Creighton University on Thursday announced a new $300 million initiative — launched with a $100 million gift, the largest in its 147-year history — aimed at renovating and adding athletic facilities on the east side of its campus and strengthening the university’s ties to Omaha.
The Rev. Daniel Hendrickson, Creighton’s president, said the initiative, called Fly Together, will allow the university to reshape the eastern edge of its campus and realize a long-standing dream of connecting to North Downtown and the Builder’s District, the 10-block urban village rising east of 17th Street.
The initiative will reshape a 12-block recreational and athletic corridor on the east side of campus for students, student-athletes, faculty, staff, friends and fans.
Fly Together will encompass 11 new or upgraded recreation and athletic facilities and outdoor spaces spanning roughly 700,000 square feet of campus.
Additions and enhancements will include a new student fitness center, upgrades to the Rasmussen Fitness & Sports Center, and the creation of the Jaywalk, a new pedestrian thoroughfare that will connect Creighton to the Builder’s District, which is anchored by Kiewit Corporation’s headquarters.
The initiative also will include a new Sports Performance Center for Creighton’s 300 student-athletes; improvements to current athletics buildings; and an accompanying team facility to complement new baseball and softball fields.
The lead gift of $100 million comes from the Heider Family Foundation, a Launching the initiative is a $100 million lead gift from the Heider Family Foundation, led by trustees Scott and Cindy Heider. Scott Heider also is a member of the university’s board of trustees.
Hendrickson said the lead gift already has inspired an additional $105 million in pledges for a total of $205 million in commitments for the initiative.
Other early lead donors to Fly Together include Don Scott, CL and Rachel Werner, and Larry and Linda Pearson. Fly Together will be entirely donor-funded.
“Their (benevolence) will challenge and change, creating experiences for generations to come,” Hendrickson said.
Scott Heider recognized Hendrickson, who in July marked his 10th anniversary at Creighton’s helm, for his leadership, noting that Creighton’s growth during that time and in the coming years would not have been possible without it. He also noted that he was thankful to continue the work started by his parents, Charles and Mary Heider.
The initiative, he said, will not only benefit Creighton students and student athletes, but also will serve the Omaha community.
“What I would say to you, Blue Jay nation, what I would say to you, Omaha, Nebraska, and the state of Nebraska, I assure you, Fly Together will have this university flying at an absolutely new elevation,” he said.
Creighton athletic officials and Kiewit officials also hailed the initiative. Omaha Mayor John Ewing attended the announcement.
Marcus Blossom, Creighton’s athletic director, said the initiative would not only enhance the student experience but make the university’s Division 1 athletic teams better.
“Investing in this project will, I believe, help us win and help us compete with some of the best programs in the country,” he said.
julie.anderson@owh.com, 402-444-1066, twitter.com/julieanderson41
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