October 27, 2025 • 33 mins
What if a few hours of your time could unlock a scholarship, spark a student’s purpose, and strengthen a community for years? We invited two Parents Club leaders, Lyndy Volker and Julie Walker Browne, to share how Rockhurst’s culture of service comes alive through everyday actions—greeting at the hospitality desk, baking for faculty, making auction calls, and pitching in on setup or cleanup. Their stories reveal a powerful truth: when parents show up, boys notice. They learn generosity by watching it, then practice it through dress-down fundraisers, service trips, and other giving opportunities in the community.
We dig into the Spectacular auction and why it matters: it helps fuel Rockhurst’s ability to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need. That commitment turns small volunteer jobs into big outcomes, keeping doors open for families across Kansas City and ensuring talented students can thrive. You’ll hear practical ways to get involved right now—short shifts, evening slots, and behind-the-scenes roles that fit real life. We also highlight opportunities to share professional skills through the career speaker series, marketing projects, and targeted support for counseling, activities, and athletics.
This conversation is ultimately about growth and belonging. Parents describe the pride of watching their sons carry the school’s values into college and beyond, and the comfort of a network that lasts long after graduation. If you’ve wondered whether your time, talent, or treasure would truly matter at Rockhurst, consider this your invitation. Subscribe for more stories from our Jesuit community, share this episode with a fellow parent, and leave a review to help others find Rock Talk. Your next yes could change a student’s path.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_02 (00:30):
Welcome to Rock Talk, the official podcast of
Rockhurst High School in KansasCity, Missouri, where we explore
the voices, values, and vibrantlife of our Jesuit college prep
community.
Hosted by the admissions andmarketing team, each episode
features conversations withstudents, faculty, alumni, and
special guests as we sharestories of academic excellence,
(00:53):
faith formation, brotherhood,and service.
Whether you're a prospectivefamily, a proud alumnus, or
simply curious about what makesRockhurst unique, this is your
inside look at Life at the Rock.
SPEAKER_00 (01:06):
Good morning, everybody.
We are excited today to welcomeone of our very involved and
active parents to talk to us alittle bit more on the ideas of
giving community and kind of alegacy and tradition that is
Rockhurst.
So today with us, we have LindyVolcker.
She is the proud parent of twohocklets, one former, one
(01:27):
current, and one future Hocklet.
So actually three hocklets,hopefully, all together.
So Lindley, why don't you justintroduce yourself a little bit,
talk about what you're involvedin, and a little bit more about
your boys?
SPEAKER_03 (01:40):
Well, thank you so much for having me today.
Excited to be here again.
I am Lindy Volcker and I am thecurrent Parents Club president.
I am also the lead forsolicitors for the Rockhurst
Spectacular Auction.
And so involved in manydifferent ways at Rockhurst.
(02:00):
I have again William, whograduated the class of 25.
I have Samuel, who is the classof 27, and Edward will be here
next year.
He'll be the class of 2030.
So excited.
We we've loved being here and welove being involved and blessed
(02:21):
to have three boys.
So I've gotten to be here.
Some some only are one and done,and I always hear that.
So it's kind of fun to be ableto see our three different boys
grow in different ways here atThe Rock.
SPEAKER_02 (02:32):
Cool.
So tell me, Lindy, where is yourthe who graduated last year
again?
SPEAKER_03 (02:38):
William.
SPEAKER_02 (02:38):
Where's William at now?
SPEAKER_03 (02:39):
William is at the University of Kansas.
Okay.
Yes.
SPEAKER_02 (02:43):
I won't hold that against you.
I'm a tiger.
I gotta, but I won't hold itagainst you.
Okay.
SPEAKER_03 (02:47):
That's okay.
It's okay.
Yes.
And he is thriving.
Like my husband and I see himgetting so involved and using
the gifts that he uh received atRockhurst, and he really is.
He's doing great.
And so we are excited to see allhe is doing and becoming a great
young man.
SPEAKER_02 (03:05):
Cool, cool, cool.
Is your uh 27?
Is he thinking about college yetor where is he at?
SPEAKER_03 (03:12):
He is uh we're I don't know where he's gonna go.
He is as a different brain thanthan Williams, so we don't know
where he's gonna go.
He could end up at KU.
He I don't know, he's throwingout some different schools, some
engineering schools.
So we're gonna see what wherehe's gonna go.
Not really sure yet, but yeah.
SPEAKER_02 (03:31):
I was and I'm asking because I'm trying to sneak in a
little bit of uh parent wisdombecause I have three daughters.
Yes.
And so when I look at my threegirls, you know, my oldest is
15, 14, and then the secondone's 14, and then my youngest
is 11.
And I'm just like, oh yeah.
They're they're similar, butthey're different.
And currently they all claimthey want to go far away from
(03:54):
home.
And I'm terrified.
So if I reach out to you forsome parent wisdom, please uh
please answer the call.
SPEAKER_03 (04:01):
Yeah, when in doubt, they're brothers, so they like
to be together, but then theydon't like to be together.
So, you know, you never know,actually.
I I I could see them, I don'tknow.
They could maybe stick together,which I'd be great with too.
So either way.
Love it.
Yes.
SPEAKER_00 (04:15):
So I I got to know Will well through some service
trips that we went on, and thenalso he and Henry Stevens, so
they'll be thrilled that we'recalling, doing a little
shout-out for them.
Were frequent visitors to myoffice for one of my, I would
say, treasures that I give outto the Rockers Boys, which is
candy.
They typically only come by tosay a quick hi.
(04:35):
And sometimes they'll fill me inon what's new and exciting, but
mostly just to grab that, youknow, little piece of sugar to
get them through the day.
And so when thinking about that,one of the things we're talking
about in this series is kind ofhow we give back is that time,
talent, treasure.
I know you've kind of beeninvolved in all different areas
of that.
So I just to go a little bitmore in depth and maybe to help
(04:55):
people to understand more,specifically, probably more
around what you're doing for theauction, but also what you're
doing for Parents Club, likewhat are some ways that parents
can kind of give back to therockers community?
SPEAKER_03 (05:06):
Yeah, I think there are so many ways to get
involved.
And I do think even if you justI would tell parents to select
one thing, just to get involved,do one thing, and then that can
lead to other options.
There is with the auction, weare always needing people to go
out and reach out to, as I say,we're I'm in the head of the
(05:27):
solicitors.
So we are always looking forwardjust to reaching out to
different companies throughoutthe community to ask for
donations.
And that is a huge deal.
So we are always looking forpeople to do that.
And sometimes people areintimidated, but it really
isn't.
The Rocker's name is sorespected in the community that
(05:47):
it is not a hard ask.
Usually you make that call andthey're already ready to give.
So we're always looking forpeople in that regards, the
auction, especially also to setup to the days before the
auction, the day of the auction,the cleanup.
It's when you're here, you getto meet so many people, not only
the students, but other familiesand the connections you make.
(06:09):
So I just always encourage them,just do something small.
And then that leads to greaterthings.
With the Parents Club, we justhave so many activities that we
put on, and we are alwayslooking for volunteers.
The father-son bags tournamentthat just occurred.
It it was it's so fun to see uhthe the dads, the sons, the the
(06:32):
community come together.
