Alumni
Alumnus of the Year
2025 Alumnus of the Year
Emmet W. Pierson '84
The Rockhurst High School National Alumni Association Executive Committee will honor Emmet W. Pierson, Jr. ’84 as the 2025 Alumnus of the Year. Pierson will accept the award during the school’s Homecoming Mass on September 23, 2025. He will also be recognized at the Alumni Reunion Celebration on September 26, and at the Fr. Mario Puricelli, SJ, Alumni Spaghetti Dinner on November 6.
Although he graduated from The Rock over 40 years, Pierson remains very connected to his alma mater.
He consistently returns to campus to speak with current students on topics ranging from professional development and Black History Month, among others. Pierson is the Chair of the Black Community Fund at Rockhurst, which was established nearly a decade ago. The group, spearheaded by Pierson, sponsors four Hawklets each year, helping these young men and their families receive a Rockhurst education.
Pierson was also a member of the school's Accessibility and Affordability Committee, which worked to extend Rockhurst's reach further across the city and make the Rockhurst experience a reality for more students.
While a prominent figure within the Rockhurst community, Pierson is also widely known and respected for his tremendous work throughout Kansas City. His professional background in real estate development and his dedication to servant leadership have helped guide him into the nonprofit sector.
In 2019, Pierson was named the President and CEO of Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC), the city's largest urban core developer, strengthening families and transforming communities.
Since its founding in 1991 (formerly Swope Community Builders), the organization has invested $300 million in urban renewal, earning recognition and respect on the national community development stage.
He consistently returns to campus to speak with current students on topics ranging from professional development and Black History Month, among others. Pierson is the Chair of the Black Community Fund at Rockhurst, which was established nearly a decade ago. The group, spearheaded by Pierson, sponsors four Hawklets each year, helping these young men and their families receive a Rockhurst education.
Pierson was also a member of the school's Accessibility and Affordability Committee, which worked to extend Rockhurst's reach further across the city and make the Rockhurst experience a reality for more students.
While a prominent figure within the Rockhurst community, Pierson is also widely known and respected for his tremendous work throughout Kansas City. His professional background in real estate development and his dedication to servant leadership have helped guide him into the nonprofit sector.
In 2019, Pierson was named the President and CEO of Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC), the city's largest urban core developer, strengthening families and transforming communities.
Since its founding in 1991 (formerly Swope Community Builders), the organization has invested $300 million in urban renewal, earning recognition and respect on the national community development stage.
For his embodiment of the ideals of a Rockhurst High School graduate, Pierson was selected as the school’s 24th Alumnus of the Year.
“Emmet has led transformative development across Kansas City’s East Side, investing in housing, retail, and food access to strengthen urban neighborhoods and the people who call them home,” remarked Spencer Hardwick '07, National Alumni Association President. “His commitment to community reflects the Jesuit ideal of being a 'man for others', grounded in service and lasting impact.”
Past honorees include:
2024 - Mark R. Teahan '78
2023 - Dr. Kevin J. Cummings '73
2022 - Peter B. Browne '85
2021 – Ray D. Evans ’78
2022 - Peter B. Browne '85
2021 – Ray D. Evans ’78
2020 – Allen K. Roberson ’84
2019 – M. James Van Dyke ’72
2018 – Jonathan R. Haden ’75
2017 – Thomas A. McDonnell ’62
2016 – Michael J. Brown ’75
2015 – William H. Dunn ’40
2014 – John G. Houlehan ’60
2013 – Rev. Jeffrey P. Putthoff, SJ ’83
2012 – David M. Knopke ’66
2011 – M. Rev. Geo. K. Fitzsimons, DD ’45
2010 – Thomas H. Norman ’59
2009 – Timothy P. O’Connor, PharmaD. ’74
2008 – James C. Wirken ’62
2007 – Raymond W. Sonnenberg ’65
2006 – Timothy M. Trabon ’69
2005 – Michael J. Van Dyke ’66
2004 – Robert E. Miller ’46
2003 – Mark J. Henke ’72
2002 – William J. McGraw ’44
"[Emmet's] commitment to community reflects the Jesuit ideal of being a 'man for others', grounded in service and lasting impact."
-Spencer Hardwick '07
President, Alumni Board of Governors
-Spencer Hardwick '07
President, Alumni Board of Governors
