Featured Testimonial About Creighton University
I’m so grateful for the Grit Scholarship and everything it made possible. I couldn’t be more grateful or excited for what’s ahead. And one day, I hope to give back— like the Heiders have.
Henry Boulay’s passion for finance started at home, sparked by his father’s work in the industry — and his signature joke: “There are three kinds of people … those who can count, and those who can’t.”
That mix of humor and love for numbers stuck with Henry. But it was a surprise moment in 2021 that brought his future into focus. Called into the counselor’s office at Creighton Prep, Henry walked in to find his parents waiting.
“Honestly, I thought maybe I was in trouble,” he said.
Instead, he received life-changing news: He’d been awarded the Grit Scholarship to attend Creighton University.
“At the time, Creighton was on my radar, but I wasn’t fully committed,” he said. “That moment changed everything. From then on, I was all in for Creighton.”
Now a finance major graduating from the Heider College of Business, Henry looks back on four years of growth, connection, and opportunity — all made possible by the Grit Scholarship.
“Being a Grit Scholar is cool — I love seeing other scholars around campus in their hoodies. We’re proud to be part of something bigger.”
That “something bigger” included mentorship from people like Mary Chase, EdD, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management, Sarah Richardson, Assistant Vice Provost for Enrollment Management, and D’Lynn Buck, Grit Scholars Program Director — Creighton leaders who turned a scholarship into a support system.
Henry also made the most of his time at Creighton outside the classroom. He interned at an Omaha investment and planning firm where he still works today. He also spent a summer mentoring youth through the Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands.
“That was the hardest job I’ve ever had — but also the most rewarding. I know I made an impact on them, but they made an even greater impact on me.”
Henry is launching his career in financial planning in Omaha, carrying with him the lessons and values shaped during his time at Creighton.
“I’m so grateful for the Grit Scholarship and everything it made possible,” he said. “I couldn’t be more grateful or excited for what’s ahead. And one day, I hope to give back— like the Heiders have.”
On May 17, Henry was one of 17 Grit Scholars who crossed the stage at Creighton University’s undergraduate commencement — each one a powerful reminder of what scholarships make possible. Funded by the Charles and Mary Heider Family Foundation, the Grit Scholarship provides financial support and helps students unlock their potential and become the leaders they were meant to be.
"The Grit Scholars are students who embody relentless determination and perseverance in the face of challenges,” said Buck. “Through their education in the Jesuit tradition as well as their formation in the Grit Scholar program, they become difference-makers and next-level leaders."
From nursing and finance to social justice and advocacy, Grit Scholars have used their time at Creighton to grow into bold, compassionate changemakers — ready to leave their mark on the world.
Scholarships remain the top priority of Forward Blue, Creighton’s fundraising campaign. Since its launch, donors have created 472 new scholarships, opening doors for more than 6,500 students — and counting.
