For many Newman students, this year’s Party on the Plaza wasn’t just a celebration — it was a chance to show gratitude for the scholarships making a difference in their lives.
The annual gala on Sept. 27 raised more than $200,000 for student scholarships and brought together donors, students, alumni and community members for another Roaring 20s-themed party.
“We are so grateful that people are here supporting Newman and valuing what we do with and for our students,” said President Kathleen Jagger, Ph.D, MPH.
Senior Deqlan Mitchell, a service scholar and member of Newman’s bowling team, said Party on the Plaza offers something rare: a chance for donors and students to meet face to face.
“At a larger university, it can feel like there’s a mysterious army of shadow people supporting you,” Mitchell said. “Here, you get to meet and talk with the people helping with your education, and I get to thank them while they have a good night.”
Volunteer help from students
More than 190 students volunteered a total of 793 service hours at the 2025 Party on the Plaza. Several students expressed their gratitude to Newman and its donors by volunteering at the event.
“I had the opportunity to drive the golf cart around campus to get supplies,” said Kristine Pham, an Honors Program scholarship recipient. “I’m so grateful for all the opportunities Newman University creates for students to interact with each other besides just classes.”
A member of the dance team, senior elementary education major Kylie Real spent the evening of the fundraiser running games and selling tokens to donors.
“Getting to actually spend time with the people who are helping me reach my goals has been super cool,” she said. “As a future educator, I’ve been blessed to receive so much from the community, and I know I’ll be able to give back to the next generation.”
Junior nursing student Bryce Kegley — both a wrestler and ASC Service Award Scholar — said the same.
“The ASC scholarship alone has allowed me to connect with so many people from all walks of life through service just here in Wichita,” he said. “This is my third year helping out at the Party on the Plaza and I love being able to show appreciation to the people that make the great experience I have at Newman happen.”
The impact of scholarships on students
Other students at the Party on the Plaza reflected on the impact that scholarships have made on their experience at Newman so far.
Biology major Tryphosa Kayode received the Monsignor McNeill Scholarship, a family grant, and an Honors scholarship. She said donor support has allowed her to pursue a demanding pre-medicine track without financial strain.
“Studying at such a prestigious school would not have been possible without them, so I say a big thank you,” she said. “I have challenged myself in ways that still surprise me, and I’ve noticed myself becoming more determined and hardworking.”
For first-year nursing major Miguel A. Moreno-Rivera, receiving the Newman ASC Service Award Scholarship has meant finding both opportunity and identity.
“Being a student at Newman has made me realize there is more to school than just education,” Moreno-Rivera said. “Newman made me realize I am more than just a student.”
Graduate student Haleigh Pearson, who first came to Newman on a softball scholarship and ASC Service Award Scholarship, said the impact of donor generosity continues to ripple through her life.
“It gave me so many people that I could not imagine my life without,” she said. “ASC got me to Newman, and with that scholarship, I have met so many people through my service hours.”
Emma Lintecum, a junior biology and pre-veterinary major with a Spanish minor, is one of the five St. Newman Scholarship recipients among the junior class. She said the scholarship allows her to focus more on her studies and efforts as a collegiate soccer athlete.
“I can fully devote myself to my academics and focus on getting the most out of my education,” she said. “My time at Newman has encouraged me to grow in many different ways, helping me to step out of my comfort zone and feel supported in the process.”
For junior Kyla Toombs, receiving the Honors Program Scholarship and Monsignor McNeill Scholarship have been “transformative.”
“I have had the opportunity to take various classes that correspond to my degree but also allow me to explore new ideas,” she said. “The Monsignor McNeill scholarship has allowed me to spend my time volunteering at different places that I have never volunteered at before.”
First-year nursing student Hailey Mayer, a first-generation college student, received a Newman Cheer and Dance Scholarship and serves as an ASC Service Award Scholar. Because of her scholarship money, she volunteers four days a week at places like the Kansas Food Bank, the Ronald McDonald House, and on campus with Sister Therese Wetta, ASC.
“Having so many scholarships has been a really big blessing for me,” she said. “My family is just so proud, and I’m grateful for everything. It’s nice being able to see the faces of the people supporting my scholarship.”
There’s still time to make a gift
Newman University’s mission focuses on educating all students through Catholic values, academic excellence and a culture of service.
