Science Center Groundbreaking Ceremony Sets Positive Tone

Among those who took part in the groundbreaking were l-r: Newman Board of Trustees Chair Linda Davison, President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D., former Newman President Tarcisia Roths, ASC, and campaign Honorary Co-Chair Bishop Carl A. Kemme.

Nearly 300 people gathered on the Newman University campus June 10 for the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Bishop Gerber Science Center.

Several Newman officials and campaign leaders made remarks and turned over shovelfuls of dirt. Those taking part in the event included Newman President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D.; former President Tarcisia Roths, ASC; Board of Trustees Chair Linda Davison; Vice President for University Advancement J.V. Johnston; Vice President for Finance and Administration Jennifer Gantz; Professor of Chemistry and Dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies David Shubert, Ph.D.; and Associate Professor of Nursing and Associate Dean of Nursing and Allied Health Jane Weilert, Ed.D.

Surendra Singh, Ph.D.

Other guests included campaign Honorary Co-Chairs Kathy and Patrick O’Shaughnessy, campaign Co-Chairs Melissa and Bart Grelinger, M.D., and Nicholas Dondlinger of Dondlinger Construction. Professor Emeritus (Biology) Surendra Singh, Ph.D., who created many science programs at Newman, also turned over a spadeful of dirt.

Campaign Honorary Co-Chair, the Most Rev. Carl A. Kemme, Bishop of the Wichita Diocese, provided the Invocation, blessed the ground and worksite, and gave the concluding blessing.