In January, Rockhurst University announced that longtime Director of Campus Ministry Bill Kriege had transitioned to a new role as director of service and action, marking a major shift in the university’s faith and service programming as it prepares for the opening of the Alvin J. Brooks Center for Faith-Justice.

The move is part of a broader initiative to strengthen Rockhurst’s Jesuit mission, according to the Rev. Stephen Hess, vice president of mission and ministry. Kriege now works out of the newly constructed Alvin Brooks Center, located near the university’s main entrance.

In his new role, Kriege oversees service programs, partners with faculty to integrate community-engaged learning into coursework and coordinates both local and global service trips, including the university’s Solidarity Immersion Trips.

“I’m excited to really lean into community-engaged learning, specifically through coursework in partnership with faculty,” said Kriege. “Community-engaged learning unquestionably puts students in a better position after they graduate. And I hope that it works both ways — if the students are rising, our community should too.”

Alicia Douglas, director of community relations and outreach, also operates out of the center. Her work involves connecting the campus with local organizations, neighborhood associations and nonprofits such as KC Common Good and the Ignatian Spirituality Center of Kansas City.

“At Rockhurst, our mission is about being leaders for and with others, and we felt that Mr. Alvin Brooks was a person who lived out his faith and brought about justice to the world,” said Douglas.

The combination of Douglas’ and Kriege’s experience — both having joined Rockhurst in 2001 — is expected to strengthen service initiatives and deepen the university’s impact across Kansas City.

“We are sharing this new space in a way that will bring students together and build relationships between students and community members, where we are all learning from each other,” said Douglas.

Kriege added, “I have been with Rockhurst for a long time and really feel we can take community outreach to the next level.”

The Alvin Brooks Center features study areas, meeting rooms, offices, a kitchen and a new chapel that will open later this year. The chapel was designed by the Rev. Arturo Araujo, S.J., Jesuit superior general of the Society of Jesus in Rome and professor of visual arts at Seattle University. Its design reflects the center’s broader mission of unity, hope and inclusivity.

“I want this art to inspire others and promote the ideals of unity and inclusivity at Rockhurst,” said Araujo.

Kriege echoed that sentiment.

“We placed emphasis on the large open windows throughout the building to bring light into the space, which represents how we want to be a beacon of hope,” said Kriege.

The center is named in honor of Alvin Brooks, a prominent Kansas City civil rights leader and one of the city’s first African American police officers. Brooks, a longtime advocate for justice and reconciliation, was a close friend of former Rockhurst President the Rev. Thomas Curran, S.J., who championed the development of the center during his final years leading the university.

Kriege and Douglas reflected on the work ahead as they prepare to further develop programming over the summer and open the chapel later this year.

“There is a lot to be done, but we are excited,” said Kriege.

Douglas shared a similar sense of optimism.

“I am excited to have the space back open, but even more excited to have people back here,” said Douglas. “There’s a new energy in the space. We truly hope people find joy and community here.”

Kriege concluded, “I want this to be a place where students can just come and swipe in whenever they want — whether to study, visit the chapel for prayer and reflection, or simply be part of the community. This is a space for everyone.”

The Alvin Brooks Center is scheduled to open later this year as it continues to be furnished over the summer. In the meantime, Rockhurst is conducting a search for a new director of campus ministry. Anna Muenchen is serving as interim director.