The Impact of Giving

Leaders of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) helped Newman’s mission of empowering graduates come to life with its softball fundraiser on Aug. 3.

The first-ever coed softball fundraiser brought together seven teams from across Sedgwick County to Newman’s very own baseball field. 

The fundraising event was run by members of Newman University’s SAAC team: Colby Schreiner, Alex Schreiner and Haleigh Pearson. They saw a substantial $1,650 raised during the one-day event, with half of the proceeds benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) mandates that SAAC has at least two representatives from each team who are nominated by coaches and SAAC officers. Their roles are important, and these representatives meet collectively to liaise between athletics and administration. Leaders share issues and concerns with administration or representatives at major nationwide events and functions and attend leadership workshops to help the growth of the student members. 

So who helped organize the event? 

Meet the team

Pearson started her freshman year at Newman in 2022 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood unified education in May 2025. She was a member of the softball team, part of the NU Future Teachers Club, involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and served as vice president for SAAC. Pearson is working toward her master’s degree in reading interventions with a focus on Dyslexia therapy and will graduate from Newman in May 2027.

Alex, a nursing major, will graduate from Newman in December 2026. Alex is the president of SAAC, a resident assistant, a member of FCA, a volunteer for the Campus Activity Board and a member of the softball team. 

Colby is a nursing major who serves on the executive board for SAAC, works alongside his sister as a resident assistant and is on the men’s wrestling team. He will graduate in May 2026.

Thinking outside the box 

The vision for the tournament began when SAAC members discussed ways to improve fundraising for the year.

“When our new SAAC board was elected, we all knew that we wanted to raise more money so that we could do things our members want to do,” said Alex. “Colby shared the idea of a slow-pitch tournament on our baseball field. We have played slow pitch for many years and knew this would be a fun thing for the community to experience.”

The summer idea quickly turned into a successful event, showcasing leadership, teamwork and an alignment with Newman’s mission. It also coincided with one of SAAC’s annual commitments: donating to Make-A-Wish, the NCAA Division II’s chosen charity.

“Each year, SAAC is required to donate a minimum of $1,000,” explained Pearson. “We wanted to go above and beyond that. Getting a head start this summer allows us to focus future fundraising on enhancing things like our end-of-year athletic awards ceremony, the Jetspys.”

Each team paid a $250 entry fee and most teams had a full roster of 12 players. Overall, the event raised $1,650, with $1,250 from entry fees. There was also a generous $100 donation from Colby and Alex’s grandmother, plus additional funds from concession stands, which were operated by their parents, Lynee and Greg Schreiner.

Both Alex and Pearson praised Colby for his work in hosting the event. Colby organized the majority of the tournament and promoted it by sharing flyers on local Facebook pages. Impressively, he also umpired every single game of tournament day from 8 a.m. until nearly 11 p.m.

“It was super competitive and a lot of fun,” Colby said. “We had players who were Newman alumni, former softball and baseball athletes and lots of other people from all over Sedgwick County. Lots of people said they love to come back next year.” 

Newman in the community 

One of the biggest takeaways from the event was the opportunity to build and strengthen relationships throughout the Wichita community.

“You can only do and grow so much within the Newman walls; you have to venture out,” Pearson said. “This was a great way to build healthy competition and get Newman out there on the Wichita map.”

For the SAAC students, it was about more than just raising money for a great cause. It was also a chance to grow as leaders and make an impact.

“It’s inspiring to see students pour their passions into projects that benefit charities,” Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator Maureen Rohleder said. “Events like this help students live a life of service and leadership. It’s the Newman mission coming to life.” 

The SAAC team would also like to thank these campus leaders for making the event possible: Rohleder, Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Communications Zachary Brake, Director of Residence Life Ian Lecki, Athletic Director Kenyon Spears and Head Baseball Coach Lance Spongberg. 

Every incoming freshman class has a select amount of exceptional students who receive the St. Newman Scholarship, a full ride to Newman University. Desiray Cuellar is one of five students out of 47 interviewed in the class of 2028 to receive the scholarship. When Cuellar received the message, she was excited.

“I didn’t know how to react,” Cuellar said. “There were so many great applicants, I thought ‘who would pick me?'”

The Wichita East High School graduate knew she wanted to attend Newman after her campus visit. But, what stuck out to her?

“I was very impressed with how everyone interacted with one another. From students to teachers, there was an emphasis on excelling academically,” said Cuellar, a biology major with a pre-medicine concentration.

After conversations with multiple students and faculty, Cuellar learned there was more the university had to offer her than what she would learn in the classroom.

“I learned that Newman isn’t just about excelling as a student but succeeding as a person. This place seems like a family. Also, community service seems to be a big part of Newman culture, which I appreciate, because it is something I enjoy doing.”

Beyond academics and service, Cuellar will stay busy in her first year as a Jet. She was accepted into the Honors Program and can’t wait to play on the women’s soccer team.

“I am looking forward to meeting new people and making new connections,” Cuellar said.

Cuellar met some of her future teammates already.

“I was so happy to get to know some of the people who will be on my soccer team,” Cuellar said.

Cuellar is grateful for the St. Newman Scholarship and already knows how she wants to transform society.

“I want to make health care more affordable for families in unfortunate financial situations, especially because of how my family grew up,” Cuellar said.

Cuellar is ready for the next chapter in her life and knows Newman will set her up for success.

