Newman University Magazine - Fall 2015

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A NEW ATHLETICS PROGRAM HONORARY ALUMNI

FROM THE PRESIDENT

NEWMAN UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE NEWMAN UNIVERSITY President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D. Vice President for University Advancement J.V. Johnston ’82 Director, Alumni Relations Sarah (Kriwiel) Cundiff ’86, ’90, ’15 Director, University Relations Clark Schafer Director, Editorial Services Ken Arnold

Contributing Writers

PUBLICATIONS STAFF

Matthew Miller Gloria Esparza ’15

Editors

Ken Arnold Clark Schafer

ADORERS OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST – UNITED STATES REGION LEADERSHIP TEAM Barb Hudock, ASC, Region Leader Maria Hughes, ASC Janet McCann, ASC Jan Renz, ASC Francine Schuster, ASC NEWMAN UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Gerald (Jerry) T. Aaron Betty Adams, ASC ’66 Donette Alonzo ’88 Teresa Hall Bartels ’73 Michael Bukaty Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D., President John Clevenger Rev. Frank Coady Linda Davison ’77, Chair Kenneth C. Doonan Glenn Dugan ’85 Elaine Freund, ASC Bart A. Grelinger, MD, FAAN ’83 Renee Hein ’02 Gerry Killeen ’69 J.T. Klaus ’87 Patricia Koehler Jeffrey Korsmo Archie Macias ’74, Vice-Chair Janet McCann, ASC Jan Renz, ASC Vera Robl Gabrielle Rowe, ASC Rev. Michael Simone Bob Simpson ’83 Jacqueline Vietti Rev. Thomas A. Welk Susan Welsby, ASC ’73 Alice Wiggins ’85 Stephen Williamson, MD ’76 Thomas M. Ruane, Sr.* * Director Emeritus

Ken Arnold Kati Bush ’16 Sarah (Kriwiel) Cundiff ’86, ’90, ’15 Delaney Hiegert ’18 Jalen Love ’16 Dan Murphy Justin Ralph ’16 Clark Schafer

Dear Alumni and Friends,

Steve Rasmussen

FAL L 2015 | VOL. 3 NO. 1 | HTTP://MAG.NEWMANU.EDU

In the eight years that I’ve had the great pleasure of serving as President of Newman University, I’ve come to appreciate many things. The enthusiasm and excellence of Newman students. The knowledge and dedication of our faculty and staff. The high quality of our athletics programs. The beauty of our campus, and the blessings bestowed on us by our sponsors the Adorers of the Blood of Christ.

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Valley Offset Printing, Inc.

NEWMAN UNIVERSITY EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D., President Michael Austin, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Norm Jones, M.Ed.,

Vice President for Enrollment Management Jennifer Gantz, M.S. Vice President for Finance and Administration J.V. Johnston ’82 Vice President for University Advancement Victor Trilli, M.S. Ed. Director of Athletics and Vice President for Student Affairs NATIONAL ALUMNI BOARD Daniel Bryan ’08 Michael P. Cox ’03, ’09 Vice President Larry Crow ’06 Sarah (Kriwiel) Cundiff ’86, ’90, ’15 Director Tad Druart ’87, Immediate Past President Patrick Edwards ’07 Molly Fox ’10 Brandon Gollhofer ’16 Student Representative Jesse Gray ’12 Renee (Soukup) Hein Ph.D. ’02 President Ryan Huschka Ph.D. ’07 Faculty Representative Paul Kapalata ’10 Eric Leitzel ’10 Kathy (Chervanek) Linnebur ’99, ’08 Jeffrey Lipp ’88 Nicole (Lee) Manbeck ’06 Seth Page, MD ’00 Sarah Phelan ’07 Laura (Sutter) Quick ’04 Secretary Leasha Strang ’11 Therese Wetta, ASC ’64 ASC Representative Tammy White ’11, ’13 Logan Winter ’13

Fall 2015 Vol. 3 No. 1 Newman University Magazine is published twice a year in October and April, by the Office of University Advancement, University Relations Department for alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the university. Send address changes to cundiffs@newmanu.edu or Alumni Director, Newman University, 3100 McCormick, Wichita, KS, 67213-2097. Mailing lists are confidential and are not furnished to outside organizations. Newman University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 30 N. LaSalle St. Ste. 2400, Chicago, IL, 60602-2504, 312-263-0456. Newman University does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, creed, handicap, national or ethnic origin. ©2015 Newman University

One of the things I appreciate the most is our alumni. Beginning in 1931 with the first graduating class of St. John’s Academy, through the graduates of Sacred Heart Academy, Sacred Heart Junior College, Sacred Heart College, Kansas Newman College and the most recent graduating Class of 2015 of Newman University, our alumni have gone out into the world and done amazing things.

Our alumni are teachers, doctors, nurses, attorneys, counselors, priests, social workers, computer programmers, radiologic technicians – literally everything from accountants to zoologists – in places across the nation and around the world. Just as importantly, they are mothers, fathers, neighbors, brothers, sisters, friends, volunteers, people we admire and rely on, and people who, through their words and deeds, make the world a better place to live.

In June 2016, Newman will host an All-Alumni Reunion to celebrate and honor our more than 14,000 alums from every school and era. This full weekend reunion will feature campus tours, presentations, sporting events, food, drink and much more for alumni and families both young and old. You can find more details on the event inside this issue of Newman University Magazine.

I hope to see you at the reunion, or at one of the many concerts, plays, athletic contests, fundraisers, award ceremonies, lectures and other events Newman hosts each year. While I can’t personally meet each of you, I want you to know that the faculty, staff and I are proud of all our alumni. After all, you are the living proof that Newman University empowers its graduates to transform society.

Thank you for everything you do for your communities and for Newman University.

With gratitude,

Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D. Caritas Christi Urget Nos!

Newman University is a Catholic university named for John Henry Cardinal Newman and founded by the Adorers of the Blood of Christ for the purpose of empowering graduates to transform society.

Sonia Bontrager

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS 2 University News 20 Giving 22 Faculty and Staff Notes

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24 Athletics 28 Alumni Updates

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40 Class Notes

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Newman Sports Information

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Creating a ‘Mindful Nation'

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A mission to save hearts

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Lessons from Central America

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The first ever

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Making disciples

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The right solution

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Best. Year. Ever.

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Calling all alumni

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Alumni Awards

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Great Expectations

ON THE COVER:

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Newman University prepares for the AllAlumni Reunion, June 10-12, 2016. Read more beginning on page 28.

UNIVERSITY NEWS

2015 ABLAH AWARDS RECIPIENTS HONORED FOR ON- AND OFF-CAMPUS ACTIVITY

(Ablah) Jabara to honor the memory of Geri’s parents. Recipients must have completed at least 62 credit hours at Newman and graduate with a 3.2 or higher GPA. Each student receives a $2,500 award.

Newman University graduates Amal Ullah and Alex Beck received the 2015 Harvey J. and Leona J. Ablah Awards for their involvement both on and off the Newman campus.

The awards are presented each year to a graduating male and a graduating female student who exemplify the mission and spirit of Newman University. The awards were established by Fran* and Geri

Ullah, an elementary education major with a minor in art, was a member of the Newman Mission Advisory Board and the Teacher’s Club, and was an ASC Community Leader Scholar.

She volunteered at a local food bank, the Kansas Humane Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters and other organizations.

Board and the Newman Medical Professions Club. He volunteered for such organizations as Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Lord’s Diner and a hospice.

Each Ablah Award recipient is asked to choose a mentor. Below are artist’s proofs for plaques showing Ullah and her mentor former Education Professor Karen Rogers, Ed.D., and Beck with his mentor former Biology Professor Casey McNeil, Ph.D. * In July 2015, Professor Fran Jabara passed away.

Read more about him at go.newmanu.edu/franjabara.

Beck, a biology major with a minor in sports medicine, was a resident assistant, student ambassador, and member of the Campus Activities

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NEWMAN WELCOMES NORM JONES AS VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT

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Norm Jones was named vice president for Enrollment Management at Newman University, effective Aug. 1, 2015. Jones comes to Newman with an extensive background in higher education enrollment and administration. He most recently served as executive dean and chief operation officer at Southwest Colorado Community College. Prior to that, he was vice president for enrollment and athletics at Delaware Valley University, and vice president for enrollment and marketing at Texas Lutheran University. Jones has held enrollment management and admissions leadership positions at several other colleges.

“We are very excited to have Norm join the Newman executive team,” said Newman President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D. “His knowledge of enrollment operations and his approach to recruiting and marketing will be a powerful force in our enrollment efforts.”

Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management at the University of Tennessee, and a Master of Education degree in Guidance and Counseling at West Georgia University.

Read more about Jones at go.newmanu.edu/NormJones.

UNIVERSITY NEWS

site, reducing the “bounce rate” (people who visit, then leave) and, most importantly, making the site mobile responsive so it can be viewed and operated easily on tablets, cell phones and other mobile devices.

NEW WEBSITE IS MORE EFFECTIVE – AND MOBILE RESPONSIVE One of Wichita’s universities just got a new facelift – online.

The mobile design of the menu alone required one full month of design, redesign and more redesign before it was finally implemented.

Newman University launched a new, more effective and mobile-friendly website on July 1, 2015. The project began in September 2014. Design and development duties for the new site were performed in-house by former Digital Communications Specialist Anthony D’Alessio and Web Technology Specialist Daniel Murphy, with the help of student workers in the University Relations Department.

In the first few weeks of the site going live, it generated many positive statistics, including a 50 percent decrease in pageload speed, an 80 percent increase in average time on the site, and a 50 percent decrease in the bounce rate.

Major goals of the project included increasing viewers’ average time on the

Visit the new Newman University website at newmanu.edu.

Susan Welsby, ASC ’73 earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Sacred Heart College in 1973. She later earned a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Missouri-Rolla. Welsby is currently a member of the General Administration Staff (Finance) for the Adorers of the Blood of Christ in Wichita.

Steve Rasmussen

Alice (Biggs) Wiggins ’85 earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Newman University and is now a retired Betty Adams, registered ASC ’61, ’66 nurse. She is a is a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy and board member for the Catholic Student Sacred Heart College. She taught music Center at WSU and volunteers as a in Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma, was counselor at A Better Choice and as a chair of the Newman Music Department nurse at the Guadalupe Clinic. She and and later was international student her husband Dale, a Newman Board of coordinator before being called by the Trustees member from 1985 to 1988, are ASC to Rome to serve as translator. She involved in many educational, charitable received an honorary Doctor of Humane and civic organizations. In 2012, they were Letters, honoris causa degree from Newman awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters, in 2010 representing the Newman Core Value honoris causa, representing the Core Value Global Perspective.

Culture of Service.

Steve Rasmussen

The Newman University Board of Trustees welcomed four new members in September.

Steve Rasmussen

FOUR JOIN NEWMAN BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Rene (Soukup) Hein, Ph.D. ’02 joined the Board as the Alumni Representative.

Hein is the current president of the National Alumni Board.

