When the Class of 1985 began their senior year, they picked up the Aug. 28, 1984, edition of The Rockhurst Hawk, now preserved in the Greenlease Library Archives.
Headlines highlighted Thomas Trebon’s first year as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and the newly completed dining facilities. By their final issue on April 26, 1985, the lead story celebrated Rockhurst’s 65th commencement, where the university graduated a record 560 seniors. Whereas at the 2024 commencement, nearly 800 graduate and undergraduate students were honored, with moments captured on iPhones instead of Kodak film.
Nearly 40 years later, the class returns to campus for Family and Alumni Weekend, Sept. 25–28. The celebration is both a reunion and a chance to reflect on what has changed—and what hasn’t.
Campus Organizations
The September 1984 issue also featured an “Official Insider’s Guide to Rockhurst,” spotlighting student organizations, many of which remain active today.
Social fraternities Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) and Alpha Delta Gamma (ADG) continue on campus, now joined by Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE).
Sororities, absent in 1985, are now an important part of Rockhurst Greek life, including Alpha Sigma Alpha (ASA), Gamma Phi Beta (GPHI), Kappa Alpha Theta (THETA) and Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA).
Beyond Greek life, groups such as the Black Student Union, Student Senate and the student newspaper were already shaping campus culture in 1985, just as they do today.
Athletics
In the fall of 1984, The Hawk published the women’s volleyball schedule, which included matchups against nearby teams such as Mid-America Nazarene, Park College and Benedictine. Of those opponents, only William Jewell remains on today’s schedule.
More recently, the women’s volleyball team traveled to Alaska for two games — a journey far beyond the short list of local opponents in 1984. Home games then, as now, were played in Mason-Halpin Fieldhouse.
The 1984 issue also introduced men’s soccer, coached by Tony Tocco, who still leads the program today. Tocco has coached several players whose fathers were also members of his teams.
The issue featured a black-and-white photo of players practicing on a grass field. Nearly 40 years later, Hawks soccer competes on brand-new turf at Bourke Field, unveiled this year as part of Rockhurst’s continued investment in athletics.
Sports offerings have also expanded well beyond what the Class of 1985 experienced. In addition to men’s soccer and women’s volleyball, Rockhurst now fields teams in women’s soccer, men’s and women’s golf, tennis, and men’s and women’s cross country.
Then and now, Rockhurst athletics continues to be defined by the same tradition, work ethic and pride as in 1985.
Culture
The April 1985 issue of The Hawk devoted a full page to music, highlighting Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Prince, U2, Cyndi Lauper, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Boy George.
Another article recapped the American Music Awards fundraiser for famine relief in Ethiopia, where stars such as Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Huey Lewis and the News and Lauper performed. Four decades later, some students still recognize those names, but today’s charts are dominated by artists including Taylor Swift, Drake and Beyoncé.
Local culture has shifted as well. In 1984, ads for Mike’s Tavern promoted happy hour for Rockhurst students. The bar has since closed, but at the same address today sits Gael’s, where of-age students gather on Wednesdays for $5 margaritas and karaoke.
A 1985 ad for Minsky’s Pizza shows that some traditions never fade — the pizzeria remains a staple in many Rockhurst students’ diets.
Looking back at student newspapers from 1984 and 1985 shows how much Rockhurst has changed — and how much has stayed the same. Whether it’s a game in Mason-Halpin, a late-night run to Minsky’s or picking up a copy of the campus paper, the Class of 1985 would still recognize parts of their Rockhurst today.
Family and Alumni Weekend serves as a reminder that while the details shift, the Rockhurst spirit continues to connect every generation.
