Rockhurst University students will head home for Thanksgiving to reconnect with their families this week, but President Sandra Cassady ensures that same spirit of connection thrives year-round. By hosting students for dinners at her personal home, she fosters an environment where relationships and community can flourish beyond the holiday season.
Cassady has been welcoming students into her home since she began her role at the university in June 2022. Held three to four times each semester, the tradition provides students with a unique opportunity to engage with the president in a more intimate setting.
“When there are 10 or 12 of us, it is a little easier to get to know each other than when I am talking with a room full of a couple hundred,” said Cassady.
The dinners, organized through a sign-up process facilitated by the Office of Student Life, are open to all students. Additionally, a special dinner is held exclusively for members of Student Senate. The evenings typically feature homemade meals like enchiladas, Italian dishes or sloppy joes—simple but popular choices.
“I’m not a great cook, but I’m an okay cook,” said Cassady. “And I think students enjoy the change of pace with a homemade meal.”
But these dinners are about more than just the food—they provide students with a chance to reflect on their experiences at Rockhurst. For Cassady, one of the most rewarding aspects is hearing students share their journeys to the university and the individuals who have inspired them along the way.
“Their answers are so varied,” said Cassady. “Some students come because they’re legacies, some are seeking out a specific academic program, others for athletics or maybe they are an international student with a goal of becoming educated and going back to help their country.”
These gatherings also help build connections among students from different academic programs, including graduate students, who might not otherwise have the opportunity to meet.
“I find that they often don’t know each other when they arrive, but by the end of the evening, they’ve started to form new relationships,” said Cassady.
Students who have attended the dinners echo the value of these gatherings.
“It was such a welcoming atmosphere,” said sophomore Abby McMaster. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I ended up having a great time. I really enjoyed hearing stories from President Cassady and the other students.”
For Cassady, the dinners reflect the Jesuit core value of Cura Personalis, “care for the whole person,” and highlight the university’s commitment to community.
“I think this is a gesture that signals to them that I want to get to know them and hear about their experience at the university,” said President Cassady.
Students appreciate the personal connection with the president and being able to give their insight on the university.
“I appreciate President Cassady’s curiosity about what the students think could be improved at Rockhurst,” said McMaster. “It’s clear she cares about what students have to say and wants to create a supportive community.”
While it is a simple gesture and a simple meal, Cassady hopes students take away a sense of belonging and support from these gatherings.
“Rockhurst students are incredible people—caring, supportive and engaged,” Cassady said. “They are here for an experience but they also want to be part of the experience for others.”