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Kati Bush ’16

Marj Chance with nursing scholarship recipient Ashley Hare in 2014

Mindfulness

FEATURES

Newman University, Wichita on leading edge of national project

Did you hear the one about the woman who was so sleepdeprived and late picking up her daughter that she nicked the rear end of her supervisor’s car backing up in the parking lot and decided to leave anyway because she had to get her daughter to that volunteer thing so maybe she could get a service scholarship to college because she certainly wasn’t going to get one on her grades and on the way home she needed to pick up milk for tomorrow and frozen pizza for tonight when she noticed she was in a school zone going close to 50 so she had to slow down which would make her more late and she had her cross-training class tonight which she really wanted because she’d put on a few pounds lately which made her think maybe that’s why the boss passed me over for a promotion and that made her think OH MY GOD I HIT DAVID’S CAR! should I tell him and what will this do to my insurance and my husband will gripe at me which reminded her to tell him – again – that he messed up syncing her iPhone with the audio-navigationBluetooth thing in her car when she saw on the map that she’d driven two blocks past the school and had to circle back and then it hit her that she had forgotten to pack her exercise clothes the night before because she was up studying for a test in her Finance class that she had to pass so she could get out of her crappy job and maybe manage a bookstore or that cute little boutique with the hand-made jewelry and dresses and coffee bar like she’d always wanted so she could finally be HAPPY!?!?

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No, it’s not a joke.

For many people, this is what comes from living in today’s multi-tasking, over-scheduled and ultra-competitive world. Poor sleeping habits.

Distracted thinking. Impulsive behavior and emotional decisionmaking. Negative self-image.

In our quest for professional, financial and emotional stability, it’s all too easy to fall into patterns of thinking and behavior that, ironically, keep us from the happiness and peace of mind we seek.

Yet there is another way, according to individuals and organizations that practice and promote a concept called mindfulness.

By learning new skills and training the mind to make new pathways, mindfulness can help people escape the cycle of distractions, anxiety and stress, proponents say. In recent years, the concept has quickly gained the attention and respect of people from all walks of life, who are creating a “quiet revolution” that could change the world.

It’s already changing Wichita, thanks to several members of the Newman University faculty.

“We’re involved in an unprecedented and innovative approach to establish this nation as a ‘Mindful Nation,’” said Associate Professor of Social Work Michael Duxler, Ph.D. “The philosophy is, you start to build a ‘Mindful Nation’ by first building a ‘Mindful City.’ That’s what’s happening now in Wichita.”

Moment by moment At its essence, Duxler said, mindfulness is the intention to be consciously aware, moment by moment, of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment.

Duxler, along with Professor of Communication Audrey Hane, Ph.D., have noted in several recent presentations that mindfulness involves training the mind to focus on the present and respond with reason before emotion; to accept things as they are rather than making ourselves crazy by wishing things were different.

Studies have shown that mindful living can produce many physical and cognitive benefits, including improved eating and sleeping habits, pain management and stress reduction, better health, more clarity, creativity and emotional resilience, and relational benefits such as increased empathy, kindness, impulse control and responsible communication.

In their presentations, Duxler and Hane try to show these benefits to attendees, and give them a better understanding of mindfulness.

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“They may be hearing about it in the news, it’s on the cover of Time Magazine, you open Parade Magazine and there are articles about mindfulness, so it’s pretty much everywhere,” Hane said. “[Our goal is] really clarifying what mindfulness is, and then giving them the opportunity to experience some mindful practices so they understand how they might be able to integrate it into their own lives.”

The interest in mindfulness, mindful living and mindful practice began in large part with a 2010 book written by U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan called, A Mindful Nation: How a Simple Practice Can Help Us Reduce Stress, Improve Performance, and Recapture the American Spirit.

The book inspired the formation of several groups, including the Mindful Nation Foundation and the local Wichita in Mind, which Duxler played a central role in creating, to increase awareness and practice of mindful living.

Duxler said the MNF recently decided to choose a city that could be developed into a Mindful City, that would demonstrate that a Mindful Nation can become a reality.

The city they chose was Wichita.

Duxler said Wichita was selected for its central geographic location, its local social and educational institutions that are amenable to developing a mindful culture, and a pre-established partnership among Newman University, Friends University and Wichita State University, which was formed several years ago by members of each institution to explore mindful practices.

A 100-year plan The plan for Wichita includes focusing on specific local groups to show how mindfulness principles and practices can be helpful. The groups include veterans and first responders, teachers and students (pre-school to K–12), healthcare professionals, and community leaders. In collaboration with the MNF, WIM is focusing on veterans and teachers. Duxler said several training sessions and mindful practice groups have already been launched. Faculty members from Friends and WSU are taking the lead with veterans. Duxler and Hane, along with Newman Director of Graduate

Dan Murphy

“I had already been working with Discovery Place and Early Head Start on helping to train teachers,” Duxler said, “and with faculty members at other universities on various community projects. When the opportunity was presented to Wichita to be the host city for this endeavor, it was easy to incorporate things we were already doing.”

Education Gina Marx, Ed.D., and Associate Dean of Education Steve Dunn, Ed.D., are leading the work with teachers.

Hane noted that giving teachers the tools for mindful practice can create a more stable classroom environment for students, who will then pick up the practices themselves.

Audrey Hane and Mike Duxler are bringing mindfulness techniques to teachers.

“We’ve been working with teachers from USD 259, the Catholic schools, Early Head Start, and training them as well,” Duxler added. “Then, with Head Start and Discovery Place, we’ve implemented some of these things with the kids.”

the country to actually infuse it – into the undergraduate and then the graduate Education Department,” Duxler said.

Through the MNF, Duxler and his colleagues were also introduced to Mind Body Medicine, a system developed by Dr. Jim Gordon based on mindfulness principles. Duxler said Gordon developed an effective curriculum for helping veterans and veterans’ families, which local mindfulness proponents are learning.

“We have put more emphasis on being a learning community than on any specific timetable,” he said. “In the era of quick fixes and Band-Aid solutions, ours is a 100-year plan. We want to lay the foundation for future generations to take up. Therefore, we put less emphasis on timetables, and more on getting this right.”

“What we’re hoping is Newman can infuse that curriculum – be the first university in

Duxler noted that turning Wichita into a Mindful City and the United States into a Mindful Nation will take time.

To see a video of Duxler discussing mindfulness, visit go.newmanu.edu/DuxlerMindfulness.

To read more on the topic and see videos of Duxler and Hane, visit go.newmanu.edu/Mindfulness.

To learn more about the Mindful Nation Foundation, visit mindfulnationnetwork.com.

To learn more about Wichita in Mind, visit wichita.mindfulnationnetwork.com.

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FEATURES

S

ome students spend their summers vacationing.

Some spend their summers interning.

Blair Benton chose to spend her summer serving.

Benton, now a senior biology/pre-med student at Newman, knew she wanted to go on a surgical medical mission trip over the summer of 2014. She opted to search for one via Google, and after some research came across the International Children’s Heart Foundation (ICHF), which was created to perform cardiac surgeries on children in need of competent medical care who wouldn’t normally have access to it. ICHF has traveled all over the world performing surgeries, as well as training and assisting local pediatric cardiac surgery programs to reach their full potential.

“It was the one that actually allowed students to go,” Benton said. “There was an application and you had to get some letters of recommendation. So I got an email that said, ‘Hey, you’re

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going on this mission. Buy your plane ticket.’ You didn’t have a lot of options. I was just really happy to have the opportunity to go.”

The mission took Benton to Guayaquil, Ecuador. Benton said she researched the area to prepare for the journey, but found that no amount of research could have fully prepared her for the transformative experience.

“I have a knack of putting myself into situations that I’m not entirely prepared for,” Benton said. “My adventure was no exception. For a sophomore in college, I felt that my reading and Internet surfing provided sufficient information to comprehend the discussions and cases I would be involved with. After all, my role as a student was to ask questions, learn, and be amazed by what was happening around me. However, no amount of Googling or advice from physicians I had shadowed stateside could prepare me for the moment the first patient walked into the

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echocardiography (echo) lab on the first Sunday morning.”

Benton said she found herself connecting with those serving with the mission and those individuals who were being served. However, she was most influenced by a 13-year-old soccer-playing boy named Joel, who was diagnosed with a potentially fatal case of perimembranous ventricular septal defect. Benton said she followed Joel from his surgery through his recovery process – an experience that changed her entire outlook.

“I had come to Ecuador with rose-colored glasses,” Benton said. “Every kid could be saved. Every outcome was good, and nowhere in my mind was I prepared for kids to die. During the very first consult of the very first day, my rose-colored glasses were ripped off and replaced with a profound respect for everyone on our team.

It isn’t an exaggeration to say that without them, these kids would not live another 10 years, if that.”

Benton was allowed to watch the delicate surgery on the boy’s heart.

“The experience of seeing a human heart, and even being able to touch it ... was extremely humbling,” she said.

She added that going through Joel’s recovery process helped her solidify her love for the medical field and find a new love with working in a mission.

She said each time she interacted with the kids or their families she was reminded that it was something she wanted to do the rest of her life.

“Joel continued to improve with each day post-op,” she said. “Eventually, he was making treks around the ICU and asking when he could play soccer again. After each post-op echo his face would light up as we told him his heart looked better or good.”

Benton said she found enjoyment in all aspects of her experience. She enjoyed the little things such as greeting patients in the morning, interacting with patients and their families, and witnessing the professionals’ passions for the mission efforts and helping as many people in the best possible ways they could.

“'I have a knack of putting myself into situations that I’' m not entirely prepared for.

My adventure was no exception.'

“The patients we operated on had their own personalities, stories, and obstacles to overcome, but the one thing they all share was the impact they have had on my life,” she said. “Every day I learned a new lesson from them: whether it was the thrill of bubbles or Spiderman, or the joys of good old crayons and a coloring book. Each one had their own way of brightening the room. Additionally, I have never in my life worked so diligently or celebrated a smile so highly. I’m usually terrible with goodbyes, but each kid leaving our ward signified a difference being made, and the chance at a better future. In my opinion there is no greater way to say goodbye.”

- Kati Bush ’16 Newman student Blair Benton with children in Ecuador, including the first patient she saw on her mission trip, at right, Joel.

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GUATEMALA AND EL SALVADOR TRIP OFFERS LESSONS IN LANGUAGE, HISTORY, LIFE During the beatification ceremony of Archbishop Oscar Romero, on May 23, 2015 in the city of San Salvador, a rainbow emerged – encircling the sun that shone on the 250,000 people who had gathered for the event. The phenomenon drew ahhs, gasps of wonder and a burst of camera clicks from the crowd in El Salvador del Mundo Square.

“We all saw this as a sign of beauty,” said Newman University student Victor Phan, who was at the event. “The beatification was blessed by the people – and the environment.”

The rainbow was the first of what would become many sights and experiences that inspired awe and increased awareness for Phan, and the nine other Newman students and three faculty members who traveled to Central America for the Summer 2015 “Guatemala Study and Serve Program.”

“I learned a lot about myself and the people of the world,” said Phan, a junior with a biochemistry (pre-med) major and a Spanish minor. “It is one thing to read about the struggles of another country, but it is amazing to see.”

‘A KIND OF LOVE’ Phan and the other participants of the eight-week program are the most recent Newman group to learn first-hand about other countries and people through the Study and Serve program. Since launching the program in 2007, Assistant Professor of Spanish Sonja Bontrager has guided groups through Guatemala nearly every summer to study the history, language and culture of the country, and work with individuals and organizations serving those living in great poverty.

