Creighton University has been undergoing a major expansion, both in the size of the actual campus and within the classrooms. The growth has been the result of the Willing to Lead campaign, the most expansive fundraising campaign in the university’s history.

The campaign started seven years ago and has raised nearly $400 million for a campus expansion of 40 acres, student scholarships, endowments for faculty, service projects and academic programs.

Creighton’s campus now extends 130 acres and holds many renovated and newly constructed buildings to better enhance student living.

Lisa Calvert, the vice president of University Relations, has worked closely with the campaign.

Calvert said more than 60,000 donors have contributed to this campaign, and the support remains strong.

“It’s just an amazing outpouring of support from alumni, families, companies, organizations and foundations,” Calvert said.

Calvert also stressed the need for this campaign during the recession to continue the future of the students and the university.

“The amazing thing is that even with this economic slowdown, we’re still seeing our donors give dramatically,” Calvert said.

“They’re calling upon us to double our efforts because right now our mission is more vital than ever and we’re continuing this campaign and going forward.”

Calvert said that she wants the students to know the work of the campaign is focused on their academic retention and expansion despite economic troubles.

“When we see a student at work and hear that a parent has lost their job, we know that student has a bright future, and we need to make sure they know we’re here,” Calvert said.

“At the same time, we need to make sure that our faculty have the resources to educate these young people.”

Much of the money raised from alumni has come from the work of the students at Creighton’s Phonathon. Each year, students raise more than $1 million in donations and contributions that goes to scholarships and endowments.

Arts & Sciences junior Houston Johansen has worked for the University’s Phonathon for two semesters and is currently involved in his third. He said that he feels his job gives him the opportunity to give back services to Creighton that will eventually help students and faculty.

“It helps me feel that I’m giving back to Creighton because I am bringing in money that will apply for scholarships and retain professors,” Johansen said.

“I feel like it fulfills a lot of important roles in my life.”

Calvert said the success of the campaign is rooted in the work and commitment of the staff in the University Relations department and in the work of the students at the University’s Phonathon.

“They have really made this journey possible to move forward. I think it’s very important to acknowledge the staff in University Relations and on the Phonathon for their work and commitment,” Calvert said.

“They’re a very good group of people and we’re fortunate to have them.”