
Hundreds of Students Earn Degrees at Commencement
May 16, 2024
tags: Homepage, Academics, Alumni, Campus Life

Close to 800 undergraduate and graduate students walked across the stage at Kansas City’s Municipal Auditorium as part of Rockhurst University’s annual commencement ceremony on Saturday.

 University Celebrates 50 Years of Women’s Athletics as Female Sports Takes Center Stage University Celebrates 50 Years of Women’s Athletics as Female Sports Takes Center Stage
University Celebrates 50 Years of Women’s Athletics as Female Sports Takes Center Stage
Apr 17, 2024
tags: Homepage, Alumni, Campus Life

Half a century after Rockhurst University started its first women’s athletic programs, female sports are stronger than ever.

 Discussing AI, Leadership Series Speaker Encourages Audience to Embrace Their Humanity Discussing AI, Leadership Series Speaker Encourages Audience to Embrace Their Humanity
Discussing AI, Leadership Series Speaker Encourages Audience to Embrace Their Humanity
Mar 27, 2024
tags: Homepage, Alumni, About, Campus Life

Rockhurst University Leadership Series guest Kevin Roose said AI is changing the landscape of the workforce, but gave three pieces of advice to those in the audience who felt uneasy about this technology

 Real Estate Leader Receives Rashford-Lyon Award Real Estate Leader Receives Rashford-Lyon Award
Alumni Feature
Real Estate Leader Receives Rashford-Lyon Award
Mar 27, 2024
tags: Homepage, Alumni, About, Campus Life

As part of the Rockhurst University Leadership Series event Tuesday night, the University honored Dave Harrison, ’81, founder and president of VanTrust Real Estate, with this year’s award. In more than 40 years in commercial real estate, Harrison company has left a recognizable mark on Kansas City and beyond.

Senior Becomes First RU Diver to Qualify for NationalsSenior Becomes First RU Diver to Qualify for Nationals
Student Feature
Senior Becomes First RU Diver to Qualify for Nationals
Mar 14, 2024
tags: Homepage, Athletics, Alumni, Campus Life

Senior Caroline Knopke said she grew up diving — “it's the only sport I've really ever known,” she said — and competed through high school. When it came time to choose a college, she found herself drawn to Rockhurst University. But that meant the end of her competitive diving career (though she would still coach a local girls’ team). Until this year.

AI Expert to Headline Rockhurst University Leadership SeriesAI Expert to Headline Rockhurst University Leadership Series
AI Expert to Headline Rockhurst University Leadership Series
Jan 16, 2024
tags: Alumni

Few areas of contemporary human life have not already been affected by the sudden rise of artificial intelligence technology.

Alumnus, Faculty Member Composes Poem for KC Library AnniversaryAlumnus, Faculty Member Composes Poem for KC Library Anniversary
Alumnus, Faculty Member Composes Poem for KC Library Anniversary
Jan 5, 2024
tags: Alumni
Photos courtesy Kenny Ellison.

 

Glenn North has a number of titles on his resume — he’s a 2006 graduate of Rockhurst University, an adjunct faculty member in the English department, director of inclusive learning at the Kansas City Museum and poet laureate for Kansas City’s Historic 18th and Vine District.

University to Unveil New Athletics Logo at Family and Alumni WeekendUniversity to Unveil New Athletics Logo at Family and Alumni Weekend
University to Unveil New Athletics Logo at Family and Alumni Weekend
Sep 11, 2023
tags: Alumni

Mark your calendars for Friday, Sept. 29. Family and Alumni Weekend will bring hundreds of Hawks — past and present – and family members to campus for the annual Family and Alumni Weekend festivities. The centerpiece that night will be the tailgate, with food and activities for attendees while volleyball and women’s and men’s soccer games take place in Mason-Halpin Fieldhouse and on Bourke Field, respectively.

RU President Prepares for Royals First Pitch — With Help from Some HawksRU President Prepares for Royals First Pitch — With Help from Some Hawks
RU President Prepares for Royals First Pitch — With Help from Some Hawks
Aug 31, 2023
tags: Alumni

Wednesday, Sept. 6, will be the first official Rockhurst Night at Kauffman Stadium, complete with a tailgate, a custom RU/Royals jersey for those purchased special tickets, and a night at the historic Kauffman Stadium watching the Royals alongside fellow Hawks.

For Rockhurst University President Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., it’ll also mean getting out on the field, at least for pregame activities. With the focus on RU for the night, it only made sense for someone from the University to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Cassady got the first call. It was not a hard decision.

“Meet the Makers” Invites To the Stage KC Entrepreneurial Luminaries“Meet the Makers” Invites To the Stage KC Entrepreneurial Luminaries
“Meet the Makers” Invites To the Stage KC Entrepreneurial Luminaries
May 5, 2023
tags: Alumni

Kansas City has had a fair amount of time in the national spotlight lately.

There are a lot of reasons for that — many of them, admittedly, sports-related. But Kansas City is also a vibrant, attractive place because of the people here committed to doing new, creative things.

