Save the Newman University Music Department

The Newman Music department helped me through some of my hardest times. Deanne and Carol are a force of good in this world, and this department is one of Newman's crowning jewels.

Nothing is worse than seeing your mom broken down over losing a program she has built from the ground up.

I can't beleive this is actually happening. Music is essential in many ways, especially for mental health. I had the privilege of having Deanne Zogleman (at Newman now) as a high school music teacher. Without that department. I would have left high school. Everything has unintended influences in many ways. Without a music department, you'll never know how many people decided not to attend your school because of the lack of it.

Cutting music out of Newman University would cause irreparable damage to both the university itself and the Wichita community as a whole. The music department is a huge part of what keeps me coming back to NU as an alumna. Let us keep music in our lives!

Disappointed alumna. Music is a big impact on this university and driving factor for many students to attend.

I am not even a Newman alum but have come to enjoy going to the shows over the last 15 years. Aside from the asinine decision of cutting fine arts from a liberal arts school, you are letting go of one of the greatest college instructors that you could hope to have. A campus without Deanne Zogleman is a much, Much, MUCH worse place than one with her. Shame on you! If this isn't reconsidered and overturned, I am done acknowledging Newman University's existence in this city.

Save Newman!

This is an absolute disgrace.

I am disheartened to hear of this decision that was made by the Newman Board of Trustees. I would like to know the reasoning behind this seemingly drastic and ill conceived decision. Music, as with all Fine Arts programs, is viewed by some as a waste of time. I can assure you that that is false in every imaginable way. I owe everything that I am to my experiences within the Arts and I will continue to pay that debt back every day of my life, every chance that I get. I am in Higher Education because I believe in the power of Education and the skills and knowledge it provides people to become successful members of society. A large part of Education comes from and within the Arts, including Music. As a Director of Enrollment Management at a small community college in the state of Kansas, I have always encouraged my students to look at attending Newman University because I have believed that Newman had a strong dedication to their students and opportunities for them to grow. I will have a hard time encouraging that now due to this apparent lack of foresight by this Board and their seemingly lack of intention to give their students a well-rounded education that includes the Arts. I hope that there is still time for this Board to re-evaluate this decision and continue to provide their students with this priceless opportunity.

This choir was a big part of my life when I was at Newman, its ridiculous how they can decide to just cut programs like this

Apparently, another attempt to save money by cutting revenue. The number of students attracted to Newman because of the Music Dept is only one of the considerations. The real, unmeasured question is how many students stay because of the Music Department. Not one revenue generating Dept. should be eliminated until deep cuts are made to Overhead. Academics aren’t the issue. Expense is the issue. Bloated, non-productive Overhead depts. must be reined in m

The life experiences and balance that music adds to the education of these young people is beyond measure. Cutting this program would be a HUGE mistake.

Cutting the music program would be a huge mistake. The music program is why I decided to attend Newman over the multiple other schools I was looking at. This program helped me immensely in school, as well as shape me into who I am today. It’s much more than just a music program. It’s a family.

Music and the other arts are fundemental learning and enrichment. Do not allow this to happen

This is one of the best programs that Newman University has there's no way to get rid of it

It would be a horrible mistake, to cut these programs.

What is there to say that hasn't been said by anyone who has signed this petition? This is wrong. Music education is important. It's important grade school, high school and college. The importance does not dwindle the further we go. Maybe it's because someone wants to perform or teach music or maybe it's a moment of stress relief for someone stressing over classes or in my case, along with classmates, getting the opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall. Newman is making a mistake..I hope this will show them that.

Without the music department at Newman, I would’ve taken my studies elsewhere. The music program saved me in my time of need and created the community that I longed for throughout my college career and beyond. As a very dedicated and involved Newman alum, I am beyond disappointed in the vote that has taken place, and it makes me doubt the focus and intentions of the board of trustees. If we focus on building engagement and community, cutting the program that brings in community and prides itself on alumni engagement seems like a hasty and poorly thought out decision.

What a wonderful program

The hypocrisy of a "liberal arts" institution voting to eliminate their music department is dumbfounding!