Newman University’s Heritage Month from Feb. 1 to March 4 has ended, but with it comes new memories to celebrate the university’s founders, namesake and history.
Explore the highlight reel of the exciting contests, speakers and events from all of February’s Heritage Month festivities.
Feast of St. Maria De Mattias
On Feb. 1, Father Adam Grelinger, chaplain of Newman University, 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.
Medallion hunt winner
Senior Alondra Valle won $100 in the Heritage Month scavenger hunt when she found the hidden Newman medallion on Feb. 9, the final day of the search.
“I thought it was going to be in different buildings each day, so it was hard to find,” Valle said. “I guess I had my guardian angel with me!”
MLK Jr. Distinguished Service Award ceremony
Every year, Newman University celebrates the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) by recognizing the leadership efforts of one student, faculty and staff member.
The 2024 honorees were faculty member Yelando Johnson, program director of Newman’s Master of Social Work program and the division chair of social work and associate professor; staff member Andi Giesen, dean of students; and student Alondra Valle.
Black History Month lunch and learn
Alumna J. Michelle Vann presented “Beyond February: Unearthing Hidden Gems in Black History” during a special noon luncheon in the Dugan Conference Center.
Three students win essay, TikTok and visual arts contest
The prompt for this year’s Heritage Month contest was “What advice would St. Maria or St. Newman give to students living in today’s world?”
Matthew Fowler, a freshman, won with his three-page essay answering the prompt; Beth Griffiths, a junior, won for her essay titled, “A Love Unbound and Free;” senior John Suffield won for his graphic art entry with St. Maria De Mattias.
Brad Richards of The Kansas African American Museum visited campus and presented a history of Black inventors and their integral contributions, from traffic lights and refrigerated trucks to home video security systems.
A heritage-filled High Tea
One of the longest-standing Newman traditions, the beloved St. Newman High Tea event was held Wednesday, Feb. 21, following the St. Newman Mass. The teatime event has been going strong since the mid-1980s and celebrates both St. Newman’s birthday and his English tradition.
Dueling Pianos
In the spirit of Newman Giving Day, HiFi Productions performed during a Dueling Pianos night at Newman University.
2024 Newman Giving Day
The aim for 2024 Giving Day was to secure 200 donors, but the community went above and beyond with gifts from 234 individuals. Among these generous contributors were 49 current Newman students, which emphasized the active involvement of students in supporting their university. A grand total of $62,812 was raised for Newman University.
Pop Culture Through the Decades Trivia Night
More than 120 individuals participated in the seven-round trivia competition, including a group of students from Cowley County’s Quiz Bowl. Father Adam Grelinger started the event with a prayer, calling upon God as the “knower of all trivia,” and jokingly asking “May Professor Larry Straub and staff member Clark Castle forget everything they know.”
Six lucky participants won door prizes simply for attending — thanks to Wizard’s Alley in Wichita — and three Newman students took home the $300 gift card prize pack for winning first place.
A lively homecoming night
A leap year homecoming night at Newman brought together roaring student crowds, alumni from the ages and student-athletes to celebrate the end of Heritage Month.
Homecoming mixer and dance
Students sported their best attire during an evening filled with music, delicious food and memory-making moments with Newman friends.
‘Treasure Island’ takes the stage
Newman theater presented the new adaptation of “Treasure Island,” featuring a tale of piracy on the high seas based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Save the date for the spring musical April 25-27.
Thank you to each and every student, faculty and staff member, ASC sister, Newman alum and community member who helped make the 2024 Heritage Month a success!
