Newman Challenge Alumni Magazine

Class of 2011 reflects Newman legacy of athletic and academic excellence

Posted on by arnoldk Posted in Issues, NU Athletics, Spring 2011 Leave a comment

The Newman University community celebrated several outstanding student-athletes, coaches and supporters Feb. 5 at a banquet and induction ceremony for the Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2011.

Athletics Hall of Fame

The hall was created to honor student-athletes, coaches, administrators and patrons who have made significant contributions to the university’s athletic programs. This year’s class was no exception, according to Newman Director of Athletics Vic Trilli.

“All of our inductees were more than worthy of induction,” Trilli said. “Even today, these individuals exemplify the Newman University student-athlete, and add to the rich history of the Newman Athletic Department.”

Eileen Adams / Art's Photography

Eileen Adams

The NCAA Division II recently launched an initiative called “Life in the Balance,” which is designed to give student-athletes a full college experience by focusing on academics and community service as well as sports (see “Life in the Balance” story). While the program did not exist when the Class of 2011 inductees were students, many felt that the principles of Life in the Balance were integral to their Newman experience.

“I feel that my athletic involvement was very balanced as far as time. There was plenty of time for homework and social events,” said inductee Eileen Adams, a 1987 graduate and women’s basketball standout. “I lived on campus for two years, and I think those students get the total college experience and are more involved with activities and different groups of people.”

“It was a huge focus for my coach that we were successful in the classroom as well as on the field,” added Eddie Andreo, a 1998 graduate and member of the 1996 Men’s Soccer Team. “I always knew there was a level of care and concern with faculty and coaches to help us succeed.”

Life in the Balance

Posted on by arnoldk Posted in Feature Stories, Issues, Sections, Spring 2011 Leave a comment

NCAA DII initiative designed to ensure more complete college experience for student-athletes

Student group / Steve Rasmussen

For some students, college is all about academics and studying hard to make good grades. For others, it’s about getting involved in activities on campus or helping others in the community. For still others, it can be about sports and giving your all to be the best athlete you can be.

For many students at NCAA Division II institutions, college is now about all these ideas — and more — thanks to an initiative called “Life in the Balance.”

Life in the Balance is designed to encourage student-athletes to have a comprehensive and broad-based college experience by providing, as described by Division II, “growth opportunities through academic achievement, learning in high-level athletics competition and development of positive societal attitudes in service to community.”

The initiative was driven by college and university presidents within DII — with the support of faculty, student-athletes and athletics administrators — to address concerns about the number of hours student-athletes devote to sports, and how it can affect other aspects of their total college experience. Phase I of the program, which began in fall 2010, seeks to limit missed class time and allow more time for community involvement through a shorter playing season, fewer competitions during the school year, and a seven-day no-games, no-practice break during the Christmas holiday.

Newman administrators said the initiative will bring benefits to everyone involved.

“The Life in the Balance initiative is congruent with our mission of helping students to become well-rounded citizens who will transform society,” said Newman President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D. “The college years are an important period of a student’s intellectual, social and spiritual development, and we have long believed that students should have a well-balanced experience during their time at Newman University.”

“This really redefines what Division II is — it’s an education association that puts the student first,” added Athletics Director Vic Trilli. “That’s always been important to the Athletics Department at Newman, as shown by the community service projects and top G.P.A. scores our student-athletes consistently achieve. We see Life in the Balance as a perfect fit for our community.”

Reflecting Newman’s values
The plan grew from an effort by DII officials to build a strategic positioning platform to help define its core values and guiding principles. Officials later worked to align the platform with the division’s strategic plan through five goals:

• Help student-athletes cultivate academic and life skills, and develop positive societal attitudes through community service;
• Ensure compliance with NCAA regulations;
• Provide fair and equitable competition that results in positive and rewarding game day, conference and national championship experiences;
• Utilize the uniqueness of the DII model to attract new members and ensure long-term stability, and
• Promote diversity and an environment of inclusion.

Carrocci noted that many aspects of the DII strategic plan, core values and guiding principles reflect the ideals and ethical tenets that are part of the educational experience at Newman. In fact, the values developed during one former student’s Newman experience
played a role in how Life in the Balance was created (see interview with Drew Bogner, Ph.D.).

