Dream Catchers They came to Creighton as high school students with dreams. Now they share a milestone.

A Bear Hug Alzheimer’s Team God, Chance Islam’s ‘Rogue’ Cousin From Putin? Searches for Hope and the Economy Islam’s ‘Rogue’ Cousin Summer 2002 SUMMER 2002

University Magazine Entering Class of 2002 and You Exploring New Horizons ... Incoming Creighton students and their parents will be on campus in June and July for the University’s annual Summer Preview. Creighton hosts three Summer Preview sessions, as a way to welcome new students and parents and educate them about college life at Creighton. The dates for this year’s Summer Preview, which has the theme “Exploring New Horizons,” are: June 27-28, July 11-12 and July 18-19. Please keep these students and their families in your prayers as they begin their journey at Creighton. Undergraduate Admissions Office: 1-800-282-5835 (Includes the College of Business Administration, College of Arts and Sciences and School of Nursing)

For admissions information on AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko Creighton’s other schools and colleges, call or visit online ... A Bear Hug School of Law (402) 280-2872 from http://culaw.creighton.edu/ (Fee-waived applications offered to family and friends of Creighton Putin? University alumni. Call the number above or e-mail your name and Russian President Vladimir Putin seemed right at home address to [email protected].) during his visit to the United States this past November, School of Dentistry meeting with President Bush in a relaxed atmosphere in (402) 280-2695 Crawford, Texas, smiling for the cameras and even http://cudental.creighton.edu/ fielding calls on a radio talk show. Does this mark a new School of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions 12era in U.S.-Russian relations? Writer Pamela A. Vaughn examines that question (402) 280-2662 with Creighton history professor and inveterate Russia-watcher Ross Horning, http://spahp.creighton.edu/ Ph.D. School of Medicine (402) 280-2799 http://medicine.creighton.edu/

Graduate School (402) 280-2870 http://www.creighton.edu/GradSchool/Webs/index.htm (For information on graduate programs in the College of Business Administration, call 402-280-2829.) About the Cover University College From left, Nakina Mills, Nicole Haukass and Jessica (402) 280-2424 Graham were among the first to participate in what has http://www.creighton.edu/UnivCol/ (While application for admission is not required, those admitted as either become a nationally recognized program at Creighton Dream Catchers degree- or certificate-seeking students may apply for financial aid.) They came to Creighton as high school students with dreams. that introduces Native American high school students to Now they share a milestone.

A Bear Hug Alzheimer’s Team God, Chance A Bear Hug Alzheimer’s Team God, Chance Islam’s ‘Rogue’ Cousin college life. All three graduate in May. Read more about From Putin? Searches for Hope and the Economy Summer 2002 Thank you for your support of Creighton University. BA’83 Photo by Monte Kruse, their story on page 9. Visit the magazine online at: www.creightonmagazine.org

Features Departments

4 Letters to the Editor

5 University News Business Leadership Graduate business students share their leadership experiences with undergraduate business students through the new Waite Graduate Leadership Fellows program.

Photo by Monte Kruse, BA’83 Photo by Monte Kruse, Dust jacket courtesy of St. Martin’s Press Last Dance Alzheimer’s Team Profs List Summer Valerie Roche is retiring after 37 years of Searches for Hope Page-Turners teaching dance at Creighton. She came to 18 Creighton University, through its 26 Creighton professors offer Omaha in 1961 as a pharmacist’s assistant new Center for Aging, Alzheimer’s Disease and their recommendations for good summer and only expected to stay a couple of years. Neurodegenerative Disorders, is working to reading. Their list runs the gamut, from discover new treatment methods while Stephen Hawking’s The Universe in a Nutshell to providing compassionate care to the patients and an old Dorothy Sayers’ thriller Gaudy Night to 42 Development News families dealing with this devastating disease. Atticus by Creighton alumnus Ron Hansen. Reinert Society Creighton is naming its lifetime giving donor recognition society the Rev. Carl M. Reinert, S.J., Society, in honor of the former Creighton president who is known as the University’s “Second Founder.”

46 Alumni News On Fire for Service Creighton graduates Thomas Drexler, BA’82, and Kaela Volkmer, BSW’94, direct the overseas effort of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps.

© Nick Papas. Photo courtesy of www.comeandseeicons.com AP Photo Spirit at Work Check out the photos from this year’s Spirit Chance, God and Islam’s ‘Rogue’ at Work: National Alumni Day of Service. the Economy Cousin 30 Why do some people strike it 34 The foundation for the beliefs rich, while others, equally capable, strike out? of Osama bin Laden and his associates can be 55 The Last Word Creighton University Professor Robert Heaney, found in the radical Islamic ideologies of the Creighton law professor Lawrence Raful M.D., examines the relationship between past, writes Creighton history professor and visited Israel last December with 500 wealth and Lady Luck ... and what God’s Middle East expert John Calvert, Ph.D. American Jews. He offers his insights as a calling — and challenge — is for those who are “typical American of the Jewish faith who is fortunate to live in comfortable affluence. befuddled by the morass in the Holy Land.”

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 X Summer 2002 poverty. I do not believe they had seen it, but I had, both rural and urban. It was not until Michael Harrington wrote Other America that it finally reached the national conscience. It University Magazine was shocking to learn that the infant mortality was worse in Washington, D.C., than Cuba, the Bone but worse even than Gabon. The figures still

BiologistsCreighton’s Robert Recker, M.D., right, and Mark Johnson, Ph.D., help discover Publisher: Creighton University; Rev. John P. a gene that controls bone mass. Could this be “nature’s cure” for osteoporosis? are a disgrace, but some of the MDs shouting Schlegel, S.J., President; Michael E. Leighton, socialism want to ignore them. Counterintelligence, the Vietnam Face to Face: Vacanti Brothers: War and Terror in America A Theology of Diversity Pioneers in Tissue Engineering Vice President for University Relations. Creighton Spring 2002 It has always baffled me that anyone can University Magazine staff: Stephen T. Kline, seriously imagine that private Executive Editor; Rick Davis, Editor; Sheila insurance is the way to universal Swanson, Associate Editor; Pamela A. Vaughn, health care. The two are at odds. Features Editor. Editorial Advisers: Kathryn Insurance companies are businesses Kersenbrock Bertolini; M. Roy Wilson, M.D.; and will obviously avoid risks. Of Craig McGarry; Diane Dougherty; Rev. Donald course, those most at risk are in most A. Doll, S.J.; Ruth Purtilo, Ph.D.; Tamara Letters need of protection. Similar arguments Buffalohead-McGill; and Therese Vaughn. apply to the private drug industry to (e.g., the protection of patent rights at Creighton University Magazine (USPS728-070) is the expense of AIDS victims in published quarterly in February, May, August the Editor and November by Creighton University, 2500 Africa). The only time there is a flurry California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178-0001. of activity to develop drugs against Periodicals postage paid at Omaha, Nebraska, tropical diseases is when white armies are and additional entry points. Address all mail to Health series presented sent in. The last war was good for anti- Public Relations and Information, Omaha, NE malaria research, for example. When I read 68178. Postmaster: Send change of address to sensible, moral solutions accounts of amazing advances, the first Creighton University Magazine, P.O. Box 3266, When I retired from Creighton 12 years ago, question I ask is, “Who will pay?” There are Omaha, NE 68103-0078. I never would have believed that I would see drugs in the UK that cannot be prescribed on such a sensible and moral article as Dr. Frey’s the NHS because of cost. Interferon has only For more enrollment information, contact the (Is America Ready for Universal Health Care?, recently been allowed. Undergraduate Admissions Office at Summer 2001). Is it possible that at last a Regarding the article by Drs. Makoid and 1-800-282-5835, [email protected]. medical conscience is developing? Garis (Inside the Cost of Prescription Drugs, Fall Before leaving the UK, as a recent medical 2001), I taught pharmacology at Creighton To make a gift to the University, contact the graduate, I voted for the National Health Development Office at 1-800-334-8794. for 26 years. The subject was taught and Service (NHS), which was a first-class system examined in our department and in every until Mrs. Thatcher got at it, but was dismissed For the latest on alumni gatherings other one in the world, using generic names , contact the here simply as “socialized medicine,” unworthy Alumni Relations Office at 1-800-CU-ALUMS only; because we were bright and alert, we (800-282-5867) or check online at of discussion. When I got here, organized sought to get our clinical colleagues to use www.creighton.edu/alumni. medicine, to my amazement, was fighting generic names, as well. We failed. We even tooth and nail against a federal proposal to got a generic pharmacopia published. Some Send letters to the editor to Rick Davis at increase the number of medical schools and of our colleagues accused us of presumption [email protected]; fax, (402) 280-2549; the number of places in the existing ones. in telling them how to treat their patients. Creighton University, Office of Public Relations, Since then, every federal proposal that I am They could not see the illogicality and burden 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178. aware of to make medical care more accessible to students of two sets, or more, of names for and cheaper for the poor and underprivileged the same agent. Proprietary names vary with Update your mailing address or send alumni news has been opposed by the AMA. Each year, the the manufacturer, generic ones do not. Sadly (births, weddings, promotions, etc.) electronically incoming AMA president went to Britain so through www.creighton.edu/alumni, call clinicians here behave in exactly the same that he could tell his membership just how way. They will not use generic names even 1-800-334-8794 or mail to Development Office, horrible the NHS was. They ignored Canada Creighton University, 2500 California Plaza, when the patent has run out — Zantac, for Omaha, NE 68178. for a long time, but the NHS had a special example, instead of Ranitidine. place in the AMA demonology. I look forward to more discussion on this Visit the magazine website at I found myself in the U.S. under a system subject. that I thought callous and barbaric. Since I www.creightonmagazine.org D.F. Magee, M.D., Ph.D. did not practice, I was peripheral to it, but I Professor Emeritus of Physiology did realize that a part of my salary, at least, www.creighton.edu Castlebellingham, Co. Louth, Ireland was extracted from poor people under a Copyright © 2002 by Creighton University system that I considered un-Christian. But to live strictly to one’s conscience is a good way Mueller’s approach critical, to starve. respectful Recycled and Recyclable I notice a few of the correspondents still I wanted to write in praise of Dr. Joan Printed with Soy Ink dismiss the whole problem as “socialistic” or Mueller’s article (Face to Face: A Theology of “liberal.” One of the early lessons one has to Diversity, Spring 2002). In light of Sept. 11, it learn on coming to the U.S. is the unique is especially critical that we approach meaning of those two words here. ecumenism with discernment and insight. For the first few years in America, friends Dr. Mueller’s article suggests such an and relations denied that there was any real approach, emphasizing respectful

4 Summer 2002 University News conversation, yet without minimizing our handicap accessible. rootedness in “Jesus, the Way, the Truth and Diversity, Campus the Life.” As one who teaches theology in a “As Creighton seeks diversity in its Jesuit high school, I see students of diverse Expansion students, faculty and staff, we have to faiths on a daily basis and realize that all my prepare a campus climate that is students have much to “bring to the table.” In Top President’s welcoming, encouraging and responsive,” Jesuit education, we talk about meeting our he said. students where they are, respectful of who In an effort to make the campus “more they are. This is what Dr. Mueller encourages Agenda inviting and attractive to current and us to do, yet without lessening the core of who we are as Christians. I found her Creighton University President the Rev. prospective students,” Fr. Schlegel said the remarks about God’s self communication John P. Schlegel, S.J., advocated for greater University’s Board of Directors has particularly insightful. The analogy of the campus diversity and outlined plans for approved the physical expansion of the way parents communicate differently to each campus expansion campus eastward. The expansion coincides of four children is indeed appropriate. She during his annual with several downtown redevelopment gave a sound theological approach, but also state-of-the- projects and construction of Omaha’s new one which indeed embodies Jesus’ command University address convention center/arena already under way that we love one another as He loves us (John 15:12). Only if we take the approach Dr. in February. to the east. Mueller suggests, and have respectful Fr. Schlegel “This expansion is both a historic conversation and discerning hearts can we spoke to the opportunity to enlarge our physical accomplish this. Thank you, Dr. Mueller. need for more footprint as well as an opportunity to Michele L. Catanese, M.Chr.Sp.’91 minority-focused decompress the volume of usage on the

Houston scholarships and BA’83 Photo by Monte Kruse, center of campus,” Fr. Schlegel said. He said the need to recruit Fr. Schlegel the expansion does not signal any intent to A ‘must’ read and retain more become a significantly larger institution in Joan Mueller’s article about interreligious minority faculty. The University, he said, terms of student enrollment. dialogue on the Creighton campus beautifully exemplifies the rare blend of must better recognize the needs and The full text of Fr. Schlegel’s Convocation sensitivity and clarity that Joan’s many accomplishments of minority students. address can be found online at friends, colleagues and students associate He also stressed the importance of www.creighton.edu/President/Speeches/ with her. It is “must” reading for as wide an making the University’s facilities more convocation2002.html. audience as possible. On a personal level, Joan’s article provides the perfect answer to a question I have frequently encountered during my six years Fitzgibbons Edits at Creighton: “What is it like to hold a chair in Jewish Civilization at a Jesuit Catholic Hernia Textbook university?” With colleagues like Joan, it has Robert J. Fitzgibbons, MD’74, the Harry been — and I know will continue to be — a E. Stuckenhoff Professor of Surgery at positive and rewarding experience. Faculty, Creighton, was the lead editor for the staff and students of many faiths benefit enormously from the supportive recently published fifth edition of Nyhus environment Joan and others have & Condon’s Hernia. The 650-page textbook constructed. We are all the beneficiaries is generally of their hard work and insights! considered the Leonard Greenspoon, Chairholder most authoritative Philip M. and Ethel Klutznick Chair in book on the subject Photo by Media Services Jewish Civilization of hernia. Dr. Fitzgibbons Creighton Hosts Congrats Deacon Sampier also is currently Congratulations to Deacon Larry Sampier Signing Ceremony and his wife on his ordination! It is a shame leading a $6 million that such dedicated men and women can’t be federally funded for Sister Cities ordained as priests if they wish. We pray national study to The cities may be thousands of miles apart, every Sunday for vocations, while a large determine if patients but Omaha and Naas, Kildare, Ireland, will be pool of intelligent, spiritual and dedicated with asymptomatic, or minimally forever linked through Creighton University. married men, and married or single women, symptomatic, inguinal hernias might have Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey, BA’73, and Naas are ignored as a source of clergy. Perhaps we better quality of life with a “watchful Mayor Willie Callaghan officially connected should pray less for vocations and more for the two cities by signing the sister cities waiting” approach as opposed to surgery. the hierarchy of the Church to begin thinking documents at a signing ceremony on the in the 20th century, since we are now well The study will enroll patients until June 30. Creighton campus on March 15. Pictured into the 21st. Patients with inguinal hernias who have above are Mayor Fahey, left, and Mayor Richard A. Pirotte, MD’53 few or no symptoms can obtain more Callaghan signing the Agreement of Carmel, Calif. information by calling (402) 280-4567. Friendship in the Skutt Student Center.

