When the Bough Breaks

Enron 101: Lessons from a Corporate Scandal

Of Threshers,Literature Cobblers and and Creighton’s All-American: Jesus, Scripture and theIambic Environment Pentameter FeelingKyle ‘Alive’ Korver in Nepal Teachingthe Ethics About of Terrorism War Summer 2003 SUMMER 2003 We‘ll Miss ‘U‘ University Magazine Robert U. Guthrie, an ink-stained journalist who brought Creighton’s alumni magazine to life, kept a secret. No matter how much we pressured, coaxed or bribed him with chocolate, the sweet- toothed PR professional never divulged what the “U” stood for in Robert U. Guthrie. Bob retired this April after 21 years in Creighton’s PR office, his middle name still a mystery to colleagues. His impact over two decades at Creighton, however, is clearly evident. A 1955 University of Iowa journalism graduate, Guthrie served two years active duty in the Army before coming to Omaha in 1957 as a determined journalist. He worked at the Omaha World-Herald (as a reporter, photographer, copy editor and picture editor) and at a newspaper in Fremont, Neb., before Photo by Don Doll, S.J. joining the Pulitzer Prize-winning Sun Newspapers of Omaha, eventually becoming news editor. Guthrie came to Creighton in 1982, after PR stints at the When the architectural firm of Leo A. Daly and what is now Boys Town National Research Hospital. As associate director of public relations, Guthrie was responsible for some 200 brochures and other University Bough publications. In the mid-80s, Guthrie helped create Window magazine, the predecessor to this publication. The first issue rolled off the press in 1984, with Guthrie as its editor. He continued as Window’s editor for 13 years, before Breaks moving on to another challenge — managing the Groundbreaking research by Creighton’s Winifred University’s website. Ellenchild Pinch, MS’85, Ed.D., R.N., is shedding new Bob and his wife, Dorothy, (who won fame with the light on the experiences of parents whose newborns office for her chocolate cheesecake) now look forward to require specialized care in neonatal intensive care units. traveling and spending time with their grandchildren. While the number of babies requiring such care is In his final column as editor in 1997, Bob wrote: “Few 16growing, most parents, Pinch found, are overwhelmed by the experience and of us welcome coming to work each day. I do and I are unaware of the struggles they will face. consider myself among the luckiest to work at Creighton.” Unassuming, untiring, unmatched. Bob, we will miss you. About the Cover

When the A nurse gently touches the head of tiny Isaac Chesler in the Bough Breaks neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Creighton University Medical Center. Isaac weighed 1 pound, 10 ounces at birth. Rick Davis Enron 101: Picking up or holding newborns this small can be overly Lessons from a Editor Corporate Scandal Of Threshers,Literature Cobblers and and Creighton’s All-American: Jesus, Scripture and stressful on the babies. (Photo by Don Doll, S.J.) theIambic Environment Pentameter FeelingKyle ‘Alive’ Korver in Nepal Teachingthe Ethics About of Terrorism War Summer 2003 Visit the magazine online at: www.creightonmagazine.org

Features Departments

4 Letters to the Editor 7 University News China and the WTO China’s entry into the World Trade Organization offers a wealth of opportunities for American businesses, according to Creighton business professor and Chinese native Justin Tan, Ph.D., who recently traveled to Beijing to teach for a semester. Photo by Dave Weaver Photo by Dave Weaver Hot Shot Jesus, Scripture 35 Years of TRIO Creighton All-American Kyle and the Ethics For more than three decades, Creighton 24 Korver will be remembered as 30 of War has been reaching out to low-income one of the best players to ever suit up for the What can Gospel passages and insights from individuals, through federally funded Bluejays. In his senior campaign, the sweet- the Christian tradition teach us about war and TRIO programs, to make the dream of a shooting forward from Pella, Iowa, guided the violence? Roger Bergman, director of college education a reality. Jays to one of the best seasons in school history Creighton’s Justice and Peace Studies while keeping his feet firmly planted on the Program, examines the issue. ground. 40 Development News Law Endowment The new Donald J. and Daphne Campbell Endowed Scholarship Fund will support the education of Creighton law students. 44 Alumni News The Future of NASA In January 1998, as a Creighton physics student, Alicia Dwyer Cianciolo, BSPhy’99, watched in awe as the space shuttle Endeavour lifted off Launch Pad 39A at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center for a nine- © Fine Art Photographic Library, London/Art Resource, NY London/Art Resource, Art Photographic Library, © Fine day mission. Today, Cianciolo is one of Literature and the Environment NASA’s leading young scientists. With spring in full bloom, English professor Bridget Keegan, Ph.D., writes that 36 literature can be a powerful force in helping us become more aware of our relationship 55 The Last Word to the natural world around us. But not everyone agrees on what constitutes “nature writing.” More Americans get their information about nutrition from the media than from physicians. Why is that? John A. Creighton University Professor Robert P. Heaney, M.D., provides some answers.

Contact Us Creighton University Magazine’s Purpose Executive Editor: Stephen T. Kline Creighton University Magazine, like the University itself, is committed to excellence and dedicated to the pursuit of truth in all its forms. (402) 280-1784 [email protected] The magazine will be comprehensive in nature. It will support the University’s mission of education through thoughtful and Editor: Rick Davis compelling feature articles on a variety of topics. It will feature the brightest, the most stimulating, the most inspirational thinking that Creighton offers. The magazine also will promote Creighton, and its Jesuit Catholic identity, to a broad public and serve as a vital link (402) 280-1785 [email protected] between the University and its constituents. The magazine will be guided by the core values of Creighton: the inalienable worth of each Associate Editor: Sheila Swanson individual, respect for all of God’s creation, a special concern for the poor, and the promotion of justice. (402) 280-2069 [email protected] Visit the magazine online at: www.creightonmagazine.org critically affected the United States ability to conduct its economy, halted air transportation the War on Terror: Assaulting for several days, seriously interfered with Democracy American military interests, and narrowly University Magazine at Home? missed destruction of the White House. Do the two Creighton professors really expect Enron 101: business as usual? Fourth, during its darkest Publisher: Creighton University; Rev. John P. Lessons from a Corporate Scandal hours, including 9-11, the United States could Schlegel, S.J., President; Michael E. Leighton, Vice Of Threshers, Cobblers and Downward Mobility: TheIambic Philosophy Pentameter of Love FeelingA Realistic ‘Alive’ Choice? in Nepal TeachingThe Truth About About Terrorism HRT have been lost, with its Constitution Spring 2003 President for University Relations. Creighton becoming a mere footnote in some University Magazine staff: Stephen T. Kline, Executive Editor; Rick Davis, Editor; Sheila history book. I thank God daily for men Swanson, Associate Editor; Pamela A. Vaughn, like Lincoln, Wilson, Truman and Bush, Features Editor. Editorial Advisers: Christine who have protected the rights and Wiseman, J.D.; Craig McGarry; Diane Dougherty; opinions of others but not at the Rev. Donald A. Doll, S.J.; Ruth Purtilo, Ph.D.; expense of life and liberty of all Tamara Buffalohead-McGill; and Jayne Schram. Letters Americans. James H. Mullen, MD’60 Creighton University Magazine (USPS728-070) is to Riverside, Calif. published quarterly in February, May, August and November by Creighton University, 2500 the Editor California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178-0001. Administration Ignores Periodicals postage paid at Omaha, Nebraska, Constitution and additional entry points. Address all mail to Church’s Position Discussed We applaud Creighton for its very fine and Public Relations and Information, Omaha, NE Peter Zimmer, MD, BS’89, (Letters to the objective article Assaulting Democracy at Home. 68178. Postmaster: Send change of address to Editor, Spring 2003) found it “puzzling, and The tragedy of 9-11 and its aftermath have Creighton University Magazine, P.O. Box 3266, Omaha, NE 68103-0078. indeed troubling, that the Catholic Church’s created a strong sense of vulnerability in our stance on cloning was not mentioned, much people and our government. The United For more enrollment information, contact the less discussed,” in my Winter 2002 article The States psyche was shattered by 9-11, but that’s Undergraduate Admissions Office at Threat and Promise of Human Cloning. In no reason to ignore our Constitution. Going 1-800-282-5835, [email protected]. reality, it was both mentioned and discussed. after the criminals in Afghanistan was totally But it was not labeled the Church’s position justified, but Iraq is something totally different. To make a gift to the University, contact the because it is a position not exclusive to the There is no proof that they attacked us, and Development Office at 1-800-334-8794. Catholic Church. With respect to reproductive no way should the U.S. have entered into war For the latest on alumni gatherings, contact the cloning, the article states: “God created us and simply because the current administration in Alumni Relations Office at 1-800-CU-ALUMS provided a natural means of reproduction. To Washington doesn’t like a Middle East dictator. (800-282-5867) or check online at alter that and reproduce asexually is to violate This type of activity on our government’s www.creighton.edu/alumni. God’s law.” With respect to therapeutic cloning: part is similar to something Stalin would have “an embryo formed either by fertilization of done. In addition, Congress hasn’t declared Send letters to the editor to Rick Davis at an egg by a sperm or by nuclear transfer is a war. Congress must hold that power, not Mr. [email protected]; fax, (402) 280-2549; distinct individual human person ... Its Bush. What we have here is an “appointed,” Creighton University, Office of Public Relations, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178. destruction is a violation of its right to life.” not elected, president and administration This happens also to be the position of many taking it upon themselves to ram through a Update your mailing address or send alumni news other Christians, most Orthodox or Conservative very scared Congress an act (The Patriot Act) (births, weddings, promotions, etc.) electronically Jews, and of Islam. The purpose of the article that abridges Americans’ Constitutional rights. through www.creighton.edu/alumni, call was to describe why people of good will (and It is illegal and immoral. Our fear has been 1-800-334-8794 or mail to Development Office, some of not so good will) find themselves in used by the administration to scare us into Creighton University, 2500 California Plaza, disagreement about cloning and why, in a supporting aggression against another nation. Omaha, NE 68178. free and diverse society, even people of good This is something we have never done, and will are not likely to reach agreement. Visit the magazine website at world opinion is totally opposed to this act. Richard L. O’Brien, MS’58, MD’60 Mr. Bush and his administration have done www.creightonmagazine.org Creighton University Professor of Medicine, immense harm to our great republic both Center for Health Policy & Ethics www.creighton.edu here and abroad, which we hope we can someday repair. Hats off to two great Copyright © 2003 by Creighton University Conclusions Not Supported Creighton law professors, Raneta Lawson Professors Kelly and Mack’s conclusions in Mack and Michael Kelly. They are true Recycled and Recyclable the Spring 2003 cover article (The War on Terror: patriots and have done a great university Assaulting Democracy at Home?) are not proud. Printed with Soy Ink supported by their biased arguments. First, Jeff and Judy Webster American citizens are at war with terrorism Harmony, Minn. and its proponents. Second, only Americans have protection under the Constitution, not Judicial System Not the Answer foreigners, not visitors with visas, not captured Along with professors Mack and Kelly, I terrorists, not illegal entrants. Third, 9-11 am concerned with the fundamental changes

4 Summer 2003 Letters to the Editor that have been proposed or implemented by are a bit much. As for John Coequyt being necessity for establishing military tribunals, President Bush and Congress in reaction to denied access to an online database listing and what is likely the only reason that they the acts of terrorism that changed our lives on chemical plants, I think it is much more likely will be used. The U.S. court system has no 9-11. But to suggest that the present judiciary that the database was shut down to limit provisions for protecting sources of information, system is the last bastion of guardianship of information defining locations, types of and for that reason renders information or our civil liberties and our right to equal justice chemicals produced and other information testimony otherwise completely admissible, chills me even more. How can anyone feel that might be of use to potential terrorists. I as totally useless. Were we left unable to comfortable with the knowledge that the same don’t believe it was intended to prevent an prosecute cases under military tribunals, we courts that ruled against the right to life and environmentalist from obtaining information would be left to policies of assassination and for abortion are also guarding our other “civil relative to which chemical plants are violating the practice of “take no prisoners.” As bad as rights”? If the judicial system cannot withstand pollution laws. that seems, it is what happens in wars when the onslaught of pressure from the liberal left, John Honrath, Arts’60 soldiers are left with no viable alternatives. how can the professors justify any optimism Woodstock, Ga. Regardless, since when is detaining foreign that the courts can protect us from the prisoners of war illegal or immoral? When conservative right? I prefer to put my faith Extremist Ideology did using lawful interrogation methods with in President Bush and Congress rather than I have rarely read an article that was so full such prisoners become illegal or immoral? the judiciary. of extremist ideology as Kelly and Mack’s And why is trying to obtain information from Paul Determan, BA’62 War on Terror. It was almost as though a prisoners who might aid our efforts to San Diego Taliban warrior wrote it to “defend” the very combat terrorism and save the lives of people who would think nothing of blowing innocent people around the world now Article Goes Too Far up half of Omaha. Let’s face it, professors: suddenly illegal or immoral? Your authors As are many Americans, I’m both proud of There are bad people and strong measures openly question all of this, and in doing so, our heritage and our nation. I love our ever are required to find, fix and destroy an enemy make the groundless claim that we have growing and developing democratic republic. who wears no uniforms, goes by no moral departed from our democratic foundations. I Like many alumni, my relatives were part of law, feels religion is all and does anything to believe the real issue ought to be whether it is building this democracy that the authors say achieve its ends. I would challenge these fine illegal or immoral to confront a terrorist is at risk. Yes, public dialogue is an essential professors to stop worrying about whether a movement in the same way we would part of the American experience. As a republic spy/enemy combatant is read his Miranda confront another government or nation form of government (not populist), we have rights and do more to flush out this insidious whose stated goal is to destroy us. Is this charged our leaders to take the necessary means evil among us. enemy any less a threat simply because its to protect us. Yes, the pendulum swings Patrick Turner, BSBA’72 soldiers do not wear uniforms and swear between security and liberty (if you want to Roanoke, Texas allegiance to one specific nation or government? be perfectly secure, live in solitary confinement Are weapons of mass destruction wielded by at a maximum-security prison). But the authors Did Nothing Change on 9-11? radical Islamic terrorists any less a threat than go too far, to the point of insult, when they The article The War on Terror: Assaulting those that were wielded by the Soviet liken our “restricting access to information in Democracy at Home? is apparently based on ideologists? If anything, terrorists are more of the name of security” to being like the Marxist, the premise that nothing really changed on a threat, since they have virtually nothing to communist, cruel governments of the former 9-11 — that terrorists must be treated as lose and seek to gain only their martyrdom. Soviet Union and other similar governments. criminals, that there is no such thing as The authors blatantly ignore virtually all of The authors also greatly underestimate soldiers of a foreign power whose objective is these issues, and likely several others, that America. Over time and through circumstances, not simply the destruction of our nation but the surround the problems our nation can and America swings back and forth and continues eradication of our people (including our will resolve without permanently eroding its to get better. Let’s give our government every religion). The authors ignore the fact that we democratic foundations. A much better article reasonable tool it needs to find and stop are at war; they believe that we should deal could have been written by someone better terrorists. If we err, let’s err on the side of with terrorism as we might deal with all other informed, more objective and perhaps a little attempting to create security during these U.S. citizens committing ordinary criminal less self-serving. I found it especially disturbing insecure times. Let’s support our government acts. I contend that trying to do so is their calling into question whether our in assaulting terror instead of accusing it of misguided nobility. Moreover, the author’s military tortures prisoners of any war, and by assaulting democracy. list of “fundamental changes,” those that, making a thinly veiled accusation that Charles Young, MS’89 implemented rather than those merely we might sanction the torture of our own Jenks, Okla. proposed, were precisely in response to the citizens. This appeared to me as on the verge same types of criticisms launched of “Assaulting Democracy at Creighton.” Article Shows Bias immediately after 9-11. In effect, the authors Lauren Kohn, BS’68 Perhaps I’m old and reactionary or perhaps are calling for a return to those conditions. Lakewood, Colo. I have a different perspective after working Terrorists are no different than enemy nearly 40 years in the defense industry soldiers, and once soldiers are captured or Let’s Broaden the Scope (McDonnell Aircraft and Lockheed). surrender, they are allowed only the rights The USA Patriot Act, passed by the Bush Nonetheless, I think that professors Mack and given prisoners of war under the Geneva administration, was described by Mack and Kelly show more than a bit of bias in their Convention. Likewise, American citizens who Kelly as “assaulting democracy” in its efforts recent article. Really now, the U.S. Congress aid and support this enemy could, and should, to defend America from terrorism. That’s quite “was coerced into passing the USA Patriot be tried for treason. The authors also conveniently a strong civil libertarian premise. Abraham Act” and “this president has coerced Congress” ignore, or fail to recognize, the principal Lincoln was faulted for abolishing the right of

