Pictures of Success: Campaign Transforming Creighton

Probing Micro Mysteries Critical Thinking & the Well-Reasoned Life

Spring 2009 SPRING 2009 View the magazine online at: www.creightonmagazine.org University Magazine

Creighton Leads Boldly Into the Future...... 8 A new era has begun at Creighton University, ushered in by the unprecedented support of the transformative Wi l l i n g t o Le a d campaign. The campaign surpassed its $350 million goal with more than $395 million so far in gifts and commitments, expanding the University’s boundaries — academically, physically and spiritually — and breaking all kinds of records. Probing Micro Mysteries...... 20 Creighton University undergraduate students are working shoulder-to-shoulder with faculty researchers at Creighton thanks to a national grant through the IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE). Their investigations could shed more light on a range of issues 8 from osteoporosis to cancer. Critical Thinking and the Well-Reasoned Life...... 24 To grab the attention of a nation weary from a constant barrage of messages, political candidates too often resort to glib one-liners or catchy sound bites — leaving little to no room for well-reasoned discourse. What would some of the great philosophers think? And how is Creighton preparing engaged citizens who can apply much-needed critical thinking to today’s most challenging issues? Philosophy professor Kevin Graham, Ph.D., examines.

A Greener Creighton Magazine Editor’s Note: With our spring 2009 issue of Creighton University Magazine, we’ve 20 stepped forward with more green initiatives in its production. The magazine has long been designated “recycled and recyclable” and “printed with soy ink,” but now we’ve added more. Today, the magazine carries the Forest Stewardship Council designation, as well (see logo at the bottom left on this page). According to the FSC website, products carrying the FSC label are independently certified to assure consumers that they come from forests that are managed to meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations. Creighton University Magazine uses paper made of 30 percent post- consumer waste, which decreases Creighton’s carbon footprint. 24 University News...... 4 Alumni News...... 28

On the Cover: front, senior Neil Bhattarai, with Opus Hall; biology professor Mary Ann Vinton, Ph.D., with the Hixson-Lied Science Building; middle, soccer player Chris Schuler, with Morrison Stadium; Creighton president the Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J., with Criss/Beirne Endowed Chair in Nursing Joan Lappe, Ph.D.; Casper Professor in History John Calvert, Ph.D., with the Rev. Henry Casper, S.J.; top, second-year medical student Dan Reznicek, with James Manion, M.D., Shea Family Endowed Chair in Anesthesiology; and sophomore Amber Bennett, with Mordeson Endowed Chair in Mathematics John Mordeson, Ph.D.

CONTACT US: Editor — Rick Davis, (402) 280-1785, [email protected] • Associate Editor — Sheila Swanson, (402) 280-2069, [email protected] View the magazine online at: www.creightonmagazine.org.

Message from the University President

Extraordinary Times, Extraordinary Opportunities

As we enter the latter stages of this decade, we face new economic, • Enhancing social and political realities that pull at the very fabric of our society. our engagement Indeed, the challenges that lie ahead are numerous, complex and real. in academic Creighton University and higher education in general are not scholarship, immune to these external forces, which have shifted the ground with an beneath us like tectonic plates. emphasis on But, as I emphasized in my convocation address to the campus funding student community, these extraordinary times also present extraordinary research opportunities. I remain bullish about Creighton. The state of the opportunities. University is solid, and the future is promising. Guided by our • Attracting and mission, animated by our people and strengthened by our tradition retaining the top faculty, of transforming the institution to meet the challenges of the day, staff and administrators, we face the future with strong faith, renewed spirit and bold who are committed to confidence. helping the University fulfill Lighting our path is a commitment to and vigorous engagement its vision. in strategic planning. Renewing our understanding of who we are and where we want to take our collective enterprise gives us the As mentioned earlier in this column, the global economic meltdown strength to persevere and thrive in the face of both anticipated and has placed stress on higher education. Creighton University has been unforeseen events. proactive about addressing these economic issues. You can read more Change is assuredly afoot in our society and our world. There about the economy’s impact on Creighton and our strategies to move is a sense of cautious optimism. The challenges we face as a forward in this uncertain environment on Page 5. Suffice it to say, nation and a world — now more than ever — require the critical the economy has had a real impact on Creighton, but I believe the thinking and ethical decision-making skills that suffuse a Creighton steps we are taking will allow us to weather the storm and come out education. stronger for remaining focused. Our Catholic and Jesuit identity and tradition provide a stable, Finally, I would like to publicly thank and acknowledge our faith-based foundation, through which our students, faculty and alumni and friends for their unprecedented support of the Wi l l i n g graduates are emboldened to ask the difficult questions and seek t o Le a d campaign. The campaign’s funds have infused our academic solutions that will create a more just world. We will not waver from mission and revitalized our physical environment. We set a bold and being guided by that Catholic and Jesuit mission in our intellectual ambitious goal of $350 million, and you responded — with more than pursuits, patient care and service. 60,000 individuals contributing more than $395 million so far in gifts Our vision is both simply stated and ennobling: Creighton and commitments. Read more about the campaign on Page 8. University will be a national leader in preparing students to enrich As I told those gathered at convocation, we are not done! We are in and renew society through professional distinction, responsible a new era of philanthropy and growth for this University. Creighton leadership and committed citizenship. must never settle for what is, but always aspire for the more. As St. Our strategic commitments, which focus on meeting that vision, Paul writes in a letter to Timothy: “God did not give us a timid spirit include: … but a spirit of courage.” May that spirit of courage enliven and fill us — as community and • Enriching and advancing our Catholic and Jesuit identity, with as individuals — as we move forward in hope and confidence, blessed a call for greater involvement of lay faculty and staff, by a God who loves us. especially in light of the declining number of Jesuits on Please know that you and your families are in my prayers during campus. this spring season. May God’s grace sustain and renew us during this • Improving the way we do our business by being more flexible, time of rebirth. more proactive and more entrepreneurial. With limited financial resources, we must become more efficient in meeting the demands of our constituents. • Strengthening and delivering transformative education. This John P. Schlegel, S.J. may take the shape of greater integration of assessment President activities, continued focus on student recruitment and retention, expansion of co-curricular activities that enhance the classroom experience and increased integration of technology. University News

University Magazine Health System, 1997-2000. Zetterman joined the Zetterman Named faculty of Creighton’s Department of Internal Creighton Medical Medicine in 1977, becoming a clinical professor Volume 25, Issue 1 School Dean of internal medicine in 1986. Publisher: Creighton University; Rev. John P. Schlegel, “For me, the opportunity to serve as a S.J., President; Lisa Calvert, Vice President for University Rowen Zetterman, M.D., has been named medical academic dean, bringing my expertise Relations. Creighton University Magazine staff: Kim Barnes dean of the Creighton University School of to bear on the transformation of young Manning, Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Medicine. Zetterman, who has served as chief minds, is the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Public Relations; Rick Davis, Editor; Sheila Swanson, of staff for the Veterans Associate Editor; Pamela A. Vaughn, Features Editor; Zetterman. Cindy McMahon, Senior Writer. Affairs (VA) Nebraska- An internationally known researcher, his Western Iowa Health research interests include the care of all types Creighton University Magazine (USPS728-070) is published Care System since of liver transplantation patients and the quarterly in the spring, summer, fall and winter by 2002, assumed his new evaluation and care of patients with primary Creighton University, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE position with Creighton 68178-0001. Periodicals postage paid at Omaha, Neb., and bilary cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, auto- additional entry points. Address all mail to Marketing in early January. immune hepatitis and chronic liver disease. and Public Relations, Omaha, NE 68178. Postmaster: Send “Creighton University In 2008, Zetterman received the Berk/ change of address to Creighton University Magazine, P.O. is extremely fortunate Fise Clinical Achievement Award, the Box 3266, Omaha, NE 68103-0078. to have someone with Zetterman highest award from the American College the leadership and breadth of experience in of Gastroenterology (ACG). He served as For more enrollment information, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office at 1-800-282-5835, academic, research and clinical disciplines ACG president in 2000. In 2007, he received [email protected]. needed in our School of Medicine to meet the Alfred Stengel Memorial Award for an increasingly competitive and demanding Outstanding Service from the American To make a gift to the University, contact the health care environment. As an internationally College of Physicians (ACP). This award, Office of Development at 1-800-334-8794. known medical leader, Dr. Zetterman is at the given by the nation’s largest medical specialty top of his game and will be instrumental as we organization and the second largest physician For the latest on alumni gatherings, contact the Alumni move our health sciences agenda forward,” group in the United States, recognizes Relations Office at 1-800-CU-ALUMS (800-282-5867) or check online at www.creighton.edu/alumni. said Robert Heaney, BS’47, MD’51, interim vice loyalty and exceptional contributions to president for Health Sciences. the ACP’s mission. Update your mailing address or send alumni news Zetterman comes to Creighton with a Zetterman graduated from Shickley Public (births, weddings, promotions, etc.) electronically through wealth of academic, clinical, research and High School in Shickley, Neb. He earned www.creighton.edu/alumni, call 1-800-334-8794 or administrative experience and an extensive his medical degree from the University of mail to Office of Development, Creighton University, knowledge of the health care environment in 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178. Nebraska in 1969 and completed a medical the Omaha metro area. He has held several internship and a residency in internal medicine, View the magazine online at appointments with Creighton University, the both at University Hospital, University of www.creightonmagazine.org University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska College of Medicine; and fellowships the VA system since 1977. in gastroenterology, University of Nebraska www.creighton.edu He served as chief of medicine for the College of Medicine, and hepatology and Copyright © 2009 by Creighton University Omaha Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1998- nutrition, New Jersey College of Medicine 2002, and as chief of staff for the Nebraska at Newark. Recycled and Recyclable

Printed with Soy Ink

Creighton University Magazine’s Purpose Creighton Unveils New Crest Creighton University Magazine, like the University itself, is Creighton President the Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J., has committed to excellence and dedicated to the pursuit of unveiled a new University crest that includes elements truth in all its forms. The magazine will be comprehensive representing the Creighton family, Creighton’s Jesuit in nature. It will support the University’s mission of education through thoughtful and compelling feature tradition and the Omaha Archdiocese. The crest is for articles on a variety of topics. It will feature the brightest, ceremonial use. the most stimulating, the most inspirational thinking The gold stripes on the red field, in the upper that Creighton offers. The magazine also will promote left-hand quadrant of the shield, comes from the family Creighton, and its Jesuit, Catholic identity, to a broad public and serve as a vital link between the University coat of arms of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the and its constituents. The magazine will be guided by the Society of Jesus or Jesuits. The lion rampant comes from core values of Creighton: the inalienable worth of each the Creighton family coat of arms and the three seashells individual, respect for all of God’s creation, a special on a field of sable and red comes from the Wareham family coat of arms — giving nod to concern for the poor, and the promotion of justice. Creighton University’s founding families. The design for the shield’s final quadrant, in the lower left, comes from the coat of arms of the Archdiocese of Omaha. The starburst behind the shield comes from the seal of the Society of Jesus.

4 Spring 2009 University News Creighton Degrees Alumni Achievement Citation Honorary Degree Robert Townley, MD’55, received the John Gottschalk, chairman of the Omaha World- Conferred at Winter Alumni Achievement Citation. Townley has Herald Co., received a Doctor of Laws, honoris been a pioneer in the study, research and causa, for his dedication and commitment to the Commencement practice of allergy and immunology for the city of Omaha and the state of Nebraska and for More than 225 students received degrees region with a lifelong career goal of finding a his longstanding service to during commencement ceremonies last cure for asthma. He has spent the majority of Creighton University and December. The University also recognized the his professional life at Creighton University, not-for-profit organizations following individuals and organization for their serving as chief of the Division of Allergy/ and agencies throughout contributions to education and the community. Immunology from 1969 to 2000. the nation. During his remarks at the ceremony, he reminded students that you “make a living on what you have; you make Gottschalk a life on what you give.” Presidential Medallion The Rev. Arturo Aguilar, SSC, regional director for the Missionary Society of St. Columban, USA, accepted the University’s Presidential Medallion on behalf of the Society, which is celebrating the 90th anniversary of its founding. Since 1921, the Society’s United States headquarters have been in the Omaha area, adjacent to Bellevue, Neb. Today, nearly 700 Columban missionaries — priests, seminarians and lay people — work in Australia, New Zealand and countries in Europe, Asia, southeast Asia and South America, in addition to Mexico and the United States. A community of religious women, the Columban Robert Townley, MD’55, and the Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J., at December commencement. Sisters, often work alongside the missionaries.

Creighton Responds to adding $2.4 million to its financial aid pool. University community, Fr. Schlegel said he is In addition, members of the President’s confident that the University will achieve its Economic Climate Cabinet have agreed to an average 4 percent budget objectives. He then asked all faculty, Like most industries, higher education contribution from their 2009-2010 salaries to staff and administrators to remain vigilant. has been affected by the national economic create a financial assistance fund for returning “Everyone has some part to play in our downturn. Creighton University, while not students needing additional aid or resources. success, whether that is welcoming prospective immune to these stresses, has taken proactive “These steps are needed to assist students steps to address today’s economic realities. and their families so they can continue Creighton University’s approach has been to afford a quality Creighton education multifaceted. While several aspects of the during these challenging economic times,” “These steps are needed to assist 2009-2010 budget are still being finalized, said Creighton President the Rev. John P. students and their families so of primary concern for the University is Schlegel, S.J. keeping a Creighton education affordable for Other cost-saving measures have included they can continue to afford a students and their families. In recent years, hiring restrictions, a voluntary separation quality Creighton education Creighton University has experienced historic program, financial enhancement plans from enrollments, and freshman retention recently each division, a restriction on capital projects, during these challenging hit an all-time high. Preliminary indicators for and no increase in nonsalary expenses for economic times.” the 2009 freshman class remain positive. next year. The University has taken deliberate The significant effect of market declines — Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J. steps to continue those trends. Creighton’s on university endowments has been widely Creighton President undergraduate tuition rate will increase by reported in the media. The value of collegiate a modest 3.5 percent next year — the lowest endowments nationally has declined anywhere students and their families, preparing the increase in 46 years. Recognizing that any from 25 percent to 35 percent for the last half of campus for visits or even turning off light increase will represent a challenge to some 2008 alone. switches and watching our spending,” Fr. students and their families, Creighton is During his convocation address to the Schlegel said.

5 Spring 2009 University News

Mercer’s undergraduate credentials are But what sets Mercer apart from many Student Awarded impressive: With a double major in political top achievers is that she has achieved Scholarship to science and journalism and a minor in French, her collegiate goals — and then some — she writes for the student newspaper, The without family support. She was raised by Cambridge Creightonian; is a leader with the International her mother, who had been ill for several Creighton University Arts and Sciences Relations Club and the Model United Nations years before passing away after Danae’s senior Danae Mercer of Omaha has received team; and is accomplished in math and freshman year in college. the opportunity of a lifetime — and she statistics with published research. Mercer has Mercer said her family had “… bounced plans to make the most of it. She is the held multiple part-time jobs throughout her around the country, moving from state to recipient of the Davies-Jackson Scholarship college years, including a current internship state, and I hardly stayed in any one spot for postgraduate study at the University with US STRATCOM as a policy designer and — let alone any one school — for more than of Cambridge in Cambridge, England, in three years.” She said her mother had not the fall of this year, the only student in the completed high school. United States to receive the award. “School was a place where I belonged, Mercer is quick to credit Creighton for where I found room to stretch my mind helping her achieve the honor, but her in new and exciting ways, where answers mentors are just as quick to acknowledge weren’t easy but always worth pursuing. her own grit and determination in Although I sacrificed much for academics, overcoming tremendous odds. there had always been balance in my life.” “I’m so grateful to my mentors at Yet, after her mother’s death, she found Creighton,” Mercer said. “I have developed this balance changed as she became not such strong bonds with faculty and staff only completely responsible for herself, here. They have become my family and will but the primary caretaker for her younger be part of me for the rest of my life.” sister. Each year, the Davies-Jackson “I discovered I was too academic-focused. Scholarship is awarded to one student Several faculty members stepped in and who is a first-generation college graduate; counseled me to take a break,” she said. it is valued at $50,000. After two years of “Danae is an amazing young woman Photo by Jim Fackler study in sociology, psychology and political Mercer is the recipient of the Davies-Jackson and a great example to all students who science at Cambridge’s St. John’s College, Scholarship, given to just one U.S. student annually. may have faced challenges over the years,” Mercer will be awarded the Cantab degree, said Lisa Brockhoff, associate director of which is viewed as the equivalent of a researcher. For the past two years, Mercer has career development in Creighton’s John P. master’s degree in the U.S. received Creighton’s Presidential Mentoring Fahey Career Center. “She has definitely The hardships Mercer has faced in her Scholarship, which supports students who endured more hardships than anyone her life — and her response — were likely are planning to apply to prestigious national age should have to experience, but she part of the reason she was awarded the and international colleges or universities for keeps a positive attitude, stays focused and exclusive scholarship. graduate study. continues to work hard.”

