More than fifty years ago, a young man for others graduated from Rockhurst High School. Though Pat Brosnahan ’68 has since left the Kansas City area, his penchant for doing good works for others, shared by his wife, Susan, did not. Through the couple’s generosity, they have helped “bring light to potential” for middle school Hurtado Scholars, Rockhurst Hawklets, and their families. In 2020 they offered a challenge grant, matching every dollar contributed to the Hurtado Scholars Program up to $50,000. That effort raised nearly $175,000. They are offering the same again in 2021.

The couple has announced another $50,000 Hurtado Scholars Program challenge grant for gifts received in support of the program through June 30, 2021. Pat reflects, “What a person does in life shows what he or she cares about. Acts of charity and kindness must be what defines us here on earth and before God.”

You are invited to join the Brosnahans – and double your own gift as you do – by supporting the Hurtado Scholars Program. Your gift of $1,000 may offset a year of lunch assistance for a graduated middle school Hurtado Scholar who becomes a Rockhurst Hawklet. Your contribution of $2,500 conceivably pays for lunch for all Hurtado Scholars during the summer program (beginning the first week in June). Your investment of $15,000 could provide a year of tuition for a graduated Hurtado Scholar to attend Rockhurst High School next year. Your entire gift in any amount will be matched dollar for dollar by Pat and Susan, bringing light to potential for young men through their Catholic education.

Named for St. Alberto Hurtado, SJ, the Hurtado Scholars Program is inspired by the Chilean Jesuit priest who founded homes and offered education to impoverished boys throughout his native country in the mid-20th century. Canonized in 2005, Fr. Hurtado’s life and work inspire the values and beliefs of a Catholic Jesuit education and formation.

Now in its ninth year, the Hurtado Scholars Program currently serves seven eighth grade, twelve seventh grade, and ten sixth grade middle school students attending St. Regis Academy, Our Lady of Hope, or Holy Cross Schools (all located in Kansas City, Missouri). Beginning with summer programming in June, another 13 students will join the program, prior to beginning sixth grade year. There are currently 31 Hurtado Scholars graduates attending Rockhurst High School, with seven young men set to graduate in May, each moving forward to continue his studies at college in the fall.

The Class of 2020 was the first class with Hurtado Scholars graduates at Rockhurst High School. That student cohort raised their cumulative GPA from 2.29 at the end of their freshmen semester to 3.31 by the time they graduated. The average first semester senior year GPA for the Class of 2021 cohort was 3.49.

Join the Brosnahans in bringing light to potential. Make your gift to the Hurtado Scholars Program today.

HURTADO CHALLENGE Match Ends June 30, 2021

“At the end of our life we shall be judged by charity."

— St. John of the Cross

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE THE HURTADO SCHOLARS PROGRAM CLICK HERE

Your generosity allows these students to learn, experience and feel the “Rockhurst difference”. Something beyond academic, athletic and social achievement. It’s an environment where young men learn to reach for the best in themselves and bring out the best in others.

Your donation will go directly toward providing opportunities for young men who desire a Jesuit education at Rockhurst. Plus, your donation will go twice as far with the match!

A special thank you to the sponsors of the Hurtado Scholars Challenge:

Susan & Pat Brosnahan '68

A huge thanks to the Hurtado Scholars Event Leadership Committee:

Wendy & Troy Burgess

Christie & Zach Frisch '05
Leticia & Ted Garcia

Julie & Todd Koca

Shannon & Pat Lillis

Anita & Bob Paredes '93

Amy & Bob Rodriguez '80

2021 RHS Hurtado Scholars Program Giving Challenge supporting Rockhurst High School

2021 RHS Hurtado Scholars Program Giving Challenge

2021 RHS Hurtado Scholars Program Giving Challenge supporting Rockhurst High School