Newman University received a $1 million gift from the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC) to support its ongoing capital initiative for Sacred Heart Hall, university officials recently announced.
The donation will fund the replacement of 217 windows in Sacred Heart Hall, the university’s 100-year-old administration building. This project, estimated to cost $2 million, aims to improve energy efficiency and aligns with the principles of Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si” on environmental stewardship.
The project is beginning this fall and is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. Simpson Construction Services, owned by alumnus Bob Simpson ’83, is the contractor for the project.
Newman President Kathleen S. Jagger, Ph.D., MPH, expressed deep appreciation for the gift.
“We are profoundly thankful to the Adorers of the Blood of Christ for their remarkable gift. Sacred Heart Hall is not only a cherished landmark of Newman University but also a symbol of our enduring mission. This gift ensures that we honor our heritage while meeting the future with renewed strength,” Jagger said.
Regional Leader of the United States Adorers Sister Vicki Bergkamp, who is a retired professor of the Newman business department, announced her organization’s support for the university to the Board of Trustees.
United States Regional Leader
“We are grateful that we have the resources to support Newman University in preserving the rich history of Sacred Heart Hall, a cornerstone of the campus community. This project not only honors the legacy of education and faith that the Adorers have long supported, but also reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship through energy-efficient upgrades,” Bergkamp said.
“By investing in this revitalization, we reaffirm our dedication to nurturing a vibrant future for Newman University, the Adorers’ one and only institution of higher education that we sponsor throughout the world. This financial gift pales in comparison to the prayerful support ASC sisters around the world share each day.”
The ASC gift comes at a crucial time for the university. Newman was eligible for nearly $1 million in matching federal grant funds through ARPA, contingent on raising $3 million and completing the work in 2024. The university had already raised $1.5 million before this donation.
Sacred Heart Hall, often described as the “beating heart” of the campus, has served multiple purposes throughout its century-long history. The window replacement project is part of a larger effort that includes plans for heating and air conditioning upgrades, new entrances on the east and west sides of the building, new learning and social spaces and improved accessibility.
Vice President of Advancement Bob Beumer added, “This project shows what we can achieve with a shared vision. Restoring Sacred Heart Hall honors our past and paves the way for a vibrant future.”
Founded in 1933, Newman University is a Catholic university named for St. John Henry Newman and sponsored by the ASC.
For more information on supporting the Sacred Heart Hall initiative, visit Newmanu.edu/giving.
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