Celebrating the Spirit of Creighton
Giving Day is a celebration of everything that makes Creighton extraordinary — our people, our mission, and our shared commitment to something greater. As we count down to Giving Day on Tuesday, April 14, we’re talking with campus leaders who witness the impact of the Creighton community's generosity every day.
A challenge in honor of a Student Life legend
The Student Life Internship Fund at Creighton University stands as a tribute to the life and work of the late John Cernech, PhD—made possible through the generosity of his wife, Betty, and their children, Michael and Cindy.
“This specific project in the Student Life Internship Fund would be a dream of his,” Betty says.
The fund reflects John’s 31-year legacy as Vice President and Vice Provost for Student Life, where he shaped the student experience through a deep commitment to Jesuit and Ignatian values. It supports student leaders—especially those working with first-year students—in learning to bring those values into everyday campus life.
As part of Creighton’s 2026 Giving Day, the Cernech family is extending that legacy through a challenge gift: if 200 donors give to any Student Life area, an additional $40,000 will be unlocked.
With multiple Giving Day challenges across campus, each gift brings Creighton closer to unlocking additional support and strengthens programs like Student Life University-wide.
For Betty, the fund represents a continuation of both John’s life and their shared Ignatian journey.
“The Ignatian influence in our lives over 56 years of marriage was immeasurable,” she says. “It shaped not only our faith, but how we raised our family, cared for others, and worked to contribute to a better world.”
“I have prayed since John died to find a way to support a program at Creighton—and now at other Jesuit universities—that prepares students to live out Ignatian values,” she adds. “This program has given our family a meaningful way to continue that legacy.”
At Creighton, Cernech was a steadfast advocate for students and their holistic development. He helped define Student Life as a formative experience and left a lasting mark across campus through projects including the Skutt Student Center, Kiewit Fitness Center, McGloin Residence Hall, Davis Square, Ryan Athletic Center–D.J. Sokol Arena, and Harper Center. A devoted supporter of Creighton Bluejays athletics, he was known above all for the personal relationships he built with students.