Creighton Students Fight Hunger More than 150 Creighton University students participated in a food-packing event on campus in March to assist those in Haiti struggling with malnutrition, starvation and hunger-related diseases. Working in teams, the students put together 47,520 food packages — each containing six nutritionally complete meals that can be mixed with water. The event was sponsored by the El Legado de Compasion student organization through Kids Against Hunger, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to significantly reducing the number of hungry children worldwide. Each meal cost only 13 cents. Photo by Dave Weaver

6 Spring 2009 University News Creighton Awarded $3.2 Million to Explore Other Causes of Osteoporosis Why do some women develop osteoporosis even when their bone mass is good, they exercise regularly, and they consume plenty of calcium? It is a medical mystery that the Creighton University School of Medicine hopes to unravel with the help of a $3.2 million grant recently awarded the University by the National Institutes of Health. Creighton Receives National Award While bone density is an important factor in Creighton University’s new Catholic School Leadership (CSL) certificate has received the determining a person’s risk of osteoporosis — President’s Award from the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). The award was a condition in which bones become fragile and presented by NCEA president Karen Ristau, Ed.D., at the Archbishop’s Dinner for Education this prone to breakage — it is not the only factor, past fall. Pictured from left are Ristau; Creighton President the Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J.; Timothy said Robert Recker, M.D., the study’s principal Cook, Ph.D., associate chair of Creighton’s Department of Education; Monsignor James Gilg, investigator and director of Creighton’s superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of Omaha; and Daniel Curtin, director, Osteoporosis Research Center. Department of Chief Administrators of Catholic Education, NCEA. “Bone quality defects, other than low bone density, account for more than half of the patients who suffer from osteoporosis and are at risk of low-stress fractures,” Recker said. Creighton to Continue Landmark Study on “These defects have been described but not yet fully explored. We hope to characterize Vitamin D and Cancer Risk these defects in bone quality and identify how The National Institutes of Health has awarded Creighton University $4 million to continue they contribute to low-trauma fractures in its landmark study linking vitamin D to a reduction in cancer risk. postmenopausal women, the population most The study’s findings, reported in June 2007, showed for the first time in a clinical trial that at risk of osteoporosis.” postmenopausal women consuming calcium as well as vitamin D3 supplements at nearly The five-year study will include 120 three times U.S. government recommended levels could reduce their risk of cancer by postmenopausal women between the ages of 60 to 77 percent. 45 and 70 who have osteopenia, considered “The vitamin D3 finding was a secondary goal in the original study,” said Creighton a precursor to osteoporosis, in which the rate researcher Joan Lappe, Ph.D. “We must now confirm these findings with a clinical trial of new bone formation is abnormally low. specifically designed to look at calcium, vitamin D and cancer. Confirmation is necessary Participants will include 60 women, who have in order to have evidence solid enough to change public policy regarding intake levels for suffered low- or no-trauma fractures during vitamin D.” the previous four years, and a control group Lappe, holder of the Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss and Drs. Gilbert and Clinton Beirne that has similar bone density but has not Endowed Chair in Nursing at Creighton and a professor of medicine, was the principal experienced low-trauma fractures. investigator for the landmark study. She will also head the new study. For the study, Creighton will identify the women who have osteopenia through a series of tests and bone biopsies. The biopsies will then undergo examination by researchers Kroeger Elected to Creighton Board from University of California, San Francisco; The Creighton University Board of Directors elected Terry Kroeger to Johns Hopkins University; INSERM in Lyon, the Board on March 2. Kroeger is president and chief executive officer of France; Columbia University in New York; The Omaha World-Herald Co. and publisher of the Omaha World-Herald. and University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of He will serve a four-year term. An Omaha native, Kroeger has been part of Engineering. The Omaha World-Herald Co. for more than 20 years, beginning his career “We believe this will be the most as assistant purchasing agent and property manager in 1985. Prior to being comprehensive examination to date of bone named vice president, Kroeger was publisher of The Record, a newspaper quality defects that cause bone fractures in in Stockton, Calif. He returned to Omaha in 1999 to lead the construction otherwise healthy, postmenopausal women,” Kroeger of the Omaha World-Herald’s production facility. In 2001, he assumed Recker said. management of production, circulation, sales and administration, and in 2005 was named president and chief operating officer.

7 Spring 2009

CreightonLeads Boldly Into the Future

new era has begun at Creighton University, ushered in by the unprecedented support of the transformative Wi l l i n g t o Le a d campaign. The campaign surpassed its $350 million goal with more than $395 million in gifts and commitments thus far, expandingA the University’s boundaries — academically, physically and spiritually — and breaking all kinds of Creighton President the Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J., celebrates the success of records. the Wi l l i n g t o Le a d campaign with students at a Feb. 11 event. “This is an incredible milestone in the life of the University,” Creighton President the Rev. John P. Schlegel, The multi-year campaign, which began its public phase in S.J., said. “It is the result of many gifts — small, medium December 2005, received historic gifts and participation, with more and historically large — all of which are testimony to the than 60,000 individuals contributing (more than half being new donors). Creighton also experienced a record number of affection and respect with which this institution is held by $1 million or greater gifts and the largest donation in its history, a our alumni and friends.” transformational $50 million gift from an anonymous donor. Fr. Schlegel emphasized that the Wi l l i n g t o Le a d More than half of the campaign’s contributions infused the University’s academic mission by providing funding for hundreds campaign is not a concluding event, but the beginning of a of student scholarships and endowment for faculty, programs new era of philanthropy and growth for the University. and service projects — including 14 endowed faculty chairs, five “Our task is not yet complete,” Fr. Schlegel said. “Let me professorships and innovative programs such as the nationally recognized Werner Institute for Negotiation and Dispute say in no uncertain terms — we are not done. Our Board Resolution. and donor community are enthusiastically pushing us The remaining portion of the extraordinary Wi l l i n g t o Le a d results forward. They are calling on us to double our efforts — allowed Creighton to achieve key elements of its award-winning campus master plan. The campus has grown by 40 acres and has encouraging us to build on this unprecedented momentum been revitalized to create a 21st century learning environment that and reach for our vision with renewed vigor and purpose.” now spans 130 acres. Numerous buildings have been renovated or Lisa Calvert, vice president for University Relations, said constructed to support academics and student life. “We have an extraordinary journey ahead of us, with the support of donors nationwide is allowing Creighton to extraordinary challenges and extraordinary opportunities,” Fr. realize its vision of securing its place at the forefront of the Schlegel said. “I truly believe that more than a few transformative leading Catholic, Jesuit universities in the United States. opportunities lie ahead of us.”

8 Spring 2009

Photo by Jim Fackler

“We have an extraordinary journey ahead of us, Wi l l i n g t o Le a d … By the numbers with extraordinary challenges and extraordinary $395 million Amount received in gifts and commitments, opportunities.” – The Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J. as of Feb. 10, 2009 $350 million Campaign goal — making it the largest fundraising initiative in Creighton’s history Creighton University is supported and encouraged by the $50 million The campaign’s largest gift and the single largest members of its Board of Directors and donor community, who, gift in Creighton’s history mindful of the current economic environment, are pushing the University to build on the momentum and continue the Wi l l i n g t o 14 and 5 Number of endowed faculty chairs and Le a d campaign — citing that Creighton’s mission is more vital than professorships, respectively, established through the ever. campaign “I am a believer in our future. … Our bold tomorrow is here, and 60,000 Number of contributors to the campaign – more an even bolder tomorrow awaits us!” Fr. Schlegel said. “I invite you than half were new donors to join us on this journey, to help us write the next chapter in the 142,000 Number of gifts received during the campaign unfolding history of Creighton University.” (some donors gave multiple times) 40 Number of acres added to campus during the campaign, increasing Creighton’s campus footprint to 130 acres On the following pages, we share stories of those who are, and 52 Percentage of campaign dollars directed toward continue to be, impacted by donor support and those whose gifts academic priorities; 48 percent directed to land represent a response to this historic call. More can be found online acquisitions, new buildings and renovations at creighton.edu/development.

9 Spring 2009 Allison Kinney-Walker

Rev. Andy Alexander, S.J. Dan Reznicek

Education with a Higher Purpose area,” Reznicek said. “It was an amazing experience.” Allison Kinney-Walker, BA’06, had been involved in service hen the Rev. Andy Alexander, S.J., listens to students while in high school. But at Creighton, she found something more talk about their Creighton experience, he is heartened — a call to act for justice. and inspired by what he hears. He joyously shares “What that means to me is going beyond just serving or helping Wsome of their observations: people, or trying to fix a problem, but really trying to understand the issues that make that service needed,” Kinney-Walker said. • What happened to me is I learned to reflect here … She said her Creighton experience — which included several • What happened to me is I found that I was invited to be a woman spring and fall break service trips, along with volunteering at a for others … homeless shelter and teaching English as a second language — has • I didn’t expect that when I was going through my rotations, emboldened her to “be a voice for those who are often unheard.” someone would show me how to pray with patients … The theology and justice and peace studies major is currently attending graduate school at Creighton with the hopes of someday “That’s what students learn here,” Fr. Alexander said. “That’s establishing her own “social business that works to bring about what makes it a very special place.” financial stability, financial education and financial empowerment Dan Reznicek was drawn to Creighton and its spirit of cura for low-income people.” personalis — or care of the individual person. The Cadillac, Mich., Fr. Alexander said the experiences of Kinney-Walker and native earned a business degree from Creighton in 2006 and is Reznicek, while powerful and life-affirming, are not unique. now attending Creighton medical school. He has found, both at “Our purpose, in the Jesuit tradition, is to help our students the professional and undergraduate level, a faculty and student become women and men for others,” Fr. Alexander said. “We help body truly concerned about his success. them become people of conscience; we help them become people Creighton also has afforded him opportunities to share his of compassion; we help them grow as people who can make a talents with others less fortunate. This past summer, Reznicek difference in this world. and nine other Creighton medical students traveled to Romania “Alumni will tell us, ‘I may not have become some deeply as part of Project CURA (Creighton Medical School United spiritual person while I was at Creighton,’” Fr. Alexander in Relief Assistance). Project CURA is a student-founded and explained. “‘But when I faced a crisis … something deep in student-organized effort to provide health services to those in my experience at Creighton held me together and allowed need domestically and abroad. me to find God.’ And that’s the great jewel in the Creighton “We got to shadow doctors and help out with the clinics in the experience.”

10 Spring 2009 Creighton Leads Boldly Into the Future

Dedicated to Patients, Students, Research Robert Heaney reighton University maintains unique strengths in the health sciences, with schools of medicine, dentistry, nursing, and pharmacy and health professions. Across these disciplines, Creighton is educating the health care professionals of tomorrow, contributing to new research and Cinnovations, and providing quality patient care in the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis — or care of the individual. Rowen Zetterman, M.D., dean of the School of Medicine, said Creighton is dedicated to providing the finest medical education in the world. He added that Creighton must stay at the forefront of new discoveries that lead to a healthier society. And Creighton must continue to deliver quality, compassionate care to those suffering from pain, sickness and disease — especially the underserved, the vulnerable and the needy. But, he added, the medical school, as well as Creighton’s other health sciences schools, cannot do it alone. Through philanthropic support, Creighton and its health sciences schools can provide the support Rowen Zetterman necessary to attract the best and brightest students, faculty and scientists. Endowed scholarship support allows students more freedom upon graduation to pursue careers caring for the underserved. Endowed chairs and professorships and enhanced facilities can attract the top researchers, scholars and teachers. Creighton is poised to address the critical shortages of health care professionals and to bring a full complement of health care research, treatments and prevention to new levels of excellence and impact. “Progress to improve human health in the last 100 years has been astonishing,” said Robert Heaney, BS’47, MD’51, interim vice president for Health Sciences and the John A. Creighton University Professor. “Creighton’s scientists, faculty-scientists, scholars and students have contributed to the advancement of health in these critical areas: cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, neurosciences and cardiovascular disease. Philanthropic support for research at Creighton University is an investment in our shared future, as we seek new discoveries, new treatments and new options to improve lives.”

Joan Lappe A Healthy Endowment Helps Build Healthy Bones s the first to hold an endowed chair in nursing at Creighton University, Joan Lappe, Ph.D., MS’85, is keenly aware of the importance of endowed chairs at a Auniversity. “Endowed chairs are a symbol for how universities value scholarly endeavors,” said Lappe, who was installed as the first holder of the Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss and Drs. Gilbert and Clinton Beirne Endowed Chair in Nursing at Creighton in 2007. “Pragmatically, endowed chairs help to attract and retain distinguished faculty and outstanding students.” Lappe and her colleagues in the Osteoporosis Research Center at Creighton are conducting cutting-edge research in the area of osteoporosis and bone health; Lappe is the principal investigator for a landmark study linking vitamin D to a reduction in cancer risk.

11 Spring 2009 Creighton Leads Boldly Into the Future

Well-Rounded Person Sarah Fredrick Budding Scientist, arah Fredrick absolutely loves science. And thanks to several scholarships, the senior chemistry major from Denver has had plenty of hands-on opportunities to engage in scientific research andS inquiry during her undergraduate career at Creighton. But, she says, her Creighton education has provided her something even more. “I’ve appreciated the well-roundedness in my Creighton experience,” Fredrick said. “I’m not leaving here with a science degree. I’m leaving here as a well-rounded human being.” And that’s what she really loves about Creighton — even more than the science. As part of her Creighton education, Fredrick spent three weeks in a small, poor community in El Salvador — studying theology, learning about the culture and doing service work. “Creighton’s hard and it’s been tough academically, but I’ve also been challenged emotionally and spiritually,” Fredrick said. And she’s thankful for that. “I think the opportunities I’ve had at Creighton have pushed me in amazing ways. I’ve been able to pursue my dreams of science, but also have had the best of social justice and theology. “All of that has been so important for my personal development — constantly pushing me to do more, to be more, to be better.”

Fielding Athletic Success s one of only four NCAA Division I men’s soccer programs in the country to have appeared in the NCAA tournament 17 consecutive times — and counting — Creighton is in elite Acompany. And, thanks to the Wi l l i n g t o Le a d campaign, Creighton soccer now has a facility that matches that stature — with the Rev. Michael G. Morrison, S.J., Stadium. A gift from Suzanne and Walter Scott Jr. helped make the stadium a reality. “It’s pretty hard not to be impressed with Morrison Stadium,” said Creighton men’s soccer coach Bob Warming. “It’s a first-class facility representing a first-class institution.” Chris Schuler, “The first time I saw Morrison Stadium was on my recruiting Bob Warming and visit,” said Chris Schuler, a junior MIS (management information Seth Sinovic systems) major from Aurora, Ill., and a second-team All-American defenseman for the Jays. “I flew in at night. I came out on the field; the coach had the lights on. It was an amazing experience.” inside the classroom — earning national recognition from the NCAA. The facility has enlivened Bluejay spirit on campus; Creighton “Creighton is a great institution,” said Seth Sinovic, a senior men’s soccer ranks second nationally in attendance among Division I economics major and midfielder from Leawood, Kan., who earned schools. Morrison Stadium, named after Creighton’s 22nd president, second-team Academic All-American and all-conference honors is also a community asset — hosting Nebraska’s high school state last season. “The faculty is extremely supportive.” soccer championships as well as outdoor concerts and other activities. For Coach Warming, support for Creighton — whether for It has been a welcome environment for Creighton’s men’s and scholarships, for facilities or for programs — is a wise investment. women’s soccer teams. “What you’re investing in at Creighton is social capital, because Creighton University athletics, as a whole, has found equal success you are investing in the future of America.”

12 Spring 2009 Juggling Life, Pursuing Justice

cholarships have helped Lecia Robinson Wright, BA’07, juggle a busy life as a wife, mother and second-year Creighton law student. She is a recipient of the Frances Ryan Scholarship and the John P. Fahey Annual LawS Scholarship. “That has really helped me because we’ve had a lot of expenses as a young couple,” Wright said. “It’s enabled me to remain at Creighton — which is the institution that I love — and has helped me pursue my career goals.” And those goals are lofty. Wright has dreamed of attending law school since she was about 12 years old. The Bellevue (Neb.) East High School graduate hopes to use her legal degree to tackle issues relating to civil rights and race relations. “I’m very passionate about civil rights and race relations and having the scholarship has enabled me to pursue that career path and make a difference,” Wright said. Wright came to Creighton for her undergraduate education on a Creighton University Diversity Scholarship. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology and sociology in 2007. When she began investigating law schools, Creighton was a natural choice. “It’s just an atmosphere that’s very welcoming,” Wright said.

