Current Honorees

2025 Alumni Achievement Citation

Douglas J. Wells, BSBA’76, and Ellen Ahlers Wells, BS’76 

In 1935, the Wells brothers of Wells Enterprises engaged the Le Mars community in creating a mascot for their ice cream company. Today, the iconic Blue Bunny® remains a symbol of the enduring bond between the Wells family and their hometown. Third-generation retired Director/Owner Doug Wells and former special education teacher Ellen Wells continue this legacy of community care. They are celebrated as the 2025 Alumni Achievement Citation recipients, Creighton’s highest recognition. 

From classrooms to their communities: Living the Creighton mission 

For nearly five decades, Creighton Trustee Doug Wells and alumna Ellen Wells have remained devoted to the communities that shaped them — Creighton University and their hometown of Le Mars, Iowa.  

Ellen and Doug both grew up in Le Mars and graduated from Gehlen Catholic School in 1972. Though they came from the same tight-knit town and had known one another since the first grade, they like to say they “found each other” the summer between their freshman and sophomore years at Creighton.  

“Creighton taught us so much,” Doug says. “How to work, how to live with others, how to lead by example. We didn’t talk about our values at Creighton — we lived them. That’s how we’ve tried to live our lives.” 

A legacy built in Le Mars: The Ice Cream Capital of the World 

At Creighton, Doug joined Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and earned his business degree in 1976. “We had so many good, close friends,” he says. “It was a place where you felt welcome — where you learned that it doesn’t cost anything to be kind.”  

That lesson, rooted in Jesuit values, guided Doug’s career and leadership in the decades that followed. 

Doug studied dairy science at South Dakota State University before returning to Le Mars to join the family business — Wells Enterprises, Inc., the company behind Blue Bunny® ice cream. He started in quality assurance and soon partnered with his father to build out the company’s research and development department. Together, they transformed the product line, refining classics and creating new recipes using premium ingredients. 

“We worked hard to create one of the best vanilla ice creams in the country,” Doug said. “We used Madagascar bourbon vanilla and condensed our own milk. We were always trying to elevate the flavor — and honor the name behind it.” 

Doug dedicated four decades to Wells Enterprises, helping lead the company’s growth across operations, research, and engineering. He eventually oversaw the construction of the world’s largest frozen dairy dessert facility. In 1994, Le Mars was officially named the Ice Cream Capital of the World. Nearly two decades later, in celebration of the company’s 100th anniversary, Blue Bunny® partnered with Make-A-Wish® in 2013 to grant 100 wishes to children across the United States. 

Doug retired from day-to-day operations in 2007 but continued serving on the company’s board of directors. He played a key role in guiding the successful sale of Wells Enterprises in 2023, helping preserve the family legacy while positioning the company for future success. Throughout it all, he remained deeply committed to the company’s employees and the Le Mars community.  

Doug has also served in leadership roles across various industry and civic organizations, including Primebank Inc., Students in Free Enterprise, the Iowa Department of Agriculture, and the International Ice Cream Association. 

Champions for education: Helping every learner thrive  

Ellen followed her passion for education. At Creighton, she was active in the Student National Education Association and graduated magna cum laude from the College of Arts and Sciences in 1976. Her early tutoring experiences sparked an interest in special education. 

“I went to Creighton with the idea of being a teacher, but it was those early hands-on experiences that opened my eyes,” she says. “They fostered my interest in working with students with special needs.” 

Ellen taught in Omaha, Spencer, and Le Mars before stepping away to focus on her family and community. She continues to champion education through her involvement in the P.E.O. Sisterhood, helping women pursue their academic goals. “It’s always been about making sure others have the opportunity to thrive,” she says. 

Doug and Ellen raised three children — Kathryn, Joseph, and Sarah — who went on to earn degrees in law, finance, and healthcare from Marquette, Notre Dame, and Saint Louis University. 

“We always told our kids, ‘Not going to college isn’t an option,’” Doug says with a smile.  

“We’re just so proud of who they are and the lives they’ve built for their own families,” says Ellen.   

