The 2022 Heritage Month from Feb. 1 to March 4 has officially come to a close, but not without experiences shared and memories made to celebrate our founders, namesake and history.
Explore the highlight reel of the exciting contests, speakers and events from all of February’s Heritage Month festivities.
Heritage Month and Black History Month kickoff
On Feb. 1, Sister Barbara Croom held a live discussion about her life and 60-year religious journey as an Adorer of the Blood of Christ (ASC). Junior Elizabeth Raehpour moderated a question-and-answer segment with Sister Barbara during the special Heritage Month lunch.
Originally from North Carolina, Sister Barbara shared her work journey, role models of the Catholic Church, her memories as an ASC, prejudices faced and more.
“Be very clear about what you want to do and trust in your decision,” Sister Barbara said. “There are consequences and rewards in everything, no matter what lifestyle you choose. If you find some way that what you’re doing doesn’t serve God or serve you, look elsewhere. If it’s just a few mountains and cracks in the road as you go along, working through those things is what builds you up.”
Feast day of St. Maria De Mattias
Members of the Newman community gathered to celebrate the feast day of St. Maria De Mattias, the founder of the international ASC congregation, with a special Mass Feb. 4 in St. John’s Chapel. Newman Chaplain Father Adam and visiting priest Father Tom Welk offered the Mass celebration.
Newman medallion hunt
Students closely watched their email inboxes for clues on where the Newman University medallion was hidden on campus. The scavenger hunt began Monday, Feb. 7, and by Thursday, Feb. 10, the medal was found.
Director of Security Morris “Mo” Floyd announced the winners in an email to all students, faculty and staff: “Congratulations to sleuths Ian Lecki and Rebecca Hageman who found the medallion tucked and buried under leaves behind the big stone behind the plaque in front of the statue of St. Maria and the student! They will be sharing the $100 prize.”
Interfaith Prayer Breakfast
Students, faculty and staff gathered for fellowship and prayerful reflection during the “Journey of Faith” Interfaith Prayer Breakfast Thursday, Feb. 10.
Mission Presentation of St. Newman’s Writings
Local author and historian Stephanie Mann presented a mission talk on St. John Henry Newman. She explored what it would have been like to grow up in 19th century England, the political, social and philosophical movements inspired Newman’s intellectual output and more.
Essay, TikTok and Visual Arts contest ends
During Newman Heritage Month in February, students entered essay, TikTok and visual arts contests for the chance of winning $100 for their works. Final entries were submitted Feb. 18 and judged by members of the Heritage Month committee.
First-year student Emily Pachta won the essay contest, senior Steven Nguyen won the TikTok contest and junior John Suffield won the visual arts contest.
Homecoming Week
Feast of St. John Henry Newman
Heritage Month included an opportunity to celebrate the birth of St. Newman with a special Mass in St. John’s Chapel on the Newman University campus. The Mass was held Feb. 22 and celebrated by Father Adam Grelinger, Father Chad Arnold, and Father Michael Simone.
St. John Henry Newman High Tea event
After a year absence, the St. John Henry Newman High Tea event returned to campus for students, alumni, faculty, staff and families to enjoy Tuesday, Feb. 22.
Scottish shortbread, currant scones, Cheshire cheese tarts and decadent strawberry trifle were just a few of the foods and desserts served. All were generously prepared by volunteers, Newman staff, faculty and administration.
Dress like your favorite staff/faculty member day
To get in the spirit of homecoming week, students were challenged to dress like their favorite staff or faculty member.
(Photos from left to right) Biology major Caroline Williams dressed like Christy Hawks, senior associate director of admissions. Elementary education major Rae Gabrielle Cruz dressed like Aubrey Rogers, admissions database manager.
Annual Lip Sync Battle
Campus Activities Board hosted the annual Lip Sync Battle event with walking tacos Feb. 23 in the Fugate Gym. Groups of students performed choreographed routines while lip-syncing to their song of choice. Judges were community representative Miss Air Capital Courtney Wages, Newman Head Athletic Performance Coach Hayden Jones and director of residence life Turner Middendorf.
The “Fugate Fire Starters” took first place, followed by “Chicky Sandwiches” in second and “The Triple Threat” in third.
Banner decorating
Each year, student groups work together to transform a white sheet into a homecoming banner that shows off their Jet pride. The 2022 survivor-themed homecoming banners were on display in O’Shaughnessy Hall throughout the week in anticipation of the men and women’s basketball games Feb. 24.
A night of homecoming wins
The women’s basketball team consistently kept the lead in their game against the Blue Tigers of Lincoln University Feb. 24. The team celebrated its first win of the MIAA conference with a final score of 78-64.
The men’s basketball game started strong and finished even stronger, with a victory over the Blue Tigers and a final score of 89-76.
Votes for Newman homecoming king and queen were tallied and real-life couple Daniel Knolla and Marie Moore claimed their crowns.
Giving Day
For 24 hours, Newman University Jets, community members and supporters from around the globe rallied together to raise money and spread the word about Newman Giving Day March 1, helping to significantly surpass the 2021 Giving Day donations.
As a special incentive for donations, the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC) — founders of Newman University — generously offered to match $15,000 worth of gifts.
That goal was met, with a grand total of $45,000 donated in the form of 191 gifts. The 2022 total amount surpassed the 2021 Giving Day donations by $34,006.
ASC Foundation Day
March 4 marks the 188th birthday of the ASC international congregation of religious sisters. A special Mass was held in St. John’s Chapel, followed by a dessert-filled reception with Sisters Therese Wetta, Tarcisia Roths and Jenny Sellaro.
Director of Music Deanne Zogleman organized a “Happy Birthday” video message from the Newman University Troubadours. ASC Foundation Day was the final event during the 2022 Heritage Month.
Thank you to each and every student, faculty and staff member, ASC sister, Newman alum and community member who helped make the 2022 Heritage Month a success!