Lecia Robinson Wright

Anthony Hendrickson Creighton Education Seeks ‘The More’ ith nine schools and colleges and more than 70 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, Creighton University is the only institution of its size to offer such a broad range of academic opportunities. However, in this diverse environment, WCreighton heralds a common commitment: to seek the magis — or “the more” — in its education, service, research and patient care. “We think we do a superb job of giving our graduates that education to go out and be very successful in today’s business environment,” said Anthony Hendrickson, Ph.D., dean of the College of Business. “But above and beyond that, we believe in building extraordinary lives.” For Hendrickson, that means a Creighton business graduate, perhaps nearing the end of her or his career, could look back and reflect with pride: “Yes, I was financially successful and did Steven Friedrichsen the things that I wanted to do from a business standpoint, but I also had the right relationships with my faith, my friends, my family, my community. I gave back in some way.” The Creighton School of Dentistry is considered a national leader in preparing dentists for practice, which hasn’t gone unnoticed by interested students. Nearly a third of the nation’s dental school applicants last year applied to Creighton. Steven Friedrichsen, D.D.S., dean of the School of Dentistry, said clinical excellence is only part of the equation: “We really want our students to view dentistry … as a vocation in service to mankind.” Donor support allows Creighton’s deans to pursue new academic initiatives, expand critical research, attract and retain world-class faculty, and draw the best and brightest students. “My dream is that the best of the nation’s dental students who walk across the stage at graduation, walk across at Creighton,” Friedrichsen said.

13 Spring 2009 Creighton Leads Boldly Into the Future

Americans more and more going out into the world, to make their careers and so forth, but the world is coming to us in all kinds of ways.” The Casper Professorship was established through a $1 million gift from Wayne, BS’49, MS’51, and Eileen Ryan. The gift honors the late Fr. Casper, a former history professor at Creighton. Calvert said the professorship has allowed him to bring world- class speakers in the area of Middle East studies to Creighton, where they have delivered public lectures and met face-to-face with students. “This professorship has really allowed me to bridge the gap — create bridges — between the United States and the Islamic world,” Calvert said. “And I think the fruit of that has been a John Calvert widening of knowledge.” In addition to being quoted in the national media, Calvert is the author of Islamism: A Documentary and Reference Guide and Professorship Bridges Cultural Divide co-editor and translator of Sayyid Qutb’s A Child from the Village, and he recently submitted a manuscript for a new book on the s a leading scholar in the study of the modern Middle radical Islamic thinker Qutb. He added that the professorship East, with a particular focus on Islamic fundamentalist has been “invaluable” in advancing his scholarship. movements, Creighton history professor John Calvert, “I think endowed professorships are very important in APh.D., believes he has an opportunity to bridge the gap between retaining quality faculty at the University,” Calvert said. cultures. Being chosen as the first to hold the Fr. Henry W. Casper, “I think these professorships also gain Creighton a national S.J., Professorship in History has allowed him to more robustly reputation. pursue that goal. “Quality professors stay at the University; they produce “It’s really important that Creighton establish relationships nationally, internationally renowned work; and that enhances the with scholars from other cultures,” Calvert said. “We live in an reputation of Creighton at a national level. It also helps to attract increasingly pluralistic and multicultural world. Not only are and draw students to the University.”

School of Law Service and Justice Fund it, think about it critically, respond to its suffering and engage it constructively.” For “when the heart is touched by direct everal years ago, law professor Ron Volkmer, BS’66, JD’68, experience, the mind may be challenged to change.” heard this momentous call: “Students … must let the gritty The speaker was then the Very Rev. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach of reality of this world into their lives, so they can learn to feel the Society of Jesus, and Volkmer took these words to heart. How S could he bring this gift of vision to his students? How might he inculcate in them the fact that most of the world lives in poverty — and why should it matter to the students at Creighton law? These questions inspired Volkmer, who began taking life- changing cultural “immersion” trips with students to the Dominican Republic. Funds for the trips were always cobbled together, until a Creighton law alumnus came knocking on Volkmer’s door. He wanted to do something special for the law school to honor his favorite professor. Volkmer’s response? “I said that whatever the alumnus did would be wonderful, but if he wanted to know what I was passionate about for the students and the school, it would be related to social justice.” And that’s exactly the kind of gift the donor has made to the school in Volkmer’s name, without fanfare — or, for that matter, even attribution. The anonymous gift, which honors Volkmer, Ron Volkmer established the new Service and Justice Fund in the School of Law.

14 Spring 2009 Creighton Leads Boldly Into the Future

Endowments at Work on the Prairie enior Abby Locke had a unique opportunity to study tallgrass prairie this summer as a full-time research assistant to Creighton biology professor Mary Ann Vinton, Ph.D., thanks to the Ferlic Summer Scholarship for Undergraduate Research. SThe scholarship provides funding for 10 to 15 undergraduate students in the sciences to work shoulder-to-shoulder with Creighton faculty on research full time during the summer. It was established during the Wi l l i n g t o Le a d campaign through the generous support of Creighton alumnus Randolph Ferlic, BS’58, MD’61, and his wife, Teresa Kolars Ferlic. “Tallgrass prairies are one of the most endangered ecosystems,” Locke explains, while looking out over her “lab” — a beautiful expanse of prairie located on the outskirts of Omaha. “Invasive species can greatly alter the native landscape and displace the native biota and animals. We want to understand how these invasive grasses invade and work, so we can better understand how to prevent them from displacing native plants.” Creighton has been recognized nationally for providing opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in research. Vinton said that undergraduate research, supported by endowments, helps prepare students for a variety of disciplines, as they learn to sift through and analyze evidence and Abby Locke and ask critical questions. Mary Ann Vinton “I really think it enriches the Creighton experience for our students,” Vinton said.

Neil Bhattarai Enhancing the Campus Environment ince 2000, Creighton University has invested about $225 million into campus improvements, through the renovation and construction of facilities, and added 40 acres to its physical footprint — with one primaryS goal in mind. “They were all done to directly enhance the student experience,” said Dan Burkey, vice president for Administration and Finance. “I can probably best sum up the reaction that we get from various people who come to campus as, ‘Wow!’” “I think the expansion and modernization of the facilities have really added to the Creighton experience,” said Neil Bhattarai, a senior biology major. Bhattarai is the current president of IRHG, Creighton’s inter-residence hall government, and lives in Opus Hall. He said the new town homes for juniors and seniors — Opus Hall and Davis Square — have been “extremely popular” with students. Opus Hall was made possible by a generous gift from the Opus Corporation and Creighton alumni Mark Rauenhorst, BA’75, a member of Creighton’s Board, and his wife, Karen Dolan Rauenhorst, BSN’75, a 2008 Alumni Achievement Citation recipient. Davis Square is named for Thomas Davis, one of Omaha’s early business leaders, and is funded by the Davis and Lauritzen families, founders and top executives of First National Bank of Omaha. Bhattarai said that living on campus allows him to be more available to freshman and sophomore students and use his leadership skills to serve as a mentor to those students adjusting to college life. He added that, living in Opus, he can more fully participate in campus events and activities and enjoy the feeling of community. Scholarships Open Opportunities for First-Generation Students s the first member of her family to attend college, scholarship recipient Amber Bennett feels a sense of pride and responsibility in attending Creighton University. A“Being a first-generation college student, I do have a lot of expectations placed upon me,” said Bennett, a sophomore from Omaha and a recipient of two scholarships, including the Haddix Scholarship, established by George Haddix, Ph.D., MA’66, and his late wife, Sally Hansen Haddix. “My family is extremely proud that I attend Creighton. It was actually their number one choice, and they’re very proud that I am here.” Bennett, a sociology major, eventually hopes to attend law school. “I want to be a voice for those who have to face discrimination, inequality and injustices,” she said. Bennett said that without scholarship assistance, she would not have been able to attend Creighton. “This has given me an opportunity to further my education, to advance as a person, and not fall into some statistical category,” she said. “The education I’ve received at Creighton thus far has been excellent. It’s amazing.” Amber Bennett

Waite Leadership Scholars Program, Chair in Jesuit Education

nna and I are big believers in education,” Donald Waite, BSC’54, said by phone from his California office. “This is what we want, not just for our kids but for everyone. “A“When it comes to dollars that could be put to use for others, the leadership program was just a wonderful idea. And we owe that idea to Creighton and people like Bob Moorman (Ph.D.) in the College of Business. Dr. Moorman just took this idea and carried it to fruition.” When Don Waite and his wife, Anna, approached Creighton Students at the Waite Leadership several years ago to fund a program in Creighton’s College of Symposium Business, the idea of building leadership skills throughout a student’s college career was a perfect match for them. What’s more, the Waites wanted those skills to reflect a Jesuit education, with its Chair in Jesuit Education underpinnings of ethics and service to others. And they wanted to “Anna and I wanted to do more,” Waite said. “So, we approached help meet students’ expenses during each undergraduate year. Fr. Schlegel, asking, ‘How can we continue to help?’” Today, that dream the Waites sowed with their generous funding The Creighton president’s answer was quick and forthright: a is being realized … in the lives of the hundreds of students who chair in Jesuit education. And that’s what the Waites have funded. have gone through the Anna Tyler Waite Leadership Scholars The Anna and Donald Waite Chair in Jesuit Education will bring Program. This year alone, 20 scholarships are funding students as qualified Jesuit scholars and teachers to Creighton beginning this fall. they develop the values and skills needed to lead effectively in a To be inaugurated when the Rev. Frank Brennan, S.J., an socially responsible way. Australian Jesuit lawyer and aboriginal rights specialist, comes to The Waites also see very clearly the character that the leadership the Creighton School of Law, the Waite Chair will be filled through program can build, as students develop confidence in their decisions. the years with outstanding Jesuits from around the world. It’s a trait that Don believes Creighton naturally builds in its students. Thanks to the Waites, the Creighton University community will But the Waites have not stopped giving to Creighton — and be infused with the best the world has to offer in Jesuit scholarship, society — with the Leadership Scholars Program. spirituality and mission.

16 Spring 2009 Creighton Leads Boldly Into the Future

second- and third-year students each year who demonstrate high academics and financial need. “Leo was most appreciative of the scholarship help he received as a Creighton student,” said Joy McCarthy, “and he took the opportunity to return the favor.” The McCarthy Endowed Scholarship Fund will continue to give in perpetuity. Joy recalled a childhood memory that has been a primary motivator in the couple’s philanthropy: “Years ago, my grandmother and mother were visiting about a local school board referendum that would raise the taxes in their small town. Mother asked Grandma if they were going to vote for it, since their children were raised. Grandma replied, ‘When we were young, we were unable to afford all the education our children needed, and the Leo and Joy McCarthy older generation helped us. Now it is our turn to help.’ That left a lasting impression on me. It has to be the older generations that help the younger ones. Leo and I have tried to instill that idea in our McCarthy Endowed Scholarship children.” Two of the McCarthys’ three children attended Creighton: Scott, he years Leo McCarthy, BSBA’59, JD’63, spent at Creighton BSBA’87, MBA’00; and Jill, BSBA’96; as well as Scott’s wife, Laurie University made a lasting impression on him. “Leo was very Williams McCarthy, BA’88, MBA’91. The McCarthys’ second son, grateful to Creighton for the education the University gave Ross, also attended a Jesuit university. him,”T said his wife, Joy Westendorf McCarthy of Dubuque, Iowa. One of the couple’s earlier gifts to Creighton was the Leo McCarthy, an attorney for 43 years in Dubuque prior to his McCarthy Endowed Book Fund, which provides books for the retirement, passed away in December 2006. The Leo and Joy law library. Leo was also generous with many organizations in the McCarthy Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2007 by Dubuque area, helping foster numerous nonprofits. The community bequest and is designated for three School of Law students per year. honored him as First Citizen of Dubuque in 2006 in tribute to his The McCarthys stipulated that scholarships be awarded to first-, charitable spirit.

Werner Institute Making a Difference ocated in the School of Law, but attracting professionals from a variety of fields, the Werner Institute for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution is one of the fastest growing and most prestigious centers of its kind in the nation. LThe Werner Institute offers graduate programs in a variety of specialties — from health care to education to international negotiation. The Werner Institute was established through a gift from Omaha businessman C.L. Werner and his daughter, Gail Werner-Robertson, BA’84, JD’88, a member of Creighton’s Board. “My hope is that Creighton and Omaha become a major center in all the world for the study and advancement of approaches to conflict resolution,” said Arthur Arthur Pearlstein Pearlstein, the Institute’s director, “dealing with disputes both at the very personal, local level — family conflict, for example — to the international level — peace-building and peace-building processes. “And I think we’re well on our way to realizing that dream, where Creighton is very much on the map in the world of conflict resolution.” For Elisabeth Cortese, her reasons for enrolling in the Werner Institute were personal. Her father died in 2002, after battling leukemia and health care bureaucracy. He needed a bone-marrow transplant that, at the time, was considered experimental. His insurance company, after weeks of discussions, refused to pay for the transplant. He eventually paid for it himself. The transplant was a success, but, his body weakened, he contracted a viral infection and died at the age of 61. “I never want to feel that helpless again,” said Cortese, who is pursuing both a law Elisabeth Cortese degree and health care collaboration and conflict resolution specialization.

17 Spring 2009 Creighton Leads Boldly Into the Future

Building on Our Success By Lisa D. Calvert, Vice President for University Relations s vice president for University Relations, I have been privileged to witness our alumni and friends enthusiastically answer Creighton University’s bold call, Athrough the Wi l l i n g t o Le a d campaign, to “dream big” and to transform this University. We thank you for being such great ambassadors for Creighton University and for helping us to reach a defining milestone in a remarkable journey. Thanks to you, Creighton is securing its place at the forefront of the leading Catholic, Jesuit universities in the United States. Lisa Calvert In December 2005, the Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J., Creighton’s president, publicly announced the launch of the Wi l l i n g t o Le a d campaign. With a $350 million goal, the campaign represented the dedicated Board of Directors and campaign leadership. Now largest fundraising effort in the University’s history. our Board and donor community are pushing us to build on this Our alumni and friends responded in dramatic fashion. Our momentum — to move forward confidently in pursuing our benefactors embraced Creighton’s vision of being one of the vision and mission. As Fr. Schlegel has said, this campaign is not a outstanding Jesuit universities in the United States and displayed concluding event, but the beginning of a new era of philanthropy at an outpouring of love and commitment that exceeded our dreams. Creighton. We are inspired and humbled by this generosity and are very, very Indeed, colleges and universities today, especially in these grateful. economic times, face extraordinary challenges. But these are also For Creighton to realize this successful campaign is the result times of tremendous opportunity because our mission is needed of many gifts — small, medium and historically large — all of more than ever. We thank you for your support, we are optimistic which are testimony to the affection and respect with which this that more transformative opportunities lie ahead, and we look institution is held. forward to your continued partnership as we realize Creighton’s Creighton is also very fortunate to have an engaged and ambitious dreams for tomorrow.

Thank You to the Campaign Steering Committee “Creighton has long believed that through the power of vision we could achieve great things. Those of us with big dreams continue to have the opportunity to wed our imaginations to our resources and make choices that will bring Creighton to a place of national prominence.” — Bruce Rohde, BSBA’71, JD’73, Chair, Campaign Steering Committee

Left to right: Charles Heider, BSC’49; Kenneth Stinson; Lisa Calvert; Bruce Rohde, BSBA’71, JD’73; Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J.; Mimi Feller, BA’70; and William Fitzgerald, BSBA’59.