Strengthening Creighton and Le Mars for generations to come 

Doug and Ellen’s support of Creighton began in 1976 and includes the Doug and Ellen Wells Endowed Scholarship, which gives preference to students from Gehlen Catholic, Le Mars Community Schools, and the surrounding area. The Wells says it’s another way to maintain their strong ties to both Creighton and their hometown. 

“Through our support, we hope to give other students the same incredible experience we had at Creighton,” Ellen says. “Nearly 50 years later, we still look back with such fondness — and we want others to have that opportunity.” 

Now, with Doug’s election to the Board of Trustees, their commitment to advancing Creighton’s mission continues at the highest level of University leadership. 

The Wells have long supported Le Mars school initiatives, especially their alma mater, Gehlen Catholic Schools, through fundraising. More recently, they funded a scholarship at Creighton—the Douglas & Ellen Wells Endowed Scholarship—open to all area schools, contributing to initiatives that enrich learning and encourage academic excellence for advanced professional education.  

They even sponsored one of the town’s more than 50, six-foot-tall painted ice cream cone sculptures — each a fiberglass creation uniquely designed by artists from across the Midwest. 

“We’re proud the community created something iconic to celebrate our history,” Doug says. “It’s flattering — and it’s fun.” 

“And Creighton means so much to our family,” says Ellen.  “My three sisters are also graduates. It’s a big part of our conversations, whether we’re talking about Bluejay basketball or how the campus is growing.” 

Now retired, Doug and Ellen divide their time between Le Mars and Florida. They enjoy reconnecting with fellow Bluejays at Creighton’s Naples Presidential Celebration — and, most of all, cherishing time with their growing family, especially their grandchildren. 

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2025 Recent Alumni Award

Roselle M.A. Visenio, JD, BSW’15

From advocating for vulnerable clients at Legal Aid of Nebraska to serving as Assistant Chief Counsel with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Roselle Visenio has built a career grounded in service. She’s especially passionate about mentoring students and young professionals — many of them from her Creighton community. 

“I’m deeply grateful for the friends, staff, and mentors at Creighton who supported me along the way,” Visenio says. “To me, this award is a reminder of the power of connection and a call to continue building a strong Creighton alumni network that makes this University exceptional.  

“I’m honored to receive this award, and I believe it reflects the countless hours our community invests in preparing Creighton students to go forth and set the world on fire.” 

Prior to her current role, Visenio spent nearly seven years in the Health, Education and Law Project at Legal Aid of Nebraska as a client advocate. There, she represented clients in administrative hearings involving Social Security, Medicaid, and other public benefits. She also partnered with CHI Health and the Omaha VA Medical Center to address legal issues that impacted patient care.  

During her time at Legal Aid, she supervised undergraduate and law student interns and regularly gave presentations to healthcare professionals about public benefit programs and legal resources. 

Visenio earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Creighton University in 2015. As a student, she was deeply involved in service and justice initiatives. She was a member of the Cortina Community, led and joined SCSJ service trips, and participated in the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice in Washington, DC. She also served as a student coordinator and intern with the SCSJ, leading peer education on issues such as immigration and environmental justice. For her leadership, she received Creighton’s Martin Luther King Student Leadership Award. 

In 2018, Visenio earned her Juris Doctor from New England Law Boston, focusing on immigration and public interest law. While in law school, she interned with the Volunteer Lawyers Project, Maiona Ward Immigration Law, Foley Law Offices, and Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach. She also held leadership roles in the Asian Pacific American Law Association and the Immigration Law Association and was honored with the National Filipino American Lawyers Association Presidential Scholarship and the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Pro Bono Honor Roll. 

Today, Visenio remains closely connected to Creighton. She volunteers with the Creighton Admissions Partner program and the Recent Alumni Academy and has also supervised social work practicum students. She supports her community through Project INTERACT, an initiative that helps improve access to advanced care planning for older adults. Visenio lives in Omaha with her husband, Michael Visenio, MD, BS’14, a fellow Creighton graduate. 

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2025 Friends of the University 

John “Jack” D. Diesing, Jr. and Terri C. Diesing  

From behind-the-scenes impact to front-row leadership, Jack and Terri Diesings’ friendship with Creighton is woven into the fabric of the University’s story — and Omaha’s, too. 

