“A Shared Vision for the EF Alumni Association”
There was a great deal of very positive discussion at our meeting on various topics. One topic that we spent some time on was the vision for the EF Alumni Association. What do our members want from their association and how can we provide it? We decided to put a task force together to look at that question and define two to three key initiatives that can be focused on within the next twelve months to increase the value of the Alumni Association to its members.

The kickoff meeting for the task force is proposed to be sometime in November. I have offered to coordinate this group and will be discussing the details with the new Board of Directors to ensure we move ahead together. I have already received some great support from some of our alumni offering to be involved in this process and would welcome additional alumni involvement. Your opinion and perspective is important and will enable us to move in a direction that is helpful for you. If you are interested in participating please e-mail me and I will put you on the distribution list for the upcoming meeting.

My contact info is DCL@ABMI.NET (913) 341-6300 (office) (913) 488-7038 (mobile)

Year in Review

As President for the 2005-2006 year, I gave a brief “Year in Review” at the annual meeting. Here are some of my notes from that review.

What Happened (Successes)
· Fr. Curran appointed as the 14th President of our university.
· The EF MBA program received the AACSB Accreditation this year.
· The U.S News and World Report ranked Rockhurst No. 14 in the Masters Midwest category. There are over 140 universities in the Midwest in this category.
· Rockhurst Day on September 29th was a big success and lots of fun for all.
· The EF database is being updated and synced with the general alumni association
· We made some updates/modifications to the website…but not to the extent we intended
· We initiated a regular newsletter to compliment the regular mail
· We participated in the regular alumni association board and continued to build stronger relationships with that organization.
· Rockhurst has a new online alumni directory- Everyone is encouraged to update their information online.
To login visit www.rockhurst.edu/alumni
You will need your constituent ID number which you can find on the mailing label attached to your alumni newsletter or other alumni mailings. Enter your ID preceded by @00. Then create a personalized username and password for future visits.

What Didn’t Happen
· We did not schedule regular social activities
· We did not charge annual dues since we did not have a clear direction regarding how the dues would be used.
· The annual EF picnic was cancelled by Rockhurst due to inadequate historical attendance and a need to reduce costs wherever possible.

Some Future Opportunities
· Define the mission or purpose of the EF Alumni Association. What do the alumni want from the association and what do they don’t want?
o How do we reignite member enthusiasm and involvement?
o How is the mission defined?
· Rockhurst Gala Sat. Oct 28th - Kansas City Marriott Downtown Muehlebach Tower.

Rockhurst Day is Friday, Sept. 29

Rockhurst Day will be Friday, Sept. 29. Grab the kids and bring a friend as we celebrate the Rockhurst University family during this year’s Homecoming festivities. Meet the University’s new president, the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, O.S.F.S., and honor Coach Tony Tocco’s 35 years leading the men’s soccer team. Join friends, students, faculty, staff and alumni for a free, fun-filled evening of entertainment. Throughout the evening there will be carnival games and attractions, concessions and a beer garden.
Schedule of Events:

5 p.m. Men’s Soccer Game vs. UMSL

5:45 p.m. Great Baby Race

7 p.m. Coach Tocco Commemoration; Induction of Jack McCloskey, ’56, and Keith Gehling, ’79, into Athletic Hall of Fame

7:30 p.m. Women’s Soccer Game vs. UMSL

8:15 p.m. Homecoming Court and Fireworks

Donation Drive Recently changed your eyeglass prescription? Purchased a new, fancy cell phone? Bring your old ones to Rockhurst Day and donate them to charity.
On Your Marks, Get Set, Crawl!Calling all speed crawlers! We’re looking for eight lucky babies to compete in the second annual Great Baby Race at 5:30 p.m. on Rockhurst Day, September 29.Space is limited to eight babies on a first come basis so don’t wait to register! The parents of the babies selected for the race will receive dinner that evening "on the Rock" and will compete for prizes during halftime of the men’s soccer game to include U.S. Savings Bonds and Rockhurst gear.
Registrants are limited to babies between the ages of eight and 14 months. This is a crawling-only event – walkers will be disqualified

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Rockhurst University No. 14 in the Best Universities — Master's Midwest category in its 2007 rankings.

