University of Washington's Greek Row is known for its loud parties, college students wandering around in the wee hours and numerous stereotypes associated with fraternities and sororities.
The Newman Center-Prince of Peace Chapel, on the corner of Northeast 45th Street and 20th Avenue Northeast, offers a different dynamic to the area.
A Catholic place of worship, the Newman Center welcomes diverse individuals into its community.
"People are always welcoming. I was there for half an hour on Sunday just chatting with people after Mass," said Jacob Struiksma, a local community member.
A place of support
The Newman Center is part of a larger network and outreach of secular universities and college campuses across the nation.
The Seattle chapter was established in 1908. Community and Newman Center members originally gathered in local homes in different areas of the University District.
It was not until recent years that the organization bought a former fraternity house and several other properties to construct the present building. It officially opened in summer 2001.
With its unique architecture, tall pillars, brick walls and several meeting rooms, the Newman Center is well set up for large functions.
"People love the building. Many people wanted to come and even get married [here]," said Jennifer Keene, a former peer minister.
As the building was dedicated in September 2001, individuals also saw the Newman Center as a place of support after Sept. 11, 2001.
"During the terror of Sept. 11, the ministry of the center was not only to comfort those who were traumatized here, or comfort those who lost family and friends, but also to bring these events into relationship with the faith of the individuals involved," Father Vincent Benoit said.
Serving the community
The Newman Center not only has numerous programs of interest to Catholics, but some that affect the North Seattle and global communities as well.
Courtney Plummer, a UW sophomore and Social Justice/Community Service coordinator for the Newman Center, has organized many service events in the last year. They include volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House and University District Youth Center (UDYC), participating in the United Way Youth Day of service, coordinating a giving Christmas tree with proceeds to Childhaven and helping children in Nicaragua.
"There are a lot of people who need help other than ourselves," Plummer said. "I feel like it's an innate desire [to help others] and then providing the opportunity for others to make it a lifestyle."
When Plummer entered the UW, she was excited to be at a big school and experience the freedom that comes with living on her own. However, she missed the personal and close relationships that she had previously, until her mother told her about the Newman Center.
Plummer was soon involved in a group tailored to freshmen known as Critical Mass.
"I met most of my really close friends, including my boyfriend, at Critical Mass," Plummer said.
Leaving Singapore to attend the University of Washington, Marcel-lino Tanumihardja has been a regular member at the Newman Center since 1991. Now married with two young boys, Tanumihardja has brought the Newman Center into his family's lives as well.
"My eldest son is learning what it means to serve [in the Catholic faith]. He's learning to love and appreciate the gift of music, and hopefully, he'll learn that it means so much more when one shares that gift with others," Tanumihardja said.
Celebrating cultures
Although most people involved with the Newman Center fall between the ages of 18 of 30, the community is still very diverse in its population.
"We try to find new ways of celebrating it and gaining a greater appreciation for new cultures," Keene said.
She added that even though there is an age gap among many of the community members, people of different ages can learn a lot from each other.
Keene is also the coordinator of the annual Café Newman event, in which individuals can showcase their talents, chat with others and enjoy a hot mocha or other beverage. This year's Café Newman will take place at the Newman Center on Saturday, April 28, from 8 p.m. to midnight.
A silent auction is also planned.
"It's a time where we can come together as a community," Keene said.
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