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Rockhurst University Athletics

Celebrate 50 Years of Women's Athletics

Celebrate 50 Years of Women's Athletics

April 12-14, 2024
Rockhurst University

Presented By:
 
Bukaty Companies Logo     

Join us in spring 2024 as we celebrate 50 years of women's athletics at Rockhurst University. This special celebration will feature opportunities to celebrate the history and success of women's athletic programs and student-athletes dating back to 1974 with the women's bowling team to 2024 when Rockhurst proudly features 12 women's athletics programs. The weekend will include time for women's athletics alumni to reconnect, meet current student-athletes, attend special activities hosted by different women's athletics programs, and enjoy a special Blue Carpet Reception and Celebration Program on Saturday night.

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Event Schedule

Friday, April 12

Welcome Luncheon with the President and Athletic Director (Noon, Greenlease Library)
Start your weekend on campus at a special luncheon with Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., president of Rockhurst University, and Kristy Bayer, Director of Athletics. The lunch will include university and athletics updates from Dr. Cassady and Kristy and an official toast to kick off the weekend!
Tickets: $15/person (ticket prices valid through April 7)

Campus Tours w/ Student-Athlete Ambassadors (1:30., Greenlease Library)
Get a student-guided tour of campus that will include stops at the new Sedgwick Hall, Magis Activity Center, and Pedro Arrupe, S.J., Hall. Bring your walking shoes!
Tickets: Free

Women's Lacrosse vs. Maryville (4 p.m., Bourke Field)
Tickets: Free

Welcome Reception & Women's Lacrosse Watch Party (4 p.m. - 7 p.m., Magis Activity Center)
Cheer on the Hawks women's lacrosse team while enjoying a happy hour reception at the Magis Activity Center (adjacent to the Bourke Field). Appetizers and three complimentary beverage tickets will be provided for guests 21+.
Tickets: Free

Saturday, April 13

Breakfast and Student-Athlete Panel - "Being A Student-Athlete in 2024" (10 a.m., Magis Activity Center)
Enjoy breakfast and a panel conversation featuring three student-athletes highlighting their experience at Rockhurst. Panelists will be Tera Reberry (Volleyball), Keegan Sullivan (Basketball), and Jillian Vaughn (Cross Country / Track & Field). The panel will be moderated by Kristy Bayer, Director of Athletics.
Tickets: $10/person (ticket prices valid through April 7)

Women's Softball vs. Quincy & Family Tailgate (Noon & 2 p.m., Loyola Park)
Cheer on the Hawks softball team in their doubleheader against Quincy. Student Activities Board will be hosting food trucks, games, and special activities open to all fans.
Tickets: Free

Volleyball Spring Game vs. Missouri Western & Alumni Social (Noon, Mason-Halpin Fieldhouse)
Cheer on the Hawks volleyball team in a spring match against the Griffons! Following the match light snacks and refreshments will be provided for alumni and fans in the Hawks Nest of Mason-Halpin Fieldhouse.
Tickets: Free

Soccer Intersquad Scrimmage (2:30, Bourke Field)
Tickets: Free

Mass (4 p.m., St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church)

50 Years of Women's Athletics Celebration Blue Carpet Reception & Celebration Program (Arrupe Hall Lobby)
5:30 p.m. - Doors Open for Reception (Appetizers, drinks, photo booths, and lots of opportunities to mingle and celebrate)
7 p.m. - Celebration Program (Arrupe Auditorium)
*Ticket Prices: $40/Adults, $20/Kids (Under 12). Tickets cover admission, food, and beverages.
Suggested Attire: Cocktail / Semi-Formal

Ticket Notes
*Ticket prices will increase to $40/$20 on April 8th


This signature event for the weekend celebration will be highlighted by
  • Featuring a special keynote address from Katherine Holland, Executive Director of KC2026
  • A panel conversation - "Reflections on 50 Years of Women's Athletics at Rockhurst University". Panelists include Sue Sweeney, '76 (basketball) Jeanne Kelly, '93 (soccer), Emily McVey, '09 (softball),  Alyssa Woodman, '20, (volleyball), and Dani Mabry, '23 (lacrosse), and Katherine Holland (moderator).
  • Recognition of the women members of the Rockhurst Athletics Hall of Fame
  • Presentation of the St.Ignatius Alumni Award to Amber Schreiber, '02, '05 MBA (Women's Basketball), President & CEO of the Golden Scoop
  • Recognition of finalists and winner of the Taylor (Skala) Sares Female Student-Athlete of the Year award.
  • The program will be guest emceed by Kara Hess, Deputy Director of Leadership Development and Events, Women Leaders in Sports
About Katherine Holland
Katherine Holland is one of the premier Kansas City sports leaders. She was named Executive Director of KC2026 after playing a leading role in helping Kansas City win the opportunity to host the FIFA 2026 World Cup. As a member of the Kansas City Sports Commission, Katherine also played key roles in helping Kansas City host major professional and college sports events including the 2023 NFL Draft. She has also served as Executive Director of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships and Vice President of Partnership Strategy for the Madison Square Garden Company. Katherine competed in college athletics as a soccer player at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. She earned her BA in American Studies and an MBA at Fordham University in New York.

Sunday, April 14

Women's Lacrosse vs. McKendree (Noon, Bourke Field)
Tickets: Free

Women's Softball vs. Illinois-Springfield (Noon & 2 p.m., Loyola Park)
Tickets: Free

Join the 50 for 50 for Women's Athletics Campaign

Be a part of a special campaign this spring to support the new Women in Athletics Fund and invest in the future of women's athletics at Rockhurst. You can learn more about the campaign and make your gift by visiting www.rockhursthawks.com/50for50.

Hotel Information

If you are traveling in from out of town and need a place to stay Rockhurst Athletics has rooms available for booking from Thursday, April 11 - Sunday, April 14. For reservations please call 816-285-9755 and ask for the Rockhurst Athletics room block. Reservations must be made by Thursday, March 21, 2024.

Courtyard Kansas City - Country Club Plaza
4600 Mill Creek Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64112
$189/night

If you need further assistance or have questions before booking please contact Chase Novick at 816-285-9756.

Thank you to our alumni volunteers & sponsors for your support in making our celebration possible!

Audrey Arand, '21 (Volleyball)
Maria (Merlo) Brennan, '16 (Soccer)
Tierney Buschbacher, '18 (Lacrosse)
Michele (Ring) Diebold, '76 (Volleyball)
Maureen (Walsh) Hermann, '81 (Basketball)
Jeanne (Kellogg) Kelly, '93 (Soccer)
Helen Krause, '21 (Lacrosse)
Megan (Cook) Krohn, '12 (Basketball)
Natalie (Kurtenbach) LaMendola, '18 (Cross Country)
Stephanie Lankford, '16 (Women Leaders In Sports, Rockhurst University Leaders Council)
Lizzy (Tucker) Roper, '13 (Softball)
Taylor (Skala) Sares, '15 (Basketball & Soccer)
Jessica (Rebholz) Shepler, '05 (Volleyball)
Erika (Celoni) Sullivan, '17 (Soccer)
Sue (Thornhill) Sweeney, '76 (Basketball)
Kim (Christensen) Winkley, '02 (Volleyball)

Sponsors
 
Bukaty Companies Logo
Boulevard

RDG Planning
Photo Booth by HK
McCarthy Auto Sponsor
Our Little Haven
Joe and Michele (Ring) Diebold, '76 Gene Hayob, '76
Noboleis Vineyards
LCC Logo