The rankings are part of the magazine’s annual "America’s Best Colleges" issue and accompanying guidebook. The information is also posted on usnews.com.
"We continually assess our effectiveness in delivering a high-quality education to our students that aligns with Rockhurst's mission and values," said William Haefele, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs. "I think that's reflected in these rankings."
The magazine bases its rankings on academic reputation and statistics such as graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity and class sizes.
Institutions in the Best Universities — Master's category offer a full range of undergraduate programs and provide graduate education at the master's level. Both public and private colleges are included. More than 140 master's institutions are included in the Midwest region. Rockhurst has consistently appeared in the top 15 in this category.
Rockhurst University, founded in 1910, has an enrollment of more than 3,000 students. It is one of 28 Jesuit universities in the United States, and offers undergraduate and graduate programs with an emphasis on learning, leadership and service in the Jesuit tradition.

Rockhurst Gets the Gold

As you probably know the Rockhurst Helzberg School of Management has been working towards achieving the Association to Advanced Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) Accreditation for a number of years. This Accreditation is a coveted distinction among universities and less than 10 percent of business schools in the world have earned the accreditation.

January marked the final hurtle of the long process to earn the distinction. It involved a “peer review”. The peer review team filed its report in April. The result was a unanimous recommendation that we receive the AACSB Accreditation. In discussing this success, James Daley, Ph.D., Dean of the Helzberg School told the reporters for the Rock Report that “this says that the Helzberg School has demonstrated to the premier international accrediting body for business schools that its programs and faculty are the highest caliber.” This accreditation will benefit Rockhurst graduates and the employers that hire them.

We are proud to have earned the Gold. Congratulations and thanks go out in recognition of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by the faculty and staff that were involved in making this dream become a reality.

11th Annual Rockhurst University Gala


Join us this fall as Rockhurst University Rocks the City and presents its 11th Annual Gala on Saturday, October 28, 2006! This is an annual black-tie event that raises funds for scholarships and student services. This year’s Gala will cap a weekend of inauguration festivities recognizing the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, O.S.F.S. as the University’s 14th president.

Your support of Rockhurst’s Gala is vital to the University’s continued success:

Since nearly 85 percent of our students depend on financial assistance and scholarships, your support provides a Rockhurst education for hundreds of deserving students in need.
Gala proceeds assist more than 50 students each year in devoting their spring breaks to international service projects in Belize, Guatemala, Mexico and El Salvador.
Your sponsorship reinforces our Jesuit mission of educating the whole student – mind, body and spirit – by enhancing student services and campus beautification projects.

As Rockhurst Executive Fellows Alumni, we invite you to join us at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown Muehlebach Tower for an elegant evening of dining and dancing to celebrate the students, programs and community partners of Rockhurst University.

The Executive Fellows Alumni Association has set a goal to fill up 5 tables at the Gala. That is only 25 couples. I have begun to coordinate with fellow alumni from my graduating class (2004) to fill at least one table, and I am sure if you contact your fellow alumni we can fill up many more and have a great time. This will be a fun night out with special friends and the proceeds will go to a great cause. Contact me (Dan LoIacono) at dcl@abmi.net to reserve your seat at one of our Executive Fellows tables or contact the Alumni Office at (816) 501-4807. Tickets are only $200 per person.

Additional ways to contribute as a Benefactor are available if you have an interest. Benefactors will receive recognition in the Gala program and invitations to the Benefactor Party. The following information details giving levels and benefits.

Benefactor Giving Levels



¨ Metropolitan Benefactor $25,000 Special Recognition; Table of 10
Twelve Benefactor Party Invitations

¨ Skyline Benefactor $10,000 Table of 10 at Rockhurst Gala
Ten Benefactor Party Invitations

¨ Cityscape Benefactor $ 5,000 Table of 10 at Rockhurst Gala
Six Benefactor Party Invitations

¨ Skyscraper Benefactor $ 3,000 Table of 10 at Rockhurst Gala
Four Benefactor Party Invitations

¨ Cornerstone Benefactor $ 2,000 Table of 10 at Rockhurst Gala
Two Benefactor Party Invitations

¨ Foundation Benefactor $ 1,000 Two Tickets to Rockhurst Gala
Two Benefactor Party Invitations


Rockhurst University is proud of its tradition as an independent, Jesuit institution of higher learning, located in the educational and cultural heart of Kansas City. With your support, Rockhurst will continue to meet the challenges of the future by developing today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders.

Congratulations to the Class of 2006!
We would like to extend our congratulations to the newest members of the Executive Fellows Alumni- the 2006 graduates! Congratulations to everyone. This is sure to be an enjoyable, relaxing summer for you that is well deserved.

