We are rapidly approaching the end of the spring semester, with commencement ceremonies set for May 12 — featuring Mae Jemison, MD, the first female African-American astronaut, as speaker. It has been a busy and fruitful year, highlighted by numerous accomplishments, robust initiatives, engaging events and lectures, and planning for our future.
We added eight new academic programs in the past year, many of which are interdisciplinary in nature and include the areas of business, health care, and our Ignatian tradition.
The first cohort of accelerated nursing students at our Phoenix campus began classes in January. There is a critical need for nurses and other health professionals in the Southwest, and we are excited to collaborate with our health care partners in Arizona to address the issue.
We have launched our Creighton Global Scholars Program, with tremendous interest among incoming freshmen for the fall of 2018. We had more than 180 applicants for 20 spots in the program.
This year marks the 140th anniversary of the University’s founding. As part of the celebration, we are hosting the Creighton 140 Presidential Lecture Series. Chuck Hagel, former U.S. senator from Nebraska and secretary of defense, delivered the first of these lectures on April 3. A link to the webcast is available on the Office of the President website. Other lectures are being planned for the fall.
With approval from our Board of Trustees, we are diligently implementing our strategic plan, focusing on goals related to three major themes: Achieving academic excellence, thriving in our mission, and engaging the world.
We also continue to make significant strides in the important areas of diversity and global education. Christopher Whitt, PhD, joined us in February as our inaugural vice provost for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, and we recently announced the criteria for our 2018 Creighton Global Initiative Awards, which fund faculty and student projects and programs.
The Jesuit Community at Creighton and the Office of the President have funded 11 four-year, full-tuition scholarships for underserved students beginning with this fall’s incoming class. The scholarships are named for the Rev. John Markoe, SJ, a beloved Creighton Jesuit and early civil rights activist.
Finally, with a heavy heart, we said goodbye to a wonderful friend, colleague, and Jesuit, with the passing of the Rev. Richard Hauser, SJ, on April 3. Fr. Hauser served at Creighton for more than 45 years in various capacities, and established the popular candlelight Mass on campus. His warmth, passion, determination, and sense of humor will be greatly missed.
I wish you and your families a safe and pleasant summer. As always, you remain in my prayers.
Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ
President
