Neumann University Blog

Founded by the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, Neumann is a private, Catholic, co-educational University in the Franciscan tradition. The University offers undergraduate degrees in a broad variety of subjects, three doctoral programs, six master's...

[neumannuniversity]

Happy President’s Day and Events for the Week   So how is everybody after this weekend and the wake 2016 Valentine’s Day? Girls enjoying their gifts and guys recovering from last night’s Walking Dead episode? By the way, Happy President’s Day everyone. This week SAB, Campus Ministry, Neumann Athletics, and Neumann Media are hosting a few events you should check out. On Wednesday, SAB will be having a pancake breakfast in the McNichol room from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. to celebrate the class 2017. Later, SGA is hosting a hot chocolate bar for students from 1- 4:30 p.m. in the Bachmann lobby. Make sure to stop by, grab some hot chocolate and stay warm. The junior class will be having a meeting at 6:00 p.m. Throughout the day a raffle will be held in which students could win cool prizes and 2017 Knight shirts will be given out. Neumann athletics is kicking off the night with a basketball doubleheader. Women’s basketball vs Immaculata at 6:00 p.m. and men’s basketball vs Cabrini at 8:00 p.m. On Thursday, Neumedia will host a live performance and interview with Black 47’s Larry Kirwan in the library from 2- 4 p.m. Mr. Kirwan will also be performing at Barnaby’s Aston with Campus Ministry for Neumann on Tap, from 7 – 11 p.m. On Friday, SAB will be hosting a Bingo Knight (yes, pun intended) at 8 pm in the MPR in LLC 1. Make sure to drop by to win cool prizes and social with your peers. Don’t forget to support our men’s and women’s hockey teams. Women’s hockey will be playing at 4 pm at Iceworks and the men’s team will be playing at 7 pm. Let’s not forget that in a week we have Spring Break (hopefully the temperature rises so we can call it Spring Break). Who else is excited for Spring Break? I know I am -- we all need a break (students and faculty) from the work, drama, and hassle of school, which is long overdue even if it’s only for a week.

[neumannuniversity]

Valentine’s Day: Love it or Hate it?

           Valentine’s Day is viewed by many as a loved (pun intended) and hated holiday. It can also be is a reminder to those who are single that they don’t have a significant other to spend the day with. I’m sure nobody likes walking into a store and being bombarded with cheap paper and plastic cut-out hearts or with the atrocious sayings, “Be Mine” or “All Mine”. From the perspective of a guy, Valentine’s Day = bank account balance $0.00, from expensive dinner, gifts, and red roses. Let’s not forget the constant rotation of cheesy love songs on the radio and in stores. Actually, I wouldn’t mind indulging myself with a personal box of chocolates.

           I can tell you from my perspective (as a single person) that Valentine’s Day is just another day. The sun comes up and the sun goes down with the exception this day has a formal name. Personally, Valentine’s Day my dad’s birthday. I’ll be to watching one of my favorite horror movies, My Bloody Valentine, featuring Jensen Ackles of Supernatural ( FYI for all you Supernatural fans out there --you know who you are). Growing up, Valentine’s Day was a fun day which involved cutting out paper hearts and small cards with the words “To:” and “From:”. It was about giving to your classmates. In middle school, Valentine’s Day was just another day with the occasional person mentioning Valentine’s Day. In high school, being one of the few single guys in my group of friends, all I would hear about was who was going to take who out on a romantic date. They would be secretly making out in the hallways or walking slowly holding hands. God forbid you should try to get past them and break their death grip on each other.    

Luckily for us without a valentine, we do have something to look forward to this year, The Walking Dead, which will return this Valentine’s Day! To all Dead fans out there, the wait is finally over and the other half of season five is here! No more having to watching re-runs or catching up through a hole in the wall websites. So those who have a significant other, postpone that lovely candlelit dinner and watch some walkers chow down on survivors. Watch the unveiling of the most anticipated villain from the Dead comics come to the screen -- Negan. One of the most vicious characters to come to The Walking Dead since The Governor. Walking Dead fans know what I’m talking about. (wink, wink)

Valentine’s Day, hate it or love it, now we all have something to look forward to whether it’s The Walking Dead or that candlelit dinner with your significant other. Enjoy yourselves and lover whatever you do.

