Celebrating the First Graduating Class of Rockhurst University's Companions in Chillicothe Program

The meaning of graduation may take many different forms, yet one that is truly inspirational includes "the culmination of a journey, typically academic, marking the beginning of a new chapter in one’s life." This phrase captures the essence of the journey the 11 students embarked on in the summer of 2018. These individuals, representing both "residential" persons at the prison and staff members, enrolled in Rockhurst University’s Companions in Chillicothe Program, completing 60 credit hours of coursework and taking one class each semester for six years. The culmination of their dedication and effort allowed them to be the first students at Rockhurst University to receive an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies (AALS). The ceremony commemorating this accomplishment was held Aug. 14, 2024 at the Chillicothe Correctional Center (CCC), Chillicothe, Missouri. The graduates were permitted to wear the traditional cap and gown, which allowed them to shed the identity of the role they possess within the prison, replacing it with the commonality they shared with their academic colleagues. The 11 students, accompanied by Rockhurst faculty and administrators, processed into the CCC Visitor’s Room amid the sound of "Pomp and Circumstance." Balloons, streamers and the Rockhurst University backdrop adorned the makeshift stage, transforming the typical institutional environment into a Rockhurst graduation hall.

As with every Rockhurst graduation, Dr. Sandra Cassady, President of the University, spoke to the graduates, recognizing the hard work each accomplished in obtaining this degree. She emphasized the significance of a Jesuit education and the call to continue in the pursuit of justice and knowledge. Three of the residential graduates delivered commencement speeches. One recalled the day she received her letter of acceptance to Rockhurst University, stating it was one of her most memorable. Another spoke of how the Companions Program renewed in her a sense of faith and hope for her future despite a sentence of life without the possibility of parole. And the third thanked God for giving her this second chance. The theme underlying each speech was that the Companions Program and the opportunity to be a college student allowed them to feel human again in an environment which often regards individuals merely as a number. The comments were an amazing testament to the power of education.

The names of the students were then read aloud, and each was called forward. The faces of family members permitted to attend the ceremony beamed with pride when the diplomas were presented. Photographs and the customary cake and punch reception allowed the celebration to continue as the graduates, oftentimes with tears in their eyes, hugged loved ones and thanked the faculty members in attendance for believing in them throughout the journey. As the ceremony concluded, the students returned to their previous lives. Yet as they departed, they walked with a spring in their step and with their heads held a bit higher. These 11 individuals had achieved something each thought was unattainable –– a college degree. Yes, they were human again.

Back to newsletter >> 

Would you like to donate to JPEN?

Visit the Jesuits of Central & Southern Province support page to learn more about how you can contribute.

To designate your gift to the Jesuit Prison Education Network, scroll down the webpage to "Donation information" to select a gift amount. Then scroll down to the "Designation" box, click on it, and select JPEN from the drop-down menu.