As noted in the five goals, Life in the Balance is also part of an effort by DII to distinguish itself from other NCAA divisions — particularly Division I, which has increasingly lengthened playing seasons and placed a major emphasis on athletics. In a Jan. 29, 2010 article posted on the NCAA Division II website, University of Indianapolis President and former Vice Chair of the Division II Presidents Council Beverley Pitts put it this way:

“Division II defines itself not as a steppingstone to Division I but rather as a destination for exceptional athletes to compete at the highest level and also have fully integrated collegiate experiences…. The Division II philosophy is that we expect our students to go pro in life, not sports.”

NCAA Division II

The President’s Council recently approved several measures that make up Phase II of the initiative, including further adjustments to the start dates for out-of-season or pre-season activities and competition in all winter sports. Phase II also includes changes to the start date of non-championship and out-of-season activities for spring sports to give student-athletes time to acclimate to new semesters, as well as changes to practice and other activity during regular season and championship segments.

Newman officials said they are happy with the Phase II changes, and believe they will further support the university’s mission and core values.

“The Life in the Balance initiative strengthens what the university already does to give students a full, rich educational and collegiate experience,” Carrocci said. “This can only improve things not only for our student-athletes, but the entire Newman community.”

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Under the Life in the Balance initiative, the nearly 300 sports-playing NCAA DII member institutions will:

• Schedule the first game of all fall sports a week later than in previous years, and move the date student-athletes report for fall sports back 17 to 21 days from the first contest, depending on the sport. These rules also apply to golf and tennis for schools that conduct most of their conference matches or championships in the fall.
• Reduce the number of soccer games from 20 to 18.
• Reduce the number of volleyball matches from 28 to 26.
• Reduce the number of baseball games from 56 to 50.
• Reduce the dates of golf competitions from 24 to 21.
• Eliminate the tournament exception in softball (i.e., multiple games played in a single day no longer count as one game).
• Reduce the maximum number of basketball games from 27 to 26.
• Make Dec. 20 through 26 a dead period of no contests, practice or other athletic activity for winter sports.

For more information on Life in the Balance, visit www.ncaa.org/divisionii.

Alum and former provost Drew Bogner helps define Division II values

Posted on by arnoldk Posted in Feature Stories, Issues, Spring 2011 Leave a comment

‘Life in the Balance’

Drew Bogner /Courtesy photo

Drew Bogner, Ph.D. graduated from Kansas Newman College in 1979, returned to Newman as a faculty member in 1987, and served as provost from 1991 to 2000. He is now president of Molloy College in Rockville Centre, N.Y., and has served as chair of the NCAA Division II Presidents Council since 2009.

In the interview that follows, Bogner speaks on the rationale and value of the DII “Life in the Balance” initiative, and his role in its creation.

Q: How did the Life in the Balance initiative come about?
A: We, as the presidents of DII schools, met to discuss what makes DII distinctive from DI or DIII. From that emerged the Strategic Platform (see page 6) and the knowledge that what separates us from other divisions is balance. We want our students to maintain a balance between athletic, academic and rich collegiate experiences, which can include participation in campus clubs or community service. We talked about those ideas, then referred it to legislative committees to define the specifics of Life in the Balance, and from that we developed this program.

Q: What role did you play in that process?
A: I was part of the discussion about Life in the Balance, and met with the constituent groups within DII — the coaches, athletic staff, student-athletes, administrators, and others — to build support for the program and see what changes needed to be made. Once we arrived at consensus, we then looked at the program and decided how to implement it.

Q: Why did you and other university presidents push for this? Why was it important to you?
A: As I said this is how we define what DII is and how we help students have balance in their lives. There are also economic factors to save schools money. But the main thing is we wanted to be proactive and say this is who we are, this is what we expect from students, these are our values, and this is how we do things. And, we will hold ourselves accountable for these things.

Q: Do you think your experience at Newman University and the institution’s mission and values had an influence on the initiative and your role in it?
A: I was there four years as a student, and 13 years as faculty and administrator, so I truly developed a large sense of my values and commitment to service at Newman. As chair of the council I wasn’t shy about talking about values and the ideas behind the program. I think these values are in my bones.

Q: What role do you play now regarding Life in the Balance?
A: We’re now in Phase II of the program. I spoke with all the groups again to build support. Now we’re looking at how we measure the program’s success and continue to refine it to help support our Strategic Platform.