5 Summer 2003 Letters to the Editor

habeas corpus to save American nationhood, trademark warm, beaming smile, he explained they are not equivalent. Elizabeth L. Vliet, yet upon achieving victory, set the groundwork that my academic strengths were in areas M.D., a physician in Dallas, and the author of for the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments. other than business. I wasn’t really failing, he the book Screaming to Be Heard, has done 25- Historically, the “laws fall silent” on civil explained, I was simply in the “wrong” school. plus years of work demonstrating the clinical liberties during wartime only to be expanded He suggested I give the College of Arts and benefits of HUMAN estrogen and HUMAN in peacetime. The authors, however, pose the Sciences a try. In fact, he further confessed progesterone for perimenopausal and question, “It remains to be seen whether the that he had taken the liberty of speaking with menopausal women. Her book details the courts will rise to the function as guardians of an instructor he thought I would like in an differences in the types of estrogen and civil liberty and equal justice.” Good question, area that he believed better suited my academic progesterone available and states that the best but let’s broaden the scope to include all rights strengths. With my permission, he made a option for women is to use the same hormones — say, as it pertains to 42 million abortions. quick phone call. It was all arranged, he said. produced in the ovaries, not a HORSE estrogen How did their right to life get abolished? A My new instructor was waiting to meet me. I and chemically altered progesterone imitation. fetus, when terminated, has a body of its own went as directed and met yet another Jesuit Christianne Bishop, MD’98 (skeleton, all its members, brain waves, who would have a significant impact on my University of Washington Medical Center heartbeat and DNA). Mack and Kelly hope life and career — Fr. John Schlegel. I graduated Department of Rehabilitation Medicine that “only the courts” can save us from “these from Creighton with a major in political Seattle new prerogatives in the executive.” No such science. Ironically, in large part, I owe that hope is stated for restoring the most major and my law degree to my one-time Editor’s note — Creighton’s Dr. Robert Heaney fundamental right of all, namely, life. math teacher, Fr. Portz. The fact that he took offers the following response: “Fundamentally, there Dr. Frederick H. Schapsmeier, Arts’50 the time to observe my struggle, let alone to is no difference between rabbit estrogen or horse Largo, Fla. take the steps to do something about it, is a estrogen or human estrogen. The estrogens contained tribute to him and Creighton. It’s often difficult in Premarin are at least partly converted to the Warm Memories of to thank those who have made an infinite, human estrogen once they are absorbed into the body. The real fundamental difference between the Creighton ‘Home’ positive difference in your life. I will always remember the compassion of this soft-spoken natural release of hormones and the use of hormone As a former Creighton House resident man with the friendly smile and a huge heart. replacement therapy is the way in which the drugs (1990-1991, under Dr. Super), I am saddened Mark Weber, BA’84, JD’87 are administered. Under natural circumstances, the to learn of its upcoming fate with a wrecking Omaha ovarian hormones are released into the systemic ball. My best memories from my Creighton circulation, bypassing the liver. It is NOT natural years involve the Creighton House and its Michael Anderson a Friend for estrogen to come in by mouth, whether it be residents. The anecdotes Dr. Stefaniak included horse estrogen or human estrogen. Doing so leads in her article (Last Word, Spring 2003) were very Feb. 1, 2003, was a terrible day for America, the space program and for Creighton University to a disproportionately large effect of the estrogen on similar to the memories I have from more the liver and the other body tissues. It is important than 10 years ago — the annual Halloween alumni. My friend, astronaut Michael P. Anderson, MS’90, was among the seven people to keep in mind, as the article brought out, that the party, late-night discussions, and most arm of the study using estrogen only is still importantly, a strong sense of community, who perished aboard the shuttle Columbia. I was so excited back in 1998 when I saw ongoing. The only valid inference is that the harm- values and true friendship. I am honored I to-benefit ratio must be different from the cancelled had the opportunity to live there. More Anderson on the cover of Creighton’s Window magazine while working at the U.S. Post portion of the study, which examined the importantly, I am glad to know that my old combination of estrogen plus progestin.” home hosted hundreds of other residents over Office in Oklahoma City. His father and I were in the Air Force together, and we both have the years who had the chance to love it (and Will the Real Editor Please live it) as much as I did. Keep the memories. since retired. Michael was very intelligent Christine (Egley) Juhasz, BA’93 and very focused. I am very proud of him. Stand Up? Millsap, Texas John H. Henderson Jr. I imagine many of my classmates will be Oklahoma City amazed to learn that I was editor of The A Great Priest, Person, Teacher Creightonian (see Letters to the Editor, It was with great sadness that I received HRT Study Used Horse “Headlines to Remember,” Winter 2002). My the news of the passing of Fr. Bernard Portz, a Estrogen husband, Phil, was the editor, and it is his great priest, person and teacher. As a business The article The Truth About HRT (Spring story. Either he didn’t sign the e-mail or his major, I enrolled in Fr. Portz’s Math for 2003) and other news reports regarding the name got lost in the shuffle. Business course. In spite of diligent class national study on hormone replacement are Mary Lou Ryan Gauthier, BS’51 attendance, I struggled, to say the least. Fr. adding to the confusion and misperception Arvada, Colo. Portz offered special tutoring classes in the regarding hormones for women. Most evenings, which I attended, but with little physicians and the public may not be aware benefit as far as my grades were concerned. I that the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) thought seriously of quitting. I feared my used in the Women’s Health Initiative study lifelong dream of attending law school would was Prempro, a combination of a HORSE never become a reality. One day after class, estrogen (Premarin) and MPA Father asked if I would accompany him to his (medroxyprogesterone acetate), both of which office. To my surprise, he indicated that he are NOT HUMAN female hormones. To be had been observing my struggle. After accurate, the term “estrogen” used in the apologizing for being “nosey,” Father told me article should be replaced with “horse estrogen.” he had reviewed my academic file. With his The public and physicians should be aware

6 Summer 2003 University News

CU Women Reach with a loss to Auburn in the semifinals NCAA Tournament. WNIT Final Four in front of a noisy, school-record crowd Led by All-American Kyle Korver (see The Creighton women’s basketball team of 4,400 at the Omaha Civic Auditorium. story on page 24), the Jays climbed to as reached the Final Four of the Women’s Sophomore guard Laura Spanheimer high as 10th in the Associated Press poll National Invitation Tournament in a 24-9 finished the season as the conference’s for the first time in school history. season that ended with a flourish. Defensive Player of the Year, the first Creighton earned an automatic berth The Bluejays finished the regular time a Creighton player has received that in the NCAA Tournament by winning season as the Missouri Valley honor. And guard Kristi Woodard was its fourth Missouri Valley Conference Conference co-champions. Creighton’s named to the MVC All-Freshman Team. Tournament championship in five years. bid for a second straight conference Creighton set school records for games The Jays entered the NCAA tournament title, however, fell short, in a year (33), three-point field goals Tournament as the No. 6 seed in the with a setback in the semifinals. (259) and blocked shots (127), and was West — the school’s highest seeding The loss knocked the Bluejays out of a one shy of tying the school mark for ever — and as one of only two teams second consecutive NCAA Tournament steals in a season with 394. with 29 wins (the other being Kentucky). appearance, but not out of post-season The Jays bid a fond farewell to seniors After nearly clawing back from a 26- play. Jenny Burns and Teresa Wessling. point deficit, Creighton fell to Central Led by two-time conference Player of Wessling played in a school-record 119 Michigan in a heartbreaking first-round the Year Christy Neneman, the Bluejays career games, while Burns was close loss to finish the season 29-5. It was mounted a magnificent run through the behind, playing in 111. Creighton’s first 29-win campaign in WNIT. school history and its fifth consecutive Creighton notched road wins over CU Men Return year with 20 or more wins. Maine (25-6), Siena (25-8) and Iowa (18- to the Big Dance Creighton stayed in the national 15) to advance to the WNIT Final Four The Creighton men’s basketball team rankings for 15 consecutive weeks and for the first time in school history. finished one of the best seasons in school finished with a school-best final regular- The Bluejays’ magical season ended history with its fifth straight trip to the season AP ranking of 15th. The Bluejays lose three seniors, bidding farewell to Korver and guards Creighton’s Larry House and DeAnthony Bowden. Hot H ops

Wessling Spanheimer

House

NenemanX7 Summer 2003 University News

Leighton to Head Construction to Creighton plans to build a new $12.5 million housing complex on the site, with Omaha Community Begin on Student enough apartments to accommodate 250 Apartment Complex students. The complex will feature three, Foundation three-story L-shaped apartment buildings Michael Leighton, president of the With several large pops, created by attached by walkways, with a secure grassy Creighton University Foundation, has been roughly 65 pounds of explosives, the courtyard in the middle. named president of the Omaha Community 15-story Burt Tower on the east edge of The University hopes to break ground on Foundation, succeeding Del Weber, who Creighton’s campus was reduced to rubble the new complex by the end of June. will retire. in a matter of seconds this past February, Construction is scheduled to be complete by Leighton, who also was vice president for making way for new housing for Creighton Aug. 1, 2004, with the apartments opening University Relations, graduated from upperclassmen. to students that fall. Creighton in 1970 and then spent most of A few thousand spectators the next 30-plus years serving in various gathered at the Creighton administrative positions at the University. ball fields to watch the As vice president for University Relations, implosion of the 40-year-old Leighton presided Burt Tower at 20th and Burt over the Creighton streets, which Creighton 2000 fund-raising purchased last year from the campaign, which Omaha Housing Authority. raised $127 million, Misti Gilkey, a freshman the most successful from Gillette, Wyo., was campaign in selected in a raffle to push Creighton history. the button triggering the During Leighton’s implosion. She joined career as the Creighton President the University’s chief Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J., Leighton Photo by Dave Weaver fund-raising officer, at a staging area to do The 15-story Burt Tower was imploded in February to make way Creighton raised more than $200 million. the honors. for new student housing. “We extend a heartfelt thank you to Mike Leighton for all that he has done throughout his Creighton tenure to help Creighton be a national leader in higher Hawks Named to education,” said the Rev. John P. Schlegel, Creighton Board S.J., president of Creighton. “The Omaha Community Foundation will benefit from The co-founder, chairman and CEO of In 2002, Tenaska was ranked 57th on Forbes Mike’s philanthropic leadership and Tenaska, Inc., Howard L. Hawks has been Magazine’s list of the top privately held dedication to helping nonprofit named to Creighton University’s Board of companies in the United States. Affiliates organizations.” Directors. Hawks co- Tenaska Marketing Ventures and Tenaska “My time at Creighton has been a founded Tenaska, Inc., Marketing Canada together rank among the wonderful experience. Working for a an international top 20 natural gas marketing companies in the university the caliber of Creighton has been energy company United States. Tenaska Power Services, the rewarding personally and professionally. I headquartered in company’s electric marketing affiliate, is the will certainly miss the talented faculty, Omaha, in 1987. largest company of its kind in the Texas administrative staff, students and alumni at “We are pleased to market. Creighton University,” said Leighton. have Howard Hawks Hawks, a longtime supporter of Creighton, “However, I look forward to building on the join Creighton was named to the Omaha Chamber of successful efforts led by Del Weber at the University’s Board of Commerce Business Hall of Fame in 2002. In Omaha Community Foundation.” Hawks Directors,” said 1999, he was honored by the University of The Omaha Community Foundation has Creighton President Nebraska at Omaha College of Business as a been an integral part of the Omaha the Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J. “Howard is distinguished alumnus. His extensive community since its inception in 1982. OCF known for his leadership, business acumen community involvement includes support for facilitates philanthropy in the Omaha and integrity. Those qualities coupled with his many charities, the arts and civic organizations, metropolitan area, Southeast Nebraska and commitment to education and extensive and he also serves on several boards, including Southwest Iowa. community involvement make him an the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo, Joslyn Art excellent addition to Creighton’s board.” Museum and Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben.

8 Summer 2003 University News

CU Celebrates 35 offer TRIO programs starting in 1968. “It was instrumental in helping me “These programs have been changing lives transition into college life,” said Mallory- Years of Offering for the last 35 years,” Southerland said. “We Smith, who is the first in her immediate help bridge the gap for kids whose families family to graduate from college. TRIO Programs might not have the resources to prepare them Mallory-Smith took college-level English for higher education.” and algebra courses, taught by Creighton For 35 years, Creighton University has faculty, through the six-week summer been reaching out — through its federally program and lived on campus. funded TRIO programs — to low-income The program gave her a “jump start” on youths and adults in the Omaha area who her Creighton career. She earned full-tuition dream of being the first in their families to paid diversity scholarships for earn a college degree. undergraduate and professional school, “It’s a comprehensive program to prepare receiving a degree in communication these individuals to enter college and studies and Spanish in 1997 and a law succeed,” said Wallace Southerland, who degree in 2000. She now works as a administers the TRIO programs at Creighton. coordinator for Creighton’s Classic Upward “We provide a lot of services that people can’t Bound program, encouraging and advising find elsewhere in Omaha.” students on their college plans. TRIO programs were established at BA’83 Photo by Monte Kruse, Creighton offers five of the seven TRIO colleges and universities nationwide after Shawntal Mallory-Smith, center, works with programs, assisting students from the sixth- twin sisters Ashley, left, and Amber Johnson, Congress passed the Higher Education Act of right. Both are sophomores at Central High grade through adulthood. For Southerland 1965. Called TRIO because it initially featured School in Omaha. and his colleagues, the many stories of three programs (today there are seven that student success are the rewards for their serve students), TRIO programs are designed Shawntal Mallory-Smith, BA’97, JD’00, said hard work. to help students overcome class, social and the TRIO programs helped her adjust to “We get to make a tangible difference in cultural barriers to higher education. college life. Mallory-Smith attended Upward the lives of these participants,” Southerland Creighton University was the first Bound Math/Science the summer after said. “We get to see students, who maybe university in the state of Nebraska and graduating from Omaha’s Burke High didn’t think they could get a college among the first universities in the nation to School. education, attend college and succeed.”

learning experience for our Creighton Dental students to participate in this type of outreach effort and we Outreach Draws helped a lot of kids.” The participating children Smiles received complete dental For Omaha families who lack the exams and cleanings, along insurance coverage or financial resources to with information on oral send their children to the dentist, a recent hygiene. Arrangements also outreach effort by the Creighton University were made for follow-up care, School of Dentistry was something to smile if necessary. about. About 30 Creighton dental On March 22, Creighton dental students students and five Creighton and faculty provided needed dental care to faculty members provided care, some 50 children from low-income Omaha along with 33 dental hygiene families at its main dental clinic. The effort students from Creighton’s University Media Services Photo by Creighton was part of the American Dental cooperative Dental Hygiene Rachael Benson, a first-year Creighton University/Iowa Western Community College dental hygiene student, shows Fabiola Association’s inaugural “Give Kids a Smile” Program with Iowa Western Garcia a model of the mouth before cleaning her teeth. access-to-care campaign, held in conjunction Community College in Council with Crest Healthy Smiles 2010. Bluffs, Iowa. “For everyone who participated, it was a Children were selected for the program and underinsured adults and children in the positive experience,” said Gary Westerman, by the Hope Medical Outreach Coalition, a Omaha area. D.D.S., professor and chair of the local non-profit community organization Creighton has participated in four similar Department of Community and Preventive that coordinates the volunteer delivery of outreach efforts since 2001, and two more Dentistry at Creighton. “It was a good health care to homeless, indigent, uninsured sessions are scheduled to be held this June.

