In Memoriam
James T. Ault, III 1940-2017
Professor Ault spent 45 years at Creighton University working in both Information Technology and the Department of Cultural and Social Studies. Mr. Ault held his students to high standards, and his first impression could be intimidating. But Mr. Ault was really like the bears he loved so much, a little grizzly on the outside but a total softie inside. Mr. Ault loved his students and welcomed them into his office for hours of conversation, always with words of encouragement.
Some of his students remember their time with Mr. Ault:
"During the school year, I would go into Mr. Ault's office to talk about school and life. We would talk for hours, and at times I would show up late for class but Mr. Ault would email my teacher corroberating my story. When others needed to stop the conversations so they wouldn't be late to the classes they taught, it was Mr. Ault that would end our conversations always saying "Go do something productive now". Which I would most likely respond with "Oh no, my class started 5 minutes ago." I could talk to Mr. Ault for hours about anything and everything, but he had a time restriction on how long we talked."
"Who would have thought that an old white man and a young liberal hipster would have become such great friends? Students in your class would confusingly ask me about why I loved you so much. I would tell them that they just needed to get to know you during office hours. When there was a tornado warning, you went to the third floor and told me that it was time to shut down STATA and actually take cover. You graded my Capstone presentation, and genuinely listened – just like you listened when I cried to you about my assault. Throughout graduation and award ceremonies, you accompanied my family, smiling like a proud pseudo-grandparent. You took care of me."
