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: Maura Shimmens
VP of Internal Affairs: Justin Gassel
VP of External Affairs: Emily Goodwin
Secretary: Heidi Speth
Publicity Chair: Emily Earl
Executive Officer: Kathleen Placke
Fellowship Committee
The Fellowship Committee hosts weekly meetings, retreats, and various social opportunities for Newman’s fellowship groups and FOCUS groups.
Men’s Ministry: Connor Havrilla & Nolon Carter
Women’s Ministry: Sadie Rollings, Anna Clayton & Emma Deist
Co-Ed Ministry: Rachel Smith (Co-Chair), Conaire Bradfield (Co-Chair), Nicholas Rackers & Paschaline Uti
FOCUS Group Coordinators: Christina Woelk (Liaison), Connor Havrilla (Men’s) and Sadie Rollings (Women’s), Rachel Smith and Conaire Bradfield(Co-Ed)
Intramurals Committee
Newman Intramurals coordinates and promotes Newman’s participation in Intramural events, stimulating Newman spirit and sportsmanship as we battle other organizations.
Committee Chair: Clare Wacker
Committee Members: Riley Scott & Casey Voichahoske
Liturgy Committee
The Liturgy Committee is responsible for coordinating Masses, recruiting Mass volunteers (Greeters, Lectors, and Eucharistic Ministers), and decorating the altar.
Committee Chair: Andrew Gentry
Committee Members: Anna Burns, Taryn Gough, David Smith & Megan Barnes
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: Emily Earl
Committee Members: Allison Seiler & Erin Bradfield
Service Committee
The Service Committee works alongside the community in order to put on benefit dinners. This committee also engages in community outreach.
Committee Chairs: Emily Schaper
Committee Members: Kara Kirner & Matt Klekar
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: Anna Sorenson
Committee Members: Rob Garner & Abby Naumann
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.