MAC Director Inducted Into Hogan Prep Hall of FameMAC Director Inducted Into Hogan Prep Hall of Fame
MAC Director Inducted Into Hogan Prep Hall of Fame
Mar 15, 2023
tags: Alumni

Every name. Every stat. Every game. Every date.

Ask Dominique Washington, ’16, former Hawks basketball player and director of the MAC, a question about his experience playing basketball growing up, and recalling specifics is like second nature.

University Dedicates Sacred Heart of Jesus StatueUniversity Dedicates Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue
University Dedicates Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue
Oct 10, 2022
tags: Alumni

Since the 1950s, the small, paved area on the northeast corner of the quad has served a lot of functions.

Established as a home for a statue of Mary donated by the class of 1954, over the years this site has served as both a social and spiritual hub, a place for students, faculty staff and visitors to visit with each other during down time, to study between classes, or sit or stop for a quiet moment of reflection.

Alum Finds Life-Saving Help Through Revelations Learned Making Award-Winning FilmAlum Finds Life-Saving Help Through Revelations Learned Making Award-Winning Film
Alum Finds Life-Saving Help Through Revelations Learned Making Award-Winning Film
Oct 6, 2022
tags: Alumni

Filmmaker Chad Sogas, '03, had a rat tail for 10 years growing up. It was so much a part of his history that he decided to make a film about it, but the film uncovered something he kept hidden for years.

Sogas is now an editor/director in the advertising industry in Brooklyn, New York. He created the film “Rat Tail” and it has won a hoard of awards and been shown at the two biggest film festivals in North America – Hot Docs & DOC NYC. However, his biggest accomplishment is the change he was able to make in himself.

Rockhurst Alumna Making History for the BlindRockhurst Alumna Making History for the Blind
Rockhurst Alumna Making History for the Blind
Aug 12, 2022
tags: Alumni

Ashley Neybert was taught at a young age that she could accomplish anything she set her mind to. This critical lesson followed her as she faced unimaginable challenges during her college career.

When Dreams Become Pretzels: Rockhurst Theatre Friends Start St. Louis Bakery When Dreams Become Pretzels: Rockhurst Theatre Friends Start St. Louis Bakery
When Dreams Become Pretzels: Rockhurst Theatre Friends Start St. Louis Bakery
Aug 10, 2022
tags: Alumni

Two friends who met while theatre students at Rockhurst are now bakers in St. Louis, specializing in pretzels, pies, brownies, cheesecakes, cookies, bagels, coffee, etc.

That “etcetera” will be key to their story later. 

Laugh and Learn: Beloved Professor Publishes Book of Personal StoriesLaugh and Learn: Beloved Professor Publishes Book of Personal Stories
Laugh and Learn: Beloved Professor Publishes Book of Personal Stories
Jul 22, 2022
tags: Alumni

If the walls of Conway Hall could talk, they’d probably be laughing.

Richard “Dick” Shaw is one of the most beloved and entertaining professors to ever teach at Rockhurst. You don’t meet Dick Shaw and walk away without a story and a smile, and now the retired teacher of 43 years is sharing those with a wider audience.

Shaw released his first book, "Tales from the Professor: Life is a Hoot!," in March through Amazon.

Soccer Alumni Start Institute to Help Student-Athletes in RomeSoccer Alumni Start Institute to Help Student-Athletes in Rome
Soccer Alumni Start Institute to Help Student-Athletes in Rome
Aug 2, 2022
tags: Alumni

Rockhurst University and Hawks soccer has gone international as five former men’s soccer players created a school in their native Italy, providing educational and athletic training for international college athletes.

New Alumni Director Returns to the RockNew Alumni Director Returns to the Rock
New Alumni Director Returns to the Rock
Jun 21, 2022
tags: Alumni

Don’t call it a comeback — when Caroline Campbell took over the position of director of alumni relations at Rockhurst University in May, it marked a return to more than just Jesuit education (she’s a graduate of Marquette University) — it’s also a chance to come back to an institution with which she is very familiar.

PT Grads Open Hearts, Home, and Even Family to Impact Our WorldPT Grads Open Hearts, Home, and Even Family to Impact Our World
PT Grads Open Hearts, Home, and Even Family to Impact Our World
Jun 22, 2022
tags: Alumni

When Greg Nicholas ('97, '00) and Amy Essner ('98, '01) met at Rockhurst as undergrads, little did they know how their lives would change…and how many kids’ lives around the world they’d change together.

After completing their undergraduate degrees, the two finished physical therapy school at Rockhurst and got married. They've spent a life in service ever since, though selflessness has always been a part of who they are.

“That’s why we chose RU,” Amy said. “The values we got from Rockhurst deepened that need for service.”

Rockhurst University Honors National Healthcare Leader Dr. David WildRockhurst University Honors National Healthcare Leader Dr. David Wild
Rockhurst University Honors National Healthcare Leader Dr. David Wild
Apr 6, 2022
tags: Alumni

Rockhurst University will present the 2022 St. Ignatius Award to national healthcare leader and physician Dr. David Wild, ’19 EMBA. The award is presented annually to a Rockhurst graduate in recognition of outstanding accomplishments, leadership, and reflection of Jesuit values in the person’s professional career.

