Spring 2024 was a time to honor one of Newman’s own.
The university celebrated the Rev. Thomas A. Welk, C.PP.S. with recognitions during its two most important events of the academic year: the Legacy Awards and commencement.
In April, Welk was awarded the 2024 St. Newman Medal, the Board of Trustee’s highest honor, in a jam-packed Legacy Awards ceremony and banquet in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center on campus. A few weeks later he delivered an inspiring address to new graduates, families and friends during the Newman University spring commencement ceremony at Park City Arena (formerly Hartman Arena).
Welk’s life is one dedicated to service, education and community —values that align closely with Newman University’s mission. His journey from rural North Dakota to becoming a pivotal figure at Newman exemplifies how one person’s compassion and commitment can touch countless lives.
Early life and calling
Welk’s journey began on the wide-open plains of south-central North Dakota, in a time and place far removed from the modern conveniences many take for granted today. Born and raised in a rural setting without running water or electricity, he attended a one-room country school where the seeds of his future vocation were first sown. Growing up in a close-knit community where everyone looked out for each other, he learned early on the importance of community and service —values that would guide him throughout his life.
His decision to enter the priesthood was inspired by the example of a local pastor and the strong sense of camaraderie within his rural community. Welk often reflects on these formative years with a deep sense of gratitude, acknowledging it was this environment that shaped his approach to ministry and service.
“I never dreamed as a youngster that I would be in the position I am today,” Welk remarked. “Just getting the award even. Not knowing a word in English, going to a one-room country school, all of those kinds of things.”
These humble beginnings instilled in him a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility to others, qualities that would define his life’s work.
Connection with Newman University
Welk first connected with Newman University in 1970, just one year after his ordination. He arrived as a young priest, still “green behind the ears,” as he would later describe it, at a time when the Catholic Church was undergoing significant changes in the wake of Vatican II. The university, then known as Kansas Newman College, was a vibrant community of students and faculty navigating these changes together.
At Newman, Welk quickly became a beloved figure, taking on multiple roles that showcased his versatility and deep commitment to the community. He served as the university’s chaplain, where his engaging homilies and dialogue-driven approach to Mass resonated deeply with students. Sister Tarcisia Roths, ASC, a former college president who was instrumental in bringing Welk to Newman, believed he was the perfect fit for the students.
“Father Tom would have dialogue homilies, you know, and get them to talk about the scriptures and what it meant to them. And it made a big difference in the lives of the students,” she recalls. “It was a very rich time for them in terms of his interest in them as people, his love of athletics, and the way he said Mass and prayed with them. It was a great gift.”
But Welk’s contributions to Newman were not limited to the spiritual realm. He was also deeply involved in the university’s extracurricular activities, coaching tennis and intramural softball, instructing swimming and snow skiing, and even directing plays. His hands-on approach and genuine interest in the students’ well-being made him a mentor to many, guiding them through some of the most formative years of their lives.
Legacy in medical ethics and hospice care
In 1983, after 13 years of service at Newman, Welk embarked on a new chapter in his life, one that would further solidify his legacy of compassionate care. He helped co-found Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Wichita’s original and only nonprofit hospice, where he has served as director of professional education and pastoral care for more than four decades. This transition from academia to hospice care allowed Welk to merge his pastoral calling with his passion for medical ethics and end-of-life care, fields in which he would become a leading figure.
Welk’s work at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice has been transformative. He has conducted hundreds of workshops and seminars on medical ethics, providing vital education to healthcare professionals, patients and their families. His compassionate approach to end-of-life care has touched the lives of thousands, offering solace and support during some of life’s most difficult moments.
“I like dealing with people. I love education. I love teaching. Plus, I keep my hand in pastoral care, ministering to families and patients in hospice, so it’s a really good fit for me,” Welk explains.
His contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed. In 2014, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Health Care Hero Award by the Wichita Business Journal, a recognition of his decades-long commitment to improving the quality of life for those facing terminal illnesses. But for Welk, the true reward lies not in the accolades but in the impact of his service.