Each year, students live for a week with host families in La Labor, a small community on the outskirts of Guatemala City, where they experience everyday life and take part in an intensive week of service in conjunction with Dani Brought, ASC, and Kris Schrader, ASC. 10

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Ken Arnold

FEATURES

Newman University students and faculty members who participated in the 2015 Guatemala Study and Serve Program gathered for a photo in Wichita before their trip. Pictured are, l-r: front row: Becca Kopper; Victor Phan; Emily Hasch; middle row: Assistant Professor of Spanish and program leader Sonja Bontrager; Courtney Holbrook; Nicole Shaw; Professor of Biology Sarah Evans; back row: Associate Professor of Theology John McCormick; Cristal Magdaleno; Cody Larkin, and Jarin Braithwait. (Not pictured: Sarah Jones)

Brought, who founded the Sangre de Cristo Health Care Project 20 years ago, created the service week for the Newman group. She designs opportunities for the students to work alongside the Health Care Project staff building latrines and stoves, teaching children healthy habits, planting trees in a reforestation project, and collaborating on children’s dental health education campaigns. Participants also meet local students and help them with their English at the secondary school, Instituto Maria de Mattias, which was founded 27 years ago by Schrader.

“The service week is very important, and we’re very grateful to the sisters for providing this opportunity for us.” Bontrager said. “We make a personal connection to the ASCs, their mission, and with the host families, and we all develop a perspective that helps us for the duration of the program.”

Following the week with the ASC, the group spends five weeks in the western mountains studying Spanish, history and culture in and around Guatemala’s second-largest city, Quetzaltenango.

Bontrager said that during the service week, the group practices a “technology fast,” where they disconnect from the Internet and text messaging so they can give their full attention to the experience and their host community. Judging by students’ remarks, the fast seems to have had the desired effect.

“As we ‘served’ the people by teaching the kids proper dental care, painting the Institute, or building the stoves for the family, I saw the pure joy and love of the people,” said Becca Kopper, a sophomore at Newman studying psychology and criminal justice. “The kids were excited to meet new people as well as receive a gift as simple as a toothbrush.”

“It opened my eyes to the health disparities of the world and will forever influence my decision of what kind of physician I will ultimately become,” said Nicole Shaw, a May 2015 graduate who is now at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. “I experienced a kind of love, from complete strangers, during my time in Guatemala that I have never seen in my entire life in the United States.”

POLITICS AND HISTORY For this year’s trip, Bontrager decided to add a short foray into El Salvador.

After locking in the dates, she learned that the days she selected coincided with Romero’s beatification. Bontrager said she was excited at the opportunity.

“For years, I have wanted to explore adding a visit to El Salvador and to the sites that honor the work and sacrifice of Archbishop Romero,” Bontrager said. “Thanks to some funding from the Gerber Institute [of Catholic Studies at Newman University], it became possible.”

To prepare for the trip, students studied the politics and history of Guatemala, El Salvador and other Central American countries. They soon learned that for residents of those countries – especially the poor and the Catholic – politics and history are often brutal.

Beginning in the early 1960s, Guatemala endured a civil war against the military government that raged for 36 years,

claimed the lives of an estimated 200,000 people, and created a million refugees.

Among those killed was Father Stanley Rother, a missionary from Oklahoma who served in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala, for 13 years. He became a marked man by the Guatemalan Army for giving aid to residents after the army imposed a reign of terror that included random kidnapping, torture and the killing of innocent civilians. In 1981, Rother was murdered by three masked men in the rectory of his church.

Another clergyman, Bishop Juan Gerardi of Guatemala, presented a multi-volume report in 1998 entitled Guatemala: Never Again! The Official Report of the Human Rights Office by the Archdiocese of Guatemala.

This report, overseen by Gerardi, outlined atrocities committed by the military during the war, and documented tens of thousands of deaths, forced disappearances and human rights abuses.

Two days after its publication, Gerardi was bludgeoned to death in his garage.

All - Sonja Bontrager

FEATURES

Archbishop Oscar Romero

In El Salvador, Romero was a victim of a 12-year civil war between leftist revolutionaries and the repressive U.S.backed Salvadoran army. For decades, the army used death squads and torture to maintain power. About 80,000 people died and 12,000 disappeared.

Romero became a regional hero for speaking out against violence and defending the poor. He was assassinated in 1980 soon after calling on the Salvadoran military to refuse orders from officials if the orders did not follow the teachings of God and the Catholic Church. Romero was shot in a San Salvador chapel as he celebrated Mass.

In the days leading up to Romero’s beatification, Bontrager and the group visited several locations related to Romero’s life that are now monuments,

A street near the beatification ceremony of Archbishop Romero

including the small, simple house behind the Hospital La Davina Providencia where Romero lived, and the cathedral where his remains are buried. On the day of the beatification, the group was guided by the daughter of the mayor of San Salvador at the time of Romero’s assassination.

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Shaughnessy Stockemer

FEATURES All - Sonja Bontrager

LOVE, HOPE AND GOD On the last night of the trip, students return to La Labor and reunite with their host families. Bontrager said this allows students to see how their Spanish has progressed, and how they have grown in understanding and confidence. It also gives them the opportunity to express their gratitude to the ASC, the Health Care Project and the community, and reflect a final time on their experiences before flying home the following day.

While each student used different words, those of Becca Kopper signify the sentiments of all:

“She is also the niece of Archbishop Romero�s personal secretary, so it was exciting to have the perspective of someone with so many connections and personal history,” Bontrager said.

Although they were unable to see the beatification or even the giant screens because of the crowds, Bontrager said the occasion was festive. She also noted that the circular rainbow appeared at a particularly poignant moment – when authorities brought out the shirt Romero was wearing when he was killed.

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“This summer I witnessed a culture with strong family values, not only for blood relatives but for complete strangers, such as myself and fellow students,” Kopper wrote. “I had the opportunity to see children with a great desire to learn. I heard the history from those who had directly experienced it. After the stoves were completed and we returned to visit the families, each family gave us tokens to say thank you. I learned a lot during my time abroad, but the lesson of humbleness and love was shown to me as those who had very little gave us something. This was a

Shaughnessy Stockemer

“Throughout the program, students write compositions about their experiences, integrating what we do in pre-departure class with what we learn on-site.” Bontrager said. “They start with first impressions of what they observe and then move to deeper interpretations toward the end of the program. The students ask themselves, ‘What is my responsibility? What should I do when I get home?’ They always had to reflect and connect to what they were doing.”

strong reminder that those who are rich are not always those with material items, but those with love, hope and God in their hearts.”

To learn more about Archbishop Oscar Romero, watch a video interview of Bontrager at http://go.newmanu.edu/Romero.

To learn more about the students’ activities in El Salvador, visit http://go.newmanu.edu/ElSalvador.

Gloria Esparza

Shaughnessy Stockemer

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Gloria Esparza

Gloria Esparza

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Students who took the trip were: Gloria Esparza; Derek Haas; Megan MacGill; Hannah Somes; Marcus Somes; Shaughnessy Stockemer; A.J. Swanson, and Rebecca Tyndall.

Clockwise from upper left: St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle1; Stonehenge2; McFall (right) and students at a train station3; Esparza inside a capsule of the London Eye observation wheel4; Melk Abbey in Austria5; students at the John Lennon Wall in Prague6; the London Eye7; students in a subway station8; Stockemer at the Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna9, the gates to Auschwitz I concentration camp in Poland.10

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Shaughnessy Stockemer

Eight Newman University students took a tour of Europe over the 2015 summer led by Associate Professor of History Kelly McFall, Ph.D. McFall makes the trip every other year to give students a first-hand look at historic and culturally significant places. The trip included stops in Vienna, Krakow, Berlin, Auschwitz, Prague, London and other points.

Gloria Esparza

EUROPE BY RAIL

Gloria Esparza

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Shaughnessy Stockemer

Shaughnessy Stockemer

Gloria Esparza

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Kati Bush

FIRST FOUR-YEAR THEATRE MAJOR HOPES PROGRAM ONLY GETS BIGGER AND BETTER

Rusty Carbaugh in her role as Ophelia in "Hamlet" and with Director of Theatre Mark Mannette following the 2015 Commencement.

On May 16, 2015, Newman University awarded degrees to more than 400 candidates for associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. While all those candidates were justifiably proud, one had a special and unique reason – the first four-year theatre program graduate, Rusty Carbaugh.

“She’s a hard worker, she likes to excel academically and I’m really proud of her accomplishments.”

“I am extremely proud to be the first theatre major, and that is a thing I think I’ll probably tell people for the rest of my life,” Carbaugh said.

“I have a planner and I have each day mapped out,” she said in an interview before the end of the semester. “I have to schedule in naps. I have to schedule in meals. I wake up every morning at 4 and I go work at Starbucks. I get done with Starbucks; come back and change; go to class; get done with class; get ready for rehearsal; have rehearsal; then have another rehearsal and then go to bed hopefully by 8 p.m., so I can do it all over again the next day.”

Carbaugh was the first student to go through the program a full four years, starting in 2011 when Newman began offering theatre as a minor. The university instituted the theatre major in fall 2013. Theatre productions had been popular going back to Sacred Heart Academy and Sacred Heart College days, but the institution had never created a four-year academic program.

Theatre had languished in recent years, until Newman officials launched a campaign to bring it back.

Newman Director of Theatre Mark Mannette said Carbaugh has been key to the department’s growth since the beginning.

“Rusty started attending Newman before I came and already knew she wanted to major in theatre, so she was really helping me be a pioneer by being in place when I got here,” he said.

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Carbaugh’s hard work was apparent in her final semester, prompting her to develop good time-management skills.

Carbaugh said she hopes her dedication to the Theatre Department made an impact, and can help the department grow in the years to come.

“I hope that in some way, I can help push the Theatre Department to become bigger and better,” she said. “What [Newman has] is something special to offer. I’m thrilled to have been a part of it.”

– Kati Bush '16

Clark Schafer

FEATURES

FEATURES

NEW SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, MBA TRACK WILL EXPAND BUSINESS PROGRAM VISIBILITY Newman University will create a new School of Business that focuses not only on knowledge and expertise in business, but also ethics, entrepreneurship and socially conscious practices in business.

The new school will officially launch in the fall 2016 semester.

Newman is also launching a new Master of Business Administration with a Nonprofit Management concentration, which will begin in January 2016. The new MBA track is designed to help employees in nonprofit organizations become more effective at managing their institutions, serving their clients and achieving their mission.

The new school and MBA track are designed in part to bring more visibility to the university’s business programs, and to create unique programs in the region that will better serve the needs of businesses and students.

“We have a lot to offer the local business community and business environment,” said Newman Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Michael Austin, Ph.D. “The school will be unique in this area because of its Catholic nature and its emphasis on business ethics. It will be infused with the social justice mission of our sponsors, the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, and the urging of Pope Francis to establish a business climate sensitive to the values of the Catholic tradition.”

The new school will also bring the university’s existing undergraduate

and graduate business-related academic programs into a single school administered by a Dean of Business.

The new MBA track is designed to show students how business practices can be applied to nonprofit agencies to make them more efficient and productive.

Director of the MBA Program and Associate Professor of Marketing and Management Wendy Munday, Ed.D. began creating the concentration three years ago. She observed that many nonprofit organizations struggling to survive the recent economic downturn and resulting drop in donations turned to business consultants to find better ways to operate and maximize their resources.

In the process, it was discovered that nonprofits could adopt a business model and be very successful.

To suit the needs of working adults, all courses in the new program will be offered in the evening, and the program can be completed in as few as 18 months. Munday added that the program is a perfect fit with the Newman mission of empowering graduates to transform society.

“With Newman being a nonprofit institution and having faculty and staff who have experience working in nonprofits, we can incorporate the current best practices from the field into our program, to help nonprofit agencies better serve their people and achieve their mission,” she said.

To read more about the new School of Business go to go.newmanu.edu/BusinessEthics.

