Staff, faculty, students, Adorers of the Blood of Christ and Newman community members gathered for the 2020 St. John Henry Newman High Tea. Attendees enjoyed the annual event that pays homage to the English heritage of Newman University’s namesake, St. John Henry Newman.
With a spread of Cheshire cheese tarts, curried egg sandwiches, currant scones, lemon bread, Scottish shortbread and so much more, there was no shortage of treats for guests to enjoy.
This particular Heritage Month event is unique for many reasons; one being that nearly all the food is baked by volunteers. Baked goods are brought by staff, faculty and Newman community members and Great Western Dining provided salmon along with a few extra things this year.
The event is a favorite among many; even retired Newman University president Noreen M. Carrocci, PhD., said she couldn’t resist attending High Tea.
Though the day itself was full of tea, treats, fellowship and fun, preparing for such a beloved event is an enormous task. The High Tea committee began meeting months ago to hash out setup, volunteer sign-ups and all the details that go into the big day to ensure it all runs as smoothly as it can.
Volunteer Sheryl Stanley takes the lead on the event and spent the entire day before the event preparing the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center for volunteers and guests.
Stanley said she clocked nearly 20,000 steps on her FitBit the day before when she set up tables and organized the volunteer area. She said she was thankful for the soccer team who helped her throughout the day.
Once again, this unique event was an enjoyable and delicious part of Newman’s Heritage Month activities.
More Heritage Month events are happening this week and next, including Homecoming on Thursday, Feb. 20, Newman Giving Day on Feb. 25, and Ash Wednesday Mass on Feb. 26.
