The colorful foliage and the dipping temperatures indicate fall is definitely here. As a campus community we have fond memories of a positive and productive summer and a great start to the new academic year. Some useful information follows:

PERSONNEL:
On October 5th I announced in an email message the configuration of the search committee for the Dean of the Creighton College of Arts and Sciences. The membership, I believe, reflects the diversity of the college as well as the importance of the college within the greater university. The committee is already under way. I am hopeful for a late spring appointment.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Gail Jensen, Associate Vice President for Faculty Development and Dean of the Graduate School, for being the recipient of the Alpha Sigma Nu Book Award for 2006. Her publication, Educating for Moral Action:  A Sourcebook for Health and Rehabilitation Ethics, won in the health sciences category.  It was a joint effort with Drs. Royeen and Purtilo.  Congratulations!

NEW PROGRAM:
The University and Creighton University Medical Center have recently initiated the Creighton First For Your Health Program.  The program is designed to promote the benefits of receiving health care services from the Creighton family.  Understanding the healthcare needs of our employees is critically important and it is gratifying that over 1,500 employees of the University and CUMC completed the recent Creighton First survey. Results of the survey will be used to facilitate Creighton First program planning.  I encourage you to be on the look out for Creighton First programs which will highlight the expertise we have at Creighton in promoting health and treating disease.  Questions about the program should be directed to Dr. Cam Enarson, Vice President for Health Sciences.

CONSTRUCTION:
Opus Hall, our newest town home, is fully operative, fully occupied and playing to rave reviews by students and parents alike.

The renovation of St. John’s Church is moving forward and on schedule. The glass has been releaded, the exterior fabric is being rebuilt with some 1,400 new stones, and the heating and air conditioning upgrades are well under way. Mid-November deadlines all around!

Over fall break the bricks in St. John’s Fountain Plaza will be reset to match the new brickwork on the Central Mall. At the same time, the plaza proximate to the Rigge Science Building will be reset. Also a new sculpture will be mounted in the walkway between the Humanities and Hitchcock buildings. The statue is a replica of an 18th century French piece titled “A Woman with Roses.” I like it very much!

CAMPUS MASTER PLAN:
When the University’s Campus Master Plan was approved in late 2003, I told the University community that it would not be just another study that would gather dust. I am sure you will admit that we have made significant progress in filling out that Master Plan; in fact, we are years ahead of our timetable. Consequently, we are in the process of updating the Master Plan. Dan Burkey, Vice President for Administration and Finance, will lead this effort. Periodic updates will be made available to the University community. Your input will also be appreciated. At the same time, the University is reviewing the many options available for faculty and staff relocation given the opportunities provided by the new Living Learning Center, the newly purchased O’Keefe Building and the Douglas County Building. Much change is afoot! And much of it is very interesting!

ACCREDITATION:
As you are well aware Creighton is preparing for a renewal of accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission. Under that watchful eye and sharp pencil of Prof. Christine Wiseman, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and her capable team, Creighton is making genuine progress.

Several of the five standards are now, or will be shortly, on-line for your evaluation and comments (http://www2.creighton.edu/accreditation/).  I encourage you to participate in this all-important process. While I am personally confident that Creighton remains an outstanding institution worthy of a full clean-bill of academic and financial health, your input remains important. I am bullish on Creighton, as I know many of you are, so please participate in making Creighton an even better institution.

Enjoy the change in the weather. I remain grateful for what you do to make Creighton the institution it is today.

John P. Schlegel, S.J.
President