The Rev. Timothy R. Lannon, S.J., was inaugurated as Creighton’s 24th president on Sept. 30, before more than 1,700 students, faculty, family and friends. Lannon’s inaugural address was the highlight on the ceremony, which focused on “The Spirit of Creighton: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.”
“Father Lannon has a long and personal connection to Creighton University, and touched on that in his speech,” said Arts & Science junior, Matthew Gillespie.
Lannon reminded students that he would not be a Jesuit if it were not for the spirit of Creighton. He also spoke about how Creighton should always strive towards improvement.
“We are a great University but the Spirit of Creighton calls us to become an even greater university,” he said in his speech.
Gillespie said this perspective could come from Lannon’s history at the school.
“This is the first time an alumnus of Creighton University has become President, and his address did a good job of showing his own understanding of what the spirit of Creighton really is,” Gillespie said.
Lannon emphasized several key points in his speech, including the themes of generosity and inclusion, resilience and collaboration. He stated that Creighton will move forward and continue to reach out and provide an education to all students that deserve it. He said that it is time for Creighton to turn towards academics, and said it is time to invest more in the university.
Lannon also announced the President’s Faculty Research Fund that will “support the creation of knowledge in all its form across the entire university.” The inaugural address was the final event during a week-long ceremony that included an art exhibit, Tibetan cultural events and community service.
“I think the Inauguration did a lot to set the tone for the next year (and beyond) of Father Lannon’s administration, and for Creighton University’s long term development,” Gillespie said. “The speakers showed not only a great support from the overall Catholic community, but from the City of Omaha, fellow Jesuit colleges and universities, and from students and faculty right here at Creighton.”
Lannon emphasized the fact that Creighton has a wonderful community that is committed to excellence.
“There is no university in the country like us,” Lannon said. “Let us dedicate ourselves to making Creighton known as the place where the East and West Coasts meet, where students from around the world come together in mutual understanding, to learn, to grow and to reach their God-given potential.”