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Got the Summertime Blues? Join us for … Something Old … For the last 60 years, the President’s Alumni Picnic has afforded old friends an opportunity to gather together and share great memories. From its beginnings at Peony Park, the picnic has continually evolved. Something New … Again this year, we are planning some exciting changes — starting with a new date. The event will move from June to Saturday, July 29. (More details will be forthcoming.) Something Borrowed … As we wed the old with the new, we will borrow heavily upon Creighton’s family atmosphere and warm hospitality. Remember, you’re always welcome here. The Mary Magdalene of the Something Blue … Da Vinci Code: So join us this summer. And don’t forget to wear your blue! Fact or Fiction? Butterfly Lore Humor The Books of and Legend in the Bible Summer Summer 2006
View the magazine online at: SUMMER 2006 www.creightonmagazine.org U n i v e r s i t y M a g a z i n e Message from the University President The Mary Magdalene of The Da Vinci Code: Fact or Fiction? ................................................................16 Was Mary Magdalene the “Holy Vessel,” as the plot of the best-selling thriller The Da Creating Connections Vinci Code espouses? Creighton theology professor Susan Calef, Ph.D., unravels fact from fiction to reveal a clearer picture of this fascinating early follower of Christ. Earlier this month, Creighton University celebrated its 115th A Creighton spring commencement. education also Butterfly Lore and Legends ...........................................22 While we are proud of our graduates and their accomplishments, challenges It seems as if humans have always been fascinated by butterflies. From Lakota Indians these ceremonies truly mark a new beginning. We ask our graduates students to connect 16 to ancient Greeks, cultures and religions through the ages have attached mythical to be leaders and agents of change in a complex world. with the wider Much of this column focuses on our undergraduate students, community and the qualities to these beautiful, fluttering creatures. Creighton biologist Ted Burk, D.Phil., but the same efforts are expended on our graduate and professional world, especially examines some of these legends. students, as well. with the poor and In all cases, we have a responsibility to educate our students to the marginalized. To Humor in the Bible .........................................................26 be comfortable in the world beyond the University. It’s been noted that end, our Center for While it’s not exactly Saturday Night Live, the Bible offers some interesting plays on words that effective leaders must be able to make connections between Service and Justice sent and sounds that would have brought a smile, if not a chuckle, to ancient readers. academic learning, professional practice and important public a record 192 students to questions. A Creighton education, then, provides the knowledge volunteer around the country The Books of Summer ....................................................32 and ethical compass by which our graduates can pose their own during spring break — to such places With the lazy, hazy days of summer nearly upon us, we polled Creighton faculty and meaningful questions and seek sustainable, appropriate solutions. as the hurricane affected region of the gulf. We also continue to offer staff to get their recommendations for summertime reading. While we remain committed to our core principles, we realize students opportunities for service and reflection in the Dominican that higher education is changing dramatically. We must be open to Republic, as well as locally, through other outreach efforts. 22 that change. As I noted in my annual address to the University community in February, the future of academe is being shaped by several Creighton is animated by its Jesuit tradition. This year, the Society of Jesus is celebrating a jubilee year — 450 years since the death of founder St. Ignatius Loyola and 500 years since the birth of two of national trends. These include cuts in federal funding, modest the order’s early followers, St. Francis Xavier and Blessed Pierre endowment returns and increasing health care costs. We also face Favre. This fall, we will offer our undergraduate freshmen a unique the prospect of fewer students from our traditional feeder states program to connect with the culture of study within our Jesuit — Nebraska and Iowa. institution — the Ratio Studiorum Program, an allusion to the Jesuits’ To chart our future, we must continue to facilitate meaningful original “plan of studies” adopted in 1599. connections for our students. To ensure Creighton’s future viability, the University also must According to the latest research, students today thirst for an connect with a wider, more diverse population of prospective education that integrates traditional pedagogy with an examination students, especially in light of the declining demographics in of moral and ethical values, spirituality, social responsibility, self- Nebraska and Iowa. Creating a diverse human community of awareness and faith. students, faculty and staff is one of our institutional priorities. In 26 In the book Putting Students First: How Colleges Develop Students Purposefully, which prominently features Creighton, the authors argue that “an effective and ideal undergraduate college education our global society, connecting with and understanding cultures different from our own is critical to our students’ success. To promote and facilitate that effort, we held our first University-wide is one that centers on holistic student development, including the Diversity Forum in March. You can read my address from the forum University News .....................4 Winner of 2006 CASE search for meaning and purpose in life.” online at: http://www2.creighton.edu/administration/president/speeches/ Awards for Excellence in At Creighton, we have an obligation to maintain an atmosphere diversityforum2006/. Alumni News .......................34 Writing and Photography and culture that fosters this connection — a place “where the Gospel Creating these connections is a vital part of a Creighton is in dialogue with culture” and “where faith meets reason.” In an education, for it is in these connections that we grow more fully, Reflections ...........................46 age of increasing secularization, Creighton must not be afraid to seek truth and justice more passionately, know God more intimately hold in tension the best of what a university is and the best of what and live more completely. Jesuit and Catholic bring to the academy. Enjoy your summer, and may God bless and keep you and On the Cover: While today’s “millennium” students are technologically savvy your family. 32 “Mary Magdalene” and idealistic, they also come to America’s campuses with great by Italian artist Carlo Dolci (1616-1686). vulnerability bred from our increasingly fast-paced, stressful world. With this backdrop, the task of mentoring and guiding our students academically, emotionally and spiritually falls squarely upon our John P. Schlegel, S.J. shoulders. Whether it’s through our counseling center, retention efforts or programs within our residence halls, we must connect CONTACT US: Editor — Rick Davis, (402) 280-1785, rcd@creighton.edu • Associate Editor — Sheila Swanson, (402) 280-2069, bluenews@creighton.edu with our students. View the magazine online at: www.creightonmagazine.org.