Jack is a graduate of Creighton Preparatory School, Class of 1963, and went on to earn an engineering degree from the U.S. Naval Academy. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War before beginning a successful career in the insurance industry. Jack later became chairman of the Omaha office of Aon Risk Consulting, where his clients included many of Omaha’s leading institutions — Creighton among them. 

Terri has been a dedicated civic leader since 1979, contributing her time and talent to a wide range of Omaha organizations. She has served on boards and led fundraising efforts for the Omaha Public Library Foundation, Joslyn Art Museum, Lauritzen Gardens, Salvation Army, Durham Museum, and Child Saving Institute. A two-term president of the Omaha Public Library Board of Trustees, she continues to advocate for literacy and learning through the Foundation’s Advisory Council. 

Together, Jack and Terri have played a major role in the growth and success of the College World Series of Omaha. In 1985, Jack joined the board of College World Series of Omaha, Inc., the nonprofit founded by his father, Creighton alumnus, John D. Diesing Sr., BA’40, JD’41, to support Omaha’s role as host of the NCAA Men’s College World Series.  

“There’s no ‘I’ in ‘team’ — I’ve always believed in doing whatever I can to give back and create something meaningful for the community,” says Jack. “I’m especially grateful to Terri, whose unwavering support and ability to build strong relationships made so much of this possible.” 

Jack became president of CWS, Inc. in 1989 and has led the organization ever since, helping transform the CWS into one of the nation’s premier sporting events. From the beginning, he has championed Creighton’s role as host institution — a partnership that began in 1950 and continues to this day.   

Terri has worked behind the scenes to support the CWS for more than 40 years. She has built trusted relationships with fans, NCAA officials, and volunteers, helping create the welcoming atmosphere that defines the event. 

This year, Creighton University broke ground on a state-of-the-art baseball practice field opening in 2026 near Charles Schwab Field Omaha that will serve Bluejay student-athletes and enhance the experience for CWS teams. Jack and CWS Omaha, Inc. played a major role in making sure this project became a reality. 

The new fields are funded by a combination of public and private support. The State of Nebraska’s Shovel-Ready Fund granted $30 million to support the CL and Rachel Werner Center for Health Sciences Education and the baseball and softball complex. The College World Series of Omaha, Inc., contributed an additional $2 million toward the baseball practice field. 

The Diesings have also been generous hosts of Creighton alumni and community events and are active supporters of the University’s Jesuit mission. In addition to his very important role as Chairman and President of the Board of College World Series of Omaha, Inc., over the years Jack has served on numerous other civic boards including the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce,  Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority(1999-2000) and Metropolitan Omaha Convention and Sports Authority (1996-1999) and the Omaha Sports Commission (2003-2016). Diesing has also served as president of Creighton’s Executive Jaybacker board.  

Some of Jack’s honors include Creighton’s Jaybacker of the Year Award (1998); the Midlander of the Year Award (shared with his father, 2004), 98th Face on the Barroom Floor Omaha Press Club (shared with his father, 2004)) Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Headliner of the Year Award (2004); Nebraskaland Foundation Trailblazer Award  (1997); NCAA/American Baseball Coaches Association/CWS All Star Award (2025) and induction into the Omaha Sports Hall of Fame. 

Jack and Terri are the parents of three daughters — Traci, Christi, and Lisa — and grandparents to four grandsons. Their daughter Lisa now serves on the board and executive committee of College World Series of Omaha, Inc. 

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2025 Alumni Merit Award Honorees

College of Arts and Sciences
Cliftron "Cliff" L. Brunt II, BA’96 

From Omaha to the Olympics to Oklahoma City, Cliff Brunt, BA’96, has built a life around storytelling and service. A 1996 Creighton journalism graduate, Brunt credits mentors like Eileen Wirth, PhD, and Carol Zuegner, PhD, for inspiring his path. 

Today, he is an award-winning sportswriter for The Associated Press, based in Oklahoma City. He currently covers the NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, athletic programs at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, and the Women’s College World Series. 

He lives in Oklahoma City with his wife, Creighton alumna Christina Mushi-Brunt, BA’97, and their three children: Elias, Evangelina, and Eden. 

