High tea at Newman University is a long loved tradition by many. The tea is lovely and the finger foods are delightful, but those two components are not what keeps the tradition of high tea alive.
High tea is traditionally practiced in England. Newman celebrates it because John Henry Cardinal Newman, who was from England, is its namesake. Students and staff gather the week of Newman’s birthday, which is Feb. 21, to host high tea as a way of celebrating and remembering. At the event there is tea and traditional finger foods one might find at a high tea in England.
High tea is a large event and must be planned carefully.
Sheryl Stanley, mother of five Newman alumni, easily executes the task of coordinating the event, along with help from student volunteers. Stanley continues to do this event for several reasons.
“I love the way it brings everyone together. The whole campus is involved. There’s not only students but faculty and staff and administration. I think that’s why I love it so much,” Stanley said.
Stanley is not the only one who looks forward to this event each year. Administrative Assistant Monica Borger has enjoyed this event many times as well.
“It’s a nice event that brings faculty, staff and students together for no reason except for fellowship,” Borger stated when asked about the event.
Attendees enjoyed the event from 2-4 p.m. and again from 5:30-7 p.m. Student Anthony Hamersky said he experienced this event for the first time.
Hamersky said, “In the past, my schedules did not allow for it (attending high tea). … It is a little bit classier than I expected it to be but it is good.”
Students had fun trying new treats and taking photos with one another in fun, fancy hats. With the second high tea in the evening, more students had the opportunity to enjoy the event.
High tea has been an event at Newman since the 1980s so many generations of faculty, staff and students have been able to attend and carry on the tradition. With the high turnouts and positive responses, it is likely this event will continue for many years to come.