So I I love seeing these events,and I really think everybody
should try to get involved andvolunteer in at least an event
just to see what what goes on inthe in the doors here.
So besides that, there's alsolike mom son prom.
There's, you know, and even ifit's not like a big event,
(06:55):
right?
It's the cookie exchange, thecookies for the faculty and
staff.
I love that.
You haven't experienced thatyet.
It is just wonderful.
And even just taking the time,bake some cookies and bring them
in.
You know, there's things, noteverything has to be large to
volunteer.
And I think that's what we wantto encourage.
(07:15):
But I think those who getinvolved see this world, and I
don't know, we want to beinvolved with our kids and the
faculty and everyone in thecommunities.
SPEAKER_00 (07:25):
We're super fortunate to be, I guess, people
that received that help.
Yesterday was our annual openhouse, and we probably had 15
parents come through to helpwith check-in, greeting uh
prospective families, sitting atthe Parents Club table to kind
of tell parents aboutopportunities to get involved.
And I think as a prospectiveparent, there's no better
endorsement than when you seethe students volunteering and
(07:48):
the parents in the communityvolunteering because it just
says we're invested in thiscommunity and we want you to be
a part of this community.
So we're very thankful for allthat the Parents Club does for
us for sure.
SPEAKER_02 (07:58):
And Lindy, as a as a rookie in this thing and just
curious, because every, youknow, that's the one thing I
enjoy about doing this podcastis getting to talk to so many
different folks and see howthey're involved and get their
perspective, not just onRockhurst, but just what they're
seeing.
So as the Parents Clubpresident, do you guys have like
(08:19):
a certain number of events youtry to do every year?
Or do you like sit down and justplan it year to year what you
what you can do?
How does that work?
SPEAKER_03 (08:27):
No, we have our main events that we do every year.
We also are big into supportingthe faculty.
So each class hasrepresentatives.
And every month it it alternatesbetween you know freshman
through senior.
Each class takes two months todo something for the faculty.
Oh, okay.
And they plan those events aswell.
(08:49):
So I think that we do have ourbasic main events like the open
houses, the night at the rocks,the father-son bags.
We have the grandparents' mask,just things of that that are all
have been going on for years.
Not the saying that we can't,you know, do something
different.
We're always, that's what Ithink is is great and welcoming
(09:13):
that we would love new opinions,new thoughts.
You know, it's like you, I thinkyou have to evolve, you have to
grow.
So if there's ever, oh hey, havewe we could try something new.
So we're always open to newthings, but we usually have the
same events that are just sospecial, so well attended.
So we we stick with those, butalways willing to, you know,
that's cool.
Look for new new things.
SPEAKER_02 (09:34):
And I love I love it.
You know, like I I let me pauseand say thank you because it's
just cool to even know that youknow, parents are that involved
in the first place.
You know, it's very easy at I Iwould say a typical school,
maybe to just drop the kids off,I'll be back to pick them up or
they'll drive home.
(09:54):
But you know, it's nothing tosee parents everywhere at
Rockhurst and to know that thatyou know, there's some
organization and there's somethought, and we do have these
traditional year-in, year-outevents that are so meaningful in
our community.
And I appreciate that.
So I just love it.
SPEAKER_03 (10:15):
So, like the mom-son prom, it's such an incredible
event to see all these mothersand fill these halls and like
Union Station.
It it's remarkable.
SPEAKER_02 (10:23):
Is it at Union Station now?
SPEAKER_03 (10:24):
It it has been the past few years, yes.
And it's just it is anincredible.
I remember mine.
SPEAKER_02 (10:31):
Is it the mom prom?
Yeah, mom.
I remember when I went and Itook my aunt, grandma, and my
mom.
And we had a we had a ball.
It was over in Overland ParkConvention Center, I think.
SPEAKER_03 (10:42):
Yeah, it's changed a few times, and you know, but so
things like that, it's amazingto see, truly.
SPEAKER_00 (10:48):
Great.
So we just had Julie WalkerBrown join us.
We're excited to have her aswell.
She's the parent of a formerHawk and a current Hawklet.
So, Julie, real quick, do youmind just introducing yourself,
how you're involved at Rockers,and tell us a little bit about
your boys?
unknown (11:04):
Okay.
SPEAKER_01 (11:06):
Hello.
My name is Julie, and I am a momof Jack, who's a sophomore and
Joe who just graduated and is atMizzou.
And then I also tigers.
And Jack would say that too.
And then we have a daughterthat's a junior at at CU in
(11:27):
Colorado.
I'm involved at Rockhurst on thespectacular co-chair.
That was not a good sentence.
I am a spectacular co-chair.
There you go.
I also volunteer once a month atthe desk, and then wherever I'm
needed throughout the year whenI can give time or chocolate or
(11:49):
food, I do that as well.
SPEAKER_00 (11:51):
Yeah, and that's one thing.
We were just kind of talking,that's a perfect segue about
kind of all these hidden momentsthat where parents give back
that maybe people in ourcommunity don't even know.
I mean, the hospitality desk isprobably one of our most visual
representation of parentvolunteers.
If not that, then spectacular,clearly, because there's a lot
of parents that are involved inthat.
(12:12):
But I would say, like thoselittle things that you were
talking about, uh, the kind ofmonthly things that our
different class parents do forus, like as a faculty member,
something as simple as goldenscoop ice cream, or the what one
of my favorite things is thefavorite things basket that they
do at Christmas time.
I mean, there's just so manythings.
There's been countless timeswhere I've forgotten to eat
(12:34):
lunch and I run into the studioand grab some chet trail mix
that a parents dropped off.
So all of those little things Ithink make a huge difference
because as we talk aboutcommunity and giving back, I
think one thing that's so vitalis people feeling appreciated.
And I think that that's what theParents Club really does for our
faculty and staff is say, okay,we see you.
(12:54):
We appreciate all the work thatyou're doing, all the time
you're putting into this.
And that's a really nice thing.
But now that we got Julie, Iknow Spectacular is coming up in
April.
Yes.
Um, and it is a very importantevent for this community.
Our scholarship fund is a directrecipient of the some of the
funds that come fromSpectacular.
(13:15):
And for those of you who are notfamiliar with that impact, over
the last two years, PresidentLaughlin and our alumni
community and greater communityhave really worked very hard for
us to get to the point now wherewe can guarantee 100% of
exhibited financial need.
So what that means is we're ableto give scholarships to young
(13:36):
men in the Kansas D communitywhere we can say, okay, if your
family needs this amount, we canguarantee that amount, which we
are one of few schools that cangive 100%.
And that's about$3.1 million, Ithink, this coming year in
financial aid and scholarships.
So spectacular is a huge part ofthat and takes a lot of workers.
(13:57):
So I know Lynn Lindy talked alittle bit about kind of the
solicitation side.
So going out to businesses,asking for donations, which I
agree with you seems veryintimidating, but most people
are super willing to help.
So don't be afraid of doingthat.
What are some other areas thatparents can volunteer for
Spectacular?
SPEAKER_01 (14:15):
Sure.
So throughout the year, I wasgoing to speak to that too, is
the the great thing aboutRockhurst, I think, is the
connections that these boys makeand alums have made through the
years.
And there are so many people inKansas City that obviously are
aware of Rockhurst, but alsowere a part of it in some
fashion and are willing to give.