 Alex Williams

[neumannuniversity]

Welcome Back Students!!

Welcome back Neumann students! How was your Winter Break? Was anyone surprised how warm December was? With the snow warning for this weekend and the drop in temperature, I guess we all can agree that winter is finally here. I have heard that this snow is being received with mixed feelings from both students and faculty. Most likely this the snow will stop by Sunday. The question is: should I go out in the snow, or stay in my warm toasty room playing video games?

It is the second week of the semester and student activities have wasted no time getting students involved.  The SAB (Student Activities Board) hosted many events such as Tuesday’s Text Wars. I will say I’m not usually a game show kind of guy, but I am definitely glad I attended Text Wars. The host was hilarious and every time you gave the correct answer to a question you would win $5 (with the exception of the last question-a riddle- in which the winner would receive $120). The week started off with MLK events such as the Neumann basketball team hosting Hoops for the Heart.

This week was Campus Ministry’s Life Week, which included events and a series of movies. Monday, Campus Ministry participated with making sandwiches for the hungry. Tuesday was a free pancake breakfast and the movie Dead Man Walking. By the way, I remember watching Dead Man Walking in my high school social justice class --great movie! If you missed the opportunity to watch it with Campus Ministry, I would advise renting it or watching it on YouTube. But I digress, on Wednesday Campus Ministry hosted the movie Hotel Rwanda.

For those who didn’t know, Neumann Media was shooting an interview video on Wednesday. It is about what you did over your winter break; what interesting gifts you received or gave; and what does Christmas mean to you? Interviews were held and the video should be out this Thursday. In the future, a Spring Break interview edition will be held the week after Spring Break for those interested.

For all those who plan to travel this weekend, please be safe out there and know that Neumann University is praying for your safety.

Thanks,

Alex Williams

[neumannuniversity]

#HHW2015

Guess what guys???  It is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week!!!!! Throughout this week, Neumann will be spreading awareness and solidarity towards the homeless. Before I get into that, please pray for the innocent lives lost in Paris. Now back to business, Hunger and Homelessness kicked off last Friday with the Dance-A-Thon hosted by Student Activities.

Typically, I’m not the type to go a dance party but I had to check this out myself. Initially, I didn’t think people would show up since it was Friday. However, I was proved wrong with the amount of people dancing, participating in Operation Hunger, and enjoying themselves. I’m really glad that everyone had a great time at the Dance-A-Thon, I wished I could’ve stayed longer but I was getting tired myself. Before I knew it, the weekend was over.

Since Tuesday was Neumann Alcohol Awareness Day, Student Activities hosted the comedy show “Shot of Reality.” The comedy show featured games, prizes, and a lecture promoting alcohol awareness. Honestly, I found this show to be helpful for students to be fully aware of the dangers of consuming alcohol. Friday will be the last day of Hunger and Homelessness, but it will end with a bang. At 5pm there will be a movie retreat in the Devine Hospitality Suite before the students will camp out in the Mirenda Center lawn with their cardboard boxes. Later, another retreat is going to the final installment of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay part 2!!!!!! I’m sad to see that this is the last film, but at the same time I’m happy that all of the films have been a success.

I almost forgot to mention that this Sunday Neumann will be hosting another Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. So don’t forget to sign up on the school’s website and see why Neumann is the place for you.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe weekend.

Cheers,

Autumn Wilson

[neumannuniversity]

November Fever

Hey guys, I’m back from a hiatus with some upcoming events happening this week. But first, I want to get some things off my chest--like for instance time. I can’t even tell where time has gone especially since we are less than five weeks away until the end of the semester. Sadly, this is a reminder that senior year will be over before I know it.

In other news, let’s talk about events this week. Tuesday night Student Activities hosted Painting with a Twist. This sounded really fun, so I decided to check it out myself. Although I promoted the event earlier, I didn’t think that there would be a lot of students in attendance. I have to admit that this made me really happy!!!!!!! There was a smoothie bar too!!!!! Lately, I have been drinking a lot of mango smoothies from the Knight’s Café which is by far the best smoothie I had ever had. Back to the main topic, I’m glad that the students did enjoy themselves during the event.

