Hooding and
Commencement
Ceremony
2024
School of Law
MAY 10, 2024
Table of Contents
Letter from the President ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Order of Exercises ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
Mission Statement .....................................................................................................................................................5
Candidates for Earned Degrees ..........................................................................................................................6
Traditions of Creighton ............................................................................................................................................8
Credo of Creighton ...................................................................................................................................................9
Academic Attire ..........................................................................................................................................................9
Board of Trustees and President’s Council ................................................................................................... 10
Endowed Chairs ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
History of Creighton University ..........................................................................................................................12
D. J. Sokol Arena Map ............................................................................................................................................ 13
Social Media .............................................................................................................................................................. 14
Welcome to the Alumni Family ..........................................................................................................................15
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD
President, Creighton University
Dear Creighton University Graduate,
Let me be among the first to say “congratulations” on reaching this
important day. After much hard work and perseverance, it is time to gather
in the company of family, friends, and supporters as we celebrate you and
all you have achieved. From this day on you are now, ocially, a proud
member of the graduating Class of 2024!
Commencement is an incredibly special time, and it is yours to cherish as
you close the book on one chapter and turn the page to discover what
comes next. There is so much to look forward to as you continue your
journey, and I join all those who helped you and supported you along the
way in expressing that we cannot wait to see what you will accomplish in
this world of endless possibility.
I encourage you to take time to reflect on the transformational journey that
has brought you here. The rigor of your studies, the purposeful contributions
you made, and personal investment you have shown in building a better
world are not something anyone can achieve. You can now count yourself
among those few. You have accomplished the extraordinary.
I hope you bring this same commitment to your profession and to your
community. Know, too, you are not alone in your next journey. You are part
of a Creighton alumni family that is close to 80,000 strong and stretches
across the globe.
As a student, you were challenged to go to the edges of the Creighton
campus and step out of your comfort zone; now you have an entire world to
continue to explore. Keep that fire for discovery alive by maintaining all that
a Jesuit, Catholic education oers—inquiry, imagination, and inspiration.
You are a changemaker and that means you do not wait for the world to
come to you; you go forth with a mission to make it better. The world needs
you, and I have faith that you will be a leader who remains steadfastly
driven and compassionate because you are not just a graduate, you are a
Creighton University graduate!
May God bless you and your families as you celebrate today.
You have earned it.
Sincerely,
Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD
Letter from the President
3
PROCESSION
MACE BEARER
Kendra Fershée, JD
Associate Dean and Professor of Law
GRAND MARSHAL’S OPENING REMARKS
Yvonnda A. Summers, JD
Associate Dean and Special Faculty
PROVOST’S WELCOME
Mardell A. Wilson, EdD, RDN
Provost
INVOCATION
Rev. Nicholas J. C. Santos, SJ, PhD
Rector, Jesuit Community
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD
President
DEAN’S MESSAGE
Joshua P. Fershée, JD
Dean, Professor of Law
SENIOR CLASS SPEAKER AND
PRESENTATION OF THE ERIC PEARSON
OUTSTANDING FACULTY MEMBER AWARD
Kevin S. Grossaint
Class of 2024
THE ERIC PEARSON OUTSTANDING
FACULTY MEMBER AWARD
David P. Weber, JD
Professor
BOARD AUTHORIZATION
Presented by
Board of Trustees Member
DEGREE CONFERRAL STATEMENT
Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson,
SJ, PhD
President
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES
FOR EARNED DEGREES
Joshua P. Fershée, JD
Dean, Professor of Law
Names read by
David P. Weber,
JD
Professor
H
ooding of candidates by
Craig W. Dallon,
JD
Professor of Law
L
eigh A. Ellis,
JD
Assistant Professor
Hossein Fazilatfar,
JD, LLM, SJD,
Associate Professor
Irina V. Fox,
JD
Professor of Law
Rachel J. Goedken
, JD
Associate Professor
Victoria J. Haneman,
JD, LLM
Professor of Law
Carol C. Knoepfler,
JD
Associate Professor
R. Collin Mangrum,
JD, SJD
Professor of Law
Edward A. Morse,
JD
Professor of Law
Dagmar R. Myslinska,
JD, PhD
Associate Professor
Kent J. Neumeister,
JD
Professor
Diane K. Uchimiya,
JD, LLM
Director, Abrahams Legal Clinic
TURNING OF THE TASSEL
Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson,
SJ, PhD
President
STAGE PARTY, FACULTY,
AND GRADUATE RECESSIONAL
Order of Exercises
Order of Exercises
4
Mission Statement
Mission Statement
At Creighton School of Law, our mission
is to provide the men and women of
our student body intellectual challenge,
academic rigor and an opportunity to
develop a foundation of moral values
for lifelong service in the law, to oer
an environment to our faculty which
encourages personal growth and
scholarly achievement and to continue
our long-established tradition of service
to the Bar and citizens of the community.
