Each year during the Newman University Commencement ceremony, one graduating male and one graduating female are selected from a pool of nominees to receive the most prestigious undergraduate award the university offers: the Ablah Awards.
Education graduate Steven Nguyen was awarded with the prestigious Harvey J. Ablah Award during the 2022 Newman University Commencement ceremony May 6.
About the Newman University Ablah Awards
Harvey J. Ablah exemplified the spirit of the American dream. Supported by his wife, Leona, Harvey became a successful entrepreneur, pioneering the fast food chain concept and leading the family hotel supply business.
To honor Harvey, and to perpetuate his vision of entrepreneurship, his daughter Geri, along with her husband, Fran Jabara, established the Harvey J. Ablah Award at Newman in 1994. In 1996, they added the Leona J. Ablah Award to provide recognition for one outstanding female and one outstanding male graduate. The Ablah Award includes a monetary stipend and is presented to two graduating seniors who have a minimum grade point average of 3.0, who exemplify the mission and spirit of Newman University, and who show promise to make a strong, positive contribution to society.
Steven Nguyen’s surreal experience
In addition to his outstanding academic performance, involvement with campus organizations and community service efforts, Nguyen “is one of the best humans I have had the pleasure of knowing,” according to one of his nominators.
Another nominator described him as a friendly, polite and inclusive individual who is “always conscious of others’ feelings.”
“He is an intelligent, caring, motivated, and faith-filled student,” a nominator wrote. “As a teacher, he will have a significant impact on the students he works with and will be an active contributor to the school community where he works.”
Nguyen said it was a blessing to be up for the Ablah Award alongside some of his university friends, and to receive the award was an unexpected honor.
“The amount of change that we’ve created here at Newman is amazing,” Nguyen said. “For the longest time, I just felt like I was going through day by day, just trying my best. Finally, it came to reality and it hit me that, ‘oh, I actually did stuff in these past four years.’”
To receive the award with Leona J. Ablah Award recipient Kelly Mai was an added bonus, Nguyen said.
“Kelly and I are both ASC Service Award scholars, and she’s made a lot of changes along with me,” Nguyen said. “I think the ASC program really accelerates us and pushes us toward service, so to receive recognition is just a huge honor and an unbelievable blessing.”
An educator’s journey of growth at Newman
As Vice President of Academic Affairs Alden Stout said in his commencement presentation of the Ablah Awards, Nguyen’s journey to commencement day “is one of dedication, faith and a ‘difference maker’ spirit.”
Nguyen,the son of Vietnamese immigrants, is the first from his family to graduate from college. He double majored in both secondary education and English, and successfully earned membership on the Dean’s List all eight of his academic semesters.
“It’s a big deal for my family,” Nguyen said. “And I was just lucky enough to be part of that journey and the fruit of my parents’ sacrifice.”
Like many, Nguyen entered his first year of college with a sense of uncertainty. Thanks to the encouraging phrase “carpe diem” (or “seize the day”) from his high school English teacher as well as the help of his Newman advisor, however, Nguyen found a sense of community as he explored his first year as an undecided major. By the end of his first year, Nguyen discerned his calling to be an educator.
“My professors helped me each step of the way,” he said. “As I graduate, it’s like a part of those same educators get to walk away with me. Not so much in a sad way, but to this new future and to help change others’ lives as well.”
Finding his place, passions and purpose
During his days at Newman, Nguyen was involved as a member of the Newman Athletics triathlon team, the President’s Student Cabinet and Campus Ministry. He was also involved in numerous clubs and student organizations. Both Newman’s Disc Golf Club and the first-ever campus disc golf course were spearheaded by Nguyen, who discovered a love for the sport at the start of the pandemic.
“The clubs ended up paying dividends down the line by providing me with a safe space where I could be vulnerable. Those definitely helped me get through these four years,” he said.
Every ASC scholar prepares a capstone service project to culminate their years at Newman, and Nguyen was no exception. For his final project, Nguyen volunteered with The Underground, an organization that provides a safe space for inner city high schoolers in Wichita.
“Being a high schooler, you would think school is your biggest priority, but for many students, they don’t have a choice but to have extra responsibilities outside of school,” Nguyen explained. “The Underground provides them with a place to just be a kid again.”
The capstone project allowed Nguyen to play a fun round of disc golf with the students, provide lunch and end with a personal testimonial about how college has affected his life for the better.
His community service expands beyond The Underground, however. Other volunteer experiences included serving as a para-educator at a local elementary school and middle school; a team leader for Vagabond Missions; a Totus Tuus missionary; and as a speaker and leader for various retreats sharing on topics such as perseverance, growing up and finding one’s identity.
Always a student
Nguyen is now beginning his career as a high school English teacher at his alma mater, Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School.
To future college students, Nguyen advises “taking a risk and always searching for adventure.”
“I know it’s uncomfortable, especially during your first year of college, but just go into things with the mindset that you will always be a student,” he said. “Even though I’m graduating, I’m still going to be a student.”
He added, “Always be there for your friends — especially the ones who just seem like they’re kind of slipping away. Just text them, ‘Hey, do you wanna go for a walk? Do you want to go get some coffee?’ Those are the people that end up helping you find you. So take those risks, explore new things and give it all your best. Don’t try to be anyone other than yourself and eventually everything will make sense. The pieces will fall into place.”
Take those risks, explore new things and give it all your best. Don’t try to be anyone other than yourself and eventually everything will make sense. The pieces will fall into place.”
Steven Nguyen
Discover what’s possible at Newman University
Founded in 1933, Newman University is grounded in Catholic values and traditions, yet is respectful of all faith traditions. At Newman you’ll find people, programs, organizations and activities designed to educate your mind and inspire your spirit.
