2016 alumni awards to be presented at Cardinal Newman Banquet, Feb. 27
The Newman University National Alumni Board of Directors has selected the recipients of the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Awards. The awards will be presented at the Cardinal Newman Banquet and Awards Ceremony, Feb. 27, 2016 in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center.
Robert Martin, M.D. ’83
Leon A. McNeill Distinguished Alumni Award
Family practice physician Robert Martin, M.D. has served the people of West Plains and the surrounding communities in the Ozark Region of Missouri for 25 years. He is a founding physician and volunteer at the West Plains Christian Clinic that serves the medically uninsured, and has organized annual mission trips to Jamaica with medical and dental personnel since 2002. Martin also serves his church in several capacities. He and wife Melody are originally from Iola, Kan., and have two children.
Richard Klinge, J.D. ’71
Beata Netemeyer Service Award
Richard Klinge began his legal career with the Oklahoma-based TG&Y Corporation, and was in private practice in Oklahoma City for several years. After participating in the “Just Faith” spiritual program, which emphasizes Catholic social teachings, Klinge joined Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, where he works to help undocumented immigrants. He has mobilized ecumenical and interfaith collaboration with this ministry and gives much time educating the general public about this issue.
Teresa Lovelady, MSW ’10
Spirit of Acuto Transformational Leadership Award
Teresa Lovelady used her Newman MSW/MBA to become CEO of The Center for Health and Wellness in Wichita, a not-for-profit serving the underserved. In five years she helped transform the almost-failing center to a thriving entity now named HealthCore Clinic, which includes six physicians, four mental health care providers and a substance abuse program to serve low-income people. Lovelady is a successful grant writer and collaborator with many groups in Wichita for the growth of HealthCore Clinic.
Melissa Grelinger, B.A. ’82
St. Maria De Mattias Award
Wichita native Melissa Grelinger worked in banking after graduation, and managed an accounting office in Denver. After marrying Bart Grelinger ’83, she returned to Wichita. In December 2012, she was named interim director of Catholic Charities of Wichita, a position she held until 2014. She has volunteered with organizations such as the Medical Alliance of Sedgwick County and the Kansas Medical Alliance, is active in her parish, and has served on many Newman committees.