After an initial gift from an anonymous donor, the Harper Family Foundation and other Creighton benefactors fronted funds for the facility.

The center is named for Charles M. “Mike” Harper, former chairman and CEO of ConAgra Foods Inc. and RJR-Nabisco, and his late wife, Josie Harper.

He describes why he chose to give to Creighton and how he thinks the student body will benefit:

What kind of effect do you think the building will have on students?

I think, to me, it’s a gathering place for students. Certainly there are important functions there – there’s even a theater. But it’s a place for students to meet, whether they go to the theater or work out. People learn from each other and it’s a good thing.

Is it surreal to have the Harper name on such a large buidling?

Josie and my children are the trustees of that foundation. Josie would be embarrassed with her name on any building, much less this one. She was a pretty modest person. But she would be very proud that her children would choose to honor her this way. It really does honor her and I think that’s what my children intended.

What does Creighton University mean to you and your family?

We focus on the private universities instead of the state supported. Unless people pitch in and help the private ones, they won’t exist. Creighton works well with the community. They’ve got a great reputation. They are producing some fine future leaders and some existing ones, too.

What would you like to see in the University’s future?

In my years of business I came to appreciate leaders. To me, if there is a return on an investment, it should be future leaders. They cause things to happen, not just to be talked about. Individuals who cause things to happen – that’s leadership. Creighton is producing great leaders and a wide range of leaders.