“This honor means the world to me,” Brunt said. “It tells me that a University I deeply respect sees value in my life’s work — and that’s incredibly humbling.  

“It also reminds me that my late mother Estella’s prayers are still being answered. And it motivates me to live up to Creighton’s standards even more. I came from a place of great need. I knew I had some talent, but there were roadblocks. Thankfully, some very special people helped me overcome them — and I can never repay them directly. The best way I’ve found to honor them is to help others the way they helped me.” 

A native of North Omaha, Brunt was honored in 2022 as a North High Viking of Distinction for his professional achievements and community service. Since being inducted into Omaha North’s Hall of Fame, he has served on the Vikings of Distinction committee. He curates the Facebook page for an organization that funds scholarships for North students and selects inductees. 

He has volunteered as a youth football and basketball coach, helped organize Thanksgiving meal drives for families in need, and has supported future journalists through a scholarship for minority students at Omaha North High School. In his younger days, he mentored young writers through Pen & Ink, a creative writing program with Omaha Public Schools. He continues to mentor young journalists and often has them accompany him at the sporting events he covers. 

Brunt began his professional career at the Beatrice Daily Sun. After a short stint there, his hometown paper, the Omaha World-Herald, hired him. He worked there as a sportswriter from 1997 to 2001 and as a news reporter from 2001 to 2003. During his time as a news reporter, he returned to Creighton as an adjunct professor, teaching sports journalism and mentoring students with guidance from Dr. Wirth.   

Throughout his career, Brunt has covered marquee sporting events, including the Super Bowl, the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Fours, the NBA Finals, the WNBA Finals and the Indianapolis 500. He has covered four Summer Olympic Games — Beijing (2008), Rio de Janeiro (2016), Tokyo (2021), and Paris (2024). He has been a Heisman Trophy voter since 2017.   

In 2022, Brunt was selected for the AP’s inaugural LEAD program, a global initiative designed to build leadership skills and promote newsroom innovation. Since then, the National Sports Media Association has twice named him a finalist for Oklahoma Sportswriter of the Year. 

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College of Nursing
Kathleen Keough Soto, BSN’75

For Kathy Keough Soto, nursing is a calling shaped by family, faith, and a Creighton education. She has devoted her life to elevating the profession — through compassionate care and transformational philanthropy 

Her father, renowned Coca-Cola executive and Creighton alumnus Don Keough, BS’49, HON’82, and her mother, Marilyn Keough, instilled in their children the importance of service and the value of a Jesuit education.  

That foundation led Kathy to Creighton, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1975. 

“My father was very proud of his Creighton degree, and I’m extremely proud of my nursing degree,” Soto said. “We are strong believers in Catholic education, and I’m grateful to my parents for giving us the ability to give back. Creighton taught me how to truly care for patients — not just treat them. That has stayed with me my whole life. The world needs more Creighton nurses.”  

Soto launched her nursing career in Texas, caring for patients in obstetrics and pediatric intensive care units across the Rio Grande Valley. She later transitioned into leadership roles at Knapp Medical Center, and she also found success in business as a district manager and independent sales director with The Pampered Chef. 

Soto has remained deeply connected to her alma mater and her family’s legacy of philanthropy. As a trustee of the Donald and Marilyn Keough Foundation, she helped establish the Keough Family Endowed Chair in Nursing at Creighton University  

Together with her husband, Gilbert Soto, BA’72, and her brother, Michael Keough, she has helped bring several meaningful projects to life at Creighton, including Keough Plaza — a vibrant, welcoming space at the heart of campus where the Bluejay community comes together. 

She also co-founded the Soto Nursing Scholars Program, which prepares compassionate, culturally responsive nurses who are dedicated to advancing health equity and social justice. Through global partnerships and community collaboration, the program supports sustainable, locally driven improvements in healthcare. 

Soto has also served on the College of Nursing Alumni Advisory Board (2013–2017) and the National Alumni Board (2007–2014). As a student, she was a proud member of Theta Phi Alpha sorority.  

Her dedication to service extends to Texas, where she champions the arts and community through her support of the Long Center and the YMCA of Austin. She and her husband make their home in Texas. They have two children, Brian and Laura. 

