Featured Testimonial About Creighton University
Recognizing achievement at this level affirms the value of a Jesuit education and the dedication, perseverance, and vision of these remarkable individuals.
What do a retired ice cream executive, a social justice attorney, a psychiatrist leading global medical missions, and the son of a Creighton alumnus who helped transform the College World Series have in common?
They’ve all shown that authentic leadership begins with service — and they’re among this year’s Evening of Honors recipients. From healthcare to journalism, education to civic life, this year’s 14 honorees live out Creighton's mission every day.
"Recognizing achievement at this level affirms the value of a Jesuit education and the dedication, perseverance, and vision of these remarkable individuals,” says Creighton University President Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD. “I am grateful to our honorees, whose support—through philanthropy, mentorship, service, and countless other contributions—helps shape the next generations of Bluejays."
Meet the Honorees
Alumni Achievement Citation
Douglas J. Wells, BSBA’76, and Ellen Ahlers Wells, BS’76
“Creighton taught us so much. 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.” — Doug Wells
“And Creighton means so much to our family. 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.” — Ellen Wells
Doug and Ellen Wells, proud Creighton alumni, have deep roots in Le Mars, Iowa — a community their families have helped shape for generations through business leadership, Catholic education, and civic involvement. Doug spent more than 30 years in leadership roles at Wells Enterprises, home of Blue Bunny® ice cream, and served on its board for two decades.
Ellen’s family helped drive the region’s growth through their work with Primebank and a strong tradition of community service. A former special education teacher, Ellen continues her lifelong commitment to others through the P.E.O. Sisterhood (Philanthropic Educational Organization). Together, the Wellses have supported causes close to their hearts — including Creighton. Their generosity has advanced the University’s mission for more than 40 years, including through the creation of an endowed scholarship.
View Doug and Ellen's full biography.
Friends of the University
John “Jack” D. Diesing Jr. and Terri C. Diesing
“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. I’m especially grateful to Terri, whose unwavering support and ability to build strong relationships made so much of this possible.” — Jack Diesing, Jr.
From behind-the-scenes impact to front-row leadership, Jack and Terri Diesing’s 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.
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. This year, Creighton broke ground on a state-of-the-art baseball practice field near Charles Schwab Field Omaha — opening in 2026 — that will serve Bluejay student-athletes and enhance the experience for CWS teams. Jack and College World Series of Omaha, Inc., played a major role in making this project a reality. The Diesings have been generous hosts of Creighton alumni and community events. In addition to his role as Chairman and President of the Board of College World Series of Omaha, Inc., Jack has served on numerous other civic boards, including as President of Creighton’s Executive Jaybacker board.
View Jack and Terri's full biography.
Recent Alumni Award
Roselle M.A. Visenio, JD, BSW’15
“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.”
A graduate of Creighton’s College of Arts and Sciences, Visenio earned her Bachelor of Social Work in 2015 and her juris doctor from New England Law Boston in 2018. Inspired by her mentors and service experiences at Creighton — especially through the SCSJ and Cortina Community — she pursued a career in immigration and public interest law. She has served on volunteer committees like the Recent Alumni Academy and Creighton Admissions Partner program and has mentored students through practicum supervision.
Visenio’s community contributions include Project INTERACT and multiple presentations to healthcare professionals on legal access. Visenio received honors such as Creighton’s Martin Luther King Student Leadership Award and the National Filipino American Lawyers Association Presidential Scholarship. She is now an Assistant Chief Counsel with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
View Roselle's full biography.
Alumni Merit Awards
College of Arts and Sciences
Cliftron “Cliff” L. Brunt II, BA’96
“This honor means the world to me. 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.”
Cliff Brunt graduated from Creighton University with a degree in journalism in 1996. Inspired by mentors like Dr. Eileen Wirth and Dr. Carol Zuegner, he pursued a career in sports journalism. He has covered major events like the Super Bowl and four Olympic Games. Brunt is dedicated to service, volunteering as a coach and mentor, and has supported scholarships for minority students.