What was once considered “the icing on the cake” has become an essential ingredient in Newman University’s recipe for success, according to university leadership.

The Newman Fund, the university’s primary annual giving program, has evolved from supporting supplementary programs to becoming a cornerstone of the institution’s operational capacity, reflecting broader changes in higher education financing.

“Today, with the struggles of higher education across the country, philanthropy is now one of the main ingredients of the cake,” said Newman Vice President of Advancement Bob Beumer. “We cannot continue to provide a rigorous, faith-based education without the help of our alumni and friends of the university.”

The fund has seen record-breaking momentum this year, providing critical support for institutional aid and scholarships, equipment upgrades and maintenance needs across campus. Director of Advancement Services and Annual Giving Laura Hartley attributes this success to donors’ deep understanding of the university’s unique mission.

“Our supporters understand that in order for this university to be successful, we have to have support for the basic functions of a university,” Hartley said. “That’s what the Newman Fund provides.”

Hartley added, “They (donors) understand that Newman is a unique institution and is a shining example of how higher education can not only educate students in their chosen subject but also teach students the Catholic virtues of faith and charity enabling them to be well rounded people.”

The impact of contributions to the Newman Fund extends beyond basic operations. In one recent case, a student working three campus jobs and an additional off-campus position was at risk of leaving with just one year remaining in his degree program. Through collaboration between Sister Therese Wetta, ASC, and the financial aid office, institutional support from the Newman Fund enabled the student to complete his education.

Giving Day 2025

Looking ahead, the university is preparing for its sixth annual Giving Day on Feb. 26, 2025, with a goal of raising more than $65,000 in a single day. The event has become a community celebration that extends beyond fundraising, according to Hartley.

The fund’s success builds on Newman’s legacy that traces back to the Great Depression when the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC) sisters created opportunities for students who might otherwise have been unable to afford education. This work continues today thanks to dedicated faculty, staff and students who desire a high-quality mission-focused education.

Honoring supporters

“We want donors to know that we do not take lightly the trust they place in us when giving of their hard-earned dollars,” Beumer said. “There are many worthwhile nonprofits doing amazing work. We believe our place is equally as important and want our donors to know that we use their resources wisely, efficiently and to the best of our ability. We strive to under promise and over deliver.”

For Newman’s advancement team, the fund represents more than financial support.

“Our donors are literally changing someone’s life, someone they will never meet but someone who will be eternally grateful for their generosity,” Hartley said.

As the university looks to sustain this momentum, administrators emphasize the importance of community storytelling in spreading awareness. They encourage alumni and supporters to share personal testimonials about Newman’s impact, viewing these stories as powerful tools for highlighting the university’s accomplishments.

The university plans to launch its end-of-year campaign in December, reaching out to supporters through personalized letters and emails. Despite the busy holiday season, Hartley believes the stories of student impact will resonate with potential donors.

“We want everyone who gives to the Newman Fund to understand that their donation is so much more than a monetary gift,” she said. “It is a way for the donor to say they believe in education and want the next generation to be educated, thoughtful and faith-filled people who want to transform society.”

More ways to give to Newman University

Giving through donor-advised funds (DAF) and individual retirement accounts (IRA) are growing in popularity and are easy to establish. Grants from DAFs (community foundations, Schwab and Fidelity) allow donors to receive the charitable deduction up front for a one-time gift while making gifts to nonprofits over time. Qualified charitable deductions instruct the donor’s IRA holding company to make a gift directly to the nonprofit, bypassing the donor and any income tax that may come with it. 

Please contact the Newman University Advancement team for more information.

Jenna Ju has been selected as one of five incoming Newman University freshmen to receive the St. John Henry Newman Scholarship. The scholarship grants recipients a full-tuition package renewable for four years and is Newman’s most competitive award.

“Ever since I discovered (Newman University), it’s as if I found the missing piece to my future puzzle,” Ju said.

Ju first became interested in Newman during high school; she graduated from Valley Center High School in 2024. She had a college visit in February 2023, but quickly gathered more than just information about the institution.

“When I stepped onto the sidewalk, I felt a sense of welcoming and inclusion. I felt as if (Newman) is where I belonged.”

In her application essay, Ju emphasized that the friendly and tight-knit community at Newman was a large component in her choice to attend. She cited the various clubs and organizations at Newman — “I fell in love with how inclusive they were, inviting everyone no matter who they were” — as well as the overarching collaborative spirit of Newman students that she witnessed as evidence that Newman was the right place for her.

“What makes Newman different is their animated and lively community,” she said. “I am not just getting a degree; I’ll be getting a supportive group of friends, with the opportunity to improve myself and build on my potential to transform society.”

Ju intends to major in biology with a pre-medical concentration.

She is excited to grow in her faith through the strong and supportive Christian atmosphere at Newman. Ju has been volunteering with the First United Church of Valley Center since she was young, and she looks forward to participating in the various religious services and events offered on campus.

“Newman has truly opened me up and sparked a new light in me that I never would have envisioned myself doing years ago,” she commented.

Ju will also join the Newman cheer and dance team and support the Newman Jets with performances during athletic events. She spontaneously joined the dance team at her high school during her senior year, but her commitment quickly blossomed into a large passion for the sport.

“I believe that I will fit perfectly (at Newman), bringing my vision and passion.”