Longtime St. Louis, University Alumni Leader to Receive Magis Award

At the Rockhurst University Leadership Series in St. Louis Sept. 17, the University will honor Jim Powers, '83, with its Magis Award, honoring his decades of service and leadership for the University and the St. Louis community.

A devoted member of the Rockhurst community, Jim Powers served on Rockhurst University's St. Louis Leaders Council from 2018 to 2026, including time as chairperson. He is a member of the President's Circle giving society whose philanthropy has supported projects including the returfing of Bourke Field on campus and the Companions in Chillicothe program, which offers Rockhurst courses to both staff and incarcerated individuals at the Chillicothe Correctional Center.

Powers retired in 2025 as president and CFO of Tacony Corporation, capping off a career that also included leadership roles with Dent Wizard, UniGroup, Viasystems, and Berg Electronics. He continues to make a meaningful impact as treasurer of the Boniface Foundation, an organization that supports the Rockhurst Leadership Series and other community education initiatives.

Jim and his wife, Mary, enjoy spending time with their four children and five grandchildren and share a love of travel.

The Magis Award is given as part of the Rockhurst University Leadership Series in St. Louis event, honoring a St. Louis-area alumnus who embodies the spirit of the core value of "magis," or "more," through their leadership, service, and generosity in the Jesuit tradition. Past recipients include Drs. Tom, '81, and Mary Hastings; Glenn, '83, and Maureen, '84, Heitmann; Ben, '99, and Angie Geis and Bill and Chris Newbold, '86; and Bob, '89, and Laura (McGrady) Bira, '90.

The 2026 Rockhurst University Leadership Series event is presented by POWERS Insurance and Risk Management and is scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at the Sheldon, 3648 Washington Ave. in St. Louis. The event will be headlined by keynote speaker Curtis Francois, owner and president of World Wide Technology Raceway, speaking on racing as an avenue to community impact. For more information, visit rockhurst.edu/stlleadershipseries.