(14:36):
So I do think a lot of parentscould reach out to those that
they know.
As far as the auction throughoutthe year we get uh many emails
asking for help.
Included in those are setup orputting together flowers the
couple nights before.
Cleanup, working the bar.
(14:59):
And if you're a good bartender,maybe even wanting to run the
bar, call me.
SPEAKER_02 (15:04):
I'm there.
All right.
SPEAKER_01 (15:07):
There are so many ways that that parents can get
involved at the auction thatthat doesn't include going to
the auction.
I mean, of course, that's agreat thing to do too, but we
have many needs during theauction itself and the day after
the auction.
So there are many ways to getinvolved.
And I think it's it's importantback to what you had said about
(15:29):
100% demonstrated need.
You know, when I when I see theboys when I'm working that desk
coming in and they're so polite,so gracious, they thank you.
I see I see what Rockhurst doesfor all the kids.
And I I want as many kids thatwant to go here to be able to go
here because it's a great greatspot to be for these boys.
SPEAKER_00 (15:53):
Absolutely.
And having come off of chairingan auction last year at the
grade school level, much smallerbeans there, but it is kind of
amazing to me that our auctionoffice consists of two people.
So Moira and Sylvia, who do anepic task of making sure that
that goes off um smoothly andhave a deep appreciation for the
(16:14):
work that they do, but theywouldn't be able to do it
without our parent volunteers.
So if you've ever wanted to getinvolved at Rock or don't know
how to, that is a greatopportunity.
And it works around a lot ofdifferent schedules.
So depending on you work duringthe day, you can volunteer at
night, it's a great opportunityto do that.
SPEAKER_02 (16:31):
So I am uh curious, excuse me, as we get to this
next question, because youladies obviously give a great
deal of your time, and youobviously uh care a lot about
this place.
It's not hard to see that.
So, what do you think is soimportant about giving back to
the school?
(16:51):
You know, like you guys haveboth have boys that have gone,
and I know you guys, you ladieshave sons here, but at the same
time, like the way you aredevoted to this, what's so
important about having thatlevel of giving in a community
like this?
SPEAKER_01 (17:16):
Uh having taught myself, I taught high school and
I also taught grade school.
Having been on the other end asa teacher and and at times also
doing staff work as well.
I think it's important that wehave people in these students'
lives that support and love themand care for them.
(17:37):
And I think when parents givetheir time, I'll start with
time, they they get to know thepeople in their children's
lives, be at the grade schoollevel or the high school level.
And I do think a lot of timesonce your child gets to high
school, you kind of check out alittle bit because it's time for
(17:59):
them to take some moreresponsibility, be more
independent.
But I think that when you getinvolved as a parent and you
give of your time, whatever timeyou can give, I know people are
very busy.
It shows not just the staff andthe teachers that you care about
about the school, but the kidsget it too.
(18:20):
They may not share it.
But I do think that theyappreciate maybe more so later
in life, they appreciate thoseadults in their lives that cared
about them and and gave back.
SPEAKER_03 (18:34):
Yeah, I agree.
And I've told my children that II don't feel like the world
works without people who give oftheir time.
You have talent, you havetreasure, you have everything,
but I do feel like it is it isvital for organizations and to g
to give of your time to yourcommunities, and especially when
(18:56):
you have such respect for acommunity and they give so much
through the to the community.
I mean, Rockhurst's name is justso well respected, and I I think
that's so important.
And like you said, kids love tosee their parents involved.
And when they see involved, thatmakes them want to be an
involved member of the communitytoo.
(19:17):
I mean, it I always see you haveto lead by example, right?
If you're if you're telling yourchild that they need to get
involved, you know, you shouldbe involved as well.
I I think that's so important.
And I think that's how how itworks and how the community
works, how watching, like yousaid, William had the
opportunity to go to Guatemala,seeing other communities, it's a
(19:38):
remarkable thing to do.
So I I just think that'simportant.
SPEAKER_00 (19:43):
Yeah.
We have a current freshman rightnow that I he kind of makes me
smile a lot because he's, Ithink, a good example of that
acknowledgement of what peopleare giving him.
He regularly comes in and visitsus in the office and talks about
how magical this place is.
So that's what he always says.
This is the best place on earth.
(20:04):
This is a magical place.
And he always says, What can Ido?
What can I do to give back?
What what do you need?
How can I help you?
Can I help you with something?
I mean, constantly.
And I think that that is a signthat this example that's being
set by adults, by students oncampus are is, you know, really
resonating with our students.
(20:26):
And especially our students thatare benefiting tremendously from
the opportunity to be here.
And so I think it's it's a greatservice you all are doing as
setting an example for the youngmen to start thinking in that
way, to start being aphilanthropist when they're, you
know, 15, 14 years old.
Because we can be very selfishwhen we're teenagers.
And so I think the idea thatservice is such a huge component
(20:47):
of what we do that boys areaware of fundraising and what
fundraising is.
We do a lot.
I I know you probably arefamiliar with some of this
because I'm sure you've shuffledover$5 here and there for a
dress-down bracelet.
But right now we're in RespectLife Week.
And so they have a dress-downbracelet for that.
They have a dress-down braceletfor the Hispanic Heritage Fund
scholarship program, which is agreat opportunity because the
(21:10):
money they contribute then ismatched by the Hispanic Heritage
Fund.
And that goes towards collegescholarships for our own
students.
So they already kind of get inthe practice of giving as
students.
And I know sometimes I'm sure asparents, it's like, oh, another
$5 here,$5 here.
But really, what it is is it'san opportunity for your student
to learn, okay, the importance,the impact of giving, and how
(21:33):
that can be, you know, a realmultiplier effect, you know,
that they're only giving$5.
But if we get every boy in theschool to give$5, that's a huge
contribution to their fellowclassmates to be successful in
college one day, which is great.
SPEAKER_02 (21:48):
So let me ask you this question.
Because now I'm thinking of as aparent, and I always look at
Rockhurst as like a very big,high profile ship with a lot of
stuff going on.
So if I'm a parent, and I knowyou ladies have mentioned a
couple of different things.
We we talked lightly about theauction and we've talked about
the Parents Club, but if I'm aparent listening to this, what
(22:11):
is the easiest way or for for meto get involved?
Whether that's my time, whetherthat's something to give to,
just to like point some pointthem to something where they can
say, Yeah, let me let me figureout what this is about and how I
can be involved.
SPEAKER_01 (22:32):
Well, I would say one way is uh I I know sometimes
we get inundated with a lot ofemails and not just Rockhurst
really isn't, you know, that badabout it, I don't think.
But we get so many emails thatwe will shuffle them and we will
forget about them.
But if I feel like I try to makea point whenever I see that
(22:55):
there's a need, and I reallythink it's great this year.
It's like if there's a aspecific need coming up soon,
it's there and you can you cansign up.
But there's also those longersign up lists and go I don't
know, go through it and see ifthere's an opportunity or a
chance for you to volunteer forone of those.
(23:17):
I mean, I think that's somethingeasy to do.
And then after that, I would sayif there's opportunity for
giving back through financialmeans, the sponsorships, those
will be coming out here prettysoon for the spectacular any
level that is wanted, needed,appreciated.
(23:38):
I think that those are our twoways.
And then on top of that, um, Iknow that um my husband Pete has
been involved at Rockhurst.
