Rockhurst Magis Medal Winners

John Hornbeck (Rockhurst University ’69)

John Hornbeck is the Founder and Chief Story-Teller at Nonprofits Helpdesk, a consultancy focusing on cause marketing, advocacy and strategic communications for nonprofits. This follows his experience as the CEO of Episcopal Community Services, a network of hunger relief ministries serving more than one million meals annually. Mr. Hornbeck has also served as a volunteer for hunger and homeless services for over 25 years. His unique background in for-profit companies and the non-profit world serves him well in providing innovative resources to the nonprofit community, and in turn helping those whom they serve.  He continues to advocate for improving food policy and access to affordable nutritious food, ending homelessness and other community issues. His present engagement in community service includes being a Board member for the Greater Kansas City Homeless Services Coalition, a steering member of the Greater Kansas City Food Policy Coalition, and a founder of the new Hunger2Health Coalition, as well as other human services organizations.

Rosemary Flanigan, CSJ (Rockhurst University ’82)

Rosemary Flanigan, CSJ, was among the clergy and sisters who marched in Selma, Alabama.  After retiring from teaching after 17 years at Rockhurst University, she became a well-known expert in the field of ethics. Though officially retired, she does volunteer work at a local Catholic Academy and continues to get involved in a variety of activities that serve the church. Honored as a “Hero in Health Care,”  Sister Rosemary has been a board member for both the CSJ-sponsored health system Carondelet Health and the Center for Practical Bioethics, and her  advocacy for patients’ rights and concern for the poor have had an integral impact on the health system’s mission.  She has lived the Gospel through her many years of dedicated teaching, by leading by example, by constantly doing things for others, visiting the sick, and sharing her gifts and time in any way that is needed. 

Mary Pimmel-Freeman (Rockhurst University ’06)

Mary Pimmel-Freeman is the Urban Plunge and Volunteer Coordinator at Casa Romero, whose mission is to renew and form individuals, to strengthen families, and to build community, especially in Milwaukee’s Latino community.  Ms. Pimmel-Freeman enjoys sharing her passion for social justice and developing a faith that does justice with Urban Plunge immersion groups that visit Casa Romero. A former Jesuit Volunteer, Ms. Pimmel-Freeman is also a painter and has most generously shared her thesis project paintings of the Salvadoran Jesuit martyrs during the 25th anniversary of their martyrdom. More recently, her portrait of  American journalist James Foley can be seen in Jesuit schools and parishes around the country. Inspired by her time in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, she began an intentional community in Milwaukee as well as a community garden at her local parish.