5
Dual degree
JURIS DOCTOR
Reem Hani Al Zubair
Muscat, Mauritius
Katherine Marie Amyot
Hastings, Nebraska
Casey Steven Anderson
Warroad, Minnesota
Mary Grace Arena
Hammonton, New Jersey
Ethan Arrey Ashu
Kansas City, Missouri
Meagan LeeAnne Bailey Deall
Aurora, Colorado
Alexandre Michael
Nelson Barbour
Fairway, Kansas
Cody Michael Bell
Tucson, Arizona
Peyton J. Bellon
magna cum laude
Gillette, Wyoming
Sydney R. Bonnett
Omaha, Nebraska
Grace Colleen Boothe-Hanna
Fremont, Nebraska
Emily Elizabeth Breit
Lincoln, Nebraska
Dallin L. Brooks
cum laude
Cedar City, Utah
Abigail Elisabeth Brown
Salt Lake City, Utah
Gavin Jay Brown
Grand Junction, Colorado
Jared R. Brown
Bellevue, Nebraska
Johanne Monique
Alexander Brown
Bellevue, Nebraska
Thomas James Bruce
Fort Collins, Colorado
Spencer Davis Buchanan
Salt Lake City, Utah
Mykaylan Diane Rose Burner
North Sioux City, South Dakota
Brenna Marin Bushey
cum laude
Omaha, Nebraska
Jamell Rashad Brandon Collins
Bronx, New York
Jonathan K. Collins
Master of Science, Government
Organization and Leadership
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Michael Eugene Cooley
Carter Lake, Iowa
Marin T. Coughlin
magna cum laude
Manhattan, Kansas
Meghan A. Coughlin
Omaha, Nebraska
James Driscoll Crabbe
Master of Science, Government
Organization and Leadership
Suwanee, Georgia
Julia Anne Crump
Master of Science, Government
Organization and Leadership
Bolton, Ontario, Canada
Emily Claire Cvitanov
Omaha, Nebraska
Olivia Eve DʼAmato
Parker, Colorado
Molly Kathryn Dean
Glenwood, Iowa
Alicia Christine Derr
Chandler, Arizona
Carson Lynn Drake
magna cum laude
Omaha, Nebraska
Jack Roosevelt Dresslar
Omaha, Nebraska
Jacob Clark Erickson
Philomath, Oregon
Austin Christopher Exline
Omaha, Nebraska
Marley Marie Farrell
Long Beach, California
Christina Marie Finch
Aurora, Colorado
Tanner Jay Fitzgerald
Yankton, South Dakota
Michael E. Flinn
magna cum laude
Omaha, Nebraska
Arthur George Formas III
Omaha, Nebraska
Amber Marie Gould
Master of Science, Government
Organization and Leadership
Semmes, Alabama
Sydney Michelle Grad
cum laude
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Jacob Alexander Grissom
Nampa, Idaho
Kevin Scott Grossaint
cum laude
Greeley, Colorado
J. Jaren Hackleman
Bellevue, Nebraska
Tera J. Hanson
Corona, South Dakota
Amy Marie Hart
cum laude
Portland, Oregon
Leighandra Nikole Hazlett
St. Joseph, Missouri
Kevin Ivan Hernandez
Omaha, Nebraska
Sean Patrick Herrick
Glenwood, Iowa
Ana Victoria Hingorani
cum laude
Gretna, Nebraska
Krista Nicole Holzworth
Scottsblu, Nebraska
Ethan Hoogeveen
cum laude
Park City, Utah
Catherine McGee Howitt
Master of Science, Government
Organization and Leadership
Huntersville, North Carolina
Christopher Gregory Jenkins
cum laude
Winnebago, Minnesota
Jorium Philip-Andrew Jones
Thomasville, Georgia
Haley Judd
magna cum laude
Mesa, Arizona
Hannah Carolyn Junk
Master of Business Admininistration
Salina, Kansas
Bryce Yuji Kasamoto
Diamond Bar, California
Anne Marie Keating
Omaha, Nebraska