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College of Professional and Continuing Education
Anthony A. Houston, EdD’21 

From his early days as a hospital orderly to his current role leading one of Arizona’s largest and most complex health systems, Dr. Anthony Houston has spent more than 25 years transforming the way care is delivered — always with a focus on equity, excellence, and the common good. Today, he is President of the Arizona Market for CommonSpirit Health  

“I love working in Catholic healthcare because I get to be part of a team doing hard things well — for others and for the greater good,” he says. 

“My father always encouraged me to dream big and work hard to achieve what others might say is impossible. He introduced me to this quote from Muhammad Ali, who said, ‘It’s the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.’ That’s how I try to live.”

Houston, a native of Cincinnati, earned a Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University, a Master of Health Services Administration from Xavier University, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Cincinnati. He is board-certified in healthcare management and a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). 

Houston’s healthcare journey began as a hospital orderly, a role that ignited his passion for patient care and shifted his path away from dentistry. He went on to hold positions in hospital operations and leadership, including roles at the University of Chicago Medicine, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Fitch Ratings. 

Since joining CommonSpirit Health, he has held several key executive roles: market president of CHI Saint Joseph Health in Kentucky, president and COO of CHI Memorial in Tennessee, and president of CHI St. Vincent in Arkansas. His experience in both hospital administration and healthcare consulting allows him to lead with strategic insight and compassion. 

Grounded in his Catholic faith, Houston finds deep meaning in serving within a ministry that reflects his personal values. He describes his leadership as shaped by Jesuit principles—especially the call to serve others, promote justice, and reflect on one’s actions and purpose. His time in Creighton University’s EdD program, particularly his engagement with Heroic Leadership by Chris Lowney, further deepened his commitment to mission-driven leadership. 

In addition to his executive role, Houston serves on several Arizona boards, including Mercy Care, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, the Arizona Business Roundtable, and the Health System Alliance of Arizona. He also teaches in the Doctor of Health Administration program at Morehouse School of Medicine and in the Interdisciplinary Leadership doctoral program at Creighton University. 

Houston and his wife, Rebecca, have been married for more than 24 years. They are the parents of two adult daughters. 

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Heider College of Business
Paul W. Markwardt, BSBA’83, JD’86

Paul Markwardt’s story begins in the fields and gardens of rural Iowa, where he first learned the values of hard work, humility, and community — lessons that shaped a remarkable legal career and a lifelong commitment to service. 

As a child, Markwardt spent countless hours helping his parents tend the farm and garden, often alongside his grandparents, aunts, and uncles. This early connection to the land instilled in him not only a love of nature but also a deep sense of responsibility and care for others.  

These values remained with him as he pursued higher education at Creighton University, earning both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Juris Doctor, graduating summa cum laude. 

As an undergraduate at Creighton, Markwardt was actively involved in campus life. He served on the Welcome Week team and was a member of Beta Alpha Psi (the national honorary accounting fraternity), the International Relations Club (IRC), the Accounting Club, and Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. While in law school, he served as executive editor of the Creighton Law Review and was a member of the Moot Court Board. In 1984, he was named Best Oralist, earning the highest speaker points at a moot court tournament.

“Creighton gave me an excellent education — a foundation that has supported my entire career,” he says. “But many colleges offer that. What sets Creighton apart is how it shaped my understanding that who we are — the values we hold, the responsibilities we carry, and the way we live in our community — is as important as what we know.” 

Markwardt began his career in Omaha at McGrath North (then McGrath, North, O’Malley & Kratz) while he was still a student at Creighton. Next, he moved on to New York City, where he continued his legal career at a major law firm and earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from NYU School of Law. He quickly built a reputation for excellence in tax law — a specialty that would define his career. 

Today, Markwardt lives in Minnesota with his partner, Richard Allendorf. He works as an attorney at Winthrop & Weinstine in the Twin Cities and is nationally known for his expertise in tax and real estate law. His accolades include being named to Best Lawyers in America, honored as a Super Lawyer by Minnesota Law & Politics, and receiving the MSBA North Star Lawyer designation for his pro bono service. 