“You don’t always get ‘thank-you’s’ for what you do. People are drained emotionally. They don’t have the energy to respond. Many times you might get even abuse. … But I think the biggest return and payoff that keeps you involved is the satisfaction that you’ve really done something that made a difference for people going through a very difficult time,” Welk said.
Welk’s work in hospice care has been a profound expression of his belief in the dignity of every human life, especially in its final stages. His approach is rooted in the principles of compassion, respect and community — values that have guided him since his early years in North Dakota.
Craftsmanship and community involvement
Beyond his roles in academia and health care, Welk is also known for his craftsmanship, a talent that has added another dimension to his contributions to the Newman community. An accomplished woodworker, he has created numerous ceremonial items for the university, including the ceremonial mace that leads the commencement procession each year. His woodworking skill is not just a hobby but a way of giving back to the community he loves.
Over the years, Welk has crafted countless handmade wooden items that have been donated to fundraisers such as Newman’s annual Party on the Plaza and the Jet Open and have been given as gifts to volunteers, co-workers and friends. These items, ranging from furniture to smaller decorative pieces, have raised significant funds for scholarships and other university initiatives.
His generosity extends beyond his craftsmanship; he has also made substantial financial contributions to various university projects, including the St. John’s Chapel renovation and the Facing Forward Campaign, which funded the building of the Bishop Gerber Science Center.
One of his most impactful contributions has been the establishment of the Thomas Welk Endowed Scholarship for Nursing and Pre-Med, which supports students pursuing careers in health care — a field close to his heart. Through this scholarship, he ensures that future health care professionals have the opportunity to receive the education and training they need to make a difference in the world.
Welk’s ongoing involvement with Newman is a testament to his enduring commitment to the institution. Even after leaving his formal role at the university decades ago, he has remained a vital part of the community, serving on the Board of Trustees and supporting various initiatives aimed at enhancing the educational experience for all students.
2024 St. Newman Medal and commencement speech
When Welk was named the 2024 St. Newman Medal recipient at the university’s Legacy Award banquet, it came with an invitation to be the commencement speaker at the May graduation ceremony. The Newman Medal is given to individuals who exemplify the values of the university and have made significant contributions to its mission.
Receiving the St. Newman Medal was a deeply meaningful moment for Welk. In his acceptance speech, he expressed his gratitude, not just for the award, but for the opportunity to have been a part of the Newman community for so many years.
“My involvement in various ways with Newman University since 1970 has been a blessing for me,” he said. “You have been and are important people in my life who have given me the opportunity to ever more fully know my God.”
Welk’s remarks reflected his deep sense of humility and his belief in the importance of community — a theme that has been central to his life’s work. He quoted St. John Henry Newman, the university’s namesake, saying, “I sought to hear the voice of God and climbed the topmost steeple but God declared, ‘Go down again I dwell among the people.’”
The many people who have connected with him over the years understand that the quote truly encapsulates Welk’s approach to ministry, education and service: to be among the people, to serve them and to walk with them in their journey of life.
His commencement address to the graduating class was a continuation of this message. Speaking to the graduates, Welk emphasized the importance of service, education and community. He urged them to carry forward the values they had learned at Newman into the world, to make a difference in the lives of others, and to always remain connected to their community.
“Father Tom embodies a spirit of selfless service and lifelong dedication that mirrors the mission of Newman University,” one attendee remarked. “His words were not just a message to the graduates, but a call to all of us to live out these ideals in our own lives.”
A fitting tribute
As Welk stood at the podium, surrounded by the young men and women about to embark on their own journeys, it was clear that his impact on Newman University and the wider Wichita community is special. His life’s work has been a testament to the power of compassion, dedication and service — values that he has not only preached but also lived.
Welk’s legacy at Newman and Harry Hines Hospice will long be remembered. The St. Newman Medal is a fitting tribute to a man whose life has been dedicated to the service of others, a man who has shown that true leadership is not about accolades or recognition, but about making a difference in the lives of those around you.
As the graduates of 2024 move forward into their futures, they do so with an inspiring example from Welk and a reminder that no matter where you come from, no matter the challenges you face, you can make a profound impact on the world if you are guided by a commitment to service, a love of community and a desire to make a difference.