Grant D. Keiser
Omaha, Nebraska
Theresa C. Kelly
magna cum laude
Bellevue, Nebraska
Aissa Anton Kidess
Master of Science, Government
Organization and Leadership
Altoona, Wisconsin
Maya Maryetta Kindle
Omaha, Nebraska
Thomas James Kingston
Omaha, Nebraska
David J. Kinkennon
Kat y, Texas
Benedict Robert Kinnison
cum laude
St. Louis, Missouri
Jack Leonard Klementz
Hudson, Wisconsin
Riley Jordan Knobloch
Lester, Iowa
Reghan Rochelle Kort
Omaha, Nebraska
Taylour Katherine Kumpf
cum laude
Columbus, Nebraska
Connor A. Lane
Greenwood, Indiana
Haley Alyssa Leis
Master of Science, Government
Organization and Leadership
Alexandria, Virginia
Megan Elizabeth Leise
Omaha, Nebraska
Timothy D. Lovewell
cum laude
La Vista, Nebraska
Spencer Jin Lueders
Omaha, Nebraska
Gena Alise MacKenzie
Kansas City, Missouri
Guillermo Matthew Martinez
cum laude
Sinton, Texas
Courtney Mae Mascarenas
cum laude
Pueblo, Colorado
Kathryn Gavriel Matthews
cum laude
Phoenix, Arizona
Kylie O’Kelley McCrory
cum laude
Loveland, Colorado
David Sinclair McGuire
Houston, Texas
Kaitlin Ann McKenna
Master of Science, Government
Organization and Leadership
Omaha, Nebraska
Joshua P. Fershée, JD, Dean
CANDIDATES FOR EARNED DEGREES
Candidates for Earned Degrees
6
Dual degree
Lauren M. Merfeld
cum laude
Omaha, Nebraska
Chelsea Wyatt Meyer
Roscoe, Illinois
Jelena Milakovic
Bennington, Nebraska
Hayden James Miller
Nebraska City, Nebraska
Jack Michael Mitchell
magna cum laude
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
John Crawford Mitchell
Denver, Colorado
Jonathan Allan Moats
Elkhorn, Nebraska
Timothy Edward Murphy
Layton, Utah
Andrew Pokiioli Naai
Omaha, Nebraska
Bryan Duy Nguyen
La Mirada, California
John Collins Oberst
Cary, North Carolina
Matthew Kazuo Omiya
Honolulu, Hawaii
Omasan Gloria Oribioye
Bear, Delaware
Laura Ortiz Peska
Omaha, Nebraska
Brian Patrick Page
Sylvania, Ohio
Kaia R. Phelps
Master of Science, Government
Organization and Leadership
Omaha, Nebraska
Janet Kay Pischke
cum laude
Master of Science, Government
Organization and Leadership
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Vincent Anthony Pistone
Blue Springs, Missouri
Harper Lee Pivovar
Omaha, Nebraska
Kinzie Layne Randall
magna cum laude
Hyde Park, Utah
Robert Benson Reese III
Atlanta, Georgia
Matthew Alan Robinson
cum laude
Logan, Utah
Nicholas J. Rock
magna cum laude
Omaha, Nebraska
Timothy Roesch
Omaha, Nebraska
Samuel Harold Rogers
Master of Science, Government
Organization and Leadership
Springfield, Illinois
Luke T. Roudabush
summa cum laude
Grinnell, Iowa
Mark S. Rumsley
Tucson, Arizona
Hailey Lynn Russell
Lincoln, Nebraska
Alexis Jocelynn Sahagun
Phoenix, Arizona
Taylor Ann Schmidt
Fargo, North Dakota
John Matthew Schmitt
Omaha, Nebraska
Hannah Jean Schweitzer
cum laude
Omaha, Nebraska
Cameron Danielle Scott
Omaha, Nebraska
Courtney Leigh Sharp
Delta, Colorado
Mitchell Douglas Shaw
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Kyle Sheahan
St. Louis, Missouri
Anthony Davis Siegrist
