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: Jake Hearst
VP of Internal Affairs: Adam Moran
VP of External Affairs: Maura Shimmens
Secretary: Liz Buchholz
Publicity Chair: Justin Gassel
Alumni Liaison: Ben Wolf
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, and David Smith
Women’s Ministry: Abby Sanders, Emma Famous, & Katie Alexander
Salt & Light Co-Leaders: Maguire Radosevic & Gloria Farmer
FOCUS Group Coordinators: Maura Shimmens(Liaison), Ben Schmidt (Men’s) and Emily Goodwin (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: A.J Clever
Women’s Chair: Christina Halfmann
Co-ed Chair: Jonathan Bradfield
Liturgy Committee
The Liturgy Committee is responsible for coordinating Masses, recruiting Mass volunteers (Greeters, Lectors, and Eucharistic Ministers), and decorating the altar.
Committee Chair: Rachel Smith
Committee Members: Tyler Acosta (Praise Band Leader), Christina Slipke (Choir Director), Andrew Gentry, Clare Wacker
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: Justin Gassel
Committee Members: Emily Wren, Rob Garner, Ben Schmidt, & Christina Woelk
Service Committee
The Service Committee…
Committee Chairs: Sadie Rollings & Anna Graves
Committee Members: Emily Goodwin & Paschaline Uti
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: Lucy Miloscia
Committee Members: Emily Wren, Heidi Speth, & Christina Halfmann
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: Emily Schaper
Committee Members: Kathleen Placke, & Heidi Speth