This past Tuesday the Deglman Center for Spirituality presented its annual Saint Ignatius Award, honoring Creighton faculty and staff who demonstrate the Ignatian Values of Cura Personalis, Magis, and Men and Women for and with others.
This year, Eileen Wirth, Journalism, Media and Computing Chair, and Michael LaCroix, Director of Reinert-Alumni Library received the award.
Wirth began teaching Journalism at Creighton in 1991 after an extensive career in news journalism and PR. That same year she began her role as a faculty advisor.
“I love working with students” Wirth said, “I have gotten my greatest satisfaction from helping students one-on-one.”
The results of Wirth’s passion for advising are seen in her advisees, who hold her in high regard.
“Dr. Wirth is fantastic to work with” Arts & Sciences Sophomore, Dawaune Hayes said, “When I was accepted to the school of journalism she was there from the very beginning to make sure I got on the track that made me happy and got me the experience that I wanted.”
Wirth advises students from several of the varying Journalism, Media and Computing tracks. She places a particular emphasis on finding and enhancing individual strengths.
“I’ve always loved helping journalism majors figure out who they are, where they fit, what their strengths are, what opportunities are out there, and helping them get there.”
Michael LaCroix became Director of Reinert-Alumni Library in 1994. Since then, he has led the library staff on a quest to serve the academic needs of Creighton University.
“Something I’ve always focused on is service to students and faculty. We are an academic support unit for the university” LaCroix said, “Libraries have always been about that, helping users, whoever they are.”
Beyond his role as the Director of Reinert-Alumni Library, LaCroix serves on the Board of Trustees at his church and is a member of the Board of Help Adult Services, a not-for-profit medical assistance program.
This past year, LaCroix donated a kidney to the daughter of a Creighton staff member. Both he and the recipient have recovered superbly.
“It was in God’s hands. It was all in God’s hands” LaCroix said of the ordeal.
LaCroix was surprised at the news of his selection for the Saint Ignatius Award.
“I didn’t have a clue it was coming” he said, “I don’t see the award as just for me, but for the whole library. We’re a team…I’m truly honored…It’s not any one thing. It’s the whole thing, the Cura Personalis.”