Although Newman University’s Heritage Month — celebrated from Feb. 1 to March 4 — has come to a close, the memories honoring the university’s founders, namesake and rich history continue.
Take a look back at some of the highlights, including contests, speakers and special events from this year’s Heritage Month celebrations.
St. John Henry Newman’s legacy in ‘The Newman Bond’ podcast
In this episode of “The Newman Bond” podcast which aired on Feb. 3, Matt Muller, a theology professor at Benedictine College, explored the life and legacy of St. John Henry Newman. Muller explored how Newman’s ideas remain especially relevant for navigating doubt, change and fragmentation in the modern world.
Feast of St. Maria De Mattias
The Rev. Ed Herzog, alumnus and chaplain of Newman University, celebrated Mass on Feb. 4 for the Newman community in honor of St. Maria De Mattias’ feast day.
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.
Medallion hunt winner
After four days of riddles and searches, senior Grecia Nunez-Palomares uncovered the hidden medallion in Newman’s 2026 medallion hunt, earning her a $200 cash reward.
Nunez-Palomares found the silver medallion at the St. Maria De Mattias sculpture on the plaza in front of the Athletics and Fine Arts Center.
Bud Marr reflects on the life and legacy of St. Newman
On Feb. 11 and 12, Newman scholar Bud Marr from Mercy College of Health Sciences presented two talks on St. John Henry Newman.
The sessions, which celebrated Newman’s namesake being named the 38th Doctor of the Church, were titled “Forming Hearts and Minds: St. John Henry Newman’s Message for Today’s Church” and “Faith, Reason and the Modern World: St. Newman’s Enduring Witness.”
Students talk history on ‘The Newman Bond’ podcast
This episode of “The Newman Bond,” which premiered on Feb. 17, features students Andrew Meyer and Cameron Schroder as they discuss how Newman’s history, mission and traditions continue to influence campus life and academic culture for generations to come.
Celebrating St. Newman with a Catholic Mass
Herzog offered Mass Feb. 19 in St. John’s Chapel in celebration of St. Newman’s birthday. In his homily, he drew parallels between St. Newman’s conversion to Catholicism in the 19th century and the universal call to pursue truth regardless of personal cost.
“There’s only one good reason to become Catholic, and that’s because you think it’s true,” Herzog told those gathered for the Mass, which was held as part of 2026 Heritage Month celebrations on campus.
High Tea
Immediately after Mass, guests of all ages came together during Newman University’s annual High Tea event 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.
This fan-favorite tradition would not be possible without the help of volunteers, who baked and made the traditional foods, served guests, set up the Dugan Gorges Conference Center and cleaned the entire center when it was over.
Homecoming 2026
The Student Life team hosted a series of homecoming week events — from a lip sync battle and bonfire to chips, salsa and treats — all leading up to the big night of basketball, homecoming royalty and a palpable, one-of-a-kind energy on campus.
Down-to-the-wire basketball games, the crowning of new royalty, a rowdy student section and an influx of alumni returned to campus for homecoming night on Feb. 26.
Both the men and women’s basketball teams faced off against players from the Northwest Missouri State University. After battling the sixth-place team in the MIAA, the Jets women’s team pulled ahead in the 4th quarter to win 57-54.
The Jets men’s team got close down the stretch, closing the Bearcat lead to one point with 45 seconds remaining, but succumbed to a three-point loss of 68-65.
Celebrating royalty
During halftime of the men’s game, Newman Student Life officials presented the 2026 homecoming court and revealed the king and queen: Colby Schreiner and Valeriya Lioukina.
Additional court members were nursing major Alex Schreiner, theological studies major Eliana Anh Gaytan, business management major Brooklyn Davis, elementary education major Travia Smith, theologoical studies major Caleb Papsdorf, business communication major Braxton Muldoon, biology major Trevor Sweat and finance major Sam Somerhalder.
Trivia Contest
The Trivia Contest on Feb. 27 drew a record 188 participants across 32 teams, raising $4,485 that — combined with a $1,000 Giving Day match — delivers nearly $5,500 to support Student Life programming and student organizations.
The evening featured fierce but friendly competition, with first place going to alumnus and current staff member Austin Schwartz ’23 and his team, earning $300 in gift cards to Target, Walmart and Dillons. Staffer Maggie Slack and her team claimed second place and $150 in gift cards, while a team made up of the family members of alumnus Jack Schafer ’20 finished third place and took home $120 in gift cards to the same retailers.
Giving Day
Newman University supporters rallied together to raise money during the 7th annual Giving Day March 3 with competitions, matching challenges and one-of-a-kind game show and trivia events.
By the time Giving Day came to a close at the end of day on March 3, donors had contributed $87,609 — blowing past the institution’s $65,000 goal and eclipsing the previous record of $63,639 set in 2024 by nearly $23,000.
“We are so grateful for all who stepped up and supported Newman’s best Giving Day yet,” said Bob Beumer, vice president for Institutional Advancement. “We, and more importantly the students, cannot thank you enough. Your support helps grow our programs and lessen the burden on our students.”
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.”
That’s a wrap
Thank you to each student, faculty and staff member, ASC sister, Newman alum and community member who helped make the 2026 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.