He's an alum and has done, is itcareer day or yeah.
SPEAKER_00 (23:52):
So they do a career speaker series.
And yes, Pete's come this comingweek.
I think Dr.
Tim Findler's coming to talkabout being a cardiologist.
So and that's parents andalumni.
You can be either.
And that's run through ouralumni office, Mayor de Suarez,
but we do welcome parents whoare non-alums to come in and
(24:13):
talk about different careerfields because you're right,
that's a huge, huge opportunityfor boys to hear from people
that have been successful andtaken very different paths to
get where they are.
So I think that's always a veryhelpful thing.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_03 (24:26):
Yeah.
And I do think if your child isinvolved in a specific sport or
extracurricular activity, youknow, maybe show interest in
that.
Whether it's, you know, Martin'sdoing a phenomenal job of really
engaging parents with all thosedifferent activities, not just
(24:47):
athletics, but also, you know,the other types of clubs.
So if your child's involved insomething like that, maybe see
if there's a way to help or helphost something or you know, show
interest in what your child isdoing specifically.
And again, as she said, there'sthere's a great list under
parent volunteers on thewebsite.
(25:08):
We'll try to get that morestreamlined.
But yes, there are, you couldjust go through and if there's
something that sparks yourinterest, there is a sign-up
genius for everything.
And you can view it and reallyquickly sign up.
So that it really is an easy wayto just go down the list and see
one little thing that you couldget involved in.
SPEAKER_02 (25:26):
Yeah.
And I asked that question in,you know, in relation to, like I
say, the big high profile ship,because I think it's easy for
people to look at us and thinkthat this place doesn't run on
people giving their time and youknow, whether or their talent or
their trend, like, oh no, theydon't need help, or oh, I
(25:46):
actually there's nothing for meto do, or whatever.
And it's like, sorry.
That's absolutely the oppositeof the case.
The more help, support, the morewe're able to do because of that
love, as you alluded to, thatthese young men are going to
receive by someone saying, Hey,actually, I can do that because
(26:07):
my son's on this team, or I cando that.
So hopefully that helps, youknow, move the needle for
people's thinking about, oh,yeah.
I d I never thought about seeingif coach needed some help with,
you know, this or that orwhatever the case might be.
SPEAKER_03 (26:22):
So I agree.
I agree.
And I do think that sometimesit's easy to say, oh, that's
taken care of.
Yeah.
It's not.
There's there's always a needfor for hours, and there's no
job too small or too big.
That's I think what is socritical to understand as a
volunteer.
There is always a need.
And I think it's always welcomehere.
(26:43):
And when you walk through thedoors, you're gonna connect with
someone just yesterday at theopen house.
Connected with a parent who, youknow, has a scene.
It's it's amazing.
We come from the same town, andit's would never have met you
the connections you make, evenfor adults.
It's it's amazing and it'swonderful.
So yeah.
SPEAKER_00 (27:03):
And one thing I would say too is if you were an
adult in the the population,whether you're a parent or an
alum, you know, reach out to usand and say, Hey, I'd really
like to do something.
We are benefiting this year fromuh Shannon Ortball's, who's a
parent of two current studentswho has been helping our office.
She has a background inmarketing and she had time to
(27:24):
give.
And so she said, Hey, let mehelp you not only organize your
parent volunteers, which hasbeen amazing.
We've had full uh parentvolunteers for every shadow day
to welcome our prospectivefamilies in, which has been
great.
And then she helped with openhouse and night at the rock,
getting parents for that.
But she's also helping us lookat how we are marketing and
advertising rockers to thegreater Kansas City community in
(27:46):
ways we could better do thatbecause of her specific skill
set.
And honestly, like she came tous, which was so nice and
welcome.
Because a lot of times I thinkSteve and I would agree we don't
ever want to ask too much of ourfamilies because they do give so
much.
But if you are interested inhelping out, whether that's
speaking at at our career seriesor you have, you know, a
(28:07):
background in counseling, maybeyou could help out in our
counseling department, or maybeit's you have a background in
one of our athletics, you know,our coaches would love to hear
from you.
So I think any any way parentswant to get involved, alumni
want to get involved, we want tosee you on campus.
SPEAKER_02 (28:22):
So 100%.
And we're gonna move to thislast question, and I have a
feeling it's going to be a verythoughtful answer.
I'm not putting any pressure onyou, ladies.
But for you and yourperspective, with having, you
know, you are parents, you havekids that have gone from here,
(28:45):
they're here, you're serving andgiving your time.
You get to see a different viewof what goes on here.
When you're thinking about theperson that might be thinking
about sending their son here,what is one just one?
(29:05):
I know, I know, I hate it.
That's why I was like, ah, maybeI'll give them a few.
What's what's one reason, numberone reason that parents should
send their kids to Rockers?
SPEAKER_03 (29:18):
I can go first.
I think so many, so so many, butI would say when they uh they
come to Rockers, it's acommunity for life.
It's something that theresources, the role models, the
everything they have, this thisis something that a support
(29:38):
system for life is what I see.
I mean, they walk through thedoors and I see the alumni
events, you see them traveling.
So I just feel like that'ssomething that they will, you
know, be supported in theircareers and everything that they
want to do.
unknown (29:57):
Okay.
SPEAKER_02 (29:57):
That's great.
Love it.
SPEAKER_01 (29:59):
Uh I did think about this question.
Not just in the last 30 seconds,but uh I guess I start at the
end to to think about thebeginning.
SPEAKER_02 (30:10):
That makes no sense, but I know what you mean.
SPEAKER_01 (30:13):
Uh at the end of last year when Joe graduated,
his last day of school, he camehome and out of nowhere said, I
just want to thank you forsending me to Rockhurst.
It was the best time.
And I still get choked upsometimes thinking about him
saying that.
And I guess I the one thing Ithink of the number one reason
(30:38):
is that we're always growing.
You know, I'm in my fifties.
I'm still growing, figuring outwhat I want to do in some ways.
I feel like Rockhurst reallyhelps grow these young men into
being men.
And they're going to continue tothink about those lessons that
(31:00):
they learn, those people, likeyou said, that impacted them
while they were here and howthey're going to continue to
grow throughout life.
And I feel like, you know, notjust rock Rockers, but their
grade schools too set thatfoundation.
Rockhurst continues it in adifferent way because they're
(31:22):
older and you know they're closeto becoming graduates and and
young men who who will impactthe world.
So I guess growth is the answer.
SPEAKER_00 (31:35):
I always tell the class that graduated last year
that, and they're gonna hangtheir hat on this forever, but
that they were my favoritebecause they were my first class
I got to see through asprospective eighth graders all
the way through senior year.
And so both of your sons, forexample, are are kids that got
to see that tremendous amount ofgrowth over the four years and
kind of what they chose toreally invest themselves in, who
(31:58):
they surrounded themselves by,what they gave their own time
and talent to, whether that wassports or student activities.
You know, Will went on a servicetrip with me.
Joe was very instrumental in acouple of things on campus,
bringing back Battle of theBands, which I was super excited
about because that is memoriesfrom my youth, but also things
like the Human Dignity Club, theStudent Diversity Union, just
(32:21):
really active on campus and areally great leader.
So got to see them grow intogreat young hocklits that are
now college success stories.
