Kristopher Gupilan ‘08, a Wichita police officer, won one of the four prestigious awards that Newman alumni are eligible to receive — the Beata Netemeyer Service Award.
The award is named for the first provincial of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. It honors alumni who have given outstanding service to humanity and exemplify the mission and values of Newman by living in a state of critical consciousness, respecting dignity, honoring integrity and embracing all humanity.
Gupilan’s nominator said, “I believe the values and integrity he displays day in and day out for his family, department and community is a direct result of the foundation his Newman education has given him.”
Gupilan was humble in his acceptance speech during the Legacy Award Banquet in April, stating “I am very thankful for this (award). I am not deserving of this.”
A transformative time at Newman University
While at Newman, Gupilan played for the men’s volleyball team and met his wife, Rochelle. During his time at the university, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs (then-criminal justice professor) Jill Fort and Professor Emeritus Larry Heck, Ph.D., heavily influenced him. When Gupilan was trying to find jobs in California during a hiring freeze after he graduated, he received a call from his old professor.
Heck, who had called to check on Gupilan’s job search, mentioned the Wichita Police Department (WPD) was hiring. Gupilan applied for the job and promptly received an offer to return to alma mater’s city.
Responding to the call to protect and serve
Gupilan has been a member of the WPD since 2011 and loves his current role as a public information officer. His favorite part of the job is sharing the work of his fellow officers and bringing a different light to some of the stories seen across the nation.
“I can highlight all the hard work that goes unseen by these officers. It spreads a message to the city that these officers in uniform are people too,” Gupilan said.
Gupilan has received a KWCH Salute the Badge Award, which recognizes police officers who go above and beyond for their community. Gupilan received the award for his time spent reading books to elementary school students when he was the WPD liaison to the Wichita Asian community.
“Being in a city of this size, a small impact made in the community can cause huge ripples to make the community a better place,” Gupilan said. “I think we are all called to do our best to spread the good news.”
Newman Alumni Relations
Banded by thousands of Newman graduates, Alumni Relations is active in the continued success and spiritual wellness of all alumni.
