Graduates called to live ‘life of significance’ at 2025 Newman commencement

Key Takeaways:

• Newman University celebrated a historic milestone with 406 graduates receiving degrees, including its first-ever doctoral graduates in 2025
• Commencement speaker J.T. Klaus '87 challenged graduates to pursue "a life of service and significance" rather than merely chasing success
• First-generation graduates like Zion Feuin (MSW) exemplify Newman University's mission by working with underserved populations like Medicaid brain injury patients
• The addition of doctoral programs shows Newman University's academic growth and expanding impact on healthcare and business
• Newman's close-knit community creates strong relationships that graduates consistently mention as one of the most valuable aspects of their education

In a day marked by academic achievement and profound inspiration, Newman University celebrated a historic milestone as 406 graduates received their degrees during the 2025 commencement ceremony at Park City Arena on Saturday, May 17. The ceremony stood out as it marked the first time in Newman's history that doctoral degrees were conferred, representing a new chapter in the institution's academic journey.

Among those addressing the graduates was J.T. Klaus, a 1987 Newman alumnus and recipient of the 2025 St. Newman Medal, who delivered a powerful commencement address centered on choosing significance over success. Klaus, a partner at Triplett Woolf Garretson LLC, urged graduates to reject the "life-sucking magnetism of success" and instead pursue lives of service and lasting impact.

"My challenge for you today," Klaus said, "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."

First Doctoral Graduates Mark Historic Milestone

The ceremony celebrated Newman's first graduates from two new doctoral programs: the Doctor of Business Administration and the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP). This academic growth shows the university's increasing influence in healthcare and business education.

Among these pioneering doctoral graduates were twins Lucas and Blake Rawls, who both earned DNAP degrees. After working in intensive care settings at Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health, both have secured positions at McBride Orthopedic Hospital, where their father also works in nurse anesthesia.

"It's crazy being part of the inaugural class, just setting the blueprint for all the underclassmen coming up behind us," Lucas Rawls remarked. "It's been such a great experience and I'm super excited to call myself Dr. Rawls."

President Kathleen Jagger, Ph.D., MPH, highlighted the significance of this milestone, noting that including doctoral hooding in the main ceremony—unlike larger institutions that often hold separate events—provides inspiration for all students. "It not only gives a spirit of accomplishment to those students who worked so hard to earn their doctoral degrees, but it also gives the rest of the students and the audience something to aspire to," Jagger said.

Service-Oriented Graduates Prepare to Transform Communities

Zion Feuin, a first-generation Master of Social Work graduate, exemplifies Newman's mission of service. Currently employed at Thrive Therapy of Kansas, Feuin works with Medicaid brain injury patients throughout the state, serving over 350 clients across Kansas. "To me, service means staying humble, putting others first and being empathetic," Feuin said. "I'm grateful that my work allows me to positively impact so many lives."

For Feuin, graduation day represents more than just academic achievement. "This is really a day for me to honor my family and their hard work to help get me here," she said with tears in her eyes. "And also show my son that no matter what life may throw at you, you can do it. It means a lot to me."

Nursing graduate Allison Szewczyk will begin her career in the cardiac intensive care unit at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita. The Alaska native expressed gratitude for her professors who helped her develop confidence and a strong knowledge base. "Growing up Catholic, we're taught to spread that compassion to others and carry that service forward," Szewczyk said. "Growing up with my parents' words and me being a science nerd, I've found my passion in nursing and can't wait to get started."

Klaus illustrated the power of significance through the example of 2025 graduate Braden Oberle, who worked in Klaus' law office and contributed to a $45 million financing project for six new neighborhoods in Andover, Kansas, as well as a major expansion of their wastewater treatment plant. "Fourteen thousand people are going to be able to flush their toilets because of Braden Oberle," Klaus said. "Thousands of children are going to learn to ride their bicycles on safe streets and residential sidewalks because of Braden Oberle. He may very well have a lot of success in front of him, but he is already significant… today."

Ablah Awards Recognize Outstanding Graduates

Each year at commencement, Newman University recognizes outstanding male and female graduates with the prestigious Ablah Awards, established by Fran and Geri (Ablah) Jabara to honor the memory of Geri's parents, Harvey J. and Leona J. Ablah. The 2025 recipients were Allie Johnson and Corbin Molina.

Johnson, an elementary education graduate, was recognized for her academic excellence, strong commitment to service, and leadership. "Allie is inspired by her faith and the teachers who paved the way," noted one nominator. Active in the Student Government Association, the President's Student Cabinet, and Newman Cheer and Dance teams, Johnson also participated in Campus Ministry, Jets for Life, Circle K International and Teacher's Club.