University News University News U n i v e r s i t y M a g a z i n e McGovern Kicks Recognizing New Book Off Horning Lecture New Program Caters African American Offers Tips for At Creighton on April 11 to inaugurate the to Working Adults Publisher: Creighton University; Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J., President; Lisa Calvert, Vice President for University Glaucoma Experts Alzheimer’s Caregivers first annual Ross Horning Lecture was fellow Creighton is offering a new Relations. Creighton University Magazine staff: Kim Barnes South Dakota native, Democrat and historian accelerated degree program for adult Manning, Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Creighton’s Sade Creighton’s Patricia Public Relations; Rick Davis, Editor; Sheila Swanson, Kosoko-Lasaki, Callone and Roger George McGovern, longtime friend of the late learners beginning this fall through Associate Editor; Pamela A. Vaughn, Features Editor. M.D., is the author Brumback, M.D., Creighton professor. University College. Editorial Advisers: Cam Enarson, M.D., M.B.A.; of a new book, are co-authors of a Horning, beloved professor of history Through AcceleratedCreighton, working Christine Wiseman, J.D.; Richard O’Brien, M.D.; at Creighton for 41 years, died last April adults can earn a bachelor of arts degree in Diane Dougherty; Rev. Donald A. Doll, S.J.; Maintaining the Target new book titled A Tamara Buffalohead-McGill; and Jayne Schram. Intraocular Pressure: Caregiver’s Guide to following a brief illness. organizational communication African American Alzheimer’s Disease: McGovern, 83, spoke on the theme or creative writing in four years or less. Creighton University Magazine (USPS728-070) is published Glaucoma Specialists 300 Tips for Making “America: The Road Ahead” to a near- The program condenses the normal quarterly in February, May, August and November by — a celebration of Life Easier. They are capacity audience at Creighton’s Lied semester into an intense eight-week Creighton University, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178-0001. Periodicals postage paid at Omaha, Nebraska, the accomplishments also the authors of Education Center for the Arts. Long known schedule. Evening classes cater to the Photo by Dave Weaver and additional entry points. Address all mail to Marketing and contributions of Alzheimer’s Disease: for his stance against the Vietnam War, working adult. Students will be able to take and Public Relations, Omaha, NE 68178. Postmaster: Send McGovern also gave listeners a glimpse into up to four accelerated courses per semester change of address to Creighton University Magazine, P.O. the leading 21st century African A Handbook for Caregivers, Family, and Friends, American glaucoma specialists to the field published in 2004. the history of America at war. by coming to campus two nights a week. Box 3266, Omaha, NE 68103-0078. of ophthalmology. Callone serves as vice president for Some requirements can be completed For more enrollment information, contact the Kosoko-Lasaki, herself an African American Institutional Relations at Creighton and is a Former U.S. senator and one-time presidential online or through independent study, and Undergraduate Admissions Office at 1-800-282-5835, candidate George McGovern inaugurated summer classes will also be offered. admissions@creighton.edu. and a leading expert in the treatment and past president of the Alzheimer’s Association “The highest patriotism the Ross Horning Lecture, named for the late Students enrolled in other majors — prevention of glaucoma, co-authored the Midlands Chapter. Brumback is chair of the Creighton history professor. besides organizational communication and To make a gift to the University, contact the Office of Development at 1-800-334-8794. book with Mildred Olivier, M.D., and Edward Burney, M.D. At Creighton, Kosoko-Lasaki Department of Pathology and a professor of pathology and psychiatry. He is a noted expert is not a blind acceptance creative writing — can complete their core requirements in the AcceleratedCreighton For the latest on alumni gatherings, contact the Alumni Relations Office at 1-800-CU-ALUMS (800-282-5867) or serves as associate vice president for Health Sciences, associate professor of surgery on Alzheimer’s and has educated groups across the country about the disease. of official policy, but a The McGovern File program with a reduced tuition rate. check online at www.creighton.edu/alumni. (ophthalmology), and associate professor of The book’s other authors are Connie • U.S. Representative, 1956-60 An associate degree and a certificate also Send letters to the editor to Rick Davis at preventive medicine and public health. Kudlacek, executive director of the love of one’s country • U.S. Senator, 1962-1980 are offered as part of the program. For more rcd@creighton.edu; fax, (402) 280-2549; Alzheimer’s Association Midlands Chapter; information, call (402) 280-2424 or visit Creighton University, Marketing and Public Relations, Nipper Appointed Janaan Manternach, co-director of Life, Love, deep enough to call her • U.S. Democratic Presidential http://adultdegrees.creighton.edu. 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178. to Federal Drug Joy Associates, a company specializing in Candidate, 1972 Update your mailing address or send alumni news Testing Board writing educational and religious materials; to a higher standard.” (births, weddings, promotions, etc.) electronically through and Barbara Vasiloff, co-founder and president www.creighton.edu/alumni, call 1-800-334-8794 or Henry Nipper, Ph.D., director of clinical of Discipline with Purpose, Inc., and an Omaha — George McGovern Because we did so, we are virtually standing mail to Office of Development, Creighton University, alone, he said. “I think the time has come for 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178. chemistry and toxicology in Creighton’s teacher for more than 25 years. Department of Pathology, has been appointed More than 5 million Americans suffer from us to bring our people home.” View the magazine online at to the Drug Testing Advisory Board for the Alzheimer’s, a debilitating disease that affects Five times elected to political office, McGovern then went on to outline his www.creightonmagazine.org Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services the brain’s nerve cells and causes memory McGovern flew a total of 32 combat missions vision for America’s future, which he says Administration, part of the U.S. Department of loss. The book is designed to educate patients, as a B-24 bomber pilot in World War II. must include an end both to unilateral www.creighton.edu Health and Human Services. their families and caregivers about the physical But he said that the courage it took to fly interventions and “going after whoever Copyright © 2006 by Creighton University The board makes recommendations to the changes taking place in the brain of someone those missions “was nothing compared to disagrees with us.” Taking the work agency regarding the direction, scope, balance with Alzheimer’s. the courage it took for me to stand up in of the United Nations more seriously; Recycled and Recyclable and emphasis of federal drug testing activities “By understanding what is physically the Senate and to tell my president (fellow comprehensive health care for every Printed with Soy Ink and the federal drug testing laboratory happening to the brain, caregivers like Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson) that the American; a new take on the GI Bill that certification program. These recommendations me can learn to apply our own special Vietnam War was wrong.” would open up college