At Newman University, the entire month of February represents Heritage Month — a chance to celebrate the founders of Newman, the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC), namesake John Henry Cardinal Newman and Catholic tradition.
The days are jam-packed with long-standing traditions and events for students, faculty, staff and alumni to enjoy, as well as opportunities to spread Jet pride. Continue reading to learn more about the eventful month to follow.
Feast of St. Brigid Celebration, Feb. 1
The Feast of St. Brigid Celebration will take place 3:30 to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center and is an event open to faculty and staff.
The Gerber Institute for Catholic Studies strives to highlight different Catholic customs as well as explain their significance by promoting events such as the Feast of St. Brigid Celebration, University Chaplain Father John Fogliasso said.
“St. Brigid is known for organizing communal consecrated religious life for women in Ireland,” Fogliasso said. “She’s also known for her incredible commitment to Christ and her heart of service, especially to the poor. Observing St. Brigid’s Feast Day is a great way to celebrate the values she’s known for, which the university also strives to emulate.”
Mass in Celebration of St. Maria De Mattias, Feb. 4
St. Maria De Mattias, who founded the ASC, will be celebrated with a noon Mass Monday, Feb. 4, in Sacred Heart Hall, room 320.
According to the history of ASC, “Maria De Mattias was proclaimed a saint by Pope John Paul II at St. Peter’s in Rome on May 18, 2003.”
Her feast day, which honors the day of her birth and baptism, is not only celebrated at Newman. For ASC sisters around the world, and in and around St. Maria De Mattias’ hometown of Vallecorsa, Italy, the Feast Day is a major celebration of her life and the legacy she left that lives on today.
Feb. 4 also marks the first day of the annual Newman medallion hunt, which gives students an opportunity to test their knowledge of the university based on clues that are sent through the student email each day.
Whoever finds the medallion will be given a prize at the end of the week.
Athletics Hall of Fame Reception, Game & Awards Banquet, Feb. 8
The reception for the Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony, which happens every other year, will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8 in the Tarcisia Roths Alumni Center.
This year’s inductee class includes the 2006 men’s cross-country team; Laryssa Ferreira Booth ’11, women’s tennis; Kent Boomsma ’98, baseball; current women’s and men’s bowling coach Billy Murphy and boosters Larry and Dana Fugate of Fugate Enterprises.
On Saturday, the men’s basketball game kicks off at 3 p.m. in Fugate Gymnasium. The inductee class of the 2019 Athletics Hall of Fame will be introduced at half-time.
A social hour will take place from 5 to 6 p.m, immediately followed by the banquet dinner and induction at 6 p.m. To register for the banquet, click here.
Mission Talk, Feb. 13
Newman will host its third Mission Talk of the year at noon Wednesday, Feb. 13, in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center.
Each Newman Mission Talk dives into the rich history of individuals, traditions and other prominent stories that have helped shape Newman University as a Catholic college from the very start.
Director of Mission Effectiveness Sister Charlotte Rohrbach, ASC, is leading the traditional Mission Talk series and will focus this event on Newman heritage trivia in the spirit of Heritage Month.
For more information or to RSVP for this event, contact Rohrbach at [email protected] or by phone at 316-942-4291, ext. 2167.
High Tea, Feb. 19
In the midst of Cardinal Newman Week, High Tea will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center.
High Tea is a free, long-standing Newman tradition and social event that welcomes all students, faculty, staff, alumni, ASC sisters and other members of the community to enjoy.
It features homemade desserts, cheeses, sandwiches, baked items, salmon and, of course, tea. Many participants attend the get-together in what’s called tea attire, which often includes dresses, suits, the occasional tuxedo, gloves and many decorative hats.
Cardinal Newman Week, Feb. 17-23, focuses on celebrating Newman namesake Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman, who lived from 1801 to 1890 in England and Ireland.
Join Newman students, faculty and staff in honoring Cardinal Newman’s life and legacy with a tea in the English fashion, to which he was accustomed.
Homecoming Pep Rally, Feb. 20
Homecoming Week at Newman commences with the traditional pep rally at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, in Fugate Gymnasium.
Students are invited to participate in cheers, activities and show off their Jet pride while wearing Newman gear.
Cardinal Newman Mass, Feb. 21
A shortened class schedule will allow for any students, faculty or staff to celebrate with 11 a.m. Mass Feb. 21 in the newly renovated St. John’s Chapel.
Mass will be followed by a complimentary lunch in Mabee Dining Center.
Homecoming Games & Coronation, Feb. 21
The Homecoming basketball games will take place in Fugate Gymnasium,
beginning at 5:30 p.m Thursday, Feb. 21, with the women’s game and then the 7:30 p.m. men’s game.
Each year in February, Jet pride is felt all around campus as students celebrate together.
The Homecoming women and men’s basketball games are one of the most popular and exciting events during Homecoming Week and are accompanied by the coronation of the Homecoming king and queen.
This year’s Homecoming king and queen will be crowned during the half-time of the men’s game.
Difference Makers for Wichita Banquet, Feb. 23
The Difference Makers for Wichita banquet will begin with a social at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program at 7:15.
The Difference Makers for Wichita Awards celebrate contributions and recognizes individuals and organizations in the community who are making a positive difference and influence on improving the greater Wichita community.
Five individuals and organizations will receive the following Wichita Difference Makers awards: the Murdock Award for Business, the Russ Meyer award for Community Leadership, the Ivonne Goldstein Award for Community Volunteer, the Sr. Tarcisia Roths, ASC, Award for a Not-for-Profit and the Brian Bergkamp Student Service Award.
To register for this event, click here.
Basketball Games, Feb. 27
The final basketball games of Heritage Month will conclude Wednesday, Feb. 27. The women’s team plays at 5:30 p.m. and the men’s team plays at 7:30 p.m.
Both games are against Rogers State and will be held in Fugate Gymnasium.
Performances of ‘The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,’ Feb, 28
The Newman University Theater Department will present its production of the famous play based on the C.S. Lewis novel, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” starting Thursday, Feb. 28.
Performances take place at the following times:
- Feb. 28 – 7 p.m.
- March 1 – 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- March 2 – 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- March 3 – 2 p.m.
Ticket prices are $12 for general admission, $10 for senior citizens & military, $5 for staff, faculty and non-Newman students, and free admission for current Newman students presenting their ID.
All shows will be held in the performance hall in De Mattias Fine Arts Center.
A Wholesome Heritage
There are plenty of ways to express appreciation and excitement for the history that Newman is built upon. Heritage Month is one more opportunity for students, staff, faculty and alumni to collaborate, connect and celebrate the university founders, namesake and tradition for years to come.