Munday also worked with the Wichita Nonprofit Chamber of Service on a research study of its members. The study found that participants preferred an MBA with an emphasis on nonprofit leadership over other master’s degrees, and felt the most beneficial skills to acquire are leadership, management/organizational behavior, finance/budgeting, marketing/recruitment, and Management Information Systems – all of which are addressed in the Newman MBA. FALL 2015

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The vision of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City is “Go Make Disciples.”

On Aug. 8, 2015, the Newman Universityaccredited Oklahoma City Archdiocesan Pastoral Ministry Program celebrated 30 years of doing just that.

The pastoral ministry baccalaureate program was launched in Oklahoma City in 1983, and the first graduating class was in 1985. The program, which is offered by Newman in conjunction with the Oklahoma City Archdiocese, has produced 205 graduates over the past three decades. In addition, 132 individuals have received a certificate from the archdiocese for taking courses in the program to prepare themselves for more active roles in their parishes.

The program, which has since spread to Tulsa, Okla., Dodge City, Kan., and other locations, was established in response to a call from bishops for the laity to take more responsibility in Catholic higher education, and to better prepare themselves for ministry in response to the call from Vatican II. The degrees or certificates people earn in the program prepare them to serve as directors of religious education, catechists, chaplains and other positions in their respective parishes.

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According to Program Coordinator Fr. Joseph Gile, the program is mainly operated at the local level. The Newman Wichita campus will sometimes broadcast classes via the Interactive Television (ITV) network. Gile said Dodge City and Tulsa also broadcast via ITV, and Oklahoma City now uses a similar technology to broadcast classes. Gile said the strength of the program lies in each program’s ability to tailor it to their specific need.

“The needs of the church in Oklahoma City are not the same as in Dodge City,” Gile said. “[Local programs] can really identify what they need and then train people to meet those needs. If the program didn’t exist, the presence of the Church would be really reduced.

It provides a vital connection for people.”

Diane Koorie, RSM, who is in her 15th year as program director in Oklahoma City, said one of the most significant things she has seen is the exponential growth in the program. She said the technology they have implemented has enabled the program to serve students from up to eight different locations in the area at a time, which has made it possible to offer courses in a preferred sequence.

“I’d say our numbers have grown at least 75 to 80 percent in the last two years,”

All – Courtesy Photos

Pastoral ministry program in Oklahoma celebrates 30-year anniversary Loretta Gegan, ASC was instrumental in developing the Pastoral Ministry Program.

Former ASC Jeanne Stewart leads a theology class in 1985.

L-r: Bill James, Pat Koenig, Sheila Mueller, Marilyn Anderson and Arlene Kongs take part in a class discussion in 1985.

FEATURES

Koorie said. “We used to have class sizes in the 40s and now we see around 80 to 90.”

Celebration includes Mass, reflections

Koorie said the program sees a wide variety of students, such as candidates for the diaconate, those seeking continuing education opportunities or personal enrichment, and individuals who are seeking or currently hold a position of leadership in ministry. She said the program’s major focus is theological formation, but it also aids in the human, pastoral and spiritual formation.

“We see all sorts of people ranging from their 20s to people in their 70s serving in a variety of capacities in the parishes: Catholic teachers, youth ministers, pastors, RCIA, and other ministry leaders. These are all people who are looking to develop theological formation.”

About 40 people attended the 30th anniversary celebration of the Oklahoma City pastoral ministry program, which was hosted by Newman University and the Archdiocesan Office of Pastoral Ministry on Aug. 8.

Diane Koorie, RSM is director of the Oklahoma City program.

Koorie said the growth of the program speaks well of the community, the archdiocese and the commitment of Newman University.

“Newman’s commitment to the program is such a grace,” Koorie said. “Loretta Gegan, (ASC) way back in the early ‘80s said: ‘We have got to do something to prepare people for ministry in the Church.’ To think it is still continuing is a real tribute to both Newman and the archdiocese.”

Alumnus George Newton was among those who attended the 30th anniversary celebration.

Following lunch, a small group discussion of what the program meant to the graduates was led by Newman Director of Development for Sciences and Health Sciences Therese Wetta, ASC, who attended the celebration with Newman Senior Development Officer David Alexander. The discussion included reflections from graduates going back to 1994. Most focused on a simple desire to know more about their faith.

“Several people who have gone through the program spoke on how they were blessed or how their lives had been changed as a result of the program,” Wetta said. “Folks celebrate this program with much gratitude to Newman for providing the opportunity not only to grow theologically in preparation for their involvement in the parish, but also how their hearts were touched and how they spiritually grew from this program.”

Gile said he believes the program has become everything Newman expected, and more.

“It provides an invaluable service to the Church and to these people. It’s a vital lifeline between the parishes and their people and Newman and these churches.

It’s amazing the connections the program creates. We want Newman to be a provider of theological resource for the region, and this program provides that for us. We are able to be that regional theological presence across state lines.”

Among those attending was former Newman Board of Trustees Member Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, who celebrated the Eucharist and had lunch with the participants. The event included a brief program that covered some of the history of the program and current activity, and greetings from Newman President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D. and theology faculty members in Wichita, who were unable to attend.

Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul S. Coakley celebrated the Eucharist at the 30th anniversary commemoration.

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FEATURES

COLORADO SPRINGS MSW PROGRAM CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF GROWTH

Smith, who was then dean of the Newman University School of Applied Social Sciences and director of the Social Work Program, and Duxler, an associate professor of social work, were surprised at what they learned.

“Many told them, essentially, ‘I have been hiring psychologists, BSWs, and other professionals, as there are no MSWs available,’” said John Moragues, MSSW, associate professor of social work and coordinator of the Newman Colorado Springs Center. “‘Find me an MSW social worker and I will hire them.’”

Rather than find MSW social workers, Smith and Duxler decided to develop them. In fall 2005, the Newman Master of Social Work program, the first MSW program in Colorado Springs, was born.

Today, as the program celebrates its 10th anniversary, 284 people have earned their MSW degrees through the Colorado Springs Center, with most working in the area.

And the program shows no signs of slowing down.

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File Photos

‘WE PROVIDED THE RIGHT SOLUTION’ Smith and Duxler initially came to Colorado because they believed the Newman social work program, which was already operating in Wichita and the Dodge City/Garden City areas, was ready for expansion.

In addition to talking with social service leaders, Smith and Duxler met with Michael Sheridan, Bishop of Colorado Springs, and Kurt Bartley, director of Catholic Charities in Colorado Springs, who helped create the Newman program.

The program grew quickly from its initial enrollment of 22 students. In 2006, enrollment jumped to 61, and 20 students earned their degrees. The following year, 73 students enrolled and 31 graduated. Today, enrollment has reached 103, and 32 students are expected to graduate in May 2016.

Moragues attributes this growth to several factors.

“For one, the original analysis was correct: the market for an MSW program was ripe, and we provided the right solution,” Moragues said.

He added that the program focused recruiting efforts on three key groups: individuals recruited from local churches, current employees of social service agencies who did not have an

Michael Smith, Ph.D.

John Moraques, MSSW

Courtesy Photo

In 2004, Michael Smith, Ph.D. and Mike Duxler, Ph.D. traveled to Colorado Springs, Colo., several times to meet with directors of local social service agencies.

This small office at The Mercy Center was the original headquarters for the Colorado Springs Center. It was shared by program coordinator John Moragues and two other people in 2005. Moragues said he keeps the photo “as a reminder of our very humble beginnings.”

MSW degree, and service members and their spouses connected with the five military installations in the area.

The center’s field education program also contributed to the growth, Moragues said. The Newman program now has more than 130 field placement sites for students to do the clinical portion of the program. Moragues said that many agencies now actively seek Newman students for placement.

FEATURES Courtesy Photo

After looking unsuccessfully for larger quarters that were relatively affordable, Moragues and other Newman officials took a new tack. They negotiated a new lease with the building owner that includes their old space, as well as additional space on the second floor and new construction of two large classrooms, an improved library space, two faculty office areas, and expanded space for a student lounge and study areas. The expanded and remodeled facility opened at the beginning of the fall 2015 semester.

Associate Professor of Social Work Barry Koch, Ph.D. leads an evening session in one of the new classrooms at the Colorado Springs Center.

Moragues also credited the quality of the faculty and staff.

“I believe we have a uniquely positive group of people who communicate and interact with each other in a very functional, pleasant and happy manner,” Moragues said.

round trip and pay hotel costs to be in Wichita for Commencement,” Moragues said. Newman Provost Michael Austin, Ph.D. now comes each year to officiate and confer degrees. Director of Alumni Relations Sarah Cundiff ’86, ’90, ’15 also attends.

Moragues said key faculty members have included Sue Gardner, MSW, Barry Koch, Ph.D., Terrie Cox Pauly, LCSW, and the many Wichitabased faculty who made significant contributions to the program’s success.

GROWING PAINS

Newman personnel also maintain good relationships with Colorado State University-Pueblo, which offers a BSW program that is the primary feeder for Newman. Additionally, Moragues points to improvements in the program such as a student counseling program, and a “Celebration of Graduation” ceremony in Colorado Springs each spring that he created several years ago.

When the program launched in 2005, faculty and staff occupied one room at The Mercy Center, a Catholic holistic healing facility in the city.

Faculty taught Friday classes in the basement of the Colorado Springs Cathedral, and weekend classes in two conference rooms of the diocesan pastoral center. In January 2006, Newman rented the first floor of a building at 2120 Hollow Brook Drive, where the program is still based. Newman later occupied about half of the building’s second floor, but still needed more space.

“The celebration allows graduates to be recognized for their accomplishments without having to make a 16-hour

While the continuing growth and improvement of the program are welcome, they did create one problem: a lack of space.

Moragues said he expects the growth to continue, and projects that enrollment and revenue will increase 10 percent annually through 2019. Although he will not be around to see that growth – he plans to retire next year – he remains excited about the program�s possibilities.

“We continue to develop relationships with new field placement agencies, and the frequent referrals from our field instructors, students and graduates will continue to provide a consistent stream of new inquiries and applicants,” he said. “We are now well known in the local community, and many university programs and local agencies strongly recommend our program because of the high quality and relatively modest cost.

As far as I can see, the future for the Newman University School of Social Work looks very positive in Colorado.”

For more information about the Colorado Springs MSW program visit http://go.newmanu.edu/colorado

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GIVING

NEWMAN RECEIVES FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM FOUNDATIONS, AGENCIES Newman University has received several substantial gifts and grants from foundations and corporations over the past year in support of health care, math and science education.

Representatives of Newman University and the Goebel Family Star Lumber Charitable Foundation met on the Newman campus June 25 to celebrate the foundation’s $250,000 gift. Pictured l-r: Newman Professor of Chemistry David Shubert, Ph.D.; Star Lumber Vice President Home Builder & Commercial Sales Dan Goebel; Goebel Family Star Lumber Charitable Foundation Board Member Bob Goebel; Star Lumber Treasurer and Foundation Trustee Jennifer Stephens, and Newman Vice President for University Advancement J.V. Johnston.

This summer, Newman received a $250,000 gift from The Goebel Family Star Lumber Charitable Foundation, to support the university’s science and health care profession educational programs.

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Dan Murphy

Kati Bush

Newman was awarded a $123,000 grant by the Kansas State Department of Education to fund its newest educational outreach program: the Teacher Inquiry into Math, Engineering, and Science Practices (TIMES*P).