18 Spring 2009 Creighton Leads Boldly Into the Future

Moving Forward, the Journey Continues By the Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J., Creighton University President

cholarship and philanthropy are each, separately, among the most powerful forces at work shaping the future of our society. In combination, they are unsurpassed in their “Scapacity to improve the human condition,” stated former University of Oregon President William B. Boyd. When I announced the Wi l l i n g t o Le a d campaign in 2005, no one could have foreseen the depth of your commitment and support for this wonderful University. Your enthusiasm has allowed us to dream big dreams and reach unprecedented heights. You have made it possible for Creighton to embrace its potential and expand its boundaries — academically, physically and spiritually. Together, through your generosity, we have secured Creighton’s place on the national stage as a University recognized for quality education, groundbreaking faculty research, remarkable student accomplishment and consistent athletic success. Thank you for Rev. John Schlegel, S.J. bringing Creighton to this defining moment. However, this task is not yet complete; let me say in no uncertain terms — we are not done. The Wi l l i n g t o Le a d campaign will “We have known from the outset that this continue. Creighton must never settle for what is, but always aspire for the more, the magis, as St. Ignatius of Loyola called it. We have campaign would not be a concluding event known from the outset that this campaign would not be a concluding but the beginning of a new era for this great event but the beginning of a new era for this great University. We are harnessing your energy and good will. We will remain University.” – The Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J. vigilant and continue to secure the philanthropic support needed to address new strategic initiatives. We will do so mindful of the economy’s impact across higher education and sensitive to what it faith and confidence in the power of a Catholic, Jesuit education. means for our donors, as well as for our students and their families. We develop, empower and embolden students and graduates to It is encouraging to note that you, our donors, continue to give become leaders who face and solve the challenges of today and generously. tomorrow and create a more just world. Our Board and the Creighton community, at all levels, are pushing In the short-term, by increasing general contributions for us to build on our momentum. With the complexity of the issues we current use, and in the long-term, by growing a robust endowment, face today as a nation and world, we are being challenged to look philanthropy will allow us to continue to retain and attract the best beyond what we have achieved and pursue several transformative and brightest teachers, scholars and students. We must continue to opportunities that lie ahead. Our Catholic, Jesuit mission calls us to assist students and their families who seek the quality education redouble our efforts to provide the fertile ground from which our Creighton provides during these challenging economic times. students, graduates, scholars and scientists can address major issues These and other emerging priorities are among the academic facing our economy and humanity. imperatives Creighton is pursuing, as part of a focused Indeed, institutions today face extraordinary challenges. and strategic process. We will continue our dialogue with Universities confront cuts in public funding, decimated endowments, you, our Creighton community, listening to your interests, new pressures on student financial aid and rising capital costs. recommendations and concerns and capitalizing on the Hospitals and academic medical centers have the added burden of momentum created by the Wi l l i n g t o Le a d campaign to boldly rapidly shifting health care economics. But these are also times of address the challenges facing our nation and world. tremendous opportunity. Our Board and the Creighton community For my part, I believe in our future and know the human genius have clearly stated that the University’s mission is more vital than can grasp and solve problems. I believe each member of the ever. Creighton community — including our benefactors — has a role to Over its 131-year history, Creighton has provided an play and a responsibility in moving Creighton’s mission forward. educational and research climate that supports and encourages I invite you on this journey. Our bold tomorrow is here, and an the critical thinking, ethical decision-making, new discovery and even bolder tomorrow awaits us! Together, let us write the next entrepreneurial spirit necessary to move our world forward. I have chapter in the unfolding history of Creighton University.

19 Spring 2009 Probing Micro Mysteries By Eugene Curtin

Nationally funded program has undergraduate students working in the lab with faculty mentors

hile the riddles of the micro-world — that cellular universe Wof miracle and mystery — can be inscrutable, Creighton University researchers are hot on the trail of some of its secrets.

Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), how pathogens cause disease in the human body; how Creighton professors and students are stretching cells with smoking — and even nicotine patches — can damage a laser beams, spying on pathogens that kill plants, tracking developing human heart; and how a better understanding cell clusters that mold the embryonic human heart, and of a genetic “messenger” known as a riboswitch might offer testing the breakthrough proposition that gene-regulating more effective antibiotics and perhaps even new cancer riboswitches, previously discovered only in plants, fungi treatments. and micro-organisms, might also exist in mammals. These are the kinds of investigations the U.S. government The investigations carry significant implications for hoped to inspire through its IDeA Networks of Biomedical the treatment of osteoporosis (too little bone tissue) and Research Excellence (INBRE) grant program, a project of the osteopetrosis (too much bone tissue); for understanding NIH that is currently established in 22 states and Puerto Rico.

20 Spring 2009

Julie Soukup, Ph.D., BSChm’93, associate professor of Department of Biomedical Sciences, Reedy and his student biochemistry, said the INBRE program has contributed about team expose early stage chicken embryos to a level of nicotine $1.5 million to Creighton’s undergraduate programs since more in line with what a heavy smoker might impart to the University first became involved seven years ago. her fetus. They then assess nicotine’s effect on the ability of The program works on several important levels, she said, neural crest cells to migrate to the heart. Since early heart and since the scientific community receives valuable research neural crest development are quite similar between birds and results and students gain critical laboratory experience. mammals, information obtained from the chicken embryo “To be a really good scientist, you need as much lab studies will serve as the basis for subsequent experiments in experience and training as you can get,” Soukup said. mouse or rat embryos. “A key part of this program is that (the students) spend Olley, a junior, said his involvement with INBRE has given part of the time at a Ph.D.-granting laboratory, so they get a him a “profound” sense of purpose and inspired him to seek a good idea of what graduate school will be like — working Ph.D. in coming years. all summer, weekends, really diving into the project, “The opportunity to conduct research as an undergraduate and having them work around graduate students and has revolutionized my college experience,” he said. “The postdoctoral fellows.” experience I have gained will propel me to the forefront of The INBRE program also pays the students for their scientific discovery. I will definitely pursue a doctorate in the work, which allows them to focus on their studies rather field of biology.” than work in an unrelated job, and funds the purchase of Tran is interested in how the neural crest cells operate equipment. during normal development, which involves studying the

Photos by Brandon McKenna, BA’95 Natalie German, Julie Soukup, Ph.D., and Kelley Wanzeck are Lan Tran, Mark Reedy, Ph.D., and John Olley are studying nicotine’s effect investigating genetic “messengers” known as riboswitches. on the developing heart in chicken embryos.

Nicotine and the Developing Heart mechanisms involved in guiding their migration to the Senior Lan Tran and Junior John Olley are busily boosting developing heart. their resumes under the INBRE program. They are helping Her involvement, Tran said, has introduced her to the world Associate Professor of Biology Mark Reedy, Ph.D., study the of research, experience and learning she hopes to use as she migration mechanisms of cells and whether the absorption of pursues a career as a physician. nicotine, through smoking or nicotine patches, damages the “It’s taught me how to do experiments and how to interpret development of the fetal heart. And if so, how. results,” she said. “I’m hoping that I can continue to be Reedy and Olley are studying a cluster of cells known involved in research as a physician.” as neural crest cells that are critical for transforming the embryonic heart from a simple tube into a fully functioning ‘Stretching’ Bone Cells heart. Specifically, they want to know whether nicotine A stream of students has worked with Mike Nichols, Ph.D., prevents the neural crest cells from doing their job properly, associate professor of physics, over the past five years trying thus causing heart defects in newborns. to understand the mechanics of a process that was codified “Most previous research has been on nicotine’s effect on as Wolff’s Law in the 19th century. Developed by German the developing central nervous system, but the research has anatomist Julius Wolff (1836-1902), the law states that bone tended to use nicotine exposure levels far in excess of what we mass strengthens or weakens in response to the pressure, or might reasonably expect a fetus to encounter,” Reedy said. lack of pressure, placed upon it. This, Nichols said, is why Instead, in collaboration with Philip Brauer, Ph.D., in the exercise is deemed critical to bone health.

21 Spring 2009 Probing Micro Mysteries

But Nichols and senior Timothy Smith want to know data and assisted in simple experiments. In the second year, how Wolff’s Law works. They want the three types of bone he was given his own project, and 18 months later worked cells known to be involved in the process to yield their during the summer with a professor on even more complex secrets. Which cell is the “mechanosensor” — responsible experiments. for directing the increase or decrease in bone mass? Are all “My education at Creighton has been primarily in the three mechanosensors? The answers to these questions could biophysics lab and the INBRE program,” he said. “As an conceivably lead to drug therapies that might stimulate aspiring physician, the most important thing I will take particular cells to strengthen bone mass, thus striking a blow with me is the ability to think critically, a skill that has been against osteoporosis. developed through reading scientific papers and carrying out Their key investigative tool is an optical stretcher that uses experiments.” laser beams to stretch bone cells. The pressure exerted by the stretching stimulates the cells, thus allowing the research team to Prodding Plant Cells test the degree of their elasticity as well as observe what they do. While chicken embryos and bone cells are keeping some of There is another possible benefit to the research, Nichols Creighton’s INBRE research teams busy, Karin van Dijk, Ph.D., said, relating to cancer. assistant professor of biology, and junior McKenzie Jarecki are “Cancer cells need to become elastic in order to migrate to poking, prodding and bombarding plant cells. other parts of the body,” he said. “Measuring the elasticity of They are picking on the imposingly named Pseudomonas cells can potentially be a cancer detector in the very early stages.” syringae, a plant pathogen (a germ or bacterium) that causes The earlier that unusually elastic cells can be identified, the plant disease by “bombarding” plant cells with proteins.

The research of Mike Nichols, Ph.D., and Timothy Smith on bone-cell McKenzie Jarecki and Karin van Dijk, Ph.D., are investigating how the elasticity could yield benefits in areas from osteoporosis to cancer. plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae causes cell damage.

better the chance of identifying and treating cancer, he said. While Pseudomonas syringae is a plant pathogen and poses no Being able to identify such cells among the billions of cells danger to humans, the process by which it causes cell damage in the human body would be a major challenge for future is similar to the method used by some human pathogens and researchers, Nichols said, but if the principle of elasticity can can therefore be instructive, van Dijk said. be confirmed, then a major step will have been taken. “As soon as you know how a pathogen causes disease then Smith said the opportunity to engage in research, after being in the future you could potentially design drugs that target the recruited as a freshman, led him slowly but surely into the proteins that allow the pathogens to do their damage,” she said. world of medical language, something that will serve him well Jarecki said the Pseudomonas syringae project is part of a “hot in his effort to become a physician researcher. area” in biological research and is helping her decide what “As a freshman, it appeared to me that the older students area of study she would like to pursue in the future. and professors were speaking another language,” he said. Jarecki applied for the INBRE program. Since being “The papers I was being asked to read were beyond anything I accepted, she said, she has had a solid introduction to what had encountered. life is like for a graduate student. Weekend trips home, for “As time progressed, though, I became more comfortable example, have become rare. and developed the ability to dissect technical writing for the “In the past, I would go home almost every weekend,” she necessary information.” said. “But sometimes, INBRE projects, especially when you’re As a freshman recruited to the program, Smith processed trying to troubleshoot and get some results, can take many

22 Spring 2009 Probing Micro Mysteries hours. There just isn’t time for that during the regular week, so bacteria and fungi. it has to be the weekend.” No mammalian riboswitches have yet been identified, which would make the discovery a notable event. Uncovering the Secrets of Riboswitches Soukup said the project came about accidentally while Soukup, in addition to being Creighton’s voice on the listening to a presentation about a mammalian biological INBRE governing panel, is a participant, working with system important to cancer cell growth. While certain two students on projects that propose the existence of a mechanisms of the system seemed puzzling, “It sounded like a mammalian riboswitch. While this might be just medical riboswitch to me,” she said. jargon to anyone outside the biological sciences, for those who So she and Wanzeck are looking into things, trying initially have ears to hear, this could be a very big thing. to determine if the puzzling mechanism has the molecular- Riboswitches are known to play an important role in genetic binding attributes of a riboswitch. expression, though so far their presence has been proved only in bacteria, plants and some forms of fungi. Soukup is working on two INBRE projects connected to “The INBRE program has been a riboswitches — one with senior Natalie German, the other tremendous opportunity to get involved with junior Kelley Wanzeck. Soukup and German are trying to map the three- with biomedical research as an dimensional structure of a whole new class of riboswitch that came to the attention of biologists in the past two years. If they undergraduate.” — Kelley Wanzeck can create that map — if, in the language of biologists, they can determine where small molecules bind to RNA molecules There lies a long road ahead, but the potential payoff is a — then the door might eventually swing open to stronger and new way to regulate genetic expression, which could lead to more effective antibiotics for humans. new cancer therapies, Soukup said. The project involves a very high-resolution technique that For Wanzeck, the opportunity to gain experience in genetics seeks to identify every atom in a biological molecule. and nucleic acid biochemistry, the two disciplines she intends If successful, Soukup said, “you might be able to design to study in graduate school, was irresistible. drugs that would be able to target bacterial infections currently “The INBRE program has been a tremendous opportunity to resistant to known antibiotics.” get involved with biomedical research as an undergraduate,” she German said her involvement with INBRE has honed her said. “I am really excited about the project I am working on. Its problem-solving skills. focus on the potential mammalian riboswitch is of great interest.” “Whenever the results aren’t as expected, or a reaction doesn’t And so it goes for Creighton students fortunate enough to work, I get the opportunity to try to make sense of the issue at be accepted into Creighton’s INBRE program: An introduction hand,” she said. “The biochemical research I’m involved in is to the world of biological research, a taste of life as a graduate challenging, mentally stimulating and really enjoyable.” student, lost weekends and summers, long hours, an In a second assault on the secrets of the riboswitch, Soukup opportunity to present findings at state and even national and Wanzeck are investigating the intriguing possibility conferences, and a jump on other students entering the that mammals might also have riboswitches, not just plants, demanding world of biomedical research.

place I wanted to be,” she said. “I was able to become involved Program Inspires Graduates to in research that fascinated me.” And, Meyer pointed out, INBRE funds not only allowed Continue Scientific Pursuits her to focus on her studies but also enabled her to travel to Rachel Patterson, BS’07, Rebecca Meyer, BS’07, and Ann conferences and major scientific meetings. Jizba, BS’08, are all graduate students — Patterson at the “These meetings inspired me to be a better scientist as I University of California-San Diego, Meyer at Emory University was able to see the phenomenal research being performed in Atlanta, and Jizba at UCLA. All are also Creighton alumni at institutions around the country and had the opportunity to who attribute their desire to pursue graduate studies largely present and defend my own work.” to the INBRE program. Jizba is convinced that she was far more prepared for “It significantly impacted my academic career,” Patterson graduate school because of INBRE than other students in her said. “That program gave me the chance to become a first-year Ph.D. class. scientific investigator involved in carrying out a project, “The presentations we had to give for the summer INBRE troubleshooting, critically analyzing results and presenting conference were a good introduction to how scientists share data at conferences. It’s a large part of why I am a second- their research,” she said. “It was fantastic preparation for year graduate student in biology at UC San Diego.” graduate school. I feel that because of the INBRE program For Meyer, INBRE was the road to a realization of what I am more prepared for graduate school than many other she wanted to do with her life. “I realized that the lab was the people in my starting class here at UCLA.”

23 Spring 2009 Critical Photo/Illustration by Mike Kleveter Thinking& 24 Spring 2009

What images come to mind when you read the phrase, “political debate”? Do you think of political pundits facing off against one another on television talk shows, vying to interrupt, insult or shout down each other? Do you picture candidates for public office seeking engage in political debate that is serious, substantive the glib one-liner or catchy sound bite that will and likely to shape our nation’s public policy. grab the attention of the viewing public for five or It is common to blame the news media, political 10 seconds on the evening news? Or do you recall consultants or public officials themselves for the some of the countless 30-second political television impoverishment of political debate. It is important ads from the past election cycle that tried to cause to keep in mind, however, that it is hardly surprising us to view one candidate more positively only by that journalists seek to cover politics in ways that viewing her or his opponent more negatively? will attract viewers and readers; that political Such examples make up a great portion, perhaps consultants seek to motivate voters to vote for the the majority, of what passes for political debate in candidates they serve and against their opponents; our society today. Our nation faces great challenges or that public officials seek to sway public opinion in economically, environmentally, socially and support of their projects and against their opponents’ diplomatically around the world. Now more than projects. All of these people can be counted on to try ever, citizens of our democracy need to wrestle with to achieve their goals as effectively and economically these challenges and to help determine how the as possible. If we, the citizens, do not demand a United States will confront them. Yet now more than richer, more substantive political debate, then we ever, our political debate is so deeply impoverished deserve the impoverished, superficial political that it seems unimaginable for ordinary citizens to debate that we get.

