Message from the President

A Time of New Beginnings

By the Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J.
President, Creighton University

More than 1,300 students walked across the stage during May commencement ceremonies, as we sent forth another bright, energetic group of graduates into a world in need of their professionalism, creativity and compassion.

Graduation is a time of reflection, a time of new beginnings, and a time that calls us to action.

At May commencement, we presented our Magis Award to the Creighton health care teams that traveled to the Dominican Republic to treat the victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Creighton physicians Charles Filipi, M.D., and Brian Loggie, M.D., served as our commencement speakers — challenging our newest graduates to take bold action to serve our world.

As our health care teams proved, committed, compassionate individuals working together for a common cause can make a tremendous difference in the lives of others, especially those in most need of our mercy.

Developing women and men for others is the hallmark of Creighton’s Jesuit, Catholic education. But it is not the only measure of our success.

We are committed to developing graduates who can compete in this highly competitive job market and succeed in their chosen professions. We want to provide our undergraduate students with the tools necessary to enter graduate or professional school, if they so desire.

According to the latest data, we have been exceeding national averages in this area. In 2009, 93 percent of our undergraduate students reported being employed or in graduate, professional or volunteer programs within nine months of graduation. Nationally, the placement rate is about 68 percent.

Despite a challenging economy, campus recruiting activity by major employers has not slowed down — evidence that employers recognize the value of a Creighton education.

And salary averages for our undergraduates remain competitive with national salary data, even though many of our graduates stay in the Midwest, where the cost of living is much lower.

A Creighton education is a sound investment for our students, both undergraduate and professional.

As an institution, we are taking deliberate steps to ensure that we continue to provide an excellent educational value — consistent with our Jesuit, Catholic mission.

To that end, we have embarked on a Strategic Program Prioritization. Through this University-wide undertaking, we will prioritize all of the University’s programs and services in order to focus our efforts and resources on those initiatives that are most needed and those undertakings that we do extraordinarily well.

Our goal is to position the University for the future by strengthening our core programs and services — teaching, research and patient care in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition — while being good stewards of our resources.

Part of that stewardship is to secure ongoing scholarship support — to keep a Creighton education open and affordable to all. For this incoming freshman class, 97 percent will be receiving some form of merit and/or need-based scholarship. A diverse community of learners, committed to excellence, makes for a vibrant, engaging campus. We encourage and welcome your support in this vital area.

As we approach our 132nd year of education, Creighton University is moving boldly toward the future. Our fall undergraduate enrollment projections look promising, and all of our professional and graduate programs are well subscribed.

We welcomed a new head men’s basketball coach this spring in Greg McDermott; our women’s softball team won another Missouri Valley Conference tournament title; and our athletic teams continue to be recognized in national academic rankings.

We have partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy and the Omaha Public Power District to bring new green initiatives to campus. Solar panels and wind turbines will soon become visible on campus, and we are initiating an exciting new academic program in sustainability. Of note, Creighton was the only school in Nebraska, and one of just six in a four-state Midwest region, recognized by the Princeton Review in its recent guide to green colleges.

Our online offerings continue to grow, with a new web-based Master’s of Science in Information Technology Management. This new program is designed for IT professionals who want to move into leadership roles.

In all of these initiatives, our focus remains squarely on our students. And they are responding positively. According to a recent survey, 94 percent of our seniors reported being satisfied with the overall quality of instruction at Creighton, and we continue to retain and graduate students at a very high rate.

Indeed, much good work is being done here.

Thank you for your continued support of Creighton University this past academic year. Please enjoy this issue of the magazine. You and your family are in my prayers during these summer months.