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Since its inception in 2003, the National Institute for Newman Studies has become the foremost center in North America for the study of the works, life, and influence of John Henry Cardinal Newman.

Staff Directory

Kevin Mongrain, Ph.D., Director

Kevin Mongrain earned a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Yale University in 1999. In addition to his research on the thought of John Henry Newman, he has published a book and several articles on the thought of Hans Urs von Balthasar. Before coming to the National Institute of Newman Studies Dr. Mongrain taught theology at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, and Great Books  in the Program of Liberal Studies at the University of Notre Dame. You can contact Dr. Mongrain at KMongrain@ninsdu.org.

Damon McGraw, M.A.R., Executive Research Fellow

Damon McGraw was born and raised in northern Virginia outside of Washington, D.C. He has a B.A. cum laude in Philosophy from Cedarville University and an M.A.R cum laude concentrating in the History of Christianity from Yale University Divinity School. He did his doctoral work in Theology at the University of Notre Dame, and he is now completing his dissertation on Newman’s critical reception and mature appropriation of the Christian apocalyptic tradition. Damon taught Theology courses at the University of Notre Dame, and he has given lectures and presentations on Newman in a variety of academic settings, such as the Catholic Theological Society of America, the American Academy of Religion, and the American Catholic Philosophical Association. He has recently been named a member of the Board of Directors of the Newman Association of America. Damon enjoys exercising, dining, traveling, and watching film with his wife, Angela Miller McGraw, during his free time. You can contact Damon at DMcgraw@ninsdu.org.

Ms. Jude Rutkowski, Executive Assistant

Jude Rutkowski is a Pittsburgh native who earned her B.S. in Communications from John Carroll University. Through her work, she has lived in Cleveland, OH, Washington, DC and San Francisco. She brings to the Institute a rich history of experience in non-profit work, event management, and marketing. In her free time, Jude enjoys traveling, cooking, and camping. You can contact Jude at JRutkowski@ninsdu.org.