Annual Awards Banquet wraps up Cardinal Newman Week

A successful and tradition-filled Cardinal Newman Week drew to a close with the Cardinal Newman Banquet and Awards Ceremony last Saturday, Feb. 21 in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center. The Banquet and Awards Ceremony is one of the key events of Cardinal Newman Week, the annual week-long celebration of the life and teachings of Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman, for whom Newman University is named.

Newman Board of Trustees Chair Linda Davison and President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D. present the Cardinal Newman Medal and Proclamation to Monsignor Robert Hemberger.

Highlighting the night was Reverend Monsignor Robert Hemberger, this year’s recipient of the Cardinal Newman Medal. The medal – the highest honor bestowed by the Newman Board of Trustees – is conferred upon those who demonstrate in their daily life an appreciation of the spirit and ideals of Cardinal Newman, and who have been instrumental in the growth and development of the university. Monsignor Hemberger spent 44-years in the Diocese of Wichita serving in many roles. He is widely known and appreciated for his gentle, congenial nature, his ability to inspire and encourage others, and his gift for bringing out the best in people. Before his retirement in 2014, Monsignor Hemberger served as a member of the Newman Board of Trustees. The banquet also honored the recipients of the 2015 Alumni Awards.

Read more about these award recipients.

Leon A. McNeill Distinguished Alumni Award:
Reverend Thomas A. Welk, CPPS (Honorary Alum ‘09)
This award honors graduates who have achieved outstanding success in their personal lives and careers.

Beata Netemeyer Service Award:
Sister Teresita Elna S. Oporta, FSpif, MSW ’07
This award honors alumni who continue the spirit of service of Beata Netemeyer, ASC, as they minister with others bringing about the mission of Christ.

Associate Professor of Social Work John Moragues accepted the award on behalf of Sister Teresita Elna S. Oporta, who lives and works on a remote island in the Philippines. Moragues is also Distance Education Coordinator for the MSW Program in Colorado Springs, Colo., where Sister Elna earned her MSW.

St. Maria De Mattias Award:
Mark ’78 and Ann (Roder) ’81, ‘01 Fox
This award honors alumni who have given meritorious and continuous support and stewardship to Newman University and Catholic life.

Mark and Ann Fox (center) are presented their award by Alumni Board Member Renee (Soukup) Hein, Ph.D., left, and Director of Alumni Relations Sarah Cundiff.

Spirit of Acuto Award:
Margaret Weilert ’61, ‘65
This award honors alumni and friends who have been a driving force, using their talent and training at critical junctures to move a vision to reality.

Cardinal Newman Week is part of Heritage Month, the month-long series of events celebrating Cardinal Newman, the heritage of Newman University’s founders the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, and the university’s Catholic tradition.

Watch this video of highlights of the Cardinal Newman Banquet and Awards Ceremony.

For more videos and to see each individual’s speech: Click Here!