An anonymous donor has made a gift of $25,000 to establish a scholarship in honor of one of the pioneers of science education at Newman University – Margaret Knoeber, ASC.

According to the donor, the Sister Margaret Knoeber, ASC Endowed Scholarship was created out of great respect for Knoeber, and to recognize the high level of energy and enthusiasm she brought to her work at Newman and other organizations. While complete guidelines are still being established, the scholarship is designed for full-time students with demonstrated financial need. For the immediate future, the scholarship will be awarded to one student per year, at a dollar amount yet to be determined. The first award is expected to be made next fall for the 2013-14 academic year.

“This is a beautiful tribute to a truly beloved member of the Newman community,” said Newman Major Gifts Officer Coryanne Graham, who is working with the donor to establish scholarship guidelines. “Sister Margaret has made so many important contributions to the development of this institution. This scholarship is a fitting honor to her and everything she has accomplished.”

“I’m very pleased to know that someone is providing funds for this scholarship, and very appreciative,” Knoeber said. “This will help create opportunities for many Newman students in the years to come.”

In setting up the scholarship, the donor noted Knoeber’s love of life, happiness with her religious life, and commitment to students. The donor also pointed to Knoeber’s ability to inspire students and help them realize their full potential.

Knoeber has a long and celebrated association with Newman. She attended Sacred Heart Academy, graduating in 1949, and became a professed member of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, taking her first vows in 1950 and her final vows in 1955. For nine years she worked as an elementary school and music teacher in rural parochial schools, and took classes in the summers in education and science. She received a bachelor’s degree in natural sciences from Sacred Heart College in 1961.

Knoeber discovered she had a knack for chemistry, and earned a doctorate in organic chemistry at the University of Notre Dame in 1967. She then returned to Kansas and over the following 11 years in effect created the Chemistry Department at Sacred Heart, working as instructor and associate professor of chemistry.

Knoeber also served as alumni director from 1983 to 1990, and later helped pioneer interactive television technology in western Kansas while working with Newman to launch a pastoral ministry program for rural communities in the Diocese of Dodge City. She also served a term as provincial counselor for the ASC, was community archivist at the ASC Wichita Center, and was a member of the Newman Alumni Board of Directors. She continues her connection to Newman today as an active alumna, maintaining many relationships with her former students and alumni.

Additional contributions to the Sister Margaret Knoeber, ASC Endowed Scholarship can be made in any amount from any donor. For more information or to make a gift, contact Coryanne Graham at 316-942-4291, ext. 2174 or grahamc@newmanu.edu, or visit the Give to NU section of the Newman University web site.

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Newman University has received several gifts and grants over the past year to support various programs and student scholarships.

• The Kansas State Department of Education awarded Newman a $110,000 Kansas Mathematics and Science Partnerships Program Grant. The grant supports a program to help math teachers in the Wichita and Haysville public school systems and in the Diocese of Wichita Catholic schools strengthen their knowledge and teaching skills in regards to new math standards. If proven effective, the grant could be renewed for two additional years.
• Anonymous donors made a gift of $75,000 to create The Fr. Emil Kapaun Annual Scholarship for students involved in Campus Ministry at Newman University.
• The Children’s Miracle Network awarded the Newman School of Nursing and Allied Health a highly competitive $30,000 grant to purchase simulation equipment, including lifelike manikins that mimic realistic situations in the healthcare environment.
• The Fred and Mary Koch Foundation awarded $10,000 to Professor of Biology Surendra Singh, Ph.D. to help fund the 2012 Investigative Summer Science Program. Singh established the program 23 years ago to give high school students a taste of college-level research and to explore the benefits of careers in the sciences.

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Coryanne Graham, left, and Anne Chandler

University Advancement Department members Coryanne Graham and Anne Chandler focus their efforts on attaining gifts to help support students, faculty, staff and programs at Newman University.

Graham serves as Major Gifts Officer. In this capacity she works directly with individual donors to support student scholarships, the Newman Fund, the university endowment and other projects. Graham previously served as TOGETHER Vision Communications Coordinator for the Catholic Diocese of Wichita and as art director and graphic designer at the Wichita Eagle. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas.

To contact Graham call 316-942-4291, ext. 2174, ore-mail grahamc@newmanu.edu.

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Chandler serves as Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations. In this role she works to secure funding for equipment, programs, events and other Newman initiatives, by preparing grants, proposals and other gift requests to companies, foundations and other charitable organizations. Chandler previously served as regional development director for the ALS Association, and as a grant writer, project director and ultimately executive director of the Wichita Area Technical College Foundation. She earned a bachelor of business administration degree from Wichita State University.

To contact Chandler call 316-942-4291, ext. 2225, or e-mail chandlera@newmanu.edu.

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It was beer, braten and Black Forest cake for the 500 people who gathered on Founders Plaza Sept. 22 for Newman University’s annual fundraising bash – “Party on the Plaza – Oktoberfest.”

