From the President

Dear Alumni and Friends,

The phrase, “The more things change the more they stay the same” is attributed to 19th century French critic, journalist and novelist Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr. He seems to have been onto something.

As you may have noted on the cover of this magazine and — if you’ve been on campus or have seen our advertising recently — Newman has a new look and a new catchphrase. It’s all part of a “re-branding” effort that our University Advancement Department has developed over the past year.

As higher education becomes increasingly competitive and universities vie to attract the most students, having an easily identified brand or image becomes more crucial to a university’s success, even its survival. Our new branding, “A Degree of Difference,” does a great job of describing everything Newman University offers. We are unique in many ways, and can provide students with an education and a collegiate experience that is a cut above the rest, thanks to our focus on student success and our mission to prepare graduates to transform society.

In many ways, Newman has always been about educating students to not only earn a degree, but to excel, to enrich themselves and the world around them academically, socially and spiritually, to go beyond themselves to meet the needs of the community and to serve others. Additionally, Newman has never tried to simply recruit more students to increase our numbers, but to attract the right students, those who are a good fit for and can benefit from all we have to offer.

The look and the words may change, as we continue to improve our ability to demonstrate our distinctiveness. But at heart, the values, dedication, character and mission of Newman today are as enduring as when we were founded in 1933.

Yes, Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr had it right — and I find that reassuring.

Thank you for everything you do.

Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D.
Caritas Christi Urget Nos!