Nursing student prepares to transform society

Newman students have a special, innate desire to transform society. Jose Rojas-Montero ’20 was inspired to do just that while at Newman University. He graduated in May with a nursing degree and upon passing his NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) will be working in the pediatrics unit at Wesley Medical Center — a lifelong dream… Continue reading Nursing student prepares to transform society

Nursing graduates participate in outdoor pinning ceremony

The spring 2020 nursing pinning ceremony at Newman University looked much different due to a national pandemic that resulted in gathering restrictions for cities across the United States. In the midst of such unprecedented times, the Newman faculty were pleased to be able to find a way to present pins to the spring graduates in… Continue reading Nursing graduates participate in outdoor pinning ceremony

School of Catholic Studies introduces ‘great books’ into coursework

The Newman University School of Catholic Studies has introduced a new series of courses based on the “great books” of Catholic and religious history. Joshua Papsdorf, director of the graduate theology program, said these courses are meant to walk students through the great works that make up the Catholic culture and, by expansion, Western culture.… Continue reading School of Catholic Studies introduces ‘great books’ into coursework

Faith, service and liberal arts: Newman’s next president looks to the future

Newman University recently announced Kathleen S. Jagger, Ph.D., as its 12th president. The former president of Thomas More College in Crestview Hills, Kentucky will begin her duties as Newman University president effective July 1. Jagger comes from a health science background and carries a passion for liberal arts higher education. She describes public health as… Continue reading Faith, service and liberal arts: Newman’s next president looks to the future

MCLO raises hundreds for WHO’s Solidarity Response Fund

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Wichita along with the rest of the world, the Multicultural Leadership Organization (MCLO) knew they had to do something to help. MCLO got creative in their efforts and raised $540 for the World Health Organization (WHO) Solidarity Response Fund. President of the organization Kimberly Pham said she knew people were… Continue reading MCLO raises hundreds for WHO’s Solidarity Response Fund

Newman Alumni Rodney Tafoya continues to rewrite baseball history

Written by Sports Information Director Collin Loutensock and Graduate Assistant Alex Mead Rodney Tafoya, who graduated from Newman in 1989, continues to dominate on the diamond.  At the age of 55 and the author of “Ageless Arm,” Tafoya continues to be an inspiration on the field as well as off, in search for win number… Continue reading Newman Alumni Rodney Tafoya continues to rewrite baseball history

Newman University celebrates 2020 spring nursing graduates

The spring 2020 nursing pinning ceremony at Newman University looked much different due to a national pandemic that resulted in gathering restrictions for cities across the United States. In the midst of such unprecedented times, the Newman faculty were pleased to be able to find a way to present pins to the spring graduates in… Continue reading Newman University celebrates 2020 spring nursing graduates

Student teachers adapt to school closures during pandemic

When all schools in Kansas shut down in March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, education majors at Newman University were dealt a double blow. Not only did they have to adapt to the online learning model Newman University moved to after spring break, they lost out on in-classroom student teaching time that comprises a… Continue reading Student teachers adapt to school closures during pandemic

MBA students win national title in Business Strategy Game

Two Newman University Master of Business Administration (MBA) students won their industry category for a national title in the Business Strategy Game (BSG). Marshall Philips and Bryan Woods of the Spirit AeroSystems cohort worked as a team to win the game, which is an online simulation where students run a virtual company and compete against… Continue reading MBA students win national title in Business Strategy Game

Residence Life has a new interim director

Newman University has named Turner Middendorf interim residence life director for the 2020-21 academic year. Previously the residence life graduate assistant, Middendorf officially began his new role May 13 when previous director Scott Mudloff changed roles at the university. Middendorf holds a Bachelor of Science in sports management from Central Methodist University, located in Fayette,… Continue reading Residence Life has a new interim director

The pre-medicine journey at Newman University

One-on-one instruction, small class sizes, multiple ways to get involved, personalized academic attention, local internship opportunities, tight-knit community and skill-building at its best. These and more are all common descriptors of Newman University, and recent 2020 pre-med graduates said they are heading to the next leg of their journey with a hands-on higher education experience… Continue reading The pre-medicine journey at Newman University

Newman University announces plan for fall 2020 semester

Newman University has announced that it plans to resume in-person classes for the fall 2020 semester. During the past month, several university groups have worked diligently on plans for the safe return to campus for students, faculty and staff. Currently, two task forces are nearing completion of the university’s mitigation and success blueprint for the… Continue reading Newman University announces plan for fall 2020 semester

Alumna honored with Bright Red Apple teaching award

Andover Public Schools in Kansas awarded Newman University alumna Hailey Braddy with its Bright Red Apple award for her impressive work as a new teacher. Braddy graduated from Newman in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She finished her degree one year early and decided to tackle a Master of Science in… Continue reading Alumna honored with Bright Red Apple teaching award

Sarah Evans bestowed with 2020 Faculty Teaching Excellence Award

Each spring, Newman University students, staff and faculty are given the opportunity to nominate an outstanding staff member and an outstanding faculty member for respective excellence awards. The Faculty Teaching Excellence Award is presented to a full-time faculty member who has demonstrated an innovative or dynamic approach to courses, course revisions and teaching techniques. The… Continue reading Sarah Evans bestowed with 2020 Faculty Teaching Excellence Award

