Earlier this summer Charles Heider, prominent businessman, investor and Creighton benefactor, passed away at the age of 89.
An alumnus of the Creighton University School of Commerce, Heider remained an active member of the Creighton community long after he graduated. Upon receiving his degree in Commerce in 1949, Heider began building a name for himself in the business world. Heider started as a stock salesman and worked his way up through travel and investment companies like Mutual of Omaha, Chiles & Associates and First Mid-America Inc.
Eventually, Heider took on presidential roles in his work, leading major players in the business world and enjoying great success along the way. In 1987 he launched the Charles Heider Company.
His prowess in business allowed Heider and his wife, Mary, to give back to Creighton in many ways. The couple’s generosity is seen in various places around campus: the Heider College of Business building, Heider Residence Hall and, most recently, the prominent statue “The Flame”. Additionally, the Heider family has two endowed chairs in its name for Cancer Research and Jesuit Faculty and funds several scholarships for Creighton students.
Apart from his many monetary contributions, Heider gave tirelessly to the Creighton community in the form of his counsel. Serving on the Board of Trustees for 17 years, Heider furthered the success of the College of Business through his advising and connections to the wider business world. Even after his retirement, Tony Hendrickson — Dean of the College of Business — remarks that Heider was always around in the office, working tirelessly.
“Charlie wasn’t your typical retiree,” Hendrickson said, noting Heider’s strong work ethic and countless hours dedicated to the University.
Heider received recognition for his achievements and commitment to Jesuit education through his installation into the Jesuit Honor Society and reception of awards such as the Creighton Alumni Achievement Citation in 2003 and an honorary doctorate of humane letters in 2010.
However, as community members pause to reflect on this man and his life, they recognize that his humble generosity was never fueled by titles and awards, but by a genuine spirit of stewardship.
Dean Hendrickson spoke of Heider as a true “Man for Others” and examined his very “Ignation” approach to giving:
“Charlie saw his resources as a gift from God . . . I think Charlie felt a Godly obligation to make sure that what he was entrusted with, that he did well with it,” Hendrickson said.
To this end, Creighton is both a recipient and a benefactor. It graciously accepts the generosity of the Heiders, while acknowledging the responsibility to use these gifts to serve the community through education and justice.
The Rev. Daniel Hendrickson, S.J., — University President —reflected on the impact of the many gifts the Heiders gave to this community:
“The Heiders’ generosity to Creighton has benefited our University in countless ways, and has strengthened our Jesuit, Catholic foundation in the mold of our original founders,” said Fr. Hendrickson.
The most recent sign of Heider’s impact on Creighton, The Flame statue outside the College of Business, stands as an apt reminder of his legacy. His dedication of his time, talent and treasure to this community was his way of living out his call: to “set the world on fire.”
“Charlie really understood that the world is different tomorrow to the extent of the actions of people today . . . ‘Go set the world on fire’ is calling for action, getting involved, doing things, making a difference,” Dean Hendrickson said.
That is exactly what Charles Heider did. He used his business expertise, put in years of hard work and gave generously to Creighton in the hope that his individual spark might continue to fuel the work of his beloved alma mater.
The Heider College of Business stands as a daily reminder of the man whose name it bears. Upon his passing, prominent businessman and longtime Creighton benefactor, Charles Heider is being remembered as a true “Man for Others.”