Q: Other than promoting balance for students in terms of their athletic, academic and community engagement, does the program offer other benefits to students?
A: In DII, students have the opportunity for athletic financial aid so they can come to our schools, but the aid they receive based on athletic ability doesn’t have to get in the way of their academics. And, we know that many of those students blossom when they come to our institutions, so Life in the Balance gives them an opportunity to become better students and to succeed in life.

Q: Does the program offer other benefits to Newman?
A: Newman is still new in DII, so in some ways this is melding the value system Newman already has with the values of DII. I think this helps Newman, in that the university can use Life in the Balance to further the Newman mission and the impact the university has on students and the community.

NU student-athletes find plenty of ‘Balance,’ support for varied interests

Posted on by arnoldk Posted in Issues, NU Athletics, Spring 2011 Leave a comment

The Newman University Athletics Department has enthusiastically adopted the NCAA Division II “Life in the Balance” initiative to help students have a well-rounded collegiate experience (see related story). Here is a quick look at a few Newman student-athletes living a life of balance on and off the court.

Ferreira

Laryssa Ferreira, Senior
Major: Healthcare Science
Sport: Tennis
Activities: Student Center and weight room employee

“The Newman community cares for students. Everyone shows their willingness to help. That allows me to feel comfortable and relaxed, so I feel motivated to perform well on the court and in the classroom.”

Potter

Chelsey Potter, Senior
Major(s): Counseling, Communications
Sport: Volleyball
Activities: NU Bookstore employee, internship with Via Christi Health Public Relations Department, church involvement

“I think it’s good to have a liberal arts education because it makes you more well-rounded. You get to experience more things and connect with more people.”

Nordman

Tyler Nordman, Senior
Major: Communications
Sport: Basketball
Activities: Vantage student newspaper photo editor

“Being in a conference where you have to travel a lot, it’s easy to get sidetracked. The small community of Newman and the teachers work well to help us focus on our schedule and make it easier.”

Knabe

Amanda Knabe, Senior
Major: Liberal Arts
Sport: Soccer
Activities: Pep Band, Social Entrepreneurship Club, Honors program, transfer student orientation leader

“Newman has allowed me to develop both athletically and academically. It is challenging sometimes to go to class, then practice, then work, then back to class, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. At Newman I get to do all the things I want and need.”

Photos by Darrel Voth

From the President

Posted on by arnoldk Posted in President's Letters, Spring 2011 Leave a comment

Noreen Carrocci / Steve Rasmussen

Dear Alumni and Friends

An important key to success in most any endeavor is balance. A painter, for example, seeks a balance among different colors, shapes and proportions. Doctors urge us to eat a balanced diet from many food groups to maintain good health. In our daily lives we strive to find the right balance between work and play, spending and saving, dreaming and acting.

In this issue of Challenge we explore the concept of balance through our feature article about a new initiative of the NCAA Division II called “Life in the Balance.” This program is intended to provide student-athletes a well-rounded collegiate experience by creating a better balance among academics, athletics, and service to the community. We also present an interview with a former student and administrator who describes how the balance he experienced and the values he developed at Newman helped shape the NCAA program. In addition, we look at how a new Mission Statement and Identity Documents bring us more in balance with the mission of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. And, we feature a few people in the Newman community who are truly living “Life in the Balance.”

I applaud the NCAA DII for adopting the “Life in the Balance” program, and I am proud that Newman is part of it. But really, the concept of living a life that balances academic, athletic and community service pursuits is nothing new for us. At Newman, we strive to help students acquire intellectual skills and a desire to serve, while also developing a deeper understanding of themselves, their faith and their community. We work to stimulate in them a desire for academic excellence and global awareness, and to develop the ethics and moral values that will guide them through life. By giving them the tools they need to succeed in their chosen fields — all predicated on strong, positive values — we help prepare our graduates to fulfill the Newman mission of transforming society.

Of course, finding the right balance can be a challenge. Just think back to your younger days when you were trying to find the balance it takes to ride a bicycle. As noted in these pages, however, the effort is clearly worth it, and the results can last a lifetime. In fact, learning how to have balance in your life is much like learning how to ride that bike:

Once you get it, you never forget it.

