Newman Heritage Month from Feb. 1 to March 4 has officially come to a close, but with it come new memories 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.
Dear Neighbor service project transforms plastic bags into sleeping mats
On Feb. 1, the Care for Creation committee, previously known as the Laudato Si’ planning committee, held a service project where 11 Newman members transformed plastic bags into “plarn,” or plastic yarn. Together, they crocheted part of a mat that will be donated to the Wichita-located unit of Orphan Grain Train, a global nonprofit.
Black History Month kickoff
On Feb. 2, members of the Newman community gathered to celebrate the outstanding service of three individuals at the Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Awards ceremony. The Newman chorale performed while featured guests Councilman Brandon Johnson and Pastor Wade Moore presented awards to one faculty member and one student.
Feast of St. Maria De Mattias
On Feb. 3, Father Tom Welk, chaplain for the Wichita ASC Center, celebrated Mass for the Newman community in honor of St. Maria De Mattias’ feast day.
The feast day for St. Maria De Mattias, foundress of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, is celebrated by ASC sisters around the world, and in and around St. Maria De Mattias’ hometown of Vallecorsa, Italy. It is a major celebration of her life and legacy that lives on today.
Athletics Hall of Fame banquet
Newman University Athletics enshrined four individuals, a booster and the Sister Thomasine Stoecklein Spirit Award winner at the 2023 Hall of Fame banquet.
Three former athletes, Larry Inlow (’98, men’s soccer), Rubi Torres (’15, women’s cross country) and Leroy Leep Jr. (’79, men’s basketball) joined the winningest coach in Newman men’s basketball history, Mark Potter (’86), and Eck Agency in the 2023 Hall of Fame class.
Newman community reflects at prayer breakfast
More than 40 students, faculty and staff gathered early morning Feb. 8 for the annual prayer breakfast in the Mabee Dining Center at Newman University.
With the theme of “Together we Pray,” the faith-filled event followed the tradition of inter-religious and ecumenical prayer, reflections and song.
Medallion hunt winner
First-year student An Tran won $100 in the Heritage Month scavenger hunt when he found the hidden Newman medallion on Feb. 10, the final day of the search.
After nearly seven hours of scouring campus, the math major discovered the medallion hidden behind a drain near Mabee Dining Center.
“I don’t consider myself a lucky person, so I’m glad I could get a win out of the scavenger hunt,” Tran said. “I’m hoping I can defend my crown by finding it again next year.”
Jets land wins on 2023 homecoming night
Homecoming week at Newman University is filled with dress-up days, free lunchtime treats for students and voting for homecoming royalty — all of which lead up to the culmination of basketball games and an energized crowd of Newman fans.
Mission lunch shares insight into life of St. Maria De Mattias
On Feb. 15, Newman senior Joseph Shubert presented his deep-dive research into the political environment and 18th and 19th century Italy that helped form the ministry of St. Maria De Mattias, foundress of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, sponsors of Newman University.
Three students win essay, TikTok and visual arts contest
The winners of the Heritage Month were first-year students Elginique Dames for her essay and Kaylee McNeill for her TikTok. Senior John Suffield won the visual arts contest for the second year in a row.
Newman shares recipe for a successful High Tea
From perfectly plated finger foods to toasty English breakfast tea, it takes many elements of precision to ensure a successful High Tea event at Newman University.
Following the annual St. Newman Mass, Newman hosted the special Heritage Month teatime event Tuesday, Feb. 21. Alumni, current students, faculty and staff took part in the afternoon High Tea, which celebrates the English tradition of the university’s namesake, St. John Henry Newman.
Heroic efforts lead to triumphant 2023 Giving Day
Even without a Bat-Signal or capes, many Newman University supporters answered the call to “Be A Hero” during the fourth annual Giving Day fundraiser Feb. 28.
The 24-hour fundraiser involved $20,000 worth of matching opportunities from generous donors, competitive giving challenges, minute-to-win-it games, a trivia game night and more.
Jets earn MIAA tourney berth one year removed from one-win season
When on a long and winding journey, it is wise to check the map or GPS device from time to time to make sure you are still on course.
For the Newman University women’s basketball team, earning a berth to its first-ever MidAmerican Athletic Association (MIAA) postseason tournament is like a bright highway sign displaying to all — “bright future ahead.”
ASC Foundation Day
March 4 marks the 189th birthday of the ASC international congregation of religious sisters. A special Mass was held in St. John’s Chapel to celebrate the founding of the ASC religious congregation.
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 2023 Heritage Month a success!
