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| Newman University Installs Noreen Carrocci as 11th President and Dedicates the Dugan Library and Campus Center
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Contact: Kelly Snedden
Director of Communications
Phone: 316-942-4291 ext. 2164
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 9, 2007
Newman University Installs Noreen Carrocci as 11th President and Dedicates the Dugan Library and Campus Center
(Left to right) Chairman of the Board J.V. Johnston, President of Spring Hill College Rev. Gregory Lucey, S.J., President of Newman University Noreen Carrocci and Director of Mission Effectiveness/Archives Charlotte Rohrbach, ASC
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Vice President of Institutional Advancement Thomas E. Borrego at the Dedication of the Dugan Library and Campus Center
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Wichita, Kan.– Nov. 9, 2007 will be a day for the history books at Newman University. Nov. 9 was not only the day Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D., was installed as university president, but also the day Newman’s Dugan Library and Campus Center was dedicated and blessed.
The day’s events began with the Newman community gathering for Mass in the Woman of the New Covenant Chapel at the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC) Regional Wichita Center. The homily was given by the Most Rev. Michael Jackels, Bishop of the Diocese of Wichita.
Following Mass, Carrocci became the 11th president of Newman University during an Installation Ceremony in the Performance Hall of the De Mattias Fine Arts Center.
The ceremony began with a stately processional of installation participants that included 11 red and blue banners representing different constituencies of the university, including the Student Government Association, Student Life, Campus Ministry, the Ambassadors, Athletics, the Arts (Performing and Visual), the Campus Activities Board, Residence Life and the Alumni Association. The processional also featured two gonfalon banners representing the two colleges of the university, the College of Professional Studies and the College of Arts & Humanities. Each gonfalon was followed by members of the faculty and staff of the respective colleges.
Delegates from other colleges and universities across the nation were also included in the processional, as well as members of the Newman Board of Trustees and the ASC.
Guests were welcomed by Newman Chairman of the Board J.V. Johnston (a 1982 graduate of Kansas Newman College, a predecessor institution of Newman University). Newman Chaplain Father Joseph Tatro led an opening prayer, and Carrocci’s husband Robert Benson read a scripture followed by a song performed by Newman’s select music ensemble, the Troubadours.
Various leaders from throughout the community then offered words of encouragement to Carrocci. Among those speaking were: Bishop Jackels on behalf of the Catholic Church; Regional Leader of the ASC U.S. Region and Newman Board Member Jan Renz on behalf of the ASC; Mayor Carl Brewer on behalf of the City of Wichita; President of Spring Hill College (Ala.) Father Gregory Lucy, S.J. on behalf of the delegates of other institutions; President of the Faculty Senate Ron Ryan, Ph.D. on behalf of the Newman faculty; Vice President of Staff Assembly Linda Sabala (a 1972 and 1998 Newman graduate) on behalf of the Newman staff; President of the Student Government Association Drew Spencer on behalf of Newman students, and President of the National Alumni Association James Macias (1981) on behalf of Newman alumni.
In their remarks, many of the guests pointed to Carrocci’s leadership skills and strong faith.
“I have known Dr. Carrocci for only a few short months, but every conversation I have had with her confirms my sense that she understands what it means to lead a Catholic university in today’s world,” Sister Jan said. “Dr. Carrocci brings an energy and enthusiasm that is needed here at Newman to continue the mission begun in 1933 when it was first known as Sacred Heart Junior College. . . . I believe that Dr. Carrocci has the gifts, the strength, the enthusiasm and the energy to continue to move Newman University forward in the 21st century.”
“Your reputation as an accomplished academic preceded you here, but it is only since your arrival that we have learned how very fortunate we are to have you as our president,” Sabala said. “We have witnessed that you are determined to do what is best for this institution.”
Following the words of encouragement, authority and responsibility were bestowed upon Carrocci as the 11th president of Newman University by Johnston and Sister Jan. Carrocci was also presented a presidential medallion of brushed silver that incorporates symbols of the ASC and the university’s seal and logo.
“We are here to engage, to educate, to empower our students to transform society,” Carrocci said in her inaugural address, reflecting the event’s theme of “Engaging. Educating. Empowering.” “Through the providence of God and the efforts of all who have labored at and supported Newman University for the past 74 years, we are poised for new levels of achievement.”
The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer by 1962 graduate Charlotte Rohrbach, ASC, Newman professor emerita of history and director of mission effectiveness and archives.
Library dedication features recognition of donors, blessing of facility
Later in the day, Newman Vice President of Institutional Advancement Thomas E. Borrego welcomed guests to the Dedication and Blessing of the Dugan Library and Campus Center. During the event, which took place just outside the main entrance to the library, Borrego and President Carrocci recognized the efforts of the campaign leaders and the many Newman employees and donors who raised the $14.25 million needed to build the facility after the former campus library was closed in 2003 because of structural problems.
Among those honored were the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, who helped launch the campaign with a $5 million gift, and John E. and Marilyn K. (Gorges) Dugan of Wichita, who made a $2 million naming gift and later made a separate $500,000 gift for the facility’s Dugan-Gorges Conference Center. Also honored were Les and Pam Eck and the Eck family for their crucial gift of $1.5 million, which allowed Newman to meet the conditions of a “challenge” grant offered by the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation of Tulsa, Okla., and bring the campaign to a successful conclusion.
Also recognized at the ceremony were Mac McKee and Bill Livingston of Gossen Livingston Architects, which designed the facility, and Tom Dondlinger (1972), president of Dondlinger and Sons Construction Co., Inc., general contractor for the building’s construction. Campaign Co-Chairs Terry (1968) and Gretchen (1969) Keller were also recognized for the important role they played in the campaign, as were Honorary Campaign Co-Chairs Tarcisia Roths, ASC (1948, 1954) professor emerita of history and Newman president from 1991 to 2000, and Eugene Gerber, bishop emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita.
“Words cannot express the immense gratitude the students, faculty and staff have to all the benefactors to this project,” Borrego said. “Nearly 400 donors saw the need to provide this campus with not only a library, but a quality facility that will serve the Newman community and the community of Wichita as well.”
“This facility is a shining example of what can be accomplished when hearts and minds unite,” Carrocci added. “Dreams and visions do come true!”
The ceremony concluded with a blessing of the building and a blessing and hanging of crucifixes throughout the facility by Bishop Jackels. After the ceremony, Newman students provided tours of the facility. An Open House and reception followed.
The Dugan Library and Campus Center is a two-story, 56,000 square-foot facility designed to be the academic, social and cultural center of the campus. In addition to a state-of-the-art library, the center includes study and gathering areas, a combination bookstore/convenience store, a café serving brick-oven pizza and other food and drink items, the Fugate Student Center, the Sister Tarcisia Roths Alumni Center and the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center. |
Posted on Friday, November 09, 2007 (Archive on Tuesday, January 01, 2008)
Posted by admin_schneiderl Contributed by admin_schneiderl
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