Those who worked on the TIMES*P grant are, l-r: Associate Professor of Mathematics Lori Steiner, Ph.D.; Assistant Professor of Education Cindy Louthan, Ed.D.; Associate Professor of Mathematics and TIMES*P Project Director Barbara Sponsel, Ph.D.; Assistant Professor of Chemistry Alan Oberley, M.S., and grant contract worker Jolene Mainzer.

The TIMES*P project is a three-year collaborative professional development program designed to expand 3rd through 5th grade educators’ knowledge in math and science. Participants come from the Haysville, Winfield and Belle Plaine public school districts, and the Diocese of Wichita Catholic Schools.

The gift is part of the foundation’s ongoing commitment to Wichita and its outstanding educational institutions, Star Lumber officials said.

The major goals for the project are to help teachers increase student achievement in math and science while strengthening their content knowledge in the subjects and enhancing teachers’ capacity to integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education.

“The Goebel family and Star Lumber have a long history of support for Newman University, and this latest generous gift will have a major impact for our students,” said Newman President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D.

Although funded by the grant, the program is also supported

by IBM and Westar Energy corporations. Both companies provided speakers for the program this summer, and Westar funded lunches.

“Star Lumber is such a great community-minded company that we feel very blessed they continue to show such amazing support for Newman and our mission,” added Vice President for University Advancement J.V. Johnston. “We look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come.”

Participants are provided ongoing support throughout the school year, which includes three classroom observations and feedback sessions by a project instructional coach.

Teachers were also given a $1,000 stipend for participating in the program.

NEWMAN UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

GIVING

Kati Bush

Representatives of Black Hills Energy Corporation visited Newman University July 9 to present a gift of $18,000 to help support nursing and science education and facilities at the university.

The Newman University 26th Annual Investigative Summer Science Program (ISSP) was one of the highlights of summer on campus. The two-week science program for high school students gains popularity and applicants each year.

The Fred and Mary Koch Foundation, which has regularly supported ISSP, doubled its donation this year to $20,000 to help support the program.

Newman Director of Grants Bill Meitl commented on Koch’s continuing generosity:

L-r: Newman Vice President for University Advancement J.V. Johnston, Black Hills Energy Corporation Senior Manager, Economic Development Gabe Schlickau, Black Hills Energy External Affairs Manager Monique Pope, Newman President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D., and Director of Grants Bill Meitl at the check presentation.

Black Hills Energy Senior Manager, Economic Development Gabe Schlickau and External Affairs Manager Monique Pope made the ceremonial presentation of a check to Newman President Carrocci in the Sacred Heart Hall Heritage Room.

“Black Hills Energy recognizes the important role that Newman University plays in educating members of the Wichita community, especially the focus on the sciences and producing a workforce in the community that will have STEM skills and contribute to the economic development of the community,” Schlickau said.

See video comments from Black Hills Energy’s Gabe Schlickau and scenes from the check presentation at: http://go.newmanu.edu/bhe.

“The gifts Newman University has received from the Fred and Mary Koch Foundation in support of the ISSP program have been foundational to its success,” he said. “This 20-year legacy of support is a model for how business and educational institutions can effectively collaborate to improve and advance science education in our world today.”

In addition to financial support, Koch invited the ISSP students to tour the labs and facilities of a Koch Industries-owned company, Flint Hills Resources.

The ISSP is available to sophomore, junior and senior high school students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and at least one completed high school science course. Students are selected through an application process, which includes a 200-word essay explaining their career goals and why they should be admitted to the program. Selected students earn two hours of college credit, as well as having the experience of living on campus.

See video about the ISSP at: http://go.newmanu.edu/iispvid.

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FACULTY AND STAFF NOTES

FACULTY AND STAFF ACTIVITY AND ACHIEVEMENTS Each year, Newman faculty and staff members publish and present a variety of literary, scholarly and professional works. Here is a sample of recent activity and other achievements.

ANGELO J. LETIZIA, PH.D., ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION:

“A public revolution: A new conception of the public and public goods,” Interactions: UCLA Journal of Education and Information, 10(2), 2015.

YANGCHEN AUSTIN, M.B.A., ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF TRANSFER STUDENT ADMISSIONS:

Served as admissions advocate at large on the Kansas Association of Collegiate Registrar and Admissions Officers Board of Executive Members, representing admissions for all Kansas colleges, and key representative for all private colleges at the Apply Kansas Steering Committee, 2015.

“W(h)ither ‘Social Movement’ in Rhetorical Studies” seminar participant, Rhetoric Society of America 6th Biannual Summer Institute, Madison, Wis., June 1-7, 2015.

JOAN MELZER, M.N., ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF NURSING:

Completed Pediatric Advance Life Support certification, Via Christi Health, Wichita, Kan., June 12, 2015.

QUINN BOWMAN M.S., ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS:

Participant of 2015-16 Midwestern cohort of the College Board Enrollment Leadership Academy, 2015.

MIC BRUNNER B.S., STUDENT LIFE COORDINATOR:

Interned through National Association for Campus Activities at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, June 2015.

BARRY KOCH PH.D., ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF SOCIAL WORK:

“Crisis Intervention Strategies for Suicidal Adult and Adolescent Patients,” presentation at 41st Advanced International Winter Symposium: Addictive Disorders, Behavioral Health, and Mental Health, Colorado Springs, Colo., Jan. 29, 2015.

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Rosemary Niedens

GLORIA HEGGE, PH.D., ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF SOCIAL WORK:

“The experience of shame among women in treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder,” presentation at Southwest Social Science Association, Denver, Colo., April 10, 2015.

Spoke on behalf of Senate Bill 69, Kansas Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, Topeka, Kan., Jan. 29, 2015, and Kansas House of Representatives, Topeka, Kan., Feb. 16, 2015.

“Understanding the public good: New tools new methods,” presentation at peer reviewed round table session for the American Educational Research Association Chicago, Ill., April 2015.

SUZANNE V. L. BERG, PH.D, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF COMMUNICATION:

“Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder,” Health Pulse lecture, Wichita, Kan., Feb. 10, 2015

AMY SIPLE, M.S.N., ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF NURSING:

ROSEMARY NIEDENS, M.A., ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS:

Primary Mentor at four colleges for Higher Learning Commission Academy for the Assessment of Learning, 2015.

“Tu Futuro: Through Education & Leadership,” workshop for Kansas Hispanic Education & Development Foundation, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kan., Jan. 26, 2015.

OUTREACH Food Packaging Event host, Newman University, Wichita, Kan., March 2, 2015.

CLINT STUCKY, M.S., ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY:

“Everything You Didn’t Really Want To Know About Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke),” lecture for Newman Speakers Bureau, Masonic Home, Wichita, Kan., March 9, 2015.

For a complete listing of faculty/ staff publications and achievements, visit http://mag.newmanu.edu/fall15facultypub.

FACULTY AND STAFF NOTES

WHERE HAVE THEY GONE AND WHAT ARE THEY DOING? Many Newman University alumni as well as current Newman employees often wonder what has become of former faculty and staff members. Here, in the first of several installments, are brief updates on a few Newman faculty and staff from days gone by.

Fred Corner Corner is a retired former professor of accounting who lives in Wichita and enjoys the role of grandfather. Fred and his wife Diane celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on Aug. 22, 2015. He is often seen at campus events, including basketball games.

Kati Bush

Bruce Sloan The former mathematics professor retired in 2007 and is living in Butte, Mont. After leaving Newman, Sloan taught in Omaha, Neb., for 14 years and at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, for 19 years. Bruce and wife Bev love being near their grandchildren and doing volunteer work.

Joan Felts The retired former dean of the School of Nursing and Allied Health lives in Wichita with her husband Frank. She enjoys being a grandmother and is seen at nursing and scholarship events on the Newman campus.

Dennis Schmidt Former professor of mathematics Dennis Schmidt lives in Wichita and is the owner of Mallard Real Estate. He continues to enjoy hunting and gardening, and is seen at on-campus events.

Laszlo Stumpfhauser The former director of continuing education programs died in February 2014. Stumpfhauser, originally from Hungary, and Professor Emeritus (Biology) Surendra Singh, Ph.D. enjoyed sharing stories about their initial experiences in the U.S. Leah Barnard This former professor of business lives in Wichita and serves as the director of development for the Wichita Public Library. She also is seen at oncampus events.

Crane-Laracuente attends NEH Summer Institute Associate Professor of English Susan CraneLaracuente, Ph.D. received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to attend a three-week NEH Summer Institute entitled “What is Gained in Translation: Learning How to Read Translated Texts.”

The institute took place June 7 to 27 at Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.

Participants studied texts translated into English alongside their originals, partly with the guidance of faculty scholars who work in the Arabic, Chinese, Russian, French, Persian and Spanish languages.

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ATHLETICS

NEWMAN ATHLETICS ENJOYS STELLAR YEAR The 2014-15 academic year was the best ever for Newman University Athletics since joining the NCAA Division II, with strong performances from teams and individual student-athletes.

Throughout the year, Newman was recognized by the Heartland Conference and respected by competitors for its strong and growing athletics programs. With 12 out of 16 sports advancing to post-season play and five student-athletes having exemplary seasons, the Newman Athletic Department had plenty to celebrate.

Among others, student-athletes Kendall Anderson, Julie Bernard, Jeremy Espinoza, Jarrod Flax and Rubi Torres had outstanding seasons, resulting in recognition on the local, state and national levels. They also received honors at the first-ever Jetspy Awards, a year-end ceremony and banquet to recognize all that was accomplished during the 2014-15 season. The Jetspy was modeled after the ESPN “Espy” Awards, with a good measure of Jet pride built into the name.

While it was clearly a stellar year for the Jets, Newman Athletics Director Vic Trilli said it's just the begining. “We have plans in place to keep our athletic programs growing and getting better,” he said.

Trilli said Newman wants to keep taking big steps in improving athletics, including making more improvements to facilities to bring more student-athletes to Newman.

A DOZEN NEWMAN TEAMS MAKE GREAT SHOWING IN POST-SEASON PLAY Men’s Bowling Competed in national championships for the sixth time

Women’s Bowling Competed in national championships for the 11th consecutive time

Men’s Cross Country Winner of Heartland Conference Championship

Women’s Cross Country 17th place at NCAA DII South Region Championships

Men’s Golf Third place in Heartland Conference Championships

Women’s Golf Sixth place at NCAA DII Super Region 4 Tournament

Men’s Soccer Second place in Heartland Conference Championships

Men’s Tennis First trip to the NCAA DII Tournament

Women’s Tennis

“The more we address the issue of facilities and we keep improving, the better chance we have to compete,” he said.

Reached semifinals at the Heartland Conference Tournament

While Newman Athletics is yet to be known as a “powerhouse” for sports, the significant progress of the 201415 year has brought the Jets to a place they want to be, and set the stage for where they want to go.

Strong appearance in the Heartland Conference Tournament

Softball Wrestling Winner of NCAA DII Super West Tournament

Volleyball Read more about Newman Athletics and the Jetspy Awards at newmanjets.com

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Competed at Heartland Conference Championship

Freshman Julie Bernard was named to the Women's Golf Coaches Association 2014-15 All-West Regional Team thanks to her strong finish at the NCAA Super Regional 4. She was also named the Heartland Conference Freshman of the Year, and made the AllHeartland Conference First Team.

Newman Sports Information

Senior Rubi Torres was the Jetspy Awards Female Athlete of the Year. The Women’s Cross Country Team member was a fourtime All-Heartland Conference selection and finished third in the Heartland Conference Championships her final year.

