Fall classes are underway, students have returned and the energy of a new semester can be felt from every corner of the Newman University campus.
Move-in days, orientation and Student Life’s welcome back week events Aug. 16-23 united the campus with a shared excitement. That lively spirit continued when more than 240 gathered to celebrate Newman’s second annual Color Run on Aug. 24.
As the activities continue this week with the Mass of the Holy Spirit and Matriculation Ceremony and a campus lunch, several students and staff have shared their goals for getting the most out of a brand new semester.
First-year students challenge themselves
Aniya Thompson, a graduate of Northeast Magnet High School in Wichita, was excited to start her Newman journey during move-in day Aug. 16. As a biology major and future pediatrician, she is determined to pass her classes with flying colors.
“I want to make sure I stay on it,” Thompson said. “I’ll try to be open-minded. I’m excited for new beginnings, a new start.”
Landon Marquez de la Plata was thrilled to meet his soccer teammates and move into the residence halls with a roommate who, like himself, hails from Dallas.
“We actually used to play soccer together, so it’s kind of cool,” Marquez de la Plata said. “If I had to set one goal for myself this year, it would be to push myself and make sure I’m on top of everything, especially with soccer and academics.”
Students Isaac Peloquin and Anthony Jackson of Colwich, Kansas, are both in their first year of seminary and college. The friends, who met in seventh grade during basketball season, now experience life as roommates alongside 10 more first-year seminarians at St. Joseph’s House of Formation.
“I followed the peace. Going to any other college felt stressful and unsatisfying, but when I thought about seminary and going to Newman, it was the only option I felt at peace with,” Peloquin said during orientation weekend. “My biggest goal this year is to improve mentally, physically and spiritually.”
Jackson shared his own goal for the year: “I want to get to know the school, the different professors and students to grow in that community and that connection with them.”
Going to any other college felt stressful and unsatisfying, but when I thought about seminary and going to Newman, it was the only option I felt at peace with.
First-year seminarian Isaac Peloquin
First-year student DJ Thomas, a business management major and member of the men’s soccer team, was drawn to Newman during his first campus visit.
“Everyone was super kind,” Thomas said. “They showed me around and it just felt like a big friendly group. The friends who I’ve made in the first couple weeks are really cool, and the student residence assistants and staff are kind and care about you.”
Thomas’ personal goal is to do well in athletics and “connect with a lot of people on campus.
“I want to leave an impact on the school and really just have fun and get my degree through Newman,” he said.
Returning students set goals for the new year
Junior Travia Smith, chair of the Campus Activities Board, loved welcoming fellow students back to campus with a colorful splash during the Color Run. She said the event is only the beginning of what will be a “fantastic year.”
“My personal goal is to find ways to get people involved with each other, build those social skills and just learn from one another,” Smith said. “We’re not meant to walk Earth alone in general, so getting everyone on campus to see that college is more than just studying will help them build meaningful relationships that will go a long way.”
For junior Valeriya Lioukina, an accounting major, returning to Newman for another semester was a certainty.
“I love my program, I love my coaches, I love my team. … I already love Newman and it’s just perfect for me,” she said.
Lioukina’s goal for the year is to earn a 4.0 GPA.
“I had a 3.5 last year, and I really want a 4.0,” she said. “I want to continue to be a great player and help my (basketball) team. I also want to be open for new connections and make more friends than I did last year.”
Sophomore Kaven Bartlett, a radiologic technology student, is working hard to “get as much knowledge into the medical field as much as I can,” he said. “Even if it’s something that has nothing to do with X-rays, MRIs or CTs that I would be doing.”
Senior Haleigh Pearson, an early childhood unified major, strives to be more involved on campus than her previous two years.
“Going to different events on campus, whether it’s athletics or the Color Run, I just want to get out and participate,” Pearson said.
Twins Alex Schreiner, a junior, and Colby Schreiner, a sophomore, were both inspired by their own doctors and nurses to pursue their nursing majors at Newman University. Alex shared that she usually spends time with her fellow softball teammates, but this year hopes to branch out.
“Now that I’m on RHA (Residence Hall Association), I hope I can expand my friend group,” she said.
Colby’s main goal for the year is to “maintain my academic excellence and just keep improving where I can as a nursing student.”
Staff and faculty aim for ambitious semester
Although he’s already very much involved, Director of Student Activities Joshua Schoenecker-Prilliman wants to take that level of involvement on campus to new heights.
“I’d love to find different ways to get involved and I’d love to help clubs grow their involvement and numbers,” Schoenecker-Prilliman said. “If I could help them increase their numbers by 20% this year, I’ll call that a win.”
Father Ed Herzog, Newman chaplain, said getting to know the students is his top priority.
“When I was here 17 years ago, that was the first time I ever met a priest as a ‘normal’ guy,” Herzog explained. “So my main goal is just to be involved — not only with things in the chapel, but also attending sporting events, theater events, things like that.”
President Kathleen S. Jagger, Ph.D., MPH, said her biggest goal for the 2024-25 year is to surpass fundraising goals for the university.
“I’m excited that we’re getting the windows changed on Sacred Heart Hall in about two or three months,” Jagger said. “Fundraising success is my big goal for the year so we can get moving on the next phase.”
Jagger said that no matter what, students should try to make the most of their experience.
“Don’t be so focused on your classes, which are important, that you sacrifice friendships, relationships and engagement in other activities,” she said. “Take moments for yourself. Sit under a tree, visit the chapel, be present with God for a few minutes and let him take the stress off of you. Balance is key.”
Keep track of events with Newman’s campus calendar
Whether you’re a student, faculty/staff member or alum, there are plenty of ways to get involved at Newman University this year.