Let us hear how your Newman experiences help you achieve balance in your life today.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Sincerely,

Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D.

Central elements of the plan and estimated timeframes

Posted on by Newman University Posted in Fall 2010, Feature Stories, Issues, Sections Leave a comment

Newman University Master Plan 0-5 years

Today–5 years:

Replace the Heimerman Science Center. A new 77,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art science building will be built near the existing center. The current building will likely remain for some time as a staging space for future development.

A new building to support the athletics fields. A building west of Merlini Hall would provide support to teams and spectators, storage and possibly indoor practice areas for golf, bowling and other sports. Other improvements will follow as conditions allow.

A gateway sign at the east entrance of campus. A large, possibly brick sign near the McCormick/K-42 entrance will welcome people to campus.

Newman University Master Plan 5-10 years

5–10 years:

A potential new athletics/recreation center. With a growing NCAA DII program, Newman needs a larger venue to support all team sports, and a separate facility for student intramural, wellness and recreational activity. The plan offers three options: a new stand-alone 81,000 square-foot facility for team sports; renovation and a 55,000 square-foot addition to O’Shaughnessy Hall for both team and recreational use; a 79,000 square-foot addition to O’Shaughnessy that includes a 2,500 seat performance gym and a larger fitness area. Newman officials are studying the feasibility of each option.

Reallocate all space in Eck Hall to nursing and allied health programs. Eck Hall now houses nursing and allied health programs as well as the School of Business. Most classes are also taught in Eck classrooms. The nursing and allied health programs need space to upgrade and increase lab facilities to meet continued demand for these programs.

Renovate and restore Sacred Heart Hall. The university will make some changes and upgrades to Sacred Heart Hall while taking special care to preserve its status as a campus landmark. Possible changes include reshuffling some offices and making cosmetic changes inside and out. University officials stressed the importance of renovating the infrastructure and restoring original spaces.

More on-campus housing. Newman officials are exploring several options to meet future housing needs, including renovation and new construction, or housing selected students in the ASC Wichita Center. Merlini Hall will likely be renovated and updated to remain in use for five or 10 years, then be replaced.

Expand the Mabee Dining Center. As the on-campus population grows the Mabee Dining Center will be expanded up to 2,000 square feet, and will offer more dining options.

Expand parking. The main lot on the east side of campus will be extended toward K-42.

Newman University Master Plan 10-20 years

10–20 years:

Replace McNeill Hall. McNeill suffers from inaccessibility issues, an aging infrastructure and limited opportunities for remodeling. Although the building can stay in use in the short term, McNeill would ultimately be replaced with an estimated 50,000 square-foot general purpose office building.

New residence hall construction. The Master Plan illustrates possible locations for new halls as they are needed.

A visitors center. The plan includes the possibility of a freestanding center west of the McCormick/K-42 entrance.

A new maintenance building. A building twice the size of today’s facility could be built near the ASC Wichita Center.

New Fine Arts facilities.
As Newman works to grow its fine arts and theatre programs, it could need a new fine arts studio and storage and construction space for the performing arts. Three possibilities are to relocate the Broadcast Education area to gain studio space, expand the De Mattias Fine Arts Center, or build a new studio space in another building. A decision has not yet been made.

Changes to existing structures and new buildings will include design elements that reflect current buildings. The plan also recommends that buildings be kept to two stories, and be energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Planners also recommend situating buildings far enough apart to maintain the open feel and appearance of the campus.

Soccer coach wins Heartland honor

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Head Women's Soccer Coach Derek Nichols

Derek Nichols

Newman Head Women’s Soccer Coach Derek Nichols was named Heartland Conference Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year for 2009, making him the first Newman coach to have received the award. For the 2009 season, the Jets posted 8 wins, 7 losses, and 4 ties, and for the first time achieved regional ranking.

Since coming to the university in 2005, Nichols has led the Jets to a Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament championship and a Regional Quarterfinals third-place finish. The Jets’ first year as an NCAA Division II school was one of the best in the women’s soccer program, with a record of 12-4-1.

“The award is voted on by the coaches from the conference, and it is always nice to be recognized by your peers,” Nichols said. He added, however, that his success is shared with the student-athletes. “Our job is to get them prepared, but they are the ones who go out and perform to get the results.”

