While freshmen were moving into their residence halls, current students, Adores of the Blood of Christ (ASC) sisters and President Kathleen Jagger were busy sharing their advice on how to get the most out of the Newman experience.
“My advice is to get involved, even if you’re an introvert. If you get involved with a new group, something you’re interested in, it will help you bond and find new friends,” said ASC Sister Betty Adams.
Amaya Perez, a sophomore majoring in special education and a basketball player, had high praise for Newman’s tradition of athletes helping move in new residents.
“Coming in as a freshman and being welcomed is nice because you’ll have familiarity with people you’re going to see all the time,” said Perez.
Perez also shared a helpful resource for new student-athletes on the basketball team. The Newman basketball coaches recently implemented a mental health day for players to use.
“So if you’re feeling off or far behind, you can just forget about the game for a day. I think our coaches are really awesome implementing this for us and I think it’d be really cool for more coaches to do this,” said Perez.
Sam Somerhalder is a sophomore finance major and member of the men’s basketball team. Helping new students move into the residence halls brought back memories of his freshman year.
“My advice for new students is to be involved with the activities that go on in the dorms, you’ll meet some of your best friends there,” said Somerhalder.
Andrea Fuentes, a junior majoring in marketing and minoring in data analytics, is heavily involved on campus. She is a resident assistant (RA) in Fugate, president of the Hispanic American Leadership Organization (HALO) and is on the cheer and dance team.
“I think the counseling services that Newman offers are a great resource. They doubled the amount of services that you can use. It used to be six, now it’s 12. So I think that’s very helpful for those who are suffering with any type of mental illness or just need a shoulder to cry on,” said Fuentes.
Elise Helfrich is a senior majoring in biology with a pre-dental concentration. She is the RA for the third floor in Beata Hall and is excited to expand Metanoia and see the residents grow in their faith.
Metanoia is a Catholic living community located on the third floor of Beata on campus.
“This year we had a get-together brunch and ceremony to induct them, make them feel special and help them learn what the Metanoia floor is all about. I’m also going to try to have a lot more scheduled events. Every semester we do a supper with Rev. Adam Grelinger and Emily Simon who are advisors for us,” said Helfrich.
President Jagger’s best advice is to “Get after it.”
“Be involved in your classes and in the student clubs with the people that are living in your residence hall,” she said. “Take the opportunity to meet new people and bring that adventurous attitude to everything you’re encountering.”
Bucket list items
Students also shared their “Newman bucket list” items to help new students get the most out of the Newman experience.
Watch the video or browse the list below to find out what students had to say.
Jet Friday
Jet Friday is a Newman tradition that gathers students at the end of every week for fellowship over donuts. Join Student Life every Friday from 8:30-10 a.m. in the Fugate Student Center (inside Dugan Library).
Spaghetti Suppers
The ASC sisters have been hosting monthly Spaghetti Suppers for the past eight years. Join them at The Landing (across from Carrocci Hall) once a month to enjoy a delicious meal with friends and the sisters.
Jetspys
Newman student-athletes and teams are celebrated for their milestone achievements throughout the year during a banquet-style event known as the Jetspys. The name is a play on the ESPY Awards hosted by ABC.
Sporting Events
When student-athletes comprise approximately 45% of the student body, Newman community members can expect to attend lots of sporting events. From wrestling to golf to basketball, there’s a sport for everyone.
Campus Ministry
Campus Ministry is a welcoming place for all. From weekly events to retreats, there are several opportunities students won’t want to miss. Join Campus Ministry every Wednesday night in the Sacred Heart Hall basement for fellowship and fun.
Beach Bash
The Welcome Back Beach Bash is a fun social event for new and returning students the weekend before school starts. Students get to catch up with returning friends and make new ones.
Breakfast and Bingo
This is a beloved campus tradition. The weekend before finals, students can relax with breakfast foods, play bingo with friends and win fun prizes.
Beginning this semester, students can earn raffle tickets by attending various campus events. At Breakfast and Bingo, those tickets will be added to the raffle pool. Just by attending events throughout the semester, students may up their chances of winning an exclusive prize.
Intramural Sports
Intramural sports offer a friendly environment for students, faculty and staff to participate on teams, or as an individual, competing in different sports.
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