Rockhurst University
Stories of Impact
Opportunities Abound for Rockhurst Junior
Samantha Halfmann
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.
Five years later, Sam is a junior at Rockhurst majoring in business administration with a concentration in marketing and a minor in leadership studies.
"I love Rockhurst," she says. "It has such a family feel and is an incredibly supportive community."
The Impact a Gift Makes
Sam, a St. Louis native, keeps busy with classes, intramural sports, her sorority, Social Mentors and her Christian Life Community group. She also holds two jobs—a work-study position in the admission department and a human resources position with Rockhurst's food service provider. Even with two jobs and family support, Sam would not be able to attend Rockhurst without scholarship assistance.
"Scholarships are vitally important to students," she says. "They not only help pay for college, they also show how much alumni care about Rockhurst and instill the motivation in students to one day give back."
Sam describes today's students as independent, and many do not have the family resources to pay the full cost of tuition, room and board.
"Rockhurst alumni are amazingly generous. They are proud of their education and want to make sure today's students have the same opportunities they had when they were here. I am very grateful."
Sam is a recipient of the Joseph G. and Linda Buehler Scholarship. Joe, Class of 1968, established the scholarship out of gratitude for the scholarship he received that enabled him to attend Rockhurst.
"Rockhurst changed my life and I want to give others the same opportunity. 'To whomever much is given, of him will much be required,'" says Joe.
When thinking about life after Rockhurst, Sam's goals are simple.
"I just want to be content and recognize the good fortune I have with my family, friends and education. God has blessed my life so much. When I graduate, I hope to leave Rockhurst better than I found it."
Make a Difference at Rockhurst
Giving back to Rockhurst is easy. Establishing a scholarship, like Joe and Linda Buehler, means Rockhurst students, like Sam, can focus on their studies.
Contact Chris McCoy, Ph.D. at 816-501-4199 or Chris.McCoy@rockhurst.edu if you would like to provide opportunities to future generations of Rockhurst students through a gift in your estate plans.