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Athletics invites alumni for weekend full of sporting events

By Gabriel Dias Juliani

The Newman University Athletics Department is gearing up for its annual Alumni Weekend, an event designed to bring alumni back to campus and reconnect with the university community.

The event will feature a variety of activities, including golf tournaments, a pickleball tournament, and even a tailgating event.

Newman’s Director of Athletics Joanna Pryor said, the main goal of the weekend is to foster a strong sense of community and engagement among Newman University alumni. The schedule of events includes chances for alumni to get together and also for them to go watch current student athletes in action.

“We want alumni to come back and reconnect with old classmates, form new relationships with other alumni and current students, and enjoy a fun-filled weekend,” she said.

Maureen Rohleder, Newman’s associate athletics director, emphasized the importance of alumni support for the athletics department. 

“Alumni play a crucial role in the success of our athletic programs,” she said. “By participating in Alumni Weekend and the various activities, alumni can show their support and help create a positive environment for our current student athletes.”

While Alumni Weekend is not a fundraising event, the department hopes the event will help strengthen relationships between alumni and the university, which could lead to increased donations and philanthropy in the future.

Pryor also said that the athletics department is always looking for ways to improve Alumni Weekend and make it more enjoyable for attendees. 

“We welcome feedback from alumni about what they would like to see in future events,” she said. “We are always open to new ideas and suggestions.”

Here is a breakdown of the events scheduled for Alumni Weekend:

Friday

• 9 a.m. Baseball alumni golf tournament at Sand Creek in Newton

• 2 p.m. Tennis match vs. Sterling at Riverside Tennis Courts

• 5 p.m. Baseball alumni batting practice

• 6 p.m. Volleyball vs. Missouri Southern State University

• 6:30 p.m. Baseball Fall World Series game

• 7 p.m. Tailgate at Wilkins Field

• 7 p.m.: Women's soccer vs. University of Nebraska, Kearney

Saturday

• 9 a.m. Alumni Pickleball Tournament at Riverside Tennis Courts

• 11 a.m. Baseball Fall World Series game

• 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Alumni lunch

• 3 p.m. Golf alumni tournament at Terradyne Country Club

• 3 p.m.: Volleyball vs. University of Central Missouri

• 5 p.m.: Happy hour in Alumni Center


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