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.
Image
Thursday, September 17, 2026
5:00 p.m.
The Sheldon
3648 Washington Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63108
The RU Leadership Series returns with a new evening format, featuring an engaging presentation in St. Louis's The Sheldon Theater, followed by a networking reception in the Galleries. This updated format offers expanded opportunities for connection, conversation, and professional networking.
2026 Special Guest
Curtis Francois
Owner of World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR)
Image
Curtis Francois is a St. Louis native, real estate developer, and former professional racecar driver who has transformed World Wide Technology Raceway into a premier motorsports destination. Since acquiring and reopening the track in 2012, he has led significant revitalization efforts, positioning WWTR as the only U.S. facility to host elite events from NASCAR, INDYCAR, and NHRA, as well as more than 300 annual events.
Under his leadership, WWTR has become a leader in community engagement, partnering with organizations like the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation to advance STEM education and expand access to motorsports. Francois also works closely with World Wide Technology leadership to promote innovation, diversity, and technology-driven fan experiences.
His contributions have earned numerous honors, including NASCAR’s “Drive for Diversity” Award, the Comcast Community Champion Award, and induction into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
PRESENTING SPONSOR • $10,000
- Premium 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
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.
2025 Magis Award
This year’s Magis Award honors Bob (’89) and Laura (McGrady) Bira (’90) for their lifelong commitment to the Jesuit value of magis, meaning "more." They met as Resident Advisors at Rockhurst University and married a few years later in St. Louis, with Fr. Nick Rashford, S.J., officiating. Grounded in the values of service, leadership, and faith, they continue to give back to Rockhurst and their community.
Laura is the founder of POP Marketing, a St. Louis firm focused on branding and packaging, and an advocate for women-led businesses. She has served on the St. Louis RU Leaders Council since 2019, including terms as Vice Chair and Chair. Bob is Vice President of Sales at Deloitte Consulting and a De Smet Jesuit alumnus. He is active in parish leadership and supports military and homeland security organizations. Together, they live out Jesuit ideals in their work and service.
Proud parents of Nate and Abby, the Biras enjoy family time at the Lake of the Ozarks. They remain closely involved with Rockhurst, primarily through their connection with Fr. Stephen Hess, S.J., and the Mabee Chapel, continuing to lead by example in faith and generosity.
Faber Young Alumni Award
Image
This year’s Faber Young Alumni award recipient is Claire Burkemper, ’16, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist, and the founder of Play As You Are Therapy in Maplewood, Missouri. Her practice offers compassionate, play-based therapy for children experiencing anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges. Claire also teaches graduate-level play therapy at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and provides professional training for nonprofits throughout the St. Louis area.
While at Rockhurst, Claire was deeply involved in campus ministry, VOICES for Justice, Ambassadors, and international service trips to Belize. After graduation, she joined the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and spent two years teaching eighth grade in Pohnpei, Micronesia. She later earned her Master of Social Work through Loyola University Chicago’s MAGIS program while serving youth in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood through Catholic Charities.
Claire’s work is grounded in the values of justice, connection, and care. She is also active with the St. Louis Catholic Worker, a community committed to hospitality and the Works of Mercy. Claire currently lives in St. Louis with her spouse, Jack Reid, ’16, and they are preparing to welcome their first child this fall.
