Don Briel Scholarship Fund

"I have so many good memories from the classes, and I still recite the Shakespearean sonnets I memorized. I learned so much, particularly about human nature... the discussions really were amazing!" - Maureen Winter, UNL '20, Mechanical Engineering 

"In the Newman Institute classes, you read great works of literature and through discussion you come to better understand and appreciate their meaning.  These courses encourage you to think about the emotions, virtues, and actions of humanity in a whole new way.  I loved the class and I am thankful they are available to us students!" - Madelaine P. 

Now in its fifth year, the Newman Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture was founded to help undergraduates and the wider Lincoln community benefit from the wisdom of a liberal arts education. The Institute offers college-credit courses on the great works of Western Literature. In exposing students to what is most noble and edifying in our common heritage, the Institute seeks to rekindle an appreciation for all that is true, good and beautiful. In studying such authors as Homer and Plato, Dante and Shakespeare, our courses pursue wisdom in the spirit of St. John Henry Newman, whose passion for truth and love of learning made him a model for all who value education.
 
As a devoted student and disciple of Newman, the late Dr. Don Briel (1947-2018) was a master teacher and pioneer of Catholic Studies, having launched the first such program at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. Dr. Briel taught hundreds of students, many of whom went on to become priests, religious and lay leaders in the Catholic Church. He was among the earliest supporters of the Newman Institute and generously served on its founding board. In his final months with us, Dr. Briel became the first “Friend of the Newman Institute” and promised to support our work with his prayer, counsel and financial help.
 
As a way of honoring Dr. Briel and his lifelong work, the Newman Institute now offers full and partial scholarships ($650 and $325) to deserving undergraduates. Please consider coming alongside a student in helping make their pursuit of wisdom possible by donating to the Don Briel Scholarship Fund. 

If you would like to donate, please visit click HERE

The Newman Institute is accredited through St. Gregory the Great Seminary. All donations will go through them. However, when donating you will have the option to donate specifically to the Newman Institute. Please note all contributions will show up on bank statements as "to St. Gregory the Great Seminary" and all donations are tax-deductible. 

Or you may mail in a check payable to the Newman Institute at:

Newman Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture
320 N. 16th Street 
Lincoln, NE 68508

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via the form below! 

Thank you and God bless!