Newman Officers

President: Greg Reading

Junior biochemistry major from Orlando, Fla. Got involved at St. A's by becoming a Eucharistic Minister. I cook to de-stress during a long week. I might spend 2 hours on one meal just because it tastes good and calms me down. My specialty is anything Asian or southern.

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Vice President of Campus Affairs: Andy Kline

Senior Information Systems major from St. Petersburg, Fla. I got involved at St. A's by first going to mass and finding out about Newman Club and the other ministries. I decided to try Newman Club. I went and was pretty shy at first. I eventually got to know people, and I helped stack chairs and tables after Newman. That's where I got to know more people. Then Ms. Debby got me to captain the men's flag football team because no one else would do it. That's basically how I got started at this great place. I ended up being a Newman officer for a year and a half, then the Coalition treasurer last year. Now I am back with Newman for another great year! I have lived in St. Petersburg, FL my entire life, so coming to Gainesville was a big change for me. I am a big sports fan. I like all the Tampa Bay teams, but my favorite is the Rays. I grew up a Penn State fan for college sports, but don't worry fellow Gators, I will always root for Florida over Penn State until the day I die. Some of my favorite TV shows are Chuck, Seinfeld, and Lost. My favorite music artist of all time is Billy Joel. My favorite fruit is the banana. Remember folks, if you have any questions, just ask. I'm always there for you, and I want you to feel welcome at this church.

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Vice President of Church Affairs: Sergio Martinez

Junior Psychology major from Immokalee, FL As a freshman I first got involved at St.A's. by getting free food at Newman club. Soon I was convinced to go on the Alpha retreat and from there on my involvement at St. A’s increased tenfold. I began to participate and get involved with CSF, Nueva Alianza, intramurals, tailgating, etc. I love to laugh…a lot. Things I enjoy include: The Office, Modern Family, coloring, New York Yankees, volleyball, chicken wings, Christmas, hiking, running, baseball, creating new sayings (Taaaaa!) the beach, posing for pictures & marinara sauce.

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Treasurer: Michele Burczyk

Junior Poltical Science Major from Longwood, FL I started going to St. A's my freshman year. I was only going to mass on Sundays, but I always saw the cool activites in the bulletin. When I came back for my sophmore year, I decided that I really wanted to grow deeper in my faith and become more involved. So I started off by going to CSF. And before I knew it, I went on Alpha, was going to Newman weekly, and even went on a spring break mission trip. Not only was I growing in my faith, but I had met some of my best friends. I love country music, line dancing, fishing, sweet tea, football, especially the Green Bay Packers, and the Lord.

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Secretary: Sara Kupiszewski

Sophomore Biology major from Orlando, FL Despite going to mass on Sunday, I never felt like part of the St. A's community during my first semester at UF. I had never been part of a youth group back home, and the huge student community at St. A's in which everyone seemed to be best friends intimidated me. Then one of my best friends persuaded me to go on the spring Alpha retreat, and I was blessed with the opportunity to experience why the community appears so close-knit: it is. Everyone at St. A's is welcoming, friendly,and genuinely cares about each other. I hope to provide the same experience that I received to other students beginning their journeys at UF. In addition to cooking and baking, I also love reading, running, going to the beach, and hanging out with friends. Come visit me every Tuesday at Newman Club!

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Service Coordinator: Theresa Ngo

Sophomore Microbiology and Cell Science major from Orlando, FL My involvement with the St. A’s community began with Catholics on Campus during Blast Off Week but really grew after the Alpha retreat during my first semester. This wonderful community was exactly what I needed especially during my first year of college. Everyone has been nothing but welcoming. I have met some of my greatest friends through St. A’s. My faith has grown immensely, and I wouldn’t trade my experiences here for anything. During my free time, I enjoy listening to music, cooking, baking, and playing piano. I also like traveling and plan on studying abroad next summer. I love meeting new people and can’t wait to see you around St. A’s!