to all Americans who Creighton University Magazine’s Purpose “I was fed up to the ears with old men are generally followed by state agencies and skills and talents throughout the disease can benefit by higher education; an energy Creighton University Magazine, like the University itself, is committed to excellence and dedicated to the pursuit of the private sector for non-federally regulated process,” Callone said. “My experience of dreaming up wars for young men to die in.” policy not written by oil company executives; truth in all its forms. The magazine will be comprehensive drug testing. being a caregiver to three family members He still is. an efficient railway system; and election in nature. It will support the University’s mission of has been a wonder-filled and life-altering Calling World War II “the last war I funding taken out of private hands and put education through thoughtful and compelling feature articles on a variety of topics. It will feature the brightest, Nipper was appointed to serve a four-year term on the board, comprised of individuals experience and gave me insight that I wanted believed in,” McGovern drew comparisons into the hands of the taxpayers round out Artist of the Year the most stimulating, the most inspirational thinking who are recognized as experts in analytical to share with others.“ between the American involvement in McGovern’s list for his country’s future. The Rev. Don Doll, S.J., professor of that Creighton offers. The magazine also will promote forensic toxicology, specimen collection Also contributing to the book were Siobhan Vietnam and our involvement in Iraq today. The lecture series in Horning’s honor is Creighton, and its Jesuit, Catholic identity, to a broad journalism and mass communication procedures or interpretation of drug testing Champ-Blackwell and Judith Bergjord of “Like Vietnam, Iraq was no threat to us,” made possible by donations to Creighton’s public and serve as a vital link between the University and the Heider Jesuit Chair at results. Nipper also serves Creighton as Creighton’s Health Sciences Library, and McGovern said. “But we went into Iraq WILLING TO LEAD CAMPAIGN. For more information and its constituents. The magazine will be guided by the Creighton University, was presented core values of Creighton: the inalienable worth of each associate professor of pathology and assistant Helene Lohman, O.T.D., associate professor of without the United Nations, without the on the Ross Horning Lecture Series, contact the with the Nebraska Arts Council’s Artist individual, respect for all of God’s creation, a special dean for admissions in the School of Medicine. occupational therapy at Creighton. European Union, without the Arab League.” Office of Development, (402) 280-2740. concern for the poor, and the promotion of justice. of the Year Award in January. 4 5 Summer 2006 Summer 2006
University News University News estate found itself before the high court. “I actually talked with her for a Circo Receives few minutes at the court on the day of her case,” Manning said. Knust works at the White House, in the Office of White House Leaders for Life Award Personnel, which is responsible for hiring the approximately 450 people Olive (Odorisio) Circo, PhBJrn’41, who work there. The integrity of the administration of President George W. Creighton’s first female cheerleader, was Bush has been much called into question lately, Knust said, but things look honored with the University’s first Leaders different from the inside. “It has been inspiring during this difficult time for Life Award at the Leaders for Life to see how the people here work with such integrity and respect for their luncheon for women’s athletics on May 5. work,” she said. The luncheon was a fundraiser for Travis, who describes himself as a political junkie, said there is no better Creighton’s women’s athletic programs. place to be. Headlining the event was Creighton Hall of “This is the epicenter of political life in the United States,” he said. Fame athlete and associate head women’s “Where else would you want to be? Where else can you just casually stroll basketball coach Tanya Warren. about the centers of power?” Circo joined Creighton’s formerly all-male Photo by Mark Romesser His work at the Democratic National Committee has brought Travis into pep squad in 1937 and was an advocate for fairly frequent contact with Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean, the women’s rights. She and her late husband, former governor of Vermont. “I have met Gov. Dean several times,” Travis Sebastian, founded Precision Bearing Service said. “He’s very laid back.” in Omaha in 1945. Now Precision Industries, Primarily, Travis helps research issues in preparation for the 2008 the company is the largest family-owned Creighton students, from left, Brian Oszakiewski, Matthew Manning, Brian Medical student Cindy Paul listens to a Travis and Rachel Knust lived, worked and studied in Washington, D.C., during presidential campaign but has also briefed Dean about issues in a Virginia industrial distribution and supply chain lecture on her iPod. the spring semester as part of the Capitol Hill Internship Program (CHIP). race during a breakfast with Dean and Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. services provider in the United States. Photo by Mike Kleveter Travis said his involvement in the program has been rewarding. Olive’s son, Dennis, established the Olive Medical School Program Gives Students “I saw the advertisement for this program on the bulletin boards (at Creighton) and would think how awesome it would be,” he said. “But I Odorisio Circo Endowed Spirit Scholarship at Creighton in her honor in 2005. The Begins Podcasting Capitol Hill Experience was sure in the back of my mind that it would never happen.” That it did has much to do with Graham Ramsden, Ph.D., associate scholarship assists student members of the Creighton Dance Team who are in need of Shhh! Don’t disturb that student intently listening to her iPod. She may be studying Creighton’s Tanya Warren, right, congratulates Olive By Eugene Curtin professor of political science at Creighton. Circo on receiving the first Leaders for Life Award. financial aid to continue their education. for an upcoming test on anatomy or for one About 1,200 miles from the serenity of Creighton University’s campus Ramsden is currently the president of the 10-school, seven-state on infectious diseases. lies the bustling maze of Capitol Hill. There, in the nation’s capital, while consortium that matches about 19 students per semester with Washington Thanks to the new MedCast system, lobbyists maneuver for advantage, politicians write and rewrite laws, and justices mull the great issues of the day, four Creighton students have internships. He said the program was founded in 2000 by professor Robert Manzer at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Neb. Haddad Works on Creighton’s first- and second-year medical students can now download course lectures themselves stepped into the arena. Ramsden said consortium students live in a three-story townhome in Pandemic Planning onto their iPods. Rachel Knust, Matthew Manning, Brian Oszakiewski and Brian Travis are Washington, with the bottom floor used for classrooms, the third floor Lectures are recorded digitally and Amy Haddad, Ph.D., director of Creighton’s Center for among the small army of college students who annually flock to Washington, housing the male students and the second floor housing the female students. are available for download the same day. Health Policy and Ethics, has been invited by the World Health D.C., to take unpaid jobs serving members of