cum laude
Wesley, Iowa
Adam Patrick Smith
cum laude
Omaha, Nebraska
Murrin Jane Smith
Bellevue, Nebraska
Michael G. Snedaker
Omaha, Nebraska
Shaylin Sookhoo
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Shelby Siera Soper
Adair, Iowa
Kara Leigh Stark Smith
summa cum laude
Magnolia, Texas
Heidi Virginia Strigenz
summa cum laude
Master of Science, Government
Organization and Leadership
Papillion, Nebraska
Shelbe Lee Stroh
Omaha, Nebraska
Allyson Rose Talpash
Temecula, California
Carmen Victoria Vaca Terlaje
Yona, Guam
Jonathan Ray Tilden
magna cum laude
Omaha, Nebraska
Patrick Stuart Trinidad
Master of Science, Government
Organization and Leadership
San Antonio, Texas
Nathan John Turner
magna cum laude
Omaha, Nebraska
Atziri Viridiana Valadez Campos
Omaha, Nebraska
John Michael Vosicky
Elmhurst, Illinois
Alexander R. Weed
cum laude
Highlands Ranch, Colorado
John-Wesley Willson
magna cum laude
Lincoln, Nebraska
Emily Jane Wilson
Omaha, Nebraska
Grace M. Wiseman
Gretna, Nebraska
Natalie Louise
Reynolds-Wisnieski
cum laude
Norfolk, Nebraska
Jessica Eve Witters
Elkhorn, Nebraska
John Andrew Wolfe
Omaha, Nebraska
Stefanie Emma Wood
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Sydney Anne Wurdeman
Omaha, Nebraska
Peyton Renae Young
Master of Science, Government
Organization and Leadership
Bualo Grove, Illinois
JURIS DOCTOR CONTINUED
7
Traditions of Creighton
Creighton Seal
The Creighton University seal includes elements representing the Creighton
family, Creighton’s Jesuit tradition and the Omaha Archdiocese.
The gold stripes on the red field, in the upper left-hand quadrant of the shield,
come from the family coat of arms of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the
Society of Jesus (Jesuits). The lion rampant comes from the Creighton family
coat of arms, and the three seashells on a field of white and red sable come from
the Wareham family coat of arms—paying homage to Creighton University’s
founding families. The design for the shield’s final quadrant, in the lower left,
comes from the coat of arms of the Archdiocese of Omaha. The starburst behind
the shield comes from the seal of the Society of Jesus.
Ceremonial Mace
In the Middle Ages, the mace was a club used in battle and carried by a
bodyguard to defend a person of authority. Over the years, it began to lose its
warlike image and became a symbol of peaceful leadership.
At an academic institution, the mace is the symbol of the legal and chartered
authority of the leadership to whom the board of trustees has delegated
authority. When the ceremonial mace is present, the authority of the University
is present. Use of the mace is reserved for occasions of outstanding importance,
and it is an honor to bear the mace.
The Creighton University mace was designed and fashioned by Brian K. Besack,
operations supervisor of the University’s carpenter shop, at the invitation of
then president, the Rev. John P. Schlegel,
SJ, to commemorate the 125th
anniversary of the University.
