Sept. 3, 2026, marked an important day in Newman’s history.
The university not only welcomed its first-year students with a beloved campus tradition — the Mass of the Holy Spirit and Matriculation Ceremony in St. John’s Chapel — it also formally recognized another sacred space on campus: the new Marian Grotto.
Welcoming the new class
Matriculation marks the formal transition from an accepted student to a full-fledged university student. Michael Probus, vice president of enrollment management, welcomed the incoming Class of 2030 into the Newman community.
“At the Mass of the Holy Spirit, we ask for wisdom, courage and understanding,” Probus said. “Enjoy it as you begin this journey together, made by friendships that shape you, professors that know you and a community that helps you discover who God is calling you to become.”
Newman was honored to welcome the Most Rev. Carl A. Kemme, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, who offered the Mass alongside celebrants the Rev. Ed Herzog, the Rev. Chad Arnold, the Rev. Garret Burns, the Rev. Michael Brungardt and the Rev. Jeff Jacobs.
A message for the first-year class
In his homily, Kemme offered a message of encouragement for finding one’s purpose.
“You are called to carry out the mission of the Holy Spirit,” Kemme said to the class. “We’ve gathered here in the beautiful St. John’s Chapel … where I hope you come often. I hope the Holy Spirit will draw you into this place to meditate, for care and quiet … to fulfill your mission.”
Kemme reminded the students that they are entering a university rooted in a tradition that seeks the formation of the “whole person” — mind, heart, soul and body.
“May God continually pour forth his blessings and honor on you, his great love,” Kemme said. “Cast aside all your fears and anxieties, your worries, trials, tribulations … cast them on him. He truly cares for you.”
Following Mass, Jagger encouraged all students, regardless of their faith traditions, to use St. John’s Chapel and the new Marian Grotto for moments of silence, reflection and peace.
“Counter the negative noise that surrounds you in this world and make a difference for each other,” Jagger said. “Invest in one another, care for one another, affirm one another. Because this is your time.”
The blessing of Newman’s new Marian Grotto
Following Mass, the celebration moved outdoors for a historic moment: the formal blessing of Newman’s new Marian Grotto. Kemme led the procession to the sacred space, which is located just outside of the De Mattias Fine Arts Center.
The grotto was a true community effort. It was built by Dondlinger Construction and led by Newman alumnus Raymond Dondlinger ‘05. Before construction started on the new grotto, the Virgin Mary statue underwent an extensive restoration in July and August 2024. Artist Mary Frances Skinner completed the work after years of weather exposure damaged the statue.
The project marked Skinner’s first restoration for Newman.
“Frank Martinez, who is a potter in the art building, was gracious enough to share his space with me while I worked on Mary, and then shared his space with Mary for the last two years, waiting for her to go in her new home,” Skinner said.
Supporters are invited to leave their mark on the site through the purchase of engraved bricks, which will form “Mary’s Walkway” leading to the grotto. Proceeds will serve as a fundraiser to support campus, and more details will be available soon.
Find your place at Newman University
Newman University continues to be a community that empowers students to shape their future and their impact on the world around them.
