Rockhurst University

With the release of Pope Leo XIV's encycical on safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence, an important conversation has been raised.

John Kerrigan, Ph.D., professor and chair of English at Rockhurst University, shares his thoughts on the value of a liberal arts education against the backdrop of this unprecedented technological age. Will the study of humanities –literature, history, language, etc. – become defunct if AI can generate information instantly?

Kerrigan argues it is precisely because of the rapid output of artifical intelligence that the study of liberal arts is more important than ever. Human understanding, connection, analysis, and critical thinking will be what employers look for.

Read his essay here: https://www.rockhurst.edu/blog/why-humanities-matter-age-digital-transformation

The Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life (SEEL) is a retreat that takes place over an eight to nine-month period, helping you nurture an ever-deepening prayer life inspired by St. Ignatius of Loyola.

The Ignatian Spirituality Center of Kansas City, whose office lives in our Alvin Brooks Center for Faith-Justice, provides participants with a personal guide to accompany you through St. Ignatius' Spiritual Exercises – a program written by Ignatius himself to help grow in devotion to God. Prayer guides are those who have walked through the Exercises before and have seen the fruits of the program.

For anyone who desires a deeper relationship with God, has big questions about their future, or is seeking more meaning in their lives, this is for you. Open to all backgrounds and denominations. Visit ignatiancenterkc.org for more info!

What are your summer plans??

Rock E.'s include waiting in various chairs and benches for your return

Mark your calendars, 2027 graduates 📆

We already miss you 😭

Have a great summer, Hawks! ☀️

YOU DID IT!

Please join us in congratulating to the class of 2026! 🎉👏

And so it begins! 🎓 Class of 2026, how are we feeling?? 🎉

Both have their place though I fear

Two very special visitors came to campus last week to see the Heart of Bellefontaine, part of the Kansas City Parade of Hearts. 🖤🤍

Walt Disney's own nephews, Charles and Dan Disney, live right here in KC and were recently connected to Rockhurst University through the Greenlease family, longtime supporters of RU. When we found out the Parade of Hearts would station a Disney-themed heart right outside the new Mabee Chapel, we knew our new friends would have to come see it. 👀

Upon seeing the sculpture, Charles said, "Uncle Walt would be very proud".

https://www.rockhurst.edu/news/2026-04-30/heart-sculpture-honoring-disney-gets-visit-special-guests