Many students and graduates say Newman University feels like a family.
For some, that bond is more than just a feeling; it’s a reality.
Read on to meet four first-year students with family ties to staff and faculty of Newman University.
Like mother, like daughter: Brooke Ward and Ava Bunger
Newman Director of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Brooke Ward was around her daughter’s age when she began her own journey as a Newman student.
“Honestly, it feels surreal to have Ava on campus,” Ward said. “Being an alum, I know we will always look back on this special time together.”
Bunger studies art and digital design at Newman. She was drawn to art courses in high school and wanted to expand on the opportunity. Having her mother on campus has been an extra helpful blessing.
“When I have a question, she’s the first one I ask for help,” Bunger said. “She knows the campus and walked me through my schedule before my first day. That helped me feel more comfortable. I know whenever I need her I can go to her office. I like to work on my assignments in between classes while she’s working on her stuff.”
The pair meet for lunch both on and off campus — something that Bunger always looks forward to. Bunger said she is very grateful for the opportunity to attend Newman.
“My husband and I are so proud of Ava,” Ward said. “Being the oldest of four daughters means she encounters all of life’s moments first, and the unknown can be scary. But she has always tried hard and given her best. We couldn’t ask for anything more than that.”
Ward added, “In two years if all goes to plan, her sister Audra will be on campus with us too.”
Nephew Travis Green and ‘Auntie’ Jill Fort
First-year student Travis Green of St. Louis learned about Newman University through his aunt, Newman Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs Jill Fort.
“I visited campus, did a tour, played basketball and it just felt at home to me,” Green said. “When I was walking around, it was just a lot of greetings that made me feel comfortable. It’s also close enough to home, but far enough at the same time and there was good energy on the visit as well.”
Green’s goal for his first year is to make connections, take everything in and be grateful for the opportunities received.
“I’m grateful to God first, my parents and all of my family,” he said.
Fort said it’s “incredibly rewarding” to watch her nephew embark on his college journey — particularly at Newman University. Seeing him smile is her favorite part of the day.
“Knowing he’s in an environment that encourages him to thrive, both intellectually and personally, fills me with pride,” she said. “My hope is Travis embraces every opportunity to learn, grow, discover his passions and to have fun. I hope he finds courses and experiences (both on and off the basketball court) that not only challenge him but also ignite his curiosity and help him uncover new interests.”
Fort is confident he will become a compassionate and thoughtful leader on campus, which will lead him to “make a meaningful impact in the world.”
She added, “I’m excited to see him find his unique path and to support him along the way.”
Mother-daughter duo: Jocelyn and Kristi Barton Edwards
Jocelyn Edwards, a secondary education major with a focus on biology, was inspired to pursue a teaching path by her favorite high school teacher.
“Mrs. Graham is my favorite person in the entire world,” she said.
Jocelyn described her mother, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Kristi Barton Edwards, as “the driving force” of what brought her to Newman.
“I just couldn’t leave her, I just had to follow her,” Jocelyn joked. “But really, I fell in love with the groups in the community that Newman had to offer and I wanted to be a part of it.”
Likewise, Kristi was excited, both as a professor and as a parent, that she gets to see Jocelyn occasionally on campus.
“This is the end game in parenting, is to kick ’em out the door and hope they land in a safe place. And I think Newman’s a safe place,” Kristi said. “I also think Newman University is the best place to go to college. So to have that paid forward is huge for me. That’s a big testimony to how much I believe in this university — to bring my kiddo here and to trust everybody I work with with my kid.”
Even with a different field of study, Jocelyn still sees her mom for an Honors Program class on Tuesdays at 1 o’clock. The mother-daughter duo tried to go as long as possible without spilling the news to others that they were related.
“I don’t even think we made it a week before you name-dropped me,” Jocelyn said to her mom.
“I think I called you ‘love bug,’ or ‘baby girl,’ and people figured it out,” Kristi said. “But I’m so proud of you and it’s cool to see you in class every day.”
A father-daughter connection: Alan and Abi Oberley
Student Abi Oberley is an education major with a love for the fine arts. Although she volunteered to help run the box office before she was even Newman student, Abi had her acting debut as a first-year student in the production of “Murder on the Menu.”
Her father, Associate Professor of Chemistry Alan Oberley, said Abi is his fourth child to take classes at Newman. Alan said it’s great that Abi has the opportunity to receive her education from Newman University.
“She’s my seventh child altogether, and each of the children that have come to Newman have found different things that have enriched their lives,” he said.
Alan said he enjoys seeing her at school and even “hearing her complain.”
“I hope that she gets a great education, that she makes lifelong friends and that she leaves here with the tools to make her a great teacher,” Alan said.
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