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Social Coordinator: Ana Gutierrez

Junior psychology major and theater minor from Clearwater, Fla. My sister Isabel introduced me to everything at St. A's. First I started going to Newman every week, but it was after I went to Alpha that I really got involved. Now I'm social coordinator for Newman, sing for the student Music Ministry, serve on Alpha, play intramurals, and go to as many St. A's events as possible! My hobbies include sports (especially basketball), singing, acting, reading and hanging out with my friends.

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Spiritual Coordinator: Daniel Conigliaro

Sophomore History major from Naples, FL I became involved at St. Augustine's at the beginning of last year. After being involved in my high school youth group for three years, I knew that I wanted to stay involved with a faith community when I moved to college. I was raised Catholic, but my faith has grown more in the last year than in anytime in my life. Daily mass and quiet prayer time before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament have become staples of my prayer life. Love for the Eucharist has become my solid rock. I know that I can always turn to Jesus in the Eucharist whenever I am in need, struggling with something, or just need some time in silence with the One who created me. I enjoy spending time with friends, watching good movies (especially historical movies), listening to music, going out to eat, and traveling (when I have the opportunity). I am also very involved as a liturgical minister at St. Augustine's. P.S. Go on the F.I.R.E. Retreat - you will not regret it.

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Captain Tuesday: Steve Alexander Silva Silva

4th year Family Youth and Community major from Miami, Fla. 4 four years ago I came across a table where they had free dinner sign on it, knowing that is free I decided to go to check it out. I did and it was a great community, considering the fact it was at St. A’s and it was Newman. However, the only bad part was that I was not as involved, and attended St. A’s on a on and off basis. Was not there all the time until… almost a year ago I came across and met a church member named Liz on the bus company I work for and she told me all about Alpha retreat, and even though I always wanted to go but because I was always too busy going to CBC I never could until the date that it fell. Since Alpha I am a change man, and I am one of those church members that does not want to leave St. A’s. A little about myself: I am a UF student from Miami, Florida where I was born and raised under Hispanic/Latino culture. I lived in Little Havana til I was 13 and then moved to one of the worst neighborhoods in Miami (Liberty City) where I live now. I never have left the country prior to the start of Summer Vacation 2011 when I went to Nicaragua for a month and a half. In have 1 brother, one ½ brother, one sister, one ½ sister. Lost my dad due to cancer, and have only my mom trying to keep us alive. Some of my hobbies include: Soccer, writing poetry, and I actually DJ for fun and not get paid. My DJ name is DJ Scuba Steve. Many people call me Krazysteve. I volunteer at Camp Boggy Creek very often. So often that I was there for 5 weeks this Summer 2011 alone. I am very outgoing and very easy to make friends with. I am a changed man with lots of love to spread and share. If I tell you more I will continue for about 4-5 pages telling you my biography.

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Historian: Melanie Abou-Jaoude

Sophomore Chemical Engineering major from Orlando, FL As someone who has been born and raised Catholic, my faith and the church have always been a big part of my life. At home in Orlando, my parents always encouraged me to help the church as much as I can. My older sister Michelle introduced me to the community at St. Augustine's, and the first day after I moved up to Gainesville I attended Catholics on Campus, the first event of Blast-Off Week. Ever since I have been getting myself more and more involved, especially after going on Alpha. I enjoy reading books, watching tv and movies, playing tennis and hanging out with friends.

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Development Coordinator: Stephanie Bires

Junior year Geology and Classical Studies major from Dade City, FL I came to St. A's because I've had several older cousins pass through here and tell me how amazing it was. So I met Caroline O'leary at preview and we came to Blast Off Week events and we've been here ever since. These amazing people are really my family away from home and my family continues to grow every day :) I enjoy singing, singing, and more singing. It lightens up the grayest moods. However, I also enjoying falling down rock slopes, identifying minerals, relative age dating, and watching volcanoes explode, you know normal geology things, as well as reading, talking, organizing, and cooking.