As July slips into August, we know summer is on the run and the routine of a new school year will soon be upon us.  It has been a quiet but eventful summer. 

Enrollment
We are on target for our budgeted 950 first-time freshmen and 105 transfer students.  The incoming freshmen have an excellent academic profile, complemented by leadership and service experience.  They are coming from 44 states and multiple foreign countries.  So once again Creighton contributes to the "brain gain" for Nebraska.  Happily all of our professional programs are fully subscribed and then some.

We had four very successful Summer Previews for new students in July.  I want to give a big round of applause to the many folks in Admissions, Student Services, Academic Affairs, Public Safety, and Facilities who pulled together for a highly professional first impression for our students and their families.  So, thank you, all around.

Personnel
At the time of writing this Update, Dr. Tim Austin, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, has completed his fifth year with us!  Tim will be the Academic Vice President and Dean at our sister institution, the College of the Holy Cross.  In saying goodbye and thanks to Tim, I welcome Dr. Robert Kennedy as the interim Dean of the college.  Bob is a seasoned faculty member and brings much experience and institutional history to this position.  Prof. Wiseman will announce the search committee in the near future. 

Welcome, too, to Dr. Gail Jensen as she assumes her new role as Associate Vice President for Faculty Development and Dean of the Graduate School.  Many thanks to Dr. Barb Braden for her service as Graduate School Dean.  Barb continues to serve as Dean of University College and Summer Sessions. 

Construction
While surrounded by the sights and sounds of construction, most of that congestion emanates from the highway projects surrounding the campus.  Our projects, while not modest, have been significantly unobtrusive.  Opus Hall, the second pod of Junior-Senior town homes, is on schedule for an August move-in.  It is a beautiful building with a central lawn that is very inviting.  Some 286 students will be housed in the red brick collegiate gothic structure.  It complements Davis Square beautifully. There is an open house on Monday, July 31st between 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

New lights and benches grace the Skinner Mall fronting the Administration Building.  I am happy to announce that the brickwork around the St. John's fountain will be re-laid during Fall Break, thus completing the Central Mall renovation from 24th to 27th Streets. 

The exterior of St. John's Church presently is undergoing an extensive face lift with new stonework, tuck pointing and sealing.  This should be finished by November.  In the meantime, the heating and air conditioning is being upgraded.  Future renovations of the interior are still under review and awaiting funding.  St. John's is a treasure; it is both the symbolic and real heart of the University.  This important project will assure a fitting setting to serve future generations of worshippers. 

News
Finally, I am very pleased to announce the publication of "The History of Creighton University 1878 - 2003" by Dr. Dennis Mihelich.  This 528-page tome will be available in both hard back and paperback edition.  Published by the Creighton University Press, the book will be available in the Book Store shortly.  Later in the year, we will host Dr. Mihelich at an official book signing reception.  Dennis, congratulations on a job very well done!

On a personal note, some three weeks ago I had a biking accident on the Wabash Trail.  My left leg is pretty banged up and the recovery will take a very long time.  So if I appear slower, impatient or distracted, I am!  Enjoy the remainder of the summer.

John P. Schlegel, S.J.
President