Beam Topping Ceremony Marks Milestone in New Chapel and Center Project
There鈥檚 still a lot to do before construction of the Alvin Brooks Center for Faith-Justice and Mabee Chapel on the 射精视频 campus is complete.
However, the project hit a major milestone on Friday, with the final steel beam placed atop the steeple at the front of the new part of the structure at the corner of Troost Avenue and 54th Street. And, as is tradition, it was placed there bearing the names of students, faculty, staff alumni and friends, who were invited to sign the beam before a ceremony.
When complete, the project will consist of two structures 鈥 the Brooks Center, named for Kansas City civil rights icon Alvin Brooks and designed to embody the idea of a 鈥渇aith that does justice鈥 and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching; and a new campus chapel, which will carry the name of the current campus worship space, Mabee Chapel. The Rev. Stephen Hess, S.J., vice president of mission and ministry, said the project represents Brooks鈥 legacy in Kansas City and underscores how the work of the center is inextricably linked to the University鈥檚 Catholic Jesuit tradition.
鈥淭his new chapel is a reminder to us, no matter what our faith is, that everything we do in terms of service and justice comes from that faith,鈥 he said. 鈥淚t's connected to a renovated center, where people and our community and students will work together to serve our city and bring justice to it. That's why it's named after Mr. Brooks, because he is a man who lives a faith that does justice.鈥
The chapel will seat approximately 140 people, and will have religious artwork that reflects the history and culture of Rockhurst and Kansas City. Located inside what was formerly the 射精视频 Community Center, the Brooks Center will house departments that focus on service, community outreach and solidarity immersion experiences. In addition to office space, the center will feature conference rooms, a collaborative gathering space and a kitchen 鈥斅爏paces where the University and partners, particularly those along the Troost Avenue corridor, can collaborate to identify opportunities for learning and educating about injustices as well as for developing actions to address injustice.
Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., 射精视频 president, said the beam topping was about more than recognizing a construction milestone 鈥斅爄t was also a chance to recognize those who shared this vision from the beginning.
鈥淭his ceremony is also a gathering of gratitude for the many people whose generosity, talents, and commitment to Rockhurst are making it possible for us to have this space for students, faculty, staff and community partners to live our value of a faith that does justice,鈥 she said.
Work started on the center and chapel in April 2024 and is expected to be completed in late spring or early summer 2025.