Each year Newman University students, faculty, staff and alumni celebrate the university’s founders and Catholic traditions during Heritage Month.
Newman will host a series of events Feb. 1 through March 4, 2026, that celebrate the university’s founders the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC), as well as its namesake St. John Henry Newman. This year marks the 12th annual Heritage Month celebration.
From student contests and scavenger hunts to guest speakers and Mass celebrations, there are a variety of ways to commemorate Newman University’s Catholic heritage and school spirit.
New this year
In celebration of Newman’s namesake being named the 38th Doctor of the Church, Heritage Month welcomes Bud Marr, a Newman Scholar from Mercy College of Health Sciences, who will present on St. John Henry Newman. Marr will speak at 7 p.m. on Feb. 11 in the Sister Tarcisia Roths ASC Alumni Center, with a follow-up luncheon presentation at noon on Feb. 12. Both talks are open to the public.
Browse the full schedule of Heritage Month events below.
Week 1 (Feb. 1-7)
Medallion Scavenger Hunt | Monday, Feb. 2 – Friday, Feb. 6
Students can look for clues, published each day at 8 a.m., on the Heritage Month webpage, in the Jet Broadcast or Newman social media and search the campus for the Newman Medallion. The first person or team to turn in the medallion to Sister Therese Wetta, ASC (first floor, Sacred Heart Hall) wins a $200 cash prize.
Feast of St. Maria De Mattias – Inaugural Event | Wednesday, Feb. 4
- Noon – Mass in honor of St. Maria De Mattias, founder of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, sponsors of Newman University, in St. John Chapel
- After Mass – Lunch of Italian food and birthday cake in Mabee Dining Hall, sponsored by Campus Ministry
Mission Presentation – Cultures of Africa | Thursday, Feb. 5
Join us for a special Mission Presentation at 12:15 p.m. exploring the diverse cultures of Africa. Dugan-Gorges Conference Room
Week 2 (Feb. 8-14)
Spaghetti Night with ASC Sisters | Tuesday, Feb. 10
The ASC sisters invite students to a special Heritage Month Spaghetti Dinner at The Landing.
Presentation on St. Newman, Doctor of the Church | Wednesday, Feb. 11 | 7 p.m.
Bud Marr, Newman Scholar from Mercy College of Health Sciences, presents on St. John Henry Newman in the Sister Tarcisia Roths ASC Alumni Center.
Mission Luncheon Presentation | Thursday, Feb. 12 | Noon
Bud Marr continues his presentation on St. Newman, Doctor of the Church, at the Sister Tarcisia Roths ASC Alumni Center.
Week 3 (Feb. 15-21)
Mass in Honor of St. John Henry Newman | Thursday, Feb. 19 | Noon
Join us for Mass in St. John Chapel to honor Newman University’s namesake on his birth date.
High Tea | Thursday, Feb. 19 | 2-6 p.m.
Enjoy tea and delicious special foods of St. Newman’s time in an elegant setting during the popular annual High Tea event in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Room.
Week 4 – Homecoming Week (Feb. 23-28)
Homecoming Week | Monday, Feb. 23 – Saturday, Feb. 28
Celebrate Newman pride with a week of activities leading up to the big game.
Homecoming Game | Thursday, Feb. 26
Newman Jets take on NW Missouri State. The Homecoming King and Queen will be announced during halftime of the men’s game.
Trivia Contest | Friday, Feb. 27
The return of the popular brain busting event highlights the end of a busy week. Test your knowledge at the 4th annual Trivia Contest, presented by CAB and Student Life. Reserve a spot for your team (up to six) to complete for fun prizes!
Final Week (March 1-4)
Giving Day | Tuesday, March 3
Our annual Giving Day brings the entire Newman University community together for a day of radical generosity. The day will be filled with games, prizes, community events and celebrations, all in support of raising money for our current students.
Dinner and Reflection with ASCs | Tuesday, March 3 | 6-7:30 p.m.
Join the ASC Sisters for an evening of dinner and reflection at the ASC Center.
Heritage Month Closing – ASC Foundation Day | Wednesday, March 4
Join us for noon Mass in St. John’s Chapel followed by a social to celebrate ASC Foundation Day and close out the 12th annual Heritage Month.
Check out the Heritage Month webpage for the latest information and schedule of events.
