Rockhurst University to Host Inauguration for First Lay Person, Female President

On Friday, Nov. 11, Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., will be inaugurated as the 15th president of Rockhurst University in what will be an historic moment for the institution. Cassady will become the first ever lay person and first female to lead the University in its 112-year history.

About Our New President

Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., was announced as the next president of Rockhurst University on Feb. 28, 2022, in front of a live audience made up of faculty, staff and students following a nationwide search.

Cassady, who holds a Ph.D. in exercise science from the University of Iowa and has spent nearly 30 years in higher education both as a faculty member and as an administrator, most recently served as vice president for strategic initiatives and dean of the College of Health and Human Services at St. Ambrose University, a Catholic college enrolling more than 3,000 students in Davenport, Iowa. At that institution, she helped develop new academic and mission-centered programs and oversaw an increase in enrollment.

Cassady assumed the duties of president at Rockhurst in June 2022, succeeding the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., who announced at the beginning of the 2021-22 academic year his intention to depart the following May.

The Afternoon Schedule

On Nov. 11, Cassady’s inauguration will be marked with three distinct events:

• Missioning Mass, 1:30 p.m., St. Francis Xavier Church: Celebrated by the Rev. Thomas P. Greene, S.J., provincial for the Jesuits Central and Southern Province, during this Mass Cassady will be missioned by the Jesuits, the Catholic order of priests who founded and sponsor Rockhurst University.
• Installation Ceremony, 3 p.m., Mason-Halpin Fieldhouse: Following an academic procession from the university quad, Cassady will be officially installed as president. During the ceremony, Cassady will deliver her inaugural address.
• Reception, 4 p.m., Convocation Center: The campus community will celebrate Cassady’s official installation.

“We Are Called”

The theme for the inauguration, “We Are Called,” informs every aspect of the events. Drawn from a quote inscribed on the campus bell tower, it is a recognition of the institution’s rich history as part of the Kansas City community and an invitation to be part of its promising future. In her inaugural address, Cassady will build on this theme to lay out her vision of the University’s future.

Livestream

The installation ceremony will be livestreamed at this link. Media members are welcome to capture footage from the livestream to use as part of their coverage. Visit rockhurst.edu/presidential-inauguration for more information and a campus map.