On Friday, the Rev. Timothy Lannon, S.J., returned to Creighton’s campus for the Rev. Daniel Hendrickson, S.J.’s inauguration. Lannon, Creighton’s former president, is now living in Chicago and serves as the Assistant for Formation to the Provincial of the Chicago-Detroit Province and the Wisconsin Province of the Society of Jesus.

Last February, Lannon was at dinner with his Provincial, the Rev. Tom Lawler, S.J.. They were discussing the terms of his coming sabbatical at Harvard University. It was during this conversation that Lannon mentioned to Lawler that he had always been interested in Jesuit formation. This led to Lannon’s new position and an early end to his sabbatical.

As the Assistant of Formation, Lannon travels extensively to meet with men who are preparing for the Society of Jesus.

“Despite the demands of my work, I have more free time now than I had as president,” Lannon said.

Having previous positions at Jesuit universities, Lannon said he misses seeing students and members of the Jesuit community on campus.

“I miss the vibrancy of Creighton,” Lannon said. “ I miss the people — I loved being at Creighton.”

Reflecting on his time here, there are a number of accomplishments Lannon is proud of.

“I am grateful that I, with many others, brought some changes to Creighton like joining the Big East, partnering with what is now CHI, and the Heider College of Business,” Lannon said.

Lannon added that Creighton has a lot to look forward to with President Hendrickson.

“Father Hendrickson is perfect for the job. He has all the gifts needed to be very successful,” Lannon said. “I think what he will enjoy the most are the students.”

Lannon asked that the Creighton community keep the young Jesuits in Formation in their prayers.

“They are remarkable men,” Lannon said.