This looks to be a milestone year for Zachariah Neumeier. Not only is he graduating from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with a degree in biomedical engineering and a minor in computer science, but he is also marrying his high school sweetheart, Jean Phillips, in October.
Neumeier, 21, takes it all in stride as he wraps up a successful college career that has been busy with a virtual research internship, involvement in academic clubs and research organizations and serving as a deputy grand knight in the Knights of Columbus.
Formerly a parishioner of St. Anthony Church in Ratcliff where he grew up, Neumeier got involved from the moment he stepped on the UA campus. As a freshman, he attended Mass and became a part of the campus church life. As a sophomore, he helped with peer ministry at St. Thomas Aquinas University Parish, planning faith-based and social events.
But it is the Knights of Columbus that has kept him involved. From rosaries to fish frys, the Knights challenged him and other men to get engaged with their parish on campus.
"I think one of the coolest parts about the Knights of Columbus is that it is a worldwide organization," Neumeier said. "It is a ministry that you can take with you into adulthood, and I am excited about this upcoming year with the Knights."
