Newman University
One of two Christian college options in Wichita, Newman University holds Catholic values and traces its development back to the original Italian Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC). Sisters from the ASC made their way to America and settled around Wichita in 1902. Female and male boarding schools were soon formed, giving children the option of a faith-based education.
In 1929, Wichita Adorers formed Sacred Heart Junior College just as the Great Depression began to sweep the country. From the beginning, the college built a mission toward the “development of a true and finished Christian character.”
Only 17 people made up the first graduating class. Sacred Heart became a co-ed college in the 1960s after expanding to a four-year institution. By 1973, the school had become Kansas Newman College in honor of John Henry Cardinal Newman, a 19th century theologian.
The college continued to grow, and now serves more than 3,000 students each year. With more than 40 degree programs, the school is able to fully empower students to achieve their goals through positive, encouraging course work.
Student Life
Newman University offers several opportunities for student involvement through campus ministries, student government association, clubs, special activities, groups and organizations. The goal is for students to come together in a positive way to serve the community and each other. Newman University has more than 30 special interest clubs for students to find their niche. There are also options for intramural sports, academic study groups and family involvement.
Traditions
As many Kansas colleges have been around since at least the early 1900s, traditions have developed over the years. At Newman University, tradition is rooted in community service and giving time and energy to help others.
- Salvation Army Christmas Distribution – For more than 25 years, Newman University students and staff join together to help with the Angel Tree Project. As families sign up to receive Christmas help, Newman students grab a corresponding bag of gifts, based on the families’ needs.
- Cardinal Newman Week – This spring semester event celebrates the birthday and life of the college’s namesake, Cardinal Newman. Other events including High Tea (to celebrate Cardinal Newman’s British roots), a special Mass and a medal awards and banquet to celebrate outstanding alumni.
- JETSPY Awards – At the end of the athletic year, athletes join in on an award banquet known as the JETSPY Awards. A spin-off of the ESPN ESPYs, the JETSPYS recognize players in categories like Comeback Player of the Year, Breakthrough Athlete of the Year and Humanitarian of the Year. Teams also create humorous videos to celebrate their accomplishments.
Mascots
Newman University is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and plays Division II sports in the Heartland Conference. The Jets have an impressive collection of tournament titles for baseball, basketball, bowling, cross-country, golf, volleyball, wrestling and soccer.
Find out more about Newman here.