Just like other alumni newsletters, the Newman Alumni News Corner gives you the opportunity to share with others what is happening in your life. Just send a short article about how God is working in your life or pass on whatever life changes you would like to share with others. Send articles to Ryan at tom@slonewman.org.
*We may include your stories in our semi-annual newsletter. Alumni articles from the newsletter will be put in this section as well. We reserve the right to edit any materials we put online and in the newsletter.
Vanesa Kaselionis
Biochemistry 1999 (slacker on the senior project- otherwise 1996)
Just thought I’d share with those Newmanites currently still attending school at Poly or Cuesta. I thought you would like to know how the friendships you make at Newman really stand the test of time. Although I have moved numerous times, from SLO, to the Bay Area, to NY, NJ, Philly and now Chicago, I can easily pick up the phone or send an email to the many of the Newman friends I hung out with. I entered Newman my freshman year in 1991 with a bang- Fall Retreat Committee. From there became People’s Kitchen Coordinator, Newman “housekeeper”, Newman Mass choir member then leader and many retreat committees. Putting myself out there to really experience college life’s struggles and joys was always cushioned with the friends I made at Newman. I’ve been to many weddings, baby showers, graduations and gatherings and see how the bond of faith can carry us through life. This is what bonds us, like elastic glue. These friends you make allow you to grow and pull you back when you just need a hug or a laugh or help to center yourself again in faith. My Newmanites are there to share the laughs, the joys, the struggles, and the prayers. So to you all currently at Newman, take the chance to really put yourself out there, to pick the minds of the brothers (with whom I talked to until wee hours in the “portable office” out back) and chat with the staff that devote their time and love to faith-sharing and especially your compadres. Your openness can deepen your faith and create long lasting friendship for a lifetime. Hugs and Kisses to all the friends I’ve made at Newman (1991-1997) Live Jesus in Our Hearts… FOREVER.
Garrett Faller
Construction Management 2007
This past Fall I participated in Mission Honduras. Mission Honduras was founded thirty years ago by American missionary, Fr. Emil Cook. The program includes boarding schools, university housing for students, housing for abandoned mothers and children, and a carpentry vocational program. Volunteers at the Mission are invited to use their unique skills to assist in a variety of labor and educational projects. Some of the projects I worked on included teaching at elementary schools, translating Christmas cards, and building maintenance.
While at Mission Honduras I felt a new sense of freedom — a freedom to be confident and passionate about doing God’s work. Prior to my work in Honduras, I sought a respected and well compensated job in construction management. Now I find myself with the challenge of serving God while working in my professional field. Mission Honduras has taught me that a healthy Catholic faith thrives from a balanced synthesis of unconditional charity and sacramental grace. For more information visit www.missionhonduras.com.
Sr. M. Consolata Crews, FSGM
Graphic Communications 1995
After growing up in Ventura, California, Sr. Consolata came to Cal
Poly in 1991. She writes:
I entered the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George in Alton, IL in 1998 and just made my final vows this past summer, August 15, 2007. Our charism is to receive Christ’s merciful love and to make it visible. Our community’s website is www.altonfranciscans.org.
I am the Director for the Office of Youth Ministry, www.stlyouth.org, for the Archdiocese of St. Louis and have served here for a little over four years.
Elizabeth Carlen
Biological Sciences 2007
Liz was a very active member of the Newman Community and a regular contributor to People’s Kitchen. From East Texas, Liz writes:
Currently I am a member of the outdoor ministry staff team at the Pines Catholic Camp in the Piney Woods of East Texas. The Pines is a year-round, nonprofit retreat center that plans and facilitates middle school awakenings, leadership retreats, confirmation retreats, and 5th grade environmental education. During my short time working with young people at the Pines Catholic Camp I have been blessed with incredibly rewarding faith experiences. As the Holy Spirit continues to guide me, I am filled with gratitude and thanks to the Newman Community for opening me up to hear God’s call in my life.
