Creighton prides itself on being a “good neighbor” for the community. In fact, we won recognition for that title last semester from the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities.

Well, now is the time to prove that title once and for all by acting like a good neighbor. Holy Name Academy, an inner-city Catholic grade school, may close if they don’t get enough funds to last another year.

This school needs $300,000 for the next year and over $100,000 for the year after to continue educating its 166 students.

Now is the time for the Creighton community and the university itself to step up for our neighbors. We pride ourselves on being advocates for others, living in solidarity with the poor and being a beacon of hope in the Omaha community.

While Creighton has helped Holy Name financially in the past, it all comes down to this next month. Will we step up to the challenge?

Being good neighbors in the community does not come from the good times, when our endowment is safe and we are financially stable. Creighton’s heroism, and the goodness of the Catholic spirit, comes from helping others when it isn’t easy for us. We need to support the community even when we are in the red. Similarly as individuals, we need to reach out to the inner-city Catholic community to prove to them that we are all one community. If this 93-year old school goes away, an entire branch of the Omaha Catholic community is cut off with it and our Catholics€šÃ„ô impact in North Omaha is significantly stinted.

To the university as a whole, dig deep to help those who value a Catholic education as much as we do. Perhaps buy one less ice sculpture for Christmas at Creighton or run the handful of fountains on campus a few hours less every day; there has to be money somewhere to give.

The Rev. John Schlegel S.J., mentioned in his State of the University address his commitment to the diversity of our campus. Similarly, Holy Name is the most diverse Catholic grade school in the city and can be a role model to Creighton.

Holy Name’s commitment to those who cannot afford tuition is also something Creighton can look up to. Holy Name has a strong commitment to diversity and dedication to providing strong, Catholic educations to those who could otherwise not afford it. We have a lot we can learn from this school, if we keep it open long enough to learn.

To the individuals reading this, faculty, staff and student alike. With Lent coming up, think of what this season of sacrifice truly means. If you give up frappuccinos, fast food or buying fancy clothes, you could give that $100 you would have wasted to people who will use it wisely. Try going to a fish fry any Friday during lent 5-8 p.m. While filling up on beer and food you can give to the school.

Not only should we all pull together to save this 93- year-old school, it also is our responsibility.

To university officials, think long and hard about the repercussions of losing this school. While these students may not all come to Creighton one day, these students will always be connected to Creighton as part of the Omaha Catholic Community.

Let’s prove that community is strong.

To learn more or to donate to the cause, call or visit www.holynameomaha.org/support-us