9 Summer 2003 University News Professor Sees Opportunities for Business in China

Creighton business professor Justin Tan, Ph.D., predicts that China’s recent entry into the World Trade Organization will be a boon for American companies doing or looking to do business in the world’s most populous country. “I think, for Americans, we talk about how the Chinese may benefit,” said Tan, who was born and raised in China and has spent the last 18 years studying and teaching in the U.S. “We tend to see it as a favor to the Chinese, when, in fact, this is better for U.S. Photo by Mark Romesser interests.” Creighton’s Justin Tan, Ph.D., believes China’s entry into the World Trade Organization will be good Upon its entry into the WTO in December for American business. 2001, China agreed to lower its tariffs on imports and open previously closed markets, Bureau of Economic Analysis. Chinese officials a visa would not be issued. including industries such as retail, financial The relationship between the U.S. and the Beijing officials fiercely contend that Taiwan services, telecommunications and insurance. Chinese has not always been a smooth one. and Tibet are part of China. “These are some key areas that the The collision of a U.S. spy plane with a “Individually, these incidents may not Chinese have always refused to open,” Chinese fighter jet in April 2001 increased make a difference,” Tan said. “But, explained Tan. “When you open the tensions between the two countries. The collectively, you don’t know what people professional services, like accounting plane, which landed in China, was detained, making decisions will think when they are services and insurance, you basically allow along with its crew, by the Chinese awarding business contracts.” the companies to reach the individual government before all were eventually Following the 1996 incident, then Chinese households, the individual consumer — returned to the U.S. president Jiang Zemin announced that the the most basic fabric of the society.” “That’s an incident where if you ask government had awarded a minivan joint China remains a communist country, but people in the two countries you get an venture license to Germany’s Daimler Benz. its economic system has been slowly entirely different story,” Tan said. “I think “Previously,” Tan said, “it was widely evolving -— and now ranks as the sixth the Chinese saw this as a humiliation.” believed that Chrysler, now merged with largest economy in the world. Before that, an errant U.S. missile struck Daimler Benz, was the frontrunner.” American companies have been increasing the Chinese embassy in Serbia during the Some American politicians also have their presence in China. The number of U.S. NATO-led war in the Balkans, raising raised fears regarding the burgeoning U.S. companies operating affiliates in China tensions. And in 1996, in what was trade deficit with China — which topped increased more than five-fold from 1989 to considered a diplomatic insult, the U.S. $100 billion in 2002. Tan believes that 1997 (from 64 to 350), with sales reaching issued a visa to Taiwan’s president allowing number is “significantly distorted.” $20 billion in 1999, according to the U.S. him to speak in the U.S., after assuring One source of distortion, he explained, is that Chinese companies often purchase parts and materials from the U.S. or elsewhere for Creighton Part of New MBA Program in Beijing product assembly in China, but those costs are not deducted from the total export. This past fall, Justin Tan, Ph.D., became the first professor from Creighton’s College of In addition, many Chinese exports are Business Administration to teach at Peking University as part of an MBA program being routed through Hong Kong, which, while offered jointly by the top Chinese university and the 26 U.S. Jesuit business schools. part of China, is treated as an independent Initiated in 1999, the Beijing International MBA program was the first of its kind identity in international trade. These exports offered by any U.S. university to be approved by the Chinese government. are often counted as Chinese exports to The program offers Chinese students an opportunity to pursue a fully accredited MBA Hong Kong and their final destination — degree, either full time or part time, on the campus of Peking University. Creighton MBA which Tan describes as “double counting.” students also have a chance to travel to China and study in the program. One Chinese company that Tan consulted Courses are taught by business and management faculty from the consortium of Jesuit exported refrigerators to the U.S. through its schools. Creighton provides at least one professor every other year. Hong Kong subsidiary, but the most expensive component — the compressor —

10 Summer 2003 University News was purchased from an American company. the WTO, called China’s entry into the Haddad Earns The Chinese firm, however, reported the 140-plus member international trade dollar value of the entire refrigerator as its organization a “historic moment.” As part of National Pharmacy export. the agreement, the Chinese agreed to Educator Award “The Chinese government gives eliminate some tariffs and reduce others in incentives for Chinese companies to export. most cases by 2004 and no later than 2010. For outstanding contributions to pharmacy There’s a rebate. So, very often, they export “That will have a profound impact on education, Creighton University Medical Center professor Amy Haddad, Ph.D., BSN’75, at a loss,” Tan said. “In many cases, a consumer goods and especially the has earned the Robert K. Chalmers significant portion of the export is actually automobile industry,” Tan said. “Foreign Distinguished Pharmacy parts and components purchased from the automakers have been in China for a long Educator Award. The U.S.” time, but the Chinese automobile industry American Association of Additionally, in the case of the Chinese has been protected by the high tariffs. Colleges of Pharmacy refrigerator manufacturer, for each small- “Now, when the tariffs are lowered, the bestows this national volume refrigerator that it exported, it got multinationals will have much more of an award annually on one one quota to import a high-quality opportunity to expand business.” pharmacy educator who compressor, which the company put into China also has agreed to open the banking has made major larger, more expensive refrigerators to be industry to foreign competition by 2006, contributions in the sold in the Chinese domestic market. which also should have a dramatic effect on profession. Since coming to China also has become a “global American companies selling big-ticket items Haddad Creighton in 1984, Haddad manufacturing base” for many large like automobiles. has helped establish the University as a leader American and multinational companies. “Today, a lot of Chinese cannot buy these in educating pharmacy students on the These companies utilize China’s low-cost American cars because they do not have the importance of ethics in professional practice. labor to manufacture products for export credit. Right now, most banks do not offer Haddad earned the Pharmacy Educator back home or abroad. Of China’s more than car loans,” Tan said. Award for effective curriculum development $200 billion in exports in 1998, more than “GMAC and GM are trying to bring their and innovation, impact on educational financial services to China to help the programs, research relative to pharmaceutical Chinese buy cars. Imagine how much that’s education, and public service and outreach going to shock the automobile market. It’s through educational activities and functions. huge. It’s a great opportunity for GM and “It’s an honor to be recognized among my peers and for my life’s work in the area of “We’re looking at an companies like that.” pharmacy ethics. It’s also outstanding Entry into the WTO also forces China to recognition for Creighton University for its entirely different abide by international trade rules governing commitment to teaching ethics,” said Haddad, such things as copyright infringement and who is associate director of Creighton China today than anti-dumping laws. University’s Center for Health Policy and Tan believes U.S.-China trade relations Ethics and a faculty member in the School of 24 years ago. Chinese have played a valuable role in China’s Pharmacy and Health Professions. peaceful evolution to a more open society. Haddad will be recognized at an awards society is much “We’re looking at an entirely different China ceremony in July at the annual meeting of the today than 24 years ago,” Tan said. “Chinese American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy more open today.” society is much more open today.” in Minneapolis. China’s new president Hu Jintao — — Justin Tan, Ph.D. who took office earlier this year in the Fr. Schlegel Honored first peaceful transition of power in the 40 percent had their source in multinational country’s 53 years of Communist rule — has for Diversity Work firms operating in China, according to pledged to continue China’s “accelerated Creighton President the Rev. John P. Schlegel, China’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and socialist modernization.” Tan said he is S.J., will receive the Otto Swanson Spirit of Service Cooperation. optimistic about the leadership change and Award at the annual humanitarian awards Tan said despite their fears, mistrusts and encourages the United States to continue to dinner sponsored by the National Conference for frustrations, the two countries realize the push for dialogue in the area of human Community and Justice May 29 in Omaha. importance each holds for the other. rights. These awards recognize community leaders for With its population of 1.3 billion people, “We need to work hard to promote mutual their contributions in promoting understanding and respect among all races, religions and cultures. China represents a huge market for U.S. understanding,” Tan said. “I think former Fr. Schlegel listed creating a campus companies. For Chinese officials, good Secretary of State James Baker, in discussing environment that enhances diversity for students, relations with the U.S. enhance China’s U.S.-China relations, said it aptly: ‘If you faculty and staff as one of his main priorities image — both internally and externally — want to make a friend, you have to work during his February Convocation address. A as a world power. very hard to earn it. If you want to make an complete text of the address can be found online at Mike Moore, former director-general of enemy, you can always find one.’” www.creighton.edu/president/speeches/convocation2003.

11 Summer 2003 University News

Creighton couple closer? “The work environment and people at It makes married life more harmonious, Creighton foster spirituality. This in turn Couple Shares the Ravals believe. They both say they are facilitates practicing meditation. The other- very like-minded. “We seem to think the centered behavior — the result of Love of Yoga exact same way. We are in harmony, almost meditation — benefits stakeholders of like having telepathy. Our tastes, preferences Creighton. There is sort of a convergence of Turning off our constantly chattering and priorities have converged to choices goals. It doesn’t even seem like we are minds every day takes diligent practice. But that are optimal for self-actualization. It going to work!” the results of ongoing efforts can be very may be a result of the practice of yoga So, what’s next for the Ravals in their freeing: a focused mind, an ordered body, together over the years or just growing profession and their practice? positive energy and a sense of peace. For For the past several Creighton couple Vasant and Prafulla Raval, years, they have been the practice of Yoga through meditation and writing a book titled, The its hallmark effect of quieting the mind has Business of Karma: Spirituality been a way of life since their marriage in in the World of Work. The 1970. book is about projecting a The Ravals have been sharing their love way of life suggested in the for meditation with the Creighton Bhagwad Gita to a modern- community, most recently leading a CU day corporate community Wellness Luncheon on Yoga, Meditation and discovering ways to and Prayer. improve the world of work. The Ravals said, “Meditation allows one (The Bhagwad Gita, “Song of to feel more at peace with self and others. the Lord,” is a Sanskrit The more you practice meditation, the less poem, consisting of 700

you find the need to be angry, because you Photo by Mark Romesser verses divided into 18 have adopted other-centered behavior. Such Vasant and Prafulla Raval meditate at home. Vasant is an chapters, that is regarded behavior is a result of a growing accounting professor at Creighton, and Prafulla is a post-doctoral by most Hindus as their consciousness of who ‘you’ are, that is, a fellow in medical microbiology at the University. most important text — the sense of the relatedness of every ‘living essence of their belief.) With thing’ around you.” together that is part of a healthy marriage.” two chapters remaining, the Ravals hope “You find that you don’t need all the The Ravals see the effect their practice their book will be in print before the end ‘things’ that you thought you needed or has on their teaching and their other work of 2003. wanted from life,” Vasant said. at Creighton. So, what does it take to get to this state of mind? Prafulla said, “Meditation must be practiced diligently and consistently. You Creighton Stop on may choose to meditate anytime, but it is not an isolated practice. You must be in Declaration Road Trip ‘sync’ with your actions during the day. If One of the 24 remaining original you have spent the day in anger, you won’t “Dunlap broadsides” of the Declaration be able to meditate well that evening. After of Independence, printed on July 4, 1776, all, a turbulent mind will take long to reach was displayed at the School of Law on a peaceful state.” April 3. The Creighton campus visit It takes the first few minutes to harness was part of the Declaration of the meandering mind. The Ravals liken Independence Road Trip stop in Omaha Photo by Dave Weaver reaching for the meditative state to taking a from late March through early April. Students view an original copy of the jet flight. It takes about 10 minutes to climb Creighton University was the only higher Declaration of Independence at the School to a cruising altitude. Likewise, coming out education institution among four- and of Law. of your daily happenings and attempting to two-year colleges in the Omaha area that silence the mind takes time, as your mind displayed a rare copy of the Declaration remarks, Creighton debate students moves toward a higher state. The Ravals of Independence. tackled the question: “Does the right to caution, “Do not get discouraged if the During the event, Nebraska Chief vote include the right not to vote?” in a quality of your meditation is not the same Justice John V. Hendry offered remarks “town hall”-type discussion. every day. Just know that it will improve setting the Declaration in context. For more information, visit over time.” Following Chief Justice Hendry’s http://www.IndependenceRoadTrip.org. Can a practice of meditation draw a

12 Summer 2003 University News

Booth Named New Volleyball Coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth, formerly with Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been named Creighton’s new head volleyball coach. She replaces Howard Wallace, who resigned Dec. 10 to pursue other opportunities. “Kirsten has experienced outstanding success in coaching volleyball,” said Creighton Athletic Director Bruce Rasmussen. “She is a very good leader with a high energy level

and a strong Photo by Dave Weaver character. We are U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, center, and Professor of Law Michael Fenner, to Thomas’ very excited left, with law students who took the two-week class Supreme Court Seminar taught by Thomas and Fenner in February. about her commitment to Creighton and Justice Thomas Visits Law School our volleyball program.” U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas visited the School of Law during the first As Kirkwood’s week of February. While at Creighton, Justice Thomas and Michael Fenner, James L. Koley ‘54 head coach for Professor of Constitutional Law, taught the class Supreme Court Seminar. The two-week class, the last three taught by Fenner during the first week, was open to 40 second- and third-year law students. seasons, Booth The students were assigned to read U.S. Supreme Court opinions and during the class those Booth led the Eagles to opinions were discussed and analyzed with Thomas and Fenner. Justice Thomas will return to three regular-season conference titles and Creighton in two years to again teach in the law school. This is the second time he has visited two top-five finishes at the national Creighton’s School of Law to teach a class with Fenner. tournament. She was a Midwest Coach of the Year in 2001 and a District Coach of the Year in 2000 and 2001. She’s excited about the opportunity at Creighton. McGaugh Receives “Creighton is committed to both Pittman Award academics and athletics,” she said. “I feel the program has the potential to be Attorney Raymond S. McGaugh, BA’76, competitive on the national level.” JD’84, was honored recently with the Judge Booth, a graduate of Nebraska’s Lincoln Elizabeth D. Pittman Award, which East High School, was an Academic All- celebrates distinguished African-American American and conference MVP in volleyball law school graduates. This was the fifth at Truman State University in Kirksville, year for the award, which is given in honor Mo., where she was a four-year letter- of Elizabeth D. Pittman, the first African- winner (1993, 94, 95, 96). She ranks among American graduate of the Creighton Photo by Creighton University Media Services Photo by Creighton the all-time NCAA Division II leaders in University School of Law, who went on to Raymond McGaugh and Chanda Hall, president career assists with a school-record 6,077. become the first African-American judge in of the Black Law Student Association and third- Following her senior season, Booth was Nebraska. year law student, at the awards ceremony. named Missouri’s NCAA Woman of the McGaugh, a member of the international Year. law firm Greenberg Traurig in Chicago, has Former College of St. Mary (Omaha) extensive experience counseling clients in McGaugh is a member of the board of coach Paul Giesselmann joins Booth as an the areas of banking, commercial and neutrals of the National Association of assistant coach. Giesselmann was 227-80 in construction lending, corporate finance, Securities Dealers’ Regulation Office of eight seasons at St. Mary before leaving the municipal finance and real estate finance. Dispute Resolution. program after the 2001 season to spend more time with his family.

13 Summer 2003 University News

take about two hours to arrange and Dr. Heaney Receives Website Brings electronically splice together. National Award “You learn about a site in an intimate way,” Ancient World to Simkins said of the process. “It’s like getting to Robert P. Heaney, BS‘47, MD‘51, was know a room by crawling around it on your selected by the American Society for Students hands and knees. I got to know every pebble Clinical Nutrition (ASCN) to receive the The ancient world of Greece, Turkey, Israel in these pictures.” prestigious E.V. McCollum Award for 2003. and other Eastern Mediterranean countries is Creighton undergraduate students have According to the ASCN, the award is being brought to new life through an assisted with the website, researching and given to a clinical investigator who is a interactive website established by Creighton writing some of the text with the help of the major creative force, actively generating theology professors Ronald Simkins, Ph.D., professors. new concepts in nutrition and personally and John O’Keefe, Ph.D. “I like involving the undergraduates in the seeing the execution of studies testing the The website (http://moses.creighton.edu/vr/) uses research,” Simkins said. “They are learning, validity of these concepts. maps, virtual reality images of archaeological and we have a chance to engage them. It’s remains, still photos and text to aid in the almost like little seminars.” The award is named for E.V. McCollum, a teaching of antiquity. Simkins and O’Keefe The website — with its nearly 800 panoramic pioneer in human nutrition at Johns received Creighton’s Instructional Technology photos — is still a work in progress. Hopkins School of Public Health in the Award during the President’s Convocation in Thus far, the professors have concentrated early 1900s. McCollum discovered Vitamins February for their work on the project. their efforts on Greece, Turkey and Israel. But A and D, and was an early promoter of milk “This is a way of illustrating the ancient they look to expand to include Syria, Jordan, consumption as an optimal way for the public to include these vitamins in their diets. Heaney, holder of the John A. Creighton University Professorship, is internationally recognized for his work that crosses from endocrinology and metabolism into orthopedics, nutrition and dentistry.

Professor Receives $100,000 Grant Ward A. Pedersen, Ph.D., assistant professor of neurology at Creighton Above are images of the website established by Creighton theology professors Ronald Simkins, Ph.D., University Medical Center, has received a and John O’Keefe, Ph.D. New Investigator Research Grant from the Alzheimer’s Association. The $100,000 world,” said Simkins, who started The Virtual Cyprus and Egypt. grant will fund research to test drugs World Project in the spring of 2001. “It’s the An outlined map of the region -— high- targeting the part of the brain that controls next best thing to being there.” lighting these seven countries — greets stress, anxiety and depression to determine Scholars today know more than ever about visitors to the site. But that’s just the start. if such drugs are also effective in treating the ancient world, Simkins explained, but this Visitors can select a country, choose from a memory problems. material is largely inaccessible to students number of ancient cities within a country and According to Pedersen, Alzheimer’s because it’s published mostly in highly then, from a map, click one of several disease patients have adverse changes in technical archaeological reports. archaeological sites. the regions of the brain that control The website, on the other hand, is fun to As an example, visitors to the ancient Greek memory, anxiety and mood. “The clinical explore. city of Corinth can virtually explore the ruins problems associated with Alzheimer’s Visitors can virtually “walk around” of the Temple of Apollo, Lechaion Road or the disease are not unrelated, meaning that archaeological remains and get a feel for the Forum — all from a variety of different views. changes in the brain regions controlling land through 360-degree, panoramic images. Simkins and O’Keefe have used the website Simkins and O’Keefe took some 11,000 in their classrooms with great success. “The stress and anxiety can have an effect on the photos at ancient sites during visits to Greece, students love it,” Simkins said. He added that regions of the brain involved in memory,” Turkey and Israel in the summers of 2001 and the website’s roughly 4,000 pages could serve Pedersen said. “Research in this area will 2002. They then “stitched” these photos as an effective teaching tool in a variety of seek to discover if drugs that are proposed together, using computer technology, to create disciplines — from archaeology to history to for the treatment of depression are effective the 360-degree panoramics. Christian studies to world literature. in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.” It was painstaking work. Each panoramic “One reason we put this on the Internet is we requires seven to 18 still photographs, which want this to be accessible to all,” Simkins said.

