Mary Lucretia Creighton was a generous philanthropist whose legacy continues through Creighton school spirit. 

According to Creighton University’s alumni page, after losing her children Charles and Lucretia, she channeled her grief into serving those around her. Weekly, she brought food, supplies and money to the poor throughout Omaha, especially those most in need by the riverbanks. 

The horse she used to pull her cart for deliveries was named Billy: the namesake of the Creighton mascot, Billy the Bluejay. 

After around 13 years of altruistic service to others and commitment to her Catholic faith, Creighton died, leaving around $100,000 to start a Catholic university in Omaha, which became Creighton University a few years later. 

Nathan Scheidt, a College of Arts and Sciences sophomore, participates in service opportunities Creighton University offers, which continue the efforts Mary put toward those in need. 

“Creighton students are very active in engaging with less privileged communities,” Scheidt said. “We go out into the community of Omaha and serve, be it in schools, shelters, pantries, wherever.” 

Students have the chance to serve weekly through the Schlegel Center for Service and Justice’s 402 Service Program, continuing Creighton’s commitment to serving the surrounding communities in Omaha. 

There are also opportunities to sign up for service trips, which aid places outside Nebraska during university breaks. Scheidt will be participating in a trip to Cleveland, Ohio, to serve people experiencing homelessness for a week. 

Creighton’s giving nature and devotion to its community are foundational to the values the university holds. That spirit extends beyond service, becoming part of the shared identity students build through traditions, athletics and school spirit. 

Scheidt is also in Blue Crew, a club leading the chants at games and bringing school spirit from the front row of the student section with painted blue-and-white faces. Billy cheers alongside the student section, showing off his tricks, posing with fans and keeping the crowd energized. 

“We’re supporting our athletes because they spend a lot of time, effort and energy preparing to compete for our school,” Scheidt said. 

Beyond sports games, Billy is seen standing outside of Morrison Stadium. The bronze statue recreates the original design for the mascot, featuring an angry stature created by Joseph P. Murphy in 1941, according to the White and Blue Review. 

Although the image of Billy has changed throughout the years to depict differing renditions as his image evolved, his name provides a direct connection to the university’s early history. What began as the name of the horse that helped Mary Lucretia Creighton carry supplies throughout Omaha eventually became the name attached to one of Creighton’s most recognizable symbols. 

Each freshman class proceeds down the Mall to touch Billy the Bluejay’s beak in a school tradition that cements their place as part of the Creighton University community. For many students, the tradition is one of their first shared experiences as Bluejays, connecting them to the generations of students who came before them. 

“It connects me to both Creighton students’ past and future,” Scheidt said. “It’s kind of a communal event that we all share in.” 

Billy the Bluejay is more than just a symbol of Creighton. He embodies years of joy, service and community that the student body exemplifies, much like Mary Lucretia Creighton did. 

“Everyone that goes to Creighton chose Creighton for a reason,” Scheidt said. “Everyone who’s touched that beak both in the past and in the future saw something in Creighton that drew us here.”