With every seat of St. John’s Chapel filled, Newman University began its new academic year Aug. 28 with the traditional Mass of the Holy Spirit and matriculation ceremony, welcoming first-year students into the Newman family.
More than 340 students, faculty, staff and guests participated in Mass, celebrated by the Most Rev. Carl A. Kemme, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita.
Probus welcomes students from around the world
Michael Probus, vice president for enrollment management, opened the event by highlighting the “great promise” of the incoming class.
“Whether you grew up down the street or traveled a long way, today we begin something together,” Probus said. “We’re humbled that Newman’s excellence has been recognized as the No. 1 best Catholic college in Kansas, the No. 1 best academic private school in Kansas and is one of America’s best colleges by Money Magazine. We’re even more grateful that you are here to help us live it.”
Students in the 2025 class represent 21 states and 14 countries, including Barbados, Iceland, Japan and Zimbabwe.
“We have 51 students interested in rad tech, 44 in management, 40 in nursing and a tie of 28 for biology and sonography — and one bold trailblazer starting in artificial intelligence,” Probus said.
Probus encouraged students to embrace Newman’s mission as they begin their academic careers.
“Here you’ll find professors who know your name, classmates who become friends, and a mission that gives purpose to your effort,” he said. “John Henry Newman wrote, ‘To live is to change.’ May this year shape you into what God is calling you to be.”
Bishop Kemme’s challenge to students
In his homily, Kemme reminded students of the deep significance of the day. He also assured them of his continuous prayers as they embark on a new academic year.
“I want to assure you, all students, staff, faculty, that I will be praying that (your year) will be rewarding, renewing and a year of growth in every dimension of our lives.”
He urged students to embrace college as a time of discovery and self-development and not merely a checklist of requirements.
“I hope you discover new things about yourself, this incredible world of ours, our God who created it and our church, which watches over all that happens here at Newman University with a mother’s heart.”
Lessons from a saint
Kemme’s homily also drew inspiration from the life of St. Augustine, whose feast was celebrated that day. He described Augustine’s early struggles with the pursuit of worldly pleasures before encountering Christ and becoming one of the church’s greatest saints.
“He was like you, our new students, looking to learn and understand the mysteries of life,” Kemme said. “St. Augustine was a youthful intellectual, albeit handsome playboy … but throughout those years, he was searching and looking for purpose in his life and meaning, albeit often in ways that left him unsatisfied and longing for something else.”
That transformation, Kemme said, is a reminder that Jesus can radically redirect lives — if, that is, one is open to the possibility.
“It’s good to remember Augustine’s life and his legacy because it reminds us of the power that Jesus can have in our life,” Kemme said. “The power to change us radically for the good.”
Kemme invited students to seek a personal encounter with Christ during their time at Newman. He challenged them to find him in the classroom, residence halls, relationships with fellow students, faculty and staff, within challenging discussions and in the “beauty of the world of nature,” he said.
“Jesus is everywhere in spirit,” he continued. “Will you look for him more intently this year? Will you have the courage to invite him to accompany you along your adventure this year? Will you include Jesus in your life this year at Newman?”
President invites students to place God at the center of their lives
Following Mass, Newman President Kathleen S. Jagger, Ph.D., MPH, addressed the students and challenged them to embrace the Newman experience.
“Beginning college or coming to a new college opens up a new chapter in your life story,” Jagger said. “It allows you to continue developing who you are and seriously consider who and what you want to be.”
She emphasized that success requires both ambition and faith.
“Put God at the center of your ambition, all things for his glory, not for your own, and put your trust in his hands,” she said. “Recognize divine providence in your lives. Listen for his guidance. Let him light your path.”
Jagger reminded students that Newman’s chapel is their space for prayer and reflection.
“This is your chapel … we invite you to come here to Mass, to use this space for personal worship, Adoration, reflection and inspiration anytime that your schedule permits,” she said.
Closing her remarks, Jagger encouraged students to invest in one another and “don’t forget to have fun” along the way.
“Care for one another. Affirm one another. Counter the negative noise that surrounds you and the world. Make a difference for each other. This is your time,” she said.
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With an instructor-to-student ratio of 12:1, Newman delivers a personalized academic experience to help you find your path to success.