By Kevin Graham, Ph.D., the Associate Professor of Philosophy Well-Reasoned Life Left: Creighton philosophy professor Kevin Graham, Ph.D., positioned between television images of political pundits Chris Matthews and Bill O’Reilly, writes that our political debate today is “deeply impoverished.” Critical Thinking and the Well-Reasoned Life

Creighton University seeks to educate its students to be deliberation that contrasts sharply with Plato’s. The key engaged students who will be prepared to lead society in concept of Rousseau’s view is the “general will,” which is a accord with Jesuit ideals and values. But how optimistic will shared by all citizens of a single political association for the should we be about the chances of our students’ success in common good. According to Rousseau, all citizens, regardless this effort, given the impoverished state of political debate in of class or education, are able to help discover what the general contemporary discourse? Different political philosophers in will is through political deliberation. Rousseau argues that the Western tradition have taken conflicting views about the if all the citizens of a political association are well-informed subject. about the challenges that confront them and assemble together to deliberate as one body, without breaking into factions or Plato’s Take political parties, they will discover the general will. The Greek philosopher Plato (427-347 B.C.E.) took a While this may sound encouraging, Rousseau believed fundamentally pessimistic view about the possibility of that strict conditions must be met in order to achieve success. engaging citizens in broad, rational political deliberation. In For one, he thought that all citizens must regularly convene Plato’s dialogue Republic, the character Socrates describes an in plenary assemblies, where they could deliberate together, ideal city, or political association, as being divided into three face-to-face, in a single venue about the common good. For this classes: the majority, who are farmers, laborers, artisans and reason, he argued that the size of a political association should merchants; a smaller class of soldiers, who defend the city be sharply restricted, preferably to the size of a single small from its external enemies; and an elite class of guardians, city. who rule the city by virtue of the wisdom gained from their For Rousseau, the election of legislative representatives liberal education. Socrates argues that his ideal city is just, to deliberate on behalf of the citizens would not serve as an because each of the three classes minds its own business, adequate substitute for the plenary deliberative assembly. without interfering with the functions of the others. Political Instead, he argued that the creation of representative deliberation is solely the responsibility of the guardian class: government was an attempt to It would be unjust for any other citizen to participate in such alienate the political sovereignty deliberation because he or of the citizens and confer it she would lack the necessary on the representatives. Since wisdom. Rousseau believed that the Socrates describes political life citizens cannot alienate their using the metaphor of a cave in sovereign legislative power, the which the majority of citizens attempt to alienate this power is live their entire lives. Average tantamount to a suicide attempt citizens sit imprisoned in fetters by the political association. and shackles, unable to turn their Rousseau’s views about heads, facing a wall — upon political deliberation may seem which political leaders cast more optimistic than Plato’s — shadow-puppet shows. Socrates with all citizens contributing suggests that the leaders will to the discernment of the common good. But the conditions deceive the citizens into believing that under which Rousseau believes that citizens can discern the the shadows are real. Only citizens who break free of their common good are so unlikely to be realized in modern nation- chains and escape the cave will be able to discover the true states that, for practical purposes, he seems equally pessimistic nature of reality — what is real and what is simply a shadow about the prospect of citizens governing themselves in, say, the on a wall. They then can return to the cave to govern, from a contemporary United States. more enlightened point of view, those who remain imprisoned. Plato’s Socrates is pessimistic about the possibility of a city Creighton’s Commitment or political association governing itself democratically because Despite the evident pessimism of some of the leading he believes that the majority of citizens are disqualified by both thinkers in the Western philosophical tradition, Creighton nature and education from deliberating about the common University is committed to the ideal that actively engaged good. Socrates believes that the elite ruling class of guardians is citizens can help to discern and achieve the common good. capable of governing the money-making class and the soldiers The Creighton Credo states, in part, “We believe that laws from an enlightened viewpoint. He doubts, however, that exist for the benefit and well being of individual persons, the elite can share their enlightenment with average citizens, that legal systems must express the common good, and that allowing them to participate in governance. all government must be subject to the courageous, though respectful and loyal, criticism of intelligent and responsible Jean-Jacques Rousseau citizens.” Creighton University expresses its commitment to Writing more than 20 centuries later, French philosopher this democratic ideal by striving to educate its students for Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778 C.E.), whose life overlapped engaged citizenship in the service of the common good. the American Revolution, developed a theory of political The University’s commitment to this ideal is deeply rooted

26 Spring 2009 Critical Thinking and the Well-Reasoned Life in Jesuit and Catholic values. A Creighton education is meant about those who oppose the policies of President Bush; it tells to form students as men and women for others, who place us only about what is true of those who support radical Islamist the common good above their own private interests — in terrorists. effect, living out the faith that does justice. In order to help our Acquiring these critical-thinking skills helps students to students contribute to the discernment and achievement of the steel themselves against the kind of manipulative political common good, we prepare them to seek the union of hearts discourse found in Plato’s Republic. As a result, our graduates and minds across the many barriers of race, gender, class, creed are prepared to demand a culture of political debate that relies and ideology that divide our society. This is how we educate less on manipulation of our emotions and more on arguments the young women and men who walk through our doors to and evidence to establish conclusions. emerge as agents of change in the world. Creighton University also seeks to prepare its graduates Our commitment to the ideal of engaged citizenship in the to think creatively about how our 21st century society can service of the common good is not naïve to the challenges that overcome the obstacles to meaningful political deliberation. lie in the way. Plato was surely right to think that political and Sociology courses, such as Professor Jim Ault’s Technology social leaders are capable of deceiving citizens. Creighton is, and Human Values, help our students to reflect on how and however, committed to the idea that students can learn to think whether new media and information technologies can serve as critically about efforts to deceive and manipulate them, and barriers or catalysts to sound political deliberation. Journalism thus become able to act as citizens participating in their own and mass communications courses, such as Jeff Maciejewski’s self-government. Likewise, Rousseau was surely right to think that the size and scope of modern nation-states create serious challenges In order to help our students contribute to fostering meaningful political deliberation about the to the discernment and achievement of the common good. Creighton is, however, committed to the goal of preparing our students to think creatively about how 21st common good, we prepare them to seek the century social and political institutions can surmount these challenges. union of hearts and minds across the many The first step toward helping our students to realize these barriers of race, gender, class, creed and learning goals is to teach them how to think critically — across a variety of academic disciplines. Our Critical and Historical ideology that divide our society. This is how Introduction to Philosophy course, for example, introduces undergraduate students to basic logical concepts and methods we educate the young women and men who of analyzing and evaluating arguments. walk through our doors to emerge as agents Students learn to look for clues to identify when a speaker or writer is presenting them with evidence in support of a certain for change in the world. conclusion. For instance, consider the following statement: “Since the Democrats hold large majorities in both houses of Media Ethics, help students to reflect on how journalists Congress, the president’s budget is likely to pass.” The word can promote political deliberation rather than impede it. “since” serves as a “premise indicator,” suggesting that the Political science courses, such as Graham Ramsden’s The statement immediately following it is being offered as evidence American Presidency and Richard Witmer’s Congress for a further conclusion. and the Legislative Process, examine to what extent the Our students also work on distinguishing the premises of institutions of U.S. government can surmount the challenges the argument from the conclusion. Consider the following that Rousseau perceived. And philosophy courses, such as passage: “Republicans generally oppose both tax increases my own Classics of Political Thought, examine and evaluate and increased spending on entitlement programs. Therefore, what political philosophers from Plato to Marx have said Republicans are likely to oppose the president’s budget.” Here, about the conditions under which human beings can govern the word “therefore” delineates the conclusion of the argument themselves effectively. — that “Republicans are likely to oppose the president’s In 2000, the Very Rev. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., budget” — from the premise that precedes it. former Superior General of the Society of Jesus, called on Finally, students learn to discriminate between strong the American Jesuit colleges and universities to rise to the arguments, which provide good evidence for their conclusions, challenge of educating the whole person for solidarity with from weak or fallacious arguments. Consider the following the real world. One way in which Creighton seeks to meet argument: “If you support radical Islamist terrorist this challenge is by preparing all of its students to think more organizations, then you oppose the policies of former President critically about the perils of political debate and to think George W. Bush. Many Democrats oppose the policies of more creatively about how to overcome them. In this way, we former President Bush. Therefore, many Democrats support hope to help our students to become agents for change in the radical Islamist terrorist organizations.” This form of reasoning, world, for the greater glory of God. called affirming the consequent, is fallacious. Even if the first premise is true, it tells us nothing about what is generally true

27 Spring 2009 Alumni News

become a full-time associate professor Jeffery M. Hurst, BA’77, DDS, Lt. Cmdr. Steven C. Alumni Items at Des Moines University. She joined Lakewood, Colo., has been named 90 Clifford, BSChm, Storm James “Jim” Bristol, JD, the university as a part-time professor president of the Colorado Dental Lake, Iowa, has been promoted to Waukon, Iowa, has retired last fall. Paul J. Strawhecker, BA, Association. Richard L. Lavery, lieutenant commander in the U.S. after48 60 years of practicing law. He was Omaha, has received the Outstanding BSBA’78, JD, Evanston, Wyo., has been Navy. Kandace C. Gerdes, BSBA’89, a partner at the law firm of Jacobson, Lifetime Achievement Award from the elected president of the Wyoming State JD, Denver, has received the Lifetime Bristol, Garrett and Swartz in Waukon. Nebraska Chapter of the Association of Bar. Kevin J. O’Brien, BA, Baltimore, Achievement Award from the Catholic Fundraising Professionals. has been appointed as the first president Lawyer’s Guild of Colorado. Steven Ann Lammers Lasek, MD, of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. J. Sanchez, BA, Fenton, Mo., has been Toledo, Ohio, was awarded a Louis A. Gamino, BA, named assistant provost of Saint Louis 52 Temple, Texas, has received Kevin J. Wiley, BSBA, 50-year Distinguished Life Fellowship 74 University in St. Louis. from the American Psychiatric the national Clinical Practice Award for 82 Chicago, has been appointed Association for her many years of service excellence in clinical care of the dying chief executive officer of Interlink Sr. Theresa Betz, S.N.D., MA, to the psychiatric profession. and the bereaved from the Association Electronics, Inc., in Camarillo, Calif. Clearwater, Fla., is ministering for Death Education and Counseling. 91with her religious community in Bataan, Jean E. Faure, MA, Great William E. Ramsey, BS, Hon. Gary B. Randall, JD, Omaha, has Philippines, where the community is Falls, Mont., has been named Omaha, co-wrote the book, been elected chair elect of the National building an International Novitiate 55 attorney83 and managing partner at Doorway to Freedom: The Story of David Conference of State Trial Judges. Retreat Center. Faure Holden Attorneys at Law, P.C., Kaufmann-Merchant-Benefactor-Rescuer, Thomas J. Sanders, BASOC, Wichita, in Great Falls. Hon. J.E. Sullivan, JD, Barbara Cronin Faber, published in June by Mosaic Press. Kan., became a fellow of the American Morgantown, W.Va., has joined the BSN, Melbourne, Fla., has College of Healthcare Executives. James F. Arens, MD, Social Security Administration as a U.S. been93 named performance improvement Fellow status represents achievement Bayfield, Colo., was presented administrative law judge. coordinator at Health First. the59 2008 Distinguished Service Award of the highest standard of professional by the American Medical Association development. Joseph G. Castelli Jr., Owen E. Girard, JD, Omaha, for his support of health care quality ✽ BSBA’83, MBA, Northville, has been named senior vice Daniel P. Chesire, JD, Mich.,84 has been named vice president president95 of Fidelity National Title and patient safety in the field of Omaha, was inducted into anesthesiology. Bruce E. Haney, 76 of light commercial vehicles and fleet at Group, a subsidiary of Fidelity National the American College of Trial Lawyers. Nissan North America in Farmington Financial. Tory L. Lucas, JD, Bellevue, BSBA, Omaha, celebrated 50 years Rory J. Conces, BA, Omaha, an in the investment industry. John M. Hills, Mich. Neb., will serve as a visiting professor associate professor at the University of at Stetson University College of Law Peck, BusAd, Columbus, Neb., retired Nebraska at Omaha was a Fulbright Steven J. Paul, BA’81, JD, from First National Bank and Trust in in Gulfport, Fla., during the 2008- Scholar teaching conflict resolution at the Colorado Springs, Colo., has 2009 academic year. Lucas also will Columbus. He currently remains on the University of Pristina in Kosovo during joined85 Dewhirst & Dolven, LLC, as board of directors for the bank. serve as associate director of Bellevue the fall of 2008. special counsel. David R. Schieffer, University’s Center for American Vision Shawnee Mission, Kan., has Sr. Mary Virginia Daly, BSBA, and Values. Kathleen Schumacher Mary Pat Statz McCarthy, joined Resources Global Professionals as R.S.M., BA’45, MA, Omaha, Marble, BA, Omaha, wrote and 60 BSBA, Leawood, Kan., has director of recruiting. celebrated 60 years in the Sisters of Mercy been77 named executive director of illustrated the children’s book, What on Sept. 7, 2008. John L. Grady, MD, KPMG, LLP Audit Committee Institute Eileen Lechner Phillips, Kind of Dinosaur Are You?, published Benton, Tenn., was honored with the title in Kansas City, Mo. MBA, Lawrence, Kan., has through Outskirts Press. Daniel J. of “Count of the Holy Roman Church” by received86 the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton McCann, BA, Omaha, wrote the the Sovereign Pontiff Pope Benedict XVI. Mark L. Ells, JD, Lincoln, Award from Archbishop Joseph children’s book, Balloon on the Moon, Neb., project leader and James D. Reardon, MD, 78 Naumann. The award recognizes the which was released in May 2008. Susan research assistant professor in the Center contributions of adults who serve Coyle Naatz, MS, Omaha, was the Waiuku, New Zealand, has on Children, Families and the Law at 61joined Mental Health Services Awhinatia Catholic youth through Girl Scouts. recipient of the 2008 Sophia Wisdom the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will Award from the Knowles Mercy Health in Auckland, New Zealand, as a Diana Kelly-Pecha, BA, oversee a five-year, $8.7 million grant Spirituality Center in Waterloo, Neb. consulting psychiatrist. Bellevue, Neb., has been from the U.S. Department of Health and Travis Sing, BA, Omaha, is the author promoted88 to captain with the Omaha ❂ Frank D. Kapps, BS’60, Human Services Children’s Bureau to of Creighton University Athletics: A History Police Department. MD, North Oaks, Minn., establish the Midwest Child Welfare in Photographs, a photographic journey 64has retired after 42 years in the field of Technical Assistance Implementation Steven Budd, BA, Nutley, through Creighton athletics. More pathology. Center. Gregory L. McClinton, BA, N.J., is founder and medical information on the book can be found Honolulu, has been named senior trial director89 of the nonprofit organization at www.osageorangepublishing.com. Amy Carol Muske Dukes, BA, attorney for civil rights/employment Los Angeles, has been named Solaid International based in Kampot, Friedman Wilson, PharmD, Omaha, 67 litigation at the U.S. Equal Employment Cambodia. has been promoted to associate professor California’s poet laureate by Gov. Arnold Opportunity Commission in Honolulu. Schwarzenegger. Matt Reres, BA’64, JD, Chantilly, Va., has received the rank Patricia Kell Doyle, BS, of Presidential Distinguished Executive, 80 Worthington, Ohio, has been Edward and Mary Lucretia Creighton Society the highest civilian award for a senior named president of the Diocesan The Edward and Mary Lucretia Creighton Society is Creighton executive in the federal government. Council at the Society of St. Vincent DePaul. Dennis P. Lee, BA’77, JD, University’s premier donor recognition club. Donors at the Creighton Gregory D. McElroy, BA, Omaha, has been inducted into the Society level sustain the University through their unrestricted annual St. Paul, Minn., has received 2008 Nebraska Horse Racing Hall of gifts. These generous contributions to the University are crucial to the69 MAP Board Star Award for his Fame for lifetime achievement. Mark ensuring that Creighton is a leader in providing the highest quality work as a volunteer board member S. Wisniewski, BA, Lake Peekskill, Catholic, Jesuit education to our students. Alumni donors recognized with the West Bank School of Music. N.Y., had his short story “Straightaway” at the Creighton Society level are identified as follows: MAP for Nonprofits is a management published in The Best American Short service organization that provides board Stories 2008. † – Ignatian Circle ($10,000 and above) recruitment services and consulting to other nonprofit organizations. Brig. Gen. David G. Ehrhart, ❂ – Jesuit Circle ($5,000 to $9,999) JD, Dayton, Ohio, has retired ❖ – Founders’ Circle ($2,500 to $4,999) Mary Mincer Hansen, 81after 33 years in the U.S. Air Force. ✽ – Sustaining Circle ($1,000 to $2,500) 70 BSN, Panora, Iowa, has 28 Spring 2009 Alumni News with tenure at Creighton University’s School of Pharmacy and Health Professions. She is currently the director of the Center for Drug Information and Evidence-Based Practice. Laura Rodman Huaracha, Online alumni news 97 BA, Beach Park, Ill., has joined Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis., as Ramsey Brings History to Life an assistant professor of communication and digital media. Mark A. Kelehan, Computers abound in this suite of offices, BSBA, New York, has received his Master of Business Administration but certainly not on one desk. Here, an old from the Tuck School of Business at typewriter, circa 1940, is ready for a sheet of Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., and joined J.P. Morgan in New York as paper and the clickety-clack of the keys. It is an associate for investment banking. Christine Meis McAuliffe, Esq., BS, the tool of the trade for Omaha public relations Tempe, Ariz., has been named partner fixture and author Bill Ramsey, BS’55, of Bill at the Scottsdale law firm of Holme, Roberts and Owen, LLP. Frank A. Ramsey Associates. His latest book, with Betty Oliverio, JD, Morgantown, W.Va., has Dineen Shrier, chronicles the extraordinary joined the Mountaineer Athletic Club at West Virginia University as director of life of David Kaufmann, a German Jew who development. immigrated to Nebraska in the early 1900s. M. Susan Cannella, BSBA, Omaha, has joined DAAKE Design98 as an account executive. alumni.creighton.edu/jay2jay/bramsey Christina Hassing Farrow, BSBA, Honolulu, has been named president of Pacific Aisles, Inc., a wedding consultation and design company in Hawaii. James M. Humphrey IV, of General Dentistry. Meghan Beatty curator at Durham Museum. Sarah C. to lieutenant commander in the United JD, Parkville, Mo., was selected as a Klassen, BA, Austin, Texas, was Lukas, BA, Omaha, has been named States Public Health Service. She is Missouri and Kansas Rising Star by featured in Rare Magazine for her work senior public relations account executive currently a pediatric pharmacist at the Super Lawyers magazine. Michael with students with disabilities at the Rise at Ervin & Smith Advertising and Public Anchorage Native Primary Care Center. R. Weitl, BS, Combermere, Ontario, School in Austin. Michael W. O’Hare, Relations. Christopher A. Sievers, Adam A. Rolf, BS, Canada, has made final promises of BSBA’97, JD, Elkhorn, Neb., has joined JD, Omaha, has joined the law firm of Independence, Mo., has joined poverty, chastity and obedience in the O’Hare Tax & Financial Services Inc. Engles Ketcham Olson and Keith, P.C. Centerpoint05 Medical Center as an Madonna House Apostolate. in Omaha as an accountant. Lorna L. Rachel Schlak Alexander, outpatient physical therapist. Adam Perez, BA, Buffalo, N.Y., has joined Carmen Kwong Gaston, BA’00, JD, Vermillion, S.D., K. Tschuor, BSBA, Muncie, Ind., has Buffalo State College as an assistant JD, Portland, Ore., has been has03 been named director of legal writing been named director of ticket sales for professor of English. named99 assistant vice president of alumni at the University of South Dakota intercollegiate athletics for Ball State relations and planning at the University Amy Gruber Dunn, DPT, School of Law. Kristin Myers Gerber, University. of Portland. Samuel T. Lopez, DPT, Dodge City, Kan., has been BSBA, Boston, has received her juris Robert J. Osborne, BSBA, Charlotte, N.C., has been named director 01promoted to director of therapy services doctor degree from Boston College law Omaha, has joined Frankel of multicultural academic services at at Western Plains Medical Complex. school and has joined Brown Rudnick Zacharia,06 LLC, as a senior accountant. the University of North Carolina at Renee Ross Keller, BSBA, Jackson, Berlack Israels, LLP, as a first-year Rachel L. Theilmann, BA’03, JD, Charlotte. Miss., has been named manager of associate. Ryan M. Luetkenhaus, James A. Mello, MBA, Denver, has joined Moye White, LLP, in Lebanon, Conn., has been promoted to management reporting at Cellular South BSBA, MBA, Bennington, Neb., has Denver as an associate attorney. assistant provost for financial planning in Ridgeland, Miss. Steven D. Mahlen, received his Master of Science in taxation at the University of Hartford in Hartford, PhD, Bothell, Wash., has become a from Golden Gate University in San Randall R. Schwartz II, Conn. J. Kevin Miller, JD, Fort Myers, certified diplomate of the American Francisco. Thomas L. Sanchez, BA, BSBA’05, JD, Orland Park, Fla., has been promoted to shareholder Board of Medical Microbiology. Los Angeles, produced and directed Ill.,07 has joined Baker & Daniels, LLP, in and senior attorney at the law firm of Kathleen M. Malloy, BA, Colorado his first independent Spanish-speaking the firm’s Chicago office as a corporate Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. Springs, Colo., has joined T. Rowe Price feature film, “La Navaja de Don Juan.” finance attorney.Amanda Prescott as a trainer. Smith, JD, Sioux Falls, S.D., has joined Ann Burkhardt, OTD, New Christopher M. Gibbs, MD, Davenport Evans Hurwitz & Smith, Loves Park, Ill., has joined Mark J. Bergeron, MD, St. York, has been named director LLP, as an associate attorney. Traci Rockford00 Gastroenterology Associates, Paul, Minn., has received his of04 the postprofessional master’s degree R. Swartz, OTD, Atlanta, has joined Ltd., as a gastroenterologist. Master02 of Public Health degree from the program in occupational therapy Capt. Erica Georgia Institute of Technology as a R. Iverson, BA, Columbia, S.C., has University of Minnesota and completed in the School of Health Sciences at research scientist. Natalie M. Thomas, received the Meritorious Service Medal his neonatal-perinatal medicine Quinnipiac University in Hamden, BSN, Papillion, Neb., has received The for completing 18 months of Company fellowship. He is currently practicing Conn. David S. Ebenhoh, MA, St. Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses Command at Fort Jackson, S.C., and has neonatology with Associates in Louis, has joined StillWater Speaks at Children’s Hospital and Medical been selected for a one-year government Newborn Medicine in St. Paul. Jennifer Consulting as a consultant and executive Center in Omaha. The Daisy Award is a interagency fellowship. She is currently R. Falbo-Kilgore, BFA, Columbia, coach. Joseph D. Kohout, BA’98, national program to recognize hospital working at the State Department Mo., has joined Stephens College in JD, Omaha, has joined Kissel/E & S nurses and support evidence-based in Washington, D.C. Columbia as assistant professor of Associates in Lincoln, Neb., as a partner. Patrick E. nursing research. Jankowski, DDS, Eudora, Kan., has lighting design. Karen L. Frizzell, Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer J. Lyon, PharmD, earned his fellowship in the Academy MA, Omaha, has been named associate Anchorage, Alaska, has been promoted 29 Spring 2009 Alumni News