So that's great.
Ladies, we are so thankful thatyou took time out of your day to
come in on this kind of pop-upepisode of Rock Talk.
They kind of got put right on,got moved up a week.
So we appreciate you making thetime to come and visit with us.
(32:43):
Next episode, we're gonna havetwo of our alums come in and
talk about their lifelongfriendship that started actually
well before Rockhurst.
They were grade school friendsthat went to Rockhurst.
And actually, up until uh twoweeks ago, I was at St.
Teresa the Little Flower doingservice with our boys, and those
two guys were volunteering asalums to do service with us.
(33:03):
So, still to this day have alasting relationship.
So thank you all for joining usagain.
This is Rock Talk, and we'll seeyou next week.
Welcome to Rock Talk, the official podcast of
Rockhurst High School in KansasCity, Missouri, where we explore
the voices, values, and vibrantlife of our Jesuit college prep
community.
Hosted by the admissions andmarketing team, each episode
features conversations withstudents, faculty, alumni, and
special guests as we sharestories of academic excellence,
(00:53):
faith formation, brotherhood,and service.
Whether you're a prospectivefamily, a proud alumnus, or
simply curious about what makesRockhurst unique, this is your
inside look at Life at the Rock.
SPEAKER_00 (01:06):
Good morning, everybody.
We are excited today to welcomeone of our very involved and
active parents to talk to us alittle bit more on the ideas of
giving community and kind of alegacy and tradition that is
Rockhurst.
So today with us, we have LindyVolcker.
She is the proud parent of twohocklets, one former, one
(01:27):
current, and one future Hocklet.
So actually three hocklets,hopefully, all together.
So Lindley, why don't you justintroduce yourself a little bit,
talk about what you're involvedin, and a little bit more about
your boys?
SPEAKER_03 (01:40):
Well, thank you so much for having me today.
Excited to be here again.
I am Lindy Volcker and I am thecurrent Parents Club president.
I am also the lead forsolicitors for the Rockhurst
Spectacular Auction.
And so involved in manydifferent ways at Rockhurst.
(02:00):
I have again William, whograduated the class of 25.
I have Samuel, who is the classof 27, and Edward will be here
next year.
He'll be the class of 2030.
So excited.
We we've loved being here and welove being involved and blessed
(02:21):
to have three boys.
So I've gotten to be here.
Some some only are one and done,and I always hear that.
So it's kind of fun to be ableto see our three different boys
grow in different ways here atThe Rock.
SPEAKER_02 (02:32):
Cool.
So tell me, Lindy, where is yourthe who graduated last year
again?
SPEAKER_03 (02:38):
William.
SPEAKER_02 (02:38):
Where's William at now?
SPEAKER_03 (02:39):
William is at the University of Kansas.
Okay.
Yes.
SPEAKER_02 (02:43):
I won't hold that against you.
I'm a tiger.
I gotta, but I won't hold itagainst you.
Okay.
SPEAKER_03 (02:47):
That's okay.
It's okay.
Yes.
And he is thriving.
Like my husband and I see himgetting so involved and using
the gifts that he uh received atRockhurst, and he really is.
He's doing great.
And so we are excited to see allhe is doing and becoming a great
young man.
SPEAKER_02 (03:05):
Cool, cool, cool.
Is your uh 27?
Is he thinking about college yetor where is he at?
SPEAKER_03 (03:12):
He is uh we're I don't know where he's gonna go.
He is as a different brain thanthan Williams, so we don't know
where he's gonna go.
He could end up at KU.
He I don't know, he's throwingout some different schools, some
engineering schools.
So we're gonna see what wherehe's gonna go.
Not really sure yet, but yeah.
SPEAKER_02 (03:31):
I was and I'm asking because I'm trying to sneak in a
little bit of uh parent wisdombecause I have three daughters.
Yes.
And so when I look at my threegirls, you know, my oldest is
15, 14, and then the secondone's 14, and then my youngest
is 11.
And I'm just like, oh yeah.
They're they're similar, butthey're different.
And currently they all claimthey want to go far away from
(03:54):
home.
And I'm terrified.
So if I reach out to you forsome parent wisdom, please uh
please answer the call.
SPEAKER_03 (04:01):
Yeah, when in doubt, they're brothers, so they like
to be together, but then theydon't like to be together.
So, you know, you never know,actually.
I I I could see them, I don'tknow.
They could maybe stick together,which I'd be great with too.
So either way.
Love it.
Yes.
SPEAKER_00 (04:15):
So I I got to know Will well through some service
trips that we went on, and thenalso he and Henry Stevens, so
they'll be thrilled that we'recalling, doing a little
shout-out for them.
Were frequent visitors to myoffice for one of my, I would
say, treasures that I give outto the Rockers Boys, which is
candy.
They typically only come by tosay a quick hi.
(04:35):
And sometimes they'll fill me inon what's new and exciting, but
mostly just to grab that, youknow, little piece of sugar to
get them through the day.
And so when thinking about that,one of the things we're talking
about in this series is kind ofhow we give back is that time,
talent, treasure.
I know you've kind of beeninvolved in all different areas
of that.
So I just to go a little bitmore in depth and maybe to help
(04:55):
people to understand more,specifically, probably more
around what you're doing for theauction, but also what you're
doing for Parents Club, likewhat are some ways that parents
can kind of give back to therockers community?
SPEAKER_03 (05:06):
Yeah, I think there are so many ways to get
involved.
And I do think even if you justI would tell parents to select
one thing, just to get involved,do one thing, and then that can
lead to other options.
There is with the auction, weare always needing people to go
out and reach out to, as I say,we're I'm in the head of the
(05:27):
solicitors.
So we are always looking forwardjust to reaching out to
different companies throughoutthe community to ask for
donations.
And that is a huge deal.
So we are always looking forpeople to do that.
And sometimes people areintimidated, but it really
isn't.
The Rocker's name is sorespected in the community that
(05:47):
it is not a hard ask.
Usually you make that call andthey're already ready to give.
So we're always looking forpeople in that regards, the
auction, especially also to setup to the days before the
auction, the day of the auction,the cleanup.
It's when you're here, you getto meet so many people, not only
the students, but other familiesand the connections you make.
(06:09):
So I just always encourage them,just do something small.
And then that leads to greaterthings.
With the Parents Club, we justhave so many activities that we
put on, and we are alwayslooking for volunteers.
The father-son bags tournamentthat just occurred.
It it was it's so fun to see uhthe the dads, the sons, the the
(06:32):
community come together.
So I I love seeing these events,and I really think everybody
should try to get involved andvolunteer in at least an event
just to see what what goes on inthe in the doors here.
So besides that, there's alsolike mom son prom.
There's, you know, and even ifit's not like a big event,
(06:55):
right?
It's the cookie exchange, thecookies for the faculty and
staff.
I love that.
You haven't experienced thatyet.
It is just wonderful.
And even just taking the time,bake some cookies and bring them
in.
You know, there's things, noteverything has to be large to
volunteer.
And I think that's what we wantto encourage.
(07:15):
But I think those who getinvolved see this world, and I
don't know, we want to beinvolved with our kids and the
faculty and everyone in thecommunities.
SPEAKER_00 (07:25):
We're super fortunate to be, I guess, people
that received that help.