14 Summer 2003 University News Three Inducted into CU Athletic Hall of Fame At a special recognition banquet on April 8, three former Creighton athletes were inducted into the Creighton University Athletic Hall of Fame. Kelly Brookhart Prokupek, BS’93, was on Creighton’s softball team from 1990-93. Under her leadership, the team won two Brookhart Prokupek Philson Servais conference championships and participated in three NCAA Regional Playoffs. Brookhart Creighton University’s men’s soccer team Scott Servais, Arts’89, played baseball at Prokupek holds several Bluejay career from 1990-93. Known as “Peanut” to many, Creighton in the late 1980s. While playing marks including games played (239), wins Philson was a key member of the Creighton for Creighton, Servais was in the (71), pitching appearances (122) and starts University men’s soccer team that laid the international spotlight as a member of the (102). A two-time, second-team All- foundation for success that continues to this U.S. Olympic Team that won the gold American honoree, she holds the school day. Philson’s speed and athletic ability medal in 1988. He also was a member of the record for consecutive scoreless innings were his trademarks as he started 70 of 75 USA Senior Team at the World pitched at 81 (seventh longest streak in career games while earning all MVC Championships, the USA Pan American NCAA history). Brookhart Prokupek was a accolades in 1992 and 1993. A two-time All- Team and USA Intercontinental Cup Team two-time High Country Athletic Conference Midwest Region selection, Philson was in Cuba. Servais ranks in the Creighton Top Tournament Most Valuable Player, and she honored as the MVC Defensive Player of 10 for homers with 27. He went on to play ranks in the top 10 in nearly every Bluejay the Year in his senior year. In Philson’s four- professionally with the Houston Astros, career mark for both hitting and pitching. year career, the Bluejays posted a record of Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants and the Ira L. Philson, BA‘94, achieved an 57-14-6 while losing just one regular-season Colorado Rockies. Servais now works in the outstanding record as a member of game in MVC play. Chicago Cubs organization.

Spring Break Service program — one of the oldest of its kind in the United States — began in Trips Celebrate 1983 when seven students traveled to two sites in rural Kentucky to 20th Anniversary provide community service. Like so many students before them, Today, more than 100 students Creighton students, excited about spring annually flock to sites across the break, boarded vans and fanned out across country, from Milwaukee to the country — on a pilgrimage. San Antonio, performing a variety of Not for fun and sun, but for service and service, from repairing homes to fellowship. serving meals to the homeless. “Taking part in a service trip is an Over the past 20 years, these opportunity to put into practice those service trips have not only provided things learned in the classroom in a way people and communities with that will serve the greater human needed assistance, but they have community,” said Lindsey Anderson, a helped students grow personally. Students Meghan Gaughan and Daniel Schnurr paint at senior from Maple Grove, Minn., who the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. “These trips have helped to participated in her third Spring Break inspire me to make the pillars of the Service Trip this March. said. The students learned about the Lakota service trips — service, justice, community, Nearly 130 students visited 19 service people from tribal members, painted the simplicity and reflection — the pillars of my sites across the country as part of this year’s inside of a house and did some work for own life,” Anderson said. Spring Break Service Trips. Anderson their host, Our Lady of the Sioux Church. “They have been experiences of what a served as a coordinator for a group that “It was an experience of the great beauty Jesuit education is supposed to be about. traveled to the Pine Ridge Indian and hospitality of Lakota culture,” Spring Break Service Trips truly are creating Reservation in South Dakota. Anderson said. men and women for others.” “It was a unique experience,” Anderson Creighton’s Spring Break Service

15 Summer 2003 When the Bough Breaks

Alice and Bob (not their real names) were as excited as any couple when they learned that Alice was expecting a child, but they were also a little worried. When the Bough Breaks By Winifred J. Ellenchild Pinch, MS’85, Ed.D., R.N. Professor in the Creighton Center for Health Policy and Ethics and in the School of Nursing

X Summer 2003 When the Bough Breaks

Alice knew from a previous The Ethical Debate pregnancy that she had an incompetent The possibility for increased long- cervix. That meant she was at risk of term complications has helped to shape early dilation unless a stitch was placed an intense ethical debate on neonatal around the cervix at the appropriate time. intensive care. Whether we can use a When Alice experienced contractions particular medication or surgical in the fourth month of her pregnancy, procedure, the ethical question is, should she was told it was probably false labor, we? And who should decide? nothing to worry about, but she made an appointment with her physician just to check it out. When examined, the physician found that she was already completely dilated. “... his limbs The baby was on the way — breech presentation — and, as she said, “It was were skinnier pretty traumatic!” A Caesarian section was performed at than my little approximately 28 weeks gestation — more About ‘Adam‘ than two months before her due date. Bob and Alice’s baby, Adam, The baby boy weighed about 1 pound, fingers. He was although not the smallest possible 7 ounces. By comparison, an average weight to survive, was an extremely newborn weighs 7 pounds, 8 ounces. so, so tiny. I just low-birth-weight infant at 1 pound, After the baby stabilized, Bob was the 7 ounces. first parent to see the child — his son, didn’t see how Bob and Alice were part of a study by Adam (see box at right) — in the hospital’s Creighton’s Winifred Ellenchild Pinch, neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU examining parental perceptions of (pronounced nik’you). As Bob described he could live.” neonatal intensive care units. (The family agreed to allow Creighton his experience, he emphasized that he — “Adam’s” mother “had a confidence inside that God gave University Magazine to publish the me, that no matter what I saw, he was accompanying photograph of their my son ... he would be a normal person.” The body of literature devoted to this son in the NICU and to discuss their Alice, on the other hand, was not so debate, as it applies to the NICU, has case provided that their real names confident. become extensive since the 1980s. Issues were not used.) “When I went to see the baby, I just ... range from mercy killing to quality of Pinch first interviewed Bob and oh my; my heart went to my stomach, life questions to treatment options Alice when Adam was still in the and I just could not believe that this tiny, (morally obligatory versus optional, hospital. She interviewed them again little kid ... that this tiny, little kid ...” Her for example) to personhood criteria. four years later. At that time, Alice voice trailed off, and then she continued. However, prior to my research project described her son as a very curious “His body was as big as a Barbie doll that began in the mid-1980s, there was a child, interested in everything around and his head was as big as a plum. He notable gap in the debate: the him. But she said Adam was also a just ... his limbs were skinnier than my perspective of the parent in regards to little slow in meeting some little fingers. He was so, so tiny. I just the ethical dimensions of neonatal developmental milestones, such as didn’t see how he could live.” intensive care. walking and crawling and the Alice and Bob were among the Of course parents were considered in pronunciation of some words. approximately 135,000 sets of parents the discussion, but few reports were “I know that the parents made an annually in the United States whose written by the parents themselves, and effort to provide stimulation and newborns require special care in a these articles did not necessarily include encourage growth and development,” neonatal intensive care unit. an ethical dimension. A number of other Pinch said. “The good news is he was Although survival rates for premature pieces presented the parental not blind nor was he deaf — two big babies like Adam, born at 28 weeks, are perspective, but gave no evidence that possible negative outcomes.” reported at 80 percent or higher, outcomes the authors had specifically explored Adam is now 15 and in the eighth- can vary significantly and may not be those bioethical issues with parents. grade. His father reports that “except known for many years. And these high- Finally, a group of articles described for the first couple of years, he has tech units can be intimidating for various responses of parents to NICU caught up and is doing great.” Adam parents, many of whom feel unprepared care, but again there was no focus on is a B-average student in school and for the challenges that lie ahead once the ethics of that care. likes to bowl and has even played they leave the hospital. As a community health nurse, having some basketball.

17 Summer 2003 When the Bough Breaks

worked with families like Alice and medical complications. Parents repeated status of the child and the potential Bob’s after the baby is discharged from over and over again that they had been outcome with which they would live for the NICU, I decided to conduct a long- told their infant only had “to grow a the rest of their lives. term project to examine and explore little.” In actuality, the task of Most parents, while they approved of parental perceptions in this area. completing fetal growth outside the the decisions made in the NICU, felt quite In 1985, I began interviewing parents uterus is a formidable one, and parents strongly that they should have been of high-risk infants, asking about their did not recognize the degree of involved to a greater extent. Parents, NICU experiences for the pilot study. intervention that might be required to overall, felt unprepared for the discharge Later, the first interviews for the accomplish this goal. — when they suddenly became longitudinal project were conducted responsible for making all the decisions. prior to the infant leaving the NICU, with subsequent interviews six months The Best Interest Standard postdischarge and four years A best interest standard is one postdischarge. approach to ethical decision-making. The results of the project only Parents repeated For example: What’s in the best interest describe the parental perceptions. Such of the newborn or the family? an approach was grounded in the over and over But who determines that standard? conviction that whether or not the Is it the parents? Or, as frequently events could be corroborated by some again that they defended in other essays, is it the documentation or by testimony from a health professionals? health professional, for the parents, the Many argue that parents are unable to descriptions were their reality. had been told make an objective decision, as they are likely to be biased in favor of their own The Surprising Findings their infant only interests rather than those of the child. The most surprising result was the Parents in this project, however, favored parents’ perception that, in general, there had “to grow parental authority. is no moral dimension to NICU care, nor Parents interviewed noted the did they recall any decision-making for potential bias and self-interest of health their infants that matches the ethical debate a little.” professionals. Such circumstances could in the literature. Decisions, as parents include: professionals who favor perceived them, were medical ones. So much of what health professionals aggressive treatment and discharge As one parent shared, “They did in the NICU appeared routine, but from the NICU regardless of the status, (professionals) make the decisions. parents had trouble determining the or future potential, of the infant; the They’ve got to get your permission to meaning of various medical avoidance of any inpatient death during do anything to him before they do it ... interventions — was a treatment NICU hospitalization; or the the surgery on him. But I really haven’t initiated because the infant was accomplishment of professional gain made too many decisions because they improving or was it begun because the either by advancing the field of make them all. I just come and see him infant had a setback? Parents did not neonatology or by making a name every day.” question the health professionals for themselves or their practices. Only two parents discussed traditional because, for the most part, they did not bioethical dilemmas. One family discussed know what questions to ask. Far-reaching Effects the infant’s potential quality of life given Most parents were overwhelmed by Few children leave the NICU without the severe bleeding that had occurred many elements of the experience: the any residual effect. These babies have a within the baby’s skull, and another unexpected nature of their situation, their unique start in life. And whenever couple considered discontinuing the use lack of previous experience with such a something comes up with these children of the ventilator for their child. The medical crisis, the highly technical that seems out of the ordinary, the first latter couple explained that they did not atmosphere of the NICU environment, thing the parents ask themselves — make a decision as much as they simply the vulnerable status of the newborn even years after the NICU hospitalization agreed with what the health and the competence of the staff. — is, “Does this relate to the NICU professionals offered as the best option. Parents did not necessarily recognize experience?” Parents’ concerns, as they discussed their own needs during the infant’s Delays in reaching developmental their NICU experiences, focused on hospitalization, but after the infant was milestones are common occurrences. normal newborn needs: feeding, discharged, when they assumed full Sometimes these children make up great cleanliness, sleep and comfort. responsibility for the infant’s care as differences, but, as one father indicated, Most parents didn’t realize the well as all decision-making, their needs their family finally had to accept the fact potential challenges associated with became abundantly clear. At that point, that their child would never “catch up.” meeting these needs or the risk of parents more fully understood the Reading and language skills seem to

18 Summer 2003 When the Bough Breaks Premature Births, Reproductive Technologies Keep NICUs Busy A rise in the number of premature care units operating in the United States births and the increased use of jumped from 16 in 1965 to nearly 800 Born Too Soon reproductive technologies are fueling an by 2000, according to the American increase in the number of infants Hospital Association. And the number & Too Small needing the high-tech, high-cost care of of certified neonatologists and neonatal 1 out of every 8 babies in the neonatal intensive care units. nurse practitioners grew from some In 2001, nearly 12 percent of all live 1,700 in 1983 to 10,800 by the late 1990s, U.S. is born prematurely. In births — or 470,000 babies — were with another 3,700 other physicians an average week in the U.S.: premature (defined as before the 37th considering themselves specialists in week), according to the March of Dimes. the area. 8,985 babies are born That’s a 27 percent increase since 1981. The NICU is also big business. preterm (before the 37th While their survival rates have Charges (not costs) for the care of one week of pregnancy) increased, these infants remain at infant can range from a low of $100,000 greater risk of developing serious health to more than $1 million for the initial 1,491 babies are born problems — from cerebral palsy to hospitalization. The course of treatment very preterm (less than mental retardation to blindness. for these infants can vary from a 32 weeks) The U.S. Centers for Disease Control smooth, seamless progression from and Prevention also estimates that in admission to discharge to the 5,904 babies are born 2000, more than 36,000 births were the application of multiple, sophisticated low birth-weight result of assisted reproductive technology procedures for complex conditions. The (between 3 pounds, (such as in vitro fertilization) and that latter hospitalization more than likely 5 ounces and 5 pounds, more than a third of the triplet and resembles a long roller coaster ride of 8 ounces) “higher-order” multiple births were due progress and regression rather than a babies are born to such technology. More than half of short, uninterrupted train ride across the 1,115 very low birth-weight the newborns from multiple gestational plains. (less than 3 pounds, pregnancies require NICU care, and these Although there are many effective 5 ounces) pregnancies are, by definition, high-risk. techniques and procedures available

These statistics have resulted in a spike to assist these high-risk newborns, Source: The March of Dimes in the number of high-tech neonatal problems still occur and not all infants intensive care units being established at will be discharged without long-term hospitals across the country and an difficulties. The smaller the infant, the increase in the number of health earlier the birth and the greater number professionals going into the field. of crises, the higher the risk for The number of neonatal intensive prolonged, serious difficulties. Assisted Reproductive Technology The use of in vitro fertilization and other related procedures has increased significantly since the first “test-tube” baby was born in the United States on Dec. 30, 1982. These pregnancies are more likely to result in multiple births, with the associated need for more neonatal intensive care.

Number of reported assisted The number of triplet and high-order Percentage of multiple births (U.S. , 1998)

reproductive technology (ART) multiple births in the U.S. has more than ii ii

ivis ivis ivis ivis

3% 56.4% ii ivis

procedures performed in the U.S. quadrupled since the 1980s Among ALL women Among women ivis with the advent of ART. giving birth using ART

1996: 64,724 26.5% 1980: 37* 469.2% increase increase 1998: 81,899 1997: 173.6*

*per 100,000 live births Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

19 Summer 2003 When the Bough Breaks

create a particularly frequent barrier as mentioned audiotapes or videos to mentioned by families. supplement the verbal exchange. These Psychological problems and the lack requests have been repeated over and Life of social adeptness were noted by other over again, since my formal research parents. After discharge, children with project ended, by parents who participated Support special needs were deprived of contact in later interviews for the epilogue of my with other children for months or years book (When the Bough Breaks: Parental in the as they were dependent on equipment, Perceptions of Ethical Decision-Making in experienced repeated hospitalizations, the NICU, 2001, University Press of or just were simply with adults more America) and more recently just this NICU than those their own age. spring in anecdotal discussions with A recent, interesting observation by some additional parents. Creighton University Magazine some professionals is the possibility that Some parents had questions about in preteen or teen years, these children’s the environment of the NICU. They features editor Pamela Vaughn and psychological problems are congruent with observed how busy the unit was and Creighton photographer Don Doll, post-traumatic stress syndrome. These wondered if the noise and bright lights therapists have come to believe that the were detriments to their child’s S.J., spent a morning at Creighton NICU experience is the index event. recovery. There is research to support University Medical Center’s neonatal Family support simply cannot end at these concerns and a number of NICUs discharge but must continue throughout have made changes in these areas. intensive care unit in March. the child’s life. Among these families A supportive and nurturing staff was there were numerous celebrations of another essential factor for parental The following are some of the stories their children’s accomplishments, whether coping and adjustment while the infant and images that they captured. it was a cognitive task, a psychological remained in the NICU. A welcoming improvement or a social turning point. atmosphere and an environment that Creighton University Medical However, during the interviews with encouraged questions would make the these families there was an emphasis on setting less intimidating for parents. Center’s NICU cared for the difficulty of their situations, the Although providing information to approximately 400 babies in 2002, hardships they experienced, and the parents was pivotal, some noted the strong, negative, emotional drain on benefits that resulted from my research with an average length of stay of their lives. interviews — labeled intensive about a month. “listening” by one parent. One mother Making a Difference explained that these tactics — to talk The Medical Center’s NICU is The most laudable goal in health care without an agenda, think and explore research is to make a positive difference one’s own view of the situation — enabled currently being renovated, with a in people’s lives as a result of a study or her to further clarify her personal completion date set for April 2004. project. My project explored concerns values, beliefs and traditions as they and difficulties in order to know where related to this challenging situation. Its capacity will increase from 16 to changes might be made. Family stories in and of themselves The most prevalent request from may not provide a solution, but they 24 beds. parents across all phases of the project can shed light on the human condition The number of neonatal intensive was for the provision of more which, in turn, might raise awareness information — good, bad or tentative. relative to these issues and lead to care units nationwide and the The setting was also important. Parents changes in the future experiences of specialized care these units can wanted a private discussion where all similar families. involved could sit down and be able to provide has increased dramatically exchange perspectives freely — not Editor’s Note: Dr. Pinch’s research assistant standing around the infant’s isolette, in for the NICU project was Margaret L. Spielman, over the last 30 years. SJN’50, BSN, MSEdu’78. The retired hallways or around other parents. However, the highly sophisticated Parents wanted someone to listen to assistant professor of nursing was active in them as well as obtain information about conducting interviews and editing final copy technological nature of these facilities the status and prognosis of their infant. for the research. To learn more about Dr. They indicated that they needed Pinch’s work with high-risk newborns and can also be intimidating and information in a form they could their families, attend the 14th Annual Women overwhelming for anxious parents. understand and under circumstances in and Health Lecture, “When the Bough Broke,” which they had time to absorb and digest on Sept. 3, 2003, 7 p.m., Skutt Student the information. Some specifically Center Ballroom. Questions: (402) 280-2017.