Williams Found ‘Special Spirit’ was a special spirit of cooperation and support.” Residency in internal medicine at Cook County Hospital in at Creighton School of Medicine Chicago and a surgical nutrition support fellowship focused Williams’ interest in bioethics. It was her fellowship When September Williams, MD’84, was a girl, the medical at the University of Chicago’s MacLean Center for Clinical drama series Ben Casey, was her favorite television show. At Medical Ethics that spawned her pursuit of filmmaking. She that time, being a physician was not on her radar, but the began to explore the impact of film and nonprint media on scripts the TV doctor and his colleagues followed planted cross-cultural expectations of medicine and science. She next seeds in her. studied in master’s programs in directing and screenwriting Williams, a physician, clinical medical ethicist and at Columbia College Chicago and screenwriting at Boston filmmaker, has combined her interests into a multi-faceted University. career. As an attending physician at the San Francisco Williams’ public-medicine career of 25 years is symbiotic Department of Public Health’s with her film work. She is Laguna Honda Hospital and committed to providing best Rehabilitation Center, Williams practice to the sickest, poorest has an impressive resume in patients. Her film work, through internal medicine, geriatrics, Ninth Month Productions, gives palliative care and clinical voice to those most affected by medical ethics. But there is lack of access to care, the need more to the Creighton School for appropriate use of technology of Medicine graduate than and the application of bioethics remarkable medical credentials. in medicine. In 1978, having just completed Williams has been a consultant her bachelor’s degree in science, to filmmakers and television which she had financed through directors, producers and writing, dancing and photography, writers. She has appeared in, Williams was faced with her and provided research for, grandfather being terminally ill. movies and television programs, She was impressed by the care he including Frontline, AIDS Report received from oncology intern/ and Nightline. She has consulted writer/actress Lynn Baker, M.D., in with the Centers for Disease Los Angeles. Williams’ grandfather Control and Prevention and the died of cancer, but his end-of-life Harvard AIDS Institute, among process launched her medical others. Along with feature film career. “I took the MCAT on the scripts and shorter pieces, she is day of my grandfather’s memorial the writer/director of the service,” she said. Creighton alumna September Williams, MD’84, has combined medically based short films “I went into medicine for the a passion for public medicine with a passion for filmmaking — Shared Decisions, A Conversation on same reason I later went into gaining national acclaim for her work. Moral Intuition, Dance for Joy and clinical medical ethics and film,” the feature-length documentary Williams related. “I wanted to have a way to enhance the When We Are Asked, the source material for The Robert Wood humanity around caring for people with life-threatening Johnson Foundation-funded APPEAL project (A Progressive illnesses. I also wanted the tools to convince people there Palliative Care Educational Curriculum for the Care of African- are ways to prevent getting some life-threatening illnesses.” Americans at Life’s End). She is submitting several scripts to Like Williams, Baker also had a dual arts-science the Sundance programs this year. background. As a mentor, Baker recommended Creighton “We need to communicate that palliative care is part of as an environment that would embrace Williams’ atypical medicine — that medicine is not just curative. Medicine has cross-disciplinary talents. Williams trusted Baker’s to promote health, cure, and when it’s time, prepare people assessment, in part, because Sandra Organ, the first African- for life’s end,” Williams said. “Creighton was already ahead American ballerina of the Houston Ballet and daughter of in teaching end-of-life care in the early ‘80s. End-of-life care the renowned former Creighton chief of surgery the late is a natural extension of faith-based education. Claude Organ, MD’52, MSM’57, had danced at Creighton. “When is it appropriate to stop medicine based on Williams said when she arrived at Creighton, “Things stood curative care and start medicine that is based on palliative out,” in her professors and her fellow students. “Creighton care? It is sometimes hard to say, but as a filmmaker- people were, as a group, remarkably kind and humane. There physician-clinical ethicist, I work on communication tools that strive to say it better.”

30 Spring 2009 Alumni News Emily E. Brush, JD, Omaha, Sarah Bradford, BA, and 2008, living in Omaha. Kathleen A. ✽ Michael S. Freimuth, DDS, and has joined Lamson, Dugan and Jeffrey Hunter, Sept. 13, 2008, Manion, BS’03, MD, and Samuel A. Ann Workman Freimuth, BSBA’90, Murray,08 LLP, as an associate attorney. living00 in Omaha. Renee E. Mellen, Dubrow, MD, June 21, 2008, living in Lakewood, Colo., a daughter, Elizabeth Colleen L. Byers, BA’05, MBA, JD, BS, and Steven P. Hahn, July 7, 2007, Port Jefferson Station, N.Y. Amanda Jane “Betsy,” Jan. 10, 2008. Brett Mason Winston Salem, N.C., has joined the living in Omaha. Jennifer Roberts, S. Portner, BA, and Thomas C. and Lori Nickla Mason, BA, St. law firm of Bell, Davis & Pitt, P.A., as an BA’97, JD, and Michael Creager, Sept. McGannon, BSBA, Aug. 30, 2008, Helens, Ore., a daughter, Devon Victoria, associate attorney. D. Ashley Frison, 19, 2008, living in Commerce City, living in Kansas City, Mo. Amanda July 6, 2008. James K. Mogler, BSBA, JD, Omaha, has joined the law firm Colo. Katie Weckman and David J. M. Prescott, JD, and Cole A. Smith, and Jobeth Mogler, Aledo, Texas, a of Baird Holm, LLP, as an attorney Wenthold, BSBA, July 26, 2008, living JD’08, Nov. 17, 2007, living in Sioux daughter, London Rose, Sept. 15, 2008. in the education section. Angela J. in Bloomington, Minn. Falls, S.D. Andrea R. Robbins, BS, and Tim Carr and Amy Miller, BA’03, JD, Omaha, has joined Michael D. Boyd, June 14, 2008, living Molly A. Krahmer and Ryan Wunderlich Carr, PharmD, Lamson, Dugan and Murray, LLP, as in Mission, Kan. Amanda “Mandy” M. Zabrowski, BSBA, May 16, Lawrenceburg,95 Tenn., a son, Maxwell an associate attorney. Claire Fredricks Squire, BSN, and Jordan J. Arens, 012008, living in Omaha. Kristin Meiser, Anderson, May 14, 2008. Christopher Osborne, BSBA’06, JD, Omaha, has BS, Aug. 1, 2008, living in Memphis, BSW, and Joshua Kaplan, July 25, 2008, M. Chmiel, BS’91, DDS, and Melanee joined Croker, Huck, Kasher, DeWitt, Tenn. Katherine M. Trautschold, living in Washington, D.C. A. Chmiel, St. Paul, Minn., a son, Henry Anderson & Gonderinger, LLC, as an BS’01, MS, and Craig P. Christenson, Christopher Richard, Feb. 29, 2008. associate attorney. Cole A. Smith, Kennina Ceasar, BSBA, and Nov. 7, 2008, living in Omaha. Victoria Joseph Dey and Mary C. Dey, BA, JD, Sioux Falls, S.D., has been named Kenard Killingsworth, Aug. 23, S. Ward, BSChm, and Daniel J. 02 Wheaton, Ill., a son, Peter William, April vice president at Traco Medical, Inc., 2008, living in Olympia Fields, Ill. Marla Jasion, BSChm, Aug. 8, 2008, living in 23, 2008. Gregory G. Eckert, BS’91, an international medical equipment Eck, BA, and Aaron Althaus, Sept. 27, Irvine, Calif. Megan A. Wegner, BA, MD, and Molly Dougherty Eckert, refurbishing and brokering company. 2008, living in Plano, Texas. Sarah Eipe and Anthony “A.J.” Steele, BA, Aug. BA’93, Omaha, a daughter, Clare Daniel J. Waters, JD, Omaha, has and Scott A. Yahraus, BSBA, April 16, 2008, living in Omaha. joined Lamson, Dugan and Murray, LLP, 26, 2008, living in Woodland Hills, Calif. Shiuvaun, May 30, 2007. Matthew as an associate attorney. Melanie A. Perry, BA, and Michael Claire Fredricks, BSBA’06, P. Franzese, BA’92, JD, and Sydney T. Lotspeich, Nov. 14, 2008, living in 08 JD, and Robert J. Osborne, Franzese, Wheaton, Minn., a son, Omaha. Leanne N. Schumacher, BSBA’06, Aug. 30, 2008, living in Andrew Pascal, June 26, 2008. Paul BSBA, and Joseph Gehlen, Nov. 3, 2007, Omaha. Jill M. Olson, BA’05, JD, Kaspar and Jackie Rybin Kaspar, Marriages living in St. Louis Park, Minn. and Brandon D. Mason, BSBA’05, BSBA, Bedford, Texas, a son, Joshua, Sonya S. Stejskal, BA, and JD, Aug. 16, 2008, living in Omaha. Sept. 14, 2008. Kevin S. Mar and Julie 72 James Mercer, Aug. 8, 2008, Bridget Bazal, BSBA, and Kimberly K. Ryan, BSN’04, MS, Knott Mar, BSRT, Elkhorn, Neb., a living in Omaha. Enrico Johnson, Aug. 16, 2008, and Scotty Hagner, June 7, 2008, living daughter, Chloe Kathryn, July 3, 2008. living03 in Inver Grove Heights, Minn. Annette Corriveau and James in Omaha. Heather Sexe, MBA’07, Andrew Warren and Ann Dougherty Kimberly Carlson, BSN, and Michael D. Dati, Esq., JD, Aug. 22, PharmD, and Jonathan R. Hancock, Warren, BA, West Des Moines, Iowa, Olsufka, May 10, 2008, living in Omaha. 2008,83 living in Bonita Springs, Fla. BSBA’03, MBA’05, Aug. 9, 2008, living a daughter, Kathleen Ann, Sept. 4, 2008. Emily A. Janda, BA’01, MA, and Jack in Omaha. Andrew T. Wilson and Amy Friedman Jolie B. Palensky, BSMth, and Monteiro, Aug. 2, 2008, living in Bryan, Wilson, PharmD, Omaha, a daughter, Alex J. Beckey, BSBA’93, Sept. Texas. Sarah R. Russell, OTD, and Caroline Rose, March 3, 2008. 9129, 2007, living in St. Paul, Minn. Alphonse Fouche, June 28, 2008, living in Glenwood, Iowa. Births Clifton L. Brunt, BA, and Rachel A. Wilkins, BA, and Vito J. LaBella, BA, and Kim Christina Mushi-Brunt, Henry J. Morales II, Oct. 7, 96 93 Capt. Rebecca Hopmann, Jalet LaBella, Brooklyn, N.Y., a BA’97, Indianapolis, a daughter, 2007, living in Aberdeen, S.D. BSN, and Andrew I. daughter,84 Morgan Jalet, Aug. 18, 2008. Evangelina Grace, Oct. 15, 2008. Douglas Christensen,04 Aug. 30, 2008, living in Christine M. Block, BSBA, Hon. John E. Huber, BA’85, E. Pittman and Anne Luebbert and Todd J. VanDorn, Nov. 3, Omaha. Erin T. Koncak, BSBA, and Pittman, BSBA, Olathe, Kan., a son, 95 Timothy J. Sleddens, Oct. 18, 2007, JD, and Kristin Amend 2007, living in Omaha. Huber,88 JD’00, Omaha, twin sons, Drew William, Sept. 18, 2008. Peter B. living in Prairie Village, Kan. Lindsey Rastrelli, BA, and Candice Thiele Robann T. Thomas, BS, and Martinson, BSBA, and Joshua J. Andrew Robert “Drew,” and Brody Lawrence, July 25, 2008. Rastrelli, ARTS, Round Lake, Ill., 96 Jason Spencer, March 19, 2005, Boesch, BSBA, Sept. 13, 2008, living in a son, Miller Pierson, Aug. 29, 2008. living in LaVista, Neb. Omaha. Megan M. Van Hecke, BS, Lt. Cmdr. Steven C. Tony Solliday and Julie Conover Jodi M. Fougeron, BA, and and Anthony J. Hanson, Sept. 28, 2008, 90 Clifford, BSChm, and Solliday, BSBA, San Clemente, Calif., David Seevers, Oct. 19, 2007, living in Chaska, Minn. Shawna McKenna Clifford, BS’93, a son, Anthony James, July 12, 2008. living97 in Gretna, Neb. Lisa A. Hughes, Leslie B. Herrmann, BSN, Storm Lake, Iowa, a daughter, Cailin Erin D. Underwood, BS, and Jody BSEvs, and James C. Warren, May and Nathan D. Lee, BA’03, Mae, July 25, 2008. Tri H. Tran, BS, Raymo Underwood, Centerville, Ohio, 19, 2007, living in Denver. Laura M. MD’07,05 May 26, 2007, living in Phoenix. and Tami C. Tran, Omaha, a daughter, a daughter, Emily Marie, June 27, 2008. Rodman, BA, and Ernesto Huaracha, Christine N. Johnson, BA, and Elizabeth Helene “Liz,” June 18, 2008. Joseph Y. Williams III and June 14, 2008, living in Beach Park, Ill. Jamie R. Stogdill, Feb. 28, 2004, living Patrick T. O’Rourke, BA, and Carrie Critchfield Williams, BA, Lori A. Wies and Mark A. Kelehan, in Omaha. Stacia A. Slezak, BA, and Robin Doughty O’Rourke, Austin, Texas, two sons, Joseph Yates BSBA, June 28, 2008, living in New York. Seth A. Luther, May 10, 2008, living in BA,92 Highlands Ranch, Colo., a son, Ryan “Yates,” Feb. 2, 2007, and Levi Field, June 18, 2008. Meghan A. Hurley, BSBA, Omaha. Terrence, Dec. 22, 2003, and a daughter, and Timothy Thompson, June Jennifer L. Cornelius, DDS, Rachel Anne, March 15, 2007. Chad John A. Cheney, BA, and 14,98 2008, living in Dallastown, Pa. and John C. Boain, DDS, C. Ueding, BSBA, and Michelle M. Anne Cheney, Corvallis, 06 Ueding, BA, JD’95, Omaha, a son, Ore.,97 a son, Gavin Milo, Sept. 11, 2008. Jennifer L. Gradoville, Aug. 15, 2008, living in St. Charles, Mo. Aiden Jeremiah, June 10, 2008. Nathaniel F. Chua, BA, and Kelly BSBA’99, and Stephen R. Sarah M. Lewis, BA, and Brian A. Finnicum Chua, BA’99, Indianola, Gardner,99 Oct. 18, 2008, living in Omaha. Gockley, BS’05, Dec. 15, 2007, living William J. Ostdiek, BS, and Iowa, a son, Alexander Franklin Teddi Ann Miskulin, BA’96, JD, and in Stephenville, Texas. Michelle L. Colleen Ostdiek, Omaha, a son, 93 “Alex,” Oct. 8, 2008. Kurt Claussen Nicholas A. Barry, June 7, 2008, living in Walding, BA’03, OTD, and Thomas J. Samuel Joseph “Sam,” Sept. 17, 2008. and Cristen Wuebben Claussen, Avon, Colo. Julie F. Oswald, BA, and Craig, BSBA’04, Sept. 22, 2007, living Sergio M. de Lourenco, BSBA, Omaha, a son, Benjamin David, Jose Bautista, Sept. 27, 2008, living in in Omaha. BA, and Amy de Lourenco, June 17, 2008. Michael J. Freivogel, Kansas City, Mo. Meredith Shepard, 94 Kelly A. Lukas, BS, and Colorado Springs, Colo., a daughter, BSBA, and Mary Carstensen BS, and Matthew Geiger, April 19, 2008, Matthew B. Dennis, June 20, Aviana Regina, Aug. 12, 2007. Freivogel, BSChm’98, Littleton, Colo., living in Omaha. 07 31 Spring 2009 Alumni News

