In a testament to Newman University’s commitment to preserving its storied history while embracing the future, a task force has been formed to head the revitalization of the iconic Sacred Heart Hall.
The century-old building, a symbol of unity and learning where many alumni have made cherished memories over the decades, stands as the heart and soul of the university’s campus.
Task force established
The newly appointed Sacred Heart Hall Task Force, comprising distinguished alumni, former university presidents, board members and university representatives, has been entrusted with a monumental task: to breathe new life into the beloved structure while honoring its rich legacy.
“Sacred Heart Hall is more than just a building; it’s a living embodiment of our university’s past, present and future,” said Kathleen Jagger, Newman University president. “Through this revitalization effort, we aim to create a space that not only celebrates our history but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic learning environment for generations to come.”
The task force’s charge is ambitious yet deeply rooted in preserving the essence of Sacred Heart Hall. Plans include redesigning social and learning spaces to stimulate student interaction and collaboration, creating inviting and easily identifiable entrances, improving building accessibility and incorporating modern, energy-efficient technologies while retaining the building’s historic charm.
Meet the task force members
The members leading this endeavor are:
- Sister Tarcisia Roths, ASC, who filled numerous roles at the institution over the years including president
- Larry Heck, professor emeritus
- Glenna and David Borho, alumnus, Newman board member and sponsor of Newman’s popular Party on the Plaza fundraiser
- Noreen Carrocci, former Newman president
- Jenifer Stone, current board chair
- Teresa Hall Bartels, former board chair and former interim president
- Drew Bogner, former Newman vice president, current board member and former president of Malloy University in New York
- Sister Vicki Bergkamp, ASC, current leader of Adorers of the Blood of Christ US Region
- Linda Davison, alumna and former board chair.
The mission and vision
The task force’s mission extends beyond mere bricks and mortar; it aims to rekindle the spirit of inquiry, friendship and cherished memories that have long defined Newman University’s campus life.
“Sacred Heart Hall has been the backdrop for countless personal and communal milestones, from intimate faith-rekindling Masses to pivotal board discussions that shaped our institution’s future,” said Bob Beumer, Newman vice president of institutional advancement. “By supporting this revitalization project, we are ensuring that these moments continue to resonate for generations to come.”
A call to the Newman community
The task force has issued a call to the entire Newman University community — alumni, students, faculty and friends — to rally behind this significant endeavor. Through collective support, the rejuvenated Sacred Heart Hall will offer commuter and residential students vibrant spaces to connect, learn and inscribe their own stories into the annals of the university’s vibrant history.
As the task force embarks on this journey, a timeless invitation is extended to future students: to carry on the legacy and contribute their own chapters to Newman University’s rich tradition.
For more information on how to support the Sacred Heart Hall revitalization project, please contact Beumer at 316-942-4291, ext. 2471 or via email: [email protected].
In a major move to enhance the athletic and academic experiences of its student-athletes, Newman University announced the establishment of a task force to lead a significant fundraising initiative. This effort focuses on modernizing outdoor athletic facilities with new artificial turf and advanced lighting systems for the baseball, soccer and softball venues.
The initiative, titled “Continuing Maria’s Mission: The Next 90 Years Begin With A Champion Like You,” aligns with the university’s long-term vision of fostering an environment where athletes excel both on the field and in academics.
The names behind the task force
The task force is comprised of members who bring a wealth of expertise and dedication to Newman’s athletic programs:
- Ginny Wylie ’93, a sociology major and retired Wichita Police Department officer, currently serves on the National Alumni Board. She played women’s soccer at Newman and received the Spirit of Acuto Distinguished Alumni Award in 2017.
- Jay Holmes ’89, also a sociology major, played and coached women’s soccer at Newman. He was honored with the Spirit of Acuto Distinguished Alumni Award in 2018.
- Cyle Barnwell attended Newman for three years before transferring to Emporia State. He is the CFO of Keystone Solid Surfaces and played men’s basketball at Newman. He is also a member of the Jet Open committee.