20 Summer 2003 When the Bough Breaks

Isaac Chesler, 1 pound, 10 ounces

At a 1 pound, 10 ounce birth weight, tiny Isaac Chesler has passed from 24 weeks to 28 weeks successfully. Son of Teresa and Brian Chesler of Omaha, Isaac has gained a full five ounces in a world where each ounce attained is a small victory. Isaac also has the distinction of being the smallest infant in Creighton’s NICU at the time of this writing. With luck, Isaac will leave his isolette one day soon for moments of touch. His parents can hardly wait for that day.

21 Summer 2003 When the Bough Breaks

Francisco 7 pounds

When Maria Ryan of Omaha gave birth to her second child on March 13, 2003, little Francisco was a full 7 pounds. But Maria had been cautioned that her infant son’s lungs might not be fully ready at birth (the lungs are among Mother Nature’s last features in humans to develop). “When I heard his cry, I thought, ‘We’re going to be OK,’” she recalled when he was born. But breathing problems soon plagued little Francisco, who was whisked off to the NICU, with Mom right by his side. Maria tries to spend all day with Francisco while her husband, Andres Valtes, works. Then, they switch shifts while Maria tends to the rest of her family and her life. She strokes little Francisco’s hand. “Maybe we can go home next week,” she said. Until then, precious oxygen works through her baby’s lungs, urging them to work on their own.

22 Summer 2003 When the Bough Breaks

Samuel Fickbohm 2 pounds, 14 ounces

When Samuel was born to first-time parents Linda and Brent Fickbohm of Bronson, Iowa, they were pretty well- prepared for their small son’s early arrival. Linda had spent the last two months of her short-term pregnancy in the hospital at Creighton University Medical Center. Her goal: to carry little Samuel through her compromised pregnancy to at least his 28th week. 28-week goal, “we had a party for him,” son at first. Samuel puts on about an “Each day in the uterus is equal to said Linda. Soon he was on his way, all ounce a day in the NICU. about three days in the NICU,” Linda 2 pounds, 14 ounces of him. “He’s got a lot of tubes,” Brent said, explains. “And the survival rate goes up Born on Feb. 21, 2003, little Sammy lifting Samuel gingerly from the isolette. with each week” the baby can remain had to wait for two weeks to be held by One tube delivers Linda’s pumped inside the mother. If delivered at 24 Brent and Linda. “They need all their breast-milk, bypassing her infant’s not- weeks, infants have a 50 percent energy just to grow,” the Fickbohms yet-developed swallowing mechanism. survival rate. But if the babies can be explain. Snuggling their infant would “But now he’s breathing on his own,” carried to their 28th week, the survival have robbed him of precious energy, Brent said, smiling. Soon, he’ll learn the rate climbs to 80 percent or higher. they were told. “It seemed as if he were art of breathing while swallowing, When Samuel, whose name literally still an ultrasound image” the new something everyone except the parents means “gift of God,” achieved the parents said as they observed their little in the NICU probably take for granted.

23 Summer 2003 Xxxxxxxx

Korver points to the home fans after Creighton’s 85-76 win over Southern Illinois at the Civic Auditorium on Jan. 18. Omaha World-Herald Photo by Jeff Bundy/ Photo by Jeff

24 Summer 2003 Hot Shot

Creighton notched a school-record 29 But the 22-year-old Korver did get wins and finished with its highest AP noticed, perhaps to his chagrin. “He ranking ever, 15th. Korver became the doesn’t have to be the center of attention first Bluejay to be named second-team or the person talked about,” said his Associated Press All-American and mother, Laine. “In fact, he probably feels earned his second-straight Missouri more comfortable if he’s not.” Valley Conference Player of the Year Yet just as he adjusted to the defenses award. He concluded his four years thrown his way, Korver also handled with his name splattered throughout the full-court “press.” “A lot of guys Creighton’s record book. don’t know how to handle the stature And though playing for a mid-major that they find themselves in,” said Steve team, Korver got major attention. He Pivovar, who covered Creighton this graced the pages of Sports Illustrated, year for the World-Herald. “It either ESPN The Magazine and The Sporting makes them uneasy or it makes them a News. USA Today detailed his family’s little big-headed. Kyle … for some

Hot By Anthony Flott Shot ESPN commentator Jay Bilas sat California migration to Iowa and Dick reason has decided that instead of courtside at the Civic watching one of Vitale tabbed him as his midseason running from this situation, he’s college basketball’s most amazing player of the year. The Omaha World- embraced it and he’s tried to share it spectacles — Kyle Korver’s pregame Herald devoted an entire article to a with his teammates, and he’s tried to shoot-around. single play of Korver’s, dissecting his share it with students, and he’s tried to With his moppish blonde-dyed hair long pass to center Joe Dabbert in the share it with anybody else who wanted pushed out of his eyes and his white team’s MVC championship-game to come along.” tube socks pulled knee-high, Korver demolition of Southern Illinois. Heck, Certain themes emerged in the applied laser-guided precision to flat- even his mom’s baking talents were Korver coverage this year: The Family; footed set shots and jumpers, layups praised, a World-Herald food writer The Dedication; The Nice Guy; The and dunks, free throws and 3-pointers. publishing Laine Korver’s recipe for Servant; The Shot; The Legacy; and The Bilas, in Omaha with ESPN for CU’s “Melt-Away Cookies.” NBA. If he’s not Creighton’s best player “Bracket Buster Saturday” showdown After a season-long blitz of publicity, ever, certainly he’s the most talked with Fresno State, figures Korver took what’s left to be said? “To take it from about. 100 shots in all. another angle,” said CU Coach Dana And here’s what folks had to say. Ninety of them hit nothing but nylon. Altman, “I wouldn’t know where to go. Halfway through Korver’s paces, There’s been so much written on his The Family though, Fresno State took the court and family, him, his time here.” By now, Omahans probably know as the Pella Pistol called it quits. Bilas Part of that, said Altman, is a much about the Korvers as they do their wandered over and asked why. “I just reflection of the team’s glory. “I think own families. They know how his mom don’t think it’s a good idea to have them the big reason that Kyle got the once scored 74 points in a high school watching me drill shots,” Korver said, attention he did is that we beat Notre game. How she and Korver’s father, “and get the idea they should guard me Dame and we beat BYU and beat some Kevin, both played at Division III even closer than they already do.” of those teams early. And he played Central College in Pella, Iowa, as did Fat chance. Few players this past well, and it just kind of snowballed. The two uncles. They heard all the “son of a season were guarded more closely than media picked up on him and started preacher man” references, his father Korver — on and off the court. looking at his numbers, and we kept being a reverend at Pella’s Third Yes, the end was deflating, Central winning. If we had lost to Notre Dame, Reformed Church. That his mom stays Michigan delivering a first-round KO in he could have had a great year and home with his three younger brothers, the NCAA tourney. But what a ride. nobody would have noticed it.” Klayton, Kaleb and Kirk. That the

25 Summer 2003 Hot Shot

and be leaders of their own teammates. They’re an inspiration.” The Nice Guy Korver may wear size 14 shoes, but that doesn’t mean he has a big head, too, says fellow student Rick Neneman. “He’s a good kid,” said Neneman, who attended all but one of CU’s home games this year and the MVC tourney. “He’s one of the nicest kids at Creighton. He’s always real nice to people if they come up and talk to him. He won’t act like he’s too good for you.” Pivovar has seen his share of inflated egos while covering collegiate sports. Korver isn’t among them. “He’s probably the antithesis of the perception of the modern athlete,” Pivovar said. “The guy who … thinks he’s better than everybody else just because he can dribble a basketball or carry a football. Kyle’s definitely not that. He just wants

Photo by Dave Weaver to be part of the crowd. He doesn’t want Korver poses for pictures at the NCAA Selection Show party on campus. to separate himself from people, doesn’t want to separate himself from students. Korver clan followed Kyle hither and real typical of a lot of freshmen, a lot of And he’s been very giving of his time, yon in the family van throughout his first-year players.” not only with fans, but with reporters Creighton career, and that Klayton is Korver was scoreless in 10 minutes in and just anybody else who has … following him into the MVC (alas, to his first game and averaged just 3.1 needed to be a part of his life.” play for Drake). points in his first six outings. He struck Win or lose. Pivovar recalls that after As Kyle gained attention, so did his for 13 against Illinois State, was erratic CU’s loss to Evansville — a game that family. But that’s nothing new. “Being for a stretch, then closed with a flurry, cost the Bluejays the regular-season raised in a pastor’s family, in a smaller registering double figures in points in 12 MVC crown — Korver didn’t go into a town, people can kind of put you on of his final 19 games. He improved postgame pout. Instead, he remained on that pedestal,” said Laine, talking on her steadily from there. Korver led the team the court doing interviews and signing son’s birthday, St. Patrick’s Day. “We in scoring as a sophomore, and in autographs. Same thing after CU lost at tried to keep our kids and ourselves off points, rebounds, assists and steals as a SIU. “They just lost the conference that. You’re just set up for a fall.” junior. Same story as a senior, save for championship,” said Pivovar, “… but to Thus grounded, Korver took the ranking second in assists. Consistency leave the area he had to walk right adulation humbly. “A lot of it has to do was his hallmark; Korver ended his through the large group of Southern with his upbringing,” said Pivovar. career having scored in 114 straight Illinois fans, and a lot of them were games dating to midway through his standing there getting Kent Williams, The Dedication freshman season. the Southern Illinois star, getting his Kyle Korver didn’t show up as a “His all-around game has really autograph. And as Kyle approached ready-made All-American. It took some improved,” Altman said. “It was hard to and tried to get his way through, a lot of work. “I think everyone was concerned improve a lot on his shot … but he’s a those people broke off and they wanted about his strength,” Altman said. “He much better rebounder, a much better Kyle’s autograph.” was pretty thin. He was a 17-year-old defender. All facets of his game he has On their “I H8TE CR8GHTON” T- who was kind of young. We had to really taken pride on improving upon.” shirts, no less. project him down the line. We didn’t Much like one-time CU great Bob Korver kept signing. “He’s always know about his work ethic, didn’t know Portman, said ex-Bluejays Coach Red been a great gentleman,” said about his competitiveness.” McManus. “The two of them would McManus. He didn’t start so hot, either. “He never take it easy one day in practice,” didn’t get off to a great start his McManus said. “They’d work hard all The Servant freshman year,” Altman said. “But that’s the time and try to improve themselves That will draw no argument from

26 Summer 2003 Hot Shot

Bracket Buster Saturday. “He’s been nothing but wonderful throughout the whole thing,” said O’Donnell, BS’98. Korver fielded questions from each of the kids, asked them questions, ate lunch with them (sloppy joe day) and signed autograph after autograph. The kids also gave him a St. Sebastian medal (patron saint of athletes) and personal blessings, each one making the Sign of the Cross on Korver’s forehead. A regular church- goer (hey, his dad is a pastor) and member of Jays for Christ and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Korver was perfectly at ease. Photo by Dave Weaver “He goes to a lot of schools … a lot of Creighton coach Dana Altman sets the strategy during a timeout. Korver is in the foreground. youth groups and speaks,” Rasmussen Creighton Athletic Director Bruce Korver asking him to visit. He called said. “He makes himself available after Rasmussen. “A lot has been written O’Donnell, a Creighton alumna, almost every game for autographs. He’s really about what Kyle has accomplished,” two months later and arranged for a lost himself in this whole issue, and I Rasmussen said. “I’m more concerned surprise showing — on the eve of think that’s unique.” about what Kyle is. Kyle is very servant- Says Altman: “I think Kyle has been a oriented. A lot of times in basketball and great ambassador.” Korver, a true football, as you get elevated in status, “student-athlete,” graduated with a you expect people to wait on you and “He’s probably the degree in journalism and mass expect your needs to be addressed. A lot communication in May. of great athletes are very in-focused: The Shot ‘How do I make myself better?’ Kyle is antithesis of the Dana Altman first saw The Shot very out-focused. He is concerned about during a summer AAU tournament in his teammates.” perception of the Las Vegas in 1998. “We’d heard of him,” Not to mention the fifth-grade Altman recalled. “I liked the way he students at Omaha’s St. Vincent de Paul modern athelete.” shot the ball. That’s the first thing that grade school. The 30 kids in Carrie — Sportswriter Steve Pivovar catches anyone’s attention. When the O’Donnell’s class there wrote ball comes out of his hand, it looks Omaha World-Herald

Photo by Jeff Beiermann/ Photo by Jeff Creighton students and fans hoist Korver on their shoulders after the Bluejays won this year’s Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. 27 Summer 2003 Hot Shot

pretty good.” In a surprise visit the day before His pregame ritual ESPN’s Bilas also is a big fan of The Shot — especially after watching Korver Creighton’s game against Fresno I take a long shower. I sit and think of light up Fresno State for seven 3s. “This State in February, Kyle Korver visited the game. I put on my Jordans. I have guy’s the best shooter in the country,” Carrie O’Donnell’s fifth-grade class certain ones for big games. I get there a he said during the broadcast. “I don’t half-hour before anyone else. The trainer think it’s close.” Asked later about that at Omaha’s St. Vincent de Paul. tapes me. I shoot, get focused. Grilled by the students on various comment, Bilas made only a slight topics, the Bluejay star gave the What he’s reading modification. “I should have said he’s the best shooter unguarded,” he said. following replies: The “Left Behind” series. That’s getting kind of weird. “Fab Five.” That’s really “When he’s unguarded, he doesn’t miss. His Life good. I’ve seen all the great shooters this year, I wouldn’t be here without God. He … and over the years … this kid Korver is makes everything possible. I’m just very Favorite Holiday the best shooter. I’m not sure anyone’s thankful. It used to be St. Patrick’s Day. That’s my seen more focused defenses to stop a birthday. But we’ve had tough times player than he has.” Why he chose Creighton recently either losing or flying home after Korver backed that up in April, Creighton was the only school to offer a loss (on St. Patrick’s Day). So I’ll go with finishing second in ESPN’s 15th annual a scholarship. That was important to me. Christmas. Three-Point Championships. I didn’t want to have to pay. The mechanics of The Shot, Bilas said, Most embarrassing moment are the secret to his success. How he spends time alone I missed a dunk vs. UNO my “It’s an effortless shot and one clearly Go and drive, listen to music and relax. sophomore year in an exhibition. Walking he’s worked on. He’s got a gift. A high Shoot in the gym by myself. Think about around school the next week was kind of release. He gets it off quickly. He’s got a things. Lock myself in the room and tough. beat. He squares up very nicely. His hangout. Watch a movie. footwork is outstanding. Everything Greatest fear in life you’d want. He’s got as good a shot Where he wants to play in (A student yells “airball.”) There’s more from a technical standpoint as anyone the NBA to fear in life than just airballs. A family I’ve seen.” Somewhere warm. I’m not real picky. member dying. An accident happens. We Those mechanics make up for a body Playing for the Mavericks would be a lot take … things for granted. (6-foot-7, 210 pounds) that isn’t exactly of fun. Lakers. Winning a championship imposing. “Kyle’s not going to scare would be cool. you,” Bilas said. “But after he lights you up for 25, it’s too late.” Was he ever cut from a team? The payoff has been the record books. Freshman year (high school) I didn’t The Shot launched Korver to sixth all- start. That motivated me to work harder. time in NCAA history for career 3- The next year I got to play on the varsity. pointers (371) and 14th all-time in three- Where he’ll be in 10 years point accuracy (45.3 percent). Among I don’t know. Hopefully still playing players 6-7 or taller, no one’s been better. basketball somewhere. It’s what I enjoy The Legacy most. What I love. It may be impossible to say where Favorite place to eat Korver ranks among CU greats. Let’s Wow. St. Vincent’s is really good. say, though, that he’s in the game. “He’s I love the sloppy joes. I like Anthony’s one of the best that’s played here,” steakhouse. Any steakhouse. I’m a big fan McManus said. of steak. Certainly Korver’s got the numbers. But numbers don’t always tell the story. His Socks Bob Portman is fourth on the all-time I have no idea why I pull my socks up scoring list, but played only three years

so high. I really should stop because I get Photo by Dave Weaver (freshmen weren’t eligible). Same with Paul Silas, who is sixth in career scoring that question a lot. (But) I like it, and no Korver “high-fives” students at St. Vincent de Paul one else did it. during a visit to the Omaha grade school. and still tops in rebounds. The Dynamic Duo of Bob Harstad and Chad Gallagher are Nos. 2 and 3, respectively,

