THE NEWMAN INSIDER

A monthly update on the people and events that help to grow the legacy of the Rensselaer Newman Foundation at RPI.

August 2025

WELCOME BACK!

It's that time of year again. Time to welcome the many new faces to RPI, and time to welcome back our returning student friends.

We at the Newman Foundation are excited to welcome both returning students and the Class of 2029 into our vibrant and growing Catholic community.

Classes begin on Thursday, August 28.

Sunday, August 24 marks the return of the 5pm Sunday Mass at the Chapel + Cultural Center.

Following the 5pm Mass on Sunday, August 31, we look forward to seeing many new and old friends at our annual Welcome Picnic on the C+CC grounds.

Weekday Masses start up again on Tuesday, September 2. The weekday Mass schedule is:

Monday - Wednesday at 5pm.
Thursday at 9am.

FIRST WEEK MEMORIES

The first days of a student’s college experience are one of the biggest events in their young life. We asked some of our Newman-RPI alumni for their memories of their first days at school and their lasting memories of their time with Newman.

"When I walked into the C+CC as a first-year student in football training camp, everyone and everything made me feel at home. The C+CC became my rock while at RPI. It was my home, gave me peace, and was for me a “great big hug” I needed."

-Matt Patricia '96

"The Chapel + Cultural Center from my first moments was a place where I was welcomed wholeheartedly by everyone. It allowed me to experience programs outside the academic arena starting with the Welcome Picnic. In addition, it was a space that allowed me as a man of faith to enrich my own personal development as a Christian."

-Gino Gasbarro, '18

"I eagerly looked forward to the first week of school - I was returning home to a family of like minded people. We understood each other on a much deeper level - one that is hard to express in words."

-Adrienne Peltz, '07

"The first few weeks at RPI can be a whirlwind of emotions. There's a lot of anxiety; you are suddenly thrown into juggling new classes, figuring out the campus, and trying to fit in. The pressure to make friends and find a community is real, especially when everything feels so unfamiliar. You might find yourself wandering the campus, wondering if you’ll ever truly feel settled. The Chapel and Cultural Center can be a comforting place during this time. It offers a space to connect with others who are also looking for a sense of belonging. It’s where you might meet people with similar values and interests, making the transition from uncertainty to finding your own space at RPI a bit easier."

-Ethson Destra, '25

"The first week back at school was always very busy with moving into my dorm (and moving my stuff out of the Hospitality House attic), getting used to the new schedule, and gearing up for the new semester of classes and activities. Getting back to Mass at the C+CC and meeting with my fellow officers to plan meals, meetings, and activities for the Newman Fellowship were always highlights. The first Newman Fellowship dinner of the semester was so important to reconnect with friends and welcome newcomers. I also looked forward to the Activities Fair where we'd get to meet new students and let them know about the NF."

-Megan Fannon Balma, '01

"Those amazing first weeks. I still recall mine (50 yrs later I’m still in touch with people I met then). And I experienced ‘starting up’ through the eyes of hundreds when I led Student Orientation. Full, fun, unfamiliar. A really unique time in your life. Lean in to meeting new people, learning about your new place. Get the ‘school’ part worked out…it will be different. And consider getting involved in one familiar activity - a club sport, hobby, church, whatever - where it feels like something you know."

-John Malitoris, '78

"A new school year represents a season of new beginnings; this is evident in adapting to a new class schedule, meeting new friends, and in the changing landscape. Some of my favorite memories from the return to school in upstate New York involved embracing all things fall-related, from hiking with my friends, to apple picking with the Newman Club, and baking pumpkin-flavored treats to share. For me, the first week of the semester was also a time to dig deeper, and outline where I felt the Lord calling me to grow and serve - thank God for the change of seasons!"

-Megan Adam, '23

MAKE-A-WILL MONTH

August is Make-A-Will Month, a reminder of the importance of writing your will – or reviewing your will for any necessary updates.

As you reflect on your estate plans, consider including the Rensselaer Newman Foundation. Your gift will help create a legacy of faith and service for you and the Catholic community at RPI.

If you have already included us in your plans, please let us know!

Visit rensselaernewman.org/legacy or contact George Hauenstein at haueng@rpi.edu.

WE'VE MOVED

The Rensselaer Newman Foundation has moved its offices from the Rensselaer Union to Academy Hall.

Our new address is:

Academy 4629

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

110 8th Street

Troy, NY 12180

Our other contact information remains the same. Come see us!

We appreciate all that you do for the RNF and look forward to your feedback.

Address any comments to: George Hauenstein at haueng@rpi.edu

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