Newman Sports Information

Newman Sports Information

ATHLETICS

STUDENTATHLETES

EARN JETSPY

AWARDS

AND OTHER

HONORS Senior Jarrod Flax received the “Mr. Jet” Jetspy Award for his career as starting shortstop for the Jets Baseball Team all four years. Flax was also an All-Heartland Conference selection and was named to the CoSIDA 2015 Capital One Academic AllAmerica Division II Baseball Team.

Max Pyle

Newman Sports Information

Senior Kendall Anderson of the Women’s Golf Team took home the Jetspy “Maverick Award,” for showing the most leadership of her team. Anderson was also named to the 2015 Capital One Academic All-American Women's At-Large First Team, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Senior Jeremy Espinoza of the Men’s Basketball Team was named Male Athlete of the Year at the Jetspy Awards. Espinoza was also a twotime All-Heartland Conference selection.

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ATHLETICS

TRI

BIKE R U

Newman formally announced in September it would start a triathlon program in the fall of the 2016-17 academic year.

Athletics officials plan to hire coaches by January 2016.

“We won't start competing until the following year, but we will start recruiting both for the men’s and the women’s team,” said Newman Director of Athletics Vic Trilli.

A triathlon is a three-part race that includes swimming, biking and running. Triathlons can be staged at varying distances. The sport provides unique challenges and teaches participants discipline, nutrition and personal goal-setting.

The idea to build a triathlon program began with the President’s Cabinet and discussion around the Newman NEWMAN UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

Newman Sports Information

AT H LO N

Newman University will soon be the first school in Kansas to have a triathlon team.

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EVENTS FEATURE ATHLETICS AWARDS, FUNDRAISING AND MORE

campus. Newman officials also received interest from the city of Wichita and individuals who compete in triathlons.

Trilli said launching a triathlon program at Newman brings more opportunities to those in the area who are interested in the sport.

“A lot of people swim, bike and run, and with us fielding a team it will give students an opportunity to take their passion and represent Newman athletically,” he said.

Currently, triathlon teams at the college level compete as a club sport. In the Midwest, 15 schools fielded teams this fall, including Iowa State, University of Iowa, Marquette University, University of Missouri, Drake and University of Minnesota. A national championship is held in spring.

“There has been talk about Newman hosting nationals in Wichita, and that would be pretty cool,” Trilli said.

Newman University student-athletes, alumni, faculty/staff members and friends showed off both their athletic and charitable muscles in recent months at events designed to honor excellence and raise funds for Newman Athletics.

The 31st Annual Laurie Bell Memorial Jet Open Charity Golf Tournament drew 212 golfers and raised $94,000 to support the Newman Jets. In addition, the 2015 Gladiator Dash, a 5K obstacle course/race created by Newman alum Dan Giroux ’96 and NU Athletics Club member Zack Steven, raised $84,000 to benefit Newman Athletics and the Child Advocacy Center.

A new event this year, the Jetspy Awards, included a ceremony and banquet to recognize the accomplishments of Newman student-athletes during the 2014-15 season.

Here are some highlights from the events.

Dan Murphy

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NEWMAN TO LAUNCH TRIATHLON PROGRAM

Newman Sports Information

Student-athletes, l-r, Jeffrey Wherritt, Megan Hostick, Shelby Zoglman and Anna Aniel were among those honored at the Jetsbys.

NEWMAN'S BRIGHTEST STARS APPEAR AT JETSPYS, GLADIATOR DASH, JET OPEN

At the Jet Open kick-off party Aug. 1, Head Men’s Soccer Coach Cliff Brown, left, received a Noreen Carrocci Presidential Award for reaching the conference championship title game and for being named 2015 NU Coach of the Year. With Brown is Athletics Director Vic Trilli.

Newman Sports Information

Newman Sports Information

The winning team of this year’s Jet Open Tournament was made up of, l-r: Darren Copp, 2000 NU graduate and former Golf Team member Joey Todd, former Golf Team member Cody Robinson, and 1992 NU graduate and former Men’s Golf Team Coach Mark Jolliffe.

Dan Murphy

Newman Sports Information

Newman Sports Information

Newman Sports Information

Newman Sports Information

ATHLETICS

James Pegues, left, and Easton Julian CHECK enjoy a moment at the Newman Jetsby Awards.

James Pegues, left, and Easton Julian enjoy a moment at the Newman Jetspy Awards.

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UMNI REUNI L O LA

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All-Alumni Reunion Offers Fun for Alums of all Class Years

J U N E 10 - 1

2,

Newman University is proud of

its alumni, beginning with students who graduated from St. John’s or Sacred Heart Academy, to alums of Sacred Heart Junior College and Sacred Heart College, to graduates of Kansas Newman College and Newman University.

That’s why the university is sounding the call to alumni from every institution and era to join in the All-Alumni Reunion, June 10 through 12, 2016 on the campus of Newman University.

“The All-Alumni Reunion is an opportunity to celebrate the thousands of alumni from Newman and all previous schools, and for alums to strengthen friendships, reacquaint themselves with other members of their classes, and reconnect to Newman as it is today,” said Director of Alumni Relations Sarah Kriwiel Cundiff ’86, ’90, ’15.

“We want to celebrate graduates of all years.”

Cundiff said All-Alumni Reunions had been a regular event on campus in the past but were discontinued sometime in the early 1990s.

“We felt this was a good time to reestablish it,” she said.

Mark Your Calendar for June 10-12, 2016

Cundiff added that the opening date of the event, June 10, was selected because it is the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

“That’s an important day for graduates of Sacred Heart Academy, Junior College and College,” she said. “It was a special day they celebrated and will be meaningful for them.”

The weekend will have something for everyone, Cundiff added – young and old, families, former faculty and guests. The days will be packed with a variety of events, with more than one event happening at the same time to give attendees a choice.

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ALUMNI UPDATES

All-Alumni Reunion to Include Special

Milestone Celebrations As part of the June 2016 AllAlumni Reunion, Newman University will recognize several classes that will have milestone anniversaries.

Beginning with the Sacred Heart College class of 1966, which will celebrate the Golden Heart 50th anniversary of its graduation, Newman will salute graduating class years in increments of 10 that will celebrate their anniversaries.

This includes the classes of 1976 (40 years), 1986 (30 years), 1996 (20 years) and 2006 (10 years).

Additionally, the class of 1991 will be honored for its 25th year.

The All-Alumni Reunion and the recognition of these six classes will be a great opportunity for Newman alums to reconnect and reminisce. Many are already looking forward to the reunions. Class of 1966 graduate Vicki Weldon said she cannot believe that she completed her college studies 50 years ago.

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“How is this possible when I think of myself as age 31?” Weldon said. She added, “I look forward to seeing members of the classes of the ’60s and reminiscing about our days at Sacred Heart College.”

Christine Siefers, who is chair of the All-Alumni Reunion committee, is a member of the class of 1991. She remembers her time as a Newman student being underscored by the people she met during her time on campus.

“There are so many good memories, I can’t narrow it down to just a few things, but the good memories were all enhanced by the people I encountered during those years,” she said.

“My hope is that this All-Alumni Reunion weekend in June 2016 will be something people connected with Newman will talk about for a long time.”

ALUMNI UPDATES

Featured events include campus tours, small group activities, presentations on various topics by Newman faculty members, class activities for anniversary classes (’66, ’76, ’86, ’91, ’96 and ’06), exercise and sports sessions, and other fun events. Of course, alumni may also just relax and visit with old classmates throughout the weekend.

Events especially designed for children will also be available, as will on-site child care on the Newman campus throughout the weekend. Additionally, all campus residence halls will be open to alums who wish to stay one or more nights on campus and be in the thick of the action.

Registration is scheduled to begin in January 2016, Cundiff said.

Some alumni will be contacted by the chair of their respective class committees (see related story, right) with more details. Alums will also receive more information from Newman University.

“Whether you’d like to volunteer your time, or just enjoy all the action, join us to celebrate, reconnect, get inspired and have fun,” Cundiff said. “All are welcome and encouraged to attend this special reunion weekend!”

For questions or more information contact Cundiff at cundiffs@newmanu.edu, or 316-942-4291, ext. 2166.

Committees make All-Alumni

Reunion Possible Creating the All-Alumni Reunion requires hours of planning and effort. Fortunately, alumni are stepping up to create committees to cover all aspects of the event.

The effort is led by the All-Alumni Reunion Steering Committee, which is chaired by Chris Siefers ’91. Other Steering Committee members are: Patrick Edwards ’07; Kathy Linnebur ’99, ’08; Sarah Phelan ’07; Laura Quick ’04; Douglas Sherwood ’97; Therese Wetta, ASC, ’64, and Tammy White ’11, ’13.

Other committees and chairs are: Decorations – Molly Fox ’10 Entertainment – Patrick Edwards ’07 Family events – Laura Quick ’04 Hospitality – Patrick ’75 and Sharon ’76 Manion Liturgy – Haley Hungate ’15 Registration – Mark ’78 and Ann ’81, ’01 Fox Anniversary class agents are: ’66 - Vicki Weldon and Patricia Ebenkamp ’76 - Tim Eckberg ’86 - Charisse Frisch Bachrodt ’91 - Chris Siefers ’96 - Dan Giroux and Kathy Girrens ’06 - Bianca Montagnino-Simmons

Want to get involved?

Contact Sarah Cundiff at cundiffs@newmanu.edu, or 316-942-4291, ext. 2166.

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ALUMNI UPDATES Dan Murphy

GOLDEN HEARTS Members of the Sacred Heart College Class of ’65 celebrated their 50th Reunion May 15, 2015 on the Newman campus. Pictured are, l-r: Mary (Flaherty) Kirkbride; Marie (Weindel) Strayhorn; Mary Ann (Cook) Long; Lee Lewis; Margaret Weilert; Gwen Shunatona; Paula (Shea) Green; Elma (Byrne) Broadfoot; Dee (Thesenga) Sells; Kathleen Goetz, OP, and Lois (Jansen) Becker.

NATIONAL BOARD NAMES SIX AS HONORARY ALUMNI David and Thomas (T.J.) Foley Brothers David, left, and Thomas Foley attended Newman to obtain science credits because of the excellent reputation of the Science Department, so they could become dentists. Newman faculty recommended the brothers to the Creighton School of Denistry and they were accepted. Both now practice dentistry and live in the Wichita area. David and Barbie Foley have four children.Thomas and Ann Foley have two children.

The Newman University National Alumni Board, following the recommendation of the Nominations and Awards Committee, has named six outstanding individuals as honorary alumni. To be selected, individuals must have either attended Newman but did not graduate, or be a former faculty or staff member of the university.

All Courtesy Photos

The six honorary alums are all former students who have retained a connection with Newman.

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Chris Clawson Clawson attended Newman for three years and was an outstanding baseball player.

He left Newman when he was drafted by Major League Baseball.

Although he completed his degree in San Diego, Clawson considers himself a Newman alum. He is now president of Life Fitness in Chicago, Ill., and resides in Clarendon Hills, Ill., with his wife Beth, and their two sons.

NEWMAN UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

Mike and Becky Nunley Mike Nunley attended Newman University for two years, while his wife Becky attended for three years. Mike is now the district athletic director for Edmond (Okla.)

Public Schools.

Although Mike is AD for both the high schools and middle school, he continues to care for Becky, who has suffered from brain cancer for many years. The Nunleys reside in Edmond.

John Lies Lies attended Newman for three years before being accepted into dentistry school. He is now an endodontist in Westminster, Calif., where he lives with his wife, Karla and their three children.