28 Summer 2003 Hot Shot

“He’ll make whatever adjustments he has to make. He’ll get stronger and get the ball on the floor more. I don’t have any doubt he can play.” “A lot (of people) say he needs to shore up on his defense and put the ball on the floor,” said Silas. “I don’t necessarily think that’s what’s needed. He just needs to improve on what he does best. He puts the ball in the hoop, and that’s going to bode well for him as he moves on to the next level. Like any young player, he has to do what he does best.” Kyle Korver in the NBA? You could say he’s got a good shot. Photo by Dave Weaver Korver shares a special moment with his mother, Laine, and father, Kevin, at Senior Night. The shot ... Korver ranks sixth all-time in NCAA history for among scorers, but they took stats from teams. That obviously has to be a big career 3-pointers with 371. each other. The parade of CU greats also check in his case.” includes Rick Apke, Vernon Moore, Benoit Benjamin, John C. Johnson, The NBA Kevin McKenna, Rodney Buford, etc. “If I had a draft pick,” Bilas said Altman points to Ryan Sears and Ben during the Creighton-Fresno St. game, Walker from Korver’s own era. “I’d use it on Kyle Korver.” And there’s the rub — comparing But what about the 29 teams that do different eras. have a pick in the June 26 NBA draft? “How do you compare what Paul When assessing Korver’s chances of Silas did in the ’60s to what Kyle’s making the NBA, some compare him to doing now? It’s a different game,” others. Silas said Korver can be similar Pivovar said. “It’s just so hard to to 6-9 forward Pat Garrity of the compare that year to this year. (Even) in Orlando Magic. “But with more the 10 years between now and back rebounding skills. He has the chance to when Harstad and Gallagher played.” be a good rebounder as well as a good Silas himself agrees, saying he defender.” Bilas draws comparisons to couldn’t repeat today his stats of 40 former longtime pros Jeff Hornacek and years ago. “Oh, no way,” said the man Dell Curry, both long-range who once nabbed 37 rebounds in one sharpshooters. game and who most recently coached Such talk is heady stuff for the folks New Orleans in the NBA. “Defenses are in Pella. “I always thought he would be so much better. Offenses are so much a very good player,” said his mother. more detailed. Our game was more run “(But) I didn’t know how good or how and gun. You had to get up a fair far this would go. Now we’re talking to amount of shots each game in order to pro agents? Oh, my gosh. He always do well. Nobody played zone at that had that inner drive and tenacity to time. It’s virtually impossible to average push himself and to work hard. 20 points and 20 rebounds. If a guy “And he’s always had that good averages 13, 14 rebounds (today), he’s shot.” a heck of a rebounder.” “For the most part,” said Bilas, “he’s

So where does all this put Korver? got something they covet, and they Omaha World-Herald “It’s the old cop-out,” Pivovar said. don’t have much better.” “He’s one of the best. If nothing else, Altman concedes Korver will have to he’s taken his team to places where no improve other areas of his game. “He

other Creighton person has taken their can’t make it on just his shot,” he said. Photo by Matt Miller/

X Summer 2003 Jesus, Scripture and the Ethics of War

The most compelling statement I have ever come across about war and peace is that “after Hiroshima, just war can never be the same, and after Auschwitz, pacifism can never be the same.”

Children stand behind barbed-wire fencing at Auschwitz during the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp in 1945. At left, a tall column of smoke billows above Hiroshima, Japan, after the atomic bomb strike by American forces on Aug. 6, 1945. AP Photos

30 Summer 2003 Jesus, Scripture and the Ethics of War

During the 2000 presidential response to the mob that brought an evil, as some translations of Matthew campaign, candidate George W. Bush adulterous woman before him, hoping 5:39 indicate? was asked what philosopher had most to expose his growing religious Not so, according to scripture scholar influenced his thinking. A born-again authority as a fraud. What would Jesus Walter Wink (see his The Powers That Be: Christian, then-Gov. Bush replied, do? He knelt down and doodled in the Theology for a New Millennium). How “Christ.” He didn’t elaborate on the sand. Why such surprising behavior? could Jesus bring salvation from sin if specifics. Perhaps we should have asked, What he didn’t resist and overcome it? Wink But if President Bush were to have an wouldn’t Jesus do? He wouldn’t suggests that Matthew 5:38-41 (part of imaginary colloquy with Jesus, as confront the angry crowd head on, on the Sermon on the Mount) is the key to Hillary Rodham Clinton reported its terms. He wouldn’t puff himself up understanding how Jesus would have having with her hero Eleanor Roosevelt, with all his moral and rhetorical might us resist evil so that God’s will might be what might Jesus say to the president and lambaste the accusers or the done and the kingdom made present on about the challenges facing the United accused. He didn’t make himself big. earth. First, “offer no resistance to the States after Sept. 11, 2001? What might He made himself small. He did the evildoer” (New American Bible) is Jesus say about Osama bin Laden’s unexpected, the mysterious (but very better translated, do not return evil for terrorism, Saddam Hussein’s penchant ordinary). He hunkered down. He evil, violence for violence. But how then for weapons of mass destruction or stalled for time, perhaps praying for are we to respond when aggression is North Korea’s nuclear threat? inspiration. Without so much as a single coming our way? Would he preach today as he did in word, he took charge. He rewrote the Why, in Matthew’s version, does first century Roman-occupied Palestine script. No one threw the first stone. Jesus specifically counsel turning the that his followers are to love their And the rest of the story is, quite other cheek when someone has struck neighbors as themselves, even if those literally, scripture. The tables were you on the right? Because, according to neighbors are enemies, and even if those turned. The angry accusers became the Wink, that suggests you have been Jesus, and theEthicsScriptureofWar By Roger Bergman, M.A., M.T.S., Director of the Justice and Peace Studies Program enemies are terrorists? Would he preach shame-faced accused. The scared slapped, backhanded, by a right-handed turning the other cheek and forgiving 70 accused became a sacred icon of rescue, person. You have been put in your times seven to the families who lost reprieve and release. Jesus made peace place, as Roman would have done to loved ones on 9/11? Or would he where there could have been ugly, Jew, master to servant, husband to wife, support ordering tens of thousands of religiously sanctioned violence. Nothing parent to child. Jesus is offering his troops to the Middle East to wage “pre- miraculous or supernatural, nothing advice in the hard case where a person emptive” war at an estimated cost of you or I couldn’t have done. Maybe the of lesser status and power is being $100 billion to $200 billion and who greatest tool for peacemakers is reprimanded by his or her “better.” knows how many lives? imagination and surprise. Why offer the left cheek? Because that What follows are images from the would require, from a right-handed Gospels and insights from the Christian Jesus Counsels Nonviolent person, a blow with a fist, mano a mano. tradition that might help us clarify our Resistance Because that would say, “If you want to thinking. But what about that turn-the-other- strike me, do not presume my cheek business? If Jesus isn’t around to inferiority. I resist, but I do not stoop to Jesus Makes Peace get us neatly out of scrapes as he did for your violence. I am your equal in The New Testament contains no the woman caught in adultery, do we dignity.” treatise on the subject of war, but it does have no choice but to roll over and play portray Jesus as a peacemaker. Perhaps doormat, and maybe end up dead? Did Power to the Powerless the most compelling image is of Jesus’ Jesus really counsel nonresistance to But what about “If anyone wants to

31 Summer 2003 Jesus, Scripture and the Ethics of War

so a centurion would know how far a Jew could be legally conscripted to carry the Roman officer’s heavy field pack. One humiliating but bearable mile, but no farther. What would Jesus have you do? “Go with him for two miles.” On your own initiative, force the centurion to break the law or beg you to put down his gear, maybe forcing him to chase after you. Now who’s in charge? Now who’s in trouble? Wink calls the strategy demonstrated in these three little scenes “Jesus’ third way,” neither flight (nonresistance) nor fight (violent resistance), but a kind of “moral jiujitsu” (nonviolent resistance) whereby the oppressed transforms the dynamics of oppression, lifting up his or her own dignity while exposing the pretense of the oppressor. It’s what Gandhi, inspired in part by the Sermon on the Mount, called satyagraha, soul-force or truth-force, and to which our unfortunately negative term “nonviolence” really doesn’t do justice. What are the weapons of the peacemaker inspired by Jesus’ third way? In defense of human dignity, we have at our disposal imagination, insight, presence of mind, surprise. What Would the Samaritan Do? But do these tactics always work? Might some situations be too far gone for these nonviolent weapons to be Art Resource effective? What would the Samaritan Perhaps the most compelling image of Jesus as peacemaker is his response to the mob that brought the do, as the influential Christian ethicist adulterous woman before him, depicted here in an 1840 painting by Emile Signol. Paul Ramsey once asked, if he had go to law with you over your tunic, the tunic be handed over permanently, arrived on the scene between Jerusalem hand him your cloak as well”? This time and Jesus counsels the debtor, give him and Jericho not after but while the the imagined scene is a court of law, your cloak or inner garment as well. beating was going on? How would he perhaps the village gate. The elders are With perhaps the whole village demonstrate compassion, even to an gathered to hear the case of a creditor watching, strip yourself and show enemy, and so attain salvation if against a debtor who is in arrears. A everyone just how greedy the rich ongoing brutality was the scene facing tunic or outer garment has been given lender really is. Strip him of his him? as collateral, which suggests why the respectability. In that culture, says Wink, Presumably, Jesus would have the debtor needed a loan in the first place nakedness would have been as Samaritan try every nonviolent means — he’s so poor the tunic is his most shameful to the beholder as to the one possible. He would plead, yell for help, valuable possession, serving not only unclothed. Again, the socially inferior try to distract the assailant, insert as his coat but probably also as his and presumably powerless person has himself between the aggressor and his bedroll. That’s why Deuteronomy trumped the status of the oppressor, and victim, throw sticks — even beat him 24:10-13 and Exodus 22:25-26 prescribe done so without violence, which might with a stick — all in a nonlethal manner. that the creditor must return the have backfired anyway. Perhaps if he were a honey merchant, garment each night, so that the poor And who could press you into what he could pour his inventory all over the debtor won’t be without protection kind of service for one mile? Even today, bandit in hopes of sweetening him up against the night’s cold. milestones can be spied on ancient and slowing him down. Talk about But now a creditor is demanding that Roman roads in the Holy Land. That’s surprise!

32 Summer 2003 Jesus, Scripture and the Ethics of War

But what if this guy were a real worldly empire won out over loyalty to from Augustine, Aquinas, other sociopath (and a behemoth besides) and the kingdom of God made visible theologians and Pope Pius XII, the U.S. just became further enraged? What if it whenever Christians give witness to it bishops articulate seven criteria, all of became clear that such interventions with their lives. which must be met if going to war is to would only lead to two brutalized But other Christians, indeed the be morally justified. (1) There must be bodies or even two corpses instead of church’s mainstream tradition since the just cause, and only the defense of one? What if my neighbor-who-is-the- time of Augustine, and including human life and rights against unjust aggressor can only be stopped from Aquinas, Luther and Calvin, propose aggression qualify. (2) There must be killing my neighbor-who-is-the-victim that there may be tragic occasions when right intention, the pursuit of peace and by delivering a potentially fatal blow? lethal force may or even must be used to justice, and not, for example, the What would the Samaritan do? Would defend human life against aggression. humiliation of the enemy. (3) There Jesus permit the coup de grace, if there Justice is the value that distinguishes must be comparative justice on the side were no other way? Could there be any permissible killing from impermissible of the defenders, but there must be no grace, any love, in such an act, however murder. The fifth commandment (the illusion of absolute justice, no necessarily but reluctantly performed? sixth in the Jewish, Orthodox and temptation to a crusade or holy war Is killing in defense of the innocent ever God’s will? Defending My Neighbor Is killing in It is often pointed out that Jesus did not defend himself against unjust defense of the accusation and lethal violence at the hands of the collaborationist Jerusalem authorities and the representatives of innocent ever imperial Rome. Granted. But that is not our question. Would Jesus have used God’s will? lethal force to defend his friends or an innocent stranger against unjust attack? Protestant traditions), as interpreted by I do not know. I wish Jesus had left the Catholic Church and all other clearer instructions. I do know that this churches except the pacifist traditions is one of the thorniest questions in such as the Mennonites and Quakers, is Christian ethics. I do know that by and not absolute. It prohibits murder (the large the early Church adopted the directly intended destruction of position of nonresistance when innocent human life) but not all killing. persecuted. Some of the early saints and theologians were what today we would The Just War Tradition describe as pacifists, as they believed No fuller official account of this that soldiering and discipleship were Christian perspective on war and peace incompatible. The very first model of can be found than in the United States Christian holiness was martyrdom. Catholic bishops’ pastoral letter of 1983, But it’s one thing to abjure self- The Challenge of Peace: God’s Promise and defense so as to imitate the passion of Our Response. Four assertions set the Christ, quite another to refuse to defend stage for a lengthy discussion. The first an otherwise defenseless neighbor. This echoes Wink’s objection to “offer no was the state of the question for St. resistance.” Christians, say the bishops, Ambrose of Milan and St. Augustine of have no choice but to resist evil, Hippo in the fourth and fifth centuries, including unjust aggression. The only after Christianity was first legalized, in choice is how. Second, the bishops insist the year 313, and then established as the that there is a presumption against state religion of Rome, in the year 380. It violence and a preference for has not escaped the notice of modern nonviolence as a response. But third, in Christian pacifists that the Christian just extreme and tragic situations, that war tradition originated when presumption may be overridden and

discipleship and citizenship first became lethal force used as a last resort. And AP Photo/Jassim Mohammed competing loyalties. They would call the fourth, such force must be limited by How would Jesus deal with ruthless dictators Constantinian revolution a fall from the very justice it seeks to defend. like Saddam Hussein, shown here during a grace. They would say that loyalty to Making use of the thinking inherited military parade in Baghdad in December 2000?

33 Summer 2003 Jesus, Scripture and the Ethics of War

ideology. (4) There must be a realistic expectation of positive proportionality between the benefits to be attained (harms avoided) and the harms to be inflicted. (5) There must be a reasonable hope of success, lest lives be lost in vain. (6) War may be entered into only as a last resort, after every reasonable nonviolent approach has been tried and found ineffective. And finally, (7) only competent authority, those with responsibility for the common good, may make such momentous decisions. These criteria, known as jus ad bellum (the law or justice of going to war) are complemented by another category, known as jus in bello (the just conduct of war). Not only the war as a whole, but each battle, strategy and tactic must adhere to the criterion of proportionality. Right intention should also figure as an in bello as well as an ad bellum criterion. And, especially relevant in this age of weapons of mass destruction, innocent citizens in the enemy state must not be targeted. That would be murder. This is the well-

known principle of noncombatant AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis immunity or discrimination. If the cause Pope John Paul II, shown here at a 1997 Mass at Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, could be considered is justice, if the whole point is to protect one of the world’s most ardent advocates of nonviolent resistance. innocent human life, then it matters not which side those lives are on. A justified casualties, but it does promise to limit it. referring to the 1991 Gulf War: “No, war can become unjust if these criteria On the other hand, as Notre Dame never again war, which destroys the are not observed. ethicist George Lopez has pointed out, lives of innocent people, teaches how precision guidance also makes possible to kill, throws into upheaval even the Just War Today the targeting of civilian infrastructure — lives of those who do the killing and The criteria of proportionality and public services — upon which the leaves behind a trail of resentment and discrimination have led some to believe military depends. This is exactly what hatred, thus making it all the more that a just war in the contemporary transpired in the 1991 Gulf War. difficult to find a just solution of the context is impossible. The letter of the According to Lopez, 10 months after the very problems which provoked the war.” U.S. Catholic bishops, for example, has armistice, “almost as many Iraqis ... had Having lived under the totalitarian been described as advocating what has died from the results of the bombing as oppression of both the Nazis and the been called “nuclear pacifism.” They died during the six weeks of actual Communists, John Paul II can hardly be cannot imagine how nuclear weapons fighting.” By the end of the next year, described as naive about worldly realities. could be used in a limited, “more than a hundred thousand Iraqi Rather, one of the contemporary realities proportionate or discriminate way. Just civilians died from the lack of clean that seems most to have impressed the war, maybe; nuclear war, never. water and sewage disposal, and the Pope, as recorded in Centisimus Annus, With the 1991 Persian Gulf War, breakdown of electrical service to is the decisive role nonviolence played however, sophisticated weapons hospitals.” Because of the ensuing in bringing down communism in guidance technology seems to have epidemics, this amounts to a form of Europe. His own role in the fall of the taken the argument in the opposite indiscriminate biological warfare. One regime in his Polish homeland is justly direction. So-called “smart bombs” can might well ask, what did we think was celebrated. The Catholic Church can be targeted at military facilities and going to be the result? also take credit for playing a significant away from civilian populations with role in the nonviolent ouster of the considerable precision. That, of course, Is There a Better Way? dictators Ferdinand Marcos in the does not eliminate “collateral damage,” Pope John Paul II, in his 1991 encyclical Philippines and Augusto Pinochet in a euphemism for unintended civilian letter Centisimus Annus, declared, Chile.

34 Summer 2003 Jesus, Scripture and the Ethics of War Photo by Dave Weaver Creighton faculty, students, staff and Jesuits gathered in silent prayer on the steps of St. John’s Church during a Witness for Peace rally in February.

