Another calendar year has come to an end. Newman University has much to be thankful for as we look to the future.
Take a walk with us down memory lane in our Year in Review with the most popular stories from students, athletics, alumni and more.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Lab Coat Ceremony recognizes students for their accomplishments >>
Newman University held its first-ever Lab Coat Ceremony on Jan. 18 with help from a grant provided by Volunteer Kansas.
The $5,000 grant not only allowed the university to celebrate with its students during this special ceremony but also paves the way for a brand new mentoring program.
MSW to implement new cutting-edge curriculum >>
The Newman Master of Social Work (MSW) program is adopting a curriculum that reflects a new shift in the care that social workers provide.
After a critical assessment of the current curriculum by a committee led by MSW Program Director Terrie Cox Pauly and Associate Professor of Social Work Michael Duxler, it was recognized that a modern, cutting-edge curriculum would need to be developed and implemented.
Traditions and Transitions provides Newman students with unique opportunities >>
Newman University empowers graduates to transform society, and Traditions and Transitions (T&T) is just one of the many programs helping students do so from the very start of their college career.
T&T is a freshman seminar designed to improve students’ academic success and help in their social transition to college life.
Bridging the gap between business and emotional intelligence >>
The Newman University School of Business is integrating a comprehensive emphasis on emotional intelligence into its curriculum in order to produce more well-rounded graduates.
Dean of the School of Business Brett Andrews has a goal of becoming the No. 1 private business school in the state of Kansas.
Sonography students at Newman are a step ahead >>
The Newman University diagnostic medical sonography program is unique in many respects.
The program offers students a hands-on learning experience on campus and an end result of a bachelor’s degree, which is not typical of most sonography programs
ALUMNI NEWS
Newman alumna, C.L. Smet, makes playwriting waves >>
Newman alumna Chelsea “C.L.” Smet is no stranger to being honored for her work as a playwright.
In 2015, Smet was a senior working on her theatre performance major at Newman University when she had won a Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival national award for playwriting.
Awards banquet honors distinguished alumni >>
Distinguished Newman alumni were honored at the annual Newman Alumni Awards Banquet April 21 in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center.
The event is an opportunity to recognize those who are making a difference in the community and who have also dedicated many of their resources to the university throughout the years.
Wichita Diocese hires Newman alumna as superintendent >>
Newman University alumna Janet Eaton was chosen as the new superintendent of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Wichita.
Eaton comes to the diocese with more than 30 years of experience in Catholic education and said she looks forward to working collaboratively with the pastors, principals and all others in the Diocese of Wichita.
Newman alumnus’ The Spice Merchant is a local favorite >>
Many Wichitans know and love The Spice Merchant for its flavorful selections of coffee, tea, spices and gifts, but the local treasure is also dear to the heart of Newman University.
The Spice Merchant, Wichita’s Original Gourmet Coffee Roaster, is owned by Newman alumnus Robert “Bob” Boewe, graduate of 1969 when Newman University was known as Sacred Heart College. The notable alumnus graduated with a degree in sociology and a minor in business.
ATHLETICS — #JetPower!
Heartland Conference honors first-year head coach >>
R.J. Allen came to Newman as the assistant men’s basketball coach in 2011. When he was named the new head men’s basketball coach in April 2017, he had one thing on his mind — continuing the great work former Coach Mark Potter had been doing.
Noel Torres first Newman Jet to become NCAA National Champion >>
Senior Noel Torres is the first Newman student to become a national champion in the NCAA Division II.
Torres won the 184-pound national championship at the 2018 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championship in Cedar Rapids, Iowa during the second weekend of March.
Newman’s bowling coach receives a high honor >>
Newman University Head Bowling Coach Billy Murphy has been named the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association (NCBCA) Women’s Coach of the Year for the 2017-2018 season.
Alumna Delaney Hiegert is finalist for 2018 NCAA Woman of the Year >>
Newman alumni continue to impress their alma mater with their accomplishments, and Delaney Hiegert, 2018 NCAA Woman of the Year finalist, is no exception. Her impressive academic and athletic career and her nomination for this award is a testament to her star quality.
Women’s soccer team completes season, makes history >>
Not only did the Jets finish third in the Heartland Conference and earn a place in the conference tournament, the team won the conference’s Silver Sportsmanship Award and several players won individual honors.
AMAZING STUDENTS
Sloppy Joe Improv — It takes hard work to be this funny >>
As the old saying goes, “The more you laugh, the longer you live.” Well, thanks to the Newman University Sloppy Joe Improv group, life can be extended by several years.