The 2006 graduating class includes: Bill Bezek, Carla Boren, Janet Broll, Kent Cantrell, Robert Contaldi, David Corwin, Gretchen Deaton, Kurt Dellos, Jeff Gaidos, Matt Heinrich, Nancy Keil-Culbertson, Padraic McFreen, Kevin McIntosh, Spencer Parsons, Virginia Picotte, Chris Pierson, Rhonda Self, Phil Stump, Cory Sullivan, and Mark Zieman.

As President of the EF Alumni Association I had the privilege to be a part of the Pinning Ceremony held on May 5th at Rockhurst. The energy in the room was amazing and I was honored to have the chance to share this moment with the class of 2006. I arrived early for the Pinning Ceremony and sat in on the last few Credo Presentations. Wow! What a powerful experience. The passion and camaraderie in the room reminded me how meaningful, and in many cases life changing the 2 year program is. I was given the chance to hear some very touching Credos from some wonderful people- the graduating Executive Fellows. I truly appreciate being able to share that experience with the class- thank you.

As I drove home after the ceremony I reflected on my experience in the program. I remembered how significant the relationships I built with my classmates were. I remembered the tears we shed together in support of one another. I remembered the trust we built. I remembered the love. The Executive Fellows MBA program, the knowledge gained, the friendships made, the ability to explore new ground in a safe, supportive environment was huge for me. I would venture to say that chances are it was huge for many of us reading this today.

I wonder what it is that causes me to get caught up in my daily life so much that I allow myself to loose touch with something so meaningful. I was given a small wake up call that I will embrace.

Congratulations Class of 2006. You are no longer MBA students. You are Executive Fellows Alumni. Welcome.

Casino Night at Rockhurst- Rolling the Dice for a Good Cause

Rockhurst University sponsors Casino Night to benefit Health & Wellness Complex.

Lady luck will be on your side when you join us for Rockhurst’s Casino Night, Saturday, March 25. Festivities begin at 7 p.m. in the Rock Room on campus.

Gather your friends and family for blackjack, craps, poker, roulette and Texas hold ’em. Adding even more entertainment to the evening, you’ll have the chance to have your palm read by a mystical psychic, or your handwriting analyzed by a trained interpreter. Test your golf skills at the hole-in-one contest or try your luck with the slot machines. Don’t worry about missing an evening of March Madness – Casino Night will broadcast the NCAA tournament.

In exchange for your charitable donation, you’ll receive Rockhurst play money for the games, with snacks and drinks included. At the end of the night, redeem your chips for the opportunity to win great prizes. Everyone leaves a winner.

Watch your mail for registration forms, but act fast; tickets are $50 in advance or $60 at the door. For more information, contact the alumni office at (816) 501-4431 or alumni@rockhurst.edu. Gaming table sponsorship opportunities are available.

Primary Contact: The Alumni Office- 816-501-4431
Date: March 25, 2006
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: Rock Room, Massman Hall

Rockhurst University Board Appoints New President

The Rockhurst University Board of Trustees has appointed the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, O.S.F.S., the 14th president of Rockhurst University. Curran, associate vice president for university relations and assistant to the president at Regis University in Denver, is an ordained Roman Catholic priest and a member of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, dedicated to education, the missions, and parish work.

The board voted to name Curran president at its quarterly meeting, Saturday, March 4. He is expected to begin his duties in June.

"This is an exciting time for Rockhurst University and Kansas City," said Thomas A. McCullough, chairman of the board of trustees. "The board believes Fr. Curran will be a leader in strengthening the role Rockhurst plays in the life of the city and the region. His extensive experience in educational administration and fund raising, joined with his ease at connecting with people, make him an excellent choice for this position."Rockhurst is a Jesuit, Catholic institution and is governed independently by a self-perpetuating board composed mostly of laypersons.

Curran will be the university’s first non-Jesuit president."I am grateful to God for the opportunity to minister as the 14th president of Rockhurst University," said Curran. "I am honored and humbled by the confidence placed in me by the entire Rockhurst community. I also consider myself blessed by my own community, the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. I look forward to building upon the Rockhurst tradition where students are instructed in how to learn, to lead and to serve."

Curran replaces the Rev. Edward Kinerk, S.J., who announced in September 2005 that he would step down as president in June. He then expects to take a sabbatical after which he will receive a new work assignment from the Jesuit provincial. Kinerk was appointed in December 1997 and officially began his tenure June 1, 1998. "I’ve known Fr. Curran for several years and I believe he will be an extraordinary and inspirational leader for our institution," said Kinerk. "The spirituality and philosophy of the Salesian order are derived from St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order. As such there is a kinship between our orders."