Congress, justices and The internships last one semester and are funded by the students Students also can subscribe to have the Organization to participate in one of five working groups presidents. It’s an opportunity to be at the center of national and global affairs themselves who apply funds they would have spent on housing at lectures automatically “pushed” to their discussing influenza pandemic plans worldwide. and an introduction to the wheeling and dealing of the real world. Creighton to their Washington expenses. iPods or computers. Her group will focus on ethical issues associated with the Oszakiewski works in the office of Rep. Daniel Lipinski, a first-term “This is the next generation of roles and responsibilities of health care workers in dealing with a Democrat from Illinois. He has found that his time on Capitol Hill is far communication for Creighton’s School of Haddad pandemic. Participants meet this month in Geneva, Switzerland, from token. “This is the epicenter of political life in the and plan to offer recommendations in June. Medicine. We are reaching the students “My boss gives me actual, legitimate work to do, and I often attend where they are,” said Bill Jeffries, Ph.D., hearings and briefings,” he said. United States. Where else would you want associate dean for medical education. “Many of our students are auditory Knust works at the White House, Travis at the Democratic National to be? Where else can you just casually stroll Committee and Manning at the Supreme Court. They are part of the Capitol Hill Internship Program (CHIP), a program involving 10 schools about the centers of power?” Creighton Professor Wins Award learners,” he continued. “They can review lectures at their convenience to reinforce in seven states. The program connects students to Washington, D.C., for Teaching Excellence understanding of the curriculum.” — Brian Travis Early usage statistics indicate that this internships and gives them four days work a week — not to mention Geoff Bakewell, Ph.D., the Michael W. Barry Professor and invaluable contacts and a better understanding of the opportunities “We try to keep the cost as close as possible to their usual expenses,” associate professor in the Department of Classical and Near form of learning is very popular. The available in the seat of the most powerful government in the world. The Ramsden said, although the cost of living inevitably will be higher in Eastern Studies, recently received the Award for Excellence in amount of network traffic for the School fifth day is classroom time. Washington, D.C., than in Omaha. College Teaching from the Classical Association of the Middle of Medicine website has doubled since Manning sounds as though he can hardly believe his luck. He works for Manning said the experience has provided him with opportunities he West and South. podcasting began in January. the Clerk of the Supreme Court, where he helps the admissions director would have never had otherwise. Bakewell has been with the University for 12 years and directs “I still attend the lectures,” said first-year handle applications from lawyers wishing to be members of the Supreme “Living in this city allows you to meet and network with so many Bakewell the Honors Program in the College of Arts and Sciences. He has medical student Cindy Paul, “but the Court Bar. His work has allowed him to meet Chief Justice John Roberts as different people. Not only have I met countless law school deans, but I written extensively on ancient Greek history and literature. podcast allows me to be exposed to the well as Associate Justices Clarence Thomas, Anthony Kennedy, David Souter, have received enormous insight into the law profession and what I may The Classical Association of the Middle West and South is an organization of university, material again. I can listen to the entire Samuel Alito, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez. want to do with my future.” college, secondary and elementary teachers of Latin, Greek and all other studies that focus lecture again and take notes on things I And, oh yes, Anna Nicole Smith, the former Playboy “playmate” Further information on the program is available at www.umcwc.com. on the world of classical antiquity. didn’t catch in class.” whose legal effort to secure a portion of her late husband’s billion-dollar About the author: Curtin is a freelance writer in Omaha. 6 7 Summer 2006 Summer 2006
University News University News of McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, P.C., said the chair was a logical step in the firm’s Student Organizes NAACP Chapter at Creighton commitment to the Creighton law school. Creighton junior Kirsten Treadwell has taken to heart the NAACP slogan: “Don’t talk “The scholarship fund benefits students. The about it, be about it.” legal research center involves bricks and mortar The political science major has started the first NAACP college chapter in the state of and books. The endowed chair recognizes the Nebraska at Creighton. importance of law school faculty,” Hefflinger “I feel it’s important because of the historical and current success of the national chapter said. “The majority of our attorneys are in equal rights for the poor and oppressed from all races,” Treadwell said. Creighton law graduates. Many of them can “At Creighton, we will be advocates for all students, as well as the community,” she tell you stories of how a particular law school continued. “We would like to show people that there are still inequalities among class, race professor positively impacted their legal and gender, and that we, as students, can do something about it.” education and their legal career. The The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, organized in 1909, is endowed chair is our way of thanking the the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization, with a half-million adult and youth past and current law school faculty. The members throughout the United States and the world. Business Law Chair also reflects our firm’s Photo by Mark Romesser Treadwell was active in the NAACP youth division as a student at Omaha Northwest practice, and Ed Morse is an excellent choice as the first chairholder.” Photo by Mike Kleveter High School. In addition to serving as chapter president at Creighton, Treadwell also performs with the University’s African American Student Association choir and works as Morse has served as associate dean for a tutor coordinator with Classic Upward Bound, which helps high school students from academic affairs for the law school. He is noted low-income families prepare for college. Treadwell, standing, tutors Omaha high school for his expertise on taxation and business issues, students Amber King, left, and Sydney Powe. and is the author of many papers and studies Creighton law professor Edward Morse, left, receives congratulations from Creighton President the that have appeared in various state and national Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J., after being installed as the first holder of the McGrath North Mullin & Kratz publications. Most recently, he has teamed Sr. Joan Mueller Project Welcome has raised more than $70,000 Endowed Chair in Business Law. with Creighton economics professor Ernie Creighton Receives National to help Sudanese immigrants repay the cost of their airfare to the United States. In addition, Morse First Holder of Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J. “I want to offer my Goss, Ph.D., on studies on casino gambling Text Messages Points of Light Award the program has helped families find affordable McGrath North Chair heartfelt thanks to the members of the McGrath in America and