Catholic Campus Ministry began in 1883 when Mrs. Melvin invited some Catholic students from the University of Wisconsin to Thanksgiving dinner. During the course of dinner, Mrs. Melvin suggested to them that they begin a literary club, which were very popular at the time, to help them grow in their understanding of Catholicism. 

       One of the students involved in the Melvin Club, Timothy Harrington, later started a similar group at the University of Pennsylvania. He named it the "Newman Club" after reading John Henry Cardinal Newman's The Idea of the University.

       The "Newman" movement grew along with other Catholic student movements. Bishops appointed chaplains to these groups. Centers were built. The Newman Catholic Student Association at Wright State University is part of this ministry to higher education. The Newman Catholic Student Association is the distinctively Catholic student organization of Wright State Campus Ministries. It is one of the oldest recognized student groups on campus.

       The Newman Catholic Student Association exists to do the following : 

• Be a community of faith, rooted in commitment to Jesus Christ, formed by the Scriptures and Sacraments of the Church
• Develop an enthusiastic group of students who have a sense of identity and belonging
• Promote personal integrity; closeness to God; pride in the Catholic life and culture
• Encourage our members to set a good example and be credible witnesses of the Catholic faith today
• Have fun together
• Provide a setting where social, political and ethical issues can be explored from a faith perspective
• Encourage personal development, critical thinking and leadership skills
• Be of service to the university and the larger community and to collaborate with others when possible 
• Support both the Ohio and National Catholic Student Coalitions
• Cooperate with and support other Christians in our mutual commitment to Christ and Gospel values