5 Summer 2002 University News

“Data shows that, in addition to and recommended new, higher Calcium and providing the extra calcium a patient consumption levels for adults. Phosphorus usually needs to slow bone loss or to Since phosphate makes up more than half support treatment-induced bone gain, this the mass of bone mineral, the panelists Co-dependent in amount of calcium can bind up to 500 mg of noted that diet must contain sufficient Bone Development phosphorus. Although this would present no serious problem for many people, it Since phosphate makes up Healthy bones and soft tissues need both could impact women over 60 years of age calcium and phosphorus to grow and who have diets that contain less than the more than half the mass of develop throughout life. Research presented National Academy of Sciences bone mineral, the panelists at the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommended daily allowance of 700 mg of noted that diet must Fifth International Symposium March 9 phosphorus,” Heaney continued. “For these showed for the first time that the nutrients women, the usual calcium supplement, contain sufficient are co-dependent in the health benefits calcium carbonate, may block most of the phosphorus if bone is to be associated with calcium in humans absorption of phosphorus. If this happens, built or rebuilt. undergoing bone-building therapy. the calcium won’t do much good because “The best way to help our patients meet bone mineral consists of both calcium and phosphorus if bone is to be built or rebuilt. their needs is to use a source that provides phosphorus.” Phosphorus inadequacy may be more both calcium and phosphorus, such as dairy Shapiro and Heaney recently completed prevalent than commonly believed, at least products and/or a calcium phosphate a detailed study on the co-dependence of partly as a result of changes in diet (e.g., supplement,” said Robert P. Heaney, BS’47, calcium and phosphorus on growth and strict vegetarianism) and weight reduction MD’51, John A. Creighton University bone development. The research could affect programs. Phosphorus supplements are not Professor at Creighton University. He was the formulation of many multi-vitamin and widely used in the U.S. joined at the symposium by Dr. Ralph calcium supplement products available to Calcium phosphates have been widely Shapiro of Product Safety Laboratories consumers. used in analgesics and other pharmaceutical (Dayton, N.J.) and Dr. John J.B. Anderson It is estimated that people in about 20 products for many years because of their of the University of North Carolina at million U.S. households take calcium excipient properties. (Excipients allow Chapel Hill. supplements. The popularity of calcium medications to be formed into specific “Women undergoing treatment for supplements and calcium-fortified foods shapes and help make them consistent. They osteoporosis today typically are taking and beverages has reached record levels in may also work as the vehicle for the drug.) calcium supplements in amounts providing recent years, since a 1984 conference on Now, as a result of the panelists’ comments 1000-1500 mg of calcium per day,” said osteoporosis raised public awareness of the at the symposium, the value of calcium Heaney. importance of calcium in bone development phosphates in nutritional and dietary

Expert Stresses expert primarily in care of the elderly, he He praised the Creighton University had much to say about minority health care School of Medicine for being just one of two Need to Recruit in his address to Creighton medical major medical research schools in the residents, United States to choose a minority as dean. More Minorities to experienced M. Roy Wilson, M.D., who is African- Medical School physicians and American, is vice president for Health community Sciences at Creighton, as well as dean of the By Eugene Curtin activists gathered medical school. at Creighton “Nebraska should be proud of that,” Facing a conference room full of young University Yoshikawa said. faces in white coats on April 1, Thomas T. Medical Center. But Yoshikawa did not come to praise Yoshikawa, M.D., saw firsthand Creighton The great Creighton so much as to hurry it along the University’s commitment to improving challenge facing path of greater service to minority health care among minority communities. the medical Photo by Dave Weaver communities. Yoshikawa Yoshikawa, who serves an almost entirely profession is the He urged the medical residents to black and Hispanic community at two recruitment of minority students to medical maintain a constant awareness of the special south-central Los Angeles hospitals, was the schools, he said. That process must begin susceptibility some minorities have to keynote speaker at a daylong series of early, Yoshikawa said, when minority specific diseases. The list is long, he said, Creighton-sponsored events held to mark children are still deciding their futures and and contains such slow killers as diabetes, Minority Health Month. when magnet schools can still hope to draw hypertension, stroke, prostate cancer, HIV, Although Yoshikawa declared himself an them into a healthy academic environment. heart disease, kidney failure, sickle cell

6 Summer 2002 University News supplements may become more widely CU Students Make a “It has really taken off,” Bilka said. “Our recognized and more widely used. students really enjoy themselves.” “We conclude that, in any growth Difference at Local The Creighton tutors work with the situation, both calcium and phosphorus are students on basic skills: reading, writing and needed to support an increase in bone Elementary School arithmetic. The tutoring sessions last for an mass,” said Shapiro. “If the diet is low in hour and a half, and are held in the school’s phosphorus, calcium supplementation alone Students at Kellom Elementary School in cafeteria. will be inadequate, and may aggravate a Omaha can’t wait for Thursdays. That’s “There is something incredible about the phosphorus deficiency. A phosphorus- when students from nearby Creighton connection we can make with the kids,” containing calcium source would seem to be University come to provide some Bilka said. “There is an instant connection. preferable to one providing calcium alone.” after-school tutoring. “Individuals with low phosphorus “Our students love it,” said intakes are at increased risk of low bone Leslie Rowland, a 31-year teaching mass and fractures because of the veteran and sixth-grade teacher at development of serum phosphate Kellom. “They just like the one-on- concentrations below the normal range,” one attention.” said Anderson. Beth Katz, a Creighton Heaney is a principal scientist at education major, initiated the Creighton’s Osteoporosis Research Center. tutoring sessions last year while He was the co-chairperson of the Creighton she was working as a student University continuing medical education teacher at Kellom. Katz graduated activity at the National Osteoporosis from Creighton this past Foundation Symposium, along with Pierre J. December, but the program has Meunier, M.D., of the Hôpital Edouard continued to flourish under the Photo by Dave Weaver Herriot in Lyon, France. direction of Creighton senior Creighton’s Meghan Haselbauer works with fifth-grader The National Osteoporosis Foundation Kristen Bilka. Della Gardner. is the leading non-profit, voluntary health “As soon as I went to the school, organization dedicated to promoting I knew that I would take it over,” Bilka said. These kids think you are the coolest person lifelong bone health in order to reduce the “I was hooked.” on earth. widespread prevalence of osteoporosis and Bilka meets with the staff at Kellom and “You can see it in their eyes. They are as associated fractures, while working to find a organizes the student volunteers from excited about it as we are. These visits are cure for the disease through programs of Creighton. Getting students interested in the giving back to Kellom and to Creighton in research, education and advocacy. program has not been a problem. incredible ways.”

anemia, tuberculosis and obesity. will be 65 or older and the average life span brought a lengthy resume to the discussion. A keen knowledge of the special health will reach 80 for men (up from 45 in 1900) Currently Yoshikawa serves as chair of needs of minority populations will be and 84 for women (47 in 1900). the Department of Internal Medicine at the critical to all physicians in coming decades, “These people will be coming to you as Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Yoshikawa said, for minorities are quickly part of your practice,” he said. Science, as well as chief of internal medicine narrowing the population gap. The Asian- In dealing with the elderly, Yoshikawa at the Martin Luther King Jr.-Charles R. American population, for example, grew 72 said, physicians should always remember Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles. percent between 1990 and 2000, he said, that the great goal is to assure Previously, he served for seven years as compared with just 13 percent growth for independence. assistant chief medical director for the Office the United States as a whole. In California, The darkly humorous acronym DEATH is of Geriatrics and Extended Care at the U.S. he said, all minorities combined now often used to remind doctors of what they Department of Veterans Affairs. outnumber white Americans. should seek when caring for the elderly, He has published 170 scientific articles, 62 “This is going to happen in other places, Yoshikawa said. The letters stand for book chapters and 14 books. On July 1, 2000, too,” he said. Dressing, Eating, Ambulation, Toiletry and he was appointed editor of the Journal of the Yoshikawa also urged his audience to Hygiene. If an elderly man or woman is able American Geriatrics Society. recognize that the elderly population to perform all those functions, then he or deserves to be recognized as a minority. she will live a contented and productive life, Currently, he said, 13 percent of the United Yoshikawa said. About the author: Eugene Curtin is a free- States is age 65 or older, whereas in 1900 only Yoshikawa, who said he agreed to lance writer working in Omaha. 4 percent of the population reached that age. keynote the Creighton event after being By 2030, about 20 percent of the population invited by his “good friend” Wilson,

7 Summer 2002 University News Fellows Provide ‘Real-Life‘ Perspective on Business Leadership

A senior vice president at a major insurance firm, who is also a published author. A major in the United States Air Force, who once taught high school math. A former professional ballerina who worked as director of finance at Creighton Prep High School. What do all of these people have in common? They are all graduate students in Photo by Dave Weaver Ed Horwitz shares his leadership experiences with undergraduate College of Business Administration Creighton’s College of Business students. Administration, and they are the College’s first Anna Tyler Waite Graduate Leadership “We have access to students in our “We then developed an interface between Fellows. graduate program who have been leaders in the experienced leaders in our graduate As such, Edward Horwitz, Eric Meiers their businesses at a very high level,” said programs and our aspiring leaders in our and Catherine Demes Maydew have agreed Moorman, who also holds the Robert B. undergraduate program.” to share their unique leadership experiences Daugherty Chair in Management. “We The Fellows, each of whom submitted an decided that we should use that expertise.” essay on leadership, are equally excited to Creighton’s Waite Leadership Scholars give back to the College and to serve as Students in Creighton’s Program is a four-year program designed to mentors. immerse undergraduate business students “I’m a firm believer in sharing my graduate business program in the study of leadership. The program is knowledge and experience, as a way of hosted Leadership Skills supported by a $1.1 million gift from giving back to the community,” said Seminars for undergraduate Creighton alumnus Donald L. Waite, Horwitz, who wrote a book on annuities BSC’54, executive vice president and chief in 1998. “I’m excited about interacting and students involved in administrative officer of Seagate talking with the undergraduate students Creighton’s Waite Technology. The gift honors his wife, Anna and helping them find their path in the Leadership Scholars Tyler Waite. The Waite Leadership Scholars business world.” Program, which is open to all “As a whole, I don’t think there is Program. undergraduate business students, currently enough mentoring going on today,” said has about 90 participants. Meiers, who taught high school math in and knowledge with undergraduate The Fellows are hosting Leadership Skills California for four and a half years before students involved in Creighton’s Waite Seminars throughout the semester. These joining the Air Force. Through Creighton’s Leadership Scholars Program. seminars are designed to give program Leadership Fellows Program, Meiers said Horwitz is a senior vice president at participants a “real-life” look at leadership he feels “like I’m giving the undergraduate Physicians Mutual Insurance Company in outside the classroom. students the information and the tools they Omaha. Meiers is a 16-year military veteran “The students have heard enough from need to be more effective leaders.” stationed at Omaha’s Offutt Air Force Base. me,” Moorman said with a laugh. Through “It’s satisfying to me to see that light And Demes Maydew, a certified public these seminars “they hear perspectives bulb go on in someone’s head,” said Demes accountant, is a former finance director at other than those of their professors. I think Maydew, who performed professionally Creighton Prep and now a full-time it makes for a richer experience.” with ballet companies in Omaha, Duluth, graduate student. “What we were looking for (in selecting Minn., and Chicago before embarking on a Robert Moorman, Ph.D., associate the Fellows),” added Jack Krogstad, Ph.D., career in business. “Learning is such an professor of management and director of professor of accounting and associate dean important part of life. Those who have the Creighton’s Anna Tyler Waite Center for for Creighton’s graduate business knowledge and skills should share it to Leadership, is excited about what these programs, “were exemplary leadership role enrich the lives of others.” graduate students can offer the program. models for our undergraduate students.

8 Summer 2002 University News

Native American from the University. Two other former Law School retreat participants, who took part in the Retreat Celebrates second retreat in 1998, also will graduate in Negotiation Team May. They are Jessica Graham, a computer Wins National Milestone science major, and Nakina Mills, a sociology Growing up on the Rosebud Reservation major and president of the Native American Championship in St. Francis, S.D., Nicole Haukass saw little Association at Creighton. interest among her high school classmates in For Creighton’s Tami Buffalohead-McGill, Two Creighton University second-year attending college. coordinator of multi-cultural student law students, Angel Harris-Lewis and But Haukass had a dream. services and founder of the retreat, the Karen Douglas, took the National “Growing up, I just had this idea that I graduation of these three students marks Championship in the American Bar wanted to go to college,” Haukass said. something of a milestone. Association’s National Negotiations While she had the desire, Haukass also “We had no money to start the program,” competition held in Philadelphia Jan. 30- was a bit Buffalohead-McGill Feb. 3. intimidated. None of recalled, “but we had her immediate family plenty of energy and members had gone enthusiasm. We were to college, and, with amazed that people little interest among came and that it her peers, the dream worked. Up until seemed daunting. the last minute, I That’s when couldn’t believe we Haukass’ high school were doing this.” principal told her Today, the about Creighton’s program is drawing new Native national attention. American Retreat Buffalohead-McGill program. said Gonzaga The year was 1997 University started Photo by Monte Kruse, BA’83 Photo by Monte Kruse,

and Creighton had a similar program Photo by Dave Weaver Pictured, from left to right, are Nakina Mills, just launched the Nicole Haukass and Jessica Graham modeled after Harris-Lewis, left, and Douglas retreat — a three-day Creighton’s retreat, visit to Creighton’s campus — as a way to and several other universities are making Harris-Lewis and Douglas, coached by introduce Native American high school inquiries. Interest in Creighton’s retreat Creighton Law Professors Edward students to college life and the variety of among Native American high school Birmingham and Catherine Brooks, beat out studies and careers they could explore. students has grown too, but Buffalohead- the University of North Carolina in the final For Haukass, the retreat opened up a McGill limits the retreat to about 60 students round to claim the title. whole new world. annually to ensure individual attention. This Twenty-four universities competed in “I really liked the environment at individual attention — which includes Philadelphia, including Northwestern, Creighton,” Haukass said. “The people were having the Native American students live in George Washington, University of Texas, very welcoming.” the residence halls with Creighton students New York University and the University And the program’s career tracks, which — is one of the main reasons for the of Illinois. introduced the high school students to a program’s success. In July, Harris-Lewis and Douglas will variety of occupations, including health “That’s why the program is so unique,” travel to London to represent the United professions such as occupational therapy, Buffalohead-McGill said. “It’s the closest States in the international Negotiations dentistry and nursing, were an eye-opener you can come to being in college without Competition where eight countries will be for many who came from the reservations. being enrolled.” competing. This year’s national “I didn’t even know what occupational This spring’s retreat included a mock trial championship followed last year’s national therapy was until I came to the retreat,” sponsored by the Sarpy County (Neb.) championship for Creighton in the Haukass said. “They gave us an opportunity Attorney’s Office and a “Take Off with American Bar Association’s Criminal Trial to see all different sorts of majors. They Aviation” course offered in cooperation with Competition. showed us that there are a lot more the University of Nebraska-Omaha that had opportunities than you know about.” students taking the controls of a Cessna In May, Haukass will earn a degree in training aircraft. nursing, making her the first retreat participant to enter Creighton and graduate

9 Summer 2002 University News

Collaborating with fellow Creighton germline mutation,” Lynch said. Lynch Helps researchers as well as scientists from the By identifying the particular genetic Identify New University of Toronto, Johns Hopkins and mutation that causes the multiple mole the University of Nebraska, Lynch confirms melanoma and pancreatic cancer, the Hereditary Cancer suspicions that began in the late 1970s. researchers provide a tool that can be used “After all these years, we have to improve screening and treatment, Creighton University cancer expert Henry accumulated sufficient data to characterize especially for melanoma, a treatable disease T. Lynch, M.D., has traced an inherited form an association between the familial atypical when caught early. Right now, pancreatic of cancer involving malignant melanoma multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) cancer is difficult to detect, and treat, and and pancreatic cancer caused by a genetic syndrome, which I described with usually is not diagnosed until its later mutation that has not been described in Creighton dermatologist Dr. Ramon Fusaro stages. By collecting samples for further such detail until now. In a recent article in in the late 1970s and since then, have study, Lynch hopes researchers can identify the journal Cancer, Lynch describes the been developing new facets of the biochemical markers of early disease so that genetics, natural history and diagnosis of syndrome’s significance which now pancreatic cancer can be treated more this inherited cancer syndrome. include evidence for this cancer-causing effectively.

points, and second in career rebounds with nation in three-point shooting percentage at Three Inducted 1,126. Harstad is still one of only four 56.6 percent, while leading her team to the into Athletic Hall Missouri Valley Conference players to best record ever in Creighton women’s record more than 2,000 career points and basketball history at 28-4. of Fame 1,000 career rebounds, joining Larry Bird, Brian Kamler, BA’94, was a four-year Oscar Robertson and Xavier McDaniel. soccer captain and a three-time All- At the 2002 Athletic Hall of Fame Kathy Halligan, BA’93, was one of the American — the only Creighton Bluejay to Banquet on April 2, three former Creighton best pure shooters Creighton women’s ever accomplish that three-peat. Kamler led Bluejays were inducted into the basketball has ever seen. Halligan is the all- the Creighton soccer program from 1990 to University’s Athletic Hall of Fame. time leading scorer for the Jays with 2,159 1993. In that time span, the Bluejays won 57 Bob Harstad, BA’93, played on the men’s points, while hitting a career best 309 three- games, including back-to-back Missouri basketball team from 1987-1991. During pointers. In all, she is listed in the top 10 on Valley Conference crowns and two NCAA that time, the Bluejays won two Missouri 13 career charts. Halligan was all-conference Tournament appearances. The MVC “Player Valley Conference championships and three straight years, while winning the High of the Year” in 1992, Kamler was a four- appeared in the NCAA Tournament twice Country Conference “Player of the Year time all-league performer. The Creighton and the National Invitation Tournament Award” after her sophomore year, and the career record chart is dotted with his once. A four-year starter, Harstad was a Western Athletic Conference “Player of the accomplishments including second all-time three-time all conference selection. He was Year Award” after her senior season. During in points scored with 130, and second in named the Missouri Valley Conference that campaign, the Jays won the conference career goals with 53. He played unselfishly “Player of the Year” after his junior season. regular season and tournament titles, while with 24 career assists and 129 shots on goal. He holds numerous career marks for the securing an NCAA bid. In 1991-92, this Kamler is ranked second on the career Jays and is second in scoring with 2,110 District 7 Kodak All-American led the record list with 13 multiple goal games.

