THE CHALLENGE: World events have set everyone’s lives to sudden change. The timing of the economic strains across the globe has come to Rockhurst, when our school year was going well, the support for financial aid was on target and ahead of schedule, and we expected to surpass our annual fund and giving goals in support of our students. 

Before these conditions struck, Rockhurst needed $5.1 million to balance its budget, including $2.7 million for financial aid to families. In mid-March, we were $800,000 short of our annual fundraising goal/need. Since the pandemic began, estimates for additional aid appeals from families who have lost income have reached $200,000. We will continue to communicate with families and monitor the need as we live through the world’s economic realities together. 

What continues to inspire us, though, is the desire from those who care deeply about Rockhurst to lift up students in need. Many alumni and parents are asking, “How can we help?”

Join together as a Rockhurst High School community to Rise to The Challenge, as well as pay tribute to our graduating Senior Class.

It is in that spirit we invite you, our most loyal of donors, to consider making a gift to one of three special areas to help our most vulnerable students in their time of need:

• Celebrating the Class of 2020 while helping a student in need
• Direct scholarship support for students
• Areas of greatest need