Culture and service attracts St. Newman Scholar

Every incoming freshman class has a select amount of exceptional students who receive the St. Newman Scholarship, a full ride to Newman University.

Desiray Cuellar is one of five students out of 47 interviewed in the class of 2028 to receive the scholarship. When Cuellar received the message, she was excited.

“I didn’t know how to react,” Cuellar said. “There were so many great applicants, I thought ‘who would pick me?'”

Desiray Cuellar, St. Newman Scholar — Cuellar

The Wichita East High School graduate knew she wanted to attend Newman after her campus visit.

But, what stuck out to her?

“I was very impressed with how everyone interacted with one another. From students to teachers, there was an emphasis on excelling academically,” said Cuellar, a biology major with a pre-medicine concentration.

After conversations with multiple students and faculty, Cuellar learned there was more the university had to offer her than what she would learn in the classroom.

“I learned that Newman isn’t just about excelling as a student but succeeding as a person. This place seems like a family. Also, community service seems to be a big part of Newman culture, which I appreciate, because it is something I enjoy doing.”

Beyond academics and service, Cuellar will stay busy in her first year as a Jet. She was accepted into the Honors Program and can’t wait to play on the women’s soccer team.

“I am looking forward to meeting new people and making new connections,” Cuellar said.

Cuellar met some of her future teammates already.

“I was so happy to get to know some of the people who will be on my soccer team,” Cuellar said.

Cuellar is grateful for the St. Newman Scholarship and already knows how she wants to transform society.

“I want to make health care more affordable for families in unfortunate financial situations, especially because of how my family grew up,” Cuellar said.

Cuellar is ready for the next chapter in her life and knows Newman will set her up for success.