With this column I am beginning a regular update to the entire Creighton community of topics and events of interest to you. It is my hope that this President's Update  will enhance communication across the University, thus allowing each of us to tell the Creighton story better. The format will change from informational updates to reflections on timely topics. This inaugural note is informational in tone and content.

June has been a busy month. It began with a Board of Directors' overnight retreat in Nebraska City. The forum of the retreat was a review of the strategic plan. A more complete report on this will be forthcoming. The Directors were pleased with the University-wide participation in strategic planning. The Directors elected a new member, Fr. Gerry Stockhausen, S.J., and reelected the officers of the University and of the Board.

As of June 15th, the fall class of 2002 is running ahead of fall 2001, but not as healthy as the 2000 class. We expect, however, to meet our budget. Enrollment in the professional schools and graduate program are strong.

On June 17th the University was the sole bidder for the purchase of Burt Tower at 700 North 20th Street. The Omaha Housing Authority will meet on June 27th to determine the fate of our bid.

The search for an enrollment manager is proceeding well. Four candidates have visited campus. The two finalists will be interviewing this week. Dr. John Cernech is chair of that search committee.

You may have noticed the campus is looking splendid in its summer colors. You should know the landscaping budget was decreased by some 40 percent in keeping with our present spending policy. Two areas of our gardens are now endowed. This is a new strategy to get some budget relief.

Saint Joseph Hospital, one of the oldest hospitals in Nebraska, and the Creighton University Health Sciences Division officially become linked this week under their new name: Creighton University Medical Center. The new name clarifies the position of Saint Joseph Hospital as the teaching hospital of Creighton University and reinforces the institutions' position as one of the premier academic medical centers in the region. Creighton University Medical Center (CUMC) includes the hospital and its clinics and Creighton University's Health Sciences Division, which comprises the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, and Pharmacy and Health Professions. The change will be marked on June 27th at a 9:15 a.m. signage unveiling event at the hospital.

I made the following comments concerning the change:

Changing the name from Saint Joseph Hospital to Creighton University Medical Center is a natural progression for two closely aligned friends. We have been associated for more than a century and bonded by our common values and our shared goals. This is a medical center, committed to Catholic health care ethics and steeped in the Catholic and Jesuit commitment to the dignity and worth of every individual and dedicated to the care and concern of all segments of society. The University's medical school and its teaching hospital are linked by more than a name, they are linked by caring, concerned professionals whose mission is to maintain the highest quality health sciences education, research, and patient care. I am confident the Creighton University Medical Center will continue in this century old tradition. The name has changed, but not the spirit or the commitment.

Finally, I just returned from a week (June 12-19) in the Dominican Republic. The purpose of the trip was threefold: to host a meeting of the ILAC Board, to clarify the job description for the Executive Director, and to welcome and meet the 58 Creighton students in the ILAC summer program. The enthusiasm and generosity of our students is truly gratifying. Dr. Joseph and Terri Lynch are doing a wonderful job as interim directors.

Let me end by wishing to you and your families a happy Fourth of July (and fifth).

John P. Schlegel, S.J.
President