A family journey to graduation day

Apr 28, 2021 By Nichole Jelinek

Through both small successes and the big ones--like graduation--the Didier family has always supported one another. Creighton senior Noah and his parents, Parent and Family Leadership Council members Jeremy and Bryan, reflect on their journey to graduation day.

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We never had any doubts about Noah’s ability to balance college life, but PFLC has given us a way to know what is going on at the University and a way to support him on his journey. It’s been an education for him, but also a family experience for us.

Bryan Didier Creighton parent

One of the biggest compliments senior Noah Didier can get—and maybe also one of his biggest pet peeves—is when someone says he reminds them of his parents.

“I’ve gotten the best of both worlds from each of them,” said Noah, who credits his parents, Jeremy and Bryan, for instilling the drive, dedication and values he brought with him to Creighton four years ago.

Didier family

For their children, Bryan and Jeremy have always led by example, giving their time and focus to helping others, and encouraging family togetherness. When Noah started his freshman year in the Heider College of Business, the Didiers joined the Parent and Family Leadership Council.

As they approached Noah’s graduation in May, the Didiers also have reflected on their experience.

“We never had any doubts about Noah’s ability to balance college life,” Bryan said, “but PFLC has given us a way to know what is going on at the University and a way to support him on his journey. It’s been an education for him, but also a family experience for us.”

Didier family

Since 2017, Noah has prioritized his time between classes, internships, research projects, and leadership and outreach programs, while maintaining his strong family bonds. The three-hour drive between Omaha and their home in Overland Park, Kansas was an ideal distance. “Far enough for Noah to go away and find himself, but close enough for visits,” Bryan said.

Through both small successes and the big ones--like graduation--the Didiers have always supported one another. Jeremy, who admits to crying when saying good-bye to her oldest child, says the family enjoyed a small and meaningful celebration for Noah.

“He fit in right away at Creighton, and he has exceeded every expectation,” she said. “Creighton has set a really high bar for what we expect. It might sound cliché, but it has been perfect, and I can’t envision a more engaging process or better outcome. I could go on and on about how proud we are of him.”

Noah will begin his career in Austin, Texas with KPMG, a global network of professional firms that provide audit, tax, and advisory services. His long-term goal is to build his own business, and offer a product or service that helps others.

“My parents have always been very intentional about building my character,” he said. “I’ve been really fortunate to learn from them. They’ve taught me that there are always learning opportunities to better myself and to always help those around me.”

Of his time at Creighton, Noah says he is most proud of his accomplishments outside of the classroom and of the relationships he has built. For him, graduation was a time to celebrate these bonds.

“My experience at Creighton is defined by how much I continue to grow in every aspect and from every experience, even in my senior year. Looking back to welcome week, I think everyone at Creighton was here for school and here for something more. I know the relationships I’ve made at Creighton, with peers and professors, will last a lifetime.”

As the Didiers mark Noah’s milestone and honor the next chapter in his life, their support of Creighton as members of the Parent and Family Leadership Council will continue to improve the educational experiences of all students.

For four years, Jeremy and Bryan have shared their parent perspective with University leaders at the biannual PFLC meetings and have graciously supported the Heider College of Business and Parent Fund. Their gifts fostering a culture at Creighton that celebrates the community and advances the Jesuit mission.

“We feel a big sense of pride,” Bryan said. “Noah was already mature before Creighton, and you always want your child to find the right school. We certainly feel great with the way it’s worked out. There’s no second guessing.”