Yesterday was our annual openhouse, and we probably had 15
parents come through to helpwith check-in, greeting uh
prospective families, sitting atthe Parents Club table to kind
of tell parents aboutopportunities to get involved.
And I think as a prospectiveparent, there's no better
endorsement than when you seethe students volunteering and
(07:48):
the parents in the communityvolunteering because it just
says we're invested in thiscommunity and we want you to be
a part of this community.
So we're very thankful for allthat the Parents Club does for
us for sure.
SPEAKER_02 (07:58):
And Lindy, as a as a rookie in this thing and just
curious, because every, youknow, that's the one thing I
enjoy about doing this podcastis getting to talk to so many
different folks and see howthey're involved and get their
perspective, not just onRockhurst, but just what they're
seeing.
So as the Parents Clubpresident, do you guys have like
(08:19):
a certain number of events youtry to do every year?
Or do you like sit down and justplan it year to year what you
what you can do?
How does that work?
SPEAKER_03 (08:27):
No, we have our main events that we do every year.
We also are big into supportingthe faculty.
So each class hasrepresentatives.
And every month it it alternatesbetween you know freshman
through senior.
Each class takes two months todo something for the faculty.
Oh, okay.
And they plan those events aswell.
(08:49):
So I think that we do have ourbasic main events like the open
houses, the night at the rocks,the father-son bags.
We have the grandparents' mask,just things of that that are all
have been going on for years.
Not the saying that we can't,you know, do something
different.
We're always, that's what Ithink is is great and welcoming
(09:13):
that we would love new opinions,new thoughts.
You know, it's like you, I thinkyou have to evolve, you have to
grow.
So if there's ever, oh hey, havewe we could try something new.
So we're always open to newthings, but we usually have the
same events that are just sospecial, so well attended.
So we we stick with those, butalways willing to, you know,
that's cool.
Look for new new things.
SPEAKER_02 (09:34):
And I love I love it.
You know, like I I let me pauseand say thank you because it's
just cool to even know that youknow, parents are that involved
in the first place.
You know, it's very easy at I Iwould say a typical school,
maybe to just drop the kids off,I'll be back to pick them up or
they'll drive home.
(09:54):
But you know, it's nothing tosee parents everywhere at
Rockhurst and to know that thatyou know, there's some
organization and there's somethought, and we do have these
traditional year-in, year-outevents that are so meaningful in
our community.
And I appreciate that.
So I just love it.
SPEAKER_03 (10:15):
So, like the mom-son prom, it's such an incredible
event to see all these mothersand fill these halls and like
Union Station.
It it's remarkable.
SPEAKER_02 (10:23):
Is it at Union Station now?
SPEAKER_03 (10:24):
It it has been the past few years, yes.
And it's just it is anincredible.
I remember mine.
SPEAKER_02 (10:31):
Is it the mom prom?
Yeah, mom.
I remember when I went and Itook my aunt, grandma, and my
mom.
And we had a we had a ball.
It was over in Overland ParkConvention Center, I think.
SPEAKER_03 (10:42):
Yeah, it's changed a few times, and you know, but so
things like that, it's amazingto see, truly.
SPEAKER_00 (10:48):
Great.
So we just had Julie WalkerBrown join us.
We're excited to have her aswell.
She's the parent of a formerHawk and a current Hawklet.
So, Julie, real quick, do youmind just introducing yourself,
how you're involved at Rockers,and tell us a little bit about
your boys?
unknown (11:04):
Okay.
SPEAKER_01 (11:06):
Hello.
My name is Julie, and I am a momof Jack, who's a sophomore and
Joe who just graduated and is atMizzou.
And then I also tigers.
And Jack would say that too.
And then we have a daughterthat's a junior at at CU in
(11:27):
Colorado.
I'm involved at Rockhurst on thespectacular co-chair.
That was not a good sentence.
I am a spectacular co-chair.
There you go.
I also volunteer once a month atthe desk, and then wherever I'm
needed throughout the year whenI can give time or chocolate or
(11:49):
food, I do that as well.
SPEAKER_00 (11:51):
Yeah, and that's one thing.
We were just kind of talking,that's a perfect segue about
kind of all these hidden momentsthat where parents give back
that maybe people in ourcommunity don't even know.
I mean, the hospitality desk isprobably one of our most visual
representation of parentvolunteers.
If not that, then spectacular,clearly, because there's a lot
of parents that are involved inthat.
(12:12):
But I would say, like thoselittle things that you were
talking about, uh, the kind ofmonthly things that our
different class parents do forus, like as a faculty member,
something as simple as goldenscoop ice cream, or the what one
of my favorite things is thefavorite things basket that they
do at Christmas time.
I mean, there's just so manythings.
There's been countless timeswhere I've forgotten to eat
(12:34):
lunch and I run into the studioand grab some chet trail mix
that a parents dropped off.
So all of those little things Ithink make a huge difference
because as we talk aboutcommunity and giving back, I
think one thing that's so vitalis people feeling appreciated.
And I think that that's what theParents Club really does for our
faculty and staff is say, okay,we see you.
(12:54):
We appreciate all the work thatyou're doing, all the time
you're putting into this.
And that's a really nice thing.
But now that we got Julie, Iknow Spectacular is coming up in
April.
Yes.
Um, and it is a very importantevent for this community.
Our scholarship fund is a directrecipient of the some of the
funds that come fromSpectacular.
(13:15):
And for those of you who are notfamiliar with that impact, over
the last two years, PresidentLaughlin and our alumni
community and greater communityhave really worked very hard for
us to get to the point now wherewe can guarantee 100% of
exhibited financial need.
So what that means is we're ableto give scholarships to young
(13:36):
men in the Kansas D communitywhere we can say, okay, if your
family needs this amount, we canguarantee that amount, which we
are one of few schools that cangive 100%.
And that's about$3.1 million, Ithink, this coming year in
financial aid and scholarships.
So spectacular is a huge part ofthat and takes a lot of workers.
(13:57):
So I know Lynn Lindy talked alittle bit about kind of the
solicitation side.
So going out to businesses,asking for donations, which I
agree with you seems veryintimidating, but most people
are super willing to help.
So don't be afraid of doingthat.
What are some other areas thatparents can volunteer for
Spectacular?
SPEAKER_01 (14:15):
Sure.
So throughout the year, I wasgoing to speak to that too, is
the the great thing aboutRockhurst, I think, is the
connections that these boys makeand alums have made through the
years.
And there are so many people inKansas City that obviously are
aware of Rockhurst, but alsowere a part of it in some
fashion and are willing to give.
(14:36):
So I do think a lot of parentscould reach out to those that
they know.
As far as the auction throughoutthe year we get uh many emails
asking for help.
Included in those are setup orputting together flowers the
couple nights before.
Cleanup, working the bar.
(14:59):
And if you're a good bartender,maybe even wanting to run the
bar, call me.
SPEAKER_02 (15:04):
I'm there.
All right.
SPEAKER_01 (15:07):
There are so many ways that that parents can get
involved at the auction thatthat doesn't include going to
the auction.
I mean, of course, that's agreat thing to do too, but we
have many needs during theauction itself and the day after
the auction.
So there are many ways to getinvolved.
And I think it's it's importantback to what you had said about
(15:29):
100% demonstrated need.
