NM Tech Newman Association Dedicates New Center

SOCORRO, N.M., March 11, 2004 – The Newman Association of New Mexico Tech dedicated its newly opened Newman Center on Wednesday, March 10, in honor of St. Patrick, the patron saint of engineers. A Dedication Mass was held at 5 p.m., and was followed by a dinner reception at 6 p.m. at the Newman Center, which is located two blocks away from the university campus.

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan was the presider for the Dedication Mass, which was attended by about 100 people, including several New Mexico Tech students, regents, and administrators, as well as numerous local San Miguel parishioners.

"It's a blessing to finally have a place we can call our own," says George
Schmaltz, president of New Mexico Tech’s Newman Association. "For many years, we've met in campus classrooms or in the homes of our members. Now we have a
permanent place for Tech students to study, pray, and grow in faith together."

The Newman Association is one of New Mexico Tech's oldest student organizations: Catholic students at New Mexico Tech have been joining together as part of the group for more than 40 years on the university campus; although, the recent opening of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Newman Center marks the first time the group has had a place they can truly call their own.

Current members of the Tech Newman Association regularly conduct weekly meetings, pray rosaries, and lead a church choir at San Miguel Parish, among many other faith-based and secular activities.

“Our Newman members also are involved in many ministries of the Roman Catholic Church, both locally and beyond,” Schmaltz relates.

“Our students are heavily involved in the National Catholic Student Coalition, which represents Catholic college students throughout the country and abroad,” he says. “In addition, several of our students are also involved in outreach programs with local youth and community groups, and regularly participate in activities with Catholic students from other New Mexico Newman Centers.”

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