What started as a middle school friendship between Erika and Isaac Iseman blossomed into a much closer relationship during their time at Newman University.
Erika, a diagnostic medical sonography major, and Isaac, an organizational leadership graduate, crossed the commencement stage in May as Newman University graduates.
But for the couple, who married during their junior year, the past four years have been about more than academics. They’ve also been about discovering who they are and how to grow together.
“We met back in sixth grade,” Erika said. “Isaac joined my class in the middle of the semester after being homeschooled. We just immediately clicked and became best friends.”
It wasn’t until the end of their senior year of high school that they decided to give dating another try. By then, both had already committed to Newman.
“I chose Newman for the ultrasound program, and Isaac was coming here to play soccer,” Erika said. “We got to start our college journey together, and now we’ve finished it as a married couple.”
While they pursued different majors, Erika and Isaac found ways to support each other throughout their time at Newman, whether it was balancing rigorous clinicals or discovering unexpected passions.
Mentorship, memories and career readiness
Erika, who was nominated for the prestigious Ablah Award, balanced the demands of her sonography program with involvement in the Newman chorale, troubadours and theater during her first three years. She and Isaac also helped organize a music festival on Newman’s campus, which was no easy feat. She credits those experiences and the friendships made with helping her stay grounded and become a stronger leader.
“I found a second family at Newman,” she said. “There was a good balance of professionalism on one side, and having fun on the other. The ultrasound program was intense, but it challenged me and taught me discipline. Clinicals really brought everything together, and it’s where I saw that I can actually do this in the real world.”
Erika had the opportunity to mentor and help new students in their scanning practice. Not only did this boost the students’ confidence, but it also strengthened her own.
“The learning curve in mastering ultrasound scanning techniques while also developing patient care skills was demanding,” Erika said. “But that mentorship became one of my most rewarding successes, just as others had done for me.”
She also expressed deep appreciation for the faculty who helped guide her.
“Lindsey Harris really helped us with clinical experience, and Brooke Ward oversaw the whole program,” Erika said. “And Marjorie Diaz showed how much she cared for us. She poured in extra time outside of work and teaching while also being a mother and showed us extra care to help us get where we are today.”
Now, Erika is preparing to start her new job at Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph Hospital in Wichita. There, she plans to advocate for continued education on inclusive health care practices, such as learning how different cultures perceive medical care and how to adapt communication to meet patients’ individual needs.
“Sonographers work with diverse populations, so it’s essential that all patients feel respected, understood and properly cared for,” she said.
Growing through creativity and leadership
Isaac, meanwhile, took a winding path to his final major. He started his studies as a marketing major, then transitioned to criminal justice, pre-med and even radiologic technology before finally landing in organizational leadership.
“I didn’t really find my major, it found me,” Isaac said with a laugh. “It’s a generalized business degree and I can really take it anywhere I want to go. I still don’t know exactly where I’ll end up, but I’ve learned and grown a lot through the process.”
Isaac was also very active on campus, participating in chorale and troubadours with Erika, esports, Campus Ministry as well as Metanoia — Newman’s Catholic living community. He dabbled in theater and made audiences laugh as a member and eventually captain of the Sloppy Joe Improv Troupe. He also served as president of the Disc Golf Club and was a member of the soccer team his first year before a concussion ended his athletic career.
“I grew up in a world centered around sports,” he said. “Coming to Newman let me explore other sides of myself — music, rehearsals, performances and leadership roles. … I became friends with all different kinds of people and tried new things, and through that I found certain facets of my personality that I didn’t previously know.”
Today, Isaac works as an Amazon delivery driver and is actively applying for jobs in marketing.
More than a degree
As they reflect on the past four years, both Erika and Isaac say Newman University gave them more than just degrees.
“Newman helped me become who I truly am,” Isaac said. “I learned to be confident in every part of myself, how to lead, organize events, communicate and connect with others.”
Erika added, “It’s been a place of challenge, growth and joy. And doing it all alongside each other made it that much more meaningful.”
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