After 112 years, the Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J., decided to break tradition. He refused the title of king from Ak-Sar-Ben’s annual coronation ball, instead asking to be called its “most honored citizen.”

Schlegel and Creighton University were honored Oct. 11 at the Qwest Center before nearly 2,500 people.

He was chosen by the Coronation Ball Committee not only for his own accomplishments, but to honor the university as it upholds the organization’s mission, to “build a more prosperous heartland, where communities can flourish and every child can succeed.”

The ball is held to recognize and celebrate volunteerism, philanthropy and civic pride.

Ann Hergenrader, chairwoman of the Women’s Ball Committee, was instrumental in choosing this year’s honoree.

Past kings have represented the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the University of Nebraska Lincoln and the Nebraska Medical Center. The ball has a 112 year history.

“Truly it was an appropriate time for Creighton, especially since Fr. Schlegel’s return in 2000 and all the wonderful things he has made happen,” Hergenrader said.

She said with Creighton’s public service record and giving back to the community, the university serves as an example of what Ak-Sar-Ben is all about.

She points to Creighton being named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with distinction for completing more than 68,000 volunteer hours to the Omaha community and beyond.

In 2007 Creighton began a partnership with Ak-Sar-Ben to match their $5,000 Horatio Alger Scholarship if the student decided to attend Creighton.

The 50 scholarships are open to students in Nebraska and Western Iowa who have overcome adversity but continue to be successful.

“It is a tremendous honor for Creighton. I think recognition of the university is long overdue, not only by this group but by other groups,” Schlegel said.

He said he values the service from Creighton students and is proud of the accomplishment.

“It’s one of the reputations Creighton has in this community. It’s what I expect from students going to a Jesuit university, a sense of service and why they’re here. They take that sense of service when they leave as graduates and professionals.”

Besides service, Creighton was recognized for its growth and expansion in Omaha.

“Ak-Sar-Ben is pleased to honor Creighton University and its visionary leader for contributions to the Omaha community and for educating Omaha’s youth for more than a century,” said Chris J. Murphy, chairman of the Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation Ball Committee.

The “Willing to Lead” campaign is poised to reach its $350 million dollar goal after only four years, and in 2006 Creighton was among 25 institutions to be nationally recognized for contributing to urban development.

Since Schlegel’s inauguration, Creighton has invested $250 million in campus expansion and improvements, added 40 acres to campus and increased enrollment by 14 percent.