Yesterday was Veterans Day, celebrating the heroes that protect our nation. Wednesday morning, Neumann held a Veterans Breakfast in the McNichol room. The breakfast was really delicious and I didn’t even want to leave myself.

Now Friday night, it’s party time!!!!!!!! The Ministry Center is sponsoring the Dance-Thon from 9pm thru 2am. The Dance-Thon will include games, free prizes, and more. I can’t wait to attend this event and I almost forgot to mention that I finally have a radio show!!!!! Make sure to tune in every Friday at 6pm to hear my friend and I talking about various topics and celebrity gossip.

To wrap things up, I hope everyone dresses warm and has a safe weekend.

Cheers,

Autumn Wilson

[neumannuniversity]

Homecoming 2015 #neumannu #nuhomecoming

Homecoming Weekend

Guess what guys it’s Homecoming week-Yay-- WooHoo!!!!!!!!!! This year is the 50th year that Neumann will be celebrating alumni, students, and parents. Thursday starts it off with the women’s tennis team facing against Cairn University at 4 p.m. Later on at 8 p.m. is the 10th Annual King and Queen Homecoming Pageant!!!!!!!

I’m so excited to find out the nominees that are running year. The pageant will take place in the Meagher Theatre and it’s free so stop by the Student Activities office to get your tickets. I’ll definitely be looking forward to this year’s pageant because this will be my second time attending this event. Freshmen and sophomore year I was unable to go due to me focusing more on my schoolwork than my social life on campus.

However, last year I was finally able to go which was hilarious and entertaining. I know for a fact that this year will be fun and I definitely won’t miss this for anything. Friday is going to be a busy night, at 6 p.m. the President’s Scholarship Reception will be held in the Mirenda Center’s Bayada Atrium area. Around 7:45 p.m., there’s going to be fireworks at the Mirenda Center which are best viewed from the lawn -followed by the MidKnight Madness Student Prep Rally at 8:15. I’m anxious to find out what the prep rally is all about.

Now Saturday is when our annual family picnic begins!!!!!!!! The picnic will take place at the St. John Neumann Circle from 12-3pm. I’m really excited this year because this the first time my family is coming to the picnic. Honestly, I can’t wait until the picnic because I want to try to all of the games and definitely all of the food.

I have to admit I’m really pumped for this years’ Homecoming, even though this will be my last year. But I know for a fact that next year I will definitely come and support Neumann.

With that being said, I hope that everyone comes and supports Neumann celebrating their 50th year. Have a safe and Franciscan weekend.

Cheers,

Autumn Wilson

[neumannuniversity]

Why Teenagers Are Better Than Adults

In this four-minute animated video, Dr. Marisa Rauscher delves into the teenage psyche and explains why teenagers are better than adults. Her narration, brou...

Why Teenagers Are Better than Adults

In this four-minute animated  video, Dr. Marisa Rauscher delves into the teenage psyche and explains why  teenagers are better than adults. Her narration, brought to life with playful  animation, builds the case that teenagers deserve respect – and even reverence.  

Dr. Rauscher is a very popular  professor in the Division of Education and Human Services.

[neumannuniversity]

Neumann University Blog turned 2 today!

[neumannuniversity]

Neumann University Brendan P. Kelly '87 Celebrity Golf Classic

Monday, June 8,  2015

Penn Oaks Golf Club West Chester, Pennsylvania

 The Brendan P. Kelly ’87 Celebrity Golf Classic is  Neumann University’s premier golf fundraising  event held every June to raise support for scholarships for students. Proceeds  benefit general scholarship and the Brendan P. Kelly ’87 Memorial Scholarship. 

