Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Kansas City, Mo. Permit No. 782
1100 Rockhurst Road Kansas City, MO 64110
COMMUNITY update
spring 2022
Rockhurst University Names NEW PRESIDENT On Feb. 28, Rockhurst University announced Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., will become the 15th president of Rockhurst University, effective June 27, 2022.
Cassady will make history as the first lay and first female president of Rockhurst.
NOW OPEN
Cassady, who earned a Ph.D. in exercise science from the University of Iowa, comes to Rockhurst from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, where she serves as vice president for strategic initiatives and dean of the College of Health and Human Services.
Saint Luke’s Urgent Care
The Prosperity Center focuses on the whole person by offering “bundled services” in one easy location: one-on-one financial coaching that encourages a long-term commitment to increasing income, decreasing expenses, and building assets; employment coaching to support job seekers in all areas of their career path, whether assisting with creating a resume, mock interviewing or job placement; and a strong knowledge of community partnerships and programs allowing the center to offer resources and direct referrals to income supports and community resources.
At St. Ambrose, a university affiliated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Davenport, Cassady has led the development of new mission-focused academic programs that strengthen partnerships with area agencies serving the underserved, such as social work and public health.
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday – Sunday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. No appointment needed
Troost Ave. and 52nd St.
Call 816-501-4249 for more information. Visit rockhurst.edu/prosperity-center to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment. Visit saintlukeskc.org/urgent-care for a list of conditions we treat. 2021-1838
Sandra Cassady, Ph.D.
“The Catholic, Jesuit mission of Rockhurst University and its vision to create a more just world through inclusive, innovative and transformative education are what drew me to Rockhurst and are closely aligned with my own values and experience. I look forward to leading and partnering with the Rockhurst community and greater Kansas City community as we continue the work toward realizing this vision,” she said. Cassady will replace the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., who announced in September 2021 that he would step down following the close of this academic year, his 16th year as president.
CARE FOR CREATION
Rockhurst students alongside staff and
UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES the Alvin Brooks Center for Faith-Justice Rockhurst University will honor Alvin Brooks, longtime Kansas City
leader in social justice and civil rights, with the establishment of the Alvin Brooks Center for Faith-Justice on campus. The center will house some of the University’s essential faith-justice related efforts, including a chapel, community engagement initiatives, and the Prosperity Center. With a vision to “create a more just Kansas City through collaborative advancement of right relationship with God, with others, and with creation,” the center is named for Alvin Brooks, a renowned Kansas City civil rights leader.
has long helped students pay for their education while learning and serving with a local organization.
For two students this year, that unique opportunity has meant serving in different ways at nearby Troost Elementary School. Most days, Lucas Coates said he would file paperwork or help with other tasks in the main office. But it was getting to know the students that he said was the best part of coming in. “A memorable interaction I had with one of the students was when one of them gave me a drawing,” he said. “This particular student got picked on
The Arbor Day Foundation granted Rockhurst University a Tree Campus USA designation earlier this year.
REACHN!
The REACHN program, sponsored through Saint Luke’s Health System, Alvin Brooks and The Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J.
Community Work Studies SERVE IN LOCAL SCHOOL
Rockhurst University’s community work study program
fun fact:
Make Healthier Choices with
The Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., president of Rockhurst University, announced the initiative at the Jewish Community Relations Bureau|AJC’s annual Human Relations event Nov. 18, where he was honored with the Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award. The planned location for the building is on the north side of the Rockhurst University Community Center, facing Troost Avenue. Groundbreaking and more information will be announced in the future.
faculty companions celebrated Earth Day 2022 by planting trees and other native plants at the Kateri intentional living community and other spaces around and near campus.
sometimes, so I made it my duty to speak up when I heard other students picking on her.” Another student, Sophia Sidzyik, said she spent most of her time supporting the teacher in first and second grades in a number of different ways, including individual work on vocabulary and math. She said she loved being able to help with classroom work, and bonding with students in the community made the experience memorable. “I would say that the most rewarding part of the job is that every time I come into the classroom,” she said. “I am greeted with hugs and excited faces.”
helps Kansas City residents and families reach a better quality of life with free programming focusing on fitness and nutrition. Contact reachn@saint-lukes. org or visit the program’s social media channels (reachnkc on Instagram and teamreachnkc on Facebook) to find out how to register for classes on Wednesday evenings at the RU Community Center starting June 15.
SERVE FOR A YEAR WITH
Campus Compact AT ROCKHURST UNIVERSITY!
Applications are open now for an AmeriCorps VISTA member to
serve with Campus Compact at Rockhurst University for a year of fulltime service building capacity for projects that mobilize communities to make a difference in the lives of individuals impacted by poverty. The AmeriCorps VISTA project will seek to develop internal and external partnership to promote environmentally conscious practices and expects to benefit the campus and neighboring community. Apply now at tinyurl.com/RockhurstVISTA. AmeriCorps VISTA members receive a biweekly living allowance, post-service education award or stipend, student loan forbearance or deferment, and other benefits, including an on-campus housing option. For more information, contact Julia Vargas at julia.vargas@rockhurst.edu.