The St. John Paul II Newman Center is the latest in a nearly 130-year-long tradition of establishing Catholic ministries at non-Catholic universities around the world. The Center is the culmination of a joint venture between the Omaha Archdiocese and the University of Nebraska–Omaha to create a residence hall and worship center for students. The result is a simple, clearly defined space — a spiritual home in the educational world. Join Dennis Coudriet, AIA; Mark Bacon, AIA; Amy Dishman, Assoc. IIDA, and Rev. Joseph C. Taphorn (from the Omaha Archdiocese) as they discuss the unique architectural attributes of this project and its impact on its residents. 

Panelists:

Dennis Coudriet, AIA - Architect, Principal, BVH Architecture
Dennis is passionate about architecture and how it can directly benefit people’s lives. He is fervent about the design process and working with clients to create a solution uniquely fitting for their needs, site and context. He is a design leader within the firm, working on a variety of projects in higher education, church and community markets.

Mark Bacon, AIA - Architect, BVH Architecture
For 10 years, Mark has worked on projects varied in scale, circumstance and place. As a result, he has developed a disciplined design process to translate client goals into projects informed by collaboration, thoughtful planning and rigorous detailing. His design-centric expertise leverages the best idea, no matter who suggests it, by the identifying opportunities and constraints to provide a clear direction for resolution. Mark has also taught numerous design studios as an adjunct professor of architecture at Kansas State University, Marywood University in Scranton, PA, and, currently, at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Amy Dishman, Assoc. IIDA - Interior Designer, BVH Architecture
Amy is a dedicated advocate for sustainable, active and evidence-based design because she believes the built environment has a direct impact on our earth and well-being. For more than 10 years, she has worked on projects varied in size from 3,000 sf to one million. She has extensive experience in numerous sectors of design including residential, corporate, healthcare, education and civic. No matter the size or project type, Amy’s constant desire to shape the experience of individuals for the better through their surroundings remains. Her passion is creating spaces where people can thrive.

Reverend Joseph C. Taphorn - Founding Pastor, St. John Paul II Newman Center
Fr. Joe Taphorn is chaplain of campus ministry at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), as well as the founding pastor of the new St. John Paul II Newman Center. He is also the Moderator of the Curia for the Archdiocese of Omaha. He has served for a number of years as a spiritual director to FOCUS missionaries and has helped with FOCUS retreats nationally. Inspired by St. John Paul II, Fr. Taphorn believes the Newman Center's facility and programming will help strengthen students' faith, as well as create a fun and supportive atmosphere during their critical young adult years.

Moderator: 

Jasmine Maharisi - Communication Strategist, BVH Architecture
With a passion for creative ideas, language and all things literary, the quest to capture and communicate stories is what drives Jasmine. In addition to her role at BVH, her work as a freelance writer and journalist has been locally and nationally-recognized and featured in publications including Omaha Magazine, The Reader, and on radio stations including NPR-affiliate station KIOS Omaha.