Creighton Days 2026: ‘It still feels like home’

Alumni spanning multiple generations descended on campus to celebrate with classmates and friends during Creighton Days. Most had a similar observation.

Campus has changed. A lot.

New buildings. New amenities. A new park coming soon. So many renovations and upgrades.

And yet…

“It still feels like home,” said Stephanie (Schlange) Flentje, BSBA’16.

Said Lorna Monaghan, BA’16, MA’19: “There’s just a rush of nostalgia that is so comforting. And even though so much has changed, being here is such a great homecoming feeling.”

Bryan McClure, BA’06, said he tries to stop by Creighton every time he visits his parents, who live in Omaha. Getting this chance to share a weekend with fellow alumni meant a lot.

“I love being here,” McClure said. “There’s a lot of memories here. It’s special. It’s a beautiful campus and the way it’s grown is pretty impressive.”

Said Jennifer (Maguire) Bickel, BSOT’96: “I immediately feel nostalgic. It does not feel like 30 years have passed. Even though campus (has changed), people pick up exactly where they left off. And you remember that this is a special community.”

That sentiment was apparent all weekend Oct. 2-4 during several Creighton Days receptions, reunions and parties. Hundreds of Bluejay graduates traveled from across the country to reminisce and reconnect at the biggest alumni event of the year.

Check out some of our favorite Creighton Days scenes below:

 

National Alumni Board reunion

For the first time since its inception nearly 40 years ago, Creighton’s National Alumni Board hosted a reunion.

Some of Creighton’s most dedicated and supportive alumni have served stints with the board over the years. They’ve given back. They’ve volunteered. They’ve advised and counseled.

The board meets twice annually in support of the University’s strategic initiatives.

So, it was meaningful during Creighton Days for past and current board members to spend an evening together at the Good Life Sports Bar and Grill.

Carolyn, BA’68, and Vince Mancuso, AS’67, DDS’71, were two of the founders. They remember the board’s first-ever meeting in 1988 being a success. But they didn’t know where it would lead.

“We thought it was a good idea to consolidate and make it more efficient for alumni to support our school and stay connected,” Vince Mancuso said. “We came into Omaha, had a meeting with several alumni from all over the country. After that is when the work began.”

 

Java with the Jesuits

Coffee? And good conversations? Hosted by the men who embody Creighton’s mission?

Yes please!

The St. John’s Fountain and Plaza filled up Saturday morning with alumni, parents, families and students – all interested in celebrating their shared mission over a cup of brew.

In addition to reconnecting with members of Creighton’s Jesuit community, alumni shared stories with on another about all the things that make this campus special.

Paul Thompson, MD’76, was back on campus for the first time in more than 30 years.

“It’s been a wonderful experience to see how this school has just blossomed and gotten so beautiful and so big,” he said. “I love it.”

Once again, Java with the Jesuits was a hit at Creighton Days.

 

Bomb pops with Billy

When he wasn’t showing off his dance moves or posing for photographs, Billy Bluejay spent his Friday afternoon giving out sweet treats to everyone he could.

Like an overeager retiree on his front doorstep on Halloween.

Only it was gorgeous outside. And the prize was a tasty bomb pop.

And again, must we mention that BILLY BLUEJAY was handing out the goods?!

Billy tossed popsicles to recipients across the Mall. He raced down folks who were too shy to ask and delivered their desired dessert. He walked softly up to little kids and gifted them their treat.

And yes, it was more than OK if you wanted to come back for seconds.

 

Golden Jays

Alumni celebrating their 50th graduation year earn a special designation: Golden Jay.

Creighton President the Rev. Fr. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD, welcomed the distinguished group of alums at a reception Friday afternoon. He met and chatted with as many longtime grads as he could.

Then he gave a toast.

“Thank you and congratulations for the lives you've built and for the ways you've stayed in touch with Creighton,” he said. “You've lived your Jesuit Catholic Creighton values so wonderfully, and it’s a privilege to gather together as a community, honoring the Class of 1976 and beyond.”

Once alumni reach that 50-year mark, they’re considered Golden Jays for life. The weekend’s festivities included graduates celebrating their 55th and 60th anniversaries.

“I’ve always been very proud of Creighton and grateful for my experience,” said Stephen Stephen, BSPHA'66.

 

More Creighton Days photos