Creighton University

Creighton University’s approximately $225 million investment into campus improvements since 2000, including renovation and construction of facilities and the addition of some 40 acres, had one primary goal.

“They were all done to directly enhance the student experience,” said Dan Burkey, vice president for Administration and Finance. “I can probably best sum up the reaction that we get from various people who come to campus as, ‘Wow!’”

Construction of the Hixson-Lied Science Building, Davis Square, Opus Hall, Morrison Stadium and Venteicher Mall, the Harper Center, and the yet-to-open Ryan Center and D.J. Sokol Arena, along with renovations to science facilities, St. John’s Church, Creighton Hall (formerly the Administration Building) and the Wareham Building, are the major improvements. Creighton President the Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J., has extolled the projects for making the campus a “more cohesive, dynamic and inviting for students and visitors alike.”

Davis Square and Opus Hall, the new on-campus town home residences for juniors and seniors, have been extremely popular. Keeping juniors and seniors on campus allows them to be more available to freshmen and sophomores and serve as mentors to students adjusting to college life.

Michelle Messer, a second-year occupational therapy student from Eden Prairie, Minn., said the idea of living in Opus Hall immediately appealed to her senses.

“The first time I walked through (Opus Hall), I was on my way to visit a friend,” Messer explained. “And I just remember smelling what she was cooking for dinner, and that was just a really welcoming feeling.” She now counts having her own kitchen as one of the joys of living in Opus.

Messer said living on campus allows her to participate in more campus events and activities and enjoy the feeling of community, while maintaining a greater level of privacy.

The Mike and Josie Harper Center for Student Life and Learning, Creighton’s new front door and east-campus anchor, is buzzing with activity all day and into the night. Students, prospective students and their families, faculty, staff, alumni and other visitors are enjoying the four-level 245,000-square-foot integrated academic and student life center’s wide array of services and facilities. From the high-tech auditorium and classrooms, to financial aid, admissions, tutoring, volunteer opportunities and study and lounge areas, not to mention dining, fitness, special event facilities and more, the Harper Center has it all.

Michaela Marcil Belatti, BSBA’78, JD’81, of Omaha and her son, Dan, a junior majoring in biology, represent two generations benefiting from the Harper Center. She and her husband, Richard Belatti, BS’78, MD’82, have already attended several events there, including their undergraduate reunion last fall.

“The Harper Center is a jewel that has been strategically placed in the center of the campus,” Michaela said.  “It is very well-conceived and propels Creighton forward on its mission to educate the next generation in wisdom and faith.” She said she predicts that many Creighton groups will wonder, “How did we get along without it?”

Son Dan echoes those sentiments, but from a different perspective: “The first time I entered the Harper Center, I remember thinking, ‘Wow. This really helps Creighton make a statement about how we feel about our future.’”

Dan lives in McGloin Hall, which is about a half-block west on the main campus mall. “It has been a great convenience having the FitNest gym close by,” he noted. “I’ve also appreciated the study rooms in the Center for Student Success and Retention. It’s very nice having so many University services in one place.” He said he uses the Harper Center about three times per week.

His mom said she is thankful Dan and other students have been given “this beautiful facility,” adding, “We think the Harper Center will inspire them, and the future students who enroll, to keep reaching for new heights with hard work and dedication, and give them a place to relax and socialize, too. We are grateful to the Josie and Mike Harper family, and the other donors, for their great forward-thinking generosity.”