Harstad Halligan Kamler

10 Summer 2002 University News

Academy of Ballet. up to the Academy spaces on 40th and Dance Professor A couple of years later, Roche was offered Cuming for class,” said Roche. Now a teaching position at Creighton. Her first Academy students take classes after-hours Retires After studio space was the rifle range in the Old in the Lied Education Center for the Arts on Gymnasium, when dance was offered as an Creighton’s campus. ‘Short Stop‘ in elective by the physical education Many of these students — Creighton and department. “I used to sweep up the spent Academy — have studied in prestigious Omaha graduate programs. Roche’s By Brian Kokensparger students also have performed in major dance companies, such as the San Francisco Ballet, the Royal In 1961, a young pharmacist’s Winnipeg Ballet Company, the assistant stepped off a flight from Houston Ballet, the American England, planning a short stop in Ballet Theatre and dance Omaha before continuing her trek companies in Germany and other to California. European countries. Others have When she finally got here, she danced and choreographed liked it so much she never left. professionally in New York. This May, Valerie Roche will Brian Bender, who performed retire after teaching 37 years of principal roles with the Alberta dance at Creighton University. Her Ballet Company in Canada, and first teaching position was the later with the Royal Winnipeg product of an amazing stroke of Ballet, credits Roche with making chance (especially since she came to this possible. “I was a small-town Omaha with no intention of being a farm kid from Kansas. I had dance instructor); that it evolved nothing but an irrational need to into an illustrious career is no become a dancer. Valerie worked surprise to anyone who has with me for three years to mold a encountered this dynamic, highly professional. Her carefully professional teacher and considered advice is with me even choreographer. today.” Valerie Roche and her husband, Her colleagues also applaud her Percy, arrived in the United States keen eye and ear for good theater in 1961 “to see if it really was the and music. Theater professor Alan land of opportunities.” Though they Klem credits her for saving him on

didn’t plan to stay any longer than BA’83 Photo by Monte Kruse, more than one occasion: “When a couple of years, they were Valerie Roche, left, with Nicole Rauth and Penny Gold. Rauth and Gold I’m directing a musical, Valerie attracted by the exciting are members of Creighton University’s “A Company of Dancers.” will come sit down next to me and atmosphere here. I always know a critical suggestion Upon her arrival in Omaha, Roche took rifle casings before each class period,” she will ensue. She never misses a thing. I’ve jobs in local pharmacies (she fondly recalls, “but it was a wonderful place to been very fortunate through the years to remembers a stint at the Beaton Drug dance!” have her (there beside me) in musicals.” Company). A glance in the newspaper She later moved into the Fine Arts The Academy and University are jointly started her teaching career. “I was reading Building (now the Humanities Center) as a planning special events for May. Many of the Omaha World-Herald, and I noticed an dance faculty member in the newly formed Roche’s former students will return to article about the beginning of a ballet Fine & Performing Arts Department. perform and wish her well in her academy,” she said, “using the Royal “Father Lee Lubbers (S.J.) was responsible retirement, which she says will be spent Academy of Dancing syllabus.” Already for getting the dance program started at traveling extensively, and getting trained as a performer in the highly Creighton,” she said. “He even designed a reacquainted with her husband. prestigious Royal Academy (which is set for one of our first Nutcracker sponsored by the Queen of England), Roche performances.” About the author: Brian Kokensparger is a accepted a teaching position with the The Omaha Academy of Ballet and free-lance writer for Creighton University Omaha Regional Ballet Academy. She took Creighton University’s dance program have Magazine. He can be reached via e-mail at over its directorship when its original partnered many times over the years, both [email protected]. founder’s husband was suddenly called to put together quality productions and to overseas. The Academy’s name was later find quality space. “There were many years changed to its current one, the Omaha where the Creighton students were bussed

11 Summer 2002 A Bear Hug from Putin? A Bear Hug from By Pamela A.Vaughn with Ross C.Horning, Ph.D., Professor of History Put

It warmed many an American’s heart to see Vladimir Putin and George W. Bush donning barbecue bibs in Crawford, Texas, last November. Later, when we glimpsed the Russian leader smiling into cameras and heard him fielding questions from American talk show callers, well, it just seemed as if he were at home in the United States. Numbed by the horror of 9/11, it also has heartened us to learn that Putin says he would support unequivocally American efforts in the War on Terrorism. So, is the ice beginning to melt between the two old rivals?

12 Summer 2002 A Bear Hug from Putin? in?

President Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin wave to the crowd at a high school in Crawford, Texas. The stop was part of Putin’s well-received visit to the

United States this past November. AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko

X Summer 2002 A Bear Hug from Putin?

Winter Olympics skating gaffes aside, Russians agree with us, then that’s a this. But remember: Just like Mr. Bush are the Bear and Uncle Sam skating on good relationship,” Horning said with and (British Prime Minister) Mr. Tony firmer ice? When Bush visits the 49- his wry smile. “But (the relationship) is Blair, Mr. Putin will be a strong advocate year-old Putin in late May, will they much more complex.” for the interests of his own nation. He have more in common than ever before, For Horning, an inveterate Russia will want to strengthen the Russian especially as American military advisers economy and offer help in the former Soviet state of ensure that Russia Georgia? In a new world order of suicide is a player on the terrorists, anthrax mailings and suitcase “A lot of Americans world stage.” bombs, is it “time for us to be friends”? think that if the Another key to When Creighton University History understanding, of Professor Ross C. Horning considers the Russians agree with course, is history. Russian Federation’s relationship with “Putin has the United States, he never looks at the us, then that’s a relieved some of surface. For Horning the historian, good relationship.” the old Cold War everything’s connected, every present angst in the moment to a time that’s past. — Ross C. Horning, Ph.D., United States with So, all events in history’s panorama, Professor of History his hands-off whether a jovial Texas barbecue or a approach to Photo by Mark Romesser diplomatic show of support, need to be Eastern Europe’s placed into context. For Horning, that watcher, the personality of Vladimir joining NATO,” Horning said. “Eastern context means seeing the world through Putin is one key to understanding the Europe wants to belong to ‘The Club.’ the other’s eyes and understanding present relationship of the two Putin accepts this now, though he may something of the sweep of history that countries. “As a former KGB member,” not always.” Originally arranged as a has brought both to the present moment. Horning said, “Mr. Putin knows how to post-war watchdog over the Soviets’ “A lot of Americans think that if the smile. It’s easy for us to be taken in by western flank, NATO now is bent on

The Putin Presidency communist society need not be the movement in Eastern Europe, with harsh, dictatorial life as personified by Poland, East Germany and in Perspective Stalin and carried on by his successors.” Czechoslovakia opting to go their own To Creighton University History Both of Gorbachev’s grandfathers had ways, soon spread to the 15-member Professor Ross Horning, Russian been treated most severely under Stalin. republics of the Soviet Union (Armenia, Federation President Vladimir Putin One was tortured as a follower of Leon Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, “will be a formidable character in the Trotsky, the other sent to Siberia “for not Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, years ahead.” But that’s not a bad thing fulfilling his (collective farm’s) sowing Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, for either the U.S. or Russia, Horning plan.” Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan; see believes. “Don’t expect leaders to do less It was partly out of this past that map on page 17). “It was like a snowball than to look after the interests of their Gorbachev envisioned his policies of rolling downhill. It got ahead of own country. You do not want a wishy- glasnost and perestroika, openness and Gorbachev, and he couldn’t control it.” washy personality ... You want to know restructuring of the economy, To save the situation, Gorbachev, in where they stand.” respectively. late 1990, put together the “Union of But, according to Horning, to get at But Horning believes Gorbachev’s the personality of Putin, you have to biggest impact — “the inadvertent know something of his formation — dismantling of his own country” — was and the government he inherited as born in foreign affairs. As he turned president from Boris Yeltsin and away from the iron-fisted rule of his Mikhail Gorbachev. predecessors along the western flank of the Soviet Union and “indicated that if Mikhail Gorbachev any Eastern European state wished to In March 1985, Gorbachev was make changes, the Soviet Union would elected general secretary of the not intervene, Gorbachev broke the Communist Party, the most powerful psychology of the second World War, post in the then U.S.S.R., and also the Iron Curtain idea. You began to became president of the Soviet Union. think of the future under Gorbachev,” Gorbachev’s driving vision, Horning Horning said, “not of the past.” Photo by Dave Weaver believes, was to “show that a What began for Gorbachev as a Gorbachev at an appearance in Omaha in March.

14 Summer 2002 A Bear Hug from Putin?

“solidifying the status quo. The United as the political and economic landscape in 1956 and the ill-fated Czechoslovakian States wants to enlarge the membership evolves there, Horning believes. Rebellion in 1968, this policy took on new of NATO, so that there’s no danger of But there’s a much deeper reason for strength, Horning said. “Every Eastern attack from one of these former Soviet involvement. Eastern Europe is Russia’s European country had to be a reflection states. Conversely, NATO also “classic protection.” To Russia, Horning of the home government, the Soviet guarantees that an attack on one is an explained, “Eastern Europe is as vital as Union. No deviation was permitted. attack on all,” Horning said. the Caribbean is to us.” In short, a threat The idea came to be known, unofficially, But watch Putin in this, Horning on Russia’s western borders would be as the Brezhnev Doctrine, with the added, as you would observe any leader as foreboding to Russia as another thought that all Eastern European who has the interest of his country at country’s warships off the coast of states are members of one socialist heart. “If Russia gets to be a big, powerful Florida would be to us. community: What touches one, touches nation again, they will then challenge Russia has long wanted this protective all — and no one state can go its own way.” NATO,” Horning believes. “And the shield of countries along its flank. After Today, Poland, the Czech Republic day will come when, as Russia acquires all, Horning said, it doesn’t take much and Hungary have joined NATO, and more strength, it will challenge the U.S., to conjure up from history books — or others have applied. Putin, knowing the as well, for leadership in Eastern Europe.” from memory — the roar of Nazi tanks importance of this area to his country’s Still, if Russia becomes part of a as they tore into Mother Russia from the well-being, naturally will strengthen his proposed Russia-NATO Council at west ... or the image of 25 million Russian hand along this vital line as Russia the end of the month, all of this may dead at the hands of the German strengthens, Horning believes. “Russia change. Russia and its old rivals may be invaders. Along Eastern Europe, is interested in once again being a world able to put their differences behind therefore, countries aligned after World player and taking its place in Europe.” them and join forces on common War II under the Warsaw Pact as a On the other hand, Bosnia and Kosovo concerns, including terrorism. guard to the Soviet flank: Albania, will always be supported by Russia “and Ultimately, Russia sees itself as Bulgaria, Hungary, East Germany, will probably never be a part of NATO. European, not Asian. Therefore, it will Poland, Romania and Czechoslovakia. Kosovo is the ‘Slavic centerpiece,’” want to have a role in Europe, especially After the failed Hungarian Revolution representative of what it means to

Sovereign Soviet Republics,” with its “It comes to an end, this 76-year era, economic future.” formative treaty to have been signed on in such a casual way,” Horning said. Gorbachev’s former rival not only Aug. 27, 1991. But, on the eve of the “Usually this kind of change comes was beset with the problems of his signing, five of the 15 states refused to about through war and violence.” country, but his health was a concern, sign. To add to the stress, Horning said, and it “made it difficult for him to Gorbachev’s vice president led an Boris Yeltsin govern.” Still, Horning points to the attempted coup against his own boss. As Mikhail Gorbachev closed a creation of a new constitution in 1993 “That’s where Boris Yeltsin comes in. 12-minute speech announcing his for the Russian Federation as one of Gorbachev is in the Crimea (his resignation as president of the U.S.S.R., Yeltsin’s most important contributions. vacation spot in southern Ukraine). All he handed new president Boris Yeltsin Not only did the new document set out phone lines to him are cut. Yeltsin calls the reins of power, as well as on Russians to reject the coup, and the “nuclear suitcase, that is, the hundreds of tanks move into Moscow. codes and communication Yeltsin becomes the hero, as tank equipment that launches commanders refuse to join the nuclear missiles. uprising.” “By the next day, Yeltsin was On Aug. 24, two of his cabinet in Gorbachev’s former office — members having committed suicide, and Gorbachev was out, “ Gorbachev resigned as party secretary, Horning said. still retaining his title of president. On The breakup of the Dec. 12, 1991, the Supreme Soviet voted communist economic and 188-6 to join the commonwealth, which political structure “quickly would later become the Russian brought poverty and social Federation. Those republics all instability to Russia. In all this,” eventually would become independent Horning said, “Yeltsin can be seen as a transitional figure, nations. Thirteen days later, Gorbachev AP Photo would resign as president. And, on Dec. trying to cope with the Yeltsin, left, makes a speech atop a tank in front of the 26, 1991, the Supreme Soviet “voted economic breakdown and to Russian parliament building in 1991 during a failed coup itself out of existence.” create a new political and attempt by communist hard liners.

15 Summer 2002 A Bear Hug from Putin?

be Slavic, to be Russian. Putin have to walk to appease Russian Elsewhere, “Putin’s biggest problem citizens about an American military will be Chechnya. Russia has been presence there? “Even though Putin Putin has signed on for trying to control Chechnya since Peter backs a U.S. presence in Georgia,” the War on Terrorism, the Great (czar from 1682-1725). Stalin Horning said, “he’s receiving criticism tried to deport the Chechens, killing from his own country for allowing this. and at least one area many. They became to him what the It appears to some that he is casually Jewish people were to Hitler. Chechnya giving in to the Americans all the time.” in Georgia has been is a predominantly Muslim territory. Still, Putin has signed on for the War on targeted as a supply line Chechens live in mountains like Terrorism, and at least one area in Afghans — and they will never give Georgia has been targeted as a supply for terrorists, who are up their fight for independence. line for terrorists, who are believed to be “But Putin will not want Chechnya to fueling Islamic anger right in Russia’s believed to be fueling be an independent country. After all, backyard, Chechnya. So, as Russia’s Islamic anger right in Russia has lost a lot of territory. He will leader, it looks like a wise course for want them to be at least a self-governing Putin to support the crackdown on Russia’s backyard, province, unable to sign treaties, arrange Georgian extremists. economic alliances, or own an army or Also vital to Russian interests has Chechnya. navy. But he would like them to have been the protection of the Baltic states: what a province in Canada has. In other Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. Why? to a struggle, Putin’s Russia can be words, Putin would advocate a self- “This is Russia’s historic gateway to the counted upon to take the side of the governing type of province arrangement sea,” Horning said. “It’s in Russia’s Serbs. This alignment with the Serbs for Chechnya, but he would want foreign national interest to have a safe trade runs deep, according to Horning. In fact, relationships to come out of Moscow.” route, free of problems.” Horning sees it’s “one of several reasons that the And the former Soviet state of this policy continuing under Putin. Russians were drawn into the first Georgia — What kind of thin line will And, in the Balkans, if it comes again World War,” with the point of ignition

the structure and functioning of person in Russian life,” Horning noted. appointed him.” government, but it also ensured private “There’s nothing else like this in the Horning emphasizes the continuity property, established the rights of the United States or in Europe. He appoints from Gorbachev to Yeltsin and Putin. states and abolished the Soviet-era the prime minister and approves all “Yet, this is a whole new way of life. congress. members of the cabinet that are selected This is a new society coming on. It will The role of the president is also by the prime minister.” be a challenge to the United States in the spelled out in the Yeltsin-era The judo champion of St. Petersburg, years ahead. They will be serious constitution: head of the states, avid skier and former head of the KGB competitors with us in Eastern Europe commander-in-chief, popularly elected has not proven to be a retiring — both economically and politically. for no more than two four-year president, either, said Horning, who is “And Putin is in a good position,” consecutive terms. Further, the president quick to offer this glimpse into Putin’s Horning believes. “He doesn’t have too nominates the prime minister, names character: much power. He has just enough.” the cabinet and the judges. The “At age 16, Putin applied to the KGB constitution also spells out the size and for a job. Now, you don’t apply to the formation of Parliament and the Duma KGB. They come to you! So, they told (Federation Assembly), and specifies the him he needed more schooling — in number of votes available to Russia’s 66 humanities, in the law. And they also regions and 21 provinces. told him they didn’t like people who Yeltsin served as president until the took the initiative. They essentially told elections of 2000. him to ‘keep his mouth shut,’” Horning said. So Putin went to university and Vladimir Putin law school, and then he was Yeltsin’s former prime minister ran approached by the KGB, becoming a for president in Russia’s 2000 election — full colonel and the organization’s head, and won handily. At this halfway point eventually leaving to become deputy in his first term, there’s no reason to mayor of St. Petersburg. “Putin did not

believe Putin won’t run for a second want to be the successor to the head of AP Photo/str term, in 2004. the KGB,” Horning said. “But he did Putin flashes a presidential candidate ID prior to “The president is the most powerful accept the post because Yeltsin Russia’s 2000 election. Will he run again in 2004?

16 Summer 2002 A Bear Hug from Putin? at Sarajevo. “The Serbs have always taken great pride in never becoming Former Soviet Union Islamic. Even with the breakup and the dispersal of the Ottoman Empire, Norway the Serbs maintained their allegiance Sweden to the Orthodox Church. Russia is part of the same church.” Finland Putin, Horning said, begins a new Poland era in Russian life. “He is leading a brand new society. With economic Moscow✪ Established in 1922 and dissolved in 1991, improvements, other things will the Soviet Union occupied nearly one-sixth follow.” of the earth’s land surface. At more than twice the size of the United States, it covered 11 of the world’s 24 time zones.