Markwardt has supported more than 30 organizations, including the Alzheimer’s Association and the Mississippi River Fund, and has served on the boards of Frank Theatre and the Minnesota State Horticultural Society (MSHS).  

His passion for gardening, rooted in childhood, continues to thrive. At MSHS, he champions a mission that reflects his values: gardening for health, cultivating community, and promoting sustainability. His own backyard—featuring vegetables, perennials, and a small orchard—stands as a living tribute to his lifelong connection to the earth.  

Markwardt is a longtime member of the Edward and Mary Lucretia Creighton Society and a former member of the College of Business Leadership Cabinet, supporting Creighton University’s mission to educate future leaders of conscience. 

“I’ve always admired past Creighton alumni honorees for how they carried the University’s knowledge and values into their lives, creating success in their careers while giving back generously to their communities,” he says “To be seen in that light is humbling, and I hope it means my own contributions have made a meaningful difference in the lives of others.” 

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School of Dentistry
Stephen G. Nikodem, DDS’91, MS

Dr. Steve Nikodem, inventor of the widely used Nikodem Spring, has reshaped orthodontic care through innovation and mentorship. A successful orthodontist, he leads a thriving practice while guiding the next generation of Creighton dentists. 

A 1991 graduate of the Creighton School of Dentistry, Nikodem lives in St. Louis with his wife, Hilary. They are proud parents to four children, all Creighton graduates — Stephen, DDS’23; Margot, BSN’24; Luke, DDS’25; and Catherine “CC,” BS’25. 

Before entering dentistry, Nikodem was a standout athlete. A three-time All-American soccer player, he had the opportunity to play professionally in Germany. Instead, he followed in the footsteps of his father, the late Dr. Raymond Nikodem, and chose a career in dentistry. All five of his siblings also attended Creighton, continuing the family’s strong Jesuit tradition. 

“Creighton gave me direction, a purpose, and an amazing career — not to mention lifelong friends,” he says. “It’s such an honor to serve on the board and give back to the place that gave me so much. Creighton is home. It shaped who I am and continues to be a place where my family grows, learns, and gives back.” 

After transferring from Saint Louis University, Nikodem completed his undergraduate studies at Creighton before entering dental school. During his third year, he suffered a devastating sports injury that nearly cost him his leg. Facing a long hospital stay and the risk of amputation, he was determined to continue his education. With the support of his classmates, he recovered and graduated on time. 

As a student, he was active in the Institute for Latin American Concern (ILAC) and volunteered as a community soccer coach. 

After earning his degree, Nikodem practiced general dentistry and taught in Creighton’s dental program. He then returned to Saint Louis University, where he completed his orthodontic residency and master’s degree in 1994.  

During his residency, he served young patients through the Herbert Hoover Boys Program for Dental Concerns. It was during this time that Nikodem also saw a better way to move teeth — and invented and patented the Nikodem Spring.  

Nikodem’s dedication to Jesuit values and dental education continues to shine. He serves on the School of Dentistry Alumni Advisory Board and was chair from 2022 to 2024. He is also a member of Creighton’s Parent and Family Leadership Council and a loyal donor. 

In 2017, he and classmate Dr. Michael Zacher named an operatory in the School of Dentistry in honor of their mentor, Dr. W. Thomas Cavel, DDS’70, who spent nearly 50 years training Creighton dentists. 

Beyond Creighton, Nikodem gives back through support of local organizations including youth soccer programs and Catholic school programs in St. Louis.  But undoubtedly, he often says, “My kids are my greatest accomplishment…all I really ever wanted was to be a dad.”    

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School of Law
Ronald R. Volkmer, BA’66, JD’68

Ron Volkmer is a distinguished professor and respected legal scholar whose nearly five decades at Creighton’s School of Law shaped the minds of future attorneys and advanced the practice of law. 

A Nebraska native and double alumnus of Creighton, Volkmer graduated magna cum laude with a degree in history in 1966 and earned his juris doctor in 1968. He was the first editor-in-chief of the Creighton Law Review. 

“Creighton invested in me early on, offering me a scholarship to attend law school — something I’m still grateful for,” he says. “I know it was Creighton alumni who made that possible, and I am deeply indebted to them.  

