Our (Brief) History as a Catholic Newman Center

1883: Catholics immerse in public universities.

Waves of Catholic immigrants come to America, especially from Ireland, Germany, and Italy.   After the first generation of immigrants become settled, a growing number of Catholics start to attend public Universities.  Catholic lay leaders work to keep Catholics on campus in touch with their Catholic faith.

Administration History

1955-1957:   Director – Rev. Richard Carney

1957-1960:   Sponsor – Rev. Norbert G. Adelman, C.PP.S.

1960-1962:   Chaplain – Fr. Pau F. Bobay, C.PP.S.

1962-1966:   Chaplain – Rev. J. Leon Allred

1966-1969:   Chaplain – Fr. Luke Reichert

1969-1975:   Director – Fr. John Whiteley

1975-1978:   Director: Fr. Jim Schafer

1978-1983:   Director – Fr. John Prenger

1983-1987:   Director – Fr. Les Niemeyer

1987-1989:   Director – Fr. Les Niemeyer, Secretary – Bettie Lesczynski

1989-1993:   Director – Fr. Kevin Clohessy, Associate Campus Minister – Bettie Lescyznski

1993-1994:   Chaplain – Fr. Dave Maher, Associate Campus Minister – Bettie Lescyznski

1994-1995:   Chaplain – Fr. Don Crosby, Associate Campus Minister – Bettie Lescyznski

1996-2009:   Chaplain – Fr. Bill Kottenstette, Director – Bettie Lesczynski

2009-2015:   Chaplain – Fr. Bill Kottenstette, Director – Chris Korte

2015- 2020: Chaplain – Fr. Colin Franklin, Director – Chris Korte

2020-2023: Chaplain – Fr. Simeon Etonu, Director – Chris Korte

2023-2024: Chaplain – Fr. Boniface Nzabonimpa, Director – Chris Korte

2024-Present: Chaplain – Fr. Joseph Luzindana, Director – Chris Korte