The Newman Council
The Newman Council is our student-run planning board composed of committees that are responsible for the spiritual activities, social events and service opportunities at our center. These students provide leadership and facilitate programs that enrich the Catholic experience at Truman State University.
If you are interested in planning and directing programs at Newman, learn more about our committees and consider joining the Newman Council.
Executive Committee
The “Exec” team coordinates the Newman Council’s overall program operations. Executive positions include: President, Internal Vice President, External Vice President, Committee Liaison, Secretary, Fundraising Coordinator, Council Liaison, Alumni Liaison, and Executive Officer.
President: Sam Sargent
VP of Internal Affairs: Jake Hearst
VP of External Affairs: Adam Yancey
Committee Liaison: Kelly Backer
Secretary: Caleb Bruemmer
Fundraising Coordinator: TBD
Alumni Liaison: Bethany Travis
Facilities Committee
The Facilities Committee maintains order in our new Newman building. The committee plays every essential role in making sure Newman events & rentals run smoothly.
Committee Chair: Zachary Smith
Committee Members: Andrew Gentry
Fellowship Committee
The Fellowship Committee hosts weekly meetings, retreats, and various social opportunities for Newman’s fellowship groups and FOCUS groups.
Peter’s Pyros Leader: Adam Schmidtz
Salt & Light Co-Leaders: Michael Wohldmann & Celine Fuchs
FOCUS Group Coordinators: Abby Sanders (Liaison) Ben Wolf (Men’s) and Emily Wren (Women’s)
Intramurals Committee
Newman Intramurals coordinates and promotes Newman’s participation in Intramural events, stimulating Newman spirit and sportsmanship as we battle other organizations.
Men’s Chair: Will Leingang
Women’s Chair: Christina Halfmann
Co-ed Chair: Lucas Marling & Alex Holzum
Liturgy Committee
The Liturgy Committee is responsible for coordinating Masses, recruiting Mass volunteers (Greeters, Lectors, and Eucharistic Ministers), and decorating the altar.
Committee Chair: Meaghan O’Connell
Committee Members: Tyler Acosta (Praise Band Leader), Katleen Morgan (Choir Director), Christina Slipke (Choir Assistant), Rachel Smith, and Emma Famous
Publicity Committee
The Publicity Committee publicizes Newman events. Newman’s publicity usually takes the form of a weekly bulletin, Mass announcements, this website, social media, and campus sidewalk chalking. Creative and innovative ideas are welcome!
Committee Chair: Kelly Backer
Committee Members: Riley Bess, Justin Gassel, and Curt Wichmer
Service Committee
The Service Committee…
Committee Chairs: Kathleen Placke
Committee Members: Liz Bucholz, Alex Holzum, and Anna Graves
Social Committee
The Social Committee plans and runs social activities such as BBQs, dances, coffeehouses, and movie nights. The social committee coordinates Newman’s participation in Homecoming, Family Day, and Finals Week. This committee provides exciting opportunities for involvement with the campus and getting Newman’s face around the University.
Committee Chair: Jackie Jacezko
Committee Members: Ben Schmidt, Ingrid Erickson and Zoe Goff
Spiritual Committee
The Spiritual Committee provides a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth to members of the Newman community consisting of Bible studies, retreats, Eucharistic adoration and Reconciliation services.
Committee Chair: Maguire Radosevic
Committee Members: Maura Schmimmens and Amanda Kapp