Newman Member Profile

Members Profile…

Name: Quynh Nguyen

Hometown: Oakland, CA

Major: Psychology, French

How does it feel to be part of the Newman community?

“Since the first mass at Morris Chapel, I’ve always felt a sense of belonging. My faith is an integral part of my life, so I feel dutiful to serve in this wonderful community as the event coordinator.”

-- Quynh

Name: Tan Pham

Hometown: San Jose, CA

Major: Pre-Med, Chemistry-Biology

How does being a Catholic play a role in your life?

” Ever since I can remember, my whole life has been revolved around the Church. Being raised in a Catholic family makes me wonder how different I can be from other people. Now I understand that it’s not what religion you believe in, but it’s what you do to bring forth your beliefs. Just to make things short... I believe that God created us for a reason and that reason is for us to live our lives to the fullest with smiles on our faces.”

-- Tan Pham

Name: Kyle Pace

Hometown: Lincoln, CA

Major: Electrical Engineering

How important is your faith, and how do you nurture your own faith?

“There are many hardships that people come to face throughout their lives. Sometimes it may be very hard to cope with these situations. I like to fall back on my faith to bring clarity to my situation and restore any hope that may have been lost in the process.”

-- Kyle Pace

Name: Raymond Philip Napuli

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Major: Music Composition

To you, what is the meaning of life as a Catholic?

"Being a Catholic and living as a Catholic is to live the love of Christ, so that in everything we do, in all our works, and with any person we interact with, God is present. It is this presence of God's light and love and the salvation of his son Jesus Christ that gives life meaning and purpose. "

-- Raymond Philip Napuli

Name: Joanne Gallegos

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Major: International Relations and Global Studies

As our previous CRS Campus Associate, what did your job consisted of you doing? What did you like most about your job?

“I served as the connection between what CRS was doing and the university. It was my job to make sure that the community was up to date and taking an active part in the events and projects of CRS. I loved educating people about the rest of the world and showing them all the things that we could do to help those in need. I felt that the more people were informed the more of a difference we could all make together. Overall serving in the position of CRS campus associate for the community was one of the most satisfying things I've ever done.”

--Joanne Gallegos

Name: Melanie Aceves

Hometown: Newport Beach, CA

Major: Business Administration, Sport Sciences

What has your faith and/or beliefs done for you?

“One of the many things Catholicism has done for me, is it has pushed me to do everything with a great sense of respect. Respect and love are the two values that I hold highest and this is because I feel they are connected. To be spiritual means to love others because they are God's creation, and you love them by showing them respect and acknowledging everything that God put into them to make them beautiful and unique. This extends not only to people, but the earth and its creatures, too.”

-- Melanie Aceves

Name: Lizzie

Hometown: Ceres, CA

Major: Music Performance

What is being a good Catholic to you?

“I've been a Catholic all my life and have been going to mass every Sunday with my family ever since I can remember. Because of this, I never really realized how important my faith was until I came to school and was responsible for going to mass all by myself. When I came to school and went to mass for the first time, at first, I thought it was a little awkward. I didn't really know anyone to go to mass with, but I had the opportunity to really find my faith and realize how important it is to go to mass on Sunday no matter how much homework you've put off until Sunday night. Its really important to have that time to meditate on your faith and let that time, and, what you learn in mass, help you have faith though the next busy week ahead.”

- Lizzie Sanders

The Newman Staff would like to welcome Tori Lam into the Newman Community. Tori will be taking the role of Business Manager for this upcoming year.

Name: Tori Lam

Hometown: Oakland, CA

Major: Sports Sciences concentration in Athletic Training

What is your view on Religion?

“Although, I do not affiliate myself with a religion, I have respect for those who do. I have an open mind to religion and I am more than willing to expose myself to it because I believe religion is empowering and it opens new chapters to other cultures.”

--Tori Lam

Name: Mike Abram

Hometown: Turlock, CA

Majors: Mathematics and Music

How has your view on faith and religion changed after entering college?

“Since coming to college my faith has been challenged and questioned more than it had before. No longer able to rely on my parents' convictions, I have had to answer the tough questions for myself. College has given me the opportunity to grow in my faith and thanks to the Newman community on campus I feel that I have been able to put my faith in perspective with my life and my life in perspective with my faith.”

- Mike Abram