When David Borho ’01, ’11 received a phone call from Newman University asking if he would accept the 2026 St. Maria De Mattias Award, he was momentarily speechless.
It was a fitting reaction for a man who has spent decades quietly championing the university, first as a nontraditional online student, then as a board member and now as one of Newman’s most consistent philanthropic supporters.
On Sept. 26, he and his wife, Glenna, marked their 12th consecutive year as VIP sponsors for Party on the Plaza, this year alongside fellow VIP sponsors Dale Withers and Spencer Fane, LLP. The Borhos have seen the fundraiser take on various forms, from its Oktoberfest and Renaissance days to a night in Tuscany, the Roaring ‘20s and now a Kentucky Derby-style evening of fundraising.
Over the past decade and a half, the Borhos have contributed more than $120,000 directly to Party on the Plaza.
“We’ve found that the more we give, the more we get back,” Glenna said. “And Newman has such a wonderful mission. Their students, as they say, they do go out and transform society. We just want to be a part of that.”
A nontraditional path to Newman
David, a North Dakota native and first-generation college student, initially earned his bachelor’s degree in soil science and agronomy from North Dakota State University in 1974. In 1975, he relocated to Pratt, Kansas, to join Kincheloe’s Inc., a farm equipment dealership where he continues to serve as president and co-owner.
His journey with Newman began with Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pratt, where parishioners introduced him to the university. David enrolled in Newman’s Interactive Television (ITV) Pastoral Ministry program spearheaded by the late Sister Margaret Knoeber, ASC.
While juggling full-time business responsibilities, David earned his Bachelor of Arts in 2001.
“I bugged Sister Margaret Knoeber, ASC, for years to get a master’s program started, and she was instrumental in all of this,” David said. “That’s how I became familiar with Newman, became a supporter and in some ways, in love with Newman University — because I was treated so well as an online student.”
When Newman launched its Master of Theological Studies program, David joined the inaugural cohort of 44 students and completed his master’s degree in 2011.
“These professors were all very involved and seemed to care about their students,” David said. “I found that not only fascinating, but something that I think should be trumpeted from the rooftops.”
Connected to the ASC
When David learned he had been selected for the 2026 St. Maria De Mattias Award, he reflected on the parallels between St. Maria De Mattias’ determination and his journey.
“She was a tenacious young lady traveling around Italy for 30 years,” David said. “And I thought, well, that is kind of like me. I am tenacious. I have a minor birth defect. And people would often mention to me, ‘You can’t do that.’ And I said, ‘You want to make me angry? Tell me I cannot do something and that’s not gonna go over well.’ And I’ve spent my life saying, ‘I can do that.’”
David poured that tenacity into service, serving nine years on the Newman Board of Trustees and eight years as chair of the advancement committee, all while actively ministering at Sacred Heart Parish as a pastoral council member, RCIA coordinator and poverty ally through Circles USA.
Following David’s board tenure, Glenna stepped onto the Newman Board of Trustees in fall 2025. A former mayor, city commissioner and county commissioner of Pratt, Glenna shares David’s dedication to higher education and Catholic stewardship. In addition to their annual sponsorships, the couple has each committed a deferred estate gift of $1 million to support Newman’s highest priority needs.
“We often think about just how many Newman students we can help when we extend money to Newman, not only for Party on the Plaza, but also additional money for scholarships,” Glenna said. “We love to help, and we have an affinity to help. Not only while we’re here, but also once we’re gone.”
Inspiring future leaders
For David, returning to campus for events like Party on the Plaza is about passing forward the opportunities he received.
“One thing I have learned through all my theology classes is surrender to God,” David said. “Now, is it hard? Oh yes. But it’ll be worth it in the end.”
As she looked out at the students, student-athletes and scholarship recipients assisting throughout the evening, Glenna offered encouraging advice for those preparing to begin their careers.
“Just because you enter a certain curriculum here and think that you’re going to become this or that, don’t think that you can never go back and retrain and do something that you want,” Glenna said. “As I joke, I’m 75 years of age, and I’m still not sure what I want to do when I grow up. The world is the limit. It’s all yours. Go for the gusto. Go for it.”
David added, “Dream big. It’s doable. Rely upon the friends and the relationships you make at this institution because many of those will be lifelong friendships.”
Inspired to give back?
Newman University’s mission focuses on educating all students through Catholic values, academic excellence and a culture of service.
