10 Bluejays share why they’re thankful for Creighton

Each year ahead of Thanksgiving, we ask alumni, friends, faculty and staff to share why they’re grateful for Creighton. Each year, their messages of gratitude are varied and, in some cases, highly specific. But a few common themes always seem to emerge: Jesuit values, life-changing mentors and a profound sense of community.

Here, in their own words, is what makes Bluejays thankful for Creighton.

Do you want to share your thanks? Email micahmertes@creighton.edu, and we’ll include your message in this feature. And, as always, thank you for reading.

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Professor David Dobberpuhl, PhD, associate professor of chemistry:

Reflecting on my almost 30 years at Creighton, I’m most grateful for the many opportunities to work with our amazing students. They are exceptionally bright, passionate learners who are invariably kind, collaborative and dedicated to making themselves and the world better. Connections made in the classrooms and laboratories continue for decades.   

I’m also incredibly appreciative of my colleagues, who are so committed to developing their students’ talents and helping them seek deeper knowledge; I still learn something new from our collaborations every day. My graduate mentor told me that Creighton was unique, and he was right.  Creighton truly is a special place.     

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Shayla Sullivant, BA’97:

I’m thankful for the emphasis on social justice that I experienced at Creighton. In my work today, my focus is on suicide prevention in young people. It can be challenging to advocate for the resources needed to address this huge problem in our society. But I’m also aware that if we don’t work on this, who will? Young people deserve someone who will fight for them. At Creighton, I learned so much about looking beyond myself. And it’s such rewarding work. 

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Amy E. Wendling, PhD, associate dean for humanities and fine Arts, Professor of Philosophy:

Every day, I meet with students who energize me and remind me of the core piece of our mission, that Creighton exists for students and learning. In addition, Creighton has given me the opportunity to grow my career while also staying close to my extended family here in Nebraska and Kansas. 

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Janice V. Roseman, DDS’95:

I graduated as a dentist from Creighton in 1995. I am grateful for the friends and families I met; I still keep in touch with many of them. Most of all, I am thankful for the opportunity I was given to attend Creighton. I thank God every day. 

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Vivian Amu, BA’02, MS’19, EDD’24 

I'm thankful for friends, family, receiving a Jesuit education, surviving a chronic illness and finding my passion for writing from the heart. 

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Jessica Clark, dean of the College of Nursing: 

I am incredibly grateful to be a new part of this University community, especially one rooted in Jesuit values, as it represents a unique opportunity for personal growth and discovery. Surrounded by passionate faculty and talented students, I am inspired to explore new ideas and challenge my perspectives.  

Moreover, being part of this university means engaging deeply with the Jesuit principles of cura personalis — caring for the whole person — and the pursuit of justice. I appreciate the sense of belonging that comes from connecting with peers and students who share similar aspirations and values. Each interaction, whether in the classroom or at social events, contributes to a supportive network that encourages collaboration and innovation.

I am excited to forge lasting friendships, participate in enriching discussions and contribute to the University's vibrant culture, all deepening my appreciation for this transformative university. Each day, I reflect on how truly blessed I am to be a part of it.   

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Wayne Young, BA’93, PhD, vice provost for student success: 

As someone who works with faculty, staff, Jesuits and student leaders to help our students succeed, I have a great deal of respect and gratitude for this community’s constant drive to put students at the center of our work.

I am also grateful that our youngest son, Will, is on campus as a first-year student. I have had two other children attend Creighton, and it is such a blessing to watch my young man grow up. Creighton is such a special campus community, and I am so very thankful for Ms. Lisa Brockhoff, Dr. Carin Appleget, Ms. Sarah Richardson and Mr. Ethan O’Hair for their assistance in welcoming and transitioning Will to our campus!

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Sharon Nelsen, MA’97:  

As a midlife graduate student at Creighton, I am so grateful for the excellent teachers, the size of the graduate school classes that fostered dialogue as part of the classroom experience, the pleasantries of the campus itself, the financial arrangements available and, most importantly, the opportunity to attend daily Mass midday.  

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Joseph Schupp, MD’79:

I'm thankful for Creighton because everything I value in my life came through Creighton University. I received a Catholic medical education, which led to a career in internal medicine. I also met my soulmate —  Mary Ann Harrington Schupp, BSPHA'76 — and we started our family. 

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Anne Harty, BSN'97, MS'00, EdD'19, assistant professor in the College of Nursing, director of the Harper Nursing Scholars Program:

I am deeply grateful for the transformative experience I had at Creighton University. The guidance of my faculty and staff, the enduring friendships I created and the invaluable education I received have shaped my life. It is a privilege to now contribute to the formation of the next generation of students. I am thankful for my wonderful colleagues in the College of Nursing and across campus for creating a community that works hard to put students at the heart of what we do.