Inside a packed St John’s Chapel, 2025 Newman University graduates gathered with family, friends, faculty, staff, administrators and university board members for the institution’s annual Baccalaureate Mass.
The May 16 service, usually held the night before spring commencement, is a tradition that celebrates the spiritual and academic journey of graduating students.
The Most Rev. Carl A. Kemme, Bishop of the Diocese of Wichita, presided over the Mass, joined by University Chaplain Father Ed Herzog and several other clergy.
The way, the truth and the life
In his homily, Bishop Kemme spoke directly to the graduating class about Jesus’ words in the Gospel of John, where He identifies Himself as “the way, the truth and the life.”
“We are confident that as you go forth to fulfill the charter and the mission of Newman University, which is to transform society, you will be shining examples as Newman alums,” said Bishop Kemme. “This distinguished group of men and women now for many decades has gone out after their graduations into our sometimes chaotic and confused world and brought about substantial good.”
Bishop Kemme challenged graduates to resist the false promises of happiness found in power, pleasure and self-determination, and instead embrace Christ’s way of selfless service and sacrifice.
“Society as we know it begins to crumble when we to one degree or another deviate from the way, the truth, and the life that is Jesus,” he said. “But when we walk His way, which is not easy… when we live by His truth, this brings true transformation and true renewal, real freedom and true justice.”
Seeing God in everything
Two graduating seniors offered personal reflections at the end of Mass, sharing how their Newman experience transformed their faith and outlook on life.
Isabel Porres, who changed her course of study from nursing to theology, spoke about discovering God’s presence in all aspects of life.
“I have sat in this chapel for countless hours over these last four years, staring at the tabernacle, in awe of the man who hides inside,” Porres said. “But I have become increasingly aware of His presence outside of the chapel as well. He is in the trees on campus, and the clouds in the sky.”
Porres described how her theological studies deepened her relationship with God: “With greater knowledge comes greater love, and when you love someone, you want to know more and more about them, and it is this constant cycle.”
She concluded her reflection by reciting Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poem “Pied Beauty,” which celebrates finding God in all of creation.
God’s perfect timing
Business Administration graduate Juan Carlos Cordova shared his journey as an international student who came to Newman at age 17, far from home and family.
“Today, I understand the profound meaning of those words that Mom and Dad repeated with faith: ‘God’s timing is perfect,'” Cordova said. “Being at this university transformed my life. It opened my heart and broadened my vision of what a human being, guided by God, can achieve.”
Cordova expressed deep gratitude to the Newman community, including faculty, friends and staff who supported him throughout his educational journey.
“Thank you, Newman. Thank you for giving me more than just an education. You gave me purpose, you gave me faith, you gave me wings,” he said. “I leave this temple of learning, but I step into the world with my soul on fire.”
A foundation for life
The Baccalaureate Mass serves as a spiritual foundation for the next day’s commencement ceremony, reminding graduates that their academic achievements are part of a larger calling to serve others and transform society.
President Kathleen S. Jagger, Ph.D., MPH, who attended the Mass alongside members of the Board of Trustees and university leadership, noted the significance of the tradition.
“The Baccalaureate Mass is a beautiful reminder of our mission to empower graduates to transform society,” she said. “Tonight, we celebrate not only what our students have accomplished academically, but also who they have become as whole persons — intellectually, spiritually and ethically prepared for the journey ahead.”
Following the Mass, graduates and their families were recognized by another Newman tradition. Faculty members line the campus sidewalk outside the chapel to cheer the new graduates as they head to the annual President’s Reception held in the Dugan Gorges Conference Center.
