Local News

Sept. 7, 2006

Newman Center helps students stay Catholic through college

By Ambria Hammel
The Catholic Sun

TEMPE — Even though they were strangers, they worked as efficiently as old friends.

Together, they cleared out vehicles only to fill large bins and load dollies with luggage, computers and video game systems.

Then they pushed or carried those items into student dorms. Sometimes they did so without the convenience of an elevator.

Their work was part of the annual move-in days festivities Aug. 15-17 at Arizona State University. Students and community members from campus groups such as the Newman Center volunteered to help 6,300 underclassmen settle in to their dorms.

“Don’t worry. I lift weights,” Brandon Kopp told one ASU parent who seemed concerned about the dolly he loaded with a TV, cases of bottled water and a mini-fridge. After a brief group prayer for strength, Kopp and two other Newman Center volunteers lifted the dolly straight up the stairs.

The Catholic campus ministry has helped students move in for the last 14 years. Why did these nearly 100 church members offer to do such laborious work this year, especially in the heat?

“Aren’t I called to give?” volunteer Geoff Platt said. He planned to help during all three move-in days.

“Freshmen are really scared and they feel really lost. If you have someone there to welcome them…it gives students more confidence,” said Megan Phannenstill, outreach intern.

As coordinator of the center’s undergraduate activities, she ensured someone gave the church’s welcome to as many students as possible.

Newman Center volunteers — a fair mix of students, alumni, church leaders and community members — filled that role. They walked from the center across College Avenue to meet their new neighbors.

Kate Elden, an ’06 ASU alumna, used move-in day to tell first-time college families about the Newman Center’s close location and variety of services.

Volunteers with the campus ministry also handed out hundreds of information packets during an ASU orientation fair and advertised by word-of-mouth. This led to record-setting numbers at their activities.

Roughly 300 students and parents attended the annual Welcome Mass with the majority staying for a free dinner. Additionally, more than 100 students joined a praise-and-worship session during the first week of classes.

The Newman Center will host monthly and weekly social activities for students throughout the semester. It will also staff a daily information table on campus. All serve as stepping stones for getting involved.

Newman Center staff and volunteers realize that not every student they reach out to is Catholic. Some are, but not considered “active.”

“Maybe we can pull them in. Who knows,” said Greg Gutierrez, one of the handful of volunteers who took off work to help the students move in to their dorm rooms.

So far, their efforts to pull in more students appear to be successful. Campus Minister Lourdes Alonso estimated receiving 200 new student registrations since the school year began.

Lydia Larios, an adult member of the Newman Center who served lunch to the volunteers, hopes the new students will continue to remain active in the church.

“It’s going to help them be more successful students when they go to Mass every day,” she said.

Ambria Hammel/CATHOLIC SUN
Andrew Barella (in gold) helps Keith Renner and other students move in to the dorms at ASU last month. Nearly 100 Newman Center volunteers helped their new neighbors move in.