Flapper dresses, jazz tunes and the roll of oversized dice set the scene for Newman University’s annual Party on the Plaza on Saturday, Sept. 27. But beyond the Roaring 20’s theme, a big mission was accomplished: supporters raised money for student financial aid that makes a Newman education possible.
By evening’s end, the event raised $201,735 — the second-highest total since at least 2015. The live auction alone brought in $60,800, fueled by an energetic crowd eager to support students.
“We can use every penny we can get to help our students,” said Newman President Kathleen Jagger, Ph.D., MPH. “We are so grateful that people are here supporting Newman and valuing what we do with and for our students.”
Jagger emphasized that the event continues the mission of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, who founded Newman to provide higher education for those who otherwise could not afford it.
“Our students have unlimited potential,” she said. “They come alive here, they find their purpose and they develop a culture of serving others with the talents they’ve been given. I’m very confident that they will go out and improve their homes, their communities, their workplaces and their churches. The sky’s the limit.”
With 98% of Newman students receiving some form of financial aid, nearly every student — whether in-person or online — benefits from the fundraiser.
A village of volunteers
Party on the Plaza relies heavily on volunteers to make the event a success, and this year, more than 190 students collectively volunteered 793 service hours before, during and after the event.
“This event takes a year to plan, and Party on the Plaza wouldn’t be possible without our students,” said Abbi Spelts, events coordinator at Newman. “Donors get to see students putting in the effort, and students get to connect with the people supporting their scholarships. It’s a great full-circle moment.”
Spelts said student involvement is a hallmark of the event’s success and gave a huge thanks to Newman’s athletics teams, Athletic Director Kenyon Spears, volunteer servers, the troubadours and cheer and dance teams for their performances, as well as all those who helped set up or break down the party.
“Our donors love our students and with all the student service involved, they can literally see where their dollars are going,” she said. “It reminds everyone why we’re here and makes the evening more personal.”
Meet student scholarship recipients
For senior Gabriel Treviño, a psychology major with a concentration in occupational therapy, his scholarships to Newman have given him more than financial security — they’ve reshaped his perspective on service.
“As an ASC Service Award recipient, we devote our life to volunteering and servitude,” Treviño said. “At first, you may think of it as just a requirement to keep the scholarship, but it really opened my eyes as far as what is needed in the community. It got me to change my mindset as far as how I can help others in a way that’s not benefiting me, but benefiting the greater good of the community.”
First-year student Carlie Riedlinger is just beginning her Newman journey as a St. Newman Scholar, but she’s already seen the power of connection.
“Essentially that scholarship is just living the mission of St. Newman and making sure we are working our best to transform society in any way we can,” Riedlinger said. “And I think it’s really important that donors get to see the people they help out. You can donate and donate to something, but if you don’t see the outcome, it can become discouraging. For them to actually get the thank you they deserve is really important.”
Riedlinger, who comes from a family of Newman alumni, added that the experience of collaborating with classmates from different backgrounds has been transformative.
“Getting to actually live my life with people that don’t have the same experiences as me has really opened my eyes,” she said. “It’s preparing me to work with kids from different backgrounds, parents, families and coworkers. It’s exposing me to a lot that is really necessary to work in public education.”
Senior elementary education major Kylie Real said she feels blessed to receive multiple scholarships, including support from the Newman dance and cheer program, the Catholic Diocese of Wichita’s Future Teacher Scholarship and the Metanoia Housing Grant.
“I feel like a lot of times I see my scholarships come in and I’m super grateful for them, but getting to actually spend time with the people who are helping me reach my goals has been super cool,” Real said.
Her scholarships have allowed her to volunteer with the diocesan ministry for persons with disabilities, Special Olympics and Holy Family Camp. This past summer, she also spent two months studying and serving in Guatemala, in large part thanks to the Gerber Institute.
“That was definitely the greatest experience of my life so far,” Real said. “All my volunteering has given me a heart for serving others and a great view of where needs lie,” Real said. “That will be super helpful in having my own classroom, being able to serve my students, seeing what they need and where I can help them grow.”
Alumni giving back
Among those in attendance were Newman alumni who have personally felt the impact of scholarships.
“We all benefited from the fantastic donations of other people, so it’s nice to give back and help continue on for the next generations,” said Dakota Heard ‘20, a graduate in history and secondary education.
Heard, who now works as an archivist for the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, said the event reflects Newman’s spirit of community.
“It’s definitely great to give back and know that your contributions and your fun in an evening are going toward a brighter future for somebody else,” he said.
Diana Stanley ‘17, a history graduate and practicing lawyer, has attended every Party on the Plaza event since she graduated — eight in total. She said it’s a tradition she looks forward to each fall.
“It feels great to support events like this,” Stanley said. “I think it’s incredibly important because Newman’s mission is to empower graduates to transform society. The students who are here right now are going to help do that, and that’s what we want to see.”
Newman alumna Jessie Harms ’17 sees the value of her sociology degree every day in her banking career. But what brings her back to Party on the Plaza is the chance to help today’s students build their own futures.
“All I do is evaluate people and what they’re doing and why they’re doing it,” Harms said. “It’s been extremely pertinent despite not being specific to the field, and it’s been amazing. Party on the Plaza is a really fun event, and it’s important to give back. You can’t really get a better deal than giving while enjoying the evening.”
Seminarians reflect on stewardship
Two of the evening’s attendees, seminarians Ben Wemhoff and Luke Timmermeyer, said donor support not only eases financial burdens for many students — including themselves — but also allows them to pursue their vocational formation with focus.
“I’m very blessed that the people of the Diocese of Wichita are providing me with the opportunity to study here and discern my call,” Wemhoff said. “I just have a profound sense of gratitude toward the people who make this possible. It’s been such a blessing.”
Timmermeyer said the evening demonstrates stewardship in action.
“We have those who give money, those who give their time and those who give their talent,” he said. “It takes a lot of effort to put this event together, and it really sets an amazing mood. I’m very grateful for Newman and for everyone who makes this possible.”
Both noted that scholarships allow them to devote time to ministries in schools as well as service work at the Catholic Care Center and The Lord’s Diner in Wichita.
“Honestly, the best blessing of seminary is that you grow in the ability to be a better man, whether that’s as a priest, God willing, or a father someday in the Catholic community,” Wemhoff said. “No matter what happens, it’s a blessing to be here.”
A night of fun with a lasting impact
Although 2025 marked the final year of the Roaring 20’s theme, Newman’s biggest fundraiser will continue for another exciting evening of dinner, auctions and unforgettable performances on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Regardless of the attire, atmosphere or decor, the same powerful purpose will remain: to support students’ futures through the gift of generosity.
“Party on the Plaza is more than just a fundraiser,” Jagger said. “It’s a celebration of community, and a reminder that together we are investing in the next generation of leaders.”
There’s still time to make a gift
Newman University’s mission focuses on educating all students through Catholic values, academic excellence and a culture of service.