Using a cherry wood baluster from a long-abandoned staircase in the attic of
Creighton Hall, the oldest building on Creighton’s campus, Besack designed
and fashioned the shaft, head and foot of the mace. Each facet of the nine-sided
head displays a bronze, gold-plated medallion bearing the name and founding
date of the University’s schools and colleges. Its foot is sheathed in gold-plated
brass, and cradled in its shaft rests the ocial seal of the University. At its top,
the mace is crowned with a three-dimensional blue and gold medallion symbol
of the Society of Jesus.
Traditions of Creighton
8
Academic Attire
The scholastic dress worn at academic ceremonies is a customary
practice which dates back to the Middle Ages when people dressed
according to class distinction. The clergy was the literate class, thus,
the dress worn by scholars was that of the church—gowns. Hoods
were also worn because the buildings where scholars lived and
studied were often cold.
The academic dress worn today by the graduating law students
and the faculty members identifies the institution from which they
received, or will receive, their degrees and also the nature of the
degrees received.
The gowns worn by today’s Juris Doctor degree candidates are
black, and are marked by three horizontal velvet bars on each
sleeve. The greatest degree of symbolism, however, is shown by
the hood. The doctor’s hood has a purple velvet border marking the
law degree received, and is lined with blue and white, the colors
of Creighton University. Similarly, the colors of the gowns and the
colors of the hoods worn by the faculty mark the institution from
which they received their degrees.
Credo of Creighton
Creighton, a Jesuit, Catholic university, is convinced that the hope of
humanity is in the ability of men and women to seek truths and values
essential to human life. Creighton aims to lead all of its members in
discovering and embracing the challenge of using their intelligence
and freedom in a way that values all persons. We therefore profess,
and pledge our commitment to, the following creed:
We believe in God, our loving Creator.
We believe each person, created in God’s image, is called to be
God’s child, and therefore possesses intrinsic value as a human
being. This includes all persons and excludes any form
of discrimination.
We believe that the deepest purpose of each person is to
enrich and share life through love and reverence for the human
community. This motivates our open and continuous pursuit of
truth. For this reason, we foster reverence for life in all
of its human potential.
We believe in supporting all persons in their responsible
contributions to the community through family, social interactions
and all life endeavors.
We believe that we must strive for a human community based
on justice, mutual respect and concern. In this context, we must
cultivate care for our planet and its resources.
We believe that laws exist for the benefit and well-being of
individual persons, that legal systems must express the common
good, and that governments must be respectful and open to
thoughtful criticism by intelligent and responsible citizens.
We believe that the laws of justice and love must regulate the
personal, family, economic and global components of our lives
if civilization is to progress.
We believe in the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.
Credo of Creighton
Academic Attire
9
9
Board of
Trustees
President ’s Council
Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD
President
Mardell A. Wilson,
EdD, RDN
Provost
Jan D. Madsen
Executive Vice President
Marcus L. Blossom
McCormick Endowed Athletic Director
A. Barron Breland,
DM
Vice Provost, Faculty and Academic Aairs
Dean, Graduate School
Mary E. Chase,
EdD*
Vice Provost, Enrollment Management
Jessica R. Clark,
DNP, RN
Dean, College of Nursing
Mary Ann Danielson,
PhD
University Faculty President
