by The Leaven
ATCHISON — The annual Benedictine College Scholarship Ball, now celebrating its 51st year, has again been named a Top 10 fundraising event in the Kansas City area by The Independent magazine. This year, co-chairs Kevin and Colleen “Cocoa” O’Malley and Lené Westerman have set the popular event for the evening of Feb. 25 at the Overland Park Convention Center, located at 6000 College Blvd. The Scholarship Ball includes dinner, awards, entertainment and dancing to live music by The Coda. More information and reservations are available online at: www.benedictine.edu/scholarship-ball.
The event brings in millions for scholarships that will enable students from all walks of life to attend Benedictine, a private, Catholic, residential school located in Atchison. Each year, the ball features the presentation of the Cross of the Order of St. Benedict, a prestigious award established in 1969 to recognize alumni and friends who have supported charitable institutions, provided civic or religious leadership and demonstrated professional excellence. This year, the award will go to Jack (’70) and Kathy Newman.
Jack graduated from Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri, and St. Benedict’s College, Atchison, and then earned both a master’s degree in health care administration and certification as a CPA. He served in an administrative role at the University of Kansas Hospital, and then continued his career in health care advisory services for 22 years at KPMG and for over 12 years at Cerner Corporation. Both during his career and in retirement, Jack has served or is serving on the following boards of directors: Benedictine College, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, Enterprise Bank & Trust, EPR Properties, Hallbrook Country Club, Heartland Health and The University of Kansas Health System.
Kathy graduated from St. Teresa’s Academy and Avila University, both in Kansas City, Missouri, and has a bachelor’s degree in special education. She initially taught special-needs children at the Marillac School in Kansas City, Missouri, and later served on the first formal board of directors of that school. She also has served on the board of directors of St. Teresa’s Academy. Kathy moved to the role of a stay-at-home mom raising, with Jack, the couple’s son Chris, and their three daughters — Amy, Molly and Kate. She now assists, whenever possible, with 11 grandchildren, ranging in age from 1 to 21. Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts college located on the bluffs above the Missouri River. The school is proud to have been named the best private college in Kansas by The Wall Street Journal, one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World.
