When student Juan Carlos Cordova Torres visited Newman University for the first time, he only knew two sentences of English: “Hi, my name is Juan Cordova. I’m from Guayaquil, Ecuador.”
A little over three years later, Cordova is a star soccer player in his senior year, and most recently, a floor manager at YaYa’s EuroBistro in Wichita.
Listening to God’s plans
Cordova never thought he would attend college in the U.S., but God had other plans.
“After high school, I wanted to keep trying for professional soccer,” he said. “Of the 13 college options a recruiter shared, Newman was the only Catholic school. That was important to me and my family.”
Cordova explained this opportunity would not be possible without his family, who sacrificed by closing a few of their stores in Ecuador to help pay for Cordova’s enrollment at Newman.
“It’s amazing the sacrifices they did and still do for me,” he said.
Cordova kept that gift at the forefront of his mind — especially when challenges arose.
The language barrier was daunting in Cordova’s first year, as he felt frustrated attending classes he couldn’t understand. But with the help of an interpreter and his first job as a student worker, Cordova’s choice to attend Newman “became the best decision I made.”
“Working in the cafeteria, library and being an RA, I had to speak English more and more, which forced me to learn the language,” he said. “Without soccer bringing me here and all the jobs I’ve had to communicate in, I don’t think I would be able to know the English I know now and get the job I have now.”
He still misses his “big, big” family in Ecuador deeply, but works hard to make them proud. Cordova’s faith brings him peace in times of turmoil, and to this day, he continues to place God at the center of everything.
“You always have God with you,” he said. “I used to struggle so much, at least in the first years. Every time I’m struggling, I just go to the chapel and stay there for a little bit. Sister Therese Wetta is usually around, too.”
A powerful work ethic
Cordova worked a range of jobs during his first few years at Newman. On campus, he was a student worker in the Mabee Dining Center, Dugan Library and for the University Advancement team. He also worked off campus as a grocer in a private community restaurant near Long Island over the summer and in Wichita at Charlie’s Car Wash and Genesis Health Clubs. He currently serves as a residence assistant for Merlini Hall.
“I was kind of working everywhere so I could see what I really wanted to do,” he said.
Cordova certainly doesn’t shy away from hard work — a trait his parents instilled in him at an early age. He also worked in his parents’ restaurant in Ecuador from ages 13 to 18, which left a lasting impression.
“I grew up there,” he said. “For almost six years straight, I’d go to school, then soccer. After training I used to go home, take a shower and head to the restaurant for the night. I helped the dishwashers, kitchen servers, bartenders, cashiers, everything. I also played the drums in a band that performed there.”
His parents’ restaurant closed after COVID-19, but Cordova’s memories from his formative years began what he described as a borderline “obsession” to one day open an upscale restaurant. Cordova said he is drawn to the food- and guest-centered hospitable environment.
“When you go get fast food, you go because you’re hungry,” he said. “When you go to a high-end restaurant, you’re there for the experience. People want to try different wines, appetizers and entrées and might stay for two, sometimes three hours. When I go to the table to check that everything is okay, to ask them questions and have a conversation with them. That’s amazing for me. That’s what I want to do.”
Cordova said a fine dining experience is “all about the details.”
“I love to polish the silverware, clean the plate just the right way and put the glasses and silverware in just the right spot at the table setting. Those small details are the ones that make a restaurant better.”
He never expected to earn a managing job at 21 years old. As a nighttime floor manager, Cordova oversees everything from employee schedules to ensuring food quality and much more. Cordova is one step closer to his dream — thanks, in part, to a Newman connection.
The bridge to an opportunity
As a business management major, Cordova applied for a few restaurant jobs for his business internship class with Director of Adult and Professional Studies Teresa Wilkerson. Unfortunately, a job in fine dining wasn’t materializing.
After Associate Professor Larry Straub spoke with Cordova about his career aspirations, Straub turned to Mike Issa, a restaurant owner in Wichita who does guest lectures for Straub’s classes periodically. Issa invited Straub and Cordova to lunch at Scotch & Sirloin, one of several restaurants owned by the Issa family. The family also runs Hereford House, YaYa’s Eurobistro, Larkspur Bistro & Bar, Heat Cigar & Hookah Lounge and several IHOP locations.
Issa’s brother, Ty, was searching for a manager at YaYa’s Eurobistro. Cordova applied, interviewed and was hired at YaYa’s after a few days of practice training.
“Dr. Straub led me to everything,” Cordova said. “Every time I see him on campus I say ‘thank you’ because I’m so grateful for him.”
Straub added, “Juan is a dynamic, driven and hardworking young man who will go far. It is such a joy to be a small part of his journey.”
Newman gave me so much that I didn’t expect and wasn’t looking for. The experiences I’ve gotten here make me feel proud of myself.
Juan Cordova ’25
A promising future
Some blessings require sacrifices. Even with Cordova setting a school record for the most goal saves in soccer, saying “yes” to this job opportunity means less time for the sport he’s loved for his entire life.
“Some games we have on a Thursday or Saturday, and those are big days in the food industry,” he said. “I think I’ve done a lot here in soccer and I could probably do more. It’s been hard because at the end you have to make a decision. But at the same time, I know I’ve been asking God for this job, so I’m definitely happy.”
Cordova will graduate from Newman University in May 2025, marking the end of one life-changing chapter and the beginning of the next. His love for Newman has grown over time, and he hopes his sister, a soon-to-be high school graduate, will consider traveling from Ecuador to attend Newman, too.
“People at Newman know my name, they know where I’m from,” he said. “Newman gave me so much that I didn’t expect and wasn’t looking for. The experiences I’ve gotten here make me feel proud of myself.”
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