ALUMNI UPDATES

2016 ALUMNI AWARDS TO BE PRESENTED AT CARDINAL NEWMAN BANQUET, FEB. 27

Courtesy Photo

The Newman University National Alumni Board of Directors has selected the recipients of the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Awards. The awards will be presented at the Cardinal Newman Banquet and Awards Ceremony, Feb. 27, 2016 in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center.

Leon A. McNeill Distinguished Alumni Award

Family practice physician Robert Martin, M.D. has served the people of West Plains and the surrounding communities in the Ozark Region of Missouri for 25 years. He is a founding physician and volunteer at the West Plains Christian Clinic that serves the medically uninsured, and has organized annual mission trips to Jamaica with medical and dental personnel since 2002. Martin also serves his church in several capacities. He and wife Melody are originally from Iola, Kan., and have two children.

Courtesy Photo

Beata Netemeyer Service Award

Courtesy Photo

Robert Martin, M.D. ’83

Spirit of Acuto Transformational Leadership Award

Richard Klinge began his legal career with the Oklahoma-based TG&Y Corporation, and was in private practice in Oklahoma City for several years.

After participating in the “Just Faith” spiritual program, which emphasizes Catholic social teachings, Klinge joined Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, where he works to help undocumented immigrants. He has mobilized ecumenical and interfaith collaboration with this ministry and gives much time educating the general public about this issue.

Richard Klinge, J.D. ’71

Teresa Lovelady used her Newman MSW/MBA to become CEO of The Center for Health and Wellness in Wichita, a not-for-profit serving the underserved. In five years she helped transform the almost-failing center to a thriving entity now named HealthCore Clinic, which includes six physicians, four mental health care providers and a substance abuse program to serve low-income people. Lovelady is a successful grant writer and collaborator with many groups in Wichita for the growth of HealthCore Clinic.

Dan Murphy

Teresa Lovelady, MSW ’10 St. Maria De Mattias Award

Wichita native Melissa Grelinger worked in banking after graduation, and managed an accounting office in Denver. After marrying Bart Grelinger ’83, she returned to Wichita. In December 2012, she was named interim director of Catholic Charities of Wichita, a position she held until 2014. She has volunteered with organizations such as the Medical Alliance of Sedgwick County and the Kansas Medical Alliance, is active in her parish, and has served on many Newman committees.

Melissa Grelinger, B.A. ’82 FALL 2015

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ALUMNI UPDATES

ALUMNI GATHERINGS AND VISITS Among the highlights was a June 9 meeting of nurse anesthesia alumni in Oklahoma City, Okla., that drew 22 people. Among them were Director of the Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia Program Sharon Niemann ’82 and Assistant Director Megan Ginter ’07. In the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, 13 people attended a June 10 reception at the Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, hosted by Anne (Dullea) Wolf ’73 and Keith Shaw ’88. The visit also included two golf outings.

Kansas City events included a tailgate party and baseball game at Royals Stadium on Aug. 10 and a Happy Hour the next evening at Nick & Jake’s.

Courtesy Photo

Clark Schafer

Members of the Newman Alumni and Advancement Departments were busy this summer organizing alumni gatherings and events in Wichita and across the Midwest.

Vice President for University Advancement J.V. Johnston ’82, Director of Alumni Relations Sarah Kriweil Cundiff ’86, ’90, ’15, Senior Development Officer David Alexander, and Director of Development for Sciences and Health Sciences Therese Wetta, ASC ’64 collectively or individually met with alumni in Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas and Wichita.

The first-ever medical technology alumni gathering on June 13 drew seven people to the Newman campus. Those attending included, l-r: Connie (Voegeli) Hotze ’64; Kathy (Renner) Dugas ’64; Dian (Dold) Pauly ’78; Laurie Alloway ’96; Peggy (Hogan) Hipp ’96, Helenruth Welsby ’45. Not pictured: Joe Dandurand ’71.

Alumni in Denver, Colo., gathered June 1 at the Brio restaurant to share food and fun.

Attending were, l-r, front row: Mary Peters ’70; Katherine (Smuksta) DeBacker ’66; Patty (Bissing) Schnittker ’65; Therese Wetta, ASC ’64; back row: Frank DeBacker; Charley Baird ’76; Kirk Pytlinski ’73; Stephanie Cole ’81, David Alexander.

Thirty alumni and eight Newman staff members enjoyed a Happy Hour gettogether July 15 at River City Brewing Co. in Wichita’s Old Town. Several are pictured here.

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All - Sarah Cundiff

JULY HAPPY HOUR

L-r: Brent Hunsinger ’91, Mike and Jane ’88 Alderson and DonnaJo Hungsinger ’09.

L-r: Elaine Schmeidler ’90, Paul Kapalata ’10 and Jennifer (Green) Miracle ’88.

Mark Stolz ’77, left, and Dan Strunk ’76.

ALUMNI UPDATES

SIGN UP TODAY FOR NEWMAN TAG

INTERESTED IN FORMING A LOCAL ALUMNI CHAPTER? The Alumni Board of Directors re-established local chapters of the Newman Alumni Association at the Aug. 15 meeting, following a year of study by an alumni committee.

Kansas residents can ride with pride when they sign up for a distinctive Newman University license tag.

The State of Kansas will produce an official Newman tag for cars and light trucks once 500 residents commit to buying one. The university still needs Kansas alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends to show their Jet Pride by signing up today.

Costs include a one-time fee of $45.50, all standard taxes and fees for your vehicle, and an annual $35 Newman tag royalty (tax-deductible). Proceeds benefit the Newman Annual Fund supporting student scholarships and programs.

If 500 names are collected, the tags will be available in 2016.

To fill out the official form, go to http://newmanu.edu/ NULicensePlate. For more information contact Director of Alumni Relations Sarah Kriwiel Cundiff ’86, ’90, ’15 at cundiffs@newmanu.edu.

HELP US COMPLETE NEW ALUMNI DIRECTORY Work is underway to produce a new Newman University Alumni Directory. The directory will include information on alumni from all predecessor institutions.

The directory is being produced by PCI of Dallas, Texas, a highly regarded alumni directory publisher that has worked with universities across the nation. If you haven’t already, you will soon receive a postcard from PCI requesting information. Reminder calls will also be made to those who haven’t returned their cards.

Local chapters of the Newman Alumni Association are a great way to meet and stay in touch with fellow alumni in your city or area. With a local chapter, you can network with other alumni, plan social and service activities, do some fundraising for your alma mater, form interest groups – and more!

For information on creating a local chapter in your area, contact Alumni Relations Director Sarah Kriwiel Cundiff ’86, ’90, ’15 at 316-942-4291, ext.

2166 or cundiffs@newmanu.edu.

s Tell u about ! lf e s r u o y Please help us get the information needed to produce the most up-to-date directory by responding when you’re contacted by PCI. If you haven’t sent in your information please do so as soon as possible. If you don’t receive a card, contact Kristin Cheatham at 972-728-3725.

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Clark Schafer

High expectations lead to high achievements for Brandon Brigham Although Newman alumnus Brandon Brigham graduated nearly six years ago, his time spent at Newman still impacts his life in a big way.

Brigham, who played basketball at Newman and graduated in fall 2009, launched his own company in 2011 called Kansas Filtration. Since then, the company, which he started with the help of a partnership, has grown and expanded into four different companies, all related to industrial air quality.

“We hit the ground running,” Brigham said. “I was more prepared than I thought I was, which was a great position to find myself in. I never had made that assumption, but when I was put to the test, the experiences and the education that I had was more than enough to compete.”

The quick success of Kansas Filtration wasn’t marked as luck in Brigham’s book. Instead, Brigham said he had the high expectations of Newman to thank for his preparation in the business world.

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Once back in Wichita, Brigham began working for a company that focused on air quality. After a year, he started his own business. The company soon expanded into four, Brigham said, because he wants to have a hand in every dollar spent, top to bottom.

Clark Schafer

“The business world today has high expectations – you need to do something better, faster, cheaper,” Brigham said. “So to come out of a college without understanding what some of those expectations can be like, I think sets you up for failure. When I came out of Newman, professors had high expectations of me, so it was an easy transition into the real world.”

“We’re in distribution and manufacturing. We’re in retail and wholesale,” Brigham said. “We’re in commercial and industrial, and we work strongly to vertically integrate our business.”

Aside from the impact Newman had on his business skills, Brigham said some of his favorite memories come from his time in the Newman Business Department.

“The challenges they put in front of me made me a better person and have made me a better businessman,” Brigham said.

He added that some of the best moments were in classes led by Associate Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship Ron Ryan, Ph.D.

Good memories Brigham’s rise from college graduate to multi-business owner wasn’t quite immediate, although things did move quickly. He found a place in the job market only 30 days after walking across the stage to receive his diploma. It didn’t take long, however, for Brigham to realize he had the ability and drive to start his own business.

“I had relocated to northeastern Kansas. It was a great company and great opportunity, but just didn’t match my personality,” Brigham said. “I wanted to get back to Wichita. It’s a big town with a small-town feel.”

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“He brought in entrepreneurs from all around the city to come and tell their stories,” Brigham said.

“As much as I like reading books, when you have a session with a multi-millionaire who’s going to tell you more in 50 minutes than you can read in a hundred books, it’s just unbelievable, absolutely priceless. That was worth everything.”

Brigham said he still stays in touch with many of the speakers Ryan would bring to class, and even makes trips back to campus today to listen to various entrepreneurs speak in Ryan’s classes.

The opportunity to come back on campus and listen to these business leaders speaks to the heart of one of Brigham’s favorite things about Newman, he said.

“It’s a tight-knit community,” Brigham said. “At Newman, you see everybody. It doesn’t matter what their major is … you may have never had a class with them, it doesn’t matter, you still know them. Tightknit, and there’s a lot of comfort with that.”

Clark Schafer

The importance of mentoring

Brigham’s personality fits right in with the tight-knit and communal feel that Newman offers. Brigham said everyone under his roof is a Newman grad with the exception of his partner. He said he loves having the opportunity to better someone’s life and hopes Newman students continue to reach out to him.

“I would just about mentor anyone under the sun because I had great mentors who treated me well. That’s why I’m here today,” Brigham said. “Hopefully I can be an inspiration to some of the young adults and grown adults at Newman. I have some grown adults that are customers that go to Newman now and they’ve reached out to me.

I tell them, ‘I wish you reached out sooner, let’s sit down and talk about it.’”

Although Brigham is willing to share his knowledge with any Newman student who reaches out, he said he doesn’t doubt Newman’s ability to produce successful students.

“The expectations at Newman are high. It’s not just business, the expectations are high in every program and not to be taken lightly,” Brigham said. “If you understand those expectations, if you meet the requirements, and do it with a smile on your face, which [Newman] makes easy, then you’re going to step out in the real world and it’s going to be an easy transition. If you can succeed there, you can succeed in the real world, no problem.”

Kansas Filtration had a record-setting year in 2014, and Brigham said the outlook for 2015 is to be just as successful. He plans to continue to grow the business and, in turn, himself, he said.

Brigham was married in August 2014 and said that family is a number one priority, with work a close second. Outside of work, he spends time with his family or hunting and fishing – although he tries to tie his wildlife trips in with work as often as possible.

With family and an ever-growing company, Brigham doesn’t have much time to think about the past. However, when he can afford this luxury, he said Newman always plays a big role on memory lane.