Former Soviet Union Japan

Mongolia N. Korea

Iran S. Korea Africa China Afghanistan

Indian Ocean Ex-Soviet Republics Australia

Horning believes Putin, with his Latvia strong personality, is the type of Lithuania Estonia leader that “Russia has always Belarus had during its times of greatness. With the breakup of the Moldova In Russian life, a strong leader, like a Russia Soviet Union, Russia and the Ukraine 14 other Soviet Republics czar, has appealed to the Russian became independent states. spirit. Under communism, the Party, in fact, replaced the czar as absolute ruler. In spite of the Russian Georgia Armenia economy — and its political Kazakhstan Azerbaijan challenges — we can probably expect something great coming from Turkmenistan Russia in perhaps the next five years. Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan It has a long road ahead, but Russia Uzbekistan will rise again.” Be advised, said Horning, that the government under Putin does not have perspective, not from a U.S. point of new Russia will not be a carbon-copy of the Marxist outlook of worldwide view. It is born from a desire not to go the old. Under the old Soviet Union, the communism. In some ways, with Putin, back to the iron rule of Stalin, but to communists had a worldwide outlook. we’re seeing a return to nationalism. encourage openness. It is distinctly “They encouraged communist movements In a way, we have something like a Russian in character, Horning said. throughout the world. Under Stalin, this return to Peter the Great.” He is open to a capitalist society, as well. national aspiration was to champion Horning sees Putin encouraging a It is Horning’s belief that Putin “will not Marxism around the globe. The Soviets’ democratic society for Russia. In fact, on go back to a planned society.” And Russia rival in this effort was China. a Vladimir Putin website, this quote is will succeed as a capitalistic society, “Today, Marxism is gone in Russia,” front and center: “We must create such a Horning believes. In Russia’s favor are and, as a global perspective, it has society and such forms of government its natural resources — including oil and vanished so noticeably that Horning that would not stifle democracy.” gold. And maybe even the weight of its said he has to introduce the concept of Horning calls Putin “a strong leader, history. After all, Horning adds with a Marxism to his students, in order for but still open.” But Horning also twinkle, Russia “has been around for them to begin to understand Russia’s emphasized that the democracy Putin more than 1,000 years. How long have past. “The present-day Russian has in mind is, naturally, from a Russian we been around?”

17 Summer 2002 Alzheimer’s Team Searches for Hope Alzheimer’s Team

SearchesBy Bob Reilly for

t its inception, HopeCreighton University A was designed to change the lives of young people. Today, the University is reaching out to those at the other end of the spectrum. Through its innovative Center for Aging, Alzheimer’s Disease and Neurodegenerative Disorders, the Jesuit school strives to make an impact on the growing problems associated with the aging process, specifically targeting Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. An estimated 4 million Americans currently have Alzheimer’s, including 10 percent of the over-65 population and half of those over 85 years of age. Alzheimer’s is the fourth leading cause of death in adults. Add to these statistics the fact that our overall population is aging, with more than 17 percent past retirement age right now, and you realize the situation will only get worse. Unless there is a cure for this disease, experts conclude that, by the year 2050, some 14 million Americans will suffer from this malady. Alzheimer’s effects ripple through society, impacting the family, our health professionals, government at all levels and our economic future. Experts claim that Alzheimer’s costs the nation at least $100 billion a year, and that doesn’t include family costs, which could run as high as $100,000 for some caregivers. Patricio F. Reyes, M.D., heads up Creighton’s Center for Aging. He came to Creighton in 2000 following successful

stints at the University of Texas and the BA’83 Photo by Monte Kruse,

X Summer 2002 Alzheimer’s Team Searches for Hope

Roger Brumback, M.D., Ruth Purtilo, Ph.D., and Patricio F. Reyes, M.D., are leading Creighton’s fight to develop treatments and enhance care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s. Photo by Bob Ervin

19 Summer 2002 Alzheimer’s Team Searches for Hope Photos courtesy of Patricio F. Reyes, M.D. Photos courtesy of Patricio F. A normal brain, left, and a brain ravaged by Alzheimer’s, right. The brain shrinks in size and weight as Alzheimer’s progresses, and the ruts and grooves on the surface of the cerebral cortex become pitted with gaps and crevices. Jefferson Medical School in Philadelphia. specialists,” Reyes explained, “so I have done a lot to correct these trends, His interest in medicine and public policy, came here. It was a tough decision, but funding for research in this area still however, began many years before that but everyone should have a chance to lags. Twenty years ago, no one was in his native Philippine Islands. maximize his potential. I considered talking about Alzheimer’s disease. Now Reyes earned an undergraduate becoming a brain or heart surgeon, but there may be too much talk and not degree at the University of the enough action.” Philippines in 1966 and his medical Reyes, himself, helped pioneer the degree five years later at the same An estimated 4 million first drug ever approved by the U.S. institution. He completed his internship Food and Drug Administration to treat and started his neurology residency at Americans currently the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. the University’s Philippine General Reyes began work on the drug in 1985, Hospital. But, disillusioned with the have Alzheimer’s, and nearly eight years later, in authoritarian rule of Philippine including 10 percent of September 1993, the medication was president Ferdinand Marcos, he fled to introduced to the market under the the United States in 1973 with only a the over-65 population brand name Cognex. The release of the few hundred dollars in his pocket. In and half of those over drug, which is still in limited use today, the U.S., he pursued residencies in made a dramatic impact on the pace of neurology, anatomic pathology and 85 years of age. Alzheimer’s research. neuropathology at the University of “We convinced the world that Kentucky Medical Center and at the I guess I’ve always been attracted by something could be done to help those University of Miami’s Jackson Memorial basic sciences and by the clinical aspects patients suffering from Alzheimer’s,” Hospital in Florida. of the aging brain.” Reyes said. “Before that, there was no “I was convinced that if I remained in That attraction was relatively rare movement at all. We opened up the the Philippines, I couldn’t do what I in the medical profession, where the entire medical and scientific arena.” wanted to do in terms of medicine, basic emphasis has long been on preserving Reyes would later help develop science research, treatment of patients, and prolonging life. Youth culture has Exelon, one of four FDA-approved the education of medical students and dominated advertising budgets, media drugs (the others being Cognex, Aricept the preparation of future brain menus and health issues for a very and Reminyl) now used commonly to long time. slow the advent of Alzheimer’s. “We’ve had a Reyes’ work with Alzheimer’s, fatalistic attitude though, stretches beyond the lab. He toward aging,” once examined retired boxers in Reyes said, Philadelphia and became a member of “and a similar the New Jersey Boxing Commission. philosophy about He dueled in print with boxing analyst Alzheimer’s. Gil Clancy, arguing for more control Organizations and standardization to prevent brain Microscopic views of tangles, left, and plaques, right, that form and spread in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. Scientists hypothesize that the like AARP and damage, while Clancy called boxing accumulation of these plaques and tangles causes cell death and leads to the the Alzheimer’s one of the safest contact sports. Reyes decline in a person’s cognitive functions. Association explains that research has shown a

20 Summer 2002 Alzheimer’s Team Searches for Hope relationship between head trauma and slow the disease or gain a better Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s disease. understanding of Alzheimer’s and the In his previous assignments, Reyes aging process.” Facts also established programs for the Reyes is also generous in his reminders • Approximately 4 million middle-aged and elderly, but that the Center is a team effort, involving Americans have Alzheimer’s Creighton’s Center plans to be much a number of professionals besides disease. more far reaching in both research and himself — some permanent staff, some • By the middle of this century, service. Located on the first floor of the visiting fellows, plus numerous support that number is expected to rise Creighton University Medical Center, personnel and colleagues in all fields of to 14 million. the Center for Aging has multiple medicine. • One in 10 Americans over 65 functions, from diagnosis and treatment; One of his distinguished associates is and nearly half of those over 85 to research on environmental, ethnic, Roger Brumback, M.D., professor and have the disease. economic, spiritual and genetic factors; to chair of Creighton’s Department of • Alzheimer’s costs the U.S. at education and community involvement. Pathology. Like Reyes, he was not least $100 billion annually. Reyes explained: “We need to treat originally in this specialty, but began as • The cost to American businesses people in a comprehensive fashion and a pediatrician, switching later to exceeds $33 billion (much of teach others how to diagnose and treat neurology. Again, like Reyes, he made that from lost productivity due patients with dementia; we also need to other stops before settling in Omaha, to employee caregiving). do more than search for causes and most notably at Penn State’s College of • A person with Alzheimer’s will cures. We have to be conscious of social Medicine, where he earned his live an average of eight years, consequences and cultural factors that undergraduate and medical degrees, at and as many as 20 years or may influence successful treatment. the University of Pittsburgh and more, from the onset of Lastly, we have to extend our mission University of North Dakota schools of symptoms. out into the community.” medicine and more than 15 years at the • More than 7 of 10 people with To that end, Reyes is working with University of Oklahoma College of Alzheimer’s live at home. the Ponca Tribe in Nebraska on research Medicine. His list of publications is • Half of all nursing home involving diabetes and the brain. Reyes extensive and his reputation brought him residents suffer from also continues to see patients, some six to Nightline for an interview with Ted Alzheimer’s disease or a related to 12 a day. Many travel considerable Koppel on the causes of Alzheimer’s. disorder. distances to consult with him, including Brumback has a knack for translating • The average lifetime cost per Alzheimer’s sufferers who have followed complicated medical jargon into lay terms Alzheimer’s patient is $174,000. him during his moves. And a growing and has had some success in raising number are from the Omaha area. monies for this long-neglected area. Source: Alzheimer’s Association “It is essential that the community we “I lobbied the state of Oklahoma for (www.alz.org) serve supports our cause. After all, a funds to create a brain bank, to diagnose major objective of the Center is to share our knowledge and expertise with members of our community,” Reyes said. In person, Reyes is lively, animated, upbeat. No dream seems beyond him, and he can pull you into that conviction. Everything about Alzheimer’s disease fascinates him. He theorizes about possible connections between Alzheimer’s and sleep apnea. He wonders about the Alzheimer’s patient’s observed predilection for sweets and loss of sense of smell. Reyes discovered that the areas of the brain involved with smell are often damaged in Alzheimer’s patients. He listens to any fresh evidence with sincere interest, and he believes something great will come from the Center. “There are lots of new studies going BA’83 Photo by Monte Kruse, on, here and elsewhere,” Reyes said, Reyes examines Levon Morrison, while his wife, Robbie, looks on. Morrison suffers from “with all of them attempting to halt or Alzheimer’s disease.

21 Summer 2002 Alzheimer’s Team Searches for Hope Hope for the Future Alzheimer’s disease is a complex Enzyme Targeting. Scientists have Center is trying to recruit new faculty disorder that results in the loss of brain identified certain enzymes — enzyme who would work on developing better cells. The disease is characterized by the beta secretase and gamma secretase — animal research models. Another spread of sticky beta amyloid plaques that are believed to be key to the potential vaccine, a nasal spray, also has and tangled fibers in the brain that development of the plaque-building been shown to reduce the build up of reduce nerve cell connections, beta amyloid protein. By manipulating amyloid plaques in laboratory mice. eventually leading to cell death and a these enzymes, scientists may be able to Cholesterol-lowering Drugs. decline in a person’s cognitive functions. inhibit the development of beta amyloid. Two studies published in 2000 There are currently four drugs “This holds much promise,” Reyes said. highlighted a relationship between approved by the Food and Drug “If we can neutralize the enzymes that certain cholesterol-lowering drugs Administration that relieve some of the lead to plaques, we can then possibly (statins) and decreased risk of symptoms of the disease and improve prevent or stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. One study found cognitive function — tacrine (Cognex), Alzheimer’s disease.” that individuals on cholesterol-lowering donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine Nerve Growth Factors. An essential drugs were 70 percent less likely to (Exelon) and galatamine (Reminyl). chemical in the brain, nerve growth (or develop dementia. However, there is currently no medical neurotrophic) factors promote the Antioxidants. New findings, reported treatment to cure or stop the regeneration of nerve cells in the brain. at the World Alzheimer’s Congress progression of Alzheimer’s. To that end, Using a gene therapy technique or 2000, suggest that eating high amounts scientists are making great strides on a compounds that promote cell of vegetables rich in vitamin E and variety of fronts. Here are a few of the regeneration, scientists could revive or vitamin C is associated with lower risks most promising: restore brain cells damaged in of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Anti-inflammatory Drugs. Studies Alzheimer’s patients to nearly their Memantine. A drug that acts on a key have shown that ibuprofen and other original state. central nervous system receptor, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Vaccines. The experimental drug memantine may help slow the including arthritis drugs called COX-2 AN-1792 was found to reduce existing progression of moderately severe inhibitors, appear to lower the risk of amyloid plaques and prevent further to severe Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s by reducing the plaque development in mice. However, Lower-fat Diet. A high-fat diet during inflammation that accompanies plaque human clinical trials in France recently early and mid-adulthood may be formation. were stopped when patients using the associated with an increased risk drug began experiencing inflammation of developing Alzheimer’s, especially of the brain. Reyes said the problems in people with the ApoE-4 gene, relating to this clinical trial point to the according to recent research. need for more accurate research models Hormones. Estrogen has been found and careful assessment of experimental to promote cell regeneration and information before extrapolating animal prevent cell deterioration, Reyes said. data to human subjects. Reyes said the He added that some investigators believe that women who were not exposed to estrogen therapy after menopause have an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Source: Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), Dr. Patricio F. Reyes

Reyes was instrumental in the development of the first Alzheimer’s drug, Cognex, which paved the way for future Alzheimer’s research.

X Summer 2002 Alzheimer’s Team Searches for Hope and evaluate called the hippocampus, Alzheimer’s patients, to and memory is the first follow up with respite thing affected. It spreads and caregiver training out from there to the and even to check on frontal lobe, where nursing homes to judgment and reason improve their work,” are located. This may Brumback said. take years or it may take The center Brumback only months. helped establish in Diagnosis is now done Oklahoma City managed by a process of to found that brain bank, elimination, ruling out arrange for autopsies, other causes of the study the results and patient’s errant behavior, then host conferences like Parkinson’s disease where relatives could or head trauma. attend and ask questions. There are early signs Brumback, who gets and these include impatient with the memory loss, inability to publicizing of pseudo handle familiar tasks, cures, invariably problems with language, provides frank and disorientation as to time straight responses. On and place, impaired the sometimes cloudy judgment, problems with issue of what kills abstract thinking, Alzheimer’s patients, he misplacing of items, replies simply, changes in mood or “Alzheimer’s kills behavior, personality them.” shifts and loss of The death certificate initiative. Even though might cite pneumonia or the tests and observations kidney failure or other are extensive, they aren’t ailments but Brumback BA’83 Photo by Monte Kruse, foolproof. Post-mortem returns to Alzheimer’s as Reyes examines a brain affected by Alzheimer’s with Creighton residents Manasi examinations reveal that Rana, M.D., left, and Julie Chang, MD’00. the cause. as many as 10 percent of “An Alzheimer’s the diagnoses of patient loses control of functions,” he labs where the mad scientist displays Alzheimer’s may be in error. Brumback explained. “While we’ve been talking, skulls and lots of bubbling vials, these can detect these lapses in his research. you’ve unconsciously swallowed a modern facilities are less showy, more You’ve probably heard that we use number of times. With the disease, you clinical. And they serve an important only 20 percent of the brain power we forget how to swallow and the lungs, purpose, since, at least for the present, have. Brumback disputes this. for example, get set up for infection. Alzheimer’s signs can’t be detected in “We may well use only 20 percent of This pooling can lead to pneumonia. the living brain (instead, they show up our brain cells, but the other 80 percent Kidney infections occur in Alzheimer’s in autopsies), and the exact cause or serve as backups. We may lose a few of patients for similar reasons. The brain causes of the disease are still unknown. these in the birth process or, later on, doesn’t tell them to void.” “Once we know the cause or causes, through accidents or disease. That’s The brain shrinks as Alzheimer’s we can develop more definitive and when the backups take over. An average progresses. The typical brain weighs safer treatments for the prevention person may lose 15 to 20 percent of about three pounds, but Brumback or cure of the disease,” Reyes said. his/her nerve cells over a lifetime. Once recalls a patient he treated for 25 years Part of Reyes’ current research entails lost, they can’t be replaced, not like our and, at her death, her brain weighed trying to understand the basic skin or other areas that redevelop only a pound. mechanisms involved in Alzheimer’s. themselves.” “The same weight as a newborn Scientists have identified a plaque or What happens in the case of the baby’s brain,” he said. tangle within the brain that can trigger Alzheimer’s patient is that, even if the Although the notion of a “brain bank” an inflammatory reaction leading to the Alzheimer’s process starts early on, the probably conjures up visions in the death of brain cells. This normally starts reserve cells may keep the individual layperson of a hundred motion picture in the center of the brain, in an area stable. But, once we dip into the final

23 Summer 2002 Alzheimer’s Team Searches for Hope Medical Student Focuses on Vision and Alzheimer’s By Rick Davis

For Haakon Nygaard, BS’00, it was the opportunity of a lifetime. The first-year Creighton medical student from Norway had read in the newspaper that acclaimed neurologist Patricio F. Reyes, M.D., was coming to Creighton University. Nygaard, who had an interest in neurology, was among the first to visit Reyes when the esteemed physician came to campus. “Basically, I just went to his office, and he took me in. And I’ve been working with him ever since,” Nygaard said. “He’s given me fantastic opportunities, both in the clinic and in the research area.” Nygaard, now in his second year of Creighton medical school, has made the most of those opportunities. This February, Nygaard’s oral presentation at the Midwest Student Creighton medical student Haakon Nygaard, Research Forum in Omaha on BS’00, is investigating the relationship Alzheimer’s disease and the visual between Alzheimer’s and the visual system. system earned him top honors. He also Photo by Bob Ervin

20 percent, we begin to exhibit 50s. An autopsy revealed senile plaque, also holds three honorary doctorates. behavioral changes. the same substance scientists thought She’s the author of half a dozen books Like Reyes, Brumback is also a was peculiar only to the elderly.” and more than 70 articles on the subject student of the history of the aging That discovery set the stage for a fresh of ethics. Prior to joining Creighton, she process, reminding people that, before look at the dementia issue, but it has held ethics positions in several states, 1800, age was revered. This was a time taken the greater part of the past had visiting scholar status in Sweden when the life span was much shorter. century to get things moving. and continues as a Fellow of the Hastings Our European ancestors even developed Creighton’s Center for Aging is one part Center, a think tank in New York. a rule that people over 65 were to be of the solution. Its core principles With all the focus on delaying or considered senile. This arbitrary time include providing care that is clinically curing Alzheimer’s, people may lose line is responsible for 65 being set as effective, accessible and cost effective; sight of the ethical considerations. retirement age, even though many maintaining state-of-the-art equipment “There are many ethical problems to people now retire earlier or later. and technology; and integrating confront,” Purtilo said. “Issues about the “Research scientists in places like education, research and patient care to patient, of course. Like how you address Vienna and Prague and Munich were attain the highest level of quality in each that kind of suffering in a humane way trying to determine why people over 65 area. Like the University, the Center is and what it means to address it. And were demented,” continued Brumback. anchored in ethics and in Catholic and then, caregiver issues as well. How “They discovered senile plaques and Jesuit values. much autonomy should be honored and theorized these appeared only in the That introduces another element in at what price to the caregiver? And how elderly. Then, in the first decade of the the team approach, the liaison with can we help patients hold on to their 20th century, a German physician Creighton’s Center for Health Policy identities? We discuss ways to allow named Alois Alzheimer observed and Ethics. The director of this division more self-determination, to permit the similar behavioral patterns in a woman is Ruth Purtilo, who received her Ph.D. Alzheimer’s patient to optimize his or patient of his who was still in her early in ethics from Harvard University and her autonomy.”

