Transforming Spaces for a Vibrant Student Life!

THE NEWMAN INSIDER

July 2025

Getting Ready for the Student's Return

Preparing for a Vibrant Fall

While the RPI campus is quieter during these summer months, Chapel and Cultural Center Director Kevin Krolik, along with the student staff at the C+CC, is hard at work preparing for the academic year ahead.

As is usually the case during June, July, and August, the quieter days provide opportunities for landscaping,

interior and exterior painting, and other needed repairs and touch-ups at the Chapel, Hospitality House, and 6 Sherry Road.

Specific repairs and renovations so far this summer have included a new welcome sign for Rensselaer Newman’s Hospitality House (pictured above), a gathering space for the Newman Catholic Fellowship, Knights of Columbus, ESTEEM, and our other new student-led groups. At the Chapel + Cultural Center, updates have included improvements to the sound system, upgraded network cabling, testing additional cameras for live streaming, fresh touch-up painting, and a new seating layout.

As Kevin points out, “We’re focused on increasing facility use in the coming academic year, with a particular emphasis on student-led programs and events. Every gathering that we host helps fulfill our mission of being a home for worship, culture, education, and service for Catholic students at Rensselaer.”

Our first major student event of the new semester, the annual Welcome Picnic, is just a few weeks away—on Sunday, August 31.

Summer also provides time to look ahead and consider the deeper needs of our buildings. As Kevin said recently, “Behind the scenes, we’re focused on building readiness and creating the best possible environment for students, parishioners, and community partners.”

One major summer initiative is a full audit of the C+CC campus. This effort will culminate in a comprehensive Environment and Climate Report, which will catalog all our spaces and document current conditions and maintenance needs.

This report will provide a foundation for future upgrades, ensuring our facilities remain welcoming, accessible, and in good repair for those who rely on them year-round.

Meet Our Summer Student Staff: Xavior and Ethson

As always, Kevin Krolik is supported by a great team of student staff who help get things ready. This summer, that team includes Xaveor Rutaquio ’25

and Ethson Destra ’25, both of whom have worked with Kevin at the C+CC for several years.

Xaveor Rutaquio is a Biomedical Engineering student from Newburgh, NY. He will be leaving RPI at the end of this summer semester.

“The Chapel has been a huge part of my time here at RPI.”

Over the three years Xaveor has worked at the Chapel, he has contributed to building maintenance, kept the Chapel clean and presentable for parishioners and guests, and prepared the space for the many events that take place throughout the year.

“My favorite part of the C+CC

is probably the events held throughout the year. Whether

I’m working or not, they’re always a great opportunity to socialize with other students and build connections. And it definitely helps that the food is always great! I remember attending the welcome picnics at the start of each school year—enjoying the food and meeting students I’d see throughout the year.

If I hadn’t had this job, I

wouldn’t have gotten to meet

so many of the parishioners

and students who come by every week.”

After graduation, Xaveor plans to enter the workforce.

“I currently have a few opportunities I could take, but nothing is official at this point.”

Ethson Destra (shown here with Kevin) started working with us as a facilities staff member. Right away, he made a strong impression with his dependability and attention to detail. He didn’t just do the job—he consistently ensured that things were done right and ran smoothly.

Over time, Ethson took on more responsibility and became familiar with all aspects of daily operations, from building upkeep to event support. He became a “go-to” person on the team—someone we could count on to keep things running and to jump in wherever needed.

Ethson is a Communications major from Connecticut. He brings a great attitude to everything he does. He’s friendly, hardworking, and always willing to learn. Now planning to return to RPI for graduate school, he continues to lead by example and make a positive impact on the community around him.

“Working at the C+CC was a great way to get immersed in the religious and cultural side of RPI. It provided a balance to the academic rigor of the Institute and, in many ways, helped me perform better academically.

During my time at the C+CC,

I thoroughly enjoyed

interacting with and helping the piano instructors as they set up for recitals and shows—

enabling them to bring their exact vision to life.”

Thank You!

To the more thn 350 donors who have supported the Newman Foundation, and our mission, during our recently-concluded fiscal year, we are very grateful. Thank you!

THE NEWMAN INSIDER is a monthly update on the people and events that help to grow the legacy of the Rensselaer Newman Foundation at RPI.

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

Connect with us!