From the Mall: The Creighton Podcast

More students than ever are choosing Creighton. Why? Mary Chase, EdD’14, gets this question a lot. She’s the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management who’s contributed to Creighton’s admissions strategy for more than 20 years. There are many dedicated people (Chase included) whose vision and leadership have helped Creighton set a school record with an overall enrollment of 8,948 students in 2026.

But perhaps what matters more than anything is that prospective students are recognizing Creighton’s authenticity in its mission. Said Chase: “It's really not about enrollment. It's about the students and it's about our community, creating a campus culture that truly loves what we do and loves the students that are here.”

Read more about Creighton's record enrollment: https://www.creighton.edu/news/creighton-reaches-record-enrollment-class-2030-begins

How do you achieve professional success? We asked several of Creighton’s distinguished alumni for career advice. A few definitely have some good thoughts to share. Bluejay alumni featured in this episode: Bill Hargens, BSBA’79, JD’81; David Kohll, BSPHA’86, PHARMD’88; Robin Khan, DDS’96; and Paul Thompson, BSBA’84.

Read more about Creighton’s 2026 Alumni award winners: https://alumni.creighton.edu/alumni-community/awards-and-honors/current-honorees

Why is Creighton so special to Bluejay men’s soccer coach Johnny Torres? He joins the From the Mall podcast to talk about maturing during his playing days at Creighton, why he returned to campus to complete his degree a decade later and what inspired him to stay in Omaha to help shape student-athletes.

Plus, he discusses his humble beginnings (born in Colombia and adopted at age 9) and shares how those experiences influence his approach to leading one of the premier programs in college soccer.

Father Eric Immel of the Society of Jesus discusses life inside the Jesuit community at Creighton, his journey from Wisconsin student to Jesuit priest, and the role faith, community, and service play in shaping young people during college and beyond. Father Immel reflects on the meaning of Jesuit life, the importance of living in community, and how Creighton’s mission encourages students to engage the world with purpose, compassion, and courage.

The conversation also explores Father Immel’s upcoming role as pastor of St. John’s Church, the spiritual impact of the parish on students and alumni, and how he uses storytelling, Instagram, podcasts, and digital media to connect people more deeply to faith and community.

Jessica Clark, Dean of the College of Nursing at Creighton University, discusses the momentum behind the college’s recent growth and what is driving increased demand for nursing education.

She shares how Creighton’s mission-driven culture, strong clinical partnerships, and emphasis on hands-on learning are preparing students to enter the workforce with confidence and real-world experience. The conversation also explores how the college is expanding enrollment, investing in faculty, and integrating new technologies like AI to enhance learning.

Dean Clark also looks ahead to the future of nursing education, including new program development, research growth, and how Creighton is addressing the ongoing need for highly trained healthcare professionals.

What makes Creighton special? We took a short tour around campus to find out and reflect on the University's mission. This extra From the Mall episode celebrates the programs (from Campus Ministry, to study abroad, to the Student Success Center) that are enriching students’ lives — the same programs that so many generous Bluejay alumni and friends will soon support on Creighton's Giving Day on Tuesday, April 14.

This special edition episode dives into the interesting and somewhat quirky history of Creighton's fight song, "The White and the Blue." It's everything you need to know about the catchy anthem that has, for a century, prompted Bluejay alumni, fans and followers to stand up, clap and sing along.

The White and the Blue
Colors two, it is you we defend
Fearless for you
Our might to the fight we will lend
So: wave, colors, wave
We will fight on for your glory
White and Blue
We will fight 'til the fight is won

Professor Michael Kelly and law student Winnye Tu reflect on Creighton’s Nuremberg to the Hague program and what it means to study law in the very places where history unfolded.

From courtrooms in The Hague to the camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau, they describe how standing inside these spaces transforms how students understand justice, responsibility, and the lasting consequences of international crimes.

Throughout the conversation, Kelly explains how the program prepares students through months of academic study and guided reflection, while Tu shares the emotional and personal impact of encountering history firsthand.

Together, they explore how memory, advocacy, and legal education intersect, and why creating new witnesses to history remains essential in the fight against Holocaust denial and