“For 47 years, I did my best to bring the Jesuit value of magis into my teaching. Fr. (Peter-Hans) Kolvenbach’s call to educate ‘whole persons of solidarity for the real world’ challenged me to think more deeply about how Creighton Law could live that mission.” 

After graduating from Creighton, Volkmer became a teaching assistant at the University of Illinois College of Law. He obtained his Master of Law degree from the University of Illinois at Champaign and completed his graduate studies at the University of Michigan. 

In 1969, Volkmer joined Creighton School of Law as an assistant professor. He quickly became one of the University’s most respected and beloved professors, known especially for his courses in Property and Trusts and Estates. For many Creighton Law alumni, a class with Professor Volkmer was a defining part of their legal education. 

In addition to teaching, Volkmer contributed extensively to the legal profession. He published widely on topics relevant to practicing attorneys and wrote a long-running column, “Recent Fiduciary Decisions,” for Estate Planning magazine.  

Since 1989, Volkmer has been involved in supporting community mediation and continues his involvement in that endeavor as the board treasurer for Concord Mediation Center. He also serves as the board chairman for Families in Action, a south Omaha nonprofit helping families come together to promote health, well-being, and knowledge to be role models for the community.   

Volkmer is also a board member of the Nebraska Lawyers Trust Account Foundation. He has worked to bridge the gap between legal education and practice through active involvement with the Nebraska State Bar Association and Nebraska Continuing Legal Education seminars. 

A devoted supporter of Jesuit education and global service, Volkmer played a key role in connecting the School of Law with the ILAC program. In recognition of his leadership and commitment to student formation, the law program was named the Ronald Volkmer Dominican Republic Immersion Trip. 

Volkmer’s contributions earned him numerous honors, including the Creighton University Alumni Achievement Citation, the Robert F. Kennedy Teaching Award, the Alpha Sigma Nu Award, and the Nebraska State Bar Foundation’s Outstanding Legal Educator Award. 

Volkmer is married to fellow Creighton alumna Roselyn Minnehan Volkmer, BA’67, MA’71, MMIN’87. Together, they raised four children — Maura; Matt, BSATS’92, BS’92; Kaela, BSW’94; and Bart, BA’97.  

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School of Medicine
Lori A. Schweickert, BA’85, BS’85, MD’91

Dr. Lori Schweickert’s career stands at the crossroads of medicine, mission, and moral conviction. A nationally recognized child and adolescent psychiatrist and dedicated humanitarian, she combines clinical expertise with deep compassion and outreach. 

Schweickert earned a BA in psychology, a BS in biology, and an MD from Creighton University. She went on to complete her psychiatry residency at Duke University Medical Center and a fellowship in child psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles. 

Today, Schweickert is in private practice and serves as medical director of 3-C Family Services in North Carolina. She also holds an adjunct faculty appointment at Duke University School of Medicine and supervises child psychiatry fellows and psychology undergraduate students. Her clinical focus includes ADHD, anxiety and mood disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and psychopharmacology. She works closely with pediatricians and mental health professionals to provide coordinated, comprehensive care. 

Beyond her clinical work, Schweickert has devoted years to humanitarian service around the world. She has provided medical care on mission trips to Honduras, Jamaica, Haiti, and Thailand. In 2016, she organized an ILAC mission trip to the Dominican Republic for her Creighton School of Medicine classmates, marking the 25th anniversary of their graduation. 

Often working with Catholic relief organizations, she has led delegations and developed mental health protocols for underserved and post-disaster communities. Her efforts have been recognized by the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh, and she has served on the Orange County Human Relations Commission. 

On every mission trip, she carries a backpack marked with three personal rules of discernment: Do something no one else is doing. Do something you can teach others to do. And above all, turn desolation into consolation. 

“I still take to heart what a professor once told us,” she says. “‘This knowledge, this education, is not yours. It’s a gift — because not everybody gets this chance. So be a person for others. Be a doctor for others.’” 