Rev. Kevin L. Dilworth,
SJ
Chaplain, Phoenix Campus
Robert W. Dunlay,
MD*
Dean, School of Medicine
Leanna M. Fenneberg,
PhD
Acting Vice Provost, Student Life
Joshua P. Fershée,
JD
Dean, School of Law
Rev. Kevin T. FitzGerald,
SJ, PhD, PhD
Associate Professor, School of Medicine
Matthew C. Gerard
Vice President, University Relations
Heidi W. Grunkemeyer*
Vice President, University
Communications and Marketing
Anthony R. Hendrickson,
PhD
Dean, Heider College of Business
Helen Hurst,
DNP
Associate Dean, College of Nursing,
Phoenix Campus
James S. Jansen,
JD*
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Bridget M. Keegan,
PhD
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
René L. Padilla,
PhD
Vice Provost, Global Engagement
Russell B. Pearlman,
JD
Vice President, Information Technology
Randy R. Richardson,
MD
Regional Dean, School of Medicine,
Phoenix Campus
Cynthia M. Schmersal,
EdD*
Vice President, Mission and Ministry
Derek M. Scott
Associate Vice President,
Facilities Management
Gayla M. Stoner, PhD
Dean, College of Professional
and Continuing Education
Judi A. Szatko
Associate Vice President,
Human Resources
Sarah Singletary Walker,
PhD
Vice President, Equity,
Diversity and Inclusion
Jillian A. Wallen,
BDS, MS
Dean, School of Dentistry
Susan S. Weems
Assistant Dean, School of Pharmacy and
Health Professions, Phoenix Campus
Amy Friedman Wilson,
PharmD*
Dean, School of Pharmacy
and Health Professions
W. Wayne Young Jr.,
PhD*
Vice Provost, Student Success
*Creighton alumnus/alumna
Nizar N. Ghoussaini*
Chair
Gail Werner-Robertson, JD
*
Vice Chair
CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY
Diane Duren*
Vice Chair
Board of Trustees and President’s Council
Josie Abboud*
Thomas D. Barry*
Rev. Casey C. Beaumier,
SJ, PhD
James T. Blackledge
Adam R. Bohan, SJ, RN, Trustee Associate*
Rev. Timothy R. Breen,
SJ, Trustee Associate
Rev. Matthew E. Carnes, SJ, PhD
Rev. Christopher S. Collins, SJ, STD
Jerry K. Crouse
Christopher J. Elias, MD*
Michael J. Finley*
William J. Fox, JD*
Susan M. Haddix
Sharon C. Harper*
Maria Harper-Marinick, PhD
Frank L. Hayes*
Scott C. Heider
Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD
Mark W. Henkels*
Catherine L. Hughes*
Linda S. Hunt*
Rev. Eric T. Immel,
SJ, Trustee Associate
Eric L. Keen
Richard T. Kizer,
JD*
Wende L. Kotouc
Rev. G. Thomas Krettek, SJ, PhD
Clark D. Lauritzen
Rev. William P. Leahy,
SJ, PhD
Derek J. Leathers
Donald E. Montgomery, JD*
Chris J. Murphy
Rev. Ronald R. O’Dwyer,
SJ, Trustee Associate
Janis M. Orlowski, MD
Melvin P. Palalay, MD*
Mark H. Rauenhorst*
Conan J. Rainwater,
SJ*
Robert A. Reed Jr.
Kenny G. Rocker
William J. Roe*
Rev. Nicholas J.C. Santos, SJ, PhD
Tobin A. Schropp, JD
Ann T. Schumacher
Karrin Taylor Robson,
JD
Kevin H. Travers*
Karen Van Dyke*
Mark R. Walter, JD*
Gary K. Witt
*Creighton alumnus/alumna
10
Endowed Chairs
SCHOOL OF LAW
A.A. and Ethel Yossem Endowed Chair in Legal Ethics (1991)
R. Collin Mangrum, JD, SJD
Catherine Mahern Endowed Chair in Clinical Legal Education (2001)
Diane K. Uchimiya, JD, LLM
McGrath North Mullin and Kratz Endowed Chair in Business Law (2006)
Edward A. Morse, JD
Senator Allen A. Sekt Endowed Chair in Law (2009)
Michael J. Kelly, JD, LLM
Larry L. Teply, JD
Endowed Chairs
11
History of Creighton University
Edward Creighton
John CreightonMary Lucretia Creighton
Sarah Emily Creighton
Edward and Mary Lucretia Creighton, along with Edward’s brother, John, settled in
Omaha in the 1850s. John married Mary Lucretia’s sister, Sarah Emily Wareham, in
1868, and the four are considered the founders of Creighton University. Edward’s
work with the transcontinental telegraph and freighting, ranching, railroading and
banking became a major force in the city’s economic development. The two brothers
were widely known for their business enterprises, and the two couples were also
widely regarded for their philanthropy.
