From student accomplishments to athletic achievements, 2016 has given us many things to be thankful for. Take a look back at our Year in Review with the most popular stories from students, athletics, alumni and more.
STORIES OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Newman alumnus Cody Kelly finds success after hardship >>
During Cody Kelly’s first semester as a pre-med student at Newman University, he was given some shocking and terrifying news. He overcame his hardships to become successful in his field today.
Kelly talks about his experience at Newman and how he persevered.
Newman University senior athlete is also a successful entrepreneur >>
Arianna Raga juggles the responsibilities of being a college student with those of being a business owner. She said, “We pretty much cook all the time at home, so it was kind of something that we always wanted to do if we had the chance to get into the restaurant industry.”
Defying all odds: A journey to nursing school >>
After teaching herself to read, write, and speak English, Luisa Montalvo Marcena started on her journey to a career in medicine. Her story is one of inspiration and determination.
ALUMNI NEWS
Newman All-Alumni Reunion draws participants from across the nation, seven decades >>
Alumni and their families drove from miles away to enjoy a weekend of fun-filled events and seminars. Attendees enjoyed canvas painting classes, campus ghost stories, family barbecue, and more!
Cardinal Newman Banquet celebrates outstanding alumni >>
Six outstanding alumni were honored at the 2016 Cardinal Newman Banquet. Recipient Melissa Grelinger said during the ceremony, “I find it a bit ironic that I’m receiving an award from a university for something I’ve done for them, when it’s really Newman University who has changed my life to make me the person that I am today.”
Sarah Strole joins Newman University as director of Alumni Relations, Annual Giving >>
Newman University welcomed a new Director of Alumni relations in 2016.
“I really like to build relationships, and I think that’s going to be important to me in this position. Newman has so much to offer,” said Strole.
ATHLETICS: GO JETS!
Triathlon coaches hired, preparing program >>
The Jets family gained a new sport this year – Triathlon! After many years of planning, the team started its formation in 2016.
Newman alumnus Florian Temengil makes his second trip to the Olympics >>
Newman alumnus Florian Temengil ranked 16th in the 2008 Olympic games and made yet another appearance at the 2016 games!
Newman wrestler earns school’s first DII All-American individual honor >>
Newman University wrestler Dustin Reed accomplished something no other Newman student-athlete has in the school’s NCAA Division II era – earning an individual All-America honor.
Women’s Basketball – fire and ice in Alaska >>
The Lady Jets conquered freezing temperatures and the court during the 2016 North Star Invitational.
EVENTS ON CAMPUS
Second annual Jetspy Awards celebrate Newman University athletics >>
The red carpet was rolled out for the 2016 second annual Jetspy awards. Students, staff, and faculty came dressed to the nines to celebrate the biggest Jet sports accomplishments of the year.
Newman University breaks ground for Bishop Gerber Science Center >>
The long-awaited groundbreaking for the Bishop Gerber Science Center took place on the same weekend as the All-Alumni Reunion. Many supporters and much of the Newman community were in attendance to watch the event take place.
Jet Days 2016 brings new students to campus for fun and inspiration >>
The annual Jet Days orientation for new students was once again the highlight for many. Hundreds of new students participated in the event-filled weekend, meeting their new classmates, touring the campus, learning about transitioning to college life and just having fun.
2016 Party on the Plaza Rewind >>
Take a look back at this year’s Party on the Plaza. Hundreds of supporters made for a hugely successful event!
FAITH AND SERVICE
A surprise under the old carpet in St. John’s Chapel >>
A remodel project in St. John’s Chapel revealed an interesting piece of history — the Newman archives team jumped in to help tell the story.
Newman student Linnea Ristow shares her summer with those in need >>
Sophomore biology major Linnea Ristow didn’t spend her summer break the way many students do. She said, “I feel like God is calling me to missions, and Uganda seemed like a wonderful start to that.”
Costume drive gives less fortunate children a happier Halloween >>
After hours spent collecting, driving, sorting, labeling and making phone calls, senior Bailey McGuffey and her team of volunteers distributed Halloween costumes to underprivileged children at the Lord’s Diner as part of her senior capstone project.
ACADEMIC STRENGTH
Newman University Western Kansas Center helping tackle teacher shortage >>
Newman University Western Kansas Center Director Jessica Bird is concerned about the southwest Kansas teacher shortage crisis. Bird said, “We need to find ways to encourage students to enter the field of education despite the negative efforts of the governor and some legislators.”
Building Newman University’s bright future in science and health sciences >>
“We have a really terrific science and pre-medical program at Newman,” Professor of Chemistry David Shubert, Ph.D. said. “It was started in 1969 when Dr. Surenda Singh joined the faculty, and we’ve been going strong ever since then.”
Investigative Summer Science Program a favorite among students >>
This year’s ISSP brought 25 students, 11 from Wichita, surrounding cities as far as the Kansas City/Lawrence area, and even a couple of out-of-state students residing in Deerfield, Mass., and Lincoln, Neb.
Students give Newman University high marks on national survey >>
Students gave high marks to Newman University in this national survey designed to measure students’ engagement with activities that promote effective learning and personal development.
FINE ARTS AT NEWMAN
Triumph of Love: Small cast, big musical >>
The 2016 Newman musical, Triumph of Love, was a great success thanks to all those involved.
Newman Theatre presents Mark Taylor Mannette’s ‘Premature Burial’ Nov. 10-13 >>
Director of Theatre Mark Taylor Mannette’s newest play “Premature Burial” made its world premiere debut at Newman University in the fall of 2016. Actor Trevor Farney said, “I could not be happier with the cast, director, and characters.”
Newman Chorale sings at Carnegie Hall >>
Director of Music Deanne Zogleman traveled with a total of 29 Newman students to take the stage at Carnegie Hall along with 231 individuals from around the country.
STUDENT LIFE
March for Life trip a success, despite Winter Storm ‘Jonas’ >>
Winter Storm Jonas may have made a grand entrance, but Newman University students and staff members found a blessing in it all.
Residence hall to be renamed for Newman University President Noreen Carrocci >>
2016 saw a new name for New Hall. Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D. said of the honor, “I am humbled – and somewhat overwhelmed.”
Tobacco Free Jets lunch and learn educates students and faculty on upcoming policy >>
Newman University will soon be tobacco free. During a 2016 lunch and learn, a panel was present to explain more about the new regulations and how it will affect those on campus.
To all the Newman University community — students, faculty, staff, and supporters — we wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
