In Good Company

At Creighton University, women of substance flourish in many circumstances when they bring their love of God and others to bear on their actions. Since coming to Creighton in 1997, I have been astounded by the compassion, commitment, and contributions of women who embrace wholeheartedly their relationship with the God of love Who calls them to respond to those in need. This is especially noteworthy when the very structures women find themselves part of do not always reflect or support women’s perspectives, women’s wisdom, and women’s preferred ways of relating. Women do not often characterize their work in the world as “tackling problems that need to be solved,” but as embracing those in need, and walking with others as companions on a journey. Women often excel at networking and inclusion, preferring companionship and constructive conversation to climbing, jockeying for position, or domination in a discussion. They listen carefully and value others’ feelings, even if doing so takes more time at a meeting. They ground their work in collaborative circles, gleaning their self-worth from the love they engender rather than from their positions within the pyramidic structures that characterize academic institutions. They often eschew titles and distinctions if these place them above others in their company, and will often reach to the fringes to serve the good of the marginalized. If they do get “caught” in the ever-collapsing and re-erected hierarchical ladders, they often try to weave webs of compassion to cushion the fall of those who might be harmed along the way. The best are able to navigate the high wires like trapeze artists, caring more for those who are grasping for their hands than for the adulation of the audience. Look around at the astounding women of Creighton, and behold their magnificence!

Women who are groundskeepers, professors in the humanities or business, administrative assistants, distinguished chair holders, directors of academic and service-learning programs, housekeeping and food service professionals, academic deans and vice presidents, research professors in the healing arts, nurse practitioners, coordinators of student organizations and activities, directors of programs for students with special needs, student leaders, athletic trainers, and campus ministers all have one thing in common: they live “a faith that does justice.” They look out for the least. They cherish, nurture and protect life in all its forms. They seek the God of love in the depths of human despair, and do not recoil from suffering. As women who often bear most of the responsibility of home-making, raising children, and reaching out to those in need, besides their full-time service at the University, the faith-filled women of Creighton imitate our foundresses, Mary Lucretia and Sarah Emily Creighton, by finding a way to bring hope and help to their larger “family,” the Omaha community, and the world. What gets them out of bed in the morning and keeps them motivated? Where do they find their courage, strength, and resilience? They are children of the God Who is love. I am so grateful to be in their company.

 

Kindly,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Laura Weber

Director, Campus Ministry

Professor, Theology Department