Featured Testimonial About Creighton University
Efforts like this are an important reminder that the kindness and generosity of our donors is matched only by their commitment to our exceptional students.
Giving Day donors made a difference for Creighton students, exceeding our goals once again.
On Wednesday, April 9, a total of 3,096 donors helped raise $1,252,180 for scholarships, programs and causes that contribute to an enriching student experience on campus. It's the second year in a row that our Giving Day fundraising campaign eclipsed $1 million.
Notably, we soared past our first major goal of 2,000 total donors before the evening on Wednesday and unlocked an extra $200,000 gift. Then we hit another milestone Wednesday night — 2,750 donors — to unlocked $100,000. The gifts were provided by Kevin, BA'95 and current Board of Trustees member, and Keely, BA'97, Travers.
It was an incredible day, meaningful for the entire campus and those who made gifts in support of the institutional mission.
"I am grateful to all those throughout our Creighton community — alumni, faculty, staff, parents, students, and friends — who contributed to this year’s Giving Day success," said Creighton President the Rev Fr. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ. "It is inspiring to see Bluejays across the country united in support of our mission to provide transformational education and richly meaningful experiences for the next generation of leaders. Efforts like this are an important reminder that the kindness and generosity of our donors is matched only by their commitment to our exceptional students."
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WHY WE GIVE
Giving Day is special because so many people join together to support students. It's a collective effort. A few donors shared why they were inspired to give back.
Eileen Wirth, PhD, a former parent and faculty member, offered up a $5,000 challenge gift to encourage donors to support College of Arts and Science scholarships. She made her gift in honor of the late Fr. Dick Hauser, SJ.
"I spent 25 years at Creighton. They were the best 25 years of my professional life. As a faculty member, it was truly a life-changing experience. I knew that every single day I went to work, I wasn’t going to just try to help students improve their sentence structure and grammar, I was there to potentially change a person’s life. Students trust us, not just as professors and experts, but as a human being who really cares about them.
"Your support on Giving Day — it’s a wonderful gift to both students and faculty members. Thank you."
The first student donor on Giving Day was Oluwatosin Babarinde, a Class of 2025 MD candidate in the School of Medicine.
"My favorite thing about Creighton is the incredible support I’ve received from both my peers and faculty over the past four years. Giving Day means so much to me because I’ve been blessed by scholarships — and now it’s my turn to pay it forward. Though my next chapter is taking me to Louisiana, I’ll always carry Creighton in my heart."
Kimberly Huffman, BSN'08, was the 20th donor to make a gift to support the College of Nursing Stethoscope Fund, helping to unlock a bonus $10,000 gift to support future nurses.
"I am a member of the College of Nursing Alumni Advisory Board, I know firsthand how vital support from the Creighton alumni community is. That’s why I chose to give to the stethoscope fund — because you utilize your stethoscope every single day as a nurse and you will always have fond memories of your first stethoscope. I still remember my very first stethoscope, gifted to me by the wonderful Dr. John Cannella, who helped solidify my love for Internal Medicine. Today, I carry that love into my work as a Family Nurse Practitioner."
The first parent donor of the day? Briana Michaud. She wants to do all she can to help her daughter and students like her enjoy a life-changing Creighton experience.
"As a proud Creighton parent, I’m always happy to support the Bluejays — especially when it means giving back to the organizations that matter most to my daughter and her future. It’s been such a joy walking the beautiful campus, spending time with her, and watching her grow and thrive over the past two years."
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WHY OUR GIFTS MATTER
Several campus leaders shared some examples of the ways Giving Day gifts will impact students.
Watch: Creighton Provost Mardell Wilson reacts to the outpouring of support on Giving Day
Watch: A special thank-you from Mary Ann Tietjen, senior director of the Success Center
Anthony Hendrickson, PhD, dean of the Heider College of Business:
"The Heider College of Business is attracting more high-achieving students and raising its national profile because of the generosity from our donors. Every Giving Day gift strengthens the programs, internships, practicums and resources that provide our students with real-world experiences and timeless business skills. It is inspiring to see so many alumni, faculty, staff and friends invest in our mission to help students transform into ethical leaders and future visionaries. Thank you for your support."
Ashley Fricks-Gleason, PhD, director of the Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship:
"Thank you for supporting the Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (CURAS) and helping us cultivate our Community for the Curious. Your generous donations will fund travel grants to enable our undergraduate student researchers to attend off-campus conferences to present their work and network with scholars in their fields. Opportunities such as these are critical in the vocational discernment process and are truly transformational for our students. Please know how deeply grateful we are for your support. Thank you for helping CURAS celebrate the excellent undergraduate research being conducted here at Creighton!"
Jillian Wallen, BDS, MS, dean of the School of Dentistry:
"Your generous support on Giving Day has truly made a difference, and I can't thank you enough. Your contributions do more than just provide financial assistance; they communicate a strong message of belief and encouragement to our students. This support strengthens our shared commitment of being 'for and with others,' motivating our students to practice 'cura personalis' in all their endeavors.
"Ultimately, your generosity reaches beyond our campus, providing vital assistance to patients who benefit from compassionate and outstanding care. Thank you for being such an essential part of our School of Dentistry family and for helping to shape a brighter future."
Robert Dunlay, MD'81, dean of the School of Medicine:
"We are blessed with support that helps excellent students become Creighton physicians, physician assistants and scientists. Our graduates become compassionate leaders in service and advocacy for those among us who have the greatest need. I am grateful for the generosity of our donors."
Amy Friedman Wilson, PharmD, dean of the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions:
"I am so grateful for the generosity of our many donors on Giving Day. As we develop competent and compassionate occupational therapists, pharmacists and physical therapists, please know your support has a significant impact on not just our students, but the patients they will have the privilege to care for."
Jeremy Fisher, MBA'09, senior director of the John P. Fahey Career Center:
"One of my favorite things about Giving Day is seeing how our community comes together to support areas that directly impact students’ education, experiences, and success. Supporting the John P. Fahey Career Center endowment allows us to enhance career readiness and experiential learning opportunities for all students. It’s inspiring to witness the generosity of our alumni, faculty, staff, and students — investing in what we love most about Creighton: our mission and community. Giving Day personally gives me a sense of pride as both a Creighton employee and an alum. We are incredibly grateful for your continued generosity. Go Jays!"
Robby Francis, director of Campus Ministry:
"Each year, I’m inspired by the generosity of our donors. Students across campus are drawn to Creighton because of its Catholic, Jesuit mission. Your support makes it possible for Campus Ministry to accompany them as they deepen their understanding of that mission and grow in their relationship with God."
