The Fortis Campaign
$31,743,969
Raised
A Changing World. A Lasting Mission.
For more than a century, Rockhurst High School has formed young men for lives of purpose, leadership, and service.
FORTIS—Latin for “strength”—captures both the purpose and promise of this campaign: strengthening Rockhurst’s mission by expanding opportunity, enriching student formation, supporting outstanding educators, and enhancing the programs and facilities that shape generations of young men.
In a changing world, the heart of Rockhurst remains constant.
President’s Message
Dear Rockhurst Community,
For over a century, Rockhurst High School has aspired to excellence in care of its students and its mission. With all glory to God, it is easy to look back on our history and see great iterations of care leading to and building upon excellence.
In each era then, it is the duty of the community to work to build upon the strength of the past and to endeavor that Rockhurst continue to lead with excellence.
It is in that spirit that our community has come together to consider a wide variety of aspects of our mission, and to put together a thoughtful plan which deepens our commitment to our students and our mission. To be… more affordable… more accessible… more intentional in character formation… more focused in our caring for our young men… more adaptive for curricular success… and to be more forthright in building community surrounding our daily lives, including through some new facilities and enhancements.
Strength and deepening. This FORTIS Campaign is just that. It is our effort to prioritize who attends Rockhurst, who walks alongside our students in mission, and how we work together in new ways for ever greater excellence. We live in a changing world, but possess a mission that is lasting.
I am grateful to so many who have helped launch this chapter of Rockhurst in our time, and I invite those who are still learning of these priorities, to prayerfully consider joining us. May it be for God’s Greater Glory!
Go Hawklets!
God bless,
David J. Laughlin
President
FORTIS Pillars
Accessibility & Affordability
Opening the door and making the journey possible through scholarships, transportation, faculty support, and investments that help ensure a Rockhurst education is within reach for deserving students and families.
Academic & Professional Success
Connecting classroom learning with real-world experience through mentoring, internships, career exploration, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the expertise of Rockhurst’s faculty and alumni.
Formation & Care for the Whole Person
Strengthening character formation and student care through Rockhurst’s Virtue Formation Program, expanded counseling resources, and a school culture where every young man is known, challenged, and supported.
Athletics, Co-Curriculars & Community Engagement
Strengthening the places and experiences where teamwork, character, belonging, leadership, and community come to life—from athletics and performances to service and shared campus spaces.
Watch and Learn More
Upcoming Events
The Public LAunch of The Fortis Campaign
The public launch of the FORTIS Campaign, strengthening every aspect of our school.
The Rock Is Coming To A City Near You!
With the public launch of the FORTIS Campaign, President David Laughlin and/or members of the Rockhurst High School Leadership Team will attend special events hosted by Rockhurst alumni in St. Louis (Sept. 23-24), Chicago (Sept. 29 – Oct. 1), Denver (Oct. 6-8), Washington, D.C. (Oct. 13-16), New York (Nov. 2-4), Texas (Nov. 17-20), and Boston (Dec. 8-11). If you live in these areas, please check your mailbox and inbox for information about Alumni Group Gatherings within these dates. For more information about the FORTIS Campaign or to schedule an individual meeting if the group event does not work with your schedule, please contact Dr. Diane Marty at dmarty@rockhursths.edu.