A native of North Omaha, Brunt was recognized as a North High Viking of Distinction. He was also a finalist for Oklahoma Sportswriter of the Year. 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.
College of Nursing
Kathleen Keough Soto, BSN’75
“My father was very proud of his Creighton degree, and I’m extremely proud of my nursing degree. 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.”
Kathy Keough Soto earned her nursing degree from Creighton University in 1975, inspired by her parents’ deep commitment to Jesuit and Catholic education. 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 faith-based learning.
Soto began her career in pediatric and obstetric care in Texas and later held leadership roles at Knapp Medical Center. She served on Creighton’s College of Nursing Alumni Advisory Board and the National Alumni Board. As a trustee of the Donald and Marilyn Keough Foundation, she helped establish the Keough Family Endowed Chair in Nursing and co-founded the Soto Nursing Scholars Program at Creighton. 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. Based in Texas, she is also recognized for her community service with the YMCA and Long Center.
College of Professional and Continuing Education
Anthony A. Houston, EdD’21
“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. 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.”
Dr. Anthony A. Houston is a graduate of Creighton’s Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership program. He also holds 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).
With more than 25 years in healthcare, Dr. Houston began his career as a hospital orderly and now serves as President of the Arizona Market for CommonSpirit Health. He serves on several boards in Arizona — including Mercy Care and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. 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.
View Anthony's full biography.
Heider College of Business
Paul W. Markwardt, BSBA’83, JD’86
“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. 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.”
Graduating summa cum laude, Paul Markwardt earned both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Juris Doctor from Creighton before completing an LL.M. in Taxation at NYU School of Law. Inspired by his upbringing on a rural Iowa farm, he carries forward values of service, humility, and community.
A nationally recognized attorney in tax and real estate law, Markwardt currently practices at Winthrop & Weinstine in Minnesota. His accolades include Best Lawyers in America and MSBA North Star Lawyer for pro bono service. Markwardt has served on multiple nonprofit boards, including the Minnesota State Horticultural Society, and supports over 30 organizations. He is a longtime member of the Edward and Mary Lucretia Creighton Society and a former College of Business Leadership Cabinet member.
School of Dentistry
Stephen G. Nikodem, DDS’91, MS
“Creighton gave me direction, a purpose, and an amazing career — not to mention lifelong friends. 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.”
A graduate of the Creighton School of Dentistry, Dr. Steve Nikodem followed in the footsteps of his father, the late Dr. Raymond Nikodem, to pursue a career in dentistry. After completing his DDS at Creighton, he earned his orthodontic residency and master’s degree from Saint Louis University.
Dr. Nikodem 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, Dr. 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.”
View Stephen's full biography.
School of Law
Ronald R. Volkmer, BA’66, JD’68
“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.”
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 double alumnus of Creighton, Volkmer graduated magna cum laude with a degree in history in 1966 and earned his juris doctor in 1968. 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. Inspired by the Jesuit mission of magis, Volkmer dedicated his career to educating “whole persons for the real world.” 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. At Creighton, Volkmer was instrumental in establishing the connection between the School of Law and the ILAC program. In honor of his leadership and dedication to student formation, the law program was named the Ronald Volkmer Dominican Republic Immersion Trip.
School of Medicine
Lori A. Schweickert, BA’85, BS’85, MD’91
“I still take to heart what a professor once told us, ‘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.’”
Dr. Lori 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.
Dr. 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. In 2020, she established the Lori A. Schweickert, MD, Medical Humanities Lecture Series at Creighton.
School of Pharmacy and Health Professions
Eric J. Hamik, BSPHA’91, and Kimberly Semin Hamik, BSPHA’91
“I want to thank my late father for laying the foundation that led me into pharmacy. 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.” — Eric Hamik
“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.” — Kimberly Hamik
Eric and Kim Hamik earned their pharmacy degrees from Creighton in 1991. Eric was inspired by his late father, James Hamik, a community pharmacist who founded U-Save Pharmacy in Kearney, Nebraska. Eric and Kim co-own U-Save Pharmacy, where they’ve built a trusted, patient-focused practice.
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.
