Rockhurst News

Rockhurst University President the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., announced today that he plans to step down from his role following the close of this academic year, June 30, 2022, after completing his 16th year as president.

Like many other veterans, the last two weeks have brought a lot of old feelings to the fore for Ellen Stephenson, DNP, assistant professor of nursing.

The images of the evacuation of Afghans who helped American and NATO forces in the country has, for Stephenson and others, brought to mind their own experiences in the country, and inescapable feelings of grief and anger at the thought of leaving people behind. As well as the American casualties in the 20 years since the fighting began.

Sedgwick Hall will not reopen for approximately another year.

But a very important piece of the renovated building was prepared on Wednesday, with a bit of a personal touch. The final structural beam for the project was made available for members of the Rockhurst University community — students, faculty, staff and construction crew — to sign their names.

Another year, another incoming class at Rockhurst University.

For more than half a century, the statue of Mary has been a fixture of the northeastern portion of the Kinerk Commons.

Beneath a canopy of evergreens, flanked by Adirondacks, the statue has been a social as well as spiritual center of campus, hosting conversations and an annual May Crowning.

A groundbreaking is expected soon on a new home for the Mary statue designed to ensure this campus icon will continue to serve as a beacon for those looking for a moment of calm.

As the August 18-20 move-in days approach at Rockhurst, students are using Instagram videos to encourage incoming Hawks to be sure they are vaccinated against COVID-19.

In the fall of 2017, Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences opened its doors to a first cohort of 26 students attending the Pathways to Health and Science Education program. Pathways was conceived as a bridge program designed to introduce diverse students to careers in healthcare professions.

In 2020, the program transitioned with the College to Rockhurst University and was renamed the Early College Pathways Program.

The Jewish Community Relations Bureau has announced it will honor Rockhurst University President the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., with its Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award at its annual Human Relations Event on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021.

Fr. Curran will be the first member of the clergy to receive the prestigious award in recognition for his work pursuing equity on campus and throughout the Kansas City community, according to JCRB leaders.

The Rockhurst University School of Education got a report card of its own in May. And it’s one they’re going to want to hang up on the fridge.

More than 40 years ago, curators from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art helped Rockhurst University choose pieces of significance for what was then a new collection of religious art to be housed on campus.

Now, some of the very pieces from that collection will grace the walls at Kansas City’s premier art museum for the next year.