Nonetheless, the Pope also favored both the book (published by St. Martin’s humanitarian military intervention in Press) and the three-hour PBS Bosnia, East Timor and Central Africa to As much planning, documentary series by the same name. disarm the aggressors and to establish As much planning, preparedness, peace. His attitude toward force is preparedness, discipline and courage would be obviously complex. That’s why Jesuit discipline and required to wage nonviolent resistance ethicist Drew Christiansen has called as now goes into military operations. John Paul II a “just war pacifist.” While courage would be Such a transformation obviously not absolutely ruling out the use of force represents a long-term vision. In the as a last resort in defense of human life, required to wage meantime, the just-war tradition he might well now be thought of, along provides Christian citizens and all with Archbishop Desmond Tutu of nonviolent people of good will with a substantial South Africa and the Dalai Lama, both ethical perspective by which to enter Nobel Peace Prize recipients, as one of resistance as now into public debate about U.S. military the world’s most ardent advocates of policy and conduct. nonviolent resistance. goes into military What would Jesus do about tyrants The most compelling statement I have like Saddam Hussein? Maybe we’re ever come across about war and peace operations. only beginning to imagine an is that “after Hiroshima, just war can answer. never be the same, and after Auschwitz, of force. On the other hand, perhaps pacifism can never be the same.” But what John Paul II is pointing us toward About the Author: Bergman directs the what would that look like? is a third alternative that is only Justice & Peace Studies Program in the Just-war-pacifism is, of course, a beginning to emerge in the examples, Creighton College of Arts & Sciences and logical contradiction. One cannot such as the Solidarity movement in teaches a course on “Christian Ethics of War simultaneously endorse an absolute and Poland, chronicled in A Force More & Peace.” a relative presumption against the use Powerful: A Century of Nonviolent Conflict,

35 Summer 2003 Literature and the Environment Literature Environmentand the EnvironmentBy Bridget Keegan, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chair of the English Department By Bridget Keegan, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chair of the English Department

“The Poetry of Earth is never dead” — From John Keats’

© Fine Art Photographic Library, London/Art Resource, NY London/Art Resource, Art Photographic Library, © Fine On the Grasshopper and the Cricket

X Summer 2003 Literature and the Environment

O Nature, Nature, hearken to my Cry, During the past 10 years, within the perspective. Perhaps because of this, Each Minute, wounded am, but cannot die. discipline of literary studies, interest in many literary historians tend to privilege My Children which I from my Womb did bear, nature writing and “ecocriticism” has these more modern writers, whose Do dig my Sides, and all my Bowels tear: dramatically increased, as more perspectives more closely resemble Do plow deep Furrows in my very Face, environmentally aware professors and modern “green” political opinions. From Torment, I have neither time, nor place. students enter the academy. A growing body of scholarship has No other Element is so abused, Yet even as the general area of study debated the question of the forms and Nor by Mankind so cruelly is used. has increased, contention has flared over genres of proper “ecoliterature.” what should, or should not, be Harvard scholar, Lawrence Buell, for ❧ categorized as “nature writing” and instance, in his study The Environmental The lines quoted above are from a what the objectives of environmental Imagination: Thoreau, Nature Writing, and poem titled Earth’s Complaint. The literary studies should be. Does simply the Formation of American Culture, lists poet here speaks as the Earth herself, including a forest or a flower in the four separate conditions that a poem or bemoaning how mankind has “background” make an author a story must meet to be considered an plundered her resources and blighted “nature writer”? Does an author need to “environmental text.” First and foremost, her appearance. represent a particular political point of Buell stipulates that in an environmental Such sentiments might very easily view in how that forest or flower was text: “The nonhuman environment is strike a chord with a 21st century reader, described? In teaching students about present not merely as a framing device concerned, as so many of us are, with the history of literary representations of but as a presence that begins to suggest environmental issues such as the nature, do professors have an obligation that human history is implicated in depletion of the ozone layer or the to model for students such “green” natural history.” This rules out texts in erosion of the rich topsoil of the awareness in their classrooms and in which nature is just “backdrop,” but Midwestern prairies. Yet these words their political and ethical conduct in includes texts in which nature has an were penned in 1653 by Margaret Lucas other areas of their lives? impact on human life and vice versa. Cavendish, the Duchess of Newcastle. Part of the dilemma surrounding the Similarly, British critic Jonathan Bate The poem, included in her collection teaching of literary works devoted to writes in The Song of the Earth that true Poems and Fancies, is one of many nature stems from the fact that the very ecoliterature is “not a description of adopting what we would today identify word “nature” itself has such a broad dwelling with the earth, not a as an “ecocentric” ethical position — range of meanings. disengaged thinking about it, but an one which questions humanity’s sense To earlier authors, “nature” denotes experience of it.” This emphasis on the of superiority over nature, and our primarily the inherent qualities of a recording of the experiential and, in sense of unquestioning entitlement to person or thing — what makes that particular, the sensory and affective natural resources. Several of the poems entity unique. With respect to people, it dimension of the relationship between in the collection debate mankind’s right can refer to someone’s innate character the human and the nonhuman has to chop down trees, to hunt harmless (as in “she’s moody; that’s just her become increasingly central. animals such as the hare or to treat nature”). It can also refer to the totality Patrick D. Murphy, however, in animals with cruelty. of all things in the universe. These older Farther Afield in the Study of Nature- Cavendish’s empathetic attitude definitions present “nature” as Oriented Literature attempts to create a toward nature may be due to the fact something static, unchanging. much more specific classification, that she was not just a poet. She was The more modern meaning of the differentiating “nature writing” (which also one of the earliest women scientists term, which gained currency in the is largely nonfictional, such as natural in England and the first woman middle of the 18th century, envisions history or travel writing) from “nature admitted into the elite British Royal nature as a force, as something dynamic literature” (poetry and fictional writing Academy (and the only one for 300 and ever changing. describing nature). Both of these are years afterward). While Cavendish’s In their thinking about nature, earlier distinct from “environmental writing” version of science would certainly strike authors were more heavily influenced (which is nonfictional, polemical and today’s biologist as old-fashioned, one by the tenets of Christian theology, works to effect social change) and of the things that Cavendish’s poetry which clearly saw humanity as superior “environmental literature” (which also proves is that, often, literature can be to (and often responsible for) the rest of works toward altering values but does just as powerful and persuasive as creation in a “great chain of being.” so through fictional or poetic media). scientific research in helping us to Writers from the early 19th century Regardless of how one classifies it, become more aware of our relationship onward, who were more cognizant of one of the most exciting dimensions of to the natural world around us. scientific knowledge, adopted a more looking at nature or the environment in What Cavendish also teaches is that secular point of view and were more literature is how it allows one to literature that draws attention to nature likely to question the more traditional discover new texts and authors as well and to environmental issues can be hierarchical view. Instead of placing as rediscover old ones. found long before its assumed human needs and desires above that of Many familiar stories and poems can beginnings with the major works of the rest of the planet, some began to be productively reinterpreted from an William Wordsworth or Henry David adopt what environmental ethicists ecocritical point of view. Mary Shelley’s Thoreau in the early 19th century. would today call an ecocentric Frankenstein, for instance, remains the

Opposite page, The Waterfall by Clarence Roe (1870-1909). 37 Summer 2003 Literature and the Environment

most significant modern allegory of the dangers of scientific tampering with Mother Nature. It is a clear cautionary tale for the unpredictability and possible perils of scientific hubris in attempting to control or replace nature’s processes. Even J.R.R. Tolkien’s popular The Lord of the Rings trilogy contains a powerful environmentalist message. The green and pleasant land that is the Hobbits’ Shire is threatened by what can only be described as Sauron’s earth-destroying military-industrial complex. When the very trees begin marching to exact revenge on the Dark Lord, Tolkien’s ecopolitics are hard to miss. Reading with an ecocritical perspective allows one to appreciate classics of American literature in a new light, as well. For example, while John Steinbeck’s epic of the Great Depression, The Grapes of Wrath, certainly makes a Oklahoma. 1946.4 Art, Tulsa, Museum of © The Philbrook Museum Purchase clear statement about social justice, it is Erosion No. 2. Mother Earth Laid Bare (1936) by American artist Alexandre Hogue (1898-1994). important to remember that given the novel’s emphasis on agriculture, how These writers include Mary Austin, author writing, as it frequently articulates an humans interact with one another is of the poignant and precise essays on the ecocentric ethic, one that regards all deeply linked with how they interact desert Southwest, in The Land of Little living beings as sacred. This ethic is with the land. Rain, and John Muir, who wrote wide- reflected in the sacred poetry of many America’s vast and varied landscapes ranging stories from The Mountains of Native American tribes, as well as in have produced some of the most popular California to his Travels in Alaska. autobiographical narratives, such as nature writers of the 20th century, who The writing of many of the Native Lakota Sioux writer Luther Standing are becoming more well-known as American peoples is also of great Bear’s My People the Sioux (1928). interest in environmental literature grows. interest to scholars of environmental Nebraska has contributed several

Literature and the So in my search for a suitable text, it one of my mentors, Professor James was important to me that whatever McKusick of the University of Maryland, Environment: book I chose include selections from a nationally recognized expert on The Course both British and American writers. Romantic-period nature writing, and Six years ago, I volunteered to teach a Although I searched a good deal, I invited him to join me on the project. Our course in the English Department titled discovered that there was no book in proposal for the anthology was quickly Literature and the Environment (ENG print that met my class’s needs. When I accepted by Prentice Hall and we set to 381). In preparing for the course, I began met that semester with Chris Barker, work immediately, selecting authors a search for an anthology of poems, from publisher Prentice Hall, I mentioned and texts that we wanted to include, stories and essays to use as the primary my fruitless search. Chris asked if I had from the Renaissance to the present. textbook for the class. considered creating the anthology I was During the following spring semester, While I very much wanted to study seeking and publishing it with Prentice while I was beginning work compiling those great classics of nature writing, Hall. After all, in searching for resources, and editing the anthology, I had the such as Walden, I wanted to offer to I had found that there were many other pleasure of teaching ENG 381, testing students a broad historical overview of universities besides Creighton that were out some of the texts I wished to the varieties of ways that writers from offering courses on literature and the highlight in the anthology on a group of ancient times to the present had engaged environment or on nature writing. If the Creighton students. I was able to gauge in writing about and representing the book I envisioned was something that I their enthusiasm and interest in a natural world. might find useful, it might be a good variety of different works and learn I felt strongly that a good deal of the resource for other teachers and students which poems and stories spoke most earlier American writing about nature, across the country. profoundly to them. such as Emerson’s essential essays, was I realized the project was too much I was also able to make new discoveries deeply influenced by British literature. work for just one person. So I contacted through the students’ research projects

38 Summer 2003 Literature and the Environment important authors to the tradition of the the environment and nature writing are the one who is eating sugar out of my hand, literature of nature. Willa Cather’s cropping up at universities across the who is moving her jaws back and forth fiction, such as O Pioneers!, explores and country. At Creighton, my own course, instead of up and down — questions the impact of the “manifest English 381: Literature and the who is gazing around with her enormous destiny” of westward expansion on Environment, is an elective option for and complicated eyes. both the land and the people dwelling students pursuing environmental Now she lifts her pale forearms and on it. And Loren Eiseley’s magnificent studies degrees. thoroughly washes her face. essays, such as The Bird and the Machine, Just as Margaret Cavendish did in the Now she snaps her wings open, clearly demonstrate how the eye of the 17th century, a poet such as Mary Oliver and floats away. scientist and the poet can complement in the 21st century offers us a reminder I don’t know exactly what a prayer is. one another in exploring our of our connection to and responsibility I do know how to pay attention, how to fall relationship to the world around us. for the world around us. While the work down into the grass, how to kneel down in After the 1960s, as environmentalist of environmental scientists and political the grass, how to be idle and blessed, how to causes gained prominence on the national activists can help us to understand our stroll through fields, which is what I have and international political agenda, thanks impact on nature and guide us in how been doing all day. to watershed studies like Rachel Carson’s to act to preserve the environment, it is Tell me, what else should I have done? Silent Spring, we have witnessed a real the poets and writers who can help to Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon? flourishing of novels and poems make us feel more deeply our Tell me, what is it you plan to do devoted to nature. Many of these titles relationship to nature. with your one wild and precious life? and authors are well-known: Annie Writing of her encounter with a simple ❧ Dillard’s Pilgrim at Tinker Creek; Edward grasshopper in the poem The Summer Day, For more information on nature Abbey’s Desert Solitaire or The Monkey Oliver is able to transform this experience writing, including several good Wrench Gang; Leslie Marmon Silko’s into an understanding of the sacred bibliographies, visit the website for the Ceremony; M. Scott Momaday’s House quality of all life, and to reveal how it Association for the Study of Literature Made of Dawn or The Way to Rainy exists, all around us, if we only pay and the Environment (ASLE) at Mountain; or Jane Smiley’s A Thousand attention to it. www.asle.umn.edu. Acres, to name just a few. Among the ❧ poets, Seamus Heaney, Gary Snyder, Maxine Kumin and Mary Oliver are Who made the world? some of the most widely read. Who made the swan, and the black bear? With such a wealth of materials to Who made the grasshopper? choose from, it is not surprising that This grasshopper, I mean — courses on green writing, literature and the one who has flung herself out of the grass, for the class. For their final project, I the authors we studied by keeping what the intermediary of the written word assigned students to research and write I called a “Green Writing Notebook.” both helped and hindered their sense of about an author who wrote about the This assignment asked students to go their place in their natural world. students’ own “local environment.” outside and into the natural world to While the class was just a small Thus, for instance, I was able to learn think and write about their sense of their seminar, it was one of the most about writers such as Linda place in it. While they were certainly rewarding I have taught in my nearly Hasselstrom, who writes about the allowed to use that week’s assigned 20-year career. I was honored to work same ranching life in South Dakota that reading as a starting point, I gave them with students from both the English one of my students grew up experiencing. wide latitude to write whatever and Department and the Department of I was also able to field-test however they felt moved, provided it Environmental Sciences, and I have to assignments for the students. I believe connected with our general topic of the confess that the EVS students gave the strongly that what makes so much of human relation to nature. I gave them English majors a run for their money the nature writing we were studying so the freedom to be creative, to write poems when it came to incredibly beautiful and powerful has to or songs, to draw pictures, to include sheer creativity. do with the writer’s immediate and samples of leaves or feathers, however When I sensory engagement with the world they wished to document their active finished the around him or her. I felt it was essential engagement with nonhuman nature. anthology, nearly not to limit our study of environmental I too kept a notebook alongside the two years after texts to the closed setting of the students, and we often began class that course, I classroom. Thus, instead of asking reading to one another from our dedicated the students to merely write about the writings. Thus students both studied book to the authors we were studying, I asked them nature writing and began to create it students in to engage the world around them like themselves, so as to fully explore how that class.

39 Summer 2003 Development News

Scholarship “The scholarship will help celebrate his Gifts Celebrate contributions.” Pays Tribute to Anderson graduated from the Scientific University of Washington in 1981. He was Anderson selected for NASA’s astronaut program in Achievement, December 1994. In 1998, he was a mission Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson’s name specialist aboard the space shuttle Donor’s Father will grace a new endowed scholarship. Endeavour. Anderson became the first Creighton University president the African-American aboard the Russian When John A. Brodston, BS’73, MD’80, Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J., announced space station Mir when the Endeavour gave to Creighton memorabilia from two the establishment of a scholarship in docked with it. of the world’s greatest intellectuals, he memory of Anderson, honored a man he also considers among MS’90, an astronaut who the great, his father. died aboard the space Brodston made gifts of original shuttle Columbia on photographs of Enrico Fermi, Ph.D., who Feb. 1. He was 43. received the Nobel Prize in physics in The scholarship fund, 1938, and Charles Proteus Steinmetz, the which accepts additional father of electrical engineering. gifts, will support Brodston said the Fermi piece is one of students studying only three known autographed photo- physics, the department graphs of the physicist. The Steinmetz from which Anderson piece includes a separate autograph. earned a master’s degree. Brodston said setting a value on such rare “It would be difficult to pieces is difficult, but that he had refused find an individual who significant offers for the Fermi items. better exemplifies alumni Robert Kennedy, Ph.D., Brodston’s for- achievement,” Fr. Schlegel mer physics professor, accepted the pieces said. “Michael Anderson on behalf of the University. was a physics pioneer. “These gifts mean a great deal to us,” The University is a pioneer in higher education. Memorializing Michael’s name and Irish Books Find example through a Creighton scholarship is a Home at CU gift to future generations. We want to ensure that Just as the Creighton family came to his name lives on in America from Ireland, ultimately settling perpetuity.” in Omaha, a collection of rare Irish books The Rev. Thomas has completed a years-long odyssey,

McShane, S.J., directed Photo courtesy of NASA finding a home at the University bearing Anderson’s master’s Anderson floats upside down inside Endeavour holding a Creighton the Creighton name. degree research. He pennant during his first space flight in 1998. When Maureen Brady, BA’60, MS’69, remembers him as a heard that the Columban Fathers near special student who took a day off from The 16-day Columbia flight, for which Bellevue, Neb., wanted to donate some work to give a Creighton group a private Anderson was payload commander, was Irish language books, she immediately tour of the Kennedy Space Center. a dedicated science and research mission thought of Creighton. Anderson received the University’s during which the crew successfully “I thought Creighton was a particularly prestigious Alumni Merit Award in 1998. conducted approximately 80 experiments. fitting home for the books, especially His U.S. Air Force honors include the Gifts to the fund may be sent to with its Irish heritage and Irish Studies Undergraduate Pilot Training Academic Creighton University, Office of program,” said Brady, president of the Achievement Award, the Defense Development, Michael P. Anderson Omaha chapter of the Irish-American Superior Service Medal and the Scholarship Fund, 2500 California Plaza, Cultural Institute. “As a Creighton Meritorious Service Medal. Omaha, Neb., 68178. For more graduate who shares its Irish heritage, I “He certainly made a fine impression information, please call (800) 334-8794 am thrilled that these books will be on the University,” Fr. McShane said. or (402) 280-2740. preserved and used.” The collection contains rare volumes,

40 Summer 2003 Development News

Kennedy said. “We look forward to tough as nails. He was known for his hard and persevered to overcome displaying them prominently in the new physical power, inner resolve and personal and professional setbacks, like science complex to inspire future personal courage, which he repeatedly Fermi and Steinmetz. When I selected the generations.” displayed in his last days in his battle first items for donation, I chose these two Brodston also donated items the with cancer. He admired scientific because I knew my father would have scientists used in research, including scholars as well as people who worked approved of the choices.” Fermi pieces from the University of Brodston also gave Creighton a set of Chicago where he conducted the world’s noteworthy, mint condition, 1806 Greek first nuclear chain reaction while to English translations of accounts of the involved in World War II’s Manhattan Peloponnesian War to mark his father’s Project. fondness for military history. The Brodston, who lives in Centerville, Department of Classical and Near Ohio, is a U.S. Air Force flight surgeon. Eastern Studies accepted the texts on He presented the gifts in memory of his behalf of the University. father, George, who attended Creighton The gifts are among the first that in the 1940s. Brodston plans to donate from an As a kicker, George Brodston scored extensive collection of rare books and the last point in the history of Creighton items of historical significance that he football. After serving with the Marines began 30 years ago. Creighton will in World War II, the senior Brodston receive the bulk of the collection, with Photo by Creighton Media Services Photo by Creighton played professional football and was a select museums and other universities recruiter for many professional and John A. Brodston, BS’73, MD’80, center, presents two receiving some pieces. books on the Peloponnesian War to his alma mater. “I owe a lot to the old school, the college sports organizations. For more Accepting the books are, left, Leonard J. Greenspoon, than 30 years, he coached boys and girls Ph.D., professor of Near Eastern languages and teachers and my fellow students who at Omaha’s St. Joseph and Archbishop civilizations, and Geoffrey Bakewell, Ph.D., associate helped me while I was there,” Brodston Ryan high schools. professor of classics. Greenspoon holds the Philip M. said. “I will never forget their generous “His former players and students often & Ethel Klutznick Endowed Chair in Jewish support. This is one small way of show- Civilization. Bakewell serves as chair of the ing my appreciation to my father and tell me how much they admired their old Department of Classical and Near Eastern Studies. coach,” Brodston said. “My father was Creighton University at the same time.”

