Meet The Peer Ministry Team

Hi there! My name is Alison Begin, and I’m an honors student here at UNLV studying Entertainment Engineering and Design with a minor in Theatre. I’m originally from Dallas, TX, but Las Vegas has always felt like a second home to me. I grew up Catholic and had a strong faith as a kid, but after COVID I found myself struggling. So much of the responsibility to keep practicing my faith fell on me, and honestly, I felt unprepared and alone.

When I got to college, I promised myself I’d be intentional about my faith and one of my biggest goals was to find more Catholic friends. That’s when I found Newman, and it completely changed everything for me. It gave me community, encouragement, and a place to grow in my relationship with Jesus. Now, I’m so excited to be serving as a peer minister and to give back to the place that has given me so much. I’d love to meet you, hear your story, and hopefully help you feel as at home here as I do!

Andrew

My name is Gabriella Nault but around here I go by Ella. I’m a sophomore here at UNLV and I’m studying journalism with concentrations in digital and social media alongside sports media, and creative media. I was baptized Byzantine Catholic but grew up going to Roman Catholic mass and catholic school. I was eager to find some catholic friends and found my way to the Newman Center, which I have gotten to call home for the past two years as a peer minister. The people here have become some of my best friends but also my family. Sharing my faith is one of my biggest passions and being able to do that here is an amazing feeling. I like to help others realize that they don’t have to fit the perfect catholic stereotype and you can be yourself while also glorifying God. Without Newman I wouldn’t be where I am today.

My name is Andrew Ferguson, and I am a sophomore journalism student at UNLV with a concentration in sports media. Growing up, my Catholic faith has always been a guiding force in my life, shaping the way I see the world and the people around me. Being part of the Newman Center has deepened that connection, giving me a community where faith and friendship come together. I’ve learned that my relationship with God isn’t just something private but something to be shared and lived out daily. Through Mass, adoration, and service opportunities, I’ve found ways to strengthen not only my own faith but also to encourage others on their journeys. My goal is to bring that same joy and commitment into the Newman Center community, helping others feel welcome and inspired. I’m grateful for the chance to serve here, where my faith continues to grow alongside my studies and future career.