Based on the popular improv television show, “Whose Line is it Anyway?” the Sloppy Joes play improv games and act out short skits that make their audience members roar with laughter.
Wearing multiple hats: Dad, cop, deacon, student >>
“Student” is just one of many hats Fernando “Freddy” Hernandez wears.
He is set to complete his Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from Newman University at the end of the fall 2018 semester. But he is also a husband, a father, a police officer, and most recently, a newly ordained deacon.
Drive and determination prominent in Newman student Taty’Terria Gary >>
Newman student TaTy’Terria “TaTy” Gary has been attending college visits since she was 12 years old.
As a seventh-grader, TaTy participated in AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), which was the first of many years during which she would learn about and increasingly become interested in a higher education journey.
Graduate student Kelly Hopkins helps children in abusive environments >>
Six years ago, Kelly Hopkins decided to take on some volunteer work. Little did she know, that volunteer work would carry over to her future career.
The Child Advocacy and Parenting Services was holding its first Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) class. CASA volunteers spend 30 hours in training, and upon completion, are appointed by a judge to work with a child in foster care.
FAITH AND SERVICE
A Spring Break spent on pilgrimage to Rome >>
During spring break 2018, Dean of Graduate Studies Father Joseph Gile and University Chaplain Father John Fogliasso embarked on a pilgrimage to Rome along with 20 graduate students. These individuals are students of the Newman theology master’s program who participated in the pilgrimage as a culmination of their two-year study.
Community health care event draws Newman volunteers >>
For the second year in a row, Ascension Healthcare, Via Christi Health, Wichita State University and the city of Wichita partnered to host Medical Mission at Home — an event that offers spiritually-centered health care to the underserved in the Wichita community.
Nursing student Jenny Sellaro professes vows as ASC sister >>
Newman student Jenny Sellaro recently took her vows to join the congregation of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC), in Wichita, Kansas. Sister Sellaro originally entered the ASC in 2009 while residing in Italy.
Newman Troubadours share the joy of music with Ruma ASC sisters >>
The Newman University Troubadours recently took their third performance trip to Ruma, Illinois, to visit members of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC).
The Troubadours are Newman’s select choral ensemble and are under the direction of Deanne Zogleman, director of music. She first took the Troubadours to Ruma seven years ago and spoke about the inspiration behind that initial trip.
UNIVERSITY HAPPENINGS
Completion of Heimerman Plaza adds touching tribute and fresh atmosphere >>
Heimerman Plaza, the area where the Heimerman science building once stood, is now complete with a walking path in the shape of the original building, benches and a memorial wall that will also double as an outdoor classroom with a small sitting area.
Bishop Gerber sculpture arrives at Newman >>
A forklift containing a nearly 400-pound sculpture was seen driving across the Newman University campus on the afternoon of Feb. 26.
The much-anticipated sculpture was that of Bishop Emeritus Eugene J. Gerber, the namesake of the university’s newest building, the Bishop Gerber Science Center.
St. Joseph House of Formation program extended >>
The success of the St. Joseph House of Formation in its first year has led to a decision to extend the program from two years to three. The young men in the program will continue to study at Newman University throughout the three-year program.
The House of Formation was established by the Diocese of Wichita in 2017 as a program for seminarians during their first two years of college on their journey to priesthood.
Newman celebrates at 2018 commencement >>
Commencement weekend was full of ceremonies, awards and celebrations for the 2018 Newman University graduates.
A Baccalaureate Mass was held Friday, May 11, and both the Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement Ceremonies were held Saturday, May 12. For the 2017-2018 academic year, 56 associate degrees, 273 bachelor’s degrees and 201 master’s degrees were awarded.
Newman welcomes new Dean of Students Christine Schneikart-Luebbe >>
Newman University officials have named Christine Schneikart-Luebbe its new dean of students effective Aug. 1, 2018.
Schneikart-Luebbe brings to the position an extensive background in student affairs. Her higher education career includes leadership roles in student engagement, enrollment and alumni relations.
Learning and bonding in Topeka, Kansas >>
The entire Newman University freshman class traveled to Topeka, Kansas, Thursday, Nov. 8, to visit three locations: The Ritchie House, Brown vs. Board of Education (BOE) and the state capitol. This was the first time an entire freshman class traveled together on a field trip of this nature — and staff and faculty agreed it was a great experience.
IN MEMORIAM
Bishop Emeritus Eugene J. Gerber >>
To all the Newman University community — students, faculty, staff, and supporters — we wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
