"Education was always very important to both of my parents," says Elizabeth Duncan, daughter of the late Bill ('47) and Bette Geiger. "They contributed to college funds for all of their grandchildren and also helped others in need of financial assistance for education."
While reminiscing about her Rockhurst journey over 30 years ago, Katie Guhr, —92, looks back fondly at her time with the late Karen Every, Rockhurst University's first director of service learning and director of the former American Humanics program.
It's not uncommon to hear from alumni how much they credit the Rockhurst University education for their professional successes. To Richard Ong, —57, that education and his time on campus are what compelled him to give back to future generations.
Ginny Perez, —56, needed financial assistance in order to attend nursing school at Saint Luke's. In fact, she had no idea how she was going to manage paying tuition while enrolling as a full-time student, until she was the recipient of the alumni scholarship.
Charles Ramirez wanted to get married, but first, he needed a career that would support a family. He had an uncle working as a butcher and a sheet metal worker, so he applied to both their unions. His sister was a nurse. He applied to Kansas City General Hospital's School of Nursing on a whim, and they were the first to respond.
Like any parent, Kay Marshall was thrilled when she learned her daughter Tara was accepted to Rockhurst with a scholarship. Tara enrolled as a psychology major, and everything went great until the spring semester of her senior year when she was diagnosed with a tumor the size of a plum pressing on her brain stem.
"Planned Giving is the gift that keeps on giving," says Tony Dill, Class of 1961. Tony, along with his wife Donna, gifted a life insurance policy to Rockhurst University. They bought the policy when their children were young. Each year, Tony and Donna continued to pay the premium, but as time went on, they realized that they had built up enough equity to make a difference for Rockhurst University. The insurance policy equity, to be collected by RU upon their death, will create a History Chairmanship.
Rockhurst University had an indelible impact on Jim Gleeson, '57. Jim, a small business owner, funded a life insurance policy as part of his estate plan and designated 25% of the proceeds to benefit Rockhurst University. He and his wife Judy worked with us to create the terms and criteria for an endowed scholarship fund which would serve to help students in need.
It's hard to tell by looking at him now, but Kevin Pugh, was not always the most outgoing student to walk a college campus. Before he came to Rockhurst, Pugh was less inclined to take charge, get involved and lead the way.
Spring is a time for scrutinizing rosters, analyzing workout reports and making predictions for baseball fans everywhere. At Rockhurst, baseball season has officially begun. For Jim Myers '68, it is his love of the game and the university that is shaping his legacy.
When 15-year-old Samantha Halfmann awoke in her parents' car to the sight of the bell tower, she knew she would one day be a student at Rockhurst University. Although the campus trip was really for her older sister, Sam's decision was made. She was going to be a Hawk.
Sometimes, summer is all about rest and relaxation. But for some seniors, like Samantha Bielman, summer break and senior year are hardly like a day at the beach.
Rachel Tangney Joins Brother by Making Rockhurst Her College Home Sometimes, following in a sibling's footsteps can be a challenge, but for Rachel Tangney, it was a choice. Her older brother played baseball at RU, but the Wichita native had her own reasons for making Rockhurst her college home.
Many students enter college without an idea of where their career interests lie. Emma Unoski knew her passion long before setting foot on the Rockhurst University campus. A nursing major from Colorado, Emma chose her path after watching her father receive treatment for Bronchialitis Obliterans, a rare and often life-threatening lung disease.
Some students travel great distances to attend college. Mike Kleinman walked across the street. As a youngster growing up in 1950's Kansas City, Mike's childhood home was at the intersection of Rockhurst Road and Lydia, literally steps away from the Rockhurst University campus.
A lot can change over the course of five decades. Waistlines, hairlines and storylines, just to name a few. But as Mac Geschwind prepares to celebrate 50 years as a Rockhust University graduate, his love and appreciation for his alma mater still remains the same.
Escaping the unpredictable Kansas City weather is often a priority for Rockhurst University students. But instead of spending spring break at a typical college retreat, freshman Meredith Larson chose a much different locale. She and nine of her fellow RU students traveled to the Dominican Republic on a university-sponsored mission trip. And her commitment to service reached a new level.
From her very first moments on the Rockhurst University campus, Colleen Smyth knew it was a place where she could make a difference in the world. A St. Louis area native majoring in accounting, Colleen was first drawn to Rockhurst because of its strong academics. However, it was the university's commitment to service that hooked her.
Anthony Moran knows all about hard work. As a junior majoring in exercise science at Rockhurst University, Anthony has always juggled a rigorous course-load. But the native of Kansas City, Kan., does much more than just study and attend class. With the ultimate goal of a career in chiropractic care, Anthony works a part-time job at a local chiropractic clinic. In addition, he also owns his own business and is heavily involved in several campus groups. He wouldn't have it any other way.
Barbara Wynne ('80 Biology) was an acknowledged student leader whose sweet nature endeared her to fellow students and faculty. She held great promise both professionally and personally. She was truly a person for others who exemplified the mission of Rockhurst in all she said and did. Barbara loved Rockhurst, and her family shared her love.
When Professor Dick Shaw retired from Rockhurst University in 2003, friends and family took the opportunity to pay him back for a lifetime of giving. Under the leadership of this three children, Rich, John and Shannon, funds were gathered to endow the Professor Richard D. Shaw Scholarship. Now, future generations of students will continue to benefit from Dick's generous legacy.
Like many lads from St. Louis, George wanted to attend a Catholic college; and since he would graduate from St. Louis University High School, a Jesuit college held some appeal. He wanted to attend college away from his hometown.
Scholarship offers were good from some other schools, but the Rockhurst Jesuit tradition moved him to turn down a scholarship at a rival college to enroll at Rockhurst in the fall of 1961.
Bob Malley remembered when, as a young boy, he walked the same path to St. Francis Xavier School as he did to his classes at Rockhurst High School.
"I am very happy to this day with my Jesuit Catholic education." "I value the education that I got at Rockhurst. The Jesuits imbued me with the idea that a college education is not to learn a trade, but to train your mind; and that if you train your mind properly you can pick up any other thing that you need when you get out in the world."