24 Summer 2002 presented his research at the National “It is clear that the visual system is He came to Creighton and played on Student Research Forum this April in involved (in Alzheimer’s disease). What the varsity tennis team for four years. Galveston, Texas. its role is, in terms of visual symptoms, His “deep interest in science” led him to Nygaard began his research on is not fully understood,” Nygaard said. major in biology, but he also considered Alzheimer’s disease and the visual “That’s what we will be investigating.” majoring in philosophy. system last summer under Reyes’ There is no single diagnostic test for Nygaard said that working with direction. Reports have shown that a Alzheimer’s disease. Definitive Reyes has been “amazing.” number of Alzheimer’s patients display confirmation of the disease requires “He is one of the best teachers I have signs of visual problems — such as examination of brain tissue at autopsy. ever encountered,” Nygaard said. “He blurred vision and reduced visual The current clinical diagnostic approach lets me do rounds with him. He lets me acuity, as well as diminished sensitivity is about 90 percent accurate, according see patients with him. He is so open to to color, contrast and motion — yet the to the Alzheimer’s Association. It students, and he loves to teach.” pathological basis for these symptoms involves a comprehensive evaluation Working with Reyes has made was not well known. that includes a complete health history, Nygaard even more interested in “An Alzheimer’s patient, for instance, physical examination, neurological and pursuing a career in neurology and may have a hard time determining what mental status assessments and other uncovering such mysteries of the brain they are looking at, and their sensitivity tests. Nygaard said visual symptoms as Alzheimer’s disease. to motion may be reduced, which can may provide another valuable clue. And “Alzheimer’s is certainly one of my affect activities such as driving,” early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is main interests,” Nygaard said. “It may Nygaard said. an important step in getting appropriate become the epidemic of the 21st century. In the lab, using Reyes’ extensive brain treatment, care and support services. And neurology is perhaps one of the bank, Nygaard began examining the Nygaard was born and raised in Oslo. last unexplored areas of medicine. There brains of Alzheimer’s patients, looking Before coming to Creighton for his is so much we don’t know about the at the parts of the brain associated with undergraduate education in 1996, brain yet.” vision. Nygaard played professional tennis But Nygaard is optimistic about the He found a “significant” number of for a year. future. neuritic plaques — the amyloid- “You really have to love it,” Nygaard “The answers are there for sure,” he containing plaques associated with said of his short stint on the pro tour. “It said. “It will just take some time to Alzheimer’s disease — in the visual cortex, was very, very tough. I figured I should uncover them.” located in the very back of the brain. probably go to school.”

She adds that there are ethical issues Should one suffering from Alzheimer’s time and good work.” involving society. What can they do? be allowed to vote, or drive a car, or Already the Center has sponsored What should they do? How are limited enter into a contract? What about the workshops and conferences to spread resources to be distributed? And there terms of any guardianship or the rights information about dementia, involving are justice issues, such as who gets of the Alzheimer’s patient when it not only research issues but also treated and for what. comes to decisions like a will or a Living covering related subjects like caregiver “We have questions about promising Will? How do we view this disability or responsibilities and their health care prescription drugs and whether we deal with violent behavior or protect needs. should give them to patients who may these individuals from crimes? Reyes’ enthusiasm and confidence are improve for six months and then lapse So Creighton’s Center for Aging is a contagious. His team members seem to back into the same dementia pattern. multifaceted venture, one with great feel it, express it. We have concerns for the family unit. promise and as many challenges. In a “Eventually,” Brumback said, Autonomy has a moral monopoly on newspaper interview conducted with “Alzheimer’s will be conquered.” our thinking.” Reyes prior to his affiliation with When that happy day arrives, the Purtilo and her colleagues try to Creighton, the neurologist said: “I tell Creighton practitioners feel certain create models of appropriate comfort people who work with me that this they will have played an important role. care along with effective pain kind of work entails commitment and “To date,” said Reyes, “the Midwest management and end-of-life care. Last dedication. You have a tremendous has been underrepresented in this fall, she spent time at a meeting in the responsibility to patients and their struggle, but I’m sure we in Omaha Netherlands to help develop guidelines families, both in the clinical setting and and at Creighton will soon be among for Alzheimer’s ethical issues with, as in the ethical manner in which you the leaders.” she states, “justice as the centerpiece.” conduct and report medical and In addition, there are many legal scientific research. You will be rewarded questions that require consideration. but you have to put in a lot of effort,

25 Summer 2002 Summer Reading

Some wanted a good chuckle, British- style, and recommended Alan Bennett’s Profs List Talking Heads and Talking Heads 2, with plenty of copies of The New Yorker tucked in for good measure. Others favored more serious texts, Summer such as Charles Swindoll’s Living Above the Level of Mediocrity: A Commitment to Excellence, or Bill Readings’s Page-Turners The University in Ruins or Bruce Wilkinson’s Prayer of Jabez and Philip When Creighton faculty head to the And at least one preconception fell Simmons’s Learning to Fall: The Blessings back roads and byways this summer, just with our survey: Expect our professors of an Imperfect Life. The latter describes what tomes will they be toting? Moreover, to stick with their subjects. Not the interior journey of an ALS sufferer what do they recommend that you tuck necessarily so. Sure, there was the film facing end-of-life issues. into your beach bag or backpack? professor who was tackling a couple of From the English department come Sharpen your pencils: Here are their cinema books, but he couldn’t wait to some great reading tips, from Evelyn choices. crack open the Dorothy Sayers thriller, Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited to Nicholas The lure of the American West still Gaudy Night, an Oxford University-based Basbanes’s tome for bibliophiles, beckons, with Custer’s My Life on the mystery. And one physician lists Steve Patience & Fortitude, and alumnus Plains, Cather’s My Antonia and Ambrose’s Martin’s Shopgirl, Peter Maas’s The Ron Hansen’s Atticus. Undaunted Courage topping several lists. Terrible Hours and “almost anything by And, as with all good reading, several Another top pick for one faculty couple James Elroy, especially his L.A. series” top picks by faculty promise that, is Heinz’s Frank Lloyd Wright Field Guide, as his top picks. “There is no frigate like a book to take Vol. 3, West. The pair will use the book as Fiction versus non-fiction was a pretty us lands away.” Thus, Peter Hessler’s they hit the road to explore Wright’s even draw for summer reading, with our River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze, western architectural gems. professors even-handedly naming Stephen Ernest Hemingway’s Green Hills of Even Omaha’s frontier past has a lure Hawking’s The Universe in a Nutshell just Africa, Kent Haruf’s Plainsong and for at least one summer reader whose as preferred as a companion in a Sandra Benitez’s El-Salvador sited Bitter copy of A Dirty, Wicked Town: Tales of hammock as Checkov’s Short Stories Grounds take the reader around the 19th Century Omaha heads for the suitcase. or P.D. James’s Death in Holy Orders. world ... and into the human heart.

Murray Joseph Casey, Mary Haynes Sharon deLaubenfels, MD, Ob/Gyn: Kuhlman, Ph.D., M.A., English: Whittaker Chambers’s English: Alan Bennett’s Witness, perhaps “the Ron Hansen’s Atticus, Talking Heads and greatest autobiography ... “a Colorado rancher Talking Heads 2, written ever written by an searches in a luxuriantly and recorded for BBC American”; described Mexico for Television in the 1980s. Mark Twain’s Joan of his prodigal son”; “I am a huge fan of Arc for its “beautiful Evelyn Waugh’s British literature, and language”; Brideshead Revisited, Alan Bennett is so very George Armstrong which “traces a young observant of the British Custer’s My Life on the agnostic’s fascination way of life — and he is Plains, a “firsthand with a British Catholic very funny”; account of the frontier family”; and back issues of army ... written as a Julia Alvarez’s In the The New Yorker. series of self-promoting Time of the Butterflies, “a articles.” beautiful novel about four sisters and an ugly time in the history of the Dominican Republic.”

26 Summer 2002 Summer Reading

Bridget Keegan, Ph.D., Ross Horning, Ph.D., Rory J. Conces, Ph.D., Chair, English: History: Philosophy: Bill Readings’s David Gergen’s Peter Hessler’s River The University in Ruins, Eyewitness to Power: Town: Two Years on the “the most provocative The Essence of Leadership. Yangtze is a top choice, critique to date of how Gergen, on the staffs of as Conces wants “to the dominance of global Nixon, Ford, Reagan compare Hessler’s corporations has and Clinton, has “a experiences as a teacher undermined the reputation for solid in China with my own traditional mission of integrity and fairness. experiences as a the university”; His concluding chapter philosophy lecturer in and Peter Linebaugh on the ‘Seven Lessons of Guangzhou”; and Marcus Rediker’s Leadership’ is especially Gao Xingjian’s The Many-Headed Hydra: astute and should be Soul Mountain for its Sailors, Slaves, Commoners read by every political “window on modern- and the Hidden History of personality — those day China” ... the Revolutionary Atlantic. who currently hold and Rusmir Keegan calls this a office, those thinking of Mahmutc´ehajic´’s “surprising account of running for office, and Bosnia the Good: the true ‘founders’ of all advisors of potential Tolerance and Tradition. our country.” candidates”; Having met the author and, “for a wonderful, in Sarajevo, Conces light, revealing, read,” looks forward to Bruce Houghton, M.D., David L. Bristow’s A learning more from Specialty Medicine: Dirty, Wicked Town: Tales this “remarkable man Steve Martin’s Shopgirl of 19th Century Omaha; and thinker.” drew plaudits here. Austin Murphy’s “The characters were The Sweet Season, a well-drawn with great “marvelous story of James Wunsch, Ph.D., attention to small, St. John’s head football Political Science: significant details: a coach, John Gagliardi.” James C. Scott’s wonderful, quick Seeing Like A State is a summer read”; “21st century update likewise Peter Maas’s Bob Whipple, Ph.D., of Tocqueville and The Terrible Hours, and English: Madison’s concerns “almost anything by Lawrence Lessig’s The with how democracy James Elroy, especially Future of Ideas: The Fate can evolve into tyranny”; his L.A. series. His style of the Commons in a but a “fun read for the is a little odd and the Connected World offers a beach or late nights” is subjects are dark with view of the Internet age Ken Follett’s Jackdaws, on some fairly damaged that has “disturbing the French resistance in characters, but, if you consequences for social the days prior to D-Day; like mysteries and noir, and moral institutions”; while Jeffrey Herbst’s check him out.” while Nicholas States and Power in Africa Basbanes’s Patience & “takes a new angle in Fortitude supplies insight understanding failed Mark L. Kearley, Ph.D., into “the importance of African states.” Chemistry: traditional books in a Stephen Ambrose’s digital age.” Undaunted Courage is “mesmerizing.”

Dust jackets are provided courtesy of their copyright owners.

27 Summer 2002 Summer Reading

Barbara J. Dilly, Carol Zuegner, M.A., Raneta Lawson Sociology/ Journalism: Mack, J.D., Law: Anthropology: Pulitzer Prize- Richard Meryman’s Randal S. Beeman winning reporter for Andrew Wyeth: A Secret and James A. Pritchard’s the New York Times, Life affords a great way A Green and Permanent Rick Bragg, is the to learn more about the Land: Ecology and author of this professor’s painter whose “famous Agriculture in the top pick, All Over but Helga paintings will be Twentieth Century the Shoutin’, “a at the Joslyn Art affords “a good fabulous book”; Museum (in Omaha) summary of how and Willa Cather’s this summer”; agriculture figures so My Antonia is “on while Ernest prominently in public my reread list every Hemingway’s Green debates”; summer. I get something Hills of Africa will Lawrence Thornton’s new from it every time be read prior to “an Imagining Argentina I read it.” 11-day trip through places the reader southern Africa in squarely into the plight September”; of “families of Geoff Bakewell, Ph.D., and Thomas Argentineans who Chair, Classical and Tomosy’s Restoring disappeared in the Near Eastern Studies: Classic & Collectible 1970s,” Gerald Durrell’s Cameras will help this and Charles Swindoll’s My Family and Other professor become Living Above the Level of Animals is “warm and proficient at her Mediocrity: A Commitment witty” and relates how new hobby. to Excellence, is a “odd and endearing “spiritual accountability creatures share the guide to personal stage with equally Deborah Wells, Ph.D., development.” eccentric humans as Marketing and world-famous zoologist Management: Gerry Durrell recounts P.D. James’s Death Mary Kay Meagher, the sun-drenched days in Holy Orders and Nursing: of his childhood on the Elizabeth George’s Anita Diamant’s Greek island of Corfu”; Playing for the Ashes The Red Tent offers “a skip the “utterly and For the Sake of Elena marvelous insight into forgettable movie with are top picks for this women’s lives in Old Penelope Cruz and relaxing scholar. Great Testament times”; Nicolas Cage. Instead, mysteries, full of meanwhile, Sandra read this enthralling “psychology, multiple Benítez’s Bitter Grounds novel evoking life on suspects and timeless is a “wonderful way to the Greek island of writing.” learn the history of El Kephallonia during ... Salvador in the 1980s”; World War II, Louis de and Anita Shreve’s Bernieres’s Corelli’s The Pilot’s Wife is Mandolin”; riveting reading “for a and Umberto Eco’s plane ride or a long The Name of the Rose. wait through security.” “Have you forgotten all the Aristotle you learned at Creighton? Then read this playful yet learned murder mystery by the famous Italian scholar.”

28 Summer 2002 Summer Reading

Roger Aiken, Ph.D., Brent Spencer, Ph.D., Gregory Bucher, Fine and English: Ph.D., Classical and Performing Arts: Among “the great Near Eastern Studies: Rick Altman’s treasures of the art” are Thomas Heinz’s Film/Genre and David Anton Chekhov’s Short Frank Lloyd Wright Field Bordwell’s On the Stories. “He’s more than Guide, Vol. 3, West will History of Film Style will my summer reading. guide this Creighton prepare this Creighton He’s my perpetual faculty member and his scholar to teach a new reading. I’m constantly wife this summer in senior perspective class; impressed by his subtle search of Wright’s but “the understanding of human western gems; incomparable” nature and by his way while Charles Jencks’s Dorothy Sayers’s with the language”; Heteropolis offers a fun Gaudy Night beckons Richard Russo’s mix of humor and when the day winds Empire Falls handles the architecture as he down. “small industrial towns wanders through Los of the northeast with Angeles; an engaging mixture finally, “quirky, Helen Ayers, M.A., of comedy and opinionated” Nancy English: compassion”; Mitford and her A Talent Philip Simmons’s and Nebraska poet to Annoy offers a “good Learning to Fall: The and fiction writer Terese companion on a road Blessings of an Imperfect Svoboda’s Trailer Girl trip.” Life deals “with life’s and Other Stories proves deepest and most “haunting and funny.” urgent questions”; Martin Hulce, Ph.D., and Brendan Chemistry: O’Carroll’s The Mammy James Woodbury, Oliver Sacks’s Uncle features Agnes Browne, M.D., Internal Tungsten: Memories of “widowed with seven Medicine: a Chemical Boyhood children living in the Stephen Hawking’s provides “graceful working class section The Universe in a recollections of the of Dublin in the 1960s.” Nutshell promises a pleasures of hands-on good, lucid read of science in post-World theoretical physics; War II London (that) will Frances C. Moore, while John Sandford’s ring true for anyone Pharmacy Sciences: Night Prey chills as a who has felt the pull For a “good spiritual tale of a serial of discovery”; exercise,” Bruce murderer, while Guy Johnson’s Wilkinson’s The Prayer and Isaac Asimov’s Standing at the Scratch of Jabez ... Foundation answers Line details a “bigger- and “a great mystery, both “favorite author” than-life hero ... who so timely after 9/11 and “favorite genre” roars and dodges his way that it’s scary,” Robert for this summer reader. through the heart of Ludlum’s The 20th century African- Prometheus Deception. American history”; and Kent Haruf’s Plainsong “creates a small town in the high plains of Colorado that has cadence and goodness that Midwesterners will recognize and celebrate as blessings.”

