Nineteen Creighton graduates were elected to Nebraska political office this year.

“One of the goals of Creighton University is to educate our students to be of service to others,” said Diane Dougherty, assistant vice president of Alumni Relations. “The fact that Creighton alumni seek to hold public office is one indication that the university is successfully reaching this goal.”

Dougherty also said alumni serve the university in many ways, either by holding positions on the Board of Directors or recruiting prospective students. Three alums who have recently been elected share their thoughts on the university and their future endeavours.

MIKE JOHANNS

JD ’74

Senator-Elect

Q. What did you enjoy most about CU?

A. The professors were really outstanding and committed to education. Many of them and my fellow students have become lifelong friends. My education at Creighton provided me with a disciplined approach to solving problems.

Q. How do you think your education has affected your political success?

A. Creighton has had a significant impact on my political success. The education I received was outstanding. I took away a philosophy of serving others, which is with me today. Creighton has earned a great national and state reputation.

Q. Goals for your new year in office?

A. One of my top priorities as a United States Senator will be to work across party lines for fiscally responsible policies that benefit our nation’s families, small businesses, farmers and ranchers. It’s time to cut wasteful government spending and we should start by reforming the earmark process. We must balance the budget and begin paying down the national debt. I will fight attempts to increase taxes and will seek a permanent end to the estate tax.

As Governor, I successfully balanced the state budget using proven conservative fiscal policies and I’ll bring those same principles to the U.S. Senate.

JEREMY NORDQUIST

BA ’04

Nebraska Legislature

Q. Who was your favorite professor at CU?

A. My favorite professor at Creighton was Dr. Graham Ramsden of the department of Political Science. Dr. Ramsden does a great job of breaking down the American political process so that students obtain a thorough understanding of each component.

Q. How do you think your education has affected your political success?

A. Creighton fueled my desire to serve and gave me the willingness to thoroughly examine issues. Creighton instills that we are here to serve the greater good. In addition, an education at Creighton requires you to examine issues from all sides and be intellectually honest. Too often in politics, people get stuck in their ideology and refuse to look at things from different perspectives.

Q. What advice can you offer students wanting to enter the political scene after college?

A. Get involved now! Take advantage of this time in your life to gain experience and build your political network, which will help you find career opportunities and allow you to be more successful in politics. Whether your passion is campaigns, governing or issue advocacy, build experience starting today. For the most part, success in politics is built on experience and networking.

LINDA RICHARDS

BA ’94

Vice-President of the Ralston Board of Education and co-owner of PRISM advisors, a business consulting firm

Q. What was your favorite memory of Creighton?

A. My favorite memory of my time at Creighton would be Dr. Wise’s class, Politics and the Human Condition. Dr. Wise was everything I was hoping my professors would be at CU. He challenged you to think systemically and strategically. I learned how to process my political “thinking” and that benefits me greatly today.

Q. Are there any Creighton traditions that you remember fondly?

A. One CU tradition I remember fondly would be the student masses. I attended several late night services with friends and it was a source of strength and encouragement for my week.

Q. What advice can you offer students looking to get involved in their community?

A. My advice is to pursue something that you are passionate about. Use your skills and strengths to truly serve the organization you are involved with. Take time after college to find a place to grow your service talents. The organizations in our community that you can serve in our vast. Many need your skills and effort today. The best advice I can give is find your passion, know your strengths and seek a place to serve that will value you.