You know, when I when I see theboys when I'm working that desk
coming in and they're so polite,so gracious, they thank you.
I see I see what Rockhurst doesfor all the kids.
And I I want as many kids thatwant to go here to be able to go
here because it's a great greatspot to be for these boys.
SPEAKER_00 (15:53):
Absolutely.
And having come off of chairingan auction last year at the
grade school level, much smallerbeans there, but it is kind of
amazing to me that our auctionoffice consists of two people.
So Moira and Sylvia, who do anepic task of making sure that
that goes off um smoothly andhave a deep appreciation for the
(16:14):
work that they do, but theywouldn't be able to do it
without our parent volunteers.
So if you've ever wanted to getinvolved at Rock or don't know
how to, that is a greatopportunity.
And it works around a lot ofdifferent schedules.
So depending on you work duringthe day, you can volunteer at
night, it's a great opportunityto do that.
SPEAKER_02 (16:31):
So I am uh curious, excuse me, as we get to this
next question, because youladies obviously give a great
deal of your time, and youobviously uh care a lot about
this place.
It's not hard to see that.
So, what do you think is soimportant about giving back to
the school?
(16:51):
You know, like you guys haveboth have boys that have gone,
and I know you guys, you ladieshave sons here, but at the same
time, like the way you aredevoted to this, what's so
important about having thatlevel of giving in a community
like this?
SPEAKER_01 (17:16):
Uh having taught myself, I taught high school and
I also taught grade school.
Having been on the other end asa teacher and and at times also
doing staff work as well.
I think it's important that wehave people in these students'
lives that support and love themand care for them.
(17:37):
And I think when parents givetheir time, I'll start with
time, they they get to know thepeople in their children's
lives, be at the grade schoollevel or the high school level.
And I do think a lot of timesonce your child gets to high
school, you kind of check out alittle bit because it's time for
(17:59):
them to take some moreresponsibility, be more
independent.
But I think that when you getinvolved as a parent and you
give of your time, whatever timeyou can give, I know people are
very busy.
It shows not just the staff andthe teachers that you care about
about the school, but the kidsget it too.
(18:20):
They may not share it.
But I do think that theyappreciate maybe more so later
in life, they appreciate thoseadults in their lives that cared
about them and and gave back.
SPEAKER_03 (18:34):
Yeah, I agree.
And I've told my children that II don't feel like the world
works without people who give oftheir time.
You have talent, you havetreasure, you have everything,
but I do feel like it is it isvital for organizations and to g
to give of your time to yourcommunities, and especially when
(18:56):
you have such respect for acommunity and they give so much
through the to the community.
I mean, Rockhurst's name is justso well respected, and I I think
that's so important.
And like you said, kids love tosee their parents involved.
And when they see involved, thatmakes them want to be an
involved member of the communitytoo.
(19:17):
I mean, it I always see you haveto lead by example, right?
If you're if you're telling yourchild that they need to get
involved, you know, you shouldbe involved as well.
I I think that's so important.
And I think that's how how itworks and how the community
works, how watching, like yousaid, William had the
opportunity to go to Guatemala,seeing other communities, it's a
(19:38):
remarkable thing to do.
So I I just think that'simportant.
SPEAKER_00 (19:43):
Yeah.
We have a current freshman rightnow that I he kind of makes me
smile a lot because he's, Ithink, a good example of that
acknowledgement of what peopleare giving him.
He regularly comes in and visitsus in the office and talks about
how magical this place is.
So that's what he always says.
This is the best place on earth.
(20:04):
This is a magical place.
And he always says, What can Ido?
What can I do to give back?
What what do you need?
How can I help you?
Can I help you with something?
I mean, constantly.
And I think that that is a signthat this example that's being
set by adults, by students oncampus are is, you know, really
resonating with our students.
(20:26):
And especially our students thatare benefiting tremendously from
the opportunity to be here.
And so I think it's it's a greatservice you all are doing as
setting an example for the youngmen to start thinking in that
way, to start being aphilanthropist when they're, you
know, 15, 14 years old.
Because we can be very selfishwhen we're teenagers.
And so I think the idea thatservice is such a huge component
(20:47):
of what we do that boys areaware of fundraising and what
fundraising is.
We do a lot.
I I know you probably arefamiliar with some of this
because I'm sure you've shuffledover$5 here and there for a
dress-down bracelet.
But right now we're in RespectLife Week.
And so they have a dress-downbracelet for that.
They have a dress-down braceletfor the Hispanic Heritage Fund
scholarship program, which is agreat opportunity because the
(21:10):
money they contribute then ismatched by the Hispanic Heritage
Fund.
And that goes towards collegescholarships for our own
students.
So they already kind of get inthe practice of giving as
students.
And I know sometimes I'm sure asparents, it's like, oh, another
$5 here,$5 here.
But really, what it is is it'san opportunity for your student
to learn, okay, the importance,the impact of giving, and how
(21:33):
that can be, you know, a realmultiplier effect, you know,
that they're only giving$5.
But if we get every boy in theschool to give$5, that's a huge
contribution to their fellowclassmates to be successful in
college one day, which is great.
SPEAKER_02 (21:48):
So let me ask you this question.
Because now I'm thinking of as aparent, and I always look at
Rockhurst as like a very big,high profile ship with a lot of
stuff going on.
So if I'm a parent, and I knowyou ladies have mentioned a
couple of different things.
We we talked lightly about theauction and we've talked about
the Parents Club, but if I'm aparent listening to this, what
(22:11):
is the easiest way or for for meto get involved?
Whether that's my time, whetherthat's something to give to,
just to like point some pointthem to something where they can
say, Yeah, let me let me figureout what this is about and how I
can be involved.
SPEAKER_01 (22:32):
Well, I would say one way is uh I I know sometimes
we get inundated with a lot ofemails and not just Rockhurst
really isn't, you know, that badabout it, I don't think.
But we get so many emails thatwe will shuffle them and we will
forget about them.
But if I feel like I try to makea point whenever I see that
(22:55):
there's a need, and I reallythink it's great this year.
It's like if there's a aspecific need coming up soon,
it's there and you can you cansign up.
But there's also those longersign up lists and go I don't
know, go through it and see ifthere's an opportunity or a
chance for you to volunteer forone of those.
(23:17):
I mean, I think that's somethingeasy to do.
And then after that, I would sayif there's opportunity for
giving back through financialmeans, the sponsorships, those
will be coming out here prettysoon for the spectacular any
level that is wanted, needed,appreciated.
(23:38):
I think that those are our twoways.
And then on top of that, um, Iknow that um my husband Pete has
been involved at Rockhurst.
He's an alum and has done, is itcareer day or yeah.
SPEAKER_00 (23:52):
So they do a career speaker series.
And yes, Pete's come this comingweek.
I think Dr.
Tim Findler's coming to talkabout being a cardiologist.
So and that's parents andalumni.
You can be either.
And that's run through ouralumni office, Mayor de Suarez,
but we do welcome parents whoare non-alums to come in and
(24:13):
talk about different careerfields because you're right,
that's a huge, huge opportunityfor boys to hear from people
that have been successful andtaken very different paths to
get where they are.
So I think that's always a veryhelpful thing.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_03 (24:26):
Yeah.
And I do think if your child isinvolved in a specific sport or
extracurricular activity, youknow, maybe show interest in
that.
