Rockhurst News

Rockhurst University welcomes two new Jesuits to campus this summer.

In June, Debbie Espinosa, ’98, was announced as the next president and CEO of Harvesters—The Community Food Network, a regional food bank based in Kansas City. It’s both a new challenge and a familiar role for Espinosa, who credited previous experience in the nonprofit sector and her Jesuit education at Rockhurst University for preparing her well to take the helm.

When Rockhurst University announced a strategic partnership with fellow Jesuit institution Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, in March 2025, it opened up numerous opportunities for students at both institutions. One was the possibility of studying at Spring Hill College’s Italy Center in Bologna, Italy — an opportunity one group of students from Rockhurst University became the first to take advantage of.

Women's assistant lacrosse coach Jennifer Douglas is an Advanced Animal Care Specialist with the Water’s Edge team at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium and her passion is serving as one of the point persons for 85 penguins.

At the Rockhurst University Leadership Series in St. Louis on Sept. 17, the University will honor Jim Powers, ’83, with its Magis Award for his decades of service and leadership to the University and the St. Louis community.

Rockhurst University President Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., met Pope Leo XIV at the end of June, part of a delegation of presidents of Jesuit colleges and universities from the United States, Canada and Belize who visited the Holy See.

Rockhurst University has been named a College of Distinction for the 2026-27 academic year, a designation reserved for institutions whose dedication to the undergraduate experience speaks for itself.

Rockhurst University has announced the dean’s list for the spring 2026 semester. This honor recognizes students who have achieved a grade-point average of 3.5 or above.

The excitement is palpable in the Kansas City community as World Cup matches kick off here. Students, faculty and alumni are among them.

Last week, Rockhurst University invited area students to campus to help explore healthcare professions as part of its first-ever two-day camp, Hands On Healthcare at Rockhurst University.