SEE MORE HERE

[neumannuniversity]

Send- Off Video to class of 2015!

made by Neumann Media 

[neumannuniversity]

Sr. Nora Nash Challenges Graduates to Embrace Hope, Change the World

On a very warm spring day, under a cloudy sky, Neumann  University awarded degrees to 706 students at its 49th commencement exercises.  The May 16 ceremony filled the South Lawn of campus with more than 3,000 friends  and families of the graduates, there to cheer the students and celebrate a  significant milestone with them.

READ MORE

[neumannuniversity]

Bethany Lang Wins NCAA Women’s Enhancement Scholarship

As a three-season athlete, president of the SEM (Sport  and Entertainment Management) Associates Group, Delta Epsilon Sigma Pi’s   Communications Officer, and a Neumann University Orientation Leader, Bethany  Lang took full advantage of all the University had to offer. Her hard work and  dedication has paid off in the form of a post-graduate scholarship from the  NCAA.

The NCAA Women’s Enhancement Program Postgraduate  Scholarship for Careers in Athletics is given to female college students who  will be entering their first year of post-graduate studies with the goal of achieving  a career in athletics.

“I’m very thankful for this scholarship. The NCAA only  gives out 13 scholarships in the whole country. It is a big help financially,”  Lang said.

READ MORE HERE

[neumannuniversity]

From  College Campus to Soup Kitchen

When Jillian DeFina graduates on May 16, she won’t enter the world of newly  minted college graduates who are searching for a career and a salary. She has a  nobler goal in mind.

DeFina, a psychology major from Bay Shore, New York, will join the Jesuit  Volunteer Corps (JVC) for a year, working at the St. Francis of Assisi soup  kitchen in Scranton, Pennsylvania. She’ll be in charge of recruiting and  supervising volunteers, stocking the pantry, updating the kitchen’s facebook  page, and being the banana runner (apparently the kitchen uses quite a few  bananas).

She and five other volunteers will live in quarters provided by the JVC,  but her stipend will be just $100 per month from August 2015 to August 2016.  DeFina is actually looking forward to a year of poverty. “I have to commit my  whole self to this,” she says. She’s certain that her experiences with Campus  Ministry have prepared her for the year ahead. She has volunteered at St.  Francis Inn (a soup kitchen in the Kensington section of Philadelphia) and  Anna’s Place in Chester, and she has been a tireless worker for the Sandwiches  for Survival program on campus. READ MORE HERE

[neumannuniversity]

SEARCH XIV: A Time for Reflection

The  fourteenth SEARCH Retreat was an experience offered for sophomores, juniors,  and seniors of Neumann University, held from April 24-26 at the Maris Stella  retreat center on Long Beach Island. Over 20 students attended the retreat for  the first time along with five student leaders, Campus Ministers Patrick  McKenzie and Maria Marx, as well as general manager of Neumann Media and  Neumann Search Retreat alumni Sean McDonald. While disconnected from any and  all electronics or digital communication, the attendees were given the  opportunity to listen to talks offered by the student leaders as well as  reflect on their own lives and grow   in their relationship with  God. READ MORE

[neumannuniversity]

Red Hill Farm: Sustainability in Action

Just a stone’s throw away from the Neumann University campus lies Red Hill Farm, six acres of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), one of the many environmental initiatives started by the Sister of Saint Francis of Philadelphia. The farm is also a place for Neumann University students to volunteer.

CSA allows community members to connect with a local farm and support their local food economy. Members purchase a farm share and in return receive a weekly supply of fresh produce picked at the peak of ripeness and flavor for the duration of the growing season. Red Hill Farm offers over 30 types of mixed vegetables and a wide array of U-Pick crops, including berries, cut flowers, and herbs.

As a celebration for Earth Day last month, Neumann University students and staff were given a tour of the farm which has been in existence for 16 years. Members of the University’s SEA Club (Students for Environmental Awareness) were on the tour and seemed eager to get involved.

[neumannuniversity]

[neumannuniversity]

Career Prep - Palmer Trolli at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School

Class of 2014 alum, Palmer Trolli, discusses his job as the head athletic trainer at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School in Lansdale, PA and how his hard ...

Class of 2014 alum, Palmer Trolli, discusses his job as the head athletic trainer at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School in Lansdale, PA and how his hard work in the classroom parlayed into success in his career.