A Similar Heart: Why the Rockhurst Alumni Network WorksA Similar Heart: Why the Rockhurst Alumni Network Works
A Similar Heart: Why the Rockhurst Alumni Network Works
Mar 3, 2022
tags: Alumni

In 1997 Merritt Neil was about to graduate from Rockhurst with a degree in Communication Studies. Like other seniors, she needed a job.

Little did she know that the door that would open thanks to a Rockhurst alumnus would lead to what she called “one of the greatest gifts of my life.”

Gift of “Angels Unawares” Sculpture Inspired By Fr. Curran’s LeadershipGift of “Angels Unawares” Sculpture Inspired By Fr. Curran’s Leadership
Gift of “Angels Unawares” Sculpture Inspired By Fr. Curran’s Leadership
Mar 2, 2022
tags: Alumni

Near the pedestrian entryway to campus outside Arrupe Hall stands a new piece of campus art that serves as both a tribute and a reminder.

21 Years Later, Hawks Reconnect — and Tie the Knot21 Years Later, Hawks Reconnect — and Tie the Knot
21 Years Later, Hawks Reconnect — and Tie the Knot
Feb 14, 2022
tags: Alumni

They met through a mutual connection, hit it off, a first date on a hay ride on a crisp fall night.

Alumna’s Artwork Tells the Story of Kateri Community’s NamesakeAlumna’s Artwork Tells the Story of Kateri Community’s Namesake
Alumna’s Artwork Tells the Story of Kateri Community’s Namesake
Nov 8, 2021
tags: Alumni

One of the first things you see as you enter Kateri Community is now a large ink drawing of two entwined hands, framed by a thick wooden frame. This, believe it or not, is a portrait.

Nurses, Celebrated for International Nurses Day, Reflect on a Unique YearNurses, Celebrated for International Nurses Day, Reflect on a Unique Year
Nurses, Celebrated for International Nurses Day, Reflect on a Unique Year
May 11, 2021
tags: Alumni

It’s been quite a year for all health care professionals, and certainly in the nursing profession.

That makes this past week’s Nursing Appreciation Week, which concludes today with International Nurses Day, especially important as a way to look back and thank those who have sacrificed so much to take care of others over the past 12 months.

“For the Greater” Campaign Goes Live“For the Greater” Campaign Goes Live
“For the Greater” Campaign Goes Live
Jan 29, 2021
tags: Alumni

When Rockhurst University last updated its vision statement, one very specific word was included — “transformative.”

Alumnus, With Family Business, Plays Part in COVID-19 Vaccine RolloutAlumnus, With Family Business, Plays Part in COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout
Alumnus, With Family Business, Plays Part in COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout
Jan 19, 2021
tags: Alumni

For many, the news in December of the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer was, understandably, cause for celebration.

But it would mean a mobilization like the nation has not seen since World War II to get those doses to the American people. And that’s where people like Brad Dunn, ’08, and the family business in St. Louis where he is vice president, Cee Kay Supply, come in.

With Saint Luke’s Now Part of RU, Student Shares Surprising Bond with Grandmother With Saint Luke’s Now Part of RU, Student Shares Surprising Bond with Grandmother
With Saint Luke’s Now Part of RU, Student Shares Surprising Bond with Grandmother
Nov 6, 2020
tags: Alumni

Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences becoming part of Rockhurst University means lots of new connections are being forged — between faculty and staff colleagues and students. For sophomore Emma Barben, it’s meant sharing a surprising new connection with her grandmother.

With Upcoming Charity Run, OT Alums Honor One of Their OwnWith Upcoming Charity Run, OT Alums Honor One of Their Own
With Upcoming Charity Run, OT Alums Honor One of Their Own
Aug 28, 2020
tags: Alumni

In 2011, Rachel Stotler Clasemann, ’97, MOT ’99, was driving home from work in Omaha, Nebraska, when a car accident changed her life.

The immediate result of the accident was a ruptured spleen and traumatic brain injury. In the years since, she has endured multiple surgeries, successes, setbacks, infections and therapy. But, according to those who know her, Rachel has never shied from a challenge, and remains steadfast in her path to recovery alongside her family, including her two sons.

Subscribe to Alumni
Apply Visit Give
Rockhurst logo
church-background-image

QUICK LINKS

  • Web Portal Access
  • Calendar
  • Faculty/Staff Directory
  • Course Catalogs
  • Photos & Media
  • Jobs @ RU

ON CAMPUS

  • Campus Map
  • Library
  • Athletics
  • Bookstore
  • Reserve Event Space
  • Campus Security

TAKE ACTION

  • Request Info
  • Admission Process
  • Scholarships & Aid
  • Tutoring
  • Commencement
  • Hire a Hawk

CONNECT

  • 1100 Rockhurst Road 
    Kansas City, MO 64110
     

    (816) 501-4000
    info@rockhurst.edu
    Privacy Notice

Report An Incident
© 2025 Rockhurst University
Report An Incident
Accessibility Non-Discrimination Standards & Policies