on the attorney general’s task Admitted Students Sr. Joan Mueller, OSC, Ph.D., professor of housing and assisted with job searches, Creighton University law professor Edward North Mullin & Kratz firm. We note your gift with immense gratitude and unmitigated pride force on motor fuel pricing. His current research includes papers on tax reform; farmers and Creighton was featured on CNN theology, was honored by the national Points of transportation and emergency assistance. Morse was installed as the first holder of the and thank the firm for its ongoing partnership taxation issues, such as income averaging and Headline News and in newspapers Light Foundation in April for her work with the Mueller coordinates a network of hundreds of McGrath North Mullin & Kratz Endowed Chair with Creighton University.” employment taxes; and the impact of casino across the country for its newest Sudanese community in Omaha. volunteers to fund and staff the program that in Business Law in the Creighton University The Omaha-based law firm McGrath North gambling on individual bankruptcy rates. He is admissions strategy — text messaging Mueller is operates on donations and small grants. Project School of Law on Feb. 15. Endowed chairs are Mullin & Kratz pledged $1 million to fund also a certified public accountant. admitted students. founder and Welcome’s aim is to help Sudanese refugee one of the main priorities of WILLING TO LEAD: the new endowed chair. McGrath North has Creighton is among the first colleges executive families in the Omaha area, with a special THE CAMPAIGN FOR CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY. been a longtime supporter of the University, nationwide to text message students. director of Project emphasis on working with children to promote establishing the largest scholarship fund for An informal poll by the Omaha World- Welcome. Begun academic excellence. Creighton law students and the McGrath North Herald found no other colleges or in 2002 to respond “Without Project Welcome, these children universities in Iowa or Nebraska doing to the desperate would be at grave risk,” Mueller said. “We “The creation of this Mullin & Kratz Legal Research Center at the law school. Today the scholarship fund stands at anything similar. needs of Sudanese cannot lose this first generation of Sudanese nearly $900,000 and provides support for 10 to Since Creighton added the option refugees and children to poverty and violence.” chair is testament to the 12 students per year. their families, the Mueller The Daily Points of Light Award honors on application forms last fall, about 44 “The creation of this chair is testament to tremendous relationship Photo by Mike Kleveter percent of admitted students have been program now funds a full-time social service individuals or organizations making a positive, the tremendous relationship that the McGrath notified through personal messages director, a summer school, summer math, lasting difference in the lives of others. It focuses North law firm and the Creighton law school flashing on their cell-phone screens: vocabulary and prep camps, and at-school on the goals for children and youth set by the President’s Summit for America’s Future. The [between] the McGrath have enjoyed over the course of almost six “Barb, congratulations. You’ve been tutoring. A recent independent report found decades,” said Patrick Borchers, J.D., dean awards program was initiated in 1998 by former admitted to Creighton.” that “Project Welcome’s educational programs are effective and could be used as a model for President George H.W. Bush. North law firm and the of the Creighton University School of Law. Morse meets with David Hefflinger, BA’69, The technology allows the “McGrath North has helped Creighton students JD’72, president of McGrath North Mullin & other at-risk school children.” Kratz, P.C. University to respond to the needs of its students for “instant information,” Creighton law school.” with scholarships; they have helped us with our facilities with their gift to the law library “Our law school is privileged to have loyal said Mary Chase, director of — Patrick Borchers, J.D. renovations; and now, the firm is helping and dedicated alumni who devote time, treasure admissions and scholarships. A Medical Center Names CEO Dean, School of Law us with our faculty with the creation of the and talent for the benefit of our students. In national survey found 63 percent of Linda Ollis was named chief executive officer of Creighton University endowed chair. The firm understands the this sense, the Jesuit message of becoming cell-phone users ages 18 to 27 Medical Center in March. She succeeds Phil Gustafson, who stepped importance that all three areas — students, ‘men and women for others’ is alive and well,” regularly text message. With text down in September to take a job in Arizona. Ollis had been serving as “As a University, Creighton must constantly faculty and facilities — play in providing Morse said. “The McGrath North gift reflects messaging, successful applicants can the hospital’s chief operating officer. Ollis, a 25-year veteran of the health renew itself so that we can prepare students to quality education. We are grateful for the an optimistic and enthusiastic vision about the know the University’s decision up care field, is the first woman to hold the CEO post. better serve the fluctuating needs of society. One overwhelming support we continue to receive future of legal education and the kind of law to a week earlier than before. way we are able to fulfill this mission is through from our friends at McGrath North.” school that we are to become. I am grateful to endowed chairs,” said Creighton President the David Hefflinger, BA’69, JD’72, president the McGrath North firm for their support.” 8 9 Summer 2006 Summer 2006
University News University News Grant Funds Study of Antipsychotic Medication Creighton professor Daniel Wilson, M.D., Ph.D., has been awarded a $1.1 million, five-year grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to study medication for the treatment of psychosis. Photo by Mike Malone Researchers will evaluate the direct clinical and economic impact of the first available long-acting, injectable medication for the treatment of psychosis. Despite advances in treatment of psychoses such Jariel Rendell, Ryan McDonough, psychology professor Isabelle Cherney and Leah Skovran stand in front of the posters they presented at the prestigious “Posters on the Hill” conference in Washington, D.C. as schizophrenia, patients still experience The St. Louis Jesuits perform in Washington D.C. Pictured on stage, from left, are the Rev. Roc O’Connor, Students Present Research in Washington relapse or incomplete recovery and the Rev. Bob Dufford, the Rev. John Foley and Dan Schutte. significant side effects. The study will focus on how well the medication addresses For the fifth consecutive year, undergraduate children to examine their perceptions of St. Louis Jesuits Reunite Photo by Dave Weaver these problems, with a concern for the students working in Isabelle Cherney’s children’s rights. What they found might shock patient’s well-being. psychology research laboratory at Creighton a few parents. In each case, children were “The study represents a real were selected to participate in the prestigious more reluctant than their parents to advocate Creighton Jesuit the Rev. Roc O’Connor, S.J., “It was a lot opportunity to evaluate the total impact “Posters on the Hill” conference in Washington, for the right to choose a class, to see a movie, sees the recent reunion of the St. Louis Jesuits of very hard of consumer choice and medication — described by one