Newman University awarded its first-ever doctoral degrees at its 108th Commencement, where 406 graduates received associate through doctoral degrees. The milestone ceremony featured twin DNAP graduates and recognized outstanding students with the prestigious Ablah Awards.
-- Newman University marked a historic milestone at its 108th Commencement on May 17, 2025, at Park City Arena as 406 graduates received associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The ceremony featured the first-ever conferral of doctoral degrees from the university's Doctor of Business Administration and Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) programs, representing a significant advancement in Newman's academic offerings.
For more information, visit https://news.newmanu.edu/2025-commencement/
Commencement speaker J.T. Klaus '87, recipient of the 2025 St. Newman Medal, encouraged graduates to focus on meaningful impact rather than personal achievement. "My challenge for you today is to ignore the life-sucking magnetism of success and instead seek a life of service and significance. Success will come and go, but the significance of service to others leaves a legacy that can last forever," Klaus stated during his address.
Twins Lucas and Blake Rawls, who previously worked in intensive care at Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health, were among the first DNAP graduates. They will now join their father at McBride Orthopedic Hospital. "Being part of the inaugural class means setting the blueprint for all the underclassmen coming up behind us," Lucas Rawls noted. His brother Blake added, "This is our third degree, so this is the stamp. Now the gates have opened to what we want to do with our lives."
The university presented its prestigious Ablah Awards during the ceremony. Elementary education graduate Allie Johnson received the Leona J. Ablah Award for her academic excellence and involvement in Student Government Association, President's Student Cabinet, and Campus Ministry. Johnson has accepted a position as a first-grade teacher at Westmoreland Elementary, a Title I school where she plans to make a difference in students' lives.
Chemistry major Corbin Molina, who participated in nearly 20 Newman theater productions including the lead role in Shakespeare's "Hamlet," received the Harvey J. Ablah Award. Molina plans to work at OxyChem in Wichita and eventually pursue a master's degree in nuclear engineering.
Zion Feuin, a first-generation Master of Social Work graduate, shared what the day meant to her: "This is a day to honor my family and their hard work to help get me here, and show my son that no matter what life throws at you, you can do it." Feuin completed her practicum at Holy Savior Catholic School and now works at Thrive Therapy of Kansas.
President Kathleen Jagger, Ph.D., MPH, described commencement as "the best day of the year" that measures both student success and the university's success. Pat Edwards '07, National Alumni Board president, welcomed the new graduates into Newman's network of over 18,000 alumni worldwide.
Learn more about Newman University academic programs at https://newmanu.edu/
Contact Info:
Name: Clark Schafer
Email: Send Email
Organization: Newman University
Address: 3100 McCormick , Wichita, Kansas 67213, United States
Website: https://newmanu.edu/
Source: PressCable
Release ID: 89160878
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