29 Summer 2002 Chance, God, and the Economy Chance, God and the

EconoBy Robert P. Heaney, M.D., John A. Creighton University Professor

The evening news contained its usual contradictions: another Fortune 500 company laying off thousands of workers, the Dow bouncing back, homelessness increasing, Lexus sales rising. How could one make sense of such seeming opposites?

30 Summer 2002 Chance, God and the Economy

In my work, I have increasingly come variables, it is only a matter of minutes yield, and so remain stable, while the to use computer simulations to explore for the computer to give us the results smaller holdings are, as always, more questions in bone biology. The speed of of years of simulated reality. vulnerable. The country as a whole computers, and their ability to handle One finds, at the end of one simulated remains prosperous, but its abundance dozens of simultaneously changing year, that the average crop yield for the is now distributed quite unevenly. conditions, allow investigators to compress whole country is, as expected, more than Making allowances for differences in into just a few hours an amount of work ample — enough to feed everyone, complexity, this imaginary land looks that might have taken a lifetime — perhaps enough for next year’s seed and a very much like the world we inhabit, the many lifetimes. Could a computer good-sized surplus to boot. But, given one we read about in the evening news. model help me understand what lay the play of chance, not every farm is When we see such unevenness in our behind the seeming inconsistencies of average. Some did better, some worse. contemporary, real world, it is tempting the modern economic world? Some, in fact, did not have a sufficient to seek the explanation in terms of merit. Simulations are not reality, but they yield both to feed their families and to Some work harder than others or make can be a good substitute. Moreover, set aside seed for next year’s planting. better decisions; they deserve more. And simulations manage the playing out of They were forced to go to more those who make mistakes or are lazy? random chance very well. Simulations, prosperous neighbors and borrow from Well, perhaps, they get what is coming in effect, allow one to make the rules their surplus, promising, of course, to to them. and watch the game unfold — then repay, and pledging some of their land But is that correct? Is that a fully as security. The lender levied a certain adequate explanation? amount of interest, which we, as master Our simulation allows us to test this of this universe, determine should be assumption. What if we were to eliminate only half the rate of average surplus the factors of laziness, meanness and yield, so that repayment would be bad judgment? By changing a few lines easily feasible. of code we make everybody in our After one more year, the outcomes are imaginary land equally able, equally similar. Some did better than average, deserving. When we run the simulation my some worse. Most of the farmers who again, we find, surprisingly, that the had borrowed grain had a better year results are the same. It takes a few and were able to repay some or all of years longer, but the original, evenly change the rules and watch again. their loans. But not all. Some had two distributed wealth still becomes We can, for example, start the world bad years in a row. They had to go concentrated in the hands of a few. The over, in a sense. Take, say, 10,000 families, deeper into debt to survive. cause for the difference is now clearly and in a hypothetical, uninhabited The third year, simply by chance, was not merit or ability, but the inescapable region, divide the land up so that each one of those bad years for everyone. play of random chance, expressed in family has enough to feed itself with Average rainfall was less than normal, the effect of environmental and other something left over. Over time the surplus and no one did very well. Those with non-voluntary forces. should grow and the country as a whole surpluses from prior years had a cushion Maybe the interest rate on loans is the should be comfortably prosperous. to fall back upon. But those just squeaking culprit. We can test that, too. Cut the rate To be realistic, one needs to build in by previously now had to go into debt. in half. Same result. Drop it entirely. random variability for a number of And those already in debt went deeper. Again, it takes somewhat longer, but the factors. The parcels of land, while The fourth year was better and many end results are exactly the same. There equally fertile, do not all respond to were able to recover. Nevertheless, some is no longer any human controlled usual weather variations in exactly the did not. For some, it only got worse. factor to blame for the uneven same way. Further, the rains are not As more years tick by, many of those distribution that develops over the uniform each year across the entire deeply in debt lose their farms and years. This surprising outcome forces land. And the inevitable insects and become tenant farmers for others. By us to abandon our usual comfortable plant pests hit some farms harder than our rules, their wage is fair — enough explanations and ask a different kind of others. Similarly, not all farmers are the to support a family — but the surplus question. If this sort of randomness is same. Some are more industrious than that the land is capable of producing built into the way God has engineered others and work harder; some are now goes to the new owner, and the creation, what does this arrangement brighter and read the signs of the farmer himself has little chance ever to tell us, both about God, and about weather better. Some have episodes of get ahead. Loss of ownership becomes God’s intentions for the world? illness or injury that temporarily impede irreversible. Several of the pieces of this puzzle their work. And to be completely It quickly becomes clear how things have been understood for a long time. realistic, some are lazy and others are are going to turn out. After a few more It was the picture they made when put spiteful and play dirty tricks on their years, some farms grow and their owners together that was startling. On the one neighbors to avenge perceived slights. become wealthy. Their land holdings hand probability and game theorists These and many similar conditions become big enough to be insulated showed centuries ago that this was how

Photo by Monte Kruse, BA’83 Photo by Monte Kruse, need defining, but once set up as random against the year-to-year fluctuations in random processes and zero-sum games 31 Summer 2002 Chance, God and the Economy

always played themselves out. (That is more fundamental level — in what why, ultimately, the house wins in the God’s intentions might be in setting up casinos.) a universe that operates in this way. In an agrarian world, such as the one Chrysostom studied the scriptures in our model, the play of chance is deeply and pondered the uneven clearly plausible: So many powerful distribution of wealth he observed forces are so obviously beyond human around him. He did not so much object control. In a more complex society, such to the wealth of his brother prelates itself. as our own, intelligence, education and In fact, he appears to have thought that hard work overshadow environmental the affluent needed special pastoral factors in determining outcomes. But a attention. (So much was at stake!) But moment’s reflection suffices to remind he objected to how his fellow bishops us that intelligence is not evenly used their wealth. They built palaces for distributed; nor is education or themselves, wore luxurious clothes and educational quality or even access to feasted sumptuously, while the homeless education. Hard work is important in any model, and to an important extent,

that factor is under our control. But by © Nick Papas. Photo courtesy of www.comeandseeicons.com itself it may not be enough. We have led Chrysostom believed that the proper use of sheltered lives indeed if we have not For the great doctors wealth was one of the most important — and known good, hard-working people of the early church, the most difficult — of human responsibilities. bulldozed by circumstances. John Rawls, a 20th century ethicist, who first articulated statements in the Gospels, Jesus called refers to this uneven distribution of such an individual a fool (Luke 12:20). talent and resources as a “lottery,” and the church’s long However, Chrysostom did not leap to saw dealing with it as a challenge for tradition of social the simplistic conclusion that one society. And, more than 16 centuries should simply give everything away ago, John of Syria, an aristocrat, trained justice teaching, to and own nothing. To whom or what in rhetoric and a Christian convert and should the surplus be given? What ultimately bishop of Constantinople, die wealthy, when assurance could one have that it would had preached (and written) eloquently be used wisely? Would that be prudent on this topic — so eloquently that he those around you stewardship or abandonment of earned the Greek surname Chrysostom, are in need, responsibility? Chrysostom accepted meaning “golden mouthed.” His insights the apparently inescapable inequalities, are pertinent because his life spanned is to die a failure. and saw them instead as opportunity. the time when Christianity became the With his characteristic oratorical skills, official religion of the Roman Empire. he asked his hearers to ponder the art From a marginalized, persecuted sect, poor of their cities starved. Chrysostom of a fine cabinetmaker or goldsmith, Christianity suddenly rose to imperial thought that wrong, and his sermons to and to reflect on the effort, experience power and had, for the first time, to that effect ultimately got him martyred. and skill that go into excelling at such confront its own unprecedented wealth. Chrysostom came to the conclusion crafts. How difficult it was to be really Chrysostom preached about the wealth that, ultimately, in God’s eyes, we good at them! But the hardest skill of of his fellow bishops, wealth they had humans did not have real ownership of all to learn, John said, was the right use acquired through no apparent merit of anything. God retained title, as it were. of wealth. their own — just like the wealthy All we had was the use of what we While wealth and its uses were new landowners in our simulation. Chance were given. How we used it made a problems for the late 4th century had favored them. difference — a life and death difference Christian church, the Jewish tradition Often we hear (or perhaps even say) in fact. St. Basil the Great, writing at in which Christianity was rooted had of individuals in our own day, similarly about the same time, reached exactly addressed this issue centuries earlier. fortunate, that “God was good to them.” the same conclusion. “The bread you According to the laws of Moses, as Or we count our comfortable affluence keep belongs to the hungry. ... The gold recorded in the book of Leviticus, God as a “blessing.” But what kind of God you have hidden in the ground belongs said quite explicitly that the land was could we have in mind? Is God less to the needy.” For the great doctors of His alone. To deal with what we now good — even mean-spirited — to others the early church, who first articulated can see as chance effects, jubilee years less fortunate? While chance seems the church’s long tradition of social were to be scheduled every 50 years. At deeply embedded in God’s creation, justice teaching, to die wealthy, when the jubilee, all loans were to be forgiven God’s goodness needs to be sought, not those around you are in need, is to die a and all land returned to the original in the caprice of Lady Luck, but at a failure. In one of the strongest family owners. The slate was to be

32 Summer 2002 Chance, God and the Economy wiped clean and everyone was to get if not solely, to use for those who have generating new resources from its a fresh start. need, and that, to some extent, this surplus. A 40 percent population One is struck by the fact that such an must be without regard to merit. increase over the years would have arrangement is precisely the only way It is not immediately clear how to wiped out the surplus entirely. out of the quandary presented by our go about this sharing. John Rawls has Ultimately the economic system, if computer simulation. Clearly, there was argued, in his theory of justice, that the it is to keep pace with a growing world, enough abundance in our simulated principal goal of societal organization has to create a bigger pie. land for everybody, just as there had must be the overcoming of this natural Capitalism may well be the best been in the original land “flowing with lottery and its accompanying uneven system we know for that purpose. milk and honey.” Chance mixed with distribution of needed resources. Can Experience teaches us that incentive human factors — but chance in any feasible preventive measures be generates new resources better than event — led some to be lacking and effectively institutionalized at an does commitment to the commonweal. others to have a surplus. If, when debts organized societal level? What Whether that reflects human nature or became unpayable, they were forgiven, experiences have we to fall back upon? original sin, I leave to others to decide. then the unevenness of resource Any systemization of forgiveness of However, incentive, of its very nature, distribution would be reduced. Some leads to bigger slices of pie for some. inequality would remain. Chance alone Thomas Aquinas, unable to find a base would see to that. But now a floor in natural law for private ownership of would exist below which no one should Chance mixed with resources, nevertheless came down on be driven. that side of this issue on the very The more enlightened regimes of the human factors — pragmatic ground that it worked ancient world also had a concern for the better than the alternative. poor. But in one crucial respect, Israel but chance in any But there I must stop. I am a bone was different and unique. For the Jewish biologist, not an economist. Large-scale people, under God’s rule, there simply event — led some to economic systems are beyond my grasp were to be no poor. Scholars tell us that be lacking and others and certainly beyond my influence. there is little evidence that the Israelites Nevertheless, I cannot take refuge in followed this Levitical mandate, or to have a surplus. that incapacity to avoid figuring out the certainly not very systematically. In fact, right use of my own modest surplus. there is some evidence that, as jubilee What the computer simulation had years approached, the doctors of the debt when it becomes unbearable — forced me to confront was what Rawls, law worked out ways around the the only solution possible in our and Chrysostom, and the authors of command — waivers of jubilee rights, computer model and the one mandated Leviticus had concluded from in effect — simply to ensure that business by the Torah — would generally be observation — that the inequalities would go on without interruption. (Who accounted explicitly socialistic. Despite were inescapable, that at least some of would lend on the eve of a jubilee, with its appeal on ethical grounds, socialism my modest affluence (maybe most) and the certainty that the note would be has generally had a dismal record. The at least some of your need (maybe most) torn up soon?) Still, keeping this law collapse of the Eastern bloc economies were due to chance. If, as I believe, on the books, despite poor compliance, in recent years does little to recommend there is design behind this inescapable expressed for the Jews, and it expressed socialism as a solution although that randomness, then one must ask: For for Chrysostom and Basil, what God collapse may be more a failure of what purpose do I have a surplus? was like and what God expected of central planning than of socialism per se. (And for what purpose do you have His people. The modern state of Israel was set up as need?) Self-indulgence, for those who Our simulation in which, while some an explicitly socialist economy, though are lucky, is out of the question. Jesus’ were unfortunate, everyone was it ultimately shifted to a modified statement about a camel and the needle’s equally able and equally deserving, is market capitalism. The extensive social eye suddenly becomes starkly, literally of course far from the real world. But it safety nets of the northern European true. At the same time it also is clear shows clearly that, under the best nations have been justly criticized for that sharing my surplus ought hardly conditions imaginable, serious their depersonalization of the needed be considered charity. Rather, it is inequalities in access to resources will sharing. simply using it for the purpose for inevitably develop. Our real world On reflection, socialism seems which it had been entrusted to me. conditions are not the best imaginable. concerned mostly with how the pie is In the last analysis, while the Real people are both industrious and divided, not about making the pie inequalities may be inevitable, they are lazy, lucky and unlucky. Chrysostom bigger. That is where socialist economies not irremediable. I have a choice in the and Basil had no illusions about human often falter, and where capitalism matter. The problem, of course, lies in nature; nor had the authors of the Torah. excels. Our computer simulation knowing what to do. Clearly Still, it seemed clear to them that those involved what was essentially a fixed Chrysostom was right: The correct use who have surpluses have them mainly, pie, and included no provision for of wealth is a hard art to learn.

33 Summer 2002 Islam’s ‘Rogue’ Cousin By John Calvert, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of History Photo by Bob Ervin Islam’s ‘Rogue’ Cousin

Laden and the (Al) Qaeda network. The The Sept. 11 attacks on America Jihad: Distorted for Terror led those who tried to make sense of growing consensus in the Muslim world the tragedy to take a fresh look at two ji•had — [Arabic, jih¯ad] to “strive” (and elsewhere) is that the U.S. “War on documents authored by Osama bin in the way of God. Terror” is providing cover for a more Laden. concerted projection of American power Surely these would supply insight Most Muslim religious scholars in the Middle East. into the worldview and immediate who interpret Islamic law speak of a “greater” and “lesser” jihad. The The Islamist Challenge motives of the perpetrators. Most observers would concur that the The first of these, the 22-page “greater” jihad is the individual struggle to become a better ideas expressed in bin Laden’s “Declaration of War,” written in 1996, documents bear little relation to the explains bin Laden’s views toward the Muslim. The “lesser” jihad is the effort to spread Islam in the world understandings of Islam held by over a relationship between the United States billion adherents of the faith worldwide. and Saudi Arabia, the land of his birth. and defend it from its enemies. These religious scholars have Although many Muslims share bin The presence of American troops in the Laden’s contempt for U.S. policy in the Saudi kingdom, the statement reads, regulated the conduct of the “lesser” jihad: Women, children Middle East, especially as regards the amounts to a military occupation, the issues of Palestinian self-determination ultimate goal of which is to spread and seniors may not be harmed, and plants and property may not and the sanctions regime on Iraq, very “disbelief” (kufr) in the “land of the two few are willing to endorse Al Qaeda’s sanctuaries,” i.e., in the land of the holy be destroyed. Since the 1970s, however, Islamist militants have violent methods of response. One shrines of Mecca and Medina. cannot deny that handfuls of West Bank The statement goes on to relate how used this term — jihad — to justify their terrorist activities. Palestinians, smarting under Israeli the Saudi government and the religious occupation, celebrated the Sept. 11 scholars who support it are complicit in attack as a justified chastisement of this American purpose. By opening population against Western power American policy. Saudi Arabia to “Zionist-Crusader” But perhaps more representative of forces and by choosing not to and influence in the Middle East and South Asia. Muslim opinion were the candlelight implement a complete and authentic vigils of sympathy for the victims of version of the Sharia (Islamic law), the Although the U.S. campaign against Al Qaeda and its Taliban supporters in Sept. 11 held in Tehran and other ruling family cannot be regarded as Middle Eastern cities, and the vociferous bona fide members of the worldwide Afghanistan has proven to be effective and relatively measured, rash American denunciations of the terror that rained community of believers. They ought, down from prominent centers of Islamic therefore, to be resisted, bin Laden action against Iraq, Iran or any other Muslim country may yet provoke the learning, including the Azhar, the continues, in the name of true Islam. venerable mosque-university in Cairo. The second document, a self-styled “clash of civilizations” sought by bin religious decree in the name of the “World Islamic Front for Jihad Against Jews and Crusaders,” targets the kingdom’s U.S. “protectors.” The killing of Americans and their allies, it declares, is an “individual duty for every Muslim who can do it in any country in which it is possible.” Bin Laden does not spell out in either of these documents an overarching strategic goal. Some have suggested that by calling for attacks upon U.S. citizens, bin Laden hoped to provoke a massive American response, which in turn would galvanize the world’s Muslim

Osama bin Laden in a 1998 photo ... His belief that an irreligious Western-dominated political and

cultural world order is bent on spreading AP Photo/John McConnico “disbelief” in Muslim societies is rooted in radical Thousands of devout Muslims congregate at the Jama Masjid mosque in New Delhi for the end of Islamic ideologies that date back a generation. Ramadan. Islam is the world’s fastest-growing religion with some 1.2 billion adherents.

