The 23rd Annual Jaywalk once again brought Bluejays together to run, walk and celebrate tradition. But more than that, it’s about giving back. Every step taken supports Jesuit Academy, empowering students with a Jesuit education that shapes leaders for tomorrow.
Creighton University’s Student Union (CSU) hosted the 23rd annual JayWalk. Followed by a breakfast and raffle to reward participants after completing the walk, Creighton students, families and alumni raced over a mile of the campus, beginning at the St. John’s Fountain, to Morrison Stadium and crossing the finish line at the stairs of the Skutt Student Center.
“I know some students’ parents went to Creighton, but my parents didn’t. And so, they’re not super familiar with our Jesuit values or our mission. So, I think an event like this is a great way to share our mission with other people in a fun way,” Kate Ellis, the CSU executive vice president and a College of Arts and Sciences senior, said.
Though the walk serves as a time for the Bluejay community to come together, another goal is to raise money for Jesuit Academy, the university’s community partner. Jesuit Academy is an all-boys Catholic school serving minority students in Omaha, according to U.S. News.
Jesuit Academy’s director of advancement and marketing, Lauren Mohatt, said the connection between these two institutions has spanned a total of 23 years, beginning in 2002.
“We’re so grateful. That money goes to help our kids. It helps with programming, supplies, whatever we may need. So, we’re very, very thankful,” Mohatt said.
While the participants mingled over breakfast in the Skutt Lower-Level Ballroom, Ellis awarded the representatives of Jesuit Academy with a check for $2,320, raised through the funds generated by the JayWalk. The organization has raised over $80,000 for Jesuit Academy through prior fundraising events and, according to Ellis, there will be additional fundraisers throughout the academic year to aid the academy.
“Last year we did those restaurant fundraisers where … [a] percent of the purchase will go to Jesuit Academy, and so I think that’s a good way just to incorporate it all year long; so it’s not just our one event in September, but, you know, we’re thinking about them all year long,” Ellis said.
With organizations like CSU continuing to fundraise for the academy, the donations will be put towards expanding the experience of its students in terms of providing various educational opportunities in both academics and in the community.
“This year we’re really working to bring in different partners, go on field trips so that our guys can see the community, experience jobs that are out there [and do] high school tours. So, this money will probably go to just getting our kids out there in the community, seeing things and hopefully getting an idea of what they want their future to hold,” Mohatt said.
Donations were not limited to monetary gifts. Many other organizations contributed by donating raffle prizes as well.
“We are so fortunate that they [Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium] donated four daytime zoo passes for us … we have a signed basketball from athletics and then we put together a little Creighton basket with a jersey, a couple mugs, some stickers and a couple signs,” Ellis said.
Lucy Flaat, a freshman in the Heider College of Business, won the autographed Creighton basketball after participating with her family in the morning race.
“Yeah, [I feel] super good. Me and my roommate have all the soccer decor from this season. So, we’re stocking up for basketball too. So, I’m really excited,” Flaat said.
Though she was not expecting to win the signed basketball, Flaat said she enjoyed the JayWalk because it allowed her to participate in a fundraising event while also having fun with those around her.
“Overall, I think it was a really good event. The fact that I went to a good cause … [at] the school and then they had breakfast, which was … kind of [my] motivation during the walk, you know. But I just think it was really good event, and the vibes were great,” Flaat said.