Harvey J. Ablah Award bestowed upon Jose Rojas-Montero

The 2020 Ablah Award winners were announced during the virtual commencement ceremony held on May 8, 2020. Jose Rojas-Montero was awarded the Harvey J. Ablah Award and Courtney Klaus the Leona J. Ablah Award. The Ablah Awards, established by Fran and Geri (Ablah) Jabara, honor the memory of Geri’s parents, Harvey J. and Leona J.… Continue reading Harvey J. Ablah Award bestowed upon Jose Rojas-Montero

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Newman University holds first-ever virtual commencement

Like many universities around the country, Newman University had to make a difficult decision regarding its annual spring 2020 commencement ceremony. Due to the gathering restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Newman moved its in-person ceremony to a virtual setting held May 8, its originally scheduled date. The virtual event contained all the… Continue reading Newman University holds first-ever virtual commencement

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Recent Newman graduates reflect on virtual commencement, higher education and future

The time for graduation has come yet again, and though the 2020 commencement ceremony was somewhat unorthodox, seniors were happy to have their accomplishments acknowledged. Several seniors — or rather, alumni — shared their thoughts on the 2020 virtual spring commencement. Alumnus Jose Rojas-Montero admitted a certain amount of disappointment regarding the lack of a physical… Continue reading Recent Newman graduates reflect on virtual commencement, higher education and future

Alumni thankful for Newman experience; earns doctorate from Notre Dame

Francisco “Pancho” Fields cherishes the memories and skills he gained at Newman University, all of which aided in his journey toward obtaining his doctorate in Biological Sciences at Notre Dame. His Newman journey started in 2010 when he received the Cardinal Newman Scholarship, now the St. John Henry Newman Scholarship. He didn’t wait long to… Continue reading Alumni thankful for Newman experience; earns doctorate from Notre Dame

OTA professor makes spring semester one to remember

Melissa Smith, Newman University occupational therapy assistant instructor, made the spring 2020 semester one to remember for her students. During a surreal time with a sudden shift to online learning and staying at home for anything but essential items, Smith wanted to make sure her students stayed engaged and motivated to finish the semester strong.… Continue reading OTA professor makes spring semester one to remember

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Like mother, like daughter: graduating together for a second time

Mother and daughter graduates Denise and Alyssa Cooley celebrated their graduation day together — for the second time. Even though they weren’t able to participate in a traditional commencement ceremony for their second round, they said taking this higher education journey together has been a fun and memorable time. Both have earned two degrees from… Continue reading Like mother, like daughter: graduating together for a second time

Kelly McFall, Ph.D., returns from productive spring sabbatical

A sabbatical is an excellent opportunity for a professor to focus on a specific project, learn more about their field of study or even to further refine their curriculum. During this time, some professors manage to do all three. This fall, Kelly McFall, Ph.D., professor of history and chair of the division of humanities, will… Continue reading Kelly McFall, Ph.D., returns from productive spring sabbatical

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Campus Ministry keeps Newman’s creative spirit alive through short story project

Staff, students and faculty of Newman University take great pride in their creative spirit, and an ongoing project from Campus Ministry is living proof of that.  Located on the website The Virtual Red Couch, there is a continuously growing story written by members of the Newman community. The project was engineered and spearheaded by Father… Continue reading Campus Ministry keeps Newman’s creative spirit alive through short story project

Art professor gets creative with spring assignments

Salvador Dali once said, “Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing.” And isn’t imitation the best form of flattery? Shannon Johnston, Newman University professor of art and director of the Steckline Gallery, was hoping her students would discover the art of imitation when she assigned two special projects for her students during… Continue reading Art professor gets creative with spring assignments

Virtual graduation set for Friday, May 8

Newman University will hold its 2020 spring commencement virtually at 3 p.m., May 8, on its website and social media channels. The online graduation ceremony replaces the traditional in-person celebration that was postponed in April due to health concerns and government directives stemming from the pandemic. Interim president Teresa Hall Bartels knows the health and safety… Continue reading Virtual graduation set for Friday, May 8

Online town hall meeting keeps students informed from a distance

Though students are away from campus, the Student Affairs team is doing everything they can to keep everyone informed. While a physical meeting is not currently possible, Dean of Students Christine Schneikart-Luebbe explained, “Student Affairs decided to host a town hall meeting (virtually) to continue engagement with our student body.” She added, “We wanted to… Continue reading Online town hall meeting keeps students informed from a distance

Newman alumnus travels to Chicago to help fight COVID-19

Above image: Rob Winegrad (right) poses with two travel nurses from Tulsa, Oklahoma, while working at AMITA Health Holy Family Medical Center in Des Plaines, Illinois, to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Rob Winegrad ’13 has been working as a respiratory therapist for nearly seven years now. He is currently employed at Ascension Via Christi… Continue reading Newman alumnus travels to Chicago to help fight COVID-19