Being Human - Rockhurst University

AdvancementdigestAlumni House to Become a RealityHonorary Directors Continue SuccessApacked audience met March 7 for the HonoraryDirectors annual luncheon. This year’s keynotespeaker was Lamar Hunt, chairman of Unity Hunt Inc.He is founder of the Dallas Texans, which later becamethe Kansas City Chiefs.Outgoing President Mary Sue Karl presented the Rev.Edward Kinerk, S.J., with a check for $116,100 for theorganization’s annual fund-raising efforts. The HonoraryDirectors raise funds for scholarships for worthy studentsLamar Huntwho otherwise would be unable to attend Rockhurst University.Its endowment is worth more than $1,292,000.Byron Thompson, trustee emeritus of RockhurstUniversity, received the Van Ackeren Spirit Award at theluncheon. The award was established in 1998 to honorpeople who exemplify the values espoused by the Rev.Maurice Van Ackeren, S.J., former president and chancellorof Rockhurst University. Previous recipients Adele Halland Joseph McGuff were present at the event.Jennifer Wells, ’01, delivered the student address. Sheis a recipient of an Honorary Directors scholarship.Thomas Weiford is the incoming president of theorganization, which has slated next year’s annual luncheonfor March 6.It has been in discussion for a long time. Now it’s goingto be a reality. As part of the campus beautificationplan, Rockhurst is reserving a newly purchased propertyto become an alumni house.The property, located at the corner of 54th Street andForest, is the first house visitors see when they enter thecampus from its new main entrance at 54th Street andTroost Avenue. It is a stately two-story home, which willbe remodeled to accommodate a variety of needs.James Millard, ’64, MBA ’89, says it will be a memorialwhere the service and accomplishments of alumni canbe preserved, and a museum where Rockhurst’s historycan be displayed. Moreover, it will serve as a meetingplace for alumni and friends of the University and willaccommodate the alumni staff offices.“It will serve as testament to the rich traditionto be inherited by new students,” said Millard.Partial funding for the alumni house has beenpledged by the Rockhurst Alumni Association Board.Efforts toward raising the funds needed to complete theproject continue. Meanwhile, initial work on the projecthas begun.Gala Gift Boosts Partnership EffortsAt last October’s Rockhurst Gala, John E. Hayes Jr.and his wife, Gene, presented the University witha $1 million gift designated for scholarships.John Hayes is a 1959 graduate of Rockhurst andformer chairman of the University’s board of trustees.The Hayses served as honorary chairs of the 1999 gala.(From left) Gene Hayes, the Rev. Edward Kinerk, S.J., John E. Hayes Jr.Gala Organizers Look for Another Great YearSuccess breeds success, and the Rockhurst Gala is noexception to this rule. The planning committee hasscheduled this year’s black tie event for Saturday, Oct. 7,at the Westin Crown Center in Kansas City. This year’stheme is “Celebrating Our Friends.”The gala is the largest single fund-raising eventfor Rockhurst. Last year’s event raised $300,000for the University.James and Virginia Stowers are honorary chairs thisyear. Co-chairs are Thomas and Nancy Thornhill, andRichard and Ellie Knopke.Participants will enjoy fine food and dancing toa live band.ROCKHURST24