“I believe my Newman experience is what got me where I am today. I don’t spend a lot of time looking back, but if and when I do, the road behind me is pretty straight and narrow and it went straight through Newman. I believe I am here today, doing what I’m doing because of my past, and Newman was a big part of that. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

– Delaney Hiegert ’18

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CLASS NOTES MARRIAGES

’93 Dan Balman is a social studies and video productions teacher at Hays High School in Hays, Kan.

’07 Paul Cleland, M.D. and Casey Lawson, July 18, 2015. Paul is a family practitioner and primary care doctor in Wichita.

’97 Brett Ruckle is a field service engineer for Pratt & Whitney Canada in Grapevine, Texas. He is married to ’96 Carol (Johnson) Ruckle.

’11 Anna Davis and Brian Hess, May 16, 2015. Anna is a RN at Via Christi Hospital St. Francis, Wichita.

’03 Tony Tamburro and Katie Corn, on June 13, 2015.

’13 Katie Traffas and Austin Barrientos, on June 20, 2015. ’13 Elyse Pachta and Damian Rottinghaus, on June 28, 2015. Elyse is in her third year of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University. ’15 Austin Solis and Nicole Rau, June 14, 2015.

’97 Lura (Dahlem) Owen is the CEO and international wellness practitioner and executive life coach at Living A LOT Inc., Enid, Okla.

Born to ’08, ’15 Andy Hill and ’09 Jenna (Streit) Hill, a son, Lucas Frank, on March 16, 2015. Andy completed his Master of Education in Organizational Leadership in May 2015.

BABY JETS Born to ’06 Robin and ’07 Leah (Booth) Parker, a daughter, Rylee Kenna, on April 9, 2015. ’10 Amy Bullerman and Ryan Duckers, on June 27, 2015.

The new bride is shown with friends, l-r: ’08 JoAnn Fluker, ’10 Jennifer Staseiwicz, former Newman Softball Coach Steve Harshberger, ’13 Katie (Traffas) Barrientos and ’12 Anna Scheuffle.

CLASS NOTES

’80 Susan (Carney) Pool was named one of the

Wichita Business Journal’s

2015 Women of Business.

Pool is a chief financial planner for TrueNorth, Inc. in Wichita.

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’05 Melissa (Plymale) Edwards is the inventory control I at ICM, Colwich, Kan. ’06 Niki (Lee) Manbeck is the group event coordinator at the Alley Indoor Entertainment Center, Wichita.

’07 Patrick Koch is a trauma control nurse at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. ’07 Heather (Park) Smith is a product manager and marketer for Kids II in Atlanta, Ga.

’88 Richard Ward is a medical technologist at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita.

’91 Chris Siefers was promoted to advertising customer support manager at Brainworks Software, Wichita.

’05 Kandace Walton is a sales manager at Intrust Bank Arena, Wichita.

’06 Kate Meyer is an RN at Via Christi Hospital St. Theresa, Wichita, Kan.

’79 Lorie (Leason) O’Neill is an administrator/registered nurse in plastic surgery in Waco, Texas.

’14 Brittany Griggs and Jason Close, June 14, 2015.

’01 Mike Abasolo is head coach for the boys’ basketball team in Mulvane (Kan.) High School.

Abasolo teaches journalism for grades 9-12. His wife, ’03 Amanda (Dugger) Abasolo, is a nurse practitioner at Grace Med. They have four children.

’04, ’08 Adrian Webb is a CPA accountant for CBIZ in Wichita.

’52 Charlene Eisenbart, OP and ’67 Renee Dreiling, OP celebrated 50 years of service as Sisters of the Dominican Sisters of Peace.

’89 Michelle Stegman is the human resource manager for the City of Ottawa, Kan.

’99 Aubree Pacheco works in inside sales at Twinstar, Inc., in Denver, Colo.

’01 Reg Srajer is the e-communications technical specialist at the American Association of Petroleum Geologists in Tulsa, Okla.

Born to ’07 Michael and Gina Boykins, a son, Cruz Atlas Boykins, on July 9, 2015.

Born to ’15 Katy (Costello) and Will Durant, a son, Eli David, on Feb. 9, 2015. Katy began work as an 8th grade math teacher at Derby (Kan.) Middle School this fall.

’98 David Maneth is the technology educator and yearbook advisor at Mayberry Cultural and Fine Arts Magnet Middle School in Wichita.

’03 Jamie (Harrison) Taulbee, MBA was named “Marketer of the Year” by the American Marketing Association, Wichita Chapter. Taulbee is the marketing director for Meritrust Credit Union.

’08 Daniel Bryan is the religion teacher at Bishop Kelly High School in Tulsa, Okla. He recently received the distinguished De La Salle Award for teachers who witness Gospel principles and values, and exemplify a spirit of faith and zeal characterized in the life of St. John the Baptist De La Salle. ’11 Margaret Jean DiSilvestro graduated from University of Kansas School of Law in 2014 and is now contracts coordinator at Textron in Wichita.

CLASS NOTES

’13 Luke Barnwell is the head basketball coach at Sunrise Christian Academy, Wichita. ’13 Anna Kimrey is an Intensive English instructor at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. She resides in Kansas City, Mo. ’13 Allison Lamm is a lead case manager at DeVaughn James Injury Lawyers in Wichita. ’05 Francis Baalmann, was named one of the Wichita Business Journal’s 2015 40 under 40 professionals.

Baalmann is a partner of the law firm of Foulston Siefkin LLP in Wichita.

’15 Haley Hungate is an accountant with Flint Hills Resources in Wichita. ’15 Anna Le was accepted into the occupational therapy program at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

’13 Kara Simon entered the Kansas State University pre-medicine program this fall.

’15 Ashton Lee moved to Mission, Kan., and has begun her physical therapy program at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

’14 Nicholas Eden is the youth ministries coordinator at Light of the World Catholic Church in Littleton, Colo.

’15 Ryan McCarthy was accepted into the optometry program at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Okla.

’14 Blake Freeland, who is coordinator of the Migrant Family Literacy Program at Garden City Community College, is expecting a son in August with his wife, Kim. The Freelands live in Holcomb, Kan.

’15 Angela McDaneld began law school at Washburn University this fall.

’14 Stacy Waters is a certified occupational therapy assistant at RehabCare and at Key Rehabilitation in Dodge City, Kan.

’15 Erika Ekengren, ’15 Andrew Hild, ’15 Brandon Layton,’15 Michael Oakes, ’15 Amanda Raney and ’15 Nicole Shaw are in their first year of medical school at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

’15 Kayla Beckham works in the Pediatric ICU and Burn Unit at Via Christi Hospital St. Francis in Wichita.

L-r: ’63 Maureen Farrar, ASC, ’54, ’62 Marita Rother, ASC and ’53, ’62 Catherine Shippen, ASC celebrated 60 years of service as Adorers on May 3, 2015. The women made their first vows July 1, 1955 and final vows five years later. Sister Maureen later worked in public relations at SHC. Sister Marita served as assistant director and director of the Elementary Education Department at Kansas Newman College.

Sister Catherine was an Admissions Office receptionist at Newman University.

’15 Megan Holick was accepted into the physician assistant program at WSU.

’15 Erica Carter is records coordinator at Koch Companies Public Sector, LLC in Wichita. ’15 Tara Dake-Czepiel was accepted into the Georgetown University Graduate School for the 2015-2016 academic year.

She finished her post-graduate certification in executive leadership from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. In the summer she was a marking supervisor for Costco Wholesale, Wichita. ’15 Renhong Fritts was accepted into the Health Careers Pathways program at the University of Kansas. ’15 Lori Gale, MBA is the benefits coordinator at Starkey, Inc. in Wichita. ’15 Raney Good was accepted into the School of Pharmacy at the University of Kansas. ’15 Stephanie Grogan was accepted into the School of Dentistry at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Neb.

’64 Janice Marie Newberry, on March 28, 2015. ’64 Kathy (Renner) Dugas, on July 26, 2015. ’66 Carol Meyer on June 29, 2015. ’70 Mary Wilma Goeckner, ASC, on Sept. 4, 2014. ’76 Mary Beth Borst, on April 11, 2015. ’03 Julia (Chavez) Baum, on July 19, 2015.

(Hon) Professor Fran Jabara, on July 25, 2015.

’15 Jordan Ollenberger was accepted into the physical therapy program at WSU.

OBITUARIES ’37 Mary Margaret (Green) Shults, on July 19, 2015.

Mary Blanchat, sister of ’48 Sr. Mary Schoenecker, on June 30, 2015.

Frances Diller, mother of ’49 Marcella Diller, ’54 Coletta Diller, ’58, ’63 Kathleen (Diller) Knoeber, ’61 Rose (Diller) Crandall, ’62 Margaret Diller, and ’64 Janice (Diller) McFadden, on July 10, 2015. ’50 Mary Margaret (Winters) Grelinger, on May 10, 2015, and Lawrence Grelinger, on Aug. 7, 2015. They are the parents of Newman Board of Trustees member ’83 Bart Grelinger, M.D., and ’84 Mary (Grelinger) Jones, and grandparents of ’09 Katie (Grelinger) Rosell, ’11 Adam Grelinger and ’15 Sarah Jones. ’58 Lorene Orth, ASC, on April 28, 2015.

Mike Cardenas, husband of ’58 Jeanne (Lobmeyer) Cardenas, M.A., on June 19, 2015. Jeanne is Professor Emerita (English and Communication) at Newman.

’73 Dennis Hemken, on July 12, 2015. Hemken served on the Newman University National Alumni Board from 2011 to 2015. Many members of his family are also Newman alumni, including his brother ’74 David, sisters ’71 Dolores (Hemken) Ewald, ’72 Doris (Hemken) Gerik and ’77 Diane (Hemken) Stump, and niece ’09 Clare (Hemken) Ewald. In addition to these family members, Hemken is survived by his wife Linda Sue, six children,15 grandchildren, sister Debra (Hemken) Sontheimer, and several nieces and nephews.

FRIENDS OF THE UNIVERSITY OBITUARIES Mike Corn, husband of Cindy Corn, Newman administrative assistant in the Graduate Education Program, on April 27, 2015.

Derek Rudd, son of Connie Rudd, Newman administrative assistant in the Nursing Program, on June 5, 2105.

FALL 2015

41

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

WICHITA, KS PERMIT NO. 458

ALUMNI OFFICE 3100 McCormick Wichita, KS 67213-2097 www.newmanu.edu

NEWMAN UNIVERSITY ALUMNI CALENDAR 2015-16

DECEMBER 2015

FEBRUARY 2016

6 Alumni Family

7 Alumni Lenten

Christmas Party/ Tree Lighting/ Santa Claus/Mass Tarcisia Roths, ASC Alumni Center

MAKE PLANS NOW TO ATTEND

13 Alumni Advent Prayer Reflection Tarcisia Roths, ASC Alumni Center

THESE UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS

JANUARY 2016 2124

Look for more details

March for Life (Alumni Service Project with Campus Ministry) Washington, D.C.

Prayer Reflection Tarcisia Roths, ASC Alumni Center

23 High Tea (Estate

Planning Luncheon) NU campus, Wichita

27 Alumni Board of

Directors Meeting Tarcisia Roths, ASC Alumni Center

27 Cardinal Newman

Distinguished Alumni Awards Banquet Dugan-Gorges Conference Center

on these events coming your way soon!

Questions? Contact Director of Alumni Relations Sarah Kriwiel Cundiff ’86,’90, ’15 at 316-942-4291, ext. 2166 or cundiffs@newmanu.edu

MARCH 2016 3- Missouri Valley 6 Tournament and Alumni Social St. Louis, Mo.