Mary Beth is an academic administrator and student advisor for the non-traditional students of University College. She has been a part of the Creighton community for a total of 18 years.  Mary Beth is married and has two daughters: one who was married in St. Johns and one who is currently a Creighton senior.

For those of you who may not know exactly what we do, here's a quick synopsis.  We work extensively with nontraditional students who are working on a degree or certificate program, doing pre-requisites for graduate school or just taking courses for personal interest.  Another important focus is our support of local and regional church with our certificate programs in Ministry, Liturgy, Spirituality and Theology, our affiliation with the Family Life Office of the Omaha Archdiocese and their Family Ministry Training Program.  We also support ecumenical church outreach with programs such as "Women of Spirit" which was held recently on Creighton's campus.

The Jubilee theme of reconciliation can be applied to those individuals who come to us to complete a degree program, which they may have started in their youth, but for different reasons, did not or could not complete.  They carry with them this sense of unfinished business that stays with them until they make the decision to return to school.  To watch these people grow in confidence, poise and knowledge is inspiring.  It takes tremendous courage to enter a classroom full of 19-year-olds when you are 35 years old and haven't been in school for many years.  So it is our job as teachers, advisors, staff to advocate for these students so they can have the best possible experience at Creighton University. 

Another Jubilee theme is opening of doors.  In our division we meet people every day that come to us with a real desire to improve their lives through education.  But what brings them to Creighton?  And what keeps them here?  I hear a lot of stories from the people that I advise.  The common theme is that there are people here who have made a difference in their lives.  They are somehow touched by a teacher, a staff member, a fellow student, a counselor who cared about their needs, who taught them that there is a difference in being at Creighton University.  Perhaps someone took the time to listen, to help solve a problem, to point them in the direction of someone who has an answer to their questions.  That is what keeps them coming here year after year.  Let me tell you a story about one of our recent graduates.  He is the fifth of seven children and the first one in his family to receive his high school diploma.  After his discharge from the Navy, he moved to Omaha to take a job.  He enrolled at Creighton as a part-time student and was able to do so because his company reimbursed him for tuition.  He is now applying for admission to the Graduate School to complete his master's degree.  For this individual, Creighton University has been a "beacon", a place where his values were strengthened, his opportunities were broadened, and his appreciation for this institution was solidified. 

Everyone has a story.  We have the opportunity to be enriched beyond measure if we just take the time to listen to the stories.  We will be humbled, inspired, and hopefully moved to advocate for those persons who come to this University seeking reconciliation and renewal.