in the Jesuit Tradition - Rockhurst University

AdvancementdigestEndowed Chair Promotes Better CommunicationJoseph and Anne McGee with the Rev. Edward Kinerk, S.J.Joseph McGee, ’41, believes so strongly in theimportance of listening that he created an endowmentat Rockhurst to fund activities that promote betterlistening, communication and learning.“If we could all listen better at all levels, there wouldbe fewer problems at home, at the office, in the nation andin the world,” McGee said.Established in 1986, the endowment has fostered anumber of initiatives and, in August 2001, was responsiblefor the establishment of the McGee Chair in InterpersonalCommunication and Listening. The first chairholder isWeslynn Martin, professor of communication, who hasdeveloped and directed the programs made possible by theendowment from the Joseph and Anne McGee family.Through the funding, Martin initiated an instructionaldevelopment program designed for faculty to enhanceteaching and learning. The program’s workshops, seminars,summer institutes and consulting services are used to helpfaculty discover ways to better involve students in theirown learning.Joseph McGee, a trustee emeritus of Rockhurst,attended the University before joining the U.S. Armyduring World War II. He served as president of the OldAmerican Insurance Company for 32 years. In 1991, hewas named the Rockhurst College Alumnus of the Yearfor Outstanding Service.Scholarship Recipient Learns Value of Helping OthersAfew years ago, Jarrod Waterfordbalanced his high school studieswith his job serving pretzels in a smallbakery. While he dreamed of going tocollege, his limited means of gettingthere weighed heavily on his mind.The Angels Assistance Programcame to his aid. With the help of hishigh school counselor and KevinMcGreevy, the program’s founder,Waterford was accepted into thespecial scholarship program thatprovided the financial resources heneeded for college. He is now a seniorcomputer science major at Rockhurstand assistant manager in the AssetProtection department of Sears.As the first one in his family to goto college, he was excited to hear ofhis acceptance into the program.“I was amazed,” he says. “I wasskeptical at first and thought, ‘What’sthe catch here?’ ”He looked for a catch but couldn’tfind one. Recipients areasked only to maintaingood grades, keepin contact with theirsponsors and to returnthe favor by helpingsomeone else later in life.“It has made ahuge difference. Withoutthe program, Idon’t know if I wouldhave made it this far.I mean I’m a senior atJarrod Waterford, ’02in that recipients meetand keep in touchwith the people whocontribute the money.“There are lots ofstudents on this campuswho are going to schoolbecause of the generosityof these donors,” saysMcGreevy. “And Jarrodhas a tremendous workethic. I think he’ll beabsolutely successfulRockhurst, a very prestigious school.”The Angels Assistance programbegan in 1993 when McGreevy decidedto help a friend’s son pay for college.Since then, 30 students have receivedmore than $290,000 in financial aidcontributions. Recipients are nominatedby high school counselors andprincipals, then interviewed andselected by their level of dedicationand potential. The program is uniquebecause he will outwork the competition.”Waterford, who graduates inDecember 2002, is considering acareer in computer programming.Although he may not have his specificcareer path pinned down yet, he isfocused on one objective.“My primary goal is to keep mypromise,” he says. “I want to be in asituation where I can help someoneelse to go to college.”ROCKHURST28