The newest class of Newman University Jets recently arrived on campus to find a community ready for them to call home.
The beginning of a new chapter
The multi-day welcome experience began Thursday, Aug. 20, with an orientation specifically designed for adult and transfer students. The momentum continued Friday, Aug. 21, as cars packed with bedroom essentials lined up for move-in day at the residence halls. That evening, as students settled into their new rooms — and many met their roommates for the first time — families gathered for a parents social to celebrate their shared milestone.
A bustling new student orientation was held Saturday, Aug. 22, and introduced students not only to their new classmates, but also to vital campus resources to ensure student success. The next day, more than 50 gathered for the first Mass of the academic year in St. John’s Chapel, followed by Campus Ministry’s Yard Party, where students enjoyed carnitas, juicy watermelon and yard games under the Kansas sun.
Newman University President Kathleen S. Jagger, Ph.D., MPH, welcomed the students by emphasizing the importance of their individual journeys.
“I want to know your story, and you all have one,” Jagger said in her welcome session to students on Saturday. “You all come from somewhere. You all are going different places. You all have things to say. Find your voice, be willing to tell that story. People need to hear it.”
Finding friendship in the residence halls
For many, the transition to college life began with a simple text message.
Roommates Brayden Reiner, a biomedical science major from Colorado, and Taylor Green, a business data analytics major from Houston, had never met in person until move-in day. However, they already had a plan for their time in the residence halls.
“I think we’re going to get along really well,” Reiner said. “The first question I texted him was, ‘Do you like to play poker?’ It was a ‘yes.’ … I like this guy already.”
Both are baseball scholarship recipients, and Reiner described the “built-in brotherhood” as his ultimate draw to the university.
“I like the whole community surrounding it,” he said. “Everyone’s so nice and welcoming.”
A trio of connection
Roommates Elly Mai, a first-year nursing major and cheerleader, and Tymber Teachout, an organizational leadership and theology major on the dance team, first crossed paths during pre-season physicals in the Newman gym. During move-in day, Teachout introduced her new roommate to her best friend, McKynzie Arrington, a first-year radiologic technology student at Newman. The three immediately hit it off.
For Mai, the decision to choose Newman came down to its renowned nursing program, athletics, a sense of community and its proximity to home.
“I’m really putting myself out there by enjoying a lot of things,” she said. “I’m in cheer, choir, troubadours and the Honors Program.”
Teachout was drawn to Newman for its Catholic identity and the people behind its programs. She is excited to be involved in chorale, troubadours, athletics and Metanoia, Newman’s Catholic living community.
For Arrington, the chance to continue her education alongside her best friend at a faith-centered university made Newman an easy choice.
“It’s a very welcoming place, and it’s the closest college I can get to that’s close with Christ,” she said.
Another place to call home
Gabi Hinson, a biology major from Overland Park, Kansas, and Yvette Olivier, a nursing major from New Iberia, Louisiana, met for the first time as they moved into their shared room. Both are members of the basketball team.
“I’m starting off with a best friend,” Hinson said. “People start off school and they have no one to talk to, but now I have someone that’s just right in my room.”
Princess Newman, a first-year nursing major and basketball player from Las Vegas, felt the connection to the university before she even arrived. Despite the coincidence of her name, she said it was the atmosphere during Newman Pre-Check that solidified her choice.
“As soon as I walked in, it was super welcoming,” Newman said.
Transfer students find a new home
While many were starting their college journey, others were finding a new place to finish theirs. Transfer students Hailey Horton and Kamden Evans, who played club softball together in high school, found their way back to the same team and are excited to be roommates together at Newman.
Horton, an elementary education major from Rossville, Kansas, transferred from Barton Community College, while Evans, a criminal justice major and future lawyer from Ottawa, Kansas, transferred from Johnson County Community College. Evans noted that the personal touch of the coaching staff made the difference in her decision.
“I also really liked Kristi (Barton Edwards),” Evans said, referring to the criminal justice faculty member. “She’s awesome. She sold me,” Evans said.
For Dayleigh Barger, a transfer from Cowley College, the move to Newman was the result of prayer and looking for a sign. After realizing nursing wasn’t her path, she prayed for guidance and discovered the university’s sonography program through a social media post.
“I’ve let God lead me this entire way. … This sonography program is intimidating, and I kind of just trusted and went for it all,” Barger said.
Her mother, Stephanie, tagged along for the adult/transfer student orientation. She was almost just as excited for her daughter’s Newman journey as her daughter was.
“Every stage of parenting is great, but watching your kids become an adult and just become their own person is awesome,” Stephanie said.
Leadership shares a vision for the future
The arrival of the students also marked a milestone for Megan Chambers, the new dean of students, who started her role the week before move-in day. Chambers said she felt a kinship with the incoming class.
“I think we’re probably experiencing something a little bit similar,” Chambers said. “We’re both starting at the same time, getting to know Newman, the campus, instructors and staff. I don’t expect every student to feel an immediate sense of belonging, but I want them to feel welcomed, supported and excited about what’s ahead.”
If students make connections and can envision themselves finding their place at Newman, Chambers said, “I think we’re off to a pretty great start.”
Director of Student Activities Joshua Schoenecker-Prilliman echoed Jagger’s sentiment and encouraged students to be authentic as they navigate their new environment.
“Things aren’t perfect. Confidence goes a long way,” Schoenecker-Prilliman said. “I promise you, we’re going to be here with you.”
‘Embrace the discomfort’
The weekend concluded with a call to action from Newman chaplain the Rev. Ed Herzog ‘10, ‘11. Reflecting on his own journey, he encouraged 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.”
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