AP Photo 35 Summer 2002 islam

One of the world’s largest — and fastest growing — religions with some 1.2 billion adherents. It’s estimated that 20 percent of the world’s population is Muslim — ranking it second only to Christianity, whose estimated 2 billion followers comprise about one- third of the world’s population. Muslims believe in one God, Allah, as revealed through the seventh century prophet Muhammad. Muslims believe that Muhammad was the last in a series of prophets, which include Moses, Jesus and other figures of significance to Jews and Christians. The Qur’an is the scripture of Islam and is believed by Muslims to be the exact and unaltered word of God. About 18 percent of Muslims live in the Arab world; the world’s largest Muslim community is in Indonesia; substantial parts of Asia and most of Africa are Muslim, while significant minorities are to be found in Central Asia, North and South America, and Europe. The major sectarian division in Islam is between Sunni and Shi’ite Muslims. The split arose in the seventh century over the question of who should lead the Islamic community after the prophet Muhammad. Shi’ites believe in the legitimacy of the Imams, religio-political leaders in the line of Ali and Fatima, while Sunnis have a more inclusive understanding of leadership. sunni shi’ite The second-largest Islamic sect, The largest Islamic sect, comprising numbering about 20 million. about 85 percent of all Muslims. Most live in Iran and Iraq. It is the majority religion in most Arab nations, as well as in Turkey and Afghanistan. Iran Iraq wahhabi islamism

A conservative subgroup within the Sunni branch of A movement within Islam to Islam, most dominant in Saudi Arabia. This form of increase the role of religion in Islam was spread by Abd al-Aziz Ibn Saud, the Muslim societies that are founder of the Saudi state, in the early decades of viewed as increasingly secular the 20th century. It favors strict interpretation and Westernized. A few radical of Islamic law. It is the form of Islam in Islamic groups, such as which Osama bin Laden grew up. Osama bin Laden’s Al Qaeda network, seek these changes through violence — specifically targeting what they believe are Saudi Arabia secular oppressors. Islam’s ‘Rogue’ Cousin

Westerners, too, have been careful to make appropriate distinctions. It is telling that North American and European academics have had relatively little trouble convincing their largely untutored audiences that bin Laden “hijacked” Islam for purposes that were utterly depraved. Such assessments of Al Qaeda’s motives are heartening, especially when measured against Western attitudes of fear and loathing toward Islam, which ever since the Crusades have been the norm. Yet to regard bin Laden and his associates as aberrations bereft of any connection to Islam is both to deny their self-understanding and their linkage to history. Rather, far from being a AP Photo/Bob Daugherty complete anomaly, bin Laden’s Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf with Saudi King Fahd on review of U.S. troops at an air base in Saudi Arabia ideological vision must be seen as an during the Gulf War. Bin Laden considered U.S. troops on Saudi soil an “occupation” of the kingdom and extreme manifestation of a particular criticized the Saudi royal family for it. Muslim response to the Western- dominated political and cultural order Feeling their Islamic identity to be at What Islamist organizations have of the world. In academic and, risk, the Islamists seek to fortify it by done in countries such as Egypt and increasingly, journalistic circles, this selectively retrieving doctrines, beliefs Pakistan is to develop networks of response is known as Islamism. and practices from Islam’s sacred past. Islamic institutions, including schools, Islamism confounds easy description. In a pragmatic spirit, Islamist thinkers hospitals and charities, which exist In its most basic sense, it may be modify and craft these retrieved independently of the state and make defined as Islam interpreted as ideology elements in ways that purportedly available to the people services that the to support political and social activism. meet the needs of the present, government is either unable or Against the Western hegemony of what particularly as regards matters of social unwilling to provide. In some countries, constitutes the “good life,” Islamists justice and integrity in public affairs. Islamists have been allowed to contest represent Islam not in terms of According to Islamists, once the elections, though it is doubtful whether privatized religion, but as a Qur’anic principles have been any government in the Muslim world comprehensive way of life concerned implemented in their entirety, Muslim with all aspects of spiritual, political, societies will find their God-given social and cultural existence. potential and slough off the defeatism Islamists decry Muslims who focus and malaise that have plagued them on the devotional practices of individual for over a century. Strengthened thus, and community-oriented piety at the the Islamic countries of the world will expense of seeking significant social and take their place among the developed political change. Muslims, according to nations and be a shining example of Islamists, are obliged to challenge the modernity imbued with spiritual values. rulerships that have governed their Since the middle decades of the 20th societies since, in some cases, the 19th century, Islamists have employed two century. Islamists accuse these basic strategies to bring about their rulerships, whether monarchies, moral revolution. The most widespread republics or military dictatorships, of and pervasive of these is the effort to compromising the Sharia in the name of build an Islamic society from the Western-inspired secular legal codes ground up through processes of and, more generally, of imposing political advocacy and social Western cultural values on the mobilization. Here the aim is to win Photo courtesy of Réunion des Musées Nationaux/Art Resource, NY Photo courtesy of Réunion des Musées Nationaux/Art Resource, populations they govern. Moreover, the hearts and minds of the majority The Qur’an, Islam’s sacred scripture. It is believed they accuse their governments of being population in order to pressure the by Muslims to be the unaltered word of God, as under the thumbs of the Great Powers, government to accede to the Islamists’ revealed to the prophet Muhammad. The photo especially the United States. demands. above is a page from a 15th century Qur’an.

37 Summer 2002 Islam’s ‘Rogue’ Cousin

surrender to the whims and selfish interests of imperfect worldly forces. Qutb underscored his denial of the legitimacy of the Arab regimes by equating their moral universe with that of the Jahiliyya, the condition of disbelief and cultural barbarism characteristic of the Arabs of the Arabian Peninsula prior to the advent of the prophet Muhammad. Qutb explained how the restitution of God’s sovereignty was dependent on the formation of a vanguard of believers who would remove themselves mentally from the corrupting influences of the surrounding culture. Once prepared, the vanguard would then strive to realize manifestly the Islamic Photo courtesy of John Calvert, Ph.D. Egyptian Islamist scholar Sayyid Qutb, shown in the custody of Egyptian police in 1965, was executed conception of life. Qutb was not explicit in 1966 for his alleged role in a conspiracy against Egyptian President Gamal Abdel al-Nasser. Qutb as to what form this “striving” should vehemently criticized Arab governments for failing to implement Qur’anic principles in society. take, but there was no doubt in the His writings have had a major influence on radical Islamist groups, including Al Qaeda. minds of his disciples that it required violent confrontation with the state. would fully and without hesitation orientation to elements within the Throughout the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s, recognize an Islamist electoral victory. Christian evangelical tradition, which underground groups such as the Islamic When, for example, the Islamic have organized politically in the United Jihad, of which the (Al) Qaeda Salvation Front in Algeria appeared set States. Both are interested in cleansing lieutenant, Ayman al-Zawahiri was a the modern state of political corruption member, waged a deadly campaign of and individual selfishness through the terror and assassination against the In Qutb’s view, provision of scriptural principles. regimes of Egyptian presidents Anwar The second strategy, which in terms Sadat and Husni Mubarak. submission to the of adherents is much smaller, eschews peaceful change from below and adopts Jihad in Afghanistan supervision of secular instead the model of violent revolution. Another source of Sunni radicalism authorities and Here the aim is to knock out the emerged from within the distinctive government and impose an Islamic state humanly devised upon society from above. The Iranian institutions meant Revolution of 1978-1979, in which the Western-supported shah was surrender to the overthrown and replaced with the whims and selfish spiritual leader Ayatollah Khomeini, is an obvious example of this tendency in interests of imperfect a Shi’ite Muslim setting. But there are important sources of worldly forces. revolutionary inspiration within the more widespread Sunni Muslim to win that country’s elections, the tradition, as well. In mid-20th century government called a halt to the Egypt, the influential Islamist ideologue proceedings, triggering a grassroots Sayyid Qutb (1906-1966) wrote that the Islamist revolt — which is still in refusal of the secular governments of progress. the Arab world to fashion polities based The Islamists representative of this solely upon Qur’anic principles gradualist approach are pervasive in the qualified them as usurpers of God’s Middle East and in South and Southeast sovereignty. In Qutb’s view, submission AP Photo Asia and may be compared in terms of to the supervision of secular authorities This is a 1943 photo of King Abd al-Aziz Ibn Saud, who forcefully spread the conservative their ethical demeanor and tactical and humanly devised institutions meant interpretation of Islam known as Wahhabism.

38 Summer 2002 Islam’s ‘Rogue’ Cousin milieu of Saudi Arabian Wahhabism, a conservative, puritanical interpretation of Islam, which was spread forcefully throughout the Arabian Peninsula in the 1910s and 1920s by Abd al-Aziz Ibn Saud, the founder of the Saudi state. Against the tendency of religious tolerance and accommodation held by the majority of Muslims, the Wahhabis drew a sharp line of distinction between those who upheld what they considered to be the true and authentic understanding of Islam and “iniquitous” others, including Shi’ites, Sufis (Islamic mystics), and “infidel” Christians and Jews. As the Saudi state consolidated, its ruling house abandoned the movement’s original penchant for territorial conquest in favor of more peaceful methods of propagation. Beginning in the 1960s, the Saudi

royal family actively propagated this AP Photo conservative brand of Islam throughout Mujahideen rebels, holy warriors, resting high in the mountains in 1980 during the Soviet-Afghanistan the Middle East and South Asia in order war. The war was a source of heroism, solidarity and total devotion to Islam for Islamic radicals from to counter Arab socialism and, after Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria and Palestine, including Osama bin Laden. 1979, the spread of the Iranian Revolution; the latter sought to and inviting location to engage the families of the fallen. He is reputed to maximize its influence in the area. In principle of jihad, literally, a “striving” have been involved in at least one major Pakistan, Wahhabism found favor in the way of God. The merging of battle. His personal piety and especially among the equally conservative and radical elements was willingness to sacrifice comfort and conservative school of the Deoband, particularly evident in the Islamist wealth for the cause of Islam endeared whose core doctrines were in many organization Hizb-i Islami, headed by him to his fellows. respects similar. Yet there lurked the the Afghan commander Gulbidin After the Soviet withdrawal from possibility that circumstances might Hikmatyar, which took much of its Afghanistan in 1989, Osama bin Laden reawaken the Wahhabi discourse of ideological inspiration from Qutb but returned home in triumph with other opposition and assertiveness, even was also one of the chief beneficiaries of Saud veterans. When the Ba‘thist regime against the House of Saud. Thus, for Saudi money and doctrine. in Iraq invaded Kuwait a year later, he example, charges of corruption against The mix of Puritanism and jihad was approached the House of Saud and the ruling house prompted a group of potent. For the fighters in Afghanistan, offered to raise a new army of believers fiery zealots led by Juhayman al-Utaybi the war was a source of heroism, to resist Saddam Hussein. When the briefly to take over the Mecca mosque solidarity and total devotion to Islam as ruling house rejected the offer, bin in 1979. defined in terms of the Sharia. Many Laden became increasingly alienated Afghanistan provided opportunities were already aware that the struggle from the elite social stratum of his birth. for Wahhabi Puritanism and Egyptian- against the Soviet army was a school in His loathing for the Saudi ruling family style Islamism to commingle. Beginning which they might learn the violent deepened when it allowed the in 1980, the Saudis used the social techniques needed to topple their stationing of U.S. troops in the kingdom movements of the Egyptian Muslim governments at home. during and after the war. In bin Laden’s Brotherhood and Pakistan’s Jama’at-e The Afghan war was the defining mind, in aiding and abetting the U.S. Islami as conduits to funnel money and experience of Osama bin Laden’s life. “occupation” of the kingdom, the Wahhabi ideas into Afghanistan. A native Saudi who grew up in the House of Saud, whose legitimacy Wahhabi fighters from Saudi Arabia devotional environment of Wahhabism, derived from its protection of linked up with Arab warriors from bin Laden was one of the first Arabs to Wahhabism, had entered the circle Egypt, Algeria and Palestine. join the jihad. He saw his role there as of iniquity. Increasingly stymied in their home facilitator and spent his personal fortune In his criticisms of the Saudi royal countries by police action, these latter to build roads and tunnels for the family, bin Laden had at his disposal considered Afghanistan an appropriate mujahideen and provide pensions to the both the articulations of anathema

39 Summer 2002 Islam’s ‘Rogue’ Cousin AP Photo/Zia Mazhar Supporters of the political religious Jama’at-e Islami party burn a U.S. flag during an anti-American rally in Karachi, Pakistan, this past November.

developed by Sayyid Qutb and Theater of Violence the traditions of rebuke of the very With this background in place, Wahhabi tradition in which he had it becomes possible to address the Wearing Tommy been raised. Yet while bin Laden meaning the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks was willing, in the finest tradition of had for their perpetrators. Not much is Hilfiger jeans and Wahhabi dissent, to brand the ruling known at this point about these young at home in the family as disbelievers, he chose instead men. Such evidence as has been to attack the alleged American puppet gathered suggests that many of them Internet cafes master operating from behind the lived marginal lives both in their home of Florida, Atta throne. In so doing he reversed the countries and while in the United States. order theorized by other extremist The social science literature on political and his companions groups, which advocated as a first violence tells us that such a profile is step the eradication of the perceived perhaps to be expected of terrorists. appeared to corruption at home. According to the But others, especially ringleaders such those who had standard view, the Western “other” as Muhammad Atta, appear to have should be engaged only once the come from backgrounds of relative contact with them as Muslim world had been strengthened affluence, were educated, and were “cool wired types.” by the creation of a transnational savvy about the Western environments Islamic state. Bin Laden, on the in which they lived, whether in the other hand, appears to have desired United States or Germany. Wearing had contact with them as “cool wired global confrontation sooner rather Tommy Hilfiger jeans and at home in types.” Almost certainly this “coolness” than later. the Internet cafes of Florida, Atta and was in part an effort to blend into the his companions appeared to those who general environment in which they

40 Summer 2002 Islam’s ‘Rogue’ Cousin

operated. may be discerned in his master’s thesis Qutb, whom he assuredly read, may not We know, in architecture, which he submitted to have sanctioned the methods of extreme for example, the Hamburg Technical University. In violence employed by the terrorists, that prior to his study, Atta lamented the fate of the but he would have had little trouble embarking ancient Islamic city of Aleppo in Syria, understanding the perverse logic of upon their which in his own day was under assault their purpose. For in the Sept. 11 attacks mission in by concrete, Western style skyscrapers. the hijackers sought to underscore the the West, In Atta’s mind, the symbols of the new same point that Qutb and other the lead Aleppo bespoke the spiritual emptiness extremist Islamists had made: that terrorists of the West. the West and its regional surrogates AP Photo Atta, one of the had been The hijackers saw much of the United constitute a conceptual realm of Sept. 11 hijackers. distinguished States during the months they were irreligion and vice that ought to by their residents. They viewed the country not be resisted in the name of God. beards and zealous adherence to the with fresh eyes, but through the filter of They defined their actions as the example of the prophet Muhammad. a preconceived vision. In Muhammad ultimate act of jihad, which called into What they all held in common was a Atta’s case, this vision appears to have stark relief the chasm in their minds fervent dislike of the United States and jelled in Hamburg, where he became a between the forces of virtue and of Western civilization in general, which regular visitor to the al-Tawhid mosque disbelief. The attacks can be regarded they defined, in common with other and met ideologically committed as a genre of “performance violence,” Islamists, as a different and competing veterans of the Afghan jihad. Living spectacular acts of carnage and death, alter ego; that is, they saw their virtuous outside of his native language in a designed to have a searing effect on Islamic “selves” pitted against the foreign country, Atta found solace at the the consciousness of their television nefarious Western “other.” mosque but also a cache of ideas that audiences, which in the case of Sept. 11 A clue to Muhammad Atta’s outlook enabled him to transcend his alienation. numbered in the many millions. Indeed, this reading of the events is confirmed by bin Laden, who related in a videotape seized in the course of the anti-Taliban-Al Qaeda campaign how the hijackers “said in deeds in New York and Washington, speeches that overshadowed all other speeches made anywhere in the world.” Here is dramatic testimony of how the events were understood by the perpetrators themselves, as metaphors for the confrontation between an absolute good threatened with destruction by its absolute opposite. AP Photo/Hasan Jamali A street in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, an area that once was desert and today is filled with stores selling Western consumer items and fast-food outlets. Islamist groups decry this Americanization and secularization of Muslim societies.

