July 23, 2007

Now that we have reached the midpoint of summer, Summer Preview is over and the dog days of summer are here, it is time for a modest update of some interesting items.
 
On the enrollment front, we are rolling along to meeting our projected enrollment targets. The first- year class will be very close to budget. All other programs—graduate and professional—appear to be as expected.
 
The construction scene is bright: The renovations of St. John’s Church will be nearly finished when Archbishop Curtiss blesses the new altar on July 28. This 5 p.m. Mass is open to all. I think you will like the renovations—mechanical, structural, and aesthetic.
 
As seen in the Omaha World-Herald, the “Topping Off” ceremony for the Harper Center went well. Progress on this signature building is on schedule for an August 2008 opening. The construction of the Mall between Morrison Stadium and 20th Street is progressing nicely, as is the renovation of the Wareham Building (a.k.a. O’Keefe building).
 
A yet to be inaugurated renovation of the entrance to Creighton Hall (a.k.a. Administration Building) will begin shortly and be completed by early August.
 
There is much activity on the personnel front. The following appointments were put in place in the course of the summer:
 
Mr. Greg Jahn will assume the duties of Senior General Counsel and Corporate Secretary on Sept. 1.
 
Ms. Amy Bones will assume the responsibilities of the University’s General Counsel on Sept. 1.
 
Dr. Thomas Purcell, while remaining on the faculty, will assume the duties of Assistant to the President for University Planning.  Tom will guide our strategic planning efforts to ensure coordination with all University planning and to further enhance the link between institutional planning and budgeting. 
 
Ms. Patricia Callone, Vice President for Institutional Relations, will begin a reduced schedule this summer.
 
Ms. Joyce Bunger, while remaining in the School of Nursing Dean’s Office, will assume the duties of Special Assistant to the President for Community Outreach.  Joyce will cover some of the functions vacated by Pat Callone’s  reduced schedule.
 
And as previously announced to the Law faculty, Professor Marianne Culhane, will be the Interim Dean of the School of Law, pending a national search for Professor Borchers’ successor.
 
Well, that is it for the time being. Stay cool.

John P. Schlegel, S.J.
President