Future nurses, surgeons among incoming class at Jet Pre-Check, Flight Nite

The transition from high school senior to college freshman became official for dozens of students June 11 as Newman University hosted a Jet Pre-Check and overnight Flight Nite experience for incoming students.

During Jet Pre-Check, which offers individualized customer service to incoming students and parents, students met with faculty advisors, finalized financial aid and viewed their class schedules for the first time.

While Jet Pre-Check focused on the logistics of enrollment, Flight Nite provided a social bridge. The overnight event allowed students to stay in the residence halls and connect with their future classmates through activities and a send-off breakfast the following day.

Students smile as they connect during Flight Nite, an overnight experience for incoming students at Newman University.

A welcoming atmosphere

For many incoming students, the decision to attend Newman was rooted in the personal connections they felt during the application process.

Hannah Rohmeyer, a pre-medicine major from Eisenhower High School in Goddard, Kansas, said the campus culture stood out immediately.

“Every time I’ve come here, everybody I’ve seen has said, ‘Hello,’” she said. “It just feels more like home and makes you feel more welcome.”

(From left to right) Professor Shannon Johnston, Rohmeyer and Jennifer meet during Jet Pre-Check.

Rohmeyer hopes to become a neonatal surgeon one day. Her mother, Jennifer, noted that Newman’s environment was a perfect fit for her daughter’s personality.

“There are smaller class sizes, it’s more personal and just more homey,” Jennifer said. She added that her daughter’s temperament is well-suited for her future career: “She’s very good at being calm in really hard situations.”

To start that journey to medical school more quickly, Rohmeyer chose to complete her bachelor’s degree at an accelerated pace through Newman’s Pathmaker program.

Athletics coaches and staff met with students during Jet Pre-Check.

Incoming students also connected with Director of Campus Security, Carlos Atondo. — Athletics coaches and staff met with students during Jet Pre-Check.

“They gave me an amazing scholarship, and I’m excited to meet new people and get involved,” she said. “There are a lot of opportunities here.”

Finding faith and community

Evelyn Martinez-Fernandez, a nursing major and graduate of Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, felt a similar sense of belonging.

(From left to right) Fernandez and Martinez-Fernandez in Sacred Heart Hall

“The people talk to you like they’ve known you for a long time,” Martinez-Fernandez said. “It shows you that you are known and that you’re not alone in whatever your next step is.”

As a Catholic student, she was also drawn to the opportunities within Campus Ministry and is excited to grow deeper into her faith.

Her mother, Giovana Fernandez, said the university’s sense of community was palpable throughout the day.

“I see everybody connected, and everybody knows everybody,” Fernandez said. “It really does feel like home. If someone is deciding whether to come and enroll into Newman, this is the right place.”

Fernandez and her mom chat with Newman Chaplain Father Ed Herzog in the Campus Ministry office.

For students like Martinez-Fernandez, her end goal is clear: to use her education to serve others, especially those who are most vulnerable.

“I want to help people who don’t have the ability to take care of themselves to get the help they need,” she added.

The countdown is on

Newman’s traditional New Student Orientation, “Wheels Up,” is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22. The event will focus on building social connections and school pride with the incoming first-year students before the semester begins on Monday, Aug. 24.