"I want to be remembered for being the voice that others need to make a positive change in this world," Johnson said. "I'm super excited to give back, not only to my family, but to the community back home." She has accepted a position as a first-grade teacher at Westmoreland Elementary, a Title I school where she plans to "make a real difference in the lives of her students."

Molina, a chemistry major with a minor in theater, graduated a year early and was described by a nominator as someone who "always goes above and beyond in a selfless way." He entertained audiences in nearly 20 Newman theater productions, including the lead role in Shakespeare's "Hamlet," which toured area high schools this spring. Since 2022, Molina has served as a volunteer and on the development committee for Passageways Ltd., a faith-based nonprofit providing temporary housing and health services to veterans.

"I had Corbin's name in my head and sure enough they called it — boom, there it was," said Director of Theatre Mark Mannette. "That was pretty amazing. And then to see his reaction… even as he stood on stage, listening to the reasons why he was selected, you could tell he was washed over with appreciation and gratitude for receiving the award."

Molina plans to work at OxyChem, a chemical plant in Wichita, and eventually pursue a master's degree in nuclear engineering while continuing theater and music productions in his free time.

Celebrating Academic Growth and New Beginnings

The commencement ceremony also marked a bittersweet transition for Music Director Deanne Zogleman and pianist Carole Pracht, who led their final performance with the Newman chorale and troubadours before their retirement following more than 20 years of service to Newman. The students enthusiastically performed "I Gave It All" by Aquilo, a fitting tribute to the class of 2025's achievements.

Rylee Gresham, a Master of Science in Biomedical Science graduate, hopes to bring joy to others' lives daily. Her next steps include earning a master's degree in healthcare administration from Newman, followed by medical school with dreams of becoming a dermatologist.

"I just want to be remembered as a good person — someone who can help my patients and help people in general enjoy life a little more," Gresham said, echoing the emphasis on significance that Klaus described in his commencement address.

Building Lasting Relationships in a Supportive Community

President Jagger considers Newman University graduation day to be "the best day of the year." She explained, "Today is really the day that measures our students' success and our success. These students are the accumulation of all the efforts of everyone on campus. Everyone from the housekeeping staff, public relations team to the registrar's office — it's such a group effort, and it's why Newman exists. It's so joyful for all of us at Newman to celebrate this day with our graduates."

Many graduates highlighted the relationships they developed during their time at Newman as one of the most valuable aspects of their experience. Graduates Colby Wilson, Christian Palmer, and Andrew Hudson left Park City Arena not only with degrees and excitement for their futures but also with lifelong friendships they'll always treasure.

"Newman and being part of the baseball team gave me my best friends for the rest of my life, honestly," said Wilson, a sports media and promotion major. "On top of that, Newman has definitely pushed us in the right steps for our career fields."

Palmer, a business marketing and management major, added: "Coming from Colorado as a transfer, Andrew and Colby were the first people I got close with here at Newman. Being able to build a community fast and have them welcome me with open arms really meant a lot. I'm sure we'll stay friends forever."

Sister Therese Wetta, ASC, Director of Mission Effectiveness, described commencement as "always a joy and thrill" and acknowledged the often-unseen challenges overcome by graduating students. "I know that many of them have balanced jobs, family, studies, and still many of us probably won't know the extent of what it took them to get to today. But the chance to celebrate and rejoice with them is a very special occasion."

A New Chapter in the Newman Legacy

As the ceremony concluded, cheers echoed through the arena as each graduate crossed the stage and moved their tassels from right to left, symbolizing their transition from students to alumni. Pat Edwards '07, president of the National Alumni Board, warmly welcomed graduates into a global network of more than 18,000 Newman alumni.

For many graduates, the academic journey at Newman may be over, but the values instilled and connections made will continue to shape their futures. Their academic journey at Newman may be over, but no matter where they may go, the class of 2025 will be forever bonded as members of the Newman Jet family.

Though the celebration has ended, the call to live lives of significance has just begun. Klaus's closing words stayed with graduates as they prepared to start their next chapters: "Go build, go create, go achieve — but in so doing, make sure you're building something that matters; something that lifts others up; something that lasts. Go out and make a difference."

The 2025 commencement ceremony not only marked the end of one journey but the beginning of many more as Newman University graduates go forth to transform society through their service and leadership, accepting Klaus's challenge to choose significance over success.

Newman University continues its commitment to empowering students to transform society through comprehensive education and experiences that build lifelong skills and relationships. Learn more about how Newman University prepares graduates for meaningful careers and purposeful lives at Newman University.

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