Newman Pavilion Project

Newman Center Growth

Over the last few years, the Newman Center has experienced an explosive growth in the number of students attending programs each week.

In Fragua, our main formation program for upperclassmen, we have seen an increase of 124%, from 38 students in the 2023-24 academic year to 85 students in the 2025-26 academic year.

In the Alpha Course, which we run 3 times a year, we have seen a 38% increase, from 152 participants in the 2023-24 academic year to a projected 210 registrants in the 2025-26 academic year.

The Pavilion Project

Because of our increase in student numbers, we have run into a space problem. The Newman Center does not have any space that can comfortably fit more than 40 students. To accommodate our current student numbers, we must reserve space on the OSU campus which can be costly, complicates logistics, and occasionally deters students from attending.

After much prayer, thought, and exploration of possible solutions, the Newman Pavilion project was born. This space will allow for us to have between 90 and 100 students at 5ft round tables and between 100 and 120 students in lecture style seating. The pavilion will be an open space with the ability to roll down vinyl walls during inclement weather. We also plan to have heaters fixed to the perimeter of structure for cold days.

What Programs will be Served?

Fragua

This program is for students who have gone through Alpha and want to deepen and be formed in their faith. Fragua equips each student to be a formed Catholic, a prayerful soul, and an apostle who is zealous to reach those who are far away from God.

Newman Events

This program is for incoming Catholic freshmen who want to integrate faith and college life and make new friends.

Alpha

Alpha is a series of group conversations that explore the essentials of the Christian faith in a friendly environment.

Venture

We have a variety of socials held each term during the year. These include All Newman Nights and Welcome Week events among other smaller events led primarily by our student leadership team.

How Much is Needed?

Our fundraising goal for this project is 90k. This estimate includes all aspects of the project from laying down the concrete slab, to the roof trusses, to the vinyl walls and heaters.

Please take a look at our fundraising thermometer to see how much has been raised so far by our generous benefactors.

If you are able, please consider donating to this project. This larger space will help us to minister to students in new and better way.

Donate

FAQ

  • We explored the option of a tent, but found that we would only be able to have a temporary structure up for 180 days before tearing it down and having to request another permit. This is not a viable long term solution for our needs and so we have opted for a more permanent solution.

  • Fragua, our main program that would utilize this space, is only for upperclassmen. They attend this program for a maximum of 3 years. Because of the rotation of new students into the program and older students exiting the program, we anticipate a maximum of 100 students attending any given year.

    It is a benefit that the Newman Center has many different programs. Students are spread amongst these programs and it allows us to utilize all of our spaces.

  • The roll down vinyl walls will allow for us to choose whether the space is open or closed. This will keep our courtyard as an open space most of the year and especially on non-program days.

  • The purpose of the vinyl roll down walls is to allow for flexibility during all seasons. We can enclose and turn on the heaters during rain or snow and we can open up when the sun is out.