Schweickert sees the 2025 Alumni Merit Award as both a celebration and a call to service: “It represents the culmination of effort, integrity, and impact. It’s a moment to reflect on those who helped me, and one I accept with both pride and humility. As the years go by, I’m more and more proud to be a Creighton alumna.” 

In 2020, she established the Lori A. Schweickert, MD, Medical Humanities Lecture Series at Creighton, an annual event that encourages students to explore real-life ethical questions and reflect on human dignity in healthcare. She has also named Creighton as a beneficiary of her estate. 

Schweickert currently serves as president of the local guild of the Catholic Medical Association and is an invited speaker at institutions including the UNC School of Medicine, Holly Hill Hospital, Wake Medical Center, and CHADD. She is the principal site investigator for the NeuroSync National Registry for ADHD biomarkers and has published in journals such as the American Journal of Psychiatry and the International Journal of Eating Disorders. She also holds certifications in suicide risk assessment and research ethics. 

As a Creighton student, she helped raise funds for the Bluejay mascot costumes—and even suited up as Betty Bluejay. She fondly recalls the experience as a creative way to connect with children, one that became an unexpected conversation starter during her residency interviews. She was also a three-time honoree of the School of Medicine's Aesculapian Award.  

Among her many honors, Schweickert has received multiple Physician Recognition Awards from the American Medical Association and was named a Kentucky Colonel by the governor of Kentucky.  

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School of Pharmacy and Health Professions
Eric J. Hamik, BSPHA’91 & Kimberly Semin Hamik, BSPHA’91

From mentoring future pharmacists to running a beloved, family-founded pharmacy, Eric and Kim Hamik have made their life’s work a mission of care, service, and faith.  

“We love supporting future healthcare professionals — whether through financial gifts or hands-on guidance,” Kim said. “It’s something that’s deeply rooted in our faith and the way we were raised.  

“Being honored in this way is truly humbling. It inspires me to keep living out these values and to encourage others to do the same. I’m so thankful for the support of our family and friends — and for the students who have brought so much joy and purpose to our lives. Kearney is home to an incredibly vibrant healthcare community, and we’re proud to champion it — along with Creighton University.”  

Eric and Kim are co-owners of U-Save Pharmacy in Kearney, Nebraska. The pharmacy was originally founded in 1970 by Eric’s father, the late James Hamik, and is known for its personalized, community-focused care.  

After graduating from Creighton in 1991, Eric entered the family profession by purchasing Medicine Mart Pharmacy and later merging it with U-Save. Together, Eric and Kim have built a trusted local healthcare destination, grounded in strong relationships and exceptional service.  

They are also proud parents of two Creighton graduates: Madison Hamik, BSBA’17, and Creighton Hamik, PharmD’23.  

Eric credits his father as his first mentor and role model. He also draws inspiration from several influential Creighton figures, including current trustee Robert J. Greenwood, BSPHA’77; longtime faculty member Ron Hospodka, MS, MBA, RPh; former assistant dean Curt Barr, PharmD; and professor Edward M. DeSimone, RPh, PhD, FAPhA.  

“I want to thank my late father for laying the foundation that led me into pharmacy,” Eric shared. “I’m also grateful for the many wonderful students I’ve worked with and for the instructors who’ve had a lasting impact on me. Most of all, I’m thankful for the education and lifelong tools Creighton gave me.”  

Both Eric and Kim are active members of Prince of Peace Catholic Church and committed supporters of their community. Their generosity extends to Creighton University, Aquinas High School, and the Kearney Catholic Foundation.  

Eric has served on Creighton’s School of Pharmacy and Health Professions Alumni Advisory Board for more than a decade and hosts student pharmacists for housing. He has also served as president of the Nebraska Pharmacists Association (2007–2008) and on its Board of Directors. His leadership has also involved service on Congressman Adrian Smith’s Military Academy Selection Committee, the Kearney YMCA Board, and several committees within the National Community Pharmacists Association.  

Kim brings more than 30 years of experience in retail pharmacy and is a passionate advocate for the evolving role of pharmacists in today’s healthcare system. She has served on the Nebraska Drug Utilization Review Board, the Kearney Catholic High School Foundation, and the Kearney Little League Board. Her faith and service extend into many roles at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, where she has served as a CCD teacher and lector.