Whether it's, you know, Martin'sdoing a phenomenal job of really
engaging parents with all thosedifferent activities, not just
(24:47):
athletics, but also, you know,the other types of clubs.
So if your child's involved insomething like that, maybe see
if there's a way to help or helphost something or you know, show
interest in what your child isdoing specifically.
And again, as she said, there'sthere's a great list under
parent volunteers on thewebsite.
(25:08):
We'll try to get that morestreamlined.
But yes, there are, you couldjust go through and if there's
something that sparks yourinterest, there is a sign-up
genius for everything.
And you can view it and reallyquickly sign up.
So that it really is an easy wayto just go down the list and see
one little thing that you couldget involved in.
SPEAKER_02 (25:26):
Yeah.
And I asked that question in,you know, in relation to, like I
say, the big high profile ship,because I think it's easy for
people to look at us and thinkthat this place doesn't run on
people giving their time and youknow, whether or their talent or
their trend, like, oh no, theydon't need help, or oh, I
(25:46):
actually there's nothing for meto do, or whatever.
And it's like, sorry.
That's absolutely the oppositeof the case.
The more help, support, the morewe're able to do because of that
love, as you alluded to, thatthese young men are going to
receive by someone saying, Hey,actually, I can do that because
(26:07):
my son's on this team, or I cando that.
So hopefully that helps, youknow, move the needle for
people's thinking about, oh,yeah.
I d I never thought about seeingif coach needed some help with,
you know, this or that orwhatever the case might be.
SPEAKER_03 (26:22):
So I agree.
I agree.
And I do think that sometimesit's easy to say, oh, that's
taken care of.
Yeah.
It's not.
There's there's always a needfor for hours, and there's no
job too small or too big.
That's I think what is socritical to understand as a
volunteer.
There is always a need.
And I think it's always welcomehere.
(26:43):
And when you walk through thedoors, you're gonna connect with
someone just yesterday at theopen house.
Connected with a parent who, youknow, has a scene.
It's it's amazing.
We come from the same town, andit's would never have met you
the connections you make, evenfor adults.
It's it's amazing and it'swonderful.
So yeah.
SPEAKER_00 (27:03):
And one thing I would say too is if you were an
adult in the the population,whether you're a parent or an
alum, you know, reach out to usand and say, Hey, I'd really
like to do something.
We are benefiting this year fromuh Shannon Ortball's, who's a
parent of two current studentswho has been helping our office.
She has a background inmarketing and she had time to
(27:24):
give.
And so she said, Hey, let mehelp you not only organize your
parent volunteers, which hasbeen amazing.
We've had full uh parentvolunteers for every shadow day
to welcome our prospectivefamilies in, which has been
great.
And then she helped with openhouse and night at the rock,
getting parents for that.
But she's also helping us lookat how we are marketing and
advertising rockers to thegreater Kansas City community in
(27:46):
ways we could better do thatbecause of her specific skill
set.
And honestly, like she came tous, which was so nice and
welcome.
Because a lot of times I thinkSteve and I would agree we don't
ever want to ask too much of ourfamilies because they do give so
much.
But if you are interested inhelping out, whether that's
speaking at at our career seriesor you have, you know, a
(28:07):
background in counseling, maybeyou could help out in our
counseling department, or maybeit's you have a background in
one of our athletics, you know,our coaches would love to hear
from you.
So I think any any way parentswant to get involved, alumni
want to get involved, we want tosee you on campus.
SPEAKER_02 (28:22):
So 100%.
And we're gonna move to thislast question, and I have a
feeling it's going to be a verythoughtful answer.
I'm not putting any pressure onyou, ladies.
But for you and yourperspective, with having, you
know, you are parents, you havekids that have gone from here,
(28:45):
they're here, you're serving andgiving your time.
You get to see a different viewof what goes on here.
When you're thinking about theperson that might be thinking
about sending their son here,what is one just one?
(29:05):
I know, I know, I hate it.
That's why I was like, ah, maybeI'll give them a few.
What's what's one reason, numberone reason that parents should
send their kids to Rockers?
SPEAKER_03 (29:18):
I can go first.
I think so many, so so many, butI would say when they uh they
come to Rockers, it's acommunity for life.
It's something that theresources, the role models, the
everything they have, this thisis something that a support
(29:38):
system for life is what I see.
I mean, they walk through thedoors and I see the alumni
events, you see them traveling.
So I just feel like that'ssomething that they will, you
know, be supported in theircareers and everything that they
want to do.
unknown (29:57):
Okay.
SPEAKER_02 (29:57):
That's great.
Love it.
SPEAKER_01 (29:59):
Uh I did think about this question.
Not just in the last 30 seconds,but uh I guess I start at the
end to to think about thebeginning.
SPEAKER_02 (30:10):
That makes no sense, but I know what you mean.
SPEAKER_01 (30:13):
Uh at the end of last year when Joe graduated,
his last day of school, he camehome and out of nowhere said, I
just want to thank you forsending me to Rockhurst.
It was the best time.
And I still get choked upsometimes thinking about him
saying that.
And I guess I the one thing Ithink of the number one reason
(30:38):
is that we're always growing.
You know, I'm in my fifties.
I'm still growing, figuring outwhat I want to do in some ways.
I feel like Rockhurst reallyhelps grow these young men into
being men.
And they're going to continue tothink about those lessons that
(31:00):
they learn, those people, likeyou said, that impacted them
while they were here and howthey're going to continue to
grow throughout life.
And I feel like, you know, notjust rock Rockers, but their
grade schools too set thatfoundation.
Rockhurst continues it in adifferent way because they're
(31:22):
older and you know they're closeto becoming graduates and and
young men who who will impactthe world.
So I guess growth is the answer.
SPEAKER_00 (31:35):
I always tell the class that graduated last year
that, and they're gonna hangtheir hat on this forever, but
that they were my favoritebecause they were my first class
I got to see through asprospective eighth graders all
the way through senior year.
And so both of your sons, forexample, are are kids that got
to see that tremendous amount ofgrowth over the four years and
kind of what they chose toreally invest themselves in, who
(31:58):
they surrounded themselves by,what they gave their own time
and talent to, whether that wassports or student activities.
You know, Will went on a servicetrip with me.
Joe was very instrumental in acouple of things on campus,
bringing back Battle of theBands, which I was super excited
about because that is memoriesfrom my youth, but also things
like the Human Dignity Club, theStudent Diversity Union, just
(32:21):
really active on campus and areally great leader.
So got to see them grow intogreat young hocklits that are
now college success stories.
So that's great.
Ladies, we are so thankful thatyou took time out of your day to
come in on this kind of pop-upepisode of Rock Talk.
They kind of got put right on,got moved up a week.
So we appreciate you making thetime to come and visit with us.
(32:43):
Next episode, we're gonna havetwo of our alums come in and
talk about their lifelongfriendship that started actually
well before Rockhurst.
They were grade school friendsthat went to Rockhurst.
And actually, up until uh twoweeks ago, I was at St.
Teresa the Little Flower doingservice with our boys, and those
two guys were volunteering asalums to do service with us.
(33:03):
So, still to this day have alasting relationship.
So thank you all for joining usagain.
This is Rock Talk, and we'll seeyou next week.
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