Beam Topping Ceremony Marks Milestone in New Chapel and Center Project

There's still a lot to do before construction of the Alvin Brooks Center for Faith-Justice and Mabee Chapel on the Rockhurst University 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 54^th 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 - the Brooks Center, named for Kansas City civil rights icon Alvin Brooks and designed to embody the idea of a "faith that does justice" 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' legacy in Kansas City and underscores how the work of the center is inextricably linked to the University's Catholic Jesuit tradition.

"This 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," he said. "It'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."

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 Rockhurst University 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 - spaces where the University and partners, particularly those along the Troost Avenue corridor, can collaborate to address injustice.

Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., Rockhurst University president, said the beam topping was about more than recognizing a construction milestone - it was also a chance to recognize those who shared this vision from the beginning.

"This 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," 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.