Creighton University continually strives for “Magis,” a Jesuit value which signifies “more” – to serve Christ by doing more for others. The Mary Lucretia and Sarah Emily Creighton awards were created to recognize outstanding Creighton community members who display this desire to reach out with love and compassion to build up another community member. Specifically, the award is given to a Faculty, Staff, Administrator, or Student, who has created an environment supportive of achievement for women; has encouraged women faculty, administrators, staff or students in the development of their talents, or has served as a role model of accomplishment for women.
This year, the highly honorable award was presented to Morgan Pusek, second-year Doctor of Pharmacy student, Amy Friedman Wilson, Pharm.D., Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Director of the Center for Drug Information and Evidence-Based Practice and Kelly Karl Ptacek, Assistant Vice President for Advancement Services and Development Programs, University Relations. The awards were presented at the 34th annual Mary Lucretia and Sarah Emily Creighton Awards Recognition Luncheon on Thursday, February 6th, 2014 in the Ahmanson Ballroom in the Harper Center, recognizing their efforts to strengthen the Creighton community by reaching out with love and compassion.
“I feel very strongly about supporting my staff in professional and personal endeavors to help them become successful in all aspects of their lives. Our staff is mostly in their twenties and thirties and I strive to help them develop the necessary skills to achieve the next level of professionalism. We talk about juggling the work life balance and the home life balance in order to achieve their career goals, which for many entails obtaining a master’s degree” explains Kelly Karl Ptacek, Vice President for Advancement Services and Development Programs.
“I am most excited about the dynamic world of development and working with my staff members who are highly motivated. No two days are ever the same and it is an incredibly rewarding environment to be a part of.”
Kelly has shared her time, talent and treasure with the University Relations Department for what will be six years in May. Her work ranges from raising funds to enable student scholarships to working the alumni database and processing charitable gift transactions, to donor relations, to serving as mentor for the Student Philanthropy Committee.
“I like bringing people together to solve problems. Everyone has within them a unique talent that can serve as a piece of the puzzle. Together, we can create solutions.”
“I was very honored to be alongside the incredible recipients of the award. I was humbled to be counted among them.”
Morgan Pusek, second year Doctor of Pharmacy Student has similarly brought forth great leadership qualities to make a positive impact on the Creighton community. She completed her undergraduate degree at Creighton and is now close to achieving her degree in Pharmacy at Creighton’s Pharmacy School. She completed the Wareham Leadership Program, the Emerging Leaders Program, was the President of the Biology Club and began the Student-Parents Organization to support students who are simultaneously raising children, helping them find resources for doctors, dentists, daycare and fun activities to do with their child…all while raising her own daughter, Ava, who she gave birth to her freshman year.
“It’s a huge honor to receive this award. When I was first notified about the award, I was really shocked. I didn’t know what to say. A lot of times, you have no idea that the faculty knows about the activities you’ve been doing and your involvement on campus.”
Morgan has great visions for her future which include finishing pharmacy school, residency, and ultimately having her own practice site as a pharmacist who specializes in pediatric oncology. Her daughter, Ava, however, is her primary focus and Morgan will do whatever enables her daughter to live with the most opportunities. Her training as a pharmacist has helped Morgan raise her daughter with an awareness of good health practices.
“It has helped me teach Ava about basic hygiene, the importance of vitamins, why we don’t take medicine all the time, and about human anatomy.”
Morgan is very thankful for her family who has always been her primary support, all of the resources that have enabled her success on campus, and her friends who have offered continual encouragement and support in raising Ava.
Creighton is honored to have among us such great leaders who inspire every community member to continue the pursuit of Magis by offering their talents to serve God by serving others.