Campus events help students thank Newman donors

More than 100 Newman University students, officials and donors gathered at the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center April 13 for the annual Newman Scholarship Luncheon.

The luncheon gives scholarship recipients and their respective donors who make the scholarships possible an opportunity to meet, enjoy lunch and get to know each other.

The event was emceed by Manager of Annual Fund Blaine Crouch, and featured remarks by Newman President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D., Vice President for University Advancement J.V. Johnston, Senior Development Office David Alexander, scholarship donor Yolanda Camarena, and scholarship recipients Wesley Williams and Emily Simon. Student Allison Byrne provided a song.

“I think education is one of the most important gifts we could make to anyone. It’s especially good for students in need. This helps give them their chance to make it,” Donor Kathy Vosburgh said.

“It definitely helps me financially, but more than that, being in the program (community leaders) has helped me grow as a person and a leader. I enjoy doing the service and being a representative of Newman and helping the community,” sophomore ASC Community Leaders Scholarship recipient Laura Hageman said.

The luncheon coincided with Tuition Stop Day, also known as Joyful Jet Day, at Newman University is the day when tuition paid by students stops covering the cost of their education, and the remainder of the financial quarter is funded by Newman donors through their scholarships. The day also helped students understand  the significant role donors play in helping Newman keep its tuition competitive.

Tuition Stop Day was also marked by photos on the Newman Facebook page and other social media and video on the Newman Web site of students holding signs indicating their professional dreams, and thanking donors for their support to help make their dreams reality. To see the photos visit: www.facebook.com/NewmanU. To watch a brief video from Tuition Stop / Joyful Jet Day and luncheon click below.

Newman University donors speak about why they help sponsor scholarships:

Kathy Vosburgh – Donor, Jim and Kathy Vosburgh Scholarship 

“I think education is one of the most important gifts we could make to anyone. It’s especially good for students in need. This helps give them their chance to make it.”

MaryLynn Oliver – Donor,  Beech Nursing Scholarship

“My mother started the scholarship a long time ago. I’m continuing my mother’s tradition and representing her. The scholarship is a good thing to do.”

Diana Rawlings, ASC – Representing Donors the Adorers of the Blood of Christ

“We believe we can change the world. That was Maria De Mattias’ intent – to educate and witness God’s eternal love. So, what better way to do that than through supporting education? That what she did in the beginning.”

Patricia Edwards – Donor, Jennifer A. McColey Endowed Scholarship for Rad Tech students (scholarship is named for Edward’s daughter)

“She felt powerfully about the school. So when she died, my husband and I talked about it and started the scholarship. She loved the school. We’ve continued to support the scholarship because it’s something I really believe in.”

Anne Dolores LaPlante, CSJ –  Representing Donors the Sisters of St. Joseph

“I think it’s really wonderful that when our college* had to close, we were able to bring a lot of our students here. Students who get the scholarships do a lot of good things. That’s a blessing – that we can continue doing this.”

* The Sisters of St. Joseph sponsored St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City which closed more than two decades ago.