a son, Nolan John, June 27, 2008. Scott 26, 2008. Christopher Hoffman and Justin P. Ahern, BSBA, 2008. Glen M. Palmer, BA’01, JD, and Hanson and Kindra A. Ramaker, BA, Colleen Maley Hoffman, BS, East and Patricia Ahern, Omaha, Victoria Faust Palmer, BS’01, Omaha, Rochester, Minn., a daughter, Zurich, Stroudsburg, Pa., a daughter, Caitlin a02 son, James Patrick, March 13, 2008. a daughter, Lilliana Frances “Lily,” July April 8, 2008. Matthew Petrick and Charles, Aug. 7, 2008. Ricardo Pradez Carl R. Anderson and Natalie S. 26, 2008. David C. Semerad II, BA’00, Kristin Hill Petrick, BA, Omaha, a and Ann M. Schneider, BA’93, MA, Freed, BS, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, MD, and Lauren Worth Semerad, daughter, Madeline May “Madie,” Jan. Chicago, a son, Oliver Schneider, Dec. a daughter, Elaine Noelle “Lainey,” BA’02, DDS’06, Dupont, Wash., a son, 25, 2008. Peter Pirsch and Lori Mueller 24, 2007. Joseph A. Quattrocchi Oct. 11, 2008. Jason P. Caplan, MD, Maxwell Donald, Feb. 17, 2008. Corey Pirsch, BSBA, Omaha, twin sons, Allen Jr., BS’95, DDS, and Vickie Allen and Jane McCabe Caplan, MD’01, J. Thieman, PharmD, and Aysha Dean and Maxwell Edmund “Max,” Quattrocchi, BSN’95, Omaha, a Tucson, Ariz., a son, Evan Liam, July Motilla Thieman, PharmD, Dakota Sept. 15, 2008. Sherif Tewfik andAngela daughter, Josie Victoria, Aug. 19, 2008. 13, 2007. Jonathan W. Cramer, BS, Dunes, S.D., a son, Gavin Matthew, Dahms Tewfik, BA, Grimes, Iowa, a Todd M. Sauer, MD, and Margaret and Katrina Robertson Cramer, June 18, 2008. Joshua Wells and Kellie son, Hassan Sherif, May 29, 2008. Yusuf “Megann” Walker Sauer, BS’98, BA’01, Jeffersonville, Ind., a daughter, Wasson Wells, JD, Phoenix, twin Yazici and Angela Tetmeyer Yazici, MD’02, Omaha, twins, a son, Peter Erin Elizabeth, Sept. 19, 2008. Patrick daughters, Brooklyn Kate and Reagan PharmD, Hastings on Hudson, N.Y., a Joseph, and a daughter, Margaret S. Cross, DPT, and Audrey Mroczek Emily, Sept. 28, 2008. daughter, Leyla Brynn, May 28, 2008. Caroline “Maggie,” Aug. 6, 2008. Brett Cross, OTD, McCook Lake, S.D., a Olaf Kaufman and Diana Wright and Melissa M. Schultz, daughter, Chloe Audriana, Oct. 29, 2008. Frederick Emmetsberger Hoover Kaufman, BS’01, BSChm, Wooster, Ohio, a daughter, Lila Philip M. Higa and Lynnette Pascua and Molly Tighe MD,05 Omaha, a daughter, Rowan Kay, 98 Rosemary, March 23, 2008. Higa, BS’00, BSN, Mililani, Hawaii, a Emmetsberger, JD, Denver, a daughter, Madison Elyse Pascua, April July 12, 2008. Shane A. Schutt, BS’01, daughter, Lila Shea, Feb. 16, 2008. David and Charles D. Boone Jr., BSBA, 8, 2008. Ryan B. Jacobsen, PharmD, MD, Melissa Williams Schutt, Freund and Nicole Cannon Freund, 00 and Elizabeth Crouchley and Melissa Jacobsen, Iowa City, Iowa, BSN’02, Mission, Kan., a son, Elliot BA, Wichita, Kan., a daughter, Dale Boone, PharmD, Omaha, a son, a son, Logan Michael, July 9, 2008. John James, June 12, 2007. Jamie R. Stogdill Kathryn Cannon, Jan. 25, 2008. Steven William Edward, Sept. 29, 2008. Ryan and Christine Johnson Stogdill, BA, Liebert and ✽ Carmin D. Ballou, C. Haskett, BS, and Amy Rasmussen L. Fogt, BSATS, and Andrea Stirm Omaha, a son, Jackson Robert, Nov. 22, JD, Chicago, a son, Samuel Ballou, Haskett, BA, BSOT’01, Kearney, Neb., Fogt, BA’02, Longmont, Colo., a 2004, and a daughter, Lauren Ann, Nov. June 14, 2008. Stephen P. McAvoy, a daughter, Olivia Delaney, Sept. 28, daughter, Anna Mae, June 27, 2008. 8, 2006. Chad A. Wissler, DPT, and BS’98, MD, and Heather Sorensen 2007. Brad J. Hilliard, BSBA, and Christopher M. Gibbs, MD, and Megan Weibel Wissler, DPT, Nashua, McAvoy, BA’01, Milwaukee, a Carri Hilliard, Charlotte, N.C., twin Lori Gibbs, Loves Park, Ill., a daughter, N.H., a son, Brayden Robert, July 10, daughter, Claire Caroline, Oct. 9, 2008. sons, Brody James and Davis Finley, Paige Keller, Sept. 20, 2008. Jacob M. 2008. Mark S. Sudeta, BSBA’98, MBA, Jan. 16, 2008. Nick Knudtson and Lisa Kusmak, PharmD, and Amy Trankle and Amber Sudeta, Omaha, a son, Luke Adam B. Smith, MD, and Dispense Knudtson, BS, Lone Tree, Kusmak, BA’97, JD, Marshfield, Wis., Patrick, June 27, 2008. Grant Turner and Melissa A. Smith, BSN, Colo., a son, Dylan Nicholas, Oct. 23, a son, Luke Donald, July 14, 2008. Robert Kay C. Turner, DPT, Sitka, Alaska, Omaha,06 a son, Spencer Mark, Sept. 20, 2008. Joshua P. Kollars, BS, and Schrempp and Samantha Mason a daughter, Mia Von, Oct. 12, 2007. 2007. Catharine Kollars, Ypsilanti, Mich., a son, Schrempp, BSChm’95, PharmD, Oak John Weland and Jaime R. Weland, Jacob Joshua, Aug. 30, 2008. Gerald L. Creek, Wis., a son, Mason Alexander, PharmD, Omaha, a daughter, Jaclyn Kratochvil, JD, and Andrea Babic Aug. 19, 2008. Rob C. Swaney, Elizabeth, Aug. 3, 2008. Jeff Zoucha and Kratochvil, BSBA’93, MBA’94, JD, PharmD, and Erin Swaney, Omaha, a Christine Barrett Zoucha, PharmD, Deaths Overland Park, Kan., a son, Wesley son, Braden Christopher, June 23, 2008. Andrew G. Balk, Arts, Sacramento, Calif., a daughter, Madeline James “Wes,” Oct. 2, 2008. Howard Raymond J. Taddeucci, BS’95, MD, Plymouth, Minn., Oct. 3, 2008. James, June 9, 2008. 37 Oubre Jr. and Elizabeth Kohout and Katie Shamblin Taddeucci, Lincoln, Millard F. Beeson, BSC, Oubre, BSN, Lafayette, La., a daughter, Neb., a son, Vincent Florio, April 11, Sebastian O. Fischer, Denver, July 28, 2008. Ruth L. Meredith Catherine, Aug. 21, 2008. 2008. BSBA, and Leslie Morrow (McClintock)38 Carnall, SJN, Atlanta, Adam Pfab and Alissa Berry Pfab, Fischer,03 BA’02, Rolling Meadows, Jeffrey Bertrandt and Lindsay Aug. 6, 2008. Gertrude M. Pedersen, BSBA, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a daughter, Ill., a son, Maximilian Klaus “Max,” Spilinek Bertrandt, BA, BA, Omaha, Nov. 4, 2008. Eleanor Marie “Elly,” July 21, 2008. July 23, 2008. Steven R. Kelly, BS’96, 01Milwaukee, a son, Carson Davey, May Ron A. Skelton, BSBA, and Julie MD, and Kristine Gruidl Kelly, Sarah M. (Gemma) 30, 2008. Andrew C. Cromwell, DDS, Ortman Skelton, BSN, Littleton, BA’96, Woodbury, Minn., a daughter, Lohrman, BusAd, Omaha, and Meghan Johnson Cromwell, 39 Colo., a son, Thomas Vincent “Tommy,” Kathryn Elizabeth, Sept. 27, 2007. Doug Aug. 2, 2008. DPT’02, Anaconda, Mont., a son, Nov. 10, 2008. Joel Weber and Amy Moore and Megan Steffensmeier Teague Francis, Jan. 29, 2008. Matthew Capt. Arthur C. Mullen, Thiele Weber, BA, Dorchester, Neb., a Moore, BSBA, Wisner, Neb., a son, E. Eck, BSBA’99, JD, and Brandy U.S. Navy (retired), Arts, daughter, Sophia Marie, Sept. 11, 2008. James Douglas, May 23, 2008. Philip 40 Chambers Eck, BS’00, BSN, Omaha, Chesapeake, Va., April 17, 2008. Walleck and Abby Goettsch Walleck, Michael I. Brandon, BS, a son, Alex Charles, July 28, 2008. Victor Frederick Saunders, MD, White BSBA’01, JD, Milford, Iowa, a son, and Lisa Brandon, Bellevue, Fazzino and Melanie S. Weseman, Plains, N.Y., July 9, 2008. Louis B. Simon Arthur, Oct. 26, 2008. Neb.,99 a son, Irick David, Feb. 12, 2008. JD, Stuart, Fla., a daughter, Alexandra “Westie” Westendorf, DDS, Carroll, Mark Butcher and Michelle Weigand Noel, March 7, 2008. John Janulewicz Michael L. Cantrell Jr., Iowa, Aug. 11, 2008. Sr. Mary Martina Butcher, BS, Grain Valley, Mo., a and Erica Shonsey Janulewicz, DPT, JD, and Ariana Jimenez Woulfe, RSM, BSN, Johnston, Iowa, son, Zachary Owen, June 24, 2008. Urbandale, Iowa, a daughter, Leah Cantrell,04 JD’03, Brandon, Fla., a son, June 22, 2008. Mark Clifft and Kristie Davis Clifft, Marie, Aug. 14, 2008. David L. Jones, Eli Thomas, Aug. 12, 2008. Michael C. Florence (York) Hyberger, BSOT, Fairway, Kan., a son, Cooper BA’97, DDS, and Alicia Knott Jones, Danahay, BS’00, DDS, and Jillianne SJN, Beatrice, Neb., Nov. 12, James, Dec. 11, 2007. Jonathan Eames BS’97, DPT, Council Bluffs, Iowa, a Muller Danahay, BSN’00, Omaha, 412007. † Rosemary (Mulligan) and Stephanie Mader Eames, daughter, Eva Muriel, Aug. 14, 2008. a daughter, Madeline Claire, Nov. 3, McCann, BSC, Portland, Ore., Nov. BA, Portland, Ore., a daughter, Molly Thomas P. Keating, BA’96, DDS, and 2008. Brian D. Ehrhart, BA, and Kara 10, 2008. Jane, June 30, 2008. Patrick Gaston Jennifer Keller Keating, BSN’97, Grimsley Ehrhart, BA’02, Eielson and Carmen Kwong Gaston, JD, Henderson, Nev., a daughter, Nora Air Force Base, Alaska, a daughter, Dorothy M. Jackson, PhB, Portland, Ore., a son, Maxwell Victor Marye, Aug. 8, 2008. Joshua I. Leighr, Mia Christine, Aug. 26, 2008. Amos 42 Ridgecrest, Calif., Nov. 1, 2008. “Max,” June 29, 2007. Matt Geiger PharmD, and Tara Stamp Leighr, M. Ferguson, BA, and Ashlee A. Merle L. (Ballard) Pettigrew, SCN, and Meredith Shepard Geiger, BSN’00, Kansas City, Mo., a daughter, Ferguson, Sioux Falls, S.D., a daughter, Salida, Calif., Aug. 15, 2008. BS, Omaha, a daughter, Sydney Katelyn Elizabeth Louise “Katie,” July Ezzie Lynn, July 18, 2008. Christopher John Eustermann, MD, Rowan, Aug. 28, 2008. Dave Heinen 31, 2008. P. Hogrefe, BS, and Amy Lux Mankato, Minn., Nov. 1, 2008. and Amy Haas Heinen, BS, Lenexa, Hogrefe, BSN’03, North Liberty, Jim43 Farlee, BSC, Kansas City, Mo., May Kan., a son, Issac Joseph “Ike,” Sept. Iowa, a son, Carter Sherman, July 30, 32 Spring 2009 Alumni News Reflections on a Presidential Journey What’s life like on the national campaign trail, working to elect a candidate for president of the United States? For 24-year-old Creighton alumna Katie Bradley, BA’07, who worked on President Barack Obama’s campaign, it was the opportunity of a lifetime. It wasn’t all glamorous, as Bradley will quickly tell you. There were long hours and seemingly endless details. But for Bradley, the rewards were well worth it — a chance to put her ideals into action and, to some degree, influence not only a political election but the direction of this nation. She shared her personal thoughts on her experience with Creighton University Magazine. You can read an excerpt from her reflection below and her entire essay online at www.creightonmagazine.org.