Edward died in 1874, and his widow included
$
100,000 in her will to establish
Creighton College in memory of her husband. Mary Lucretia died in 1876, and her
executors, who included her brother-in-law John, purchased 6.2 acres of land at
the northwest corner of what is currently 24th and California streets. The land and
additional securities were transferred to Bishop James O’Connor of Omaha, and
construction began on the school.
The bishop asked the Jesuits to operate the
school and the first president, Roman A. Shael,
SJ,
arrived in Omaha in late 1877; the school opened
on Sept. 2, 1878. One priest, two scholastics,
a layman and a laywoman formed the faculty.
The school began with 120 students ranging
in age from 6 to 30. On Aug. 14, 1879, Bishop
O’Connor surrendered his trust to the Jesuits, who
incorporated “The Creighton University” under
Nebraska law. Much of the initial teaching was
below the collegiate level; in 1891, Creighton
University awarded its first baccalaureate degree.
Edward and Mary Lucretia’s generosity is credited with establishing Creighton
College, while John and Sarah Emily’s philanthropy enlarged it to a five-school
university. Today, Creighton University consists of nine schools and colleges:
• College of Arts and Sciences (1878)
• School of Medicine (1892)
• School of Law (1904)
• School of Dentistry (1905)
• School of Pharmacy and Health Professions (1905)
• Heider College of Business (1920)
• Graduate School (1926)
• College of Nursing (1971; four-year bachelor’s degree program began in 1958)
• College of Professional and Continuing Education (Established as University
College in 1983)
History of Creighton University
12
Graduation Honors
Students may graduate with honors. Criteria for graduation honors can be found in the Creighton
University catalogs. Honors for students with previously conferred degrees are listed in this program.
Honors for students with May degrees met the honors criteria based on Fall 2023 cumulative grade point
averages. Ocial honors will be awarded on the transcript and diploma based on Spring 2024 cumulative
grade point averages. Honors for students who anticipate completing their degree requirements in August
or December are not listed in this program. Honors will be awarded on the transcript and diploma at the
time of degree conferral.
Degree Conferral
Creighton University confers degrees three times per year: August, December, and May. Annual University
commencement ceremonies are held in May for all Colleges and Schools. The hooding ritual is included
in the commencement ceremony for master and doctoral level students. An additional graduate level
commencement ceremony is held in December. Students who complete their degree programs in August
or December may attend the commencement ceremony following completion, or with the approval of the
Oce of the Dean, in the preceding May. Participation in a commencement ceremony does not guarantee
a degree is ocially earned. A degree is conferred only after the dean verifies all academic requirements
are met and the degree is posted on the student’s transcript by the Oce of the Registrar.
Ceremony Photos
Ceremony Photos will photograph each graduate receiving his or her diploma. Graduates will be emailed
a link to their photo proofs, or they can go to ceremonyphotos.com for more information. Questions may
be addressed to service@ceremonyphotos.com or call 402.917.6518.
Lord, teach me to be generous; teach me to serve you as you
deserve; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed
the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labor and not to ask
for reward; save that of knowing that I am doing your will.
A Prayer for Generosity
St. Ignatius of Loyola, Founder of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits)
Social Media
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Creighton University School of Law
14
14
Welcome to the
Creighton University
alumni family,
now nearly 80,000 strong. While your
time as a student is coming to a close,
your time in our global alumni community
is just getting started. No matter where
life takes you, we will be here to support
you with opportunities and benefits to
help you stay connected.
Bluejays for life.
alumni.creighton.edu
SEPT. 20–22, 2024
Reconnect with classmates. Reminisce about your college
days. And remember that Creighton forever remains your
home away from home.
More info: creighton.edu/creightondays
15
Welcome to the Alumni Family