Fall 2010 Season Highlights

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Cross Country

The men’s squad finished second at the Heartland Conference Championships, while the women took third. Chris Taylor, Austin Hunt, Nick Abbott and Melissa Ortiz earned All-Conference accolades for the Jets.

Women’s Soccer

The women’s team saw its most successful season ever as an NCAA D-II member. Newman posted an 8-7-4 overall record and finished fourth in the Heartland Conference at 6-4-2. Heather Baloga, Christina Farid, Kayde Kluge and Amanda Knabe earned All-Conference honors.

Volleyball

First-year Head Coach Joanna Pryor and the volleyball team made solid strides during the fall. The Jets eclipsed the 10-win plateau for the first time in D-II competition, finishing 11-21 and 6-8 in Heartland Conference play, beating defending conference champion University of Texas-Permian Basin in the process. Chelsey Potter was named to the All-Conference Team.

From the president

Posted on by Newman University Posted in Fall 2009, President's Letters Leave a comment

Newman University President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D.

Dear Alumni and Friends,

Since coming to Newman University in 2007, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing many positive changes: The opening of new campus facilities such as the Dugan Library and Campus Center. The transition to NCAA Division II. The creation of a new Strategic Plan with collaboration across the Newman community.

I have also concentrated efforts on other areas I believe are important to Newman’s wellbeing: Attracting and retaining quality students. Balancing our budget. Building mutually beneficial partnerships with people and organizations across Kansas.

Through all of this, the constant that guides us is a focus on the student. Whether a new freshman, transfer, returning adult undergraduate or graduate, laid-off worker, or veteran eligible for the new GI Bill Yellow Ribbon program, we do everything we can to meet the needs of our students.

Two years ago, for example, we began participating in a program to better assess and improve student learning. This program helps us measure students’ acquisition of objective knowledge, as well as their abilities to communicate, think critically, analyze information and make ethical judgments.

Over the past year, we have developed and launched new academic programs to serve an ever-changing and diverse student population. We also began creating a long-term campus master plan that will cover everything from efficiently using old classrooms to building new learning and athletic facilities to expanding food service options.

And during the next few years, we will focus our fundraising efforts on increasing scholarships, so more students can gain the benefits of a Newman education. I would appreciate your support in this endeavor.

As anyone who has attended Newman knows, classrooms, technology and other external signs of the institution change. Yet the dedication of Newman’s faculty and staff to the students does not. I am proud of all they do for our students – and happy to say that students are appreciative of their work, too.

In fact, we often hear back from graduates who tell us how a professor or experience at Newman changed their lives. In this issue of Challenge, you’ll read about former pre-med students who sent notes of thanks to their professors for fully preparing them for medical school. You’ll also hear an alumna describe how Newman helped her become a successful author. And of course, you’ll get a look at some current students and what they think of Newman, as well as some of the activities, methods and people working to meet their needs.

I think as you read these and other stories, you’ll see that, indeed, everything we do at Newman – from providing microscopes and music classes to installing water fountains and WiFi – is for the student.

And that’s exactly as it should be.

Thank you for your interest and support.

Sincerely,
Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D.

Student-athletes earn top Grade Point Average, service awards

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For the third consecutive year, Newman student-athletes achieved the highest combined Grade Point Average (GPA) among all Heartland Conference athletics programs. For the 2008-2009 academic year, student-athletes had a combined overall GPA of 3.30 – up slightly from the 3.22 score which brought Newman the top spot for both the 2007-2008 and 2006-2007 academic years.

In addition, Newman claimed the top spot for the second consecutive year in the combined women’s program category with a 3.46 GPA. The university also took top honors in the combined men’s program category with a 3.15 GPA. Newman recorded the highest team GPA in women’s basketball (3.32) for the third consecutive year, while softball (3.48) and men’s tennis (3.69) programs also led the conference.

“Newman University places a high priority on academic performance as well as athletic performance, and I am very proud to see that our student-athletes, faculty, and staff honor our commitment to excellence in the classroom,” said Athletics Director Vic Trilli.

The Newman Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) also won the Fall 2008 Heartland Conference Award for Community Engagement. The award is a program of the NCAA Division II that selects one school from each conference that exhibits outstanding community engagement.