- Justin ’05 and Krystal Crumley ’05 bring a unique partnership to the task force. Justin, a business management major who earned his MBA at Newman and played on the men’s bowling team, is currently an assistant bowling coach. Krystal, a nursing major and women’s bowling team alumna, is a school nurse in Andover schools.
- Adam Hunter ’98, an elementary education major, played on the men’s soccer team and is head soccer coach at Butler Community College. He is also in the Newman University Athletic Hall of Fame
- Dan Carsey ’02, a history major and Ablah Award recipient, played men’s basketball at Newman and currently works at Hall Estill in Oklahoma City. He has been invited to join the committee.
- Chris Clawson, an honorary alumnus from 2015, attended Newman and played men’s baseball in 1983. He is in the Athletic Hall of Fame and is now the General Manager of Gymtech.
Strategic enhancements for Newman Athletics
The proposed upgrades are designed to significantly reduce weather-related cancellations due to the durability and lower maintenance needs of artificial turf. This will ensure more reliable game schedules, provide athletes with more consistent training and performance opportunities and allow for greater community use during off seasons. Enhanced lighting will improve visibility for evening events, boosting the spectator experience.
Director of Athletics Joanna Pryor believes the upgrade will have a big impact for Newman.
“By modernizing these facilities, we not only boost our competitiveness in the MIAA conference but also open up new revenue streams by renting out these state-of-the-art venues to the broader Wichita community during off-seasons,” Pryor said.
Boosting academic and athletic excellence
This initiative reflects Newman University’s dedication to offering the best opportunities for its student-athletes, ensuring a balance between their athletic and academic commitments. The improved facilities will allow student-athletes to spend more time in classrooms and labs, minimizing disruptions caused by inclement weather.
Additionally, the enhanced fan experience is expected to energize university athletic events, fostering a lively atmosphere that supports the teams in their pursuit of conference titles.
A call to action for alumni and friends
Newman’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bob Beumer is helping coordinate the task force’s efforts.
“Investing in these upgrades is not just about enhancing facilities; it’s about creating a legacy of excellence and opportunity for future Newman athletes,” Beumer said.
Newman is reaching out to alumni and friends of the university to support this critical project. The fundraising initiative is designed to garner support from the university’s broad network of alumni and community partners.
J.V. Johnston ‘82 will always remember his late parents, Marianne and Jerry Johnston, for their spirit of service and generosity to others.
“They instilled that in us, too,” Johnston said. “It was that sense of service and giving back, both in time and finances, that drove them in a lot of different ways.”
When Marianne passed away in October 2023, just seven years after the death of her beloved husband, Jerry, the two left a transformative estate gift to Newman University for nearly $255,000. Newman University was one of the three charities the Johnstons chose to share their inheritance with — the others being the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC) sisters and The Center of Hope.
When Johnston attended Newman, a seed was planted in the hearts of his parents. But that only grew when, following a 36-year career at Johnston’s Clothiers, J.V. Johnston became Newman’s vice president for university advancement. Drawing from his own education from the ASC sisters, Johnson shared the university’s mission of empowering its students to transform society to countless donors and stakeholders.
“I articulated the mission of Newman and how many students have to have scholarships to go there, and it left a permanent impression on my parents,” he said. “I also stressed the importance of not putting strings or directions on gifts to allow the university to use it in their most need. It makes a difference.”
J.V.’s father was especially moved by the mission of Newman and the ASC sisters, and served as an ASC associate alongside Sister Tarcisia Roths for several years. He also formed a friendship with the Rev. Tom Welk, and regularly attended 9 a.m. Sunday morning Masses offered at the ASC Center.
J.V. Johnston, who now serves as both executive director for the Guadalupe Clinic and a Wichita city council member, said his parent’s legacy is an inspiring reminder that “most people can make their largest impact with an estate gift.
“That’s where people can give a gift toward something they really value and have a heart for,” he added. “My parents’ love was for people — keeping people housed, the mission of the sisters and especially of Newman University.”
To learn more about how you can set up an estate gift, contact the University Advancement Office at 316-942-4291 ext. 2471.