Rock Talk

Alan Ratermann's journey from Alumni Service Corps volunteer to Director of Ignatian Service at Rockhurst High School embodies the school's mission of forming men for others. In this revealing conversation, Alan takes us behind the scenes of a comprehensive service program that transforms young men through meaningful encounters with community needs.

At Rockhurst, service isn't a checkbox requirement but a foundational experience woven throughout all four years. Freshmen participate in quarterly service days working alongside faculty, sophomores and juniors engage with nonprofits of their choosing, and seniors culminate with a three-week immersive service project. Alan shares how these experiences deliberately interrupt students' self-focus, inviting them to recognize Christ in others and respond with compassion.

The conversation explores distinctive aspects of Rockhurst's service immersion trips where students surrender their phones, live simply in community, and discover joy in human connection. Perhaps most moving is Alan's description of the St. Joseph of Arimathea Society, where students serve as pallbearers for those who pass away without family – a profound ministry honoring human dignity even in death.

What emerges is a portrait of service as transformative education. When students stand before classmates reflecting on their experiences, something remarkable happens. They articulate not just what they gave, but how profoundly they were changed. With Rockhurst students donating over 40,000 service hours annually, the impact extends far beyond graduation, creating lifelong connections to community organizations and embedding service into their identities.

Ready to see how service can transform your son's education? Visit rockhursths.edu to learn more about our Jesuit approach to forming men of competence, conscience, and compassion.

What does it take to transform awkward freshmen into confident, faith-filled leaders? At Rockhurst High School, the journey begins with the Freshman Retreat—but this experience impacts far more than just the new students.

Senior co-chairs Joe Pitzl and Andrew Hayes reveal how their own freshman retreat experiences inspired them to lead the program years later. "Some of the people I met in my small group are people I still talk with daily," shares Joe, highlighting the lasting bonds formed during this pivotal experience. This year's theme, "Anchored in Rock," emphasizes finding stability in faith while discovering your unique place within the Rockhurst community.

Matt Nickson, Director of Pastoral Ministry, explains how this retreat represents just the beginning of a thoughtfully designed four-year formation journey. The freshman year focuses on community, sophomore year on personal reflection, junior year introduces the transformative Kairos retreat, and senior year offers specialized experiences including leadership formation. What makes this approach uniquely Ignatian is how seamlessly faith integrates throughout every aspect of school life—not compartmentalized, but woven into academics, athletics, and activities.

Perhaps most remarkable is how this model creates natural opportunities for student leadership. With approximately 150 upperclassmen serving as retreat leaders, the program simultaneously forms freshmen while developing leadership skills in juniors and seniors. As Nickson reflects on witnessing this transformation both as a faculty member and as a parent of two Rockhurst students: "The ways they have already matured and taken accountability in their own lives... I feel as though Rockhurst High School is 100% in line with that desire that there is goodness happening here."

In a world hungry for good men of character and faith, Rockhurst's comprehensive formation process creates an environment where young men discover their gifts and learn to use them in service to others. Listen now to understand how this powerful approach to student formation shapes not just four years of high school, but a lifetime of purpose.

What makes a truly good leader in today's world? Is it enough to be powerful, or must power be guided by something greater? In this profound conversation with Father Stephen Kramer, Rockhurst High School's new principal, we explore the heart of Jesuit education and its focus on forming "men for others."

Father Kramer brings a unique perspective shaped by his experiences teaching at multiple Jesuit institutions across the country—from St. Louis to Denver, New Orleans, and even Kenya. His journey of 20 years as a Jesuit reveals the consistent spirit animating Jesuit schools despite their differences: a dedication to recognizing each person's inherent dignity as God's beloved child.

The conversation delves into St. Ignatius's personal transformation from a glory-seeking soldier to a man who discovered his true identity and purpose. Through this lens, Father Kramer articulates how Rockhurst helps young men understand who they truly are beyond achievements, appearances, or abilities. "You are already God's beloved child," he emphasizes, regardless of performance or circumstance—a realization that liberates students from seeking validation through external measures.

Perhaps most compelling is Father Kramer's distinction between creating merely powerful men versus good powerful men. While Jesuit schools excel at developing students with persuasive skills and critical thinking, their true mission is ensuring this power serves others. "There's nothing worse than a powerful bad person," he notes, highlighting the school's responsibility to form ethical leaders.

Through practices like the daily Examen prayer and personal birthday blessings, Father Kramer demonstrates his commitment to helping students recognize God's presence in their everyday experiences. His ultimate goal? Forming young men who find meaning that makes life's difficulties worthwhile—men who, when they look in the mirror years later, respect the person they've become.

Listen now to discover how Rockhurst's approach to brotherhood and spiritual formation creates graduates prepared not just for success, but for lives of purpose, service, and authentic human connection.

