Creighton Senior in the department of Computer Science, Design and Journalism and Chicago native Mary Kate Phelan, told her academic adviser, associate professor Peggy Rupprecht, that during the pandemic she was struggling to make connections with potential employers. so she came up with an idea. 

She began reaching out to people and companies on LinkedIn and other job platforms and offering a virtual coffee by sending out $5 Starbucks e-gift cards. A Zoom call later, she had made a new connection in an innovative and creative way, making the most of her limited access to people, face-to-face. 

This was just one of the many stories Rupprecht fondly remembered about Phelan, whom she also taught in her Public Relations writing class last fall. 

Rupprecht said that as a student, Phelan always had great ideas and was innovative in her campaigns for her PR client in the fall of 2020, “No More Empty Pots.” 

Today, some of Phelan’s best work in the class is displayed on the second floor of Hitchcock, the building she spent the most time in as journalism major on the PR track. The display includes infographics, brochures and direct mail pieces that show her creativity and ingenuity in her field. 

“I post exemplary student work, and I was looking up on the board, several pieces Mary Kate had created were on that wall. She was just a very creative person, really thinking thoughtfully,” added Rupprecht. 

Rupprecht also added that Phelan was a food fanatic and she mentioned her Instagram blog where she documented all the different food she had across both Omaha and her hometown of Chicago. 

The blog featured beautiful photos showing her creativity and her love of creating content for people to consume, a great skillset for any public relations major. 

The account, @bitetobite, will live on in her absence and stands as one of many testaments to her integrity as a woman who was fun, light-hearted and hard-working. 

Phelan’s scope of influence extended far beyond her advisers however, her classmates and closest friends have nothing but kind words to exchange for the student and say she inspired them everyday. 

In an email interview, recent Creighton graduate of the journalism school, Catherine Grosdidier said, “I’m very thankful to have been able to get to know her over our four years because she had such a caring and supportive energy to her.” 

Grosdidier shared that anything Phelan was working was sure to be phenomenal in both desing and vision. After four years of classes together, Grosdidier was influenced and amazed at the work Phelan did. 

As a senior, Phelan touched the lives of many throughout her four years, and it was made evident that anyone who came into contact with her was immediately impacted positively. 

This was echoed by Phelan’s close friends and recently former roommates, Ruby Kenney, Ruthie McKee and Josie Moran. The three of them all shared classes with Phelan and were her close friends. In a statment provided by the trio they said, “Mary Kate’s energy was one of a kind. She inspired us all to have more fun, work harder and live life to the fullest. Her bright smile left a mark on every one she met and we will continue to enjoy all the small moments like she did. We know she will be with us every day in spirit.” 

Creighton’s resilient community will continue to remember her through her impact on the campus she took part in.