Newcom Student Union officially opened on Graceland University’s Lamoni campus in May of 2020, but people might not have noticed due to the international pandemic. The renovated building has been in use for over a year now and the school has officially reopened to visitors thanks to the successful vaccine rollout in the community.
On Monday, June 28, from 2 – 4 p.m., Graceland will hold an open house to Lamoni and the surrounding community. Visitors can get their first in-person look at Newcom Student Union, take a tour of the facility, sample new menu items courtesy of Sodexo (who operates the Swarm Inn restaurant inside Newcom) and enjoy some ice cream.
The building was previously named the Memorial Student Center and has been in use since October of 1949. The renovation broke ground in 2019 and was funded by a variety of generous donors, led by Jay and Cherry Newcom, whose name now adorns the building.
“We are so thrilled to welcome the community back to our campus to see all the amazing upgrades that have been taking place,” said Graceland President Patricia H. Draves. “Newcom Student Union has already changed the student life experience and we can’t wait to share it with the community!”
Press Release
September 8, 2026
Students interested in becoming athletic trainers now have a faster and more affordable path to a master’s degree through a new partnership between Graceland University and Grand View University. The new program offers both 3+2 and 4+2 options for earning both an undergraduate degree in Allied Heath from Graceland followed by the Master of Science in Athletic Training from Grand View.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
September 2, 2026
Graceland University mourns the passing of Professor Emerita Dr. Phyllis O’Daniels, who died Sept. 1, 2026. An alumna, longtime faculty member and university leader, O’Daniels dedicated nearly 40 years to serving Graceland and its students.
Press Release
August 31, 2026
Graceland University and Logan University have established a new 3+3 articulation agreement that provides Graceland Allied Health students with an accelerated pathway to earning both a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 20, 2026
Michelle Fillinger ’97 Schamp has been named Associate Dean and Executive Director of Residence Life. In this role, she will provide leadership for the university’s residence life program while fostering a residential experience that supports student learning, leadership, and community.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 6, 2026
Graceland University has named Dr. LaVerne Manos as the new Dean of the School of Nursing effective July 31.
Administration and Staff, Athletics, Press Release
April 14, 2026
A transformative era for Graceland University men’s basketball has reached its natural turning point. After engineering one of the most impactful rebuilds in program history, head coach Todd Lorensen has accepted the head coaching position at Rockhurst University. In response, Athletic Director Brady McKillip has elevated Associate Head Coach Matt Dickman to lead the Yellowjackets forward.
