South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and Black Hills State University
Objective
The Newman Center at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and the Newman Center at Black Hills State University each seek $2.5 million to build new facilities and to establish endowments to help meet operating expenses. The We Walk By Faith Special Appeal will provide up to $ 1.25 million to each Newman Center to complement the donations made by alumni living outside of western South Dakota. These funds will enable the staff at the Newman Centers to provide programs and outreach to students and other young adults, helping them grow in their faith during these years for faith formation.
Mission
The Catholic Newman Centers in our diocese are communities centered on Jesus Christ. The centers give witness to the Catholic faith on the campuses of higher learning in the Rapid City and Spearfish areas, including South Dakota School of Mines &Technology, National American University, Western Dakota Vocational Technical Institute, and Black Hills State University. Of the more than 7,300 students enrolled at these institutions, it is estimated that between 15 and 20 percent, or around 1,300, are Catholic.
Need
Current financing is inadequate to support the Newman Centers. Over the years, financial and administrative support for the Newman Centers has largely fallen to two parishes, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral in Rapid City and St. Joseph in Spearfish. The centers have also benefited from understandably modest student support through weekly collections and from grants from the Catholic Extension Society.
“The Newman Center of Rapid City has served the Catholic young adults of our community and the students of the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology for almost 60 years in less than adequate facilities. It is now time for a new facility, which will allow the Newman Center staff to upgrade programs to meet the needs of Catholic students and young adults in the Rapid City area.”
For the Newman Centers to be successful in the future, funding will have to come from a variety of sources both within, and outside of, our diocese.
First, the Cathedral parish in Rapid City, St. Joseph parish in Spearfish, and the Diocese of Rapid City will be asked to continue their support.
Second, we will reach out to community leaders and families of current and prospective students.
Third, we will ask for financial support from alumni who have benefited from their Newman Center experiences or who wish to offer support to today’s students.