writer as the Beatles of work,” said Fr. compliance in a new era of both oral D.C., this spring. Only 60 student posters are selected to decorate their room, to choose with whom to live, to consume alcohol and to pay for contemporary liturgical music — as more than O’Connor, who Native and long-acting second generation annually for display at the U.S. Capitol as part their own clothing. Despite some differences, just a walk down memory lane. teaches theology Americans antipsychotics,” said Wilson, professor of the event, sponsored by the Council on parents and adolescents interviewed held at Creighton and Gather at and chair of psychiatry at Creighton. Undergraduate Research. Cherney submitted similar views on what children should and serves as a liturgist Morning Light is the and associate Creighton Michael Hogan, Ph.D., chair of the two student posters for this year’s April shouldn’t be allowed to do. group’s first album/CD President’s New Freedom Commission pastor at St. John’s in more than 20 years. Gaberiel Strangeowl from conference; both were accepted. Rendell and McDonough’s research was on Mental Health, endorsed the study. Church. “But we Lame Deer, Mont., (pictured They were “It’s All in the Family: Children’s funded by a National Science Foundation “This research is of exceptional also had fun together. Everything clicked.” above) performs at Creighton’s and Parents’ Perceptions of Children’s Rights” EPSCoR grant. Previous studies have found importance to determine whether such The group is just completing a four-city tour second annual All-Nations by Leah Skovran and Emily Polacheck that males outperform females on visual-spatial treatment can substantially reduce the that had stops in Washington, D.C., St. Louis, Powwow, held this spring in and “Bridging the Gender Gap: Increasing tests, which have been used to predict success enormous cost — both human and Anaheim, Calif., and Chicago. conjunction with the University’s Women’s Performance on a Visual-Spatial in engineering courses. Among the individuals economic — that inadequate adherence to “People have been very kind and lavish in 10th annual Native American Task” by Jariel Rendell and Ryan McDonough. they studied, Rendell and McDonough found optimal treatment engenders,” he said. their responses,” Fr. O’Connor said. “It’s been Retreat and the American Indian Skovran and Polacheck’s research was that those with “previous spatial and computer Other local researchers involved in this very delightful.” Student Leadership Conference. funded by a grant from the American play scored significantly higher,” leading them study include Fred Petty, M.D., Ph.D., Morning Light features 12 newly written Through the Native American Psychological Foundation and the Council on to hypothesize that “females’ performance [on professor of psychiatry and biomedical songs, including three by Fr. O’Connor. His “O Retreat, Native American high Undergraduate Research. They interviewed these tests] may benefit from involvement in sciences at Creighton University and Beauty, Ever Ancient” — a call to find renewal school students from across parents and their 10- through 16-year-old more spatial activities.” chief of mental health research at the and “new life” in God — is based on a text by the country come to Creighton Veterans Affairs Medical Center; Praveen St. Augustine. to experience college life. This The St. Louis Jesuits in 1979: Front row, from left, Fernandes, M.D., assistant professor Roc O’Connor and Dan Schutte. Back row, from Creighton University honored four of the marked the first year Creighton of psychiatry at Creighton University; Poet Laureate left, Bob Dufford, John Foley and Tim Manion. original five members at May commencement, has hosted the American Indian Student Leadership Conference, Sriram Ramaswamy, M.D., assistant Comes to Creighton “We feel like we have new energy,” said Fr. for their 30 years of ministry, with an honorary Doctor of Music degree. formerly the Big XII American professor of psychiatry at Creighton University; Sid Kauzlarich, M.D., U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser read from a selection O’Connor, one of the original five seminarians So what does the future hold for the St. Indian Student Leadership chief of psychiatry at Douglas County of his works during a visit to Creighton in April. who met at St. Louis University in the early Louis Jesuits? Are more songs in the offing? Conference. This national Health Center and assistant professor of Creighton’s World Literature Program sponsored the 1970s and formed the St. Louis Jesuits. The “I think we need to take time to listen to conference attracted nearly psychiatry at Creighton and UNMC; and event. Kooser, an author of 10 collections of poetry, friends composed and recorded 130 songs from what God is saying to us in this experience,” 80 Native American college received the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for poetry for “Delights 1973 to 1984, including “Lift Up Your Hearts,” Fr. O’Connor said. “But this has to be about students to Creighton, with the Photo by Dave Weaver Zak Siddiqqi, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at Creighton University and and Shadows.” Born in Ames, Iowa, he is a visiting “One Bread, One Body” and “Be Not Afraid.” more than nostalgia. Given the discernment theme “Revitalizing American director of research at Douglas County professor in the English department at the University The group reunited last year to record that comes with growing up, what do we have Indian Thought.” Health Center. of Nebraska-Lincoln and holds numerous other awards Morning Light, their first album/CD in more to say about the future? I think if we have and poetry prizes. than 20 years. something to say, we need to say it.” 10 11 Summer 2006 Summer 2006
University News University News Creighton Scholars Discuss ‘Lost‘ Gospel of Judas Thanks to the National Geographic Society’s rescue of the Gospel of Judas from 1,700 years of obscurity this spring, many Christians are Photo by Dave Weaver contemplating the possibility that Judas was not a notorious betrayer of Jesus but a willing collaborator. Among those analyzing this new Creighton President the Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J., (left) and College of Arts and Sciences Dean Timothy view on April 24 were the Rev. William Austin, Ph.D., (right) confer upon Lech Walesa Creighton’s highest honorary degree — a Doctor of Laws, Harmless, S.J., and John O’Keefe, honoris causa. Ph.D., both of Creighton’s Department Photo by Mike Kleveter Walesa Focuses on Democracy in of Theology. They spoke at a forum sponsored by Creighton’s Rabbi Myer Public Address Sponsored by Creighton and Dorothy Kripke Center for the Study of Religion and Society. Creighton President the Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J., with George Haddix, MA’66, Ph.D., Sally Hansen Haddix and professor John Mordeson at the inauguration of In a speech laced with humor, former president with the Holy Father.” The two specialists in the history and the John N. Mordeson, Ph.D. Endowed Chair in Mathematics. of Poland and 1983 Nobel Peace Prize recipient While the pope did not encourage a theology of early Christianity said that Lech Walesa told a capacity crowd at Omaha’s revolution, Walesa said, “The Holy Father they sought “to cut through the media Endowed Chair who nurtured and guided him or her,” said to the ATM machines that transformed Civic Auditorium Music Hall of his country’s gave us the word, and the working people hype and the hoopla and take a good, Honors Longtime Creighton President the Rev. John P. Schlegel, Americans’ banking habits. serious struggle for freedom and democracy. transformed this word into flesh.” clear look at the text itself, not only the S.J. “Creighton University is tremendously “George was an awesome student, one of the The public lecture was sponsored by Creighton’s On a humorous note, he said he would fascinating story of its discovery and Math Professor grateful for the leadership and generosity of George and Sally Haddix. This endowed finest I ever had,” recalled Mordeson, who has taught at Creighton for more than 40 years. Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the College of Arts and Sciences. give “more than 50 percent” of the credit for communism’s demise to the pope and “30 reconstruction, but also its Gnostic origins, contents and context.” Creighton University mathematics professor chair will help establish Creighton as a leader Mordeson, who came to Creighton in 1963, percent to Solidarity and Lech Walesa” — adding Their conclusion? Both O’Keefe and John Mordeson, Ph.D., was installed as the first in the study and application of mathematics has served as director of the University’s tongue-in-cheek: “Of course, I could give more Fr. Harmless agreed that the document, holder of the John N. Mordeson, Ph.D. Endowed of uncertainty.” graduate program in mathematics and its “The Holy Father gave us credit to myself, but I want to be on good terms discovered in the late 1970s in Egypt, Chair in Mathematics on May 1. Endowed chairs The new chair will provide significant computer science program. A noted scholar and with the one up there.” are one of the main priorities of WILLING TO LEAD: the word, and the working held by a series of antiquities dealers, support to the Center for Research in Fuzzy researcher, he was recently elected president Moving forward, Walesa said the world has and painstakingly restored by a leading THE CAMPAIGN FOR CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY. Mathematics and Computer Science. George of the newly formed international Society people transformed this entered a new era, one less defined by borders Coptic scholar, “tells us nothing new Mordeson is the first professor at and Sally Haddix helped found the center in for Mathematics of Uncertainty. Mordeson and territories and more defined — thanks about Judas and Jesus.” Creighton to have a chair endowed in his 1994 and have provided continuous support. has worked with colleagues in Third World word into flesh.” to technology, such as the Internet — by True to its Gnostic roots, say the name and the first to hold a chair established Mordeson has served as the center’s first and countries and has been instrumental in bringing globalization. This interconnectedness comes Creighton scholars, the Book of Judas — Lech Walesa by a former student. sole director. to Creighton’s campus visiting scholars from with some new challenges. portrays the world as a “grand cosmic The Mordeson Chair was funded by a At its inception, the center was one of only China, India, Korea, Japan and Saudi Arabia. Walesa, an electrician by trade, led Poland’s “What economic system will be sustainable in mistake,” replete with an emphasis on $1.5 million gift from George Haddix, MA’66, a handful at U.S. institutions to concentrate “The creation of this chair is our way of anti-communist Solidarity movement in the 1980s, the globalized world?” Walesa said. “Certainly secret actions and words of Jesus and a Ph.D., and his wife, Sally Hansen Haddix, on research in “fuzzy math,” or the science honoring the tremendous work of Dr. Mordeson which began as a union of shipyard workers and not the one we have in today’s world. In concept of Jesus as not human. of Ralston, Neb. George Haddix is chairman of mathematical uncertainty. Today, the as a mathematician, a teacher and a member would usher in the fall of communism in Poland today’s economic system, less than 10 percent of The Creighton theologians added that and CEO of PKW Acquisitions Corp. and center promotes research around the world, of the Creighton community,” said George and, eventually, elsewhere in Europe. mankind owns 90 percent of the world’s wealth.” the emergence of the Gospel of Judas its subsidiary, PKWare, a security software as well as the application of mathematics of Haddix, who also serves on Creighton’s Board “Poland kicked the teeth out of the bear’s Walesa ended with a plea for greater public for study also sheds light on how the company based in Milwaukee. He was a uncertainty theories to a wide range of medical, of Directors. “One of the great wheels that turn mouth,” Walesa said, referring to the former participation in national and world affairs. Christian canon as we know it evolved student of professor Mordeson’s in the 1960s technological and social sciences fields. the U.S. engine of opportunity and prosperity Soviet Union. “And once the bear was unable to “This world is so beautiful,” he said. “I’m in the first place. By the late second — earning a master’s degree in mathematics “Mathematics has always been a critical is the education system. The Jesuit universities bite you, people could go about bringing the here to beg you, please be more committed century, the books selected for inclusion from Creighton in 1966 and writing his thesis element in Jesuit, Catholic education in the and colleges are perhaps the finest examples of Berlin Wall down.” and involved.” in the canon had essentially evolved, under Mordeson’s direction. Haddix also liberal arts,” said Timothy Austin, Ph.D., the type of higher education required to keep Walesa, who became Poland’s first Borrowing language from a proposed based on several criteria, among them taught mathematics at Creighton from 1969 to dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. the entire system in balance.” democratically elected president in 1990, credited European constitution, Walesa added: “Let us what the bishops of the most important 1971, before using his talents to find success in “One cannot claim to be a competent citizen “We owe it to George and Sally to make the late Pope John Paul II, a fellow Pole, for much base ourselves on freedoms only. Freedom of cities at the time were teaching, and the industry. His love for education is shared by his in the 21st century without a firm grasp of the best use of their support,” Mordeson said. of the success in bringing democracy to Poland individual, freedom of association of any kind, rule of faith, that is, the concept that one wife, Sally Hansen Haddix, who served mathematical principles.” “There is a movement to use fuzzy math and Eastern Europe. economic freedom.” God created everything and that Christ as a third-grade teacher in Springfield, Neb., Haddix used his mathematics background in the social sciences, including philosophy “The year after his election (as pope), he He then closed with a smile: “If you fail to find died for us. for 12 years. to help develop data compression and and political science. We have a chance to came over to Poland,” Walesa said, speaking the right solutions, if you don’t want to be the “There is nothing more inspiring than a encryption software that has changed the way put Creighton University in the forefront of through a translator in his native tongue. superpower, share it with Poland. We’ll know former student honoring a gifted teacher businesses operate. His talents also contributed this research.” “Suddenly, all the Polish people attend Masses what to do with it.” 12 13 Summer 2006 Summer 2006
