At Newman University, February is known as Heritage Month — a chance to celebrate the founders of Newman, the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC), namesake Saint John Henry Newman and Newman’s Catholic identity.
The days are jam-packed with long-standing traditions and events for students, faculty, staff and alumni to enjoy, as well as opportunities to spread Jet pride.
Some major events are highlighted below.
The Medallion Hunt
The medallion hunt begins on Monday, Feb. 3. It is a tradition that Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs Rosemary Niedens carefully plans out. It begins Monday and lasts until the medallion is found — the goal is within the week. Niedens writes clues each day and sends them via email. Students try to decipher the Newman history-related messages and uncover the medallion that’s hidden somewhere on campus. The winner receives a monetary award.
Special Mass Ceremonies
A few very special Mass ceremonies take place during Heritage Month.
The first is held on Tuesday, Feb. 4 in celebration of St. Maria De Mattias’ Feast Day. St. Maria De Mattias was the founder of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, Newman’s founding order.
Newly canonized Saint John Henry Newman’s Mass will be held on Thursday, Feb. 20 and Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26, will also have a special Mass.
All Masses will be held in St. John’s Chapel and are open to the public.
St. John Henry Newman High Tea
St. John Henry Newman High Tea has become an event that many look forward to each year. The event helped shape the idea of creating a Heritage Month and was started in the mid-1980s. Guests enjoy English tea and desserts as well as other fancy delights.
Attendees look forward to the event because of its element of fellowship and its celebration of our namesake, St. John Henry Newman, who was of English heritage. All are encouraged to wear their best hats to the event.
The 2019 high tea is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18 in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center.
An informal tea will be served from 5-7 p.m. for those that aren’t able to attend the afternoon tea.
Homecoming
The homecoming ceremony will be held on Thursday, Feb. 20. A king and queen candidate will be crowned at halftime of the men’s basketball game.
The Jets will face Emporia State University at this year’s homecoming games. The women’s game starts at 5:30 p.m. and the men will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Difference Makers for Wichita
Ten individuals in the Wichita community will be recognized for their outstanding service and dedication at the Difference Makers for Wichita awards banquet Feb. 22 in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center.
The Difference Makers for Wichita awards honor individuals and organizations making a positive difference and celebrates their contributions, value and influence on improving the greater Wichita community. Newman University, along with others, are title sponsors for the event.
Newman University Giving Day
For the first time ever, Newman will hold an annual Giving Day. This day will be dedicated to raising funds for student scholarships and specific schools or areas of campus, like fine arts or athletics. Donors will be able to choose where their money goes and each hour holds a fun incentive to help raise money for the cause.
Schedule of Events
Feb 1 — 1:30 p.m. women’s basketball and 3:30 p.m. men’s basketball vs. Missouri Western (Fugate Gymnasium)
Feb. 4 — 12:05 Mass in celebration of St. Maria De Mattias Feast Day (St. John’s Chapel)
Feb. 8 — 24-Hour Theatre Project begins Friday night and performances will take place at 8 p.m. Saturday night in Jabara Flexible Theatre
Feb. 14 — 7 p.m. wrestling dual vs. Central Missouri (Fugate Gymnasium)
Feb. 16 — 7 p.m. Mass, reception to follow (St. John’s Chapel)
Feb. 18 — 2-4 p.m. St. John Henry Newman High Tea and 5-7 p.m. informal evening tea (Dugan-Gorges Conference Center)
Feb. 19 — 7 p.m. wrestling vs. Ft. Hays State, Senior Night (Fugate Gymnasium) and 9 p.m. Pep Rally
Feb. 20 — 11 a.m. St. John Henry Newman Mass (St. Johns’ Chapel) / 5:30 p.m. women’s basketball and 7:30 p.m. men’s basketball vs. Emporia State University / Homecoming Inauguration during halftime of men’s game (Fugate Gymnasium)
Feb. 22 — 6 p.m. Difference Makers for Wichita awards ceremony (Dugan-Gorges Conference Center)
Feb. 25 — Newman University Giving Day
Feb. 26 — 12:05 p.m. Mass, Ash Wednesday (St. John’s Chapel)
Feb. 27 — 5:30 p.m. women’s basketball and 7:30 p.m. men’s basketball vs. Nebraska Kearney (Fugate Gymnasium)
Feb. 29 — 1:30 p.m. women’s basketball and 3:30 p.m. men’s basketball vs. Ft. Hay State, Senior Day (Fugate Gymnasium)
