Newman University, Wichita
Newman University is a private Catholic liberal arts university in Wichita, Kansas. It is named for Saint John Henry Newman and was founded by the Adorers of the Blood of Christ in 1933.
Former names | Sacred Heart College (1933–1973) Kansas Newman College (1973–1998) |
---|---|
Motto | Caritas Christi urget nos (Latin) |
Motto in English | The charity of Christ urges us |
Type | Private, Non-profit, Coeducational |
Established | 1933 |
Religious affiliation | Roman Catholic (Adorers of the Blood of Christ) |
President | Kathleen S. Jagger[1] |
Provost | Kimberly Long |
Dean | Lori Steiner |
Academic staff | 207 |
Students | 3,736 |
Undergraduates | 2,796 |
Postgraduates | 940 |
Location | , , United States 37°40′20″N 97°22′42″W |
Campus | Urban 61 acres (0.25 km2) |
Colors | Blue and Red[2] |
Athletics | NCAA Division II – MIAA |
Nickname | Jets |
Mascot | Johnny Jet |
Website | newmanu.edu |
History
The college was founded in 1933 by the Adorers of the Blood of Christ as Sacred Heart Junior College. Courses were offered for women only, initially offering degrees in home economics, nursing, teaching, and secretarial science. The college added more facilities and courses during the 1950s and began accepting male students on a limited basis in 1959. The school became fully coeducational in 1965 and was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary schools in 1967. The name of the school was changed to Kansas Newman College in 1973 and to Newman University in 1998. The school is named in honor of Saint John Henry Newman.[3]
Campus
The main buildings of Newman University are all dedicated to someone important in Newman's history.
The Fine Arts Center is named after Maria De Mattias, the founder of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. Maria taught herself to write and subsequently taught those from her local area who could not afford an education.[4] Other figures from the history of the university have also had buildings named after them at Newman, such as Monsignor Leon A. McNeill, who was the first president of Newman as a College.[5]
In 2010 Newman University began construction on the Bishop Gerber Science Center which now houses state-of-the-art science labs and classrooms. The project was completed in 2017.
The Gymnasium is named after the O’Shaughnessy family which has made generous donations towards Newman and were the lead donors for the athletic department. The family also supports scholarships and other buildings around campus such as De Mattias Fine Arts Hall.[6]
The Dugan Library and conference center was named after John E. and Marilyn K. Dugan of Wichita for their donation of $2 million after the previous library was demolished.[7]
Name of Building[8] | Function Of Building |
---|---|
Sacred Heart | Administration, Campus Ministry, Financial Aid Services, Human Resources, Learning Center, St. John's Chapel, Classrooms, and Computer Lab |
Dugan Library and Student Center | Alumni Center, Library, Computers, Student Center |
Eck Hall | Classrooms, Nursing Department |
Bishop Gerber Science Center | Sciences and Lab classrooms |
McNeill Hall | Professors Offices |
Mabee Dining Center | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
De Mattias Fine Arts Center | Black Box Theater, Performance Hall, Steckline Gallery, Gorges Atruim, and Classrooms |
O'Shaughnessy Hall | Gymnasium |
Student life
Admissions ambassadors
These students dedicate their time to touring campus with potential students. Those who visit to learn more about the university will interact with ambassadors for a large portion of their visit. [9]
Clubs & Organizations
Newman University has more than 30 active clubs and organizations ranging from The Multicultural Leadership Organization to a Disc Golf Club. Many students are inducted into nationally recognized academic organizations such as Pi Gamma Mu.
These communities provide opportunities for students to develop their leadership, promote awareness of issues, expand professional and personal competencies, and engage with Newman University and local communities outside of the classroom.
Resident assistant
Resident Assistants (RAs) are individuals who make sure that students living in the residence halls are abiding to the rules of Newman University. RAs also make sure to interact with their residents and organize events throughout the year to help strengthen the residence hall community. The residence halls are listed below:[10]
- Carrocci Hall
- Beata Hall
- Merlini Hall
- Fugate Hall
Student government association
The Student Government Association (SGA) represents the whole student population at Newman University. Their main focus is to find ways in which to better the experience of students while they attend Newman University.[9]
Campus Ministry
Campus Ministry hosts faith-based events throughout the year with the help of campus ministers and student volunteers. Along with a daily Mass, the organization hosts events such as bible studies, liturgical lunches, game nights, and service trips.[9]
Service scholars
Many of the scholarships awarded at Newman have an annual community service requirement. The three main scholarships awarded with these requirements are ASC Community Leader, Saint Newman, and the Presidential Scholarship.
Scholarships
At Newman, the Saint Newman Scholarship is the highest academic award offered. The requirements include: 4.0 high school GPA, 30+ ACT, 64 community service hours annually, and 3.4 cumulative GPA while at Newman.
The Presidential Scholarship is $12,000 annually and awarded for high academic achievement. The requirements include: 3.8-3.9 high school GPA, 28-29 ACT, 64 community service hours annually, and must maintain 3.25 cumulative GPA while at Newman.
