Featured Testimonial About Creighton University
"It's great to be back on campus. But wow, a lot has changed."
That seemed to be the prevailing sentiment from alumni during the Creighton Days weekend as they shared stories, explored the sights along the Mall and celebrated together at special gatherings and reunions.
What hasn't changed: The community and camaraderie that defined the college experience for so many Creighton alumni.
Bluejays of all ages were right at home. They enjoyed food and drinks, played pickleball and yoga, took student-led tours and self-guided meanderings, shared laughs and hugs, reconnected and made new connections.
Just a quick glimpse of a fellow alum's name tag or a quiet walk through St. John's Church was enough to produce a rush of memories and stories. We captured a few of our favorites below in our recap of Creighton Days.
NOTE: Did you attend Creighton Days this year? Share what was most meaningful about your experience in an email to jonnyatawa@creighton.edu and we may include your story in a future feature article.
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Golden Jays
A friendship that’s lasted more than five decades began inside Deglman Hall. Fifth floor, to be exact.
Karen Kelly, BSN’74, and Jeanette Marasco Behrendt, BSN’74, lived right across the hallway from each other. They connected right away.
They were back on campus for Creighton Days – this time, as Golden Jays, celebrating their 50th reunion year. They had several College of Nursing classmates to hang out with, too. They traveled in from all over, including North Carolina and California, to enjoy the weekend together. And reminisce.
One thing that Behrendt said was special about her nursing classmates: there were only a few dozen of them enrolled back in the early 70s. So, they naturally built a strong bond, whether they were collaborating on care plans or trudging up three flights of stairs for class in the Administration Building (now Creighton Hall).
“Morning, noon and night — we spent a lot of time together,” Behrendt said. “It’s great to see everyone again.”
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Thousands in blue
Stephanie Lathe, BA’99, walked into Morrison Stadium Friday night with three of her classmates and just tried to take in the scene. As students 25 years ago, they created so many incredible memories during their time living together at Gallagher Hall and hanging out on campus.
But they didn’t have THIS.
The Creighton pep band played from one end of the field. Food and drinks were being served under a tent at the other end. There was face-painting and balloon animals. Billy Bluejay skipped around the concourse. Everyone was wearing blue, smiling, laughing.
A special game day at Morrison Stadium.
The Creighton Days’ Pregame Picnic was once again one of the most popular events of the weekend. Alumni, parents, students, friends and fans poured down the Mall Friday evening and packed their way into the stadium. It was Homecoming, too. And it was a blast, according to Lathe.
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Her uncle was president
Helen Reinert Peters hadn’t been back to campus in more than 50 years. But she made the trip with family and friends this weekend, and she got a firsthand glimpse of her uncle’s impact and legacy.
Rev. Carl M. Reinert, SJ, was Creighton’s president from 1950-1962. He took over in a post-war era when the University faced several challenges. Yet he spearheaded a campus-wide transformation.
Creighton, under Reinert’s leadership, strengthened its ties within the community, recommitted to serving students and formed a vision for the future. The growth and expansion that took place during Reinert’s tenure laid the groundwork for the Creighton of today.
The Reinert Alumni Memorial Library bears his name. The Bluejays annually recognize Carl M. Reinert Male and Female Scholar-Athletes of the Year.
During her campus tour, Peters definitely made sure to find a framed picture of her uncle.
"Uncle Carl would be shocked to see the (campus changes)," Peters said. "I don't recognize anything and I spent every summer here, and worked here. But it's a beautiful, beautiful campus."
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Let’s play ball
It’s technically not softball season. That’s in the spring. But it sure felt like it this weekend at the Creighton Sports Complex, just a few steps off the Mall.
The Bluejay softball team hosted its annual Hit-A-Thon on Friday, featuring basketball coaches Greg McDermott and Jim Flanery as special guest sluggers. They swung for the fences — as did student-athletes on the current team — to support the Creighton program.
There was also an exhibition game on a sunny Saturday that drew a nice crowd. Fans set up chairs and blankets on the lawn, while others cheered from the grandstand.
And, certainly, there were softball alumni who were on hand to celebrate. Among those former Bluejays were members of the 1999 team, which reached an NCAA Regional.
At one point on Friday, third-year Creighton softball coach Krista Wood grabbed the microphone and pointed toward the stands to thank the alumni. “It’s great to see all of you here!”
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More highlights
Pickleball inside the Kiewit Fitness Center? You bet! Twelve nets lined the middle of the basketball courts while Creighton Days attendees brought out their paddles and had some fun.
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Tony Gaspard, BS’06, DDS’10, and Lenli Corbett Kountze, BS’05, helped welcome alumni and families for a hands-on look at Creighton’s cutting-edge labs and research within its exercise science and pre-health professions department.
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Here’s Fred Franco, BSCHM’49, MS’51, standing outside the Flame statue on the Mall. His son, Mark Franco, BS’82, shared the photo.
“He is still an active Jays supporter and thrilled that all of his children and many grandchildren also attended Creighton,” Mark wrote. “You can often find him cheering at home Bluejay basketball games.”
