KCU honors graduate with unique commencement ceremony
At Kansas City University (KCU) our mission, improving the well-being of the communities we serve, defines everything we do. Taking care of our communities begins with taking care of our students. For D’Angeleau Newsome, that meant taking unique steps to make his commencement experience special.
His quest to become a physician spanned more than 20 years. At age 10, Newsome made a promise to his mother that he would do everything he could to make her well after learning she had multiple sclerosis (MS). On May 3, 2024, he made good on that promise when he walked across the stage to officially receive his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine during the KCU commencement ceremony. Family and friends roared with cheers and applause when they heard his name called. But the absence of his mother, who is unable to travel because her disease has progressed, weighed heavily on Newsome’s heart.
“This season of declining health for my mom has been difficult. The miles between us have been hard. More than anything, I wanted her to be able to see me graduate,” said Newsome.
Though he and his family have roots in the South, Newsome quickly adapted to his home away from home when he came to KCU as a student in the College of Biosciences before beginning medical school. The future doctor became a celebrity of sorts at KCU when his talent as a percussionist garnered him an invitation to perform alongside his former music ensemble and Maroon 5 during the halftime show of Super Bowl LIII. He continued his extracurricular drumming as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs drumline, the Rumble.
His time with the Rumble was especially meaningful for Newsome’s mom. Though the miles separated them, she was able to watch her son perform at Arrowhead Stadium from her TV at Tennessee State Veterans Home where she has lived since 2018.
Newsome’s mother may have inspired him to become a doctor, but his father played an equally significant role in shaping his life. “My mom was my inspiration to pursue medicine. But the traits my dad instilled in me and my brother and the talents he helped me develop also led me to where I am today,” he remarked. “He encouraged us from a very young age to find one skill that we enjoyed, one passion that motivated us, and something we could excel at academically. As a result, math and science became my affinity in school. Drumming became the skill I enjoyed. Helping people became my passion,” Newsome continued.
Although his parents divorced about the same time he was starting college, Newsome’s dad remained involved in his mom’s care. So much so that when it came time for KCU’s commencement, he was determined to find a way for her to celebrate with their son in person.
“We knew that traveling to Kansas City was not possible for my mom. Because of her disease, she can’t fly and it’s a nine-hour drive from here to Nashville. I approached KCU University Relations about the possibility of flying someone from the university there, at our expense, to have a simple commencement ceremony at the VA center,” Newsome explained.
That conversation led to another. This time with Kristine Stevens, EdD, KCU vice provost for Enrollment and Student Services. Soon after, Dr. Stevens put a plan in motion. She and her husband would travel to Nashville to recreate a commencement experience for D’Angeleau and his mom at no expense to the Newsome family.
“I have always been impressed with D’Angeleau’s dedication to his studies and his creative outlets and his commitment to keeping his mom centered in his life,” remarked Stevens. “Having this special commencement for him and his mother served as a wonderful reminder of why I do what I do—to make a difference in someone’s life.”
With their vehicle loaded up with commencement programs, regalia and a framed letter of congratulations from Marc B. Hahn, DO, KCU president and CEO, the Stevenses made the nine-hour trek to the Veterans Home. A few days later, Mrs. Newsome watched her son receive his ceremonial hood and diploma—all from her very own front-row seat.
“I can’t put into words how much it meant to my mom and my family to be the recipients of such incredible generosity from KCU,” said Newsome. “I’ve been on this journey for about 21 years now. For my mom, it was completion of the circle. She encouraged me to follow my dreams and to follow my passions. This is for her.”
