Featured Testimonial About Creighton University
I love this annual event. It is a small way for me to give back to the University that has been a big part of my life.
For 24 hours on Tuesday, April 14, across both Creighton campuses in Omaha and Phoenix, and from coast to coast (and even abroad!), Bluejays everywhere united in support of the programs, resources and causes that enrich the college experience for students.
The result: A total of 2,924 Giving Day donors combined to raise $1,109,266.
It's the third consecutive Giving Day that Creighton has eclipsed the $1 million mark. It's yet again a resounding affirmation of the Creighton community's commitment to going above and beyond for students.
Giving back matters to us. Here are a few reasons why:
"Our amazing students and alumni inspire me to give. I love that Creighton alumni all over the country continue to serve as clinical instructors for our students."
— Assistant Professor Lauren Plum
“My time at Creighton serves as an enduring reminder of what is possible in life and what an amazing institution Creighton University is! I will remain forever grateful and willing to support future generations of Bluejays!”
— Micah Gummere, Heider College of Business, Class of 2028
"My professional life has been blessed with opportunity made possible by my undergraduate and post-graduate years at Creighton. I value my friendships and connections established so many years ago."
— The Honorable Donna Farrell Taylor, BA’77, JD’80
Read more from the people who were inspired to give back on Giving Day.
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Celebrating Giving Day
One by one, generous contributions poured in throughout the day Tuesday. They quickly started adding up and strengthening scholarships, campus programs, assistance funds, and so much more.
Gifts were made from all 50 states! And from around the globe, too — donors logged in from Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Honduras, France and Japan.
On the Omaha campus, faculty, staff and students celebrated Giving Day with coffee, donuts, popcorn and snacks inside the Mike and Josie Harper Center and the Skutt Student Center. Billy Bluejay stopped by to dish out some high-fives. The Omaha campus therapy dog, Ella, made an appearance, too.
Students showed up to vote for their favorite program, club and organization. The top-vote getter earned a $2,000 gift, thanks to the generosity of Creighton parents Dr. Arman and Cathie Pajnigar, BSN’99.
After more than 380 votes were tallied, the Phoenix campus Street Medicine Coalition took home the top prize.
There were also Giving Day stickers! And socks! And.... hugs? Yes, hugs.
Inside Skutt, there was a special Coca-Cola machine that dispensed cans of soda in exchange for an embrace.
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Doubling Our Impact
Each Giving Day gift, no matter the size, helped bring areas of campus closer to their goals. If certain marks were reached, bonus gifts were unlocked to support schools, colleges and programs.
On Giving Day, 30 different challenges were achieved, including the University's overall challenge.
For reaching at least 2,000 total Giving Day donors, Creighton earned an additional $100,000. The challenge was made possible thanks to the generosity of Maryanne Dokler, MD'78.
Establishing a challenge and giving back in this way is often a way to honor the impact of individuals who've made a positive impact on others at Creighton. That certainly was the case for Betty Cernech and her children, Michael and Cindy.
To honor the late John Cernech, PhD, and his 31-year legacy as Vice President and Vice Provost for Student Life, the Cernech family made a $40,000 gift to support Creighton Student Life. The only catch: At least 200 donors needed to contribute to any Student Life area on Giving Day.
Mission accomplished. Student Life reached its 200-donor goal by Tuesday afternoon.
“The Ignatian influence in our lives over 56 years of marriage was immeasurable,” Betty said of her late husband, John. “It shaped not only our faith, but how we raised our family, cared for others, and worked to contribute to a better world.”
“I have prayed since John died to find a way to support a program at Creighton — and now at other Jesuit universities — that prepares students to live out Ignatian values. This program has given our family a meaningful way to continue that legacy.”
At Creighton, John Cernech was a steadfast advocate for students and their holistic development.
Read more about his family's gift and his impact at Creighton.
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Inspired To Give
Dozens of donors shared some of the reasons why they were inspired to contribute on Giving Day. Here's what they said when we reached out to learn more:
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to Creighton after everything the University has given me. Giving Day is a chance to support the programs that empower students and foster personal growth. I’m especially appreciative of the Schlegel Center for Service and Justice and all they do.”
— Luke Ricci, BS’25
“We donated to Creighton University because it has truly become a home away from home for our daughter. Sending her from Canada at just 17 years old was scary as parents, but the Women’s Soccer program and the Creighton community made her feel supported and cared for from day one. Giving back was our way of saying thank you for providing her with a place where she is safe, valued and at home.”
— Jennifer London, current parent
“Giving back is both a way to say thank you and a commitment to helping future Creighton students succeed. My MBA experience was truly transformative. It gave me the opportunity to build lasting business relationships with my classmates and strengthened my confidence to apply the skills and knowledge I gained in the classroom — advancing me in my professional career.”
— Andrew Ziola, MBA’07
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Here are some additional excerpts from the Giving Day website's donor wall:
"I love this annual event. It is a small way for me to give back to the University that has been a big part of my life."
— Marcey Gibson, BA’97, SMJ’07
“Creighton has been such an amazing university for our daughter — she loves it there and has grown so much. We are looking forward to three more years with Creighton as she continues her education in the DPT program.”
— Alyson Erwin, current parent
“Summers with the Christian Spirituality Program were a life-defining experience for me. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of the CSP community. You all made my life richer and help me today to serve in joy and love.”
— Susan Friedrichsen, MA’16
"My donation is in honor of the faculty who shaped my education as well as College of Nursing Dean Jessica Clark who is preparing the next generation of Creighton nurses."
— Paul Hayes, BSN’77
"I am giving back to Creighton for all of the memorable experiences it has gifted me!"
— Stefanie Pleiss, MS’08, MA’09
"We exist for students — giving them a stethoscope to start their career off is one way we can show that we’re investing in their future. I also think it’s a great reminder of the College of Nursing’s mission."
— Professor Amy Abbott, BSN’92, MS’98
“It means a lot to give back to Creighton. We are so pleased with our daughter’s education and experience.”
— Caroline Weinberg, current parent
“It’s inspiring to see the level of dedication, discipline, and passion that defines this Creighton Cross Country and Track program. The commitment each athlete brings not only to their own growth but to supporting one another creates an atmosphere that is both motivating and uplifting. Wishing the team continued success. Go Jays!!”
— Emily Jaimes, friend of the program
"My Creighton experience made me who I am today. I want to make sure current and future students have the same experience."
— Karin Church, BA’91
“Having experienced Creighton both as a student and now as a staff member, I’ve seen just how meaningful donor support is from every angle. I’m incredibly grateful for the generosity that shaped such a special experience for me as a Creighton student.”
— Julia Enright, BSBA’25
