Creighton’s community lit a flame on campus Thursday.
A crowd of students, Jesuits, faculty members and Omaha community members gathered Thursday afternoon to witness the unveiling of a new sculpture just outside the Harper Center and Heider College of Business.
Professor of Fine and Performing Arts Littleton Alston formed the sculpture out of cast stainless steel, one of the most difficult metals to work with. The sculpture sits on a pedestal and is shaped like a flame. An actual small flame burns in the middle, flickering off of the polished metal.
Alston said the inspiration for the piece came from the Jesuit mission and the academic spirit of Creighton University.
“It’s like a beacon showing that every student goes through a transition,” Alston said. “Fire is transition; God’s grace is transition.”
“You find yourself on this campus, and the flame serves as a reminder.”
Business junior Nick Nalbach said that he thinks the sculpture will help Creighton’s image.
“The message it sends of going forth and setting the world on fire really represents Creighton,” Nalbach said. “I’m excited to see what potential incoming students think of it.”
The ceremony began with an address from Interim President Christopher Bradberry in which he thanked the Board of Trustees and introduced Alston. Alston gave a brief speech explaining the meaning of the sculpture.
After the unveiling, Bradberry invited former-President The Rev. Timothy Lannon, S.J., and President-elect The Rev. Daniel Hendrickson, S.J. – who were both in attendance – to bless the new statue. Lannon thanked the Omaha community for its support of the Jesuits, and Hendrickson blessed the new sculpture.
A reception was held in the Harper center afterward.
A crowd gathers outside of the Harper Center in anticipation of the new sculpture’s unveiling.
(Left to right) President-elect the Rev. Daniel Hendrickson, S.J., former-President the Rev. Timothy Lannon, S.J. and Interim President Christopher Bradberry, Ph.D., wait for the reveal of Creighton’s new sculpture outside the Harper Center.
The canvas is pulled off of the new sculpture.
The sculpture stands, finally unveiled in front of the Harper Center.