Ms. Brady and the Columban Other books include an Irish language Fathers for this wonderful psalter, or prayer book, published in 1825, gift,” said David Gardiner, titled Un tPsaltair, and Searc-Leanmain Ph.D., assistant professor of Criost or The Imitation of Christ, first English and director of Irish written in 1418, published in Irish in 1886. Studies at Creighton. “It In addition to the literary and provides Creighton with a ecclesiastical works, the collection solid foundation to build a includes reference and instruction books. collection on par with those Pieces from the collection will offer a at larger East Coast unique perspective of Ireland to students universities. We have the in the Irish literature track of the English nucleus of what could major and in conjunction with Photo by Creighton Media Services Photo by Creighton become a very important Creighton’s summer school at Trinity Left to right are David Gardiner, Ph.D.; Nainsi Houston, Ph.D., collection of Irish first-edition College, Dublin. Gardiner said the assistant professor of English; Maureen Brady; and Timothy Austin, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. works.” collection already has become a valuable The collection created a resource for scholars throughout the including a book published before the buzz among Irish studies global Irish studies community. Great Famine and some dating to 1825. scholars throughout the academic world. The Reinert Alumni Memorial Several extremely valuable, first-edition “The Mhac an tSaoi and the O Direain Library’s Rare Book Room will house copies of the most important 20th century titles are the most important in the the newly created collection. Irish language authors and a copy of the collection,” according to Dr. Philip If you have volumes that you believe Synoptic Gospels in Irish also contribute O’Leary, associate professor of English will further Creighton’s rare book to the collection. The Columban Fathers and Irish Studies at Boston College. collection, please contact the Office of brought many of these books from “Several editions of the songbook An Lon Development at (402) 280-2741. Ireland when they immigrated in 1918. Dubh, or The Blackbird, were published, so “I cannot express enough gratitude to an early imprint is all the more valuable.”

41 Summer 2003 Development News

Charitable Gift annuity is a simple contract between you income but would like to begin building and Creighton. In exchange for your a future stream of income, the University Annuity: Is One irrevocable contribution, the University also offers deferred charitable gift agrees to pay you, or you and another annuities. This option allows you to make Right for You? person you designate, a fixed sum an irrevocable gift and receive an annually for life. The payments are immediate charitable income tax Maybe the time is right for you to customarily made on a quarterly schedule contribution deduction, but delay annual consider a charitable gift annuity. With and deposited directly into your bank payments until a specified future date. falling interest rates, charitable gift account. The annuity payment rate and The longer you delay the payments, the annuities have become increasingly charitable deduction are based on the age greater your charitable deduction and the popular for of each beneficiary on the day the annuity higher the annual payment. individuals who is funded. The older the annuitant, the If you would like additional want to secure a greater the amount of annual payments. information on how to take advantage of dependable stream The minimum amount for a Creighton the attractive rates now available through of fixed income University charitable gift annuity is the Creighton University charitable gift and also make a $10,000. There is no limit to the number annuity program, please call the Office of future gift to of annuities you may establish. Annuities Estate and Trust Services at (402) 280-1143 support Creighton can be funded with cash or publicly or (800) 334-8794, or e-mail University. traded securities and, in some cases, with [email protected]. If you would like In addition to highly marketable real estate. to write, the address is 2500 California the attractive If you are not looking for immediate Plaza, Omaha, Neb., 68178. Photo by Monte Kruse, BA’83 Photo by Monte Kruse, Scholer payment rate, charitable gift annuities offer several other distinct tax Immediate Charitable Gift Annuity advantages. Because the University Table 1 receives the remaining balance of the Life 1 Life 2 annuity upon its termination, a Age Amount Annuity Rate Deduction Ages Amount Annuity Rate Deduction percentage of the annuity entitles you to 60 $10,000 6.0% $2,020.70 60-60 $10,000 5.6% $1,054.00 an immediate charitable contribution 70 $10,000 6.7% $3,298.10 70-70 $10,000 6.1% $2,302.70 deduction. Another benefit for many is 80 $10,000 8.3 % $4,439.80 80-80 $10,000 7.1% $3,688.10 that a portion of each annuity payment is often tax-free. (Both the charitable deduction and the tax-free portion of Deferred Charitable Gift Annuity your annuity payment are determined by an IRS calculation, which we will be glad Table 2 to illustrate in a personalized, no- Age Amount Annuity Rate Deduction obligation proposal for you.) 45 deferred to 75 $10,000 32.8% $4,587.30 Now that you know some of the 55 deferred to 75 $10,000 20.1% $4,843.90 benefits associated with charitable gift 65 deferred to 75 $10,000 12.1% $4,819.60 annuities, how do they work? A gift

Personal Loss Leads her family to cancer. The disease left her “She maintained her mind and sense of without immediate family. humor,” he continued. “She lived in her to Research Gift Hacker died in May 2002 at age 100. own home without assistance until the Cancer. It’s a harsh word with a harsh Upon her death, she bequeathed half her year before her death. She was a very reality for millions of people. For some, estate to Creighton for cancer research. private lady.” it presents a life-threatening challenge “She was one of the nicest ladies I have Hacker lost her husband, her sister and that they can overcome through surgery ever known,” said John Respeliers, JD’54, her son-in-law to cancer. Her only and months of varying treatments. For Hacker’s attorney. daughter died in 1996. others, it means certain and untimely She grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Hacker designated that her estate death. but lived in Omaha for more than 40 should fund cancer research and research Blanche Hacker lost too many people in years, Respeliers said. leading to pain relief for cancer sufferers.

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Scholarship Fund scholastic intern. Following graduation, courtroom.” he joined the Clark County, Nevada, Providing scholarships, Campbell said, Pays Tribute to District Attorney’s Office where he opens opportunities for deserving prosecuted several high-profile crime students who could not otherwise attend Professors cases. In 1981, he was named Assistant Creighton. United States Attorney, later becoming “I like to think that my firm uses the As landmark cases pepper his law chief of the Organized Crime/Drug tools and skills of the law profession in career, Donald J. Campbell, JD’78, Enforcement Task Force. His many accordance with Jesuit principles,” he remembers to never do two things: never trials led to numerous commendations said. “I look forward to assisting students use the word “irregardless,” and never for outstanding prosecutorial in discovering the rewards of the Jesuit forget his Creighton roots and the performance. tradition at Creighton.” professors who laid the early foundation In 1986, Campbell left the Justice for his extraordinary legal career. Department and entered private practice. Despite a 25- He is currently the senior partner in the year lapse since Las Vegas firm of Campbell & Williams. In tribute to the his last lecture Campbell has provided lead counsel in a with Richard long list of well-publicized jury trials. His academic excellence Shugrue, J.D., notable clients include Donald Trump, Ph.D., Campbell former heavyweight champion Riddick of his professors, still recalls the Bowe, casino magnate Michael Gaughan, professor’s BSBA’65, The Wall Street Journal and the Donald J. Campbell’s indictment Las Vegas Review-Journal. against those “Dr. Shugrue taught constitutional law $100,000 gift creates misusing English. and stressed the importance of the First Campbell Anyone who Amendment in the lives of every the Donald J. and committed the American, and I have valued his lessons linguistic taboo of using the non-word in my representation of the press,” Daphne Campbell “irregardless” would fail. Campbell said. “I have never used it,” Campbell said, Campbell’s trial work in the field of Endowed Scholarship “and I’m offended when I hear anyone business litigation, catastrophic personal use it. Dr. Shugrue was a marvelous injury and corporate criminal defense has Fund. Interest income professor. I recognized on my first day of earned him multiple listings in constitutional law that he was a brilliant Woodward & White’s Best Lawyers in from the endowment scholar.” America and Martindale-Hubbell’s Bar Today, Shugrue admits he exaggerated. Register of Preeminent Lawyers. In 1994, he supports tuition for “I’m not really the kind who would fail was named a fellow of the prestigious students for incorrect speech,” he said, American College of Trial Lawyers, an Creighton law “but language is our lab, our field honor reserved to the top 1 percent of research. We use the English language to trial lawyers in the United States. In students. communicate, and lawyers take that addition, Las Vegas Magazine recently lesson to heart every day. I want my named him one of the city’s best Campbell’s generous gift gratifies the students to do a better job of being ethical attorneys. School of Law faculty members. advocates. Don Campbell is an excellent “One of the primary reasons I’ve “I am particularly happy when donors example for them.” experienced success is the education and designate their gifts for scholarships,” In tribute to the academic excellence of guidance I received from my professors,” Shugrue said. “Many men and women his professors, including Shugrue, Dean Campbell said. “Dean Shkolnick was a want to attend Creighton. Our generous Emeritus Rodney Shkolnick, J.D., Edward father figure to all his students. He was alumni recognize the need for Birmingham, J.D., and Terry Anderson, very approachable and very encouraging. scholarships. You hope that the next J.D., Campbell established a fund for You could always get a kind word and generation will likewise be generous to School of Law students. The $100,000 gift good piece of advice from him.” its alma mater.” creates the Donald J. and Daphne Shkolnick remembers Campbell as an In addition to honoring his professors, Campbell Endowed Scholarship Fund. extremely bright student. “Don was Campbell said his gift is also a tribute to Interest income from the endowment serious about his studies and represents his parents, William and Mary Campbell, supports tuition for Creighton law the qualities we like in our students and as well as his classmates. “I went to students. appreciate in our graduates,” he said. school with some fine people,” he said. “I While at Creighton, Campbell worked “We hope our current students follow his have a great deal of respect for the people with the U.S. Department of Justice as a examples, both those in and out of the of Omaha and the people of Nebraska.”

43 Summer 2003 Why Nutrition Doesn’t Make it Onto The Last Word Medicine’s Radar Screen By Robert P. Heaney, BS’47, MD’51 John A. Creighton University Professor

There are few health topics of medicine’s thinking. But all these more interest to the general classical nutritional deficiency public than nutrition. Many disorders are short latency magazines and newspapers diseases. Stop eating foods have regular nutrition columns, containing the nutrient plus frequent feature articles on concerned and in a few weeks or a nutritional topic. There are months you’re sick. Diseases like health food stores in virtually osteoporosis, which might take every shopping mall. Clearly the longer to develop (years instead public is hungry for nutrition of months), have been very slow information. to be accepted as having a In a 2000 nationwide survey of nutritional basis. where the public gets its Overwhelmingly, medicine’s information about nutrition, The principal approach to nutrition is American Dietetic Association found that nearly two-thirds of locked into the pre-nutrition paradigm — the toxin model. The the respondents relied on the print media and, by contrast, less disease is caused by too much of something. Think of what your than 10 percent relied on physicians. doctor may have told you about salt or cholesterol or saturated One might have thought, since nutrition is about health, that fat. These are all treated as toxins. (And consumed in excess they physicians would be the first source to which a person would may well be — though even for some of them the case is turn for accurate nutritional information. Why isn’t that so? unraveling today.) But how often do we hear about getting too First, time pressures. Physicians are overwhelmed by the little of something? challenges of fixing what is already broken. People come with Some medical observers have argued that there is also a illnesses or injuries that need attention now. One hears it argued distinct anti-nutritional bias in medicine — to the point even that it would have been better to prevent those illnesses, which where evidence of the efficacy of nutritional interventions is is certainly true. The problem is that, except for diseases caused often overlooked in the major medicine textbooks. How serious by alcohol, tobacco, firearms and obesity, we don’t really know that bias may be is unclear. Still, while many individual how to prevent most of the problems that a physician confronts physicians are strong nutrition advocates for their patients, the every day. Nevertheless, for some of the chronic diseases there medical establishment remains largely unconvinced. That may be nutritional prevention, and medicine does seem slow to skepticism is partly a reaction to the rampant nutritional embrace these. Why? quackery to which the public is exposed; part also is because the Interventions that don’t produce directly tangible results major establishment nutrition programs (fat, salt and provide no feedback. Nutrition is firmly established in only two cholesterol, for example) have not delivered on their promises. fields of medicine — pediatrics and obstetrics — and both afford So why get excited about claims that consuming more calcium, a short time horizon. One can see the effects of good and bad or vitamin D, or folic acid would help anything? nutrition in well baby and prenatal care within months. But if With increasing demands on physicians, it’s unrealistic to the nutritional goal is preventing osteoporosis, or arthritis, or expect them to spend huge amounts of time educating atherosclerosis or cancer, with health outcomes 30 or 40 years themselves and their patients about nutrition. As a society we into the future, the physician gets no feedback to reinforce a need to find other ways of getting accurate nutritional commitment to the nutritional program concerned. information to the public. But there is another, deeper reason. One hundred years ago, Also, while a plausible case can be made that dietary when nutritional science was born, the idea that not eating right improvements would decrease the burden of many chronic could make you sick seemed crazy. If you ate enough to allow diseases, conclusive proof still eludes our grasp. We cannot you to work and maintain your weight, you automatically had afford to go off half-cocked with vitamin D or folic acid (for good nutrition. The prevailing belief at the time was that all example), as we did with cholesterol, fat and salt. It is hard disease was caused by invasion of the body from outside — enough to incorporate nutritional interventions into medicine either germs or toxins. The idea that not eating something could when the benefit is real but deferred for years. Promising make you sick was inconceivable. Today, of course, nutritional benefits that turn out to be illusory will only increase medicine’s deficiency diseases like scurvy, rickets, pellagra and beriberi are resistance to nutrition. well understood and have been integrated into the body of 55 Summer 2003 50 Years of Service Harry Truman was president, Gary Cooper won the Best Actor Oscar for High Noon, Ernest Hemingway published The Old Man and the Sea, Dick Clark hosted his first American Bandstand and Marjorie Wannarka began working at Creighton University. The year was 1952. Through 11 U.S. presidents and seven Creighton presidents, Marge Wannarka has served generations of Creighton students and faculty. Marge served as director of Creighton’s Health Sciences Library for 39 years, hired for the job by the late Fr. Carl Reinert, S.J., the University’s president at the time. She was later named to her current position of director of the University’s archives, overseeing the photographs, documents and other memorabilia that chronicle Creighton’s rich history. In December, at the University’s annual holiday luncheon for employees, Wannarka was honored for 50 years of service to Creighton, receiving a standing ovation from those in attendance. Blessed with a work ethic instilled by her parents and a delightful sense of humor, Marge cherishes the relationships she has formed at Creighton, adding with a smile: “I’ve had a

Photo by Monte Kruse, BA’83 Photo by Monte Kruse, tremendous opportunity to learn many things ... Wannarka sifts through files in the Creighton archives with a portrait of John and I’m not charged tuition!” Creighton, one of the University’s founders, looming in the background. It’s people like Marjorie Wannarka who make Creighton truly special. Congratulations and thank you, Marge, for your 50 years of dedicated service!