I am from Rwanda in Africa. Before I entered the diocesan priesthood in my native Rwanda, I studied telecommunications and went to Japan at KDD (Tokyo) for satellite communication engineering. I worked a couple of years in a telecommunications company in Rwanda then afterwards I entered into the seminary for studies in philosophy and theology.

I was ordained priest in 2001 and worked in a parish as a parochial vicar for two years and then as pastor for one year before moving to the USA in September 2004. I enjoy my vocation as a priest and I am very happy to be assigned at the Davis Newman Center. I look forward to meeting you all. God bless you.

I am beginning my ninth year as Director of the Newman Center. The vitality and enthusiasm of the students and those who call the Newman Center their spiritual home is very exciting and hopeful.

I look forward to working with our new student staff (three are returning staff members), Fr. Innocent, our Chaplain, Ellie Wright, our Administrative Assistant and our community of faith in the coming academic year. Being at the Newman Center offers me a wonderful opportunity for ministry – a ministry that has grown stronger and more worthwhile each year. And, I think it keeps me young, well sort of!!!

I was ordained a Permanent Deacon in June of 2000 after working thirty-four years for the League of California Cities in various management positions. Deacons are part of the clergy of the Church, but we are permitted to be married. I am married to Janet Gift who owns a business here in Davis and loves her garden, chickens and bees. We have two children – Seth (age 34) is a commercial fisherman in western Alaska and lives in Portland. Our daughter, Erin (age 31) lives near Seattle and is a medical researcher for the University of Washington. In November 2010, Erin and Wes had their first child, Miles – our first grandchild. Very exciting!!!!!!

Before being assigned to the Newman Center, I was very active at St. James Parish here in Davis. I am still involved in some parish activities including baptisms, marriages and preaching. I also assist people with marriage annulment cases in the Church.

My educational background has been greatly influenced by the Jesuits – BA degree from the University of San Francisco, a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Golden Gate University and a Master's Degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University New Orleans.

My theology is grounded in the Jesuit spirituality of "finding God in all things, listening with a discerning heart, choosing to live for the greater glory of God."

I hope you will spend some time checking out our web site and I invite you to visit us here at the Newman Center. Stop by to say hello, or feel free to call or email.

Peace!

I am starting my second year at Newman Center. I have greatly enjoyed working with the students and staff all who have made me feel welcome.

I live in Woodland with Jeff, my husband of 37 years. We are members of Holy Rosary parish and active in various ministries. We have three children. Annie (33) and her husband, Chris, live in Lakewood, CA and are the parents of our granddaughters, Elisa (4) and Lauren (2 months). They both work for the State of California. Our son, Jack (30) is a UCD graduate, lives in Woodland and is program director at Summer House in Woodland. Sarah (23) is entering the credential program at UC Riverside this year.

I am looking forward to meeting all the new students and welcoming back those returning for another year.

Hi everyone! My name is Jillian Frediani. I am a fourth year Biomedical Engineering student, planning to graduate this June. After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school in neuroscience. I’m originally from Claremont just east of Pasadena in sunny California. I am this year’s Pastoral Associate, serving my second year on student staff. I came to Newman as a freshman and was appointed the liturgical minster during my second year, organizing all the ministers for each mass, and helping to recruit and train new ministers. Last year on staff, my primary focus was community life. I helped to strengthen the bonds in the community here at Newman and with local communities here in Davis. I can’t wait to share this next year with everyone and I hope you will find Newman a second family as I did. You are all welcome to stop by for any or all of our activities. Please take a minute to check out the calendar page to see all of the upcoming Newman activities.
[top]

Hi, my name is Amanda Veatch. I'm a second-year animal science major, with plans to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. My hometown is Santa Maria, on the central coast of California. When I came to Davis, the Newman Center was one of the first places I checked out, and I encourage you to do the same if you haven't already. It's a great place to grow in faith and to make new friends and meet new people, so stop on by and say hi if you get the chance. We've got a bunch of activities planned for the year, too, so be sure to check those out. Hope to see you there!
[top]

Hello, my name is Alysha McCarry. I am a third year Human Development major at UC Davis. I am also fulfilling pre-med requirements. Along with academics I am involved in the campus club Care-to-Cure, Relay for Life committee, and club sports. My goal after college is to study further in the medical field and eventually work in pediatric oncology. Through my learning and experiences in life it has been my faith in Christ that has guided me and uplifted me each step of my beautiful. I hope you get involved at the Newman Center and discover more deeply what God has planned for you.

"Faith isn't the ability to believe long and far into the misty future. It's simply taking GOD at His Word and taking the next step."

"What you are is GOD's gift to you. What you become is your gift to GOD."

"Be prepared at all times for the gifts of GOD and be always ready for new ones. For GOD is a thousand times more ready to give than we are to receive."

[top]

Hi! My name is Meg Richter and I am a 5th year Human Development Major. I'm originally from Fremont which is about half an hour north of San Jose and an hour-ish west of San Francisco. This is my first year as a Newman staffer and I am really excited to share my faith and love of people and life with all of you in the community. I have been at Newman for three years (this will be my fourth) and I hope that for all the incoming Freshmen that it will become as much a home and place for friendship and love as it has been for me. If you have any questions or want to join in some (or all) of the activities we have during the year, please don't be shy and feel free to ask us or join in the fun! Looking forward to meeting everyone :) Peace!

[top]

Hey! My name is Jeff Campbell. I went to Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, CA and am now a third year Civil Engineering student. I was a student athlete the last two years competing for the track team in the 400m hurdles, but also enjoy playing a myriad of other sports. I really love eating delicious nutritious food, relaxing through mediation and drawing, and learning new skills to help me live my life better. If you are interested in any of those, just talk to me because I love helping people out (like you) with eating healthy, working out, reducing stress, and learning about life.

I became involved at Newman because a former staff member, Rose Costello, invited me to join the freshman faith group. Although I was the only guy, I ended up getting a lot out of it. In my second year, I became a co-leader (with Kaitlin Grenda) of that same faith group, became an Assistant Minister at some Masses, attended discussions at Newman on "Reducing Your Carbon Footprint." I’m on student staff this year because I really love my Catholic Faith, sharing my faith, and helping others to grow spirituality. My position is Faith Formation because I love the church small groups that have been so beneficial in my life for the last two years. In them, you can share things you are dealing with in confidence AND learn about our faith WHILE developing great friendships! If you aren’t in one, ask me about it and I can help find one that you’ll love as much as I love mine! :)

I’m REALLY excited about this year at Newman because we are having a renaissance! We are growing and increasing the amount of things students can learn about and participate in. You are definitely in the right place at the right time this year at Newman!

[top]