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: Alex Sextro
VP of Internal Affairs: Matthew Naeger
VP of External Affairs: Emily Davenport
Committee Liaison: Emily Damba
Secretary: Bethany Travis
Fundraising Coordinator: TBD
Council Liaison: Abby Sanders
Alumni Liaison: Alex Holzum
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: Matthew Naeger
Committee Members: Will Leingang and Zachary Smith
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: TBD
FOCUS Group Coordinators: Jake Hearst (Men’s) and Samantha Sargent (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: Emily Wren
Liturgy Committee
The Liturgy Committee is responsible for coordinating Masses, recruiting Mass volunteers (Greeters, Lectors, and Eucharistic Ministers), and decorating the altar.
Committee Chair: Ben Wolf
Committee Members: Tyler Acosta (Praise Band Leader), Amber Colvis (Choir Director), Katleen Morgan (Choir Assistant), Meaghan O’Connell, and Claire Viviano
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: Bethany Travis
Bulletin: Madeleine Staley
Photography: Emily Wren
Social Media: Adam Yancey
Website: Whitney Stroup
Service Committee
The Service Committee…
Committee Co-Chairs: Leah Bell and Meg Meyer
Committee Members: Maggie Orf, Nicole Tankovic, and 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: Jackie Jacezko
Committee Members: Jake Hearst, Alex Holzum, Abby Schilly, Adam Schmidtz, Mary Claire Stoker, and Ben Wolf
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: Erin Kuttler
Committee Members: Grace Malinee, Abbie Schultz, and Maddie Torline