University News University News titles (’90-91, ’91-92) and two appearances in the NCAA Tournament (’92, ’94). She WorldCom people begin to push their ethical boundaries, those decisions that may remains ranked in Creighton’s career top-10 in Whistleblower have seemed very black and white begin to fade to shades of gray.” In June 2002, WorldCom acknowledged $3.8 billion worth of rebounding, scoring, scoring average (13), field Speaks at accounting fraud — a number that has since grown to $11 billion. goals (625) and field goal percentage (.553). Creighton WorldCom’s CEO, Bernie Ebbers, was later convicted of fraud and Her 824 career rebounds still rank second in school history. A WAC Freshman of the Year, a Symposium sentenced to 25 years in prison (he is currently free on appeal); CFO first-team all-WAC performer as a sophomore Scott Sullivan pleaded guilty to fraud and is serving a five-year Cynthia Cooper, who blew and a first-team all-Missouri Valley Conference prison sentence; and controller David Myers received a one-year the whistle on corporate fraud player as a junior, Struby concluded her career sentence. The fraud scheme uncovered by Cooper ultimately drove while working as an internal ranked fifth in school history with 1,459 points. the No. 2 U.S. long-distance company — “the pride of Mississippi” Photo by Dave Weaver auditor at WorldCom in Struby is currently a physical therapy assistant (WorldCom’s headquarters) — into bankruptcy. 2002, stressed the importance at Methodist Hospital/OrthoSport Therapy “These people weren’t just numbers to us,” Cooper said. of ethical decision-making and Rehab and serves as the assistant women’s “These were people we had worked with for years, people we during a visit to Omaha. basketball coach at Dana College in Blair, Neb. trusted and respected.” Cooper was the featured WorldCom whistleblower Cynthia Cooper speaks at Creighton’s Beta Cooper said her decision to come forward was “easy,” but the speaker at Creighton’s 2006 Heidi Geier Woodard, BA’99, Mike Heathcott, BSBA’91, and Shannon Struby, BA’95, with Alpha Psi Symposium on April 21. aftereffects were often overwhelming — meetings with FBI and SEC Creighton President the Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J., at the Athletic Hall of Fame dinner on April 11. Beta Alpha Psi Accounting officials, the hot glare of the media spotlight. She lost weight, and Symposium, held April 21 at the Qwest Center Omaha. “It’s important to practice ethical decision-making every day,” Cooper told the audience of approximately 800 students, faculty and battled depression. “Sometimes I struggled just to get out of bed.” But she feels compelled to tell her story so that others may learn Creighton Inducts Three into business executives, adding that even “small decisions matter.” “I believe character is built decision by decision, brick by brick, something from the tragic events. “In the end, each of us has an opportunity to help ensure that the Athletic Hall of Fame moral fabric of our country and our world is strong,” Cooper said. “It Former student-athletes Mike Heathcott, earned Creighton’s first College World Series throughout our lives. People don’t wake up and say, ‘Hey, I think I’d doesn’t matter our position. We can all make a difference.” like to become a criminal today.’ Instead, it’s often a slippery slope. As BSBA’91, Shannon Struby, BA’95, and Heidi win. He graduated in 1991 with single-season Geier Woodard, BA’99, were inducted into the marks for winning percentage, wins and innings Creighton University Athletic Hall of Fame on pitched, as well as career marks for appearances, April 11. In addition, Leo Knowles, JD’76, and winning percentage, wins and innings pitched. Seeking Peace his wife, Mary Ellen, were honored as the 2006 Heathcott played professionally with the Woodard was the first Creighton softball Through Poetry Creighton Medical Joseph J. Vinardi “Jaybackers of the Year” for Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs and Anaheim player to record two 70-hit seasons. and Politics Experts Named to their support of Creighton athletics. Angels. Heathcott, his wife and two children currently live in Scottsdale, Ariz., where he Woodard, an infielder on Creighton’s Asian poetry and politics Health Care works for Southwest Airlines. softball team from 1996 to 1999, twice earned took center stage during Commission Academic All-American honors and was Creighton’s second annual Creighton’s Daniel Wilson, M.D., named a second-team Easton All-American Non-Western Culture Event Ph.D., professor and chair of psychiatry, in 1999. She holds the school record for career in April, which featured and Chris Bradberry, Pharm.D., dean stolen bases, with 83. She also ranks second in Chinese poet Luye and of the School of Pharmacy and Health school history in career hits (243) and third in visiting political scientist Dae- Professions, were named to a 10- career batting average (.358) and runs scored Photo by Dave Weaver Sook Suh. This year’s theme member, expert commission organized (129). She holds the distinction of being the first was “Seeking Peace: Poetic by U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., to player in school history to record two 70-hit and Political Visions of the examine and make recommendations seasons. Woodard was a three-time first-team Asian World.” on a wide range of health care issues all-MVC selection and scholar-athlete honoree. Luye, who teaches Political scientist Dae-Sook Suh (foreground) and poet Luye discuss She was twice named to the MVC all- visions of peace for China, Korea and the United States. — from access to care to rising costs literature at Jinan University to the role of technology in improving tournament team, including in 1999, when the Heathcott holds the school record for in China, recently was quality of care. Bluejays captured their first MVC Tournament career wins, with 33. named China’s top young poet by the translating one another’s poems.) “It’s important to look at new title. Woodard is currently the executive Struby’s 824 career rebounds still rank Chinese Writers Association. Suh is currently Suh, the author of several books on Korea, Heathcott was the top pitcher on the best second in school history. assistant to the president at Blue Cross and approaches to health care in this teaching at UCLA. His research focuses on presented a talk on “Conflict and Peace team in Creighton baseball history and still Blue Shield of Nebraska. She lives in Omaha country,” Bradberry said. “At comparative politics of Asia and issues of in the Korean Peninsula.” He also joined owns the school records for wins in a season From 1990 to 1994, Struby helped Creighton’s with her husband and two children. Creighton, we are committed to reunification, particularly in Korea. Luye for a talk-show style discussion on the (15, 1991) and career (33, 1988-91). The Chicago women’s basketball team to two Western responding creatively to changing While at Creighton, Luye participated relationship between poetic and political native went 15-3 during the 1991 season and Athletic Conference (WAC) regular-season times to provide health care in an in a two-week residency, visiting creative visions of peace in China, Korea and the equitable manner.” writing classes and working with Creighton United States. Bradberry and Wilson join officials students on the translation of several of her The event was sponsored by Creighton’s from other medical centers, physicians, poems. She also took part in a poetry reading Non-Western Culture Committee with insurance executives and consultants with Susan Aizenberg, associate professor support from the Department of English and on the one-year effort. of English. (Luye and Aizenberg have been the Justice and Peace Studies Program. 14 15 Summer 2006 Summer 2006
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