If you watched the 2008 presidential election on TV, you saw the confetti cannons and the red carpet, but what remained after the confetti was swept away and the CNN trucks headed home? I had the unique opportunity to see a candidate behind the scenes. I spent weekends delivering yard signs, missed family birthdays, rang in the New Year on an all-staff conference call, ate delivery pizza six nights a week ... and loved every minute of it. Behind the glitz and glamour TV version of the election, I saw real people who were suffering; I saw that real change was possible; and I felt that what I was doing was really going to make a difference. Creighton alumna Katie Bradley, BA’07, worked on I had the privilege of working on Barack Obama’s historic presidential President Barack Obama’s campaign, served on his presidential transition team and is now the deputy campaign. I began as a volunteer in the state where it all began — associate director in the White House’s Office of Iowa — and then moved into a paid position with the campaign, Management and Administration. setting up and taking down offices across the country. My most enduring memory of this two-year odyssey will always be captured in the campaign’s motto: Respect, Empower, Include.

31, 2008. Stephen J. Kappenman, Robert G. Meserschmidt, Vital E. Haynes Jr., MD, San John S. Broz, MD, Omaha, DDS, Sioux Falls, S.D., Sept. 25, 2008. BSC, Albuquerque, N.M., Aug. Diego, Aug. 7, 2008. Donna Oct. 23, 2008. Col. Jack G. 15,49 2008. John W. Mossman, BSC, (Clapp)52 Skomal, Arts, Omaha, Hastings,56 DDS, Elmore, Ala., Oct.

Robert W. Gorham, BusAd, Omaha, July 27, 2008. Robert E. “Bob” September 2008. Henry H. Urashima, 25, 2008. Donald M. Hrella, DDS, Naples, Fla., July 20, 2008. Sherman, Pharm, Council Bluffs, BSPha, Kailua, Hawaii, Nov. 26, 2008. Vancouver, Wash., June 30, 2008. Lynn 45 Fresno, Calif., Susan Potter, BSN, Iowa, Sept. 27, 2008. L. Leibel, BS’51, MD, Council Bluffs, Nov. 28, 2008. Nicholas L. Nelson, MD, Corwin D. Rogers, BA, Iowa, June 26, 2008. William V. Pryich, Omaha, September 2008. Dwayne W. Brown, BS, Seattle, July 22, 2008. William MD, Rock Springs, Wyo., June 20, 2008. Omaha, Dec. 18, 2008. Robert E.53 Vacek, BSC, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Thaddeus T. Bozek, BSM’45, W.50 Campbell, BSC’49, JD, Calgary July 5, 2008. James R. Avis, BSPha, MD, Iowa City, Iowa, Nov. Alberta, Canada, Aug. 29, 2008. Robert Pueblo West, Colo., March 13, 46 A. Lee Bloomingdale, 12, 2008. Dorothy J. (Peter) Faulk, P. Gruber, Arts, Omaha, Nov. 26, 2008. 2008.57 Bernadine C. (Wise) Burley, BSC’52, JD, Omaha, Dec. 2, BS, Omaha, Aug. 25, 2008. Robert F. Richard C. Hill, BSPha, Omaha, Sept. BSMT, Omaha, Oct. 1, 2008. Edward 2008.54 Grace (Haniszewski) Goldman, Tokarski, Arts, San Mateo, Calif., Nov. 23, 2008. John J. Kane, BSC, Omaha, F. Kenney, BS, Omaha, Aug. 4, 2008. Arts, Omaha, July 6, 2008. Dolores 7, 2008. Nov. 21, 2008. Eugene “Gene” R. Joanna K. (Franco) Vacanti, BS, (Koley) “Dee” O’Leary, SCN, Mesa, Retz, JD, Overland Park, Kan., July 5, Omaha, Nov. 23, 2008. Robert L. Brietenbauch, Ariz., Aug. 8, 2008. John “Jack” Omaha, Aug. 11, 2008. 2008. Edmund J. Sobetski, BusAd, BSC, Tooley, MD, Issaquah, Wash., March Fred L. Friedrichsen, BSBA, 47 Omaha, Sept. 11, 2008. Donald E. Crocker, MD, Orange, 17, 2008. Glenville, Minn., June 24, 2008. Calif., Sept. 8, 2008. Sheldon J. Harris, JD, 58 William J. Gouger, BSPha, Hon. James A. Buckley Omaha, Nov. 9, 2008. Patrick James E. Barrett, JD, Reston, Omaha, Sept. 16, 2008. Milton Jr., JD, Omaha, Aug. 7, 2008. 51C. Lemmers, Arts, Omaha, June 26, Va., Oct. 5, 2008. Donald H. H.55 Lloyd, BS’50, MS, Oak Ridge, William59 P. Leonard, MA, Cedar 48 2008. Philip Lubman, BS’48, MSEdu, Erickson, JD, Omaha, July 11, 2008. Tenn., Aug. 15, 2008. Doris M. “Dorty” Rapids, Iowa, Dec. 10, 2008. William A. Omaha, July 2008. Sr. M. Paula Eugene Ingold, BS, San Diego, June (Maher) McDonald, SCN, Omaha, Nelson, Law, Omaha, Nov. 28, 2008. Radosevich, RSM, BA’44, MSEdu, 21, 2008. Hugo F. Mann Jr., BSC, Dec. 10, 2008. Frances M. (Schwartz) Daniel C. Sims, BSBA, Bellevue, Neb., Johnston, Iowa, July 14, 2008. Sr. M. Arlington, Neb., Aug. 21, 2008. John Wingert, SJN, Saylorsburg, Pa., Sept. Oct. 3, 2008. James J. Theisen, DDS, Stephen Purcell, MSEdu, South G. McBride, BA, Lincoln, Neb., Aug. 27, 2008. Omaha, Oct. 21, 2008. Herbert E. von 28, 2008. Bend, Ind., June 16, 2008. 33 Spring 2009 Alumni News

played a key role in helping Creighton to exceed beneficiary designation forms. The most Message the campaign goal, and I am pleased to report effective way to make a significant future from that of the $395 million goal, $87 million came impact on Creighton students and programs from deferred gifts. The foresight and planning of is to name Creighton as a beneficiary of your Estate and individuals providing these gifts not only linked IRA, 401(k) or other qualified retirement plan. Trust Services their legacy with that of the University, but also (Retirement assets generally are subject to helped to augment vitally needed operating income taxes, regardless of the size of your support, as well as having a major impact on estate, so they are ideal contributions.) Benefactors’ Careful building the endowment. I encourage you to review your estate In light of tax legislation that became effective plan and to explore your dreams for the Planning Yields Jan. 1, 2009, and current economic conditions, University’s future with us or with your Impressive Results now is an opportune time to review your estate qualified professional adviser. If you already plans and beneficiary designation forms and have included Creighton in your estate, I “Today, I am consider a charitable bequest to Creighton. In extend my personal thanks and invite you to pleased to announce 2009, the first $3.5 million of your estate is exempt join the Creighton University Heritage Society that, as of Feb. 1, from federal tax, up from $2 million in 2008. — our recognition group for those who have Creighton University The pairing of this large increase in the remembered Creighton in their estate plans. has received exemption amount, coupled with today’s If you would like to learn more about how, more than $395 current economic conditions, could have drastic, through careful estate planning, your legacy million in gifts and unintended consequences. Typically, a well- can help advance the mission of Creighton commitments to crafted, tax-savvy estate plan includes a provision University, or if you are interested in the Wi l l i n g t o Le a d to place 100 percent of the exempt amount in becoming a member of the Heritage Society, campaign.” With a so-called “credit shelter trust.” While this please call 402.280.1143 or 800.334.8794. The these words, Creighton President the Rev. trust often provides the surviving spouse with Office of Estate and Trust Services provides John P. Schlegel, S.J., announced at the 2009 steady income, there usually is limited access confidential assistance with your plans. It will Founders Week Convocation that support to the principal. If the majority of your assets be our pleasure to be of service. from the University’s many alumni and are allocated to this trust, ultimately it could friends had surpassed the campaign’s compromise your spouse’s standard of living. Steve Scholer, JD‘79 $350 million goal. Regardless of your financial situation, now Executive Director of Estate As with prior campaigns, deferred gifts is the time to evaluate your estate plan and and Trust Services

Rusten, DDS, Oakland, Calif., July 5, Maurice Hart, JD, Waukon, Iowa, Larry L. Feldhacker, Dianne (Lenert) Hurrell, 2008. Janice R. Wendl, BA, Omaha, April 14, 2008. William E. Manhart, BA’67, MA, Papillion, Neb., BSN, Sugargrove, Ill., Sept. 19, 2008. Arts, Omaha, Nov. 9, 2008. Keith W. Dec.72 12, 2008. 81Jan. 20, 2007. Teague, MBA, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Dr. William J. Kanger Jr., William Parsons, BA, Susan Nagel, BSN, Santa Aug. 2, 2008. 60 BS, Green Valley, Ariz., Aug. 73 Omaha, Nov. 10, 2008. 83 Ana, Calif., Nov. 29, 2008. 8, 2008. Ralph H. Lutz, BSBA, Omaha, Clayton E. Jones, DDS, Steven R. Hahn, JD, Sr. Marcia A. Guest, O.S.M., Dec. 12, 2008. Maj. Gen. David C. 66 Pueblo, Colo., Aug. 10, 2008. Burlington, Iowa, Dec. 10, 2008. MMin, Omaha, Aug. 31, 2008. Morehouse, U.S. Air Force (retired), Maj.74 Mary E. McGrath, BA, Marietta, 86 Michael M. Collins Sr., MD, Robert J. McQuillan, BA’84, JD, San Antonio, July 15, 2008. Ga., Aug. 24, 2008. Ronald E. Walters, Omaha, Aug. 5, 2008. MD, Omaha, Jan. 3, 2009. William J. Mangen, BusAd, 67 MSGuid, Santa Fe, N.M., June 12, 2008. 88 Zita (Eutenuer) Holzbach, Diane (Harris) Bruderer, Omaha, July 3, 2008. Leland Richard K. Kitchin, BSBA’73, 61 SJN, Vienna, Va., June 28, 2008. BSOT, Omaha, July 7, 2008. H. A. Mick, BSBA, Newton, Kan., Aug. 9, 68 JD, Omaha, Dec. 9, 2008. Mary Col. John P. Madden, U.S. Army Claire89 Murphy, PhD, Omaha, 2008. James R. Ray, BS, Omaha, J.75 (Mullin) Masters, MSEdu, Omaha, (retired), DDS, Spokane, Oct. 27, 2008. July 1, 2008. Nov. 23, 2008. Sept. 7, 2008. Anthony F. Porto Jr., Stephanie K. Gillespie, Bruce F. Anderson, JD, San MD, Mission Hills, Kan., June 21, 2008. Raymond D. Krysh, JD, Elk BSMT, Omaha, Nov. 1, 2008. Rafael, Calif., Sept. 7, 2008. Grove Village, Ill., Dec. 7, 2008. Georgia69 J. “Jo” (Loeffler) Jung, BA, Robert C. Brown, DDS, 94 Louis62 L. Oswald Sr., BSBA, Louisville, Rev. Jeffrey “Jeff” Voorhees, BA, Red Bluff, Calif., Sept. 14, 2008. John Cheyenne, Wyo., Sept. 28, 2008. Ky., Aug. 18, 2008. Zeeland, Mich., Nov. 21, 2008. F. Nilsson Jr., BSPha, Omaha, July 8, Richard76 D. Cost, MBA, Des Moines, Mary K. (Hoevet) 2008. Sr. M. Audrey Tramp, O.S.B., Iowa, Aug. 17, 2008. Mary L. Dettman, BSOT, Aurora, Neb., July 10, 2008. 64 Downing, BSN, Blair, Neb., MA’62, MSGuid, Yankton, S.D., Sept. Gary N. Barker, BSN, 01 July 6, 2008. Thomas Vander Woude, 16, 2008. Canton, Ohio, May 14, 2008. Daniel Jamela, BSN, Omaha, BS, Nokesville, Va., Sept. 8, 2008. 80 John F. Goldoni, BSBA, Radcliffe O. Eastman, DDS, Auburn, 02 July 1, 2008. Constance J. Catherall, 71 Urbandale, Iowa, July 18, 2008. Calif., Sept. 10, 2008. Bro. Norman L. Eric J. Will, JD, Omaha, BSBA, Fairbury, Neb., Nov. Joseph A. Reida, BA, Omaha, McCarthy, F.S.C., MSCHRSP, Tulsa, Aug. 10, 2008. 24,65 2008. Sr. Marjorie Hart, RSM, Aug. 12, 2008. Okla., Oct. 13, 2008. 05 MSEdu, Johnston, Iowa, June 3, 2008.

34 Spring 2009

“I strongly support Creighton’s initiatives for Catholic schools. American bishops and all recent national reports including one published by the White House agree that Catholic university partnerships are vital to the future of Catholic elementary and secondary schools. Creighton has already demonstrated leadership in this field and their national vision for the proposed institute will greatly benefit a diocese like ours, which does not have a local Catholic university. I am particularly pleased that this initiative includes plans for online coursework and professional development for leaders and teachers, as well as ongoing research on critical issues.” The Most Rev. Blase Cupich Bishop of the Rapid City, S.D., Diocese Left to right, the Most Rev. Blase Cupich, the Most Rev. Elden Curtiss and the Most Rev. William Dendinger “Strong K-12 Catholic schools have a positive and irreplaceable impact on the vibrancy of the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Omaha and on the vitality of their local communities. We are Proposed Creighton Institute Supports blessed to have a strong Catholic university like Creighton in our Catholic Education own backyard as well. Creighton’s initiatives for K-12 Catholic Creighton University’s proposed Institute for Catholic School schools are a tremendous service to the Church as they provide Initiatives is a unique, multifaceted endeavor aimed at preparing the resources, expertise and support that are essential for our Catholic next generation of teachers and leaders for the specific apostolate of schools to flourish in the future.” Catholic education. The Most Rev. Elden Curtiss Initiatives include a nationally award-winning, online leadership Archbishop of the Omaha Archdiocese certificate program for Catholic school administrators not educated in Catholic schools; Magis Catholic Teacher Corps, in which students “We are blessed to have two Magis teachers this year at St. Patrick’s earn a master’s degree in education at Creighton tuition-free while School in North Platte (Neb.). They are positive, enthusiastic and working in under-resourced Catholic schools; and one of the nation’s responsive to fellow teachers and the students. They are committed only certification programs for Catholic school religion teachers. to their Catholic faith and are excellent role models for our students, Learn more about Creighton’s Institute for Catholic School their fellow teachers and parents. Magis and other Creighton Initiatives online at: www.creightonmagazine.org/CurrentIssue/ Catholic school initiatives are a godsend, especially to Catholic CatholicSchool.pdf. schools in rural areas.” The Most Rev. William Dendinger Bishop of the Grand Island, Neb., Diocese

www.creighton.edu/development Creighton University Reunion Weekend for Make Your the College of Arts and Sciences, Plans Now College of Business, Graduate School, Reunion Weekend 2009 School of Law, School of Nursing, and School of Pharmacy and Health Professions Omaha, NE Reunion Weekend Oct. 1 - 4, 2009

For information on the Reunion Weekend schedule of events, visit http://alumni.creighton.edu.

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