Have you ever wondered what truly sets exceptional students apart in today's competitive world? It's not just grades or test scores—it's the ability to articulate who they are and what they stand for.

In this eye-opening episode of Rock Talk, we dive deep into Rockhurst High School's revolutionary Camino Ignaciano Project with Director of Experiential Learning Tyler Baker. This innovative program helps students create professional e-portfolios that showcase their growth through the five pillars of Jesuit education: being committed to doing justice, religious, open to growth, intellectually competent, and loving.

The results speak for themselves. We share the story of Davis Long, whose digital portfolio caught Columbia University's attention among 60,000 applicants, leading to a personal phone call from admissions. But the Camino Project offers more than just college application advantages—it teaches students digital citizenship, professional branding, and the language to articulate their personal development.

"You can get an excellent education anywhere," notes Beth Van Dyke from the admissions team, "but you can't get the formation experience our boys get at other places." This formation includes the confidence to try new things in an all-male environment where vulnerability is encouraged, not criticized. From the unexpected popularity of choir to the growing e-sports program that's already yielded scholarship offers, Rockhurst nurtures well-rounded young men ready to make their mark.

Whether you're a parent exploring educational options, an educator interested in innovative teaching methods, or simply curious about how Jesuit education is evolving for the digital age, this conversation will transform how you think about preparing students for future success. Subscribe now and join our community of listeners discovering what makes Rockhurst unique!

Step inside the thoughtful, intentional process of welcoming freshmen to Rockhurst High School through this revealing conversation with Chris Bosco, Assistant Principal for Student Life. Discover how this Jesuit college preparatory school has carefully crafted a freshman transition experience that begins months before the first day of school and continues throughout the critical first year.

What makes the Rockhurst welcome unique? It starts with special events like signing days and summer socials where incoming students begin building relationships with upperclassmen who become mentors and guides. The formal orientation day includes a meaningful welcome Mass where parents join their sons as they symbolically walk up the McGee steps into their new community. After being enthusiastically greeted by upperclassmen, freshmen are guided through their schedules and introduced to key resources that will support their journey.

The heart of the freshman experience is the comprehensive CURA program that combines small group counseling, freshman seminar, and the Camino project. This intentional approach helps students navigate the transition to high school while introducing them to the five ideals that will shape their four-year journey: being open to growth, loving, religious, committed to justice, and intellectually competent.

Mr. Bosco reveals what he calls "the secret sauce" of Rockhurst—the vibrant club life that offers approximately 50 different organizations where students can pursue existing passions or discover new ones. From Culinary Club to Robotics, these student-led activities create spaces where young men develop leadership skills, form deep friendships, and find their place in the community.

Ready to discover how brotherhood is built from day one? Listen now to understand why Rockhurst graduates become such well-spoken, thoughtful young men ready to make their mark on the world.

In this episode, we welcome Student Government President Brendan Ortbals and Senior Class President Jack McShane for a conversation about the unique brotherhood that defines Rockhurst High School. They share insights on the traditions, values, and connections that shape the student body, and reflect on how the Freshman Experience sets the tone for four years of growth, camaraderie, and leadership.

Discover the heart and soul of Rockhurst High School through our brand-new podcast, Rock Talk! In this premiere episode, meet your hosts Beth Van Dyke and Steve Redmond from the Admissions and Marketing team as they share their personal connections to "The Rock" and set the stage for what promises to be an enlightening journey into Jesuit education and excellence.

Steve, a proud Rockhurst alumnus from the Class of 2004, brings his perspective as both a former student and current Director of Admissions and Marketing. Beth shares her remarkable family legacy spanning four generations of Hawklets—from her grandfather who attended in the 1940s to her nephew who represents the future Class of 2030. Their combined experiences offer a unique window into why families continue choosing Rockhurst for generations.

The conversation delves into what truly distinguishes Rockhurst from other educational institutions. Beth highlights the transformative power of service immersion trips and the lifelong brotherhood that extends decades beyond graduation, while Steve reflects on the profound impact of teachers and mentors who prioritize developing young men of character over simply teaching subjects. "Accountability and love go hand in hand," Steve notes, capturing the essence of the Rockhurst approach.

Looking ahead, Beth and Steve reveal exciting plans to enhance how they share the Rockhurst story through expanded digital content, student-led initiatives, and authentic storytelling across multiple platforms. They recognize that the most powerful testament to Rockhurst's impact comes from the students themselves—young men who are genuinely excited to be part of this community.

Whether you're a prospective family exploring educational options, a current community member, or an alumnus wanting to stay connected, Rock Talk invites you to experience the brotherhood, excellence, and transformative mission that continues to define Rockhurst High School. Subscribe now and join us next week when we welcome senior student government leaders to discuss what brotherhood means to today's Hawklets!