"May We Be One" Newman Center Gala

THE ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC NEWMAN CENTER
100TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
SATURDAY, OCT. 17 | HILTON EL CONQUISTADOR

Father John Paul Forte, O.P. Pastor, St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center cordially invites you to celebrate "May We Be One", 100 Years of Faith, Community, and Profound Impact.

For 100 years, the St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center has walked alongside students at the University of Arizona during some of the most formative years of their lives. At the same time, generations of parishioners from the broader community have faithfully supported and sustained the parish.

As we celebrate our Centennial Gala, themed "May We Be One," we honor the Newman Center's enduring legacy while investing in the next century of faith, leadership, and belonging.

Saturday, October 17, 2026
Cocktail Reception at 5:30PM
Dinner and Program to follow

El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort
10000 North Oracle Road · Tucson, Arizona

Dress: Semi-Formal
For questions, contact the Centennial Committee at mailto:[email protected]

THE FIRESIDE CHAT

A highlight of the evening, this intimate conversation with University of Arizona Athletics leaders will explore leadership, mentorship and service, reflecting on the values that guide their work with student-athletes and the broader community.

Featuring:
Desirée Reed-Francois, R. Ken Coit Director of Athletics
Chip Hale, Head Coach, Baseball
Giovana Maymon, Head Coach, Women's Golf
Mike Candrea, 8 Time National Champion Coach Softball, Athletics Staff Member

Master of Ceremonies:
Matt Muehlebach, University of Arizona Alumnus and Men's Basketball Letterwinner, Attorney at Crest Insurance

About The Fireside Chat

The St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center proudly celebrates 100 years of service to the University of Arizona and the greater Tucson community. For a century, the Newman Center has been a place of welcome, connection, and accompaniment, supporting students, faculty, staff, and community members as they navigate their academic, professional, and personal journeys.

This evening is both a celebration of that legacy and a reflection on the ways Catholic values continue to be lived out on campus today.

Through an intimate fireside conversation, Master of Ceremonies, Matt Muehlebach will visit with University of Arizona Athletics coaches and staff who will share personal stories of leadership, mentorship, and service. Drawing from their own experiences and faith traditions, they will reflect on how values such as integrity, compassion, accountability, and care for the whole person shape how they support student-athletes, colleagues, fans, and members of the broader community.

Rather than focusing on doctrine, this conversation highlights practice, how values inform daily decisions, relationships, and the responsibility of mentoring young people during formative years of their lives. These leaders will offer insight into how faith, purpose, and service intersect in a public university setting, honoring both individual belief and the inclusive spirit of the campus community.

Tonight, we celebrate the people, stories, and shared commitment to helping students thrive, academically, and as individuals, while honoring the presence of the Newman Center as a source of guidance, belonging, and hope for generations.

Please note: Participation is subject to change due to unforeseen professional scheduling. We are grateful to our guests for their willingness to participate and look forward to a meaningful eveing of conversation and celebration.

TIMELINE  | THE EVENING AT A GLANCE

5:30 pm - Cocktail Reception
6:40 pm - Welcome and Prayer
7:00 pm - Dinner
8:00 pm - Fireside Chat and Dessert
9:00 pm - Student Stories and Paddle Raise
9:45 pm - Dancing and Social

DISCOUNTED ROOM RATES

For discounted room rates, https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=TUSHTHH&corporateCode=2538741 or call 520-544-1148 and request the Good Neighbor rate under Company Name for the Newman Centennial Gala.

For questions, contact the Centennial Committee at mailto:[email protected].