Rockhurst News

The process of giving the first building on the Rockhurst University campus another life has already begun, but on Thursday University leaders gave those performing that work a blessing as they proceed in their labor.

With the midway point of the spring semester in view, Rockhurst University is announcing plans for its summer and fall 2021.

COVID-19 has meant many changes to daily life on campus — since returning to campus in summer 2020, students, faculty and staff have adjusted to following guidelines such as mask-wearing, meetings conducted over Zoom, remote learning, and social distancing.

Rockhurst University awarded 217 degrees at its December commencement ceremony, held virtually Dec. 12, 2020.

The program featured student speaker Marc Kerby, who received a Master of Education, elementary education certification track.

Alad Aguirre

Mara Akers, honors program, magna cum laude

Akeem Akinola

Celeste Allen

Ana Amaya

Kristen Anderson

Anatali Aquino-Rodriguez

Sam Archer

Baylee Arcuri

Charity Arnold

Alexus Atchison

Corey Austen

Matt Baker

Peter Baker, summa cum laude

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

This Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills will face off in the AFC Championship game. And the presidents of the two Jesuit universities in those respective cities have decided to make it interesting.

Rockhurst University is recognizing anniversaries for faculty and staff members who have served the University for at least 5 years. Congratulations to these dedicated companions:

Staff

35 years

Laurie Hathman, Greenlease Library

30 years

Mary B. Cary, College of Arts and Sciences dean’s office

Steve Lyons, physical plant

25 years

Geoff Smith, admissions

Shirley Mitchell, physical plant

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.

Rockhurst University has announced the dean’s list for the fall 2020 semester. This honor recognizes students who have achieved a grade-point average of 3.5 or above.

The following students were named to the dean’s list:

Lauryn Adams

Macee Adams

Nate Adamson

Peyton Aerni

Mara Akers

Shereen Al-Saoudi

Kassie Albers

Xenia Alegria Martinez

Alexandra Allen

Michael Allen

Jennifer Alonso

Anthony Altobella

Litzy Alvarado Islas

Joseph Alvey

Ashley Anderson

Rockhurst University Companions,

January 6, 2021, was marked by the loss of life, the exposure of public servants to great harm, the destruction of property we considered “a temple of democracy,” and a rupture to principles we thought were cherished by all. Nonetheless, we can be consoled and encouraged with the psalmist who tells us that while the night might have left us in tears, the dawn brings the promise of joy. (30, 6)

Of all the activities that have been curtailed as a result of the pandemic, live performances have continued to prove among the most vexing for many arts organizations.

Projecting one’s voice without a mask, through singing or as a stage actor, is unfortunately exactly the kind of activity that can put people at risk for contracting the virus. Add an audience indoors, and it’s a recipe for potential spread.