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Creighton focuses on affordability, efficiency, strategic planning

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Creighton University's President says the school must remain affordable in spite of tough economic times.

Father John Schlegel delivered the Founders Week Convocation address Tuesday. He says higher education has been hit hard by investment losses and volatility in debt markets. He says reduced availability of loans and job losses mean families and students are struggling to afford a college education. Creighton plans to raise tuition 3.5% next year, and add $2.4 million in financial aid resources.

Creighton is moving forward with five strategic plans. Father Schlegel says the University's top commitment is to enrich and advance its Catholic and Jesuit identity. He says Creighton needs to improve the way it does business, adapt educational opportunities to a changing world, define the scope and involvement in scholarship, as well as address faculty and staff needs.

Father Schlegel also announced that Creighton's multi-year "Willing to Lead" campaign has raised nearly $400 million. The goal was $350 million. Father Schlegel says the campaign supports academic and capital improvement projects.