A school’s true test isn’t just grades or trophies—it’s whether the people it forms keep coming back to lift the next class. That’s the heartbeat of our conversation with executive leader and alum parent, Diane Marty, who shares how Rockhurst strengthens access, care, and real-world learning while holding tight to its Jesuit mission. From meeting 100% of verified financial need to rebuilding a counseling model for today’s challenges, we walk through a strategic plan designed to support, surround, connect, and engage every student.

You’ll hear the human side: alumni across the country who say Rockhurst changed—or even saved—their lives; a young grad pledging five years of giving because a few teachers wouldn’t let him settle; and the power of brotherhood that endures well into careers and cities far from campus. We dig into practical steps that make mission visible—transportation solutions for families, faculty retention so the best teachers stay in the building, and a gold-standard playbook for athletics and activities that reflects our values on every field and stage.

We also unpack the future-facing work: AI literacy supported by alumni-funded professional development, internships that count for credit and pay, and networks like Rock Connect that turn a handshake into a summer job. Diane’s personal “5809” moment in the robotics lab—an unexpected sign that she was home—captures what keeps people tied to this place: formation that lasts, community that shows up, and a culture that adapts without losing its soul.

If you care about education that shapes character and competence, or you’re ready to mentor, hire, or simply reconnect, this is your invitation. Subscribe, share with a fellow Hawk, and leave a review telling us the one moment that shaped you—and how you’ll pay it forward.