Clement J. Schneider, S.J.

Clement J. Schneider, S.J., (1927-1972) was named acting president by the Executive Committee upon Fr. Henry Linn’s death in November 1969. Even though Fr. Schneider’s tenure was brief, several changes came to campus. 

During the 1969-70 school year, curfew hours were abolished for dormitory women of junior and senior status, and extended curfews were given to underclassmen. Students, however, protested the administration’s reluctance to allow a 24-hour “open dorm” policy for men and women by turning on all lights and running all faucets. It was also the first school year for voluntary retreats and voluntary Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). In February 1970, Fr. Schneider dedicated the Fr. Linn Center for Campus Ministry. Black Studies became a minor in an effort to be more racially diverse.

A five-year development drive was launched as the first phase of the “Centennial Thrust” in February 1970. This fundraising drive aimed at improving the campus before the Creighton University centennial year of 1978. The fundraising goal of the first phase, scheduled for 1970-76, was $75 million, which would be used primarily for new construction, especially a law center.

Fr. Schneider was from New Franken, Wis. As a scholastic, he taught Latin, sociology and history at Campion High School (Prairie du Chien, Wis.). He received a bachelor of arts and licentiates degree in philosophy and sacred theology from St. Louis University, and his doctorate in sociology from Cornell University. Fr. Schneider came to Creighton University in 1965 to serve as assistant professor of sociology. He was appointed vice president of Academic Affairs in July 1968. Fr. Schneider was a co-author of Retirement in American Society: Impact and Process. He died in 1972 at the age of 44 from complications following gall bladder surgery. In 1973, the Ahmanson Law Center student lounge was named the “Schneider Commons” in his honor.