Rainbow-colored plumes of powder filled Newman University’s campus Saturday, Aug. 23, for the third annual Color Run.
The event, which drew nearly 250 people to campus and included a first-ever campus carnival, was hosted by the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and Student Life.
For students, it was more than just a race.
“It was amazing,” said senior and cross-country athlete Josias Chavez Ramirez, who took first place. “We were talking about this all year long, about how we should have won this last year, but now, especially my senior year, it just feels amazing.”
Chavez Ramirez, a business major from Dodge City, said he hopes other students take advantage of events like the run during their limited time at Newman.
“It’s so much fun, especially meeting new people. … Just enjoy what you have, especially with friends. After you graduate, you guys might go on your separate ways, so take advantage of what you have.”
Second-place finisher Paul Sevart, a senior marketing major from Haysville, said juggling academics, athletics and social life isn’t always easy, but it’s well worth the effort.
“It gets really busy trying to add (Student Life events) in, but it’s definitely worth it,” Sevart said. “It’s important to make those connections and memories, because once you move on, you’ll be able to look back on this fondly.”
Newman’s cross-country team claimed several of the top spots, something head coach Amber McVicar said makes the run a special early-season tradition.
“It’s fun to see their competitive side come out even earlier in the season than actual meet day,” McVicar said. “It’s also a great thing for them to be seen in the community of Newman and support Student Life and all the other clubs that are on campus.”
Building the community on campus
The run also brought in first-time participants eager to join campus traditions. Carl Hummell, Newman’s new director of security, said the event was the perfect way to immerse himself in the campus community.
“I’m brand new, so what better way than to jump in with both feet and do the Color Run?” Hummell said. “The vibe I get here at Newman is that students are really involved. … It makes me happy to be here.”
Kenyon Spears, Newman’s new athletics director, agreed.
“Part of my initiation to campus is going to as many activities that Newman University and the community have,” Spears said. “It’s important to show up.”
For students, the colorful finish line was just the beginning of a year chock-full of events designed to bring Jets together.
Sophomore soccer player Lucas Roland said, “The more you do, the better presence you have on campus. … That’s the point of college.”
Returning students like junior tennis athlete Linda Nocito also echoed that involvement helps with balance and connection.
“Sometimes you’re full of stuff to do, so joining events like this can be fun and you’re not stressed,” Nocito said.
A mighty team behind the scenes
Travia Smith, senior elementary education major from the Bahamas and president of CAB, said she’s proud of how the event has grown since its small, chilly first year.
“To see it grow so much, it’s been amazing,” Smith said. “We loved to see all the smiles here today. You don’t want to look back at your college career and just think, ‘Oh, I should have.’ You want to say, ‘I did that.’”
With carnival games, food and laughter carrying into the afternoon, senior and fellow CAB member Kassidy Miller summed up the spirit of the day: “It’s really good to do fun things outside of sports and the classroom … and being able to provide that to other students is great.”
As the new year begins, Student Life leaders said the run sets the tone for what’s to come in 2025-26. Student ideas and suggestions for events are always welcome and can be shared in the student body GroupMe or by stopping by the Fugate Student Center in Dugan.
“We’d love to take any and every idea,” Smith added.
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