Rockhurst’s annual Family and Alumni Weekend is set for Sept. 25–28, featuring food, drinks and a variety of activities for students, families and alumni.
Hannah Tarwater, director of alumni relations at Rockhurst, explained that the weekend is a chance for students to reconnect with their families and for alumni to reconnect with the university.
“We’re excited to welcome back our alumni and families to campus this year,” Tarwater said. “It’s always fun to see familiar faces exploring what’s new at RU and to watch families reuniting with their students.”
The weekend will also celebrate milestone reunions. The Class of 1975 will be inducted as the 50-Year Golden Hawks, and other groups marking anniversaries include the decade of the 1970s, the Class of 1985 (40th), the Class of 1995 Master of Physical Therapy program (30th), the Class of 1995 (30th) and the Class of 2000 (25th).
The weekend festivities begin Friday with a carnival-style tailgate at 5 p.m. on Bourke Field to cheer on the women’s and men’s soccer teams.
Hot dogs, desserts from an ice cream truck and drinks are available at the tailgate. Activities include an obstacle course, face painting, a photo booth and family-friendly games.
The Student Senate will host a table at the tailgate to collect professional clothing donations for a future on-campus career closet. The closet will support students’ success with new or gently used professional attire that is perfect for interviews and future jobs.
During the tailgate, Rockhurst women’s soccer will take on Illinois Springfield at 5 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 7:30 p.m., both at Bourke Field.
Also at 5 p.m. Friday, Rockhurst will host a reception in the Convocation Center to celebrate the success of the men’s and women’s tennis and lacrosse programs from spring 2025. The event is reserved for family members and alumni of the two programs.
The weekend continues Saturday at 9 a.m. with Yoga on the Pitch at Bourke Field, hosted by PowerLife Yoga and supported by the Rockhurst softball program.
The 40-minute session is open to ages 13 and up for $5, with check-in, coffee and juice beginning at 8:30 a.m. Attendees should bring their own mat and towel, and participants will be entered into a prize drawing. Proceeds will benefit the softball program.
Later that morning, President Sandra Cassady will lead a campus tour at 11 a.m. starting at Massman Hall. Guests will also have the chance to meet members of the Golden Hawks Class of 1975 celebrating their 50th anniversary and enjoy light refreshments and coffee.
Saturday continues with the annual women’s lacrosse alumni scrimmage at 1 p.m., open to all program alumni.
Following the scrimmage, at 7:30 p.m., the Student Activities Board will host a Family and Alumni Event in Arrupe. The free program will feature Kansas City magician Magic Scott, who will perform for students and their families.
The weekend concludes Sunday at 10 a.m. with the dedication of the new Mabee Chapel at the Alvin Brooks Center for Faith and Justice. The celebration will feature a special Mass marking the chapel’s official opening.
Family and Alumni Weekend brings together the past and present of Rockhurst, uniting students, families and alumni through shared traditions and new celebrations. With milestone reunions, community events and the opening of the Mabee Chapel, the three-day gathering highlights both the university’s history and its future. Be sure to stop by and support your Hawks!
