Creighton University

The following remarks are excerpted from Father Schlegel’s convocation address, Feb. 10, 2009.

This has been an extraordinary time in the life of Creighton University. We face many challenges and opportunities, for sure; yet our momentum is real and unmistakable. Ours are purposeful actions!

We have been conducting a multiple-year campaign, called Willing to Lead. The theme reflects our ongoing commitment to elevate Creighton’s standing on the national scene. The momentum is evident in the wave of private support for Creighton and its mission and the new culture of philanthropy that now defines this institution.

This campaign has been quite a ride. With a goal of $350 million, we set a bold and ambitious benchmark. I am personally gratified by the unprecedented response of our alumni and friends in Omaha and beyond. We experienced historic gifts and historic participation, with more than 60,000 individuals. Today I am pleased to announce that as of Feb. 1, we received more than $395 million in gifts and commitments to the Willing to Lead campaign.

Roughly 50 percent of the campaign’s dollars have infused our academic mission—directly or indirectly: Hixson-Lied Science, Rigge and Criss renovations, 14 new endowed chairs and five endowed professorships, as well as programs such as the Werner Institute and the Center for the Asian World.

The other half of the campaign’s results have revitalized our physical environment through capital improvements, making the campus more cohesive, dynamic and inviting for students and visitors alike. New construction of Davis Square and Opus Hall, Morrison Stadium, the Harper Center, the Ryan Center and D.J. Sokol Arena, and renovations to St. John’s Church, Creighton Hall and the Wareham Building, as well as the extension of the central mall are evidence of campaign commitments. The campus has grown 40 acres to a 130-acre footprint.

For Creighton to realize a successful campaign of more than $395 million is an incredible milestone. It is the result of many gifts—historically large, average and small—all of which are testimony to the affection and respect for this institution held by our alumni and friends in Omaha and beyond. This success is a harbinger for what is yet to come; so much more is possible as we look to the future.

For the task is not yet complete; let me say in no uncertain terms—we are not done! Creighton must never settle for what is, but always aspire for the more, what is yet to be realized. We have known from the outset that this campaign would not be the concluding event but the beginning of a new era of philanthropy and growth for this University; it is what I have referred to as our “second founding.”

I truly believe that more than a few transformative opportunities lie ahead of us. Our Board and donor community are pushing us to build on the momentum, to continue to pursue unmet opportunities—to reach toward our vision vigorously and purposefully.

The focus of this next phase of our fundraising efforts will be on endowment growth. Undoubtedly, as we move forward in consultation with the deans and vice presidents, specific projects—capital and other—will surface. Each will be evaluated in the context of institutional mission fit and fiscal feasibility. Nevertheless, endowment will be central and the leitmotif of our efforts.

Endowments empower universities to better achieve their teaching, research and service missions by providing a stable source of revenue for these activities. Teaching and research are especially assisted through endowed chairs and program support. Endowment resources allow all institutions to provide educational excellence beyond what can be financed solely by tuition. And as a tuition-driven institution—45 percent of Creighton’s budget is funded by tuition and fees—the need to grow the endowment is paramount.

I believe fundraising is even more critical for universities during difficult economic times. Consequently, our fundraisers continue to reach out to donors, listen to their interests and concerns and share the importance of endowments and endowed gifts to the future of the institution.

Any dialogue about Creighton’s future begins and ends with a focus on students, faculty and staff—the heart of the academic community. A growing endowment, fueled by philanthropy, will enable us to make permanent our commitment to access and affordability; to quality of programs and services; and allow us to live our Catholic and Jesuit educational legacy. It has been noted that, “Education and philanthropy are each, separately, among the most powerful forces at work shaping the future of our society. In combination, they may be unsurpassed in their capacity to improve the human condition.” I believe that the combination of philanthropy and education will, indeed, determine the future of Creighton University.