The event, which is the university’s largest single fundraiser of the year, raised more than $100,000 to help support student scholarships. This year’s party again featured a Bavarian theme complete with authentic German food, drink and music. Following a 4:30 p.m. Mass at St. John’s Chapel, the event kicked off with a ceremonial “tapping of the keg” and the opening of a silent auction featuring scores of donated items.

The event also featured a German dinner of sauerbraten (marinated beef), Cornish game hen and several side dishes, and a choice of Black Forest cake or apple strudel. The night was capped by a live auction featuring such items as a big-screen TV, Carrie Underwood concert tickets, and authentic, home-style Italian dinners prepared by Newman President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D.

“We were very happy with the turnout, and the enthusiastic response to the auctions,” Carrocci said. “It was a great event that just gets better every year. I thank everyone – our sponsors, guests, students and Newman faculty and staff – for making it all possible.”

Party on the Plaza – Oktoberfest 2013

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For anyone looking to truly make a difference in the lives of Newman University students, there is a simple and effective way to help now and for years to come – the Newman Fund.

The Newman Fund helps support the heart of the Newman University experience and is a vitally important source of funding for the university’s ongoing needs. One of the main goals of the fund is to provide scholarships and financial aid so that all deserving students have the opportunity to attend Newman University.

In that respect, gifts to the Newman Fund are more than donations; they are investments in today’s students – and tomorrow’s leaders.

This year’s goal for the Newman Fund is $525,000, and Newman officials are now actively seeking support. They note, however, that it is not merely the amount individuals give, but their involvement that counts.

“Whether you can give $10, $100, $1,000 or more, participation is the key in helping us provide necessary services and support to Newman students,” said Director of Annual Fund Chelsea Whipple. “Contributors to the Newman Fund help maintain the day-to-day excellence of the university – and make a difference in every aspect of our students’ lives.”

Look for these upcoming events to help support the Newman Fund:

Fall Phonathon: Now through Nov. 16
Holiday Appeal: November
Holiday E-mails: December
Spring Phonathon: Feb. 1-March 1, 2013
Spring Appeal: May 2013
Spring E-mail: June 2013

To make a gift or for more information, contact Chelsea Whipple at 316-942-4291, ext. 2445 or e-mail whipplec@newmanu.edu.

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Wichita native Troy Horine was named Vice President for University Advancement at Newman University, effective July 16, 2012.

Horine oversees Newman’s Advancement Department, which includes Fundraising/Development, Alumni Relations, University Relations, and Mission and Archives.

“We are thrilled to welcome Troy to Newman,” said Newman President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D. “He has a real track record of success, and truly glowing references from previous employers and staff.”

“I was educated by the Adorers of the Blood of Christ sisters at both St. Francis of Assisi grade school and at Bishop Carroll High School, and I am delighted to return to Wichita to help them advance their mission of education, justice and service,” Horine said. “I believe Newman plays a critical role in the region. It provides an intellectual and social environment that allows students to excel beyond their own expectations, and has several academic programs that are among the very best in the region. I believe that Newman University allows students to make contributions to our society that they may not have otherwise because of its nurturing and socially supportive environment.

“In addition, I believe Newman is a major contributor to Wichita’s quality of life – economically, educationally, culturally and socially. The Adorers have impacted thousands of lives, as has Newman, and I am thankful for the opportunity to help continue their historic contributions to the region,” Horine said.

One of Horine’s earliest jobs, from 1982 to 1986, was Director of Development at then-Kansas Newman College, where he helped conduct the institution’s first capital campaign. Horine’s most recent position was Director of Major and Leadership Gifts at the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine. In that capacity he planned, directed and conducted all major and leadership gift solicitations for the School of Medicine, and directed a campaign that increased scholarship fund endowments by nearly $1 million in 18 months.

From 2006 to 2008, Horine served as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Major Gifts at Washington University in Saint Louis, St. Louis, Mo., where he led a nationwide network of fundraisers. Prior to that appointment, he was Assistant Vice President for Development – Health Sciences Center, at Saint Louis University in St. Louis. During his tenure there, he helped the university raise $80 million for biomedical research facilities, and directed all fundraising programs in support of several university health care schools, research centers, institutes and clinical departments.

Between 1986 and 2004, Horine worked in several positions of increasing responsibility at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., including Director of Annual Giving, Director of Major Gifts, Director of Development, and Assistant Vice President for University Relations. In his role of Assistant Vice President for University Relations between 1999 and 2004, he raised $120 million out of what became a $320 million campaign that ended in 2007. While Director of Development at Creighton, Horine was chief architect of the university’s “Creighton 2000 Campaign,” which raised $127 million in the mid- to late-1990s.

Before his earlier stint at Newman, Horine was Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving for Butler University, Indianapolis, Ind. His career began in 1980 when he worked as Leadership Consultant for Delta Upsilon International Fraternity in Indianapolis.

Horine earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in education, both in 1980 from Kansas State University. He also earned a master of business administration degree from Creighton in 1990. Horine is a member of several professional organizations, including the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. He is a board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Kansas State University Chapter of Delta Upsilon International Fraternity, Opera Omaha Operators, and co-chair of the Consortium of Major Gift Directors (Coast to Coast Alliance of National Research Universities).

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