Featured Testimonial About Creighton University
This is a transformational moment in the history of the institution.
By Micah Mertes
On Thursday, Creighton University dedicated the Creighton Quad, a 5.7-acre green space at the center of campus.
At a special event, Creighton President the Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD, along with University and Omaha leaders, trustees, donors, friends and students, celebrated the new space and everything it will mean for Creighton.
"This is a transformational moment in the history of the institution," Father Hendrickson said.
The Creighton Quad brings more than 250,000 square feet of vibrant, active green space (all natural grass) near 22nd and Burt Streets. The Creighton Quad features an amphitheater, pavilion, stage, a fountain plaza and an ellipse. It will eventually include an art installation. (Read more about the Creighton Quad here.)
Designed by OJB Landscape Architecture and constructed by Kiewit Corporation, the Creighton Quad was completed with environmental sustainability in mind, featuring nearly 200 trees and sustainable drainage systems that help manage stormwater.
The Creighton Quad’s construction was supported entirely by the Robert B. Daugherty Foundation and other generous donors.
Daugherty — the founder and former chairman of Valmont Industries, who passed away in 2010 — was a longtime Creighton friend, supporter and trustee. In 1988, Creighton awarded Daugherty the Manresa Medal, the University’s highest non-academic honor. The Manresa Medal is presented to those who have demonstrated inspirational leadership and enduring achievement. It has been conferred only six times in Creighton’s history.
Below are images of the Creighton Quad and its many beautiful features, along with moments from Thursday’s dedication event.
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Cutting the ribbon to dedicate the Creighton Quad. From left: Creighton Student Union president Andrew Nelson; Provost Mardell Wilson; Creighton Board of Trustees chair Diane Duren; Father Hendrickson; Robert B. Daugherty Foundation board chair Mogens Bay; Derek Scott, Vice President, Facilities Management; and student speaker Claire Niehaus.
Students and Billy Bluejay thank the audience as fireworks go off over the Creighton Quad.
Students at the Creighton Quad moments after its dedication.
"I've hosted numerous town halls this semester, getting our faculty together, our staff, our students, just to celebrate the achievements of the University and talk about the future, as well. In each and every one of those meetings, this Quad, this moment, this project has been well-celebrated. With Graves Hall, with Magis Hall, with other existing residence halls, 1,300 students call this their front lawn." — Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD, President of Creighton University
"The Quad transforms the physical landscape of campus, but, more importantly, it transforms the everyday experience of the students, faculty and staff who call this campus home. The Quad is a natural crossroads, a place where Creighton's academic and communal life comes together ... the space where generations of students will gather for some of their most formative experiences. Our foundation saw the Quad as an opportunity to invest in both Creighton and Omaha. Like our foundation’s late founder, Robert B. Daugherty, we see their futures as deeply intertwined." — Mogens Bay, HON’24, board chair of the Robert B. Daugherty Foundation, executive chairman of Valmont Industries, Inc.
Fr. Hendrickson and Mogens Bay at the Creighton Quad dedication.
“I can picture my friends and me grabbing a quick lunch between classes, kicking a soccer ball around on a sunny spring day, enjoying the changing leaves in the fall, or maybe even building a snowman this winter. I’m so grateful for the gift of this space, both personally and on behalf of my fellow students. I cannot wait to make memories here.” — Student speaker Claire Niehaus, junior, exercise science
The Creighton Quad, viewed facing southeast toward the Harper Center.
The Creighton Quad, viewed facing south.
The Creighton Quad walkway heading north toward the School of Dentistry.
The ellipse, on the Creighton Quad's south side.
The Creighton Quad fountain, with the amphitheater steps leading up to the ellipse and toward the Ahmanson Law Center.
