Newman University’s Heritage Month, celebrated from Feb. 1 to March 4, has ended, but with it comes new memories to celebrate the university’s founders, namesake and history.
Explore the highlight reel of contests, speakers and events from all of February’s Heritage Month festivities.
Medallion hunt winner
On day 2 of the campus-wide scavenger hunt, nursing senior Jasmine Guerrero discovered the hidden Newman Medallion under a rock outside of the Dugan Library. Guerrero won $100 from Sister Therese Wetta, ASC, for finding the medallion.
Feast of St. Maria De Mattias
The Rev. Ed Herzog, alumnus and chaplain of Newman University, celebrated Mass for the Newman community in honor of St. Maria De Mattias’ feast day on Feb. 1.
The feast day for St. Maria De Mattias, foundress of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, is celebrated by ASC sisters around the world, and in and around St. Maria De Mattias’ hometown of Vallecorsa, Italy. It is a major celebration of her life and legacy that lives on today.
Homecoming 2025
Snow didn’t stop fans from filling the stands of the Fugate Gymnasium during homecoming night Feb. 12 at Newman University.
Both the men and women’s basketball teams faced off against players from the University of Nebraska in Kearney. Fans saw noteworthy shots from female players Jaeden McMillin, Valeriya Lioukina, Brooklyn Love and Saige Grampsas, along with men’s Jets Aaron Murphy, Thatcher McClure, Jayden Shoen and Deadric Fikes.
Student Life held homecoming week events including Crepe Day, Boba and Bao buns, Nostalgia Day with fan-favorite snacks from childhood and ended the week with a Jet Friday meet-and-greet with the newly crowned king and queen: Juan Carlos Cordova and Andrea Fuentes.
High Tea
Guests of all ages came together during Newman University’s annual High Tea event on Feb. 20 in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center.
Tables of treats, snacks and ornate tea sets and the sound of soft piano music greeted students, faculty, staff and alumni to the space. Each decorative detail celebrated the English roots of St. John Henry Newman and invited guests to slow down and focus on the present.
Wyatt Olivas shares his experience working with The Holy Father, Pope Francis
On Feb. 23 and 24, college student Wyatt Olivas of Laramie, Wyoming, visited Newman University to share his experience as the youngest U.S. delegate for the worldwide Synod on Synodality.
“Synodality is all about walking with one another and knowing who you’re walking with,” Olivas said. “If you can’t trust the person you are walking with, how can they bring you to Christ?”
Giving Day
Newman University supporters rallied together to raise money during the 6th annual Giving Day Feb. 26 with competitions, matching challenges and one-of-a-kind game show and trivia events.
The 2025 Giving Day surpassed last year’s donor count by 36 donors, with gifts from 283 individuals. Thanks to $24,600 in pledges of matching donations, a grand total of $61,435 was raised for Newman University.
“To see our supporters, alumni, staff, faculty and students come together for a common purpose brings joy to my heart and is one more indication of how special a place Newman really is,” said Director of Annual Giving Laura Hartley.
Mardi Kart
Student leaders Emma Lintecum and Peyton Childers hosted a unique experience for students to celebrate Mardi Gras and Mario Kart simultaneously. Even though it was planned as a competition, Director of Student Activities Joshua Schoenecker-Prilliman said, “There was so much laughter and screaming that student leaders Emma Lintecum and Peyton Childers decided to just let the night go that way.”
Students enjoyed gumbo, fried Oreos and friendly competition between friends. This event was a collaboration between the student leaders, the Student Life team, and Multicultural Engagement.
Student Heritage Month contest winners
Students submitted their essay, graphic art and TikTok responses to the question: “How do you/Newman students live or think of St. Maria De Mattias’ advice, ‘Let your guiding impulse be love?’”
Senior Kaylee McNeill won first place for her essay, junior Jacklyn Brokaw won second place for her artwork, and Anahi Saldana won third place for her essay.
McNeill, a theology major with a Catholic studies minor, was pleasantly surprised when she was selected as a winner because she won for a TikTok submission during her first year at Newman.
“My family was really happy to read my essay and hear about all of the friendships I’ve developed at Newman,” she said. “Newman has brought me to my faith, taught me truth and beauty. I think my family is glad I’m in a loving place where I can grow.”
McNeill was excited to walk her cash prize directly to Campus Ministry so she could sign up for the spring break mission trip to Tennessee.
“I wouldn’t be able to attend otherwise,” McNeill said.
Brokaw, a diagnostic sonography major, said she’s always loved art and used a snow day as an excuse to enter the Heritage Month competition. As a Catholic, she felt inspired by Mary when she reflected on the words “Let your guiding impulse be love.”
“I was pretty surprised to hear I won because I’m sure there are a lot of people who came up with great ideas, but I’m excited about it,” Brokaw said.
Saldana of Garden City, Kansas, is an online management student who felt inspired to write an essay given the theme.
It “never crossed” her mind that she would end up in the top three, but she was surprised and grateful.
“Life is all about choice and the consequences of our decisions,” Saldana said. “It is easier to accept my consequences when I am firm in what I believe, especially if they are not what I expected.”
Read the student essay entries below.
Trivia Night
On Friday, Feb. 28, more than 150 individuals tested their knowledge during the Pop Culture Pandemonium Trivia Night. Students and volunteers of the Hispanic-American Leadership Organization served authentic Mexican food platters for guests who made an additional $50 donation. Local businesses Wizard’s Alley and The Chunky Poodle Cookie Co. also shared their support by donating games and baked goods as raffle prizes.
The first-place trivia team included two of Newman University’s employees, Melissa and Clark Castle, and four of their family members. Emcee and Director of Student Activities Joshua Schoenecker-Prilliman also announced that junior Travia Smith won free on-campus housing for a semester.
ASC Foundation Day
Community members gathered for the last Mass of Heritage Month in St. John’s Chapel on March 4.
Sister Therese Wetta, ASC, read a reflection from St. Maria De Mattias: “The work we do is God’s. In the face of tribulations, anxieties and misfortunes, place all in the hands of the Lord and you will see miracles.”
Thank you to each student, faculty and staff member, ASC sister, Newman alum and community member who helped make the 2025 Heritage Month a success!
View upcoming events on the campus calendar
Stay in the know on upcoming events, campus closings and breaks and more at the official Newman University campus calendar.
