Newman University is trading in its flapper dresses of the roaring 20s for derby hats and mint juleps.
This year’s Party on the Plaza on Saturday, Sept. 26 introduces a brand-new theme, A Day at the Races, marking a fresh chapter in one of the university’s most beloved annual traditions on campus.
The event brings together the Wichita community for a night of food, drinks, raffles and high-energy auctions — all in support of student scholarships.
Schedule of events
The evening begins with an optional Mass at 4 p.m. in St. John’s Chapel, inside Sacred Heart Hall. Party on the Plaza kicks off at 5 p.m. with check-in in DeMattias Hall, followed by cocktails and mingling on Founders Plaza. The silent auction will be on display in the Gorges Atrium, between DeMattias Hall and O’Shaughnessy Hall.
Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the live auction begins at 7:30 p.m. For those who can’t attend the event, online bidding for silent auction items will be available until 7 p.m.
Guests are encouraged to lean into the theme and dress in the spirit of the Kentucky Derby — think elaborate hats, floral patterns and suits reminiscent of a barbershop quartet — as they participate in the evening’s festivities.
Tickets and sponsorships
Individual tickets are $150. For those looking to make a larger impact, sponsorship packages range from $1,000 to $10,000 and include a variety of recognition opportunities.
Sponsorship levels include:
- VIP Sponsorship ($10,000): Guests of this sponsorship level can enjoy two tables for 20 guests, a private drinks server, prominent signage and acknowledgement in marketing materials as well as recognition from the podium.
- Presenting Sponsor ($5,000): Guests of this sponsorship level can enjoy one table for eight guests, a private drinks server, prominent acknowledgement in marketing materials and recognition from the podium.
- Event Sponsor ($3,000): Guests of this sponsorship level can enjoy one table for eight guests, acknowledgement in marketing materials and logo recognition.
- Table Sponsorship ($1,500): Guests of this sponsorship level can enjoy eight tickets, acknowledgement in marketing materials and on the event website.
- Young Alumni Table Host ($1,500): This package sponsors a table for eight young alumni, allowing donors unable to attend to invest in the next generation of Newman supporters.
- Cocktail Hour, Golden Ticket, Bar and Bid Paddle Sponsors ($1,000 each): Guests at this sponsorship level receive logo placement on corresponding event elements and in the event program.
A tangible impact
All proceeds from the event directly benefit institutional financial aid. With 99% of students relying on financial assistance to pursue their degrees, this provides a critical resource that makes a Newman education possible.
For senior Kylie Real, scholarships have allowed her to volunteer with the diocesan ministry for persons with disabilities, Special Olympics and Holy Family Camp. She also spent two months studying and serving in Guatemala, in large part thanks to the Gerber Institute.
“That was definitely the greatest experience of my life so far,” Real said.
Seminarian Ben Wemhoff said donor support not only eases financial burdens for many students — including themselves — but also allows them to pursue their vocational formation with focus.
He noted that scholarships allow him and his fellow seminarians to devote time to ministries in schools as well as service work at the Catholic Care Center and The Lord’s Diner in Wichita.
“Honestly, the best blessing of seminary is that you grow in the ability to be a better man, whether that’s as a priest, God willing, or a father someday in the Catholic community,” Wemhoff said. “I’m very blessed that the people of the Diocese of Wichita are providing me with the opportunity to study here and discern my call. No matter what happens, it’s a blessing to be here.”
Sophomore Carlie Riedlinger takes her St. Newman Scholarship very seriously and tries to “live the mission of St. Newman” and transform society positively in any way she can. As a volunteer of the 2025 Party on the Plaza, she encourages all donors — no matter the donation amount — to attend Party on the Plaza to experience the fruits of their generosity.
“I think donors (should) get to see the people they help out,” Riedlinger added. “You can donate and donate to something, but if you don’t see the outcome, it can become discouraging. For them to actually get the thank you they deserve is really important.”
Reserve your tickets
Find your best hat, get ready to sip a mint julep and raise money for student scholarships during Party on the Plaza: A Day at the Races at Newman University.