41 Summer 2002 Development News

Rev. Carl M. Reinert, S.J. Giving Society Bears Name of Creighton‘s “Second Founder”

Photo taken atop Kiewit Hall when the Sun Newspapers named Fr. Reinert its 1974 Man of the Year illustrating the dramatic change the campus had undergone since his arrival in 1950.

rmed with a list of 150 Omaha Alumni Memorial Library, the Eppley preceded the official announcement. “He community leaders, the Rev. Carl College of Business Administration, a didn’t want to show up ahead of time,” A M. Reinert, S.J., in 1950 set out to central air conditioning plant, the three said the Rev. Jack Zuercher, S.J., “so he rebuild a university much as many parts Criss buildings and Ahmanson Law went to a movie.” He came back to of the world were rebuilding following Center. During that time, approximately campus for dinner where they read the World War II. The Ignatian soldier mapped 100 courses were added and faculty announcement. plans for a series of enhancements to the salary increases amounted to 50 percent. Reinert was well-known for his ease campus that could be characterized as the Former U.S. Secretary of Energy around people. “When you went in a Reinert Renaissance. Charles W. Duncan Jr. said Reinert room, people knew him,” Zuercher said. Reinert scheduled five meetings a day “could head any corporation in America” “He was very present among the civic with area corporate leaders until his and the Creighton Jesuit community leaders. It was one of the ways he was initial list was exhausted. The 37-year-old called him “the second founder of the able to get money to the campus. He former high school principal and new University.” was both a charming person and a leader. president of Creighton told the business To pay tribute to this great visionary, You could pick him out in a crowd.” community the University did not have the University will name its lifetime The Rev. James Quinn, S.J., said Reinert assets beyond the $3 million from the giving donor recognition society the Rev. raised money at a time when the original Creighton endowment. By 1960, Carl M. Reinert, S.J., Society. Within the University was desperate for additions he had raised $2 million from the Omaha society, the various recognition levels will and renovations. “Fr. Reinert felt personally area and $1 million nationally. include: Patron’s Circle ($25,000-$99,999); responsible for the University. We hadn’t Reinert spent nearly 30 years as Benefactor’s Circle ($100,000-$249,999); looked for money. He began to build Creighton’s premier builder, president, President’s Circle ($250,000-$499,999); facilities we sorely needed. He put up the vice president for University Relations, Circle of 1878 ($500,000-$999,999); and residence halls.” president of the Creighton Development Cornerstone Society ($1 million and above). Reinert’s fine personality, interest in Foundation and as a corporate director. The Society recognizes an individual’s people and personal generosity stand out In those three decades, the results he lifetime giving to the University for any in Quinn’s mind more than 20 years after achieved were nothing short of and all purposes. Reinert’s death at age 67. miraculous. The day Reinert was appointed The Rev. Paul C. Reinert, S.J., who was His building projects included Brandeis Creighton University president was the then chancellor of Saint Louis University, Student Center, Deglman, Gallagher, very day he arrived in Omaha. When he and the brother of Carl, spoke at the Swanson and Kiewit residence halls, the got to campus, he realized his arrival had dedication of the new wing of the Reinert

42 Summer 2002 Development News

Alumni Memorial Library in September foundation for modern, efficient alumni who knew him respected him. I would say 1984. relations and fund raising. He was a that he was pro-woman, not in the sense of “According to Carl Reinert’s set of tireless, effective leader.” the women’s movement, but he was very values,” Fr. Paul Reinert said, “the In his early days at Creighton, Leighton supportive of women in the classroom at externals of university life — buildings, worked in the Admissions Office, and he a time when many people were not.” money, maintenance, etc., were only a would try to synchronize his travel In 1962, the Omaha Chapter of B’nai necessary precondition for an calendar with Reinert’s schedule. B’rith presented its Americanism Citation environment in which caring faculty and “I learned what passion and compassion for Meritorious Service to Reinert. In a staff could provide young minds and were all about from traveling with him,” speech to the group, Reinert said, hearts with the opportunity to grow into Leighton said. “He had compassion for “Honesty, more than humility, prompts their best personal selves.” people and a passion for Creighton. He me to accept this, not only in my own Echoes of Reinert’s years at Creighton believed the University was a great place, name, but in the name of the University I are everywhere on campus, from the and he saw it every day in the people who represent. For just as the man may shape library named for him to recollections of graduated from here. He had confidence in an institution, so does this institution faculty, donors and alumni who considered the University and he instilled it in others.” mold the man.” him a friend. Perhaps his work resonates Reinert’s compassion for people At the time of his death, Reinert was the most loudly in the division of University translated to a welcoming environment in recipient of nearly every community honor Relations. Among the positions Reinert the classroom with a focus on gender that could be bestowed upon an Omahan. held was vice president of the office. equity and multiculturalism. If you would like more information “All of us are the beneficiaries of Fr. “He loomed large at Creighton and in about the Rev. Carl M. Reinert, S.J., Reinert’s vision and what he did,” said Omaha,” said Eileen Lieben, Creighton Society, please contact the Creighton Mike Leighton, BA’70, vice president for University dean of women emerita. “He University Office of Development at University Relations. “He laid the was good to everybody and everybody (402) 280-2740 or (800) 334-8794.

This photo was taken shortly before Reinert’s arrival on campus. Under Reinert’s direction, the campus view would change dramatically.

43 Summer 2002 Development News

but he said he is aware many Family Establishes students struggle with the Scholarship in costs of medical school today. By making the gift, he and his Memory of Parents wife hope to encourage additional scholarship A new Creighton School of Medicine endowment contributions to scholarship fund in the amount of Creighton. “We want this gift $125,000 is a lasting tribute to the parents to motivate other medical of Adam, MD’53, and Phyllis Zoucha. The school graduates to do Zoucha and Kuehner Family Endowed something about medical Scholarship financially assists Creighton students’ financial hardships, medical school students while it too,” he said. perpetually honors Adam and Phyllis Zoucha is fondly Zoucha’s parents — Adam and Mary remembered by many Omaha Zoucha and Walter and Julia Kuehner. residents for his thought- The elder Zoucha couple raised eight fulness and caring children. The Kuehners had five children. professionalism. His clinic Adam, MD’53, and Phyllis Zoucha with Vice President for Health Sciences and Dean of the School of Medicine M. Roy While the Zoucha children spoke Polish served South Omaha families Wilson, M.D. and English at their home in Cedar Rapids, for 43 years, providing Neb., Adam Zoucha recalls his older medical services for three generations of in the neighborhood. A number of brother and sister learning English so residents. His wife hailed from South remodeling projects over the years they could be admitted to grade school. Omaha, which led Zoucha to establish his expanded the clinic. Walter Kuehner was an accountant for practice there. He enjoyed the Zoucha retired from his medical the Army Corps of Engineers. Tight neighborhood’s eclectic blend of ethnic practice in 1997. He and his wife spend finances during the Depression prevented backgrounds, eventually evolving to their time traveling to visit their five four of the older Kuehner children from today’s Latino population. Later in life, children, playing golf, working in their attending college, so they were especially Julia Kuehner, Zoucha’s mother-in-law, yard and garden and going on bus tours proud when their youngest child began worked in the clinic. and cruises. his post-secondary education. “I thought I would practice in a small “Creighton was good to me,” Zoucha “Our parents believed in education,” community,” Zoucha said, “but once I said. “Because of the education it Zoucha said. “This is a great way to pay practiced in South Omaha, I never provided, I enjoyed a fulfilling career. I back the encouragement they gave us.” entertained another thought about it.” have a good work ethic, and it was a Zoucha used the GI Bill as the primary From a modest beginning, Zoucha’s pleasure to care for my patients.” way to finance his Creighton education, practice grew to become a familiar fixture

Students Answer the alumni love this school, and not only by the Call to Help Meet amount of money they donate,” Ventura said. Annual Fund Goals “Once they understand Jacinthe “Jay” Ventura, BA’01, reached I’m a student, they her goals while she was at Creighton. She want to hear all about received grants to study psychology and campus, professors they will start medical school in 2003. This know, new buildings year, she plans to perform research in and the athletics Chicago, her hometown, using contacts program.” she made at the University. With the help of Because Creighton helped Ventura students like Ventura,

reach her goals, she decided to help Photo by Dave Weaver the Annual Fund raises the University reach its Annual Fund Jay Ventura in the phonathon room located in the Old Gym. 40 percent more money goal. today than 10 years ago. In the year Ventura spent contacting Creighton. Gifts to the University’s In 1991, the fund raised $3.34 million. In alumni during the University’s Annual Annual Fund equate to a yearly subsidy 2001, it raised $4.68 million. Fund phonathon, she raised more than of about $750 per student. Donors include members of the $50,000 for general operating expenses at “As I make calls, I learn how much the Edward and Mary Lucretia Creighton

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Is a Charitable Gift 50 years. Each charitable gift annuity is a option allows for a donor to deposit separate contract between the donor and funds today and receive an immediate Annuity Right for You? the University. The contract obligates the charitable income tax contribution University to pay a fixed lifetime rate of deduction, but to delay the start of the By Steve Scholer, JD’79 return to one or more named beneficiaries. lifetime income payments until a Director of Estate & Trust Services The annuity rate is based on the age of specified date in the future. Diversify! How many times in the last each beneficiary on the day the annuity As illustrated in Table 2, the longer a nine months have you heard or read is funded. The older the annuitant, the donor defers payment, the greater the about the benefits of a diversified higher the rate. lifetime annual annuity rate and the larger investment portfolio? Mutual fund In addition to fixed income diversification, the immediate charitable contribution companies, stock analysts and financial the creation of a charitable gift annuity income tax deduction will be. commentators have again and again entitles the donor to an immediate If you would like additional extolled the virtues and prudence of charitable contribution income tax information on how you can “diversify” having a portfolio that has a balance of deduction (see Table 1). While the through the Creighton University equities and fixed income investments. deduction is not 100 percent of the amount charitable gift annuity program and There are numerous ways to diversify transferred to Creighton, it is usually 25 to support the continued success of the your savings. Investing in bonds and real 50 percent of the initial amount. University, please call the Office of Estate estate may be the most popular ways to For some, taxable income often and Trust Services at (402) 280-2885 or diversify. But there may be another, less generated by bond investments is a (800) 334-8794, or e-mail me at well-known option worthy of your deterrent to diversifying their portfolio. [email protected]. If you would like consideration. To address this issue, Creighton offers a to write, the address is 2500 California Have you ever considered funding a deferred charitable gift annuity. This Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178. charitable gift annuity as a way to diversify your portfolio, receive an Table 1 immediate charitable contribution income 1 - Life Annuity 2 - Life Annuity tax deduction and provide for a future Age Amount Annuity Rate Deduction Ages Amount Annuity Rate Deduction gift to Creighton? 60 $10,000 6.4% $2,665 60-60 $10,000 6.1% $1,758 The gift annuity has been part of the 70 $10,000 7.2% $3,573 70-70 $10,000 6.6% $2,684 charitable giving landscape since 1843 80 $10,000 8.9% $4,496 80-80 $10,000 7.7% $3,756 when the American Bible Society agreed Table 2 to pay a benefactor a lifetime annuity in Age Amount Annuity Rate Deduction exchange for a gift. 45 deferred to 75 $10,000 40.4% $6,172 Creighton’s annuity program is not 55 deferred to 75 $10,000 23.8% $5,915 as old, but the University has offered 65 deferred to 75 $10,000 13.6% $5,462 charitable gift annuities for close to

Society, from whom 30 percent of the wanted to attend the same university as “Without them, I wouldn’t be here,” Fund’s income came last year. his father, Alberto Gutierrez, BS’76, Arkfeld said. “As a student, I feel Membership in the Society is open to MD’80. especially obligated to the University’s people giving $1,000 a year or more in “I had schools in Florida offering me donors. They are helping me to pursue unrestricted gifts to the general academic scholarships that would have my dream of earning a four-year degree.” University or a specific school or paid my tuition,” Dickie Gutierrez said, In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2000, college. “but I wanted to go to school where my Creighton ranked seventh out of 28 Jesuit Gifts of $2,500-$4,999 qualify donors dad went.” colleges/universities in alumni partici- for membership at the Society’s He said he enjoys phonathon work so pation (26.7 percent) in the Annual Fund. Founders’ Circle level. People donating much that he recommended the job to Dollars contributed to the Annual Fund $5,000 or more to the Annual Fund join two of his friends who also joined the hold the line on tuition increases. Money the highest level of distinction in the phonathon team. is used to enhance the University’s Creighton Society — membership in the Rachel Arkfeld, a sophomore from libraries, to promote excellence in the Jesuit Circle. In 2001, Jesuit Circle Omaha who is studying nursing, is a faculty and staff and to provide vital members collectively contributed more first-generation college student who funds for deserving students. than $396,000 to the Annual Fund. attended a private grade school and high For more information about the Alberto “Dickie” Gutierrez from school. As the first person in her family to University’s Annual Fund, please Tampa, Fla., a premedicine freshman, work toward a baccalaureate degree, she contact the Creighton University Office works at the phonathon because receives academic scholarships to attend of Development at (402) 280-2740 or Creighton is important to him. He Creighton. (800) 334-8794.

45 Summer 2002 Can There clear that the majority of Israelis dislike Ariel Sharon, but for now, they support his policies. Now Israelis have “a confusing Be Peace reality.” And the sad thing is that much of the business of Israel The Last in has slowed or stopped. Word Soldiers and government leaders were brutally honest with theHoly Land? us. They admitted Israeli mistakes. Israel, speakers said, has By Lawrence Raful, Professor of Law simply failed to notice the misery and despair that was created by the economy over the past eight years in the West Bank. Israeli behavior has not been perfect. One speaker said, “Occupation corrupts the Israeli morality, it corrupts our Jewish Last December, I visited Israel for values. And so does war.” A high a week with 500 American Jews. The ranking Army soldier said, “My editors of Creighton University major responsibility these days is to Magazine asked me to reflect on the make sure that my soldiers do not trip. As you read this, remember that act like animals.” I was astonished to I am not an expert in the history of hear such heart-rending admissions, the Middle East conflict, nor am I a but I knew that you’d never hear professor of theology, economics, that in a briefing in Egypt, Saudi political science, international affairs Arabia, Jordan or Syria. Yet these or sociology. I’m just a typical words, this public “al chet” (the American of the Jewish faith who is Jewish version of mea culpa) befuddled by the morass in the Holy strangely lifted my soul, knowing Land, and I wanted to see things for that these soldiers, these politicians, myself. And what I learned about these Israelis, these Jews, still cared life for Israelis and Palestinians deeply about the Jewish soul of the deeply troubled me. State of Israel. My observations from one week What interested me, as a law in Israel are culled from professor, was that once you go to presentations of officials and army Israel, you realize that all the debates generals, as well as from street in the United States about Mideast discussions with Israelis and history and rules are worthless. I can Palestinians. give you page after page of legal Almost everyone I heard said the reasons, and I can argue with you for long-term outlook is optimistic, but in the short term it’s hours, about why Israel can do this or that. But the truth is that pessimistic. What a Jewish thing to say! I could almost hear my there is no black and white in the Mideast, only shades of gray. dear Aunt Anna, or even Tevye the Milkman, say the same In the end, the British Mandate in 1922 and U.N. resolutions 181 thing. We heard this many times, that this will be like the Cold and 242 and the Geneva Conference of 1949 won’t help achieve War with the Russians, lasting 20 or 30 or 40 years until a new peace. The structure of international law is in place — and there generation becomes leaders and people are simply tired of are simply realities: fighting. It’s a war of attrition — who will give in first? Israelis 1. Israel exists as a freestanding sovereign nation. suffer death and terror and economic slowdown; Palestinians 2. There are three million Palestinians living in the West Bank suffer joblessness, despair and hunger. There is no good way out in miserable conditions. of the cycle, and it’s clear to all that some factions of the PLO see 3. Israel needs peace, and it needs workers — Palestinians violence as part of the peace process. One speaker called it need jobs, stability and infrastructure. “instability as a strategy.” And you know what? Everyone I The only way that life will improve for Israelis and talked to said, “Well, I don’t have an answer.” Palestinians is for them to work together — on security, on the The media suggests, “If the occupation ends, peace will economy, on water rights, on housing, on religious sites, on come.” But it is not that simple — it is so much more complex. development of land, and on and on and on. No amount of Eighteen months ago, the majority of Israelis were willing to arguing about what U.N. resolution 242 meant changes any of trade land for peace. At the close of the Clinton presidency, after those realities. the Camp David discussions fell apart and the phantom On our last night in Jerusalem, I walked with some despair intifada, with its purely terroristic goal, started, the majority of through the Old City. But I was reminded of Psalm 137: Israelis changed their position. There won’t be war, but there “If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither.” And I won’t be peace either. There is no military solution to this knew that the City of David, the City of Jesus, the City of problem of terrorists; and there is no government agenda right Mohammed will one day see peace. I pray to God it is in my now except for one: protect citizens and punish terrorists. It’s lifetime. Amen.

55 Summer 2002 Bluejays Historymake It was a historic season in hilltop hoops. For the first time in school history, both the men’s and the women’s teams qualified for the NCAA Tournament in the same year — prompting the slogan N-C-Double-Jays. Along the way, both teams won their respective regular- season and conference tournament championships — the first time in the history of the Missouri Valley Conference that one school has claimed both the men’s and women’s basketball titles. Creighton coaches Dana Altman and Connie Yori, BA’86, received Coach of the Year honors from the conference for their work guiding the teams. Junior Kyle Korver and sophomore Christy Neneman were selected as the conference’s and Sports Information Photos by Dave Weaver Players of the Year, and were named MVPs of their respective conference tournaments. The Creighton men finished the season 23-9, including a dramatic last-second double-overtime win in the NCAA’s first round. The Creighton women finished with an equally impressive record of 24-7. Congratulations to Connie, Dana, Christy and Kyle, and all the players they represent, for an unforgettable season. And thank you to all the Bluejay fans for your terrific support!

X Summer 2002