As the year 2019 comes to an end, a new decade begins. We took a look at all that we accomplished during the past ten years.
It’s been an exciting time for Newman with plenty of growth and change. Our namesake was both beatified and canonized at either end of the decade, the campus footprint changed rather drastically with the addition of the Bishop Gerber Science Center and demolition of the Heimerman Science Center and our longtime president Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D., retired in December 2019.
2010
Newman University group attends the beatification of John Henry Cardinal Newman >>
On Sept. 19, 2010, Newman community members attended the beatification ceremony in Birmingham, England of John Henry Cardinal Newman, the 19th-century Catholic theologian and educator for whom Newman University is named.
Central elements of a new Master Plan >>
Also in 2010, Newman was creating a master plan for the next 5, 10, 15 and 20 years.
2011
Defining the mission and identity of Newman University >>
Newman University began the process of rebranding in 2011. Logos, taglines and colors were all reviewed and edited — all while keeping in mind its Catholic heritage, Adorers of the Blood of Christ sponsorship and mission of the university.
2013
Newman biology professor named ‘Health Care Hero’ >>
Newman University Professor of Biology Surendra Singh, Ph.D. was among 27 Wichita-area individuals and organizations selected for the 2013 “Health Care Heroes” awards presented by the Wichita Business Journal. Singh was selected for the Lifetime Achievement category.
Newman University, England students are first to study abroad >>
Four students from Newman University in Birmingham, England, became the first exchange students from that location to take classes at Newman in Wichita. The exchange program between the two universities still exists today.
2015
Newman community copes with loss of student-athlete >>
Newman students, staff, faculty and friends mourned the sudden loss of senior wrestler Reece Wright-Conklin, who passed away in a motorcycle accident on Sept. 3, 2015.
Today, the team hosts a Reece Wright-Conklin Invitational in his honor.
2017
Newman says ‘goodbye’ to Heimerman Science Center >>
The demolition of the Heimerman Science Center began June 16, 2017, following a prayer service to celebrate and say farewell to the building that many alumni remember as a home away from home on campus.
Heimerman is remembered by an honor wall and cement path on campus that outlines where the building once stood.
Five Newman alumni ordained as priests >>
Nearly 2,000 people filled the Church of the Magdalen on May 27, 2017, to celebrate 10 newly ordained priests for the Diocese — five of whom have ties to Newman University.
Newman University alumni Fathers Ed Herzog and Adam Grelinger, and former students Andrew Labenz, J.D. Betzen and Kyle Dugan took their vows to the priesthood, dedicating the rest of their lives to serving the Catholic Church.
Father Adam Grelinger now serves as the Newman University Chaplain.
Newman scores A+ on accreditation >>
On July 31, 2017, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) gave its official 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation recommendation for Newman University.
Bishop Gerber Science Center open for learning >>
The new Bishop Gerber Science Center officially opened for business at the beginning of the fall 2017 semester. Students, staff and faculty were excited to utilize the new classroom, workspaces and high-tech laboratories.
2018
Jets blast toward new conference >>
Newman University accepted an invitation from the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) to participate as an associate member in all NCAA sports the university sponsors, effective for the 2019-20 academic year.
Tour the new radiologic technology classroom & lab >>
The Facing Forward campaign made a huge impact on the Newman University campus. Not only did it provide the funding to build the state-of-the-art Bishop Gerber Science Center, but it also helped renovate parts of Eck Hall, constructing labs for programs such as nursing, respiratory care and radiologic technology.
Newman community remembers Suzanne V.L. Berg, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Communication Suzanne V.L. Berg, Ph.D., died unexpectedly and was remembered by many and often through a memorial service, events and a graduation tribute video in 2019.
2019
Newman community members attend namesake’s canonization >>
A pilgrimage of 34 Newman University staff, board members, friends and alumni led by President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D., traveled to Rome in October 2019 where they witnessed the canonization of university namesake St. John Henry Newman.
Newman University announces the retirement of President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D. >>
President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D., retired at the end of 2019 after twelve years as Newman University President.
