During orientation weekend, Newman chaplain the Rev. Ed Herzog ‘10, ‘11 reflected on his own journey at Newman, encouraging students to embrace the growth that comes with new experiences.
“If you asked me 20 years ago what my dream was, I would not have said that my dream was to come play Division II golf at Newman University in Wichita, Kansas,” Herzog said. “But now, 20 years later, I thank God that it wasn’t my choice.”
While some members of the entering class were drawn to Newman for athletics, a specific program or a scholarship, Herzog said, “I really do believe it was the Almighty God who drew me here.”
He continued, “I thank God for that every single day, because this place made me more human. This place continues to make me more human. This place was and continues to be my home, and I hope that you guys find that, too. And you will find it. I know you will if you just embrace the discomfort.”
Watch the full video
Read the video overview
(00:00–03:05) Orientation is about finding direction.
Herzog, a Newman alumnus, director of campus ministry and professor, reflected on how Newman became a second home that “formed” him. He framed college as a time to answer two questions: “Where am I?” and, more importantly, “Where am I going?” — including discerning one’s purpose and, for Catholics, where God is calling them.
(03:05–08:34) His own path to Newman was unexpected.
Growing up in upstate New York, Herzog originally envisioned playing Division I golf somewhere like Florida, Alabama or Texas. A phone call from former Newman golf coach Kent Notestine brought him to Wichita in 2007, and he quickly discovered that Newman’s small-school environment made him feel known rather than like a number. Looking back, he said he is grateful that he didn’t get the dream he originally wanted, because Newman ultimately led him toward his vocation.
(08:34–09:37) A university education is about more than academics.
Herzog said college should teach students what it means to be a fulfilled human being. Intellectual development matters, but human beings are also made for relationships, communion, belonging and being “known, seen and loved.”
(09:37–11:26) Technology can connect us while leaving us feeling isolated.
Herzog contrasted the technology of his college years with today’s smartphones and social media, and argued that despite unprecedented digital connectivity, people can feel increasingly lonely and separated. He emphasized the importance of balancing online interaction with meaningful, face-to-face relationships.
(11:26–13:56) The easy choice is often isolation; meaningful relationships require discomfort.
Herzog recalled catching high school students using their phones instead of talking to classmates sitting beside them. He challenged students to resist the temptation to retreat into their phones simply because interacting with others feels awkward. The people he took a risk on getting to know became lifelong friends, godchildren and people who shared some of the most important moments of his life.
(14:18–15:39) He challenged students to practice small acts of connection.
“Put the phone away in class. Sit next to someone and talk to them. Take out the headphones while walking across campus. Look people in the eye.”
Herzog emphasized that an uncomfortable interaction could become a lifelong friendship — and that the other person may need that connection just as much as you do.
(16:11–17:47) His unexpected journey shaped his understanding of vocation.
Herzog never dreamed of attending a Division II school in Wichita, much less becoming a priest and returning to Newman. He said he now thanks God that his original plans did not work out, and believes that God ultimately drew him to Newman because the university helped him “become more human.”
(17:47–20:39) His central challenge: “Embrace the discomfort.”
Herzog encouraged students to leave their dorms, attend athletic events, theater productions, choir performances and gallery events, meet people and participate in campus ministry. He explained Catholic communion as both communion with God and with one another, inviting students — Catholic or not — to Mass and campus events. His ultimate hope is that students will allow Newman to form them, discover that they are known and loved, and eventually be “sent out to transform society.”
Explore life at Newman
Newman University is a community that empowers students to shape their future and their impact on the world around them.
