August 1, 2008

As we head into August, there have been several significant developments and events across the campus that you should be aware of before we reassemble to begin the new academic year.

Enrollment.  The projections for fall enrollment across all divisions is positive.  The new freshman class will be very close to our targeted number of 1,000 (990) and hence meet budget expectations.  The profile of the class sees increases in minority students, legacies, and first-to-college.  There is nice growth in new business students and a modest upswing in the number of male students.

Health Sciences.    In late July, I announced that Dr. Cam Enarson had resigned as Vice President for Health Sciences and Dean of the School of Medicine to join his family in North Carolina.  We have much to thank Dr. Enarson for during his five-year tenure at Creighton.  Subsequent to that announcement, I elected to restructure the administrative model in the Health Sciences by uncoupling the vice presidency from the dean.  Dr. Robert Heaney is now acting as Interim Vice President for Health Sciences and Dr. Cecile Zielinski is the Acting Dean in the School of Medicine.  Dr. Zielinski is joined by Dr. Steve Lanspa, Dr. Bill Jeffries, Dr. Tom Murray, and Ms. Stanette Kennebrew as members of the transition team.  A search process for both positions will be initiated shortly.

Campus Construction Update.  Throughout the spring and summer, we have continued our work on the campus master plan.  On July 29, the Omaha World Herald featured Creighton’s east campus expansion, highlighting our commitment to nurturing our students and the dedication of the Harper Center.  In the near future, you will receive an invitation to the September 5 dedication of the Mike and Josie Harper Center for Student Life and Learning.  I hope you will join me as we bless this facility and the faculty and staff who are housed within the Center.

In keeping with our mission of educating the “whole person,” physically, mentally, and spiritually, the article announced plans to construct a fitness, health and recreation center adjacent to the Ryan Center.  The combined facility capitalizes on the University’s momentum, distinguished by innovative student services.  While this announcement was premature and awaiting more refinement, the reality is this facility is supported by significant gifts from donors whose interest is in this area.

You will also notice the sewer separation project, the freeway and bridge replacements surrounding the campus with construction sites.  They say that is the cost of progress!  Ours will be a better campus and neighborhood once the cranes and bulldozers return to their homes.

University Relations.  It should be noted that for the second year in a row, Creighton University has won the Educational Fundraising Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.  The Overall Performance Award honors superior higher education fundraising programs across the country as selected by a panel of peers.  Only 37 institutions received this award from a field of more than 4,000.  We did not apply for the award; consideration is based on three years of submitted data to CASE-Voluntary Support of Education. Such an award is a testament to the generosity of our donors and their understanding of our vision and clear sense of purpose for Creighton.

Finally, this summer saw the loss of two “Greats” in the Jesuit Community – Fr. Leland Lubbers and Fr. Larry Flanagan.  Between the two of them, they represented nearly 100 years of service to the University.  They left footprints that will challenge us to fill!

Enjoy the rest of the summer!  I am going fishing!

John P. Schlegel, S.J.
President