Curran earned a B.A. in politics from DeSales University, an M.A. in theology from DeSales School of Theology, an M.A. in liberal studies, public policy and government from Georgetown University, a J.D. from the Catholic University of America and an M.B.A. from St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia.Before joining Regis, Fr. Curran served as founder and executive director of Nativity Preparatory School in Wilmington, Del.; president of Salesianum School in Wilmington; and president of Northeast Catholic High School for Boys, Philadelphia.

Letter from Father Kinerk
September 2005

Dear Friend of Rockhurst:
I am writing to give you an update on Rockhurst University. In late August Rockhurst welcomed one of its largest freshman classes in its history, as 370 freshmen joined 110 transfer students to swell our enrollment. This is the third large increase in the past three years. We have gone from 214 to 244 to 306 and now to 370.
Furthermore, the academic qualifications of our classes have also improved. The average ACT score of our new freshmen class is 25 (a 25 places a student in the top 18% of college bound seniors.)

Shortly after school began we watched with horror the tragedy in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast. Like you, Rockhurst has tried to respond. We have accepted, at no cost, 27 students from New Orleans colleges and universities. The largest number came from our sister Jesuit school, Loyola University New Orleans, but we have also received students from Tulane, Xavier and Dillard. In addition, Rockhurst students have collected clothing, blankets, money and water. Some of these materials have already gone south through the good work of several of our Regents. Rockhurst has also offered three of our rental houses for the use of evacuees at no charge.

The increase in numbers has brought parking to the fore again. We have just opened a temporary lot south of the campus for about 40 cars. We are also opening a lot on Troost on the site the old Jimmy’s restaurant. This will add about 48 spaces. Finally, we are planning to expand the parking in front of one of the residence halls. This expansion hit a snag last summer when exceptional costs put the project on hold.

We continue to raise money for the recreation/wellness center. A series of luncheons has brought many supporters on campus to hear about Rockhurst and to listen to our appeal for help. To date we have raised a little over $3.5 million.

On a more personal note, I want to tell you that this will be my final year at Rockhurst. It is a tremendous privilege to serve as president of the university I attended, and I cherish the relationships I have made both on campus and with each of you. Improvement in facilities and enrollment, and a strengthening of our sense of mission and identity have positioned Rockhurst for a very positive future; a new president will bring talents and insight to guide our growth. I have been at Rockhurst for eight years and I will be nearly 63 by the end of this academic year. No, I am not ready to retire but I believe that I should take on something new now while I still have the “youth” and energy to do so. I will continue at Rockhurst until June of 2006. Following that, I expect to take a sabbatical, after which I will receive a new assignment from the Jesuit Provincial.

I informed the Board of Trustees of my decision at our September 24 meeting. The board is responsible for finding my successor and has established a search committee headed by Mr. Clyde Wendel, Vice Chair of the Rockhurst Board and President, Kansas City Region of Bank of America.

Thank you for all that you do for Rockhurst.
Edward Kinerk, S.J.President

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Rockhurst University No. 14 in the Midwest Best Universities — Master's category in its 2006 rankings released in August. The rankings are part of the magazine's annual “America's Best Colleges” issue and accompanying guidebook.

The magazine bases its rankings on a number of criteria including peer assessments, freshman retention rate, graduation rate, faculty resources, class sizes, student/faculty ratio, student selectivity, acceptance rate, financial resources and alumni giving rate.

Institutions in the Best Universities — Master's category provide a full range of undergraduate and master's programs, but offer few, if any, doctoral programs. Both public and private colleges are included. More than 175 master's institutions are included in the Midwest region. Find out more from U.S. News online.

"This ranking is one more validation of the exceptional quality of the Rockhurst experience. Our 2005 freshman class is 20 percent larger than last year, and is one of the strongest academically in many years," said the Rev. Edward Kinerk, S.J., president of Rockhurst University.
Rockhurst has been ranked consistently as one of the top 15 universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. It also has been listed in Barron's Best Buys in College Education, Peterson's Competitive Colleges and Money magazine. In 2003, the Carnegie Foundation designated Rockhurst as a national leadership site for the scholarship of teaching and learning. Rockhurst is one of only a handful of universities in the nation to earn this distinction.
"We encourage students to look at these rankings as part of a holistic approach in their college selection. There are many aspects of a Rockhurst education that cannot be measured in these rankings, such as our distinctive mission, which calls on us to develop each student as a whole person — intellectually and professionally, morally and spiritually," said Fr. Kinerk.