I’m Devin, a senior at Columbia College Chicago studying photography. I wanted to share with you a bit about how I’ve grown closer to Jesus through my love for photography—and how my marketing internship at the Newman Center has played a key role in that journey.

Photography has always been a way for me to capture moments, but it wasn’t until I started spending more time at the Newman Center that I realized how much of my growth in faith could be reflected through my lens. One of the most powerful ways photography has deepened my faith is through Eucharistic adoration. Experiencing adoration through my camera lens has helped me dive deeper into intimacy with Christ. It sounds corny, but zooming in on the Eucharist and looking back at those photos—it’s impactful. It represents the closeness He wants with our hearts, something He reveals to me in prayer and everyday life. Photography, especially in a church setting, is very intimate for me.

Aside from that, being surrounded by students who are striving to live their faith, whether through Bible studies, Mass, or community events, has been such an encouragement. It’s allowed me to grow spiritually and to see how much God can work through something as simple as taking a picture. Every photo I take here reminds me of God’s presence in our daily lives, and how He’s using each of us to build His kingdom, one moment at a time.

Your support this Giving Tuesday will help make it possible for students like me to continue growing closer to Jesus through experiences like this. Your donation will help provide opportunities for internships, events, and ministries that help us live out our faith in tangible ways.

Thank you for considering a gift this Giving Tuesday. Your generosity truly makes a difference in the lives of students, giving us the chance to grow in faith and use our gifts to serve the Church.

My name is Allison, and I’m a senior at UIC studying biology with plans to go to medical school. I wanted to take a moment to share a bit of my story with you and explain why your support on Giving Tuesday means so much.

When I first came to UIC, I was nervous about finding a place where I could grow in my faith and connect with others. On my very first Sunday here, I attended Mass with my roommate and was welcomed with open arms by the people there. Soon enough, I started coming back regularly and began to discover how special the Newman Center is.

Over the years, Newman has become a home to me. I’ve served as a barista, joined the choir, and helped lead a Bible study. But more than that, it’s a place where I can be myself, where I can grow in my prayer life, and where I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime.

The chapel is especially close to my heart. It’s where I go to find peace, no matter how chaotic life gets. It’s where I can sit with Jesus, whether I’m feeling joyful or struggling, knowing He’s always there for me. That’s what Newman is all about—giving students a place to encounter Christ, deepen their faith, and build a lasting community.

But none of this would be possible without the generous support of people like you. Your donation on Giving Tuesday will help keep this community thriving and growing, ensuring that future students have the opportunity to find the same peace and belonging that I’ve found here.

Thank you for considering supporting the Newman Center. Your gift makes a real difference in the lives of students, helping us grow in faith and build a vibrant, welcoming community.

I’m Ian, a fifth-year student studying biology on the pre-dental track. I’m currently interviewing for dental school and preparing to take the next step in my journey. But today, I want to share how the Newman Center has played a pivotal role in my life, and why your support on Giving Tuesday means so much to me and so many others.

When I first started college in 2020, everything was virtual due to COVID. I connected with Newman through an intake form and began participating in online events. While it was great to meet people, it wasn’t until May 2021 that I stepped foot in the Newman Center for the first time. I remember attending an Olympic night event, meeting some of the people I had connected with online, and feeling a sense of belonging like I’d never experienced before.

Since then, Newman has become my home. Whether it’s the time I’ve spent with friends at Cor Coffee or serving on our Student Leadership Team, Newman has given me a place where I can encounter Jesus and grow spiritually in a supportive and welcoming environment. Being part of the Leadership Team has deepened my faith life, and I’ve been able to share that with my family, spreading the knowledge and joy of our faith back home.

The Newman Center is a special place—not just for me, but for all the students who come here seeking community, faith, and purpose. With your help on Giving Tuesday, we can continue to provide a place of encounter for students like me, helping them grow in faith and build lifelong friendships.

Thank you for considering supporting the Newman Center. Your generosity helps make this space possible, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to shape the lives of future students.

My name is Mary Lato, and I am the student president of the Cor Team here at the Newman Center. I’m reaching out to share a bit about how this place has transformed my life—and how it can continue to do the same for countless students, just like me.

Growing up, I always felt a deep yearning for authentic community. As a child, my family nurtured my faith, and I had a strong foundation in the Catholic Church. But when I entered public high school, everything changed. It was a struggle to hold on to my faith, and I felt the ache of isolation as I sought out deeper meaning in my life.

That ache was finally healed when I found the Newman Center at UIC. From the moment I stepped into the space as a freshman, I experienced the freedom to truly be myself, surrounded by a community of students and staff who were committed to helping me grow in my faith. Through Bible studies, daily Mass, and the support of FOCUS Missionaries, I discovered what it means to live fully alive in Christ. The Lord transformed my loneliness into communion, and my desire for authentic community became a reality.

Now, as the president of the Cor Team, I see firsthand the incredible impact the Newman Center has on students. Our mission is to help college students encounter Christ and discover who they were created to be. This encounter with Jesus brings true joy, freedom, and peace—and it radiates from our students as they become more fully alive. I’ve witnessed countless lives transformed as students grow in faith and community here, and it’s a privilege to be a part of this mission.

But this work cannot continue without your support. This Giving Tuesday, I ask you to consider a donation to the St. John Paul II Newman Center. Your gift will help us provide the resources and space for students to encounter Christ and live the life they were always meant to live.

Every dollar you give will make a difference in the lives of students at UIC, helping them discover their true selves, grow in faith, and become the future saints of our Church.

Thank you for supporting the Newman Center and our mission to bring students closer to Christ.