Since its opening, the Harper Center has experienced fabulous successes while weathering some growing pains. Although some feel that it hasn’t lived up to expectations, there may be a misunderstanding of its role. The mission statement states, “The Harper Center for Student Life and Learning provides vital services, conveniences and amenities which are used in daily campus life to support the mission of the university. It acts as the conference center for the campus and greater Omaha community. In doing so, it seeks to effectively manage its facilities and services while being responsive to the changing needs of the campus population.” The vision statement outlines five roles:

Increasing meeting space on campus.

On average per month, meeting rooms have been used 234 times; the ballroom has been used 24 times; and the auditorium has been used thirteen times. By comparison, in Sept. 2007 there were 161 meeting rooms used in the Skutt Center; in Sept. 2008, there were 462 used between the two buildings.

Bringing Creighton events back to campus while fostering new events from the community.

Several new clients have booked events, including Mutual of Omaha and ConAgra.Conference business is growing, with bookings into 2011. Larger events can be held on campus rather than in hotels, resulting in a significant financial savings.

Permitting collaboration between many departments on campus to provide centralized services to students.

Prior to this year, students had to visit several buildings to purchase books, visit Financial Aid, seek guidance in the Career Center or receive medical attention. All those services are now centrally located, so students can accomplish many tasks at once. The convenient access may also encourage students to use the services more often.

Combining the academic process with that of nonacademic services of student life.

The building houses eight classrooms in addition to the event spaces, the services and retail outlets including the FanAttic, FitNest, Bird Feeder, Brew Jay and Billy Blues.

Allowing the Skutt Student Center to focus more on student use of the facility.

Student Center management has made an effort to re-emphasize the building’s role in students’ lives. In December, students were surveyed to get a sense for how they use the building and desired improvements. By moving some department and public events to the Harper Center, space has been opened in the Skutt Center. The ballroom is more available, and is designated as study space during finals.

Billy Blues Alumni Grill provides great food in a fun atmosphere. Some feel that the word “alumni” infers that the target customers are Creighton graduates rather than current students. However, the space is named in their honor much as a “Memorial Union” or the “Mike and Josie Harper Center” is named in honor of someone for whom we have great respect.

Change and growth can be difficult, and require patience. However, the Harper Center is already filling a need on campus and in the Omaha community.

Jana L. Ammon

Assistant Director

Campus Conference Coordinator