Excitement is building as the date for Wichita’s Party on the Plaza fundraiser, themed around the Roaring 20’s, draws near.
On Sept. 27, community members will come together for an evening of delicious food and drinks, unique auction items and spectacular entertainment with the singular goal of raising money for Newman University student financial aid. It will take place at Newman University on Founder’s Plaza, just outside of the DeMattias Fine Arts Building.
The generous contributions of current and past sponsors have been instrumental in making Party on the Plaza as impactful as it is.
“Party on the Plaza is an event that benefits several people, both within the school and our community,” Events Coordinator Abbi Spelts said. “It gets people excited and passionate about the institution and our mission. Our students are our No. 1 priority and the community has a chance to be a huge part of that.”
Order of the Night
The Roaring 20’s-themed fundraising event will kick off at 4:30 p.m. with an optional Mass in St. John’s Chapel. At 5 p.m., festivities begin at Founder’s Plaza with drinks, social time, a speakeasy complete with games and prizes and a chance to peruse the silent auction items. Attendees can also enjoy a liquor tasting from Speedtrap Distillery, an open bar and a complimentary photobooth.
Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. with live entertainment from Newman University cheer and dance teams and the troubadours. Additionally, student volunteers will sell 100 Golden Tickets, which cost $100 each and offer guests a chance to win a live auction item. Before the live auction, a golden ticket number will be drawn and the winner will pick from a selection of live auction packages. The night features Courtney Klaus ’20 as the master of ceremonies with a live auction hosted by auctioneer Charlie Moon.
Reservations are required for Party on the Plaza: Roaring 20’s; the final day to reserve tickets is Friday, Sept. 26. Roaring 20’s-inspired costumes are encouraged but not required. Tickets may be purchased at newmanu.edu/pop.
If, as an alum, you were blessed to receive any assistance with your own tuition, this is the easiest and most fun way you will find to help provide that same opportunity for others.
J.T. Klaus ’87
Exclusive auction packages
Several unique items and experiences are up for grabs during the silent and live auctions at Party on the Plaza. Those unable to attend in person can still support the event by donating or bidding on silent auction items. Online bidding goes live on Monday, Sept. 22, and every dollar donated directly benefits student financial aid.
A preview of the 2025 live auction items:
- Garage Package
- Weekend Getaway at Hersh Farmhouse Hunting Lodge
- Father Tom’s Handcrafted Wooden Hope Chest
- Billboard Advertising Package
- Dinner with President Jagger
- A Day at the Races: A Church Hill Downs VIP Experience
- An Evening with Bishop Kemme
- Winter Getaway & Dog Sled Adventure in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
- Party in the Alumni Center
- Framed Bible Verse with Reflection from Bishop Kemme
- Half a Hog: Farm to Table Feast
- Sacred Heart Hall Heritage Window: Hand-Painted by Student Rebekah Strickbine
Thanks to sponsors
Special thanks to Dale Withers and David (’01, ’11) and Glenna Borho for being this year’s VIP sponsors of Party on the Plaza.
As multiyear VIP sponsors, the Borhos said they love giving back to Newman University every chance they can.
“It gives such great opportunities to so many young people to get ahead in the world,” David said.
Glenna added, “We want this university to be successful. The little bit we can help, that’s our contribution.”
Presenting Sponsors
- Adorers of the Blood of Christ
- Legacy Bank
- Simpson Construction Services
- J.T. Klaus ’87
Event Sponsors
- Dr. Noreen Carrocci and Bob Benson ’20
- Drs. Kathleen and Jim Jagger
- Forvis Mazars
- Great Western Dining
Table Sponsors
- Catholic Family Federal Credit Union
- KU School of Medicine-Wichita
- Comfort Care Homes
- Konica Minolta
- Catholic Diocese of Wichita
- St. Joseph House of Formation
- Dianne ’75 and John ’75 Carney
- Marcelo ’13 and Colleen Casenove
- Marilyn ’70 and John Hartley
- Archie ’74 and Jean Macias
- Sunflower Bank
- Butler Community College
- Ascension Via Christi
- Design Mechanical
- Dondlinger Construction
- Tessere
- Adam ’94 and April Gomez
- Dr. Mike ’78 and Carm ’79 Ludlow
- Jenifer Stone ’87 ’93
- Blake Wells / IMA of Wichita
Party Sponsors
- Speedtrap Distillery
- Higgins
View the full schedule of events at newmanu.edu/pop.
Reserve your tickets for Party on the Plaza: Roaring 20’s
Party on the Plaza: Roaring 20’s on Sept. 27 is about more than just food, drinks and fun. It is about helping students live the Newman mission and truly transform society.
