The St. Thomas More Newman Center

The Newman Center began in 1915 as a Newman Club founded for the purpose of bringing Catholic students together in faith and fellowship at the University of Oregon. The arrival of the Dominicans in 1962 began a radical growth in Catholic ministry at the University. On June 1, 1965 groundbreaking began on the current location of 1850 Emerald Street for a Church and Center. The Newman Club became a Newman Center complete with its own church, offices, and meeting spaces. On September 5, 1967 the Newman Center was erected as a personal parish, giving it specific canonical privileges and rights. In the last 45 years, our community has grown and changed in many ways, but the heart of the ministry, faith and fellowship, remains the same. Furthermore, our blend of student and permanent community members balances the strengths of stability and experience with the energy and enthusiasm of youth. By providing opportunities for leadership and faith development to students of higher education, the Newman Center takes an active role in forming future leaders in the Church. Through our ministry to the community of higher education, the Newman Center is bridging our rich faith and intellectual traditions with society.