The ASC Community Leader Scholarship is working to keep the mission of Newman and the mission of the founders, the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, strong in the Newman community. ASC scholars participate in service and leadership classes as well as complete 90 hours of community service. The requirements include: 3.0 high school GPA, outstanding community service, interview, 90 hours community service annually, 4 years of service classes. Seniors are required to organize a Capstone project that consist of 45 hours (from the 90 hours) of community service.[11]
Athletics
Newman University athletic teams are known as the Jets. The university is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and competes at the Division II level in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. The Jets formerly competed in the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference (MCAC) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) until the end of the 2005-06 season, and the Division II Heartland Conference from 2006 to 2019. Newman University introduced their new mascot, “Johnny Jet” in September 2010.
Notable people
Alumni
- Dax (1994- ), rapper [12]
- Alex Ciabattoni (1994- ), basketball forward[13]
- Tony Fulton (1972- ), Nebraska state legislator[14]
- Issoufou Idrissa (1976- ), Nigerien soccer striker[15]
- Tom Malone (1953- ), Kansas Court of Appeals judge[16]
- Rick Roder, baseball umpire, author[17]
- Clare Vanderpool (1965- ), children's book author[18]
- Ponka-We Victors (1981- ), Kansas state legislator[19]
Faculty and staff
- Robert Beattie, lawyer, crime writer[20]
- Cliff Brown (1956- ), soccer coach[21]
- Naomi Hirahara (1962- ), novelist, editor[22]
Presidents of the college
President | Institution name | Years of tenure |
---|---|---|
Kathleen S. Jagger, Ph.D., MPH | Newman University | 2020–present[23] |
Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D. | Newman University | 2007–2019[23] |
Aidan O. Dunleavy, Ph.D. | Newman University | 2000–2006[23] |
Tarcisia Roths, A.S.C., Ph.D. | Kansas Newman College, Newman University | 1991–2000[23] |
Timothy Duszynski, D.A. | Kansas Newman College | 1989–1990[23] |
Robert J. Giroux, Ph.D. | Kansas Newman College | 1982–1989[23] |
Rev. Roman S. Galiardi, O.S.B., J.C.D. | Sacred Heart College, Kansas Newman College | 1971–1982[23] |
Sylvia Gorges, A.S.C., M.D.Ed. | Sacred Heart College | 1961–1971[23] |
Mary Hilary Yoggerst, A.S.C., Ad.PP.S., Ph.D. | Sacred Heart College | 1954–1961[23] |
Rev. Edward P. McCarthy, C.PP.S., M.A. | Sacred Heart College | 1950–1954[23] |
Rev. Charles A. Smith, M.A. | Sacred Heart Junior College | 1946–1950[23] |
Rev. Leon A. McNeill, M.A. | Sacred Heart Junior College | 1933–1946[23] |
References
- "Kathleen S. Jagger named 12th president of Newman University". Newman Today (Press release). June 17, 2020. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
- Newman University Visual Identity Quick Guide (PDF). Retrieved February 9, 2018.
- Murphy, Daniel. "History of Newman University". Newman University.
- Buildings on NU's campus
- "Oct. 8 and 9 'Mission Talk' focuses on first president of Newman University". October 7, 2013. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
- "The Official Site of Newman University Athletics". www.newmanjets.com. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
- Dugan Library
- "Newman University's Campus Map | Newman University". Newmanu.edu. Retrieved September 24, 2013.
- "Student Organizations". www.newmanu.edu. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
- Murphy, Daniel. "Residence Life". www.newmanu.edu. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
- "Scholarship and Grants | Newman University". Newmanu.edu. Archived from the original on September 27, 2013. Retrieved September 24, 2013.
- "Janitor, musician, basketball star, Newman's Daniel Nwosu Jr. does it all". The Wichita Eagle. February 20, 2017. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
- "Women's Basketball Signs Alexandra Ciabattoni". Stetson University Hatters. June 3, 2014. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
- "Tony Fulton's Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
- "Idrissa, Issoufou". National Football Teams. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
- "Honorable Thomas E. Malone - Chief Judge 2012 - Present - Judge of the Court of Appeals 2003-2012". Kansas Judicial Branch. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
- Porter, Jim (November 19, 2001). "Rick Roder - Part I [Interview]". Officiating.com. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
- Manette, Alice (January 13, 2013). "Wichita has 'a treasure' in local Newbery Medal winner Clare Vanderpool". The Wichita Eagle. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
- "Ponka-We Victors' Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
- Ellin, Abby (August 1, 1999). "Blackboard: Curricula Esoterica; Doctors, Soldiers, Serial Killers". The New York Times. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
- "Head Coach Cliff Brown". Newman University Jets. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
- "Naomi Hirahara". Gersh Books. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
- "Newman University past presidents". Archived from the original on June 11, 2015. Retrieved February 10, 2018.