Newman University had a large presence at Open Streets ICT Sept. 23 in Wichita, Kansas. More than 100 members of the cheer and dance squad, athletic teams and various Newman students were all in attendance sharing their Jet pride with the Wichita community. President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D., and Mayor Jeff Longwell addressed the crowd on a stage near Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center.
In its second year, Open Streets ICT is a community-building event, allowing participants to walk and bike a more than 4-mile stretch of Douglas that had been shut down to allow businesses, vendors and residents to interact in various activities.
Newman Dean of Students Christine Schneikart-Luebbe said Newman’s presence at the event showcased the university’s culture.
“Our mission statement reminds us our purpose is to empower our graduates to transform society,” said Schneikart-Luebbe. “To transform society, you have to engage in your community. The extraordinary showing of students, athletes, staff and our president illustrates how much Newman University walks the talk.”
Along with other athletic teams, tennis coach Shella Augspurger brought the Newman tennis team to the event. The players helped involve the public in hitting tennis balls. The team takes part in at least two to three community service opportunities each year.
“We want the players to get that feeling of helping others … that this whole experience in college is a lot bigger than they are and the impact just playing a few minutes with someone can affect their whole life,” she said.
“We have a lot of international (students) on our teams and it helps them see what it is that Newman is all about — giving back,” added Augspurger. “When we were done, all of them commented on how much fun it was. They played tennis with these kids nonstop the whole time we were there. I’m so proud of them.”
Schneikart-Luebbe said, “Newman University can be proud of the dedicated service showcased on Sunday. It was a great day to be a Jet!”
View the full album of #JetPride at the event here:![](<iframe id="steck-flickr-link" style="width: 100%; height: 350px;" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38115978@N04/sets/72157671617206207/player" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span></iframe>)
