Creighton’s latest efforts for campus improvement and student scholarships, Forward Blue, marks the largest fundraising campaign in the University’s history and the construction for the large scale projects are beginning to take shape around the grounds. 

Most notably, the new Jesuit and freshman residence halls, both set to open in 2023, have begun take shape. Both buildings represent a bold new direction for Creighton, one rooted in modernity, community, and education. 

The new Jesuit Residence Hall is to replace the existing one located in the Jesuit gardens and will begin breaking ground shortly. Fences have been placed around the area and many of the other areas of construction in preparation for the new housing facilities. 

The Jesuit Gardens will undergo a large remodel as outlined in a statement addressing students from the Rev. Daniel Hendrickson, S.J., “In addition to trees, we will also plant a wide variety of indigenous plants that will serve to beautify the gardens.” 

Along with these changes to the gradens, the observatory is scheduled to be removed after professional assessment. While the old observatory has a been a staple of the Jesuit gardens for many years, construction will be, “using portions of the observatory for a new structure – a memorial – that will be an impressive, meaningful addition to the gardens,” stated Hendrickson. 

Across 24th Street from the current Jesuit residence hall, the new freshman residence hall has broken ground and begun construction. According to the Forward Blue campaign website, the residency will house 400 incoming freshman in the fall of 2023. With construction having already started, students around campus are beginning to feel its impact. 

When asked about what he thought about the budding changes around campus, sophomore in the Heider College of Business and McGloin resident Nathan Schnur said, “I live on the far side of McGloin, closest to the construction and sometimes it does get a little loud.” 

The new freshman residence hall is being built right behind the existing sophomore McGloin Residence Hall and has made navigating parking and campus difficult for students. “[the residence hall] won’t really affect me, but it has made parking a nightmare,” Schnur continued. 

Forward Blue’s plans for campus aim to drastically change the face of Creighton’s campus in the coming years, and the change is beginning to take shape, “count on us to keep you updated on that progress.”