The Rockhurst University Leadership Series (RULS) brings some of the world’s foremost thinkers and luminaries to St. Louis to speak on aspects of their leadership.
Past featured guests of the St. Louis RU Leadership Series include NFL Hall of Fame Coach Dick Vermeil, U.S. Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Homeboy Industries Founder Greg Boyle S.J., former St. Louis Blues forward Kelly Chase, and former KMOX top-rated radio talk show host Charlie Brennan.
The event also includes both the annual Magis Award and Faber Young Alumni Award celebrations.
RULS-St. Louis 2026
On September 17, our St. Louis community gathered for a memorable evening of leadership, connection, and Magis. Curtis Francois inspired us with a message about leading with purpose, and we celebrated this year’s Magis and Faber Young Alumni Award recipients, along with a special recognition of Sister Rosemary Flanigan’s 100th birthday. Relive the evening through the photos and Magis Award tribute video below.
We’re already looking ahead to next fall! The Leadership Series is all about bringing together people and stories that inspire our community to connect and get involved. Know someone who would make a great future award recipient or speaker? We’d love to hear your ideas here.
2026 Magis Award
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Jim Powers ’83 is the 2026 recipient of the Magis Award, which recognizes a St. Louis–area alumnus who lives out the Jesuit core value of “magis,” a commitment to doing more for others through leadership, service, and generosity.
A dedicated member of the Rockhurst community, Jim served on the St. Louis Leaders Council from 2018 to 2026, including as chairman, and remains an active and generous supporter of the University.
He retired in 2025 as President and CFO of Tacony Corporation following a distinguished career that included leadership roles with Dent Wizard and UniGroup. He continues to serve the St. Louis community as a board member and treasurer of the Boniface Foundation and as a member of the Mercy Hospital East Regional Board.
Jim and his wife, Mary, enjoy spending time with their four children and five grandchildren and share a love of travel. Through his leadership, commitment to service, and lifelong connection to Rockhurst, Jim exemplifies the spirit of Magis.
Faber Young Alumni Award
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The 2026 Faber Young Alumni Award recipient is Matt Beermann ’15, Human Resources Advisor for Graybar's St. Louis District. A dedicated leader throughout his time at Rockhurst, Matt served as President of the Student Ambassadors, was a member of Alpha Delta Gamma fraternity, and held numerous leadership roles including Student Council member, Christian Life Community (CLC) leader, freshman orientation leader, and retreat leader. Following graduation, he completed a year of service as an Alumni Service Corps Member, teaching and consulting at a Jesuit high school within the USA Central and Southern Province.
Matt continues his commitment to service and mentorship through his work at Graybar; he partners with De Smet Jesuit High School and Cor Jesu Academy in helping students develop leadership skills and explore future career paths. In addition, he serves on the De Smet Jesuit High School Alumni Association Board and remains an engaged Rockhurst alumnus in the St. Louis community. Matt and his wife, Grace, are active parishioners at St. Gabriel Parish and proud parents to their son, Graham. Through his professional accomplishments, dedication to mentorship, and commitment to serving others, Matt exemplifies the Jesuit values of leadership, generosity, and being a person for others.
2026 Presenting Sponsor
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VIP Reception Sponsor
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Jesuit Sponsors
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St. Louis Sponsors
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Mission Sponsors
Bob & Marge Buehrle
Bob & Laura Bira
The Lawder Family
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
JESUIT SPONSOR • $5,000
- Preferred seating for 10 guests
- 10 invites to the exclusive VIP cocktail reception
- Logo recognition in event promotional materials, including on-screen acknowledgment,
program, and webpage - Complimentary gift for each guest
- Complimentary parking in the Sheldon parking lot for 10 guests
ST. LOUIS SPONSOR • $3,000
- Seating for 10 guests
- 10 invites to the exclusive VIP cocktail reception
- Logo recognition in event promotional materials, including on-screen acknowledgment,
program, and webpage - Complimentary gift for each guest
- Complimentary parking in the Sheldon parking lot for 10 guests
MISSION SPONSOR • $2,000
- Seating for 10 guests
- 10 invites to the exclusive VIP cocktail reception
- Logo recognition in event promotional materials, including on-screen acknowledgment,
program, and webpage - Complimentary gift for each guest
- Complimentary parking in the Sheldon parking lot for 10 guests
Become a Sponsor Today!
Click Here To Secure Your Sponsorship
For questions about sponsorship or tickets, contact Mary Kennedy at mary.kennedy@rockhurst.edu or 816-589-2586.
