Newman University

When asked about her initial reaction to homecoming centering on volleyball, volleyball coach Tori Provencio’s response was immediate: “Girl power.”

“Highlighting a women’s sport is incredible,” she said. “I think that has always been my mission to empower these young ladies. So for them to be highlighted is pretty special.”

Alumni, students, faculty and staff will pack the stands for game day on Oct. 10, and Provencio sees the big crowd not as added pressure, but as fuel for her team.

“I think it gives us energy and support we need,” Provencio said. “I always tell the ladies to play calm, cool, collected and intense. But we play the same whether we’re up, we’re down, there are two people in the crowd or the whole community.”

As for what she is most looking forward to on game day?

“Well, obviously a dub, but I always hope that they play good volleyball no matter what,” Provencio said. “The women’s game is so fun and energetic. I really hope we can share the love of volleyball not only for Newman, but for people in Wichita.”

Join us for Newman homecoming festivities Oct. 9-10!

📷: Courtesy of Richard Rico Snapshots

Find the full story: https://bit.ly/3VrlGL1

For the first time in university history, Newman homecoming weekend Oct. 9-10 has traded in its snowy winter setting and basketball backdrop for the crisp fall and the women’s volleyball program at the center of it all.

The weekend, which was moved from February to coincide with the feast day of St. John Henry Newman, also marks a full-circle moment for head volleyball coach and alumna Tori Provencio.

As a former student-athlete and volleyball libero, Provencio remembers the hype around basketball homecomings at Newman. The opportunity is nothing short of special, she said.

“To be a part of the first coverage of homecoming for women’s volleyball is pretty monumental,” Provencio said.

The women’s volleyball game against Washburn University is set for 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, in the Fugate Gymnasium. The crowning of the homecoming king and queen will take place immediately before the game at 12:45 p.m.

📷: Courtesy of Richard Rico Snapshots

Continue reading: https://bit.ly/3VrlGL1

An evening of mystery, movement, and unforgettable storytelling awaits.
The Spirit Bride, co-created by Newman University and Ballet Wichita, comes to the stage October 9 and 10 at 7:00 PM.
Reserve your seats today: https://bit.ly/4rCr7Td

Student Kyla Toombs gains vital lab experience in summer research program 🧪

Senior Kyla Toombs was in a high school biology class when she realized she wanted to dedicate her career to developing life-changing medical treatments.

Now a biology major with a concentration in biomedical research, Toombs is working on making that goal a reality. Over the summer, she was accepted into three competitive summer research fellowships across the country, each of which only accepts a handful of students each year. She ultimately chose the 10-week Biomedical Scholars Summer Undergraduate Research Program at the University of Iowa — one of her top choices.

“I knew I liked the programs and the research … so I pretty much accepted the offer immediately,” Toombs said.

During her 10 weeks in Iowa City from May 23 through July 31, Toombs worked in the Shyam Lab in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology under principal investigator Raji Shyam, Ph.D. There, she investigated cellular mechanisms behind Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD), a degenerative and blinding eye disease.

Toombs worked with bovine corneal endothelial cells, pivoting from an initial membrane stiffness project to examine how proteasome inhibition induces cytoskeletal abnormalities in corneal cells.

Toombs’ determination in the sciences is a family trend. Her uncle, Asa Toombs ’13, graduated from Newman with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry before earning his graduate degree at Iowa State University. He now serves as an assistant professor of chemistry at Emporia State University.

He is also proud of Toombs for “taking the leap” to pursue summer programs — something he wishes he would have done during his own undergraduate experience.

“I was extremely proud of the work that she put into her studies to prepare her for the experience as well as the work it took to put together competitive applications,” Asa said. “I think it takes a lot of courage to attempt something like these internships in preparation for one’s future goals.”

Congrats, Kyla! 🥳

Continue reading: https://bit.ly/4j8ZRK0

Join us for a beautiful evening of prayer, reflection, and community at our St. John Henry Newman Feast Day Candlelight Mass.

Mass will be held Friday, October 9 at 7:30 PM in St. John’s Chapel. All are welcome to gather with us.

See you there!

Thank you to our ASC Sisters and students who joined us for conversation this morning for World Mental Health day!

It is always a blessing to see our students connecting with our Sisters. 💙

On Friday, we welcomed Dr. Aimee Hein, assistant professor of Theological Ethics at Creighton University, to share the first presentation in a four part Mission Friday Series.

In her reflection on Pope Leo XIV's encyclical "Magnifica Humanitas," Dr. Hein's talk focused on how human beings are created for relationship. She spoke on the moral developments in recent Catholic history, the themes and concerns in "Magnifica Humanitas," and the role of the Catholic university in ethical AI use.

Thank you, Dr. Hein, for traveling to Newman and sharing your insights with our students, faculty, and staff!

— with Newman Institute for AI & the Common Good