This Fall, we are introducing a special opportunity to honor those that have made a significant contribution to the Newman ministry! This interactive display is in the Gilded Room (connecting the Church Hall and the Newman Center). It's a joy to share the history of this important ministry (first Newman Center in the country!) and those that have been an incredible witness to the virtue of Stewardship.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more, please contact Raul at raul@saintsaj.org

Grace Estabrook, Class of 2022

After graduating from Penn in 2022, Grace became a FOCUS missionary and served the students at Mt. St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, MD. She developed a great relationship with the students and provided spiritual and human formation for two years - all of which deepened her desire to become a Catholic counselor. She recently was accepted into a Master’s program in counseling at Franciscan University of Steubenville!

We are offering prayers of gratitude for Grace and the way she is continuing to witness to the faith through her work as a missionary and her studies in Mental Health counseling!

Catherine E. Wilson, Class of 2003

While earning her PhD in Political Science at Penn in 2003, Catherine found the Penn Newman Center to be an invaluable spiritual resource on campus. It offered a way for her to connect with the wider Penn community and enriched her graduate student experience.

Catherine is an Associate Professor of Public Administration at Villanova University. She has been teaching at Villanova since 2005. Catherine loves accompanying students in the discovery of their vocations - both personal and professional. Each student has unique gifts and talents and Catherine has been blessed to witness students and graduates living out their vocations authentically and enthusiastically over the years. Catherine encourages both academic and personal growth in her mentorship of students. She teaches that life is an adventure and meant to be enjoyed and appreciated!

We are offering prayers of gratitude for Catherine and her inspiring witness to her students as she helps them discern what God is calling them to!

Vivek James, Class of 2021

Vivek graduated in December 2021 with a Bachelors in Economics at Wharton and Masters in Data Science at Penn Engineering. His time at Penn Newman was probably the highlight of his time at Penn. Unfortunately, he only really got involved during the last two months of his time at Penn, but those two months were the best he had. He’d spend mornings at Adoration and study at the Newman center the rest of the day, but his friends were always there to goof around with. The friends he met there were probably the closest he had at Penn.

Upon graduation, Vivek worked at Stripe but recently left to work on a startup full time with his friend from college. Working on this has really invigorated his faith as he’s had to lean on God more than ever. The challenges he faces every day ultimately bring him close to Christ - it’s even motivated Vivek to go to Daily Mass every single day and Adoration as much as possible so he can spend more of his day in prayer. The best part is that his friend ended up converting (he finished RCIA and received First Communion a few months ago) and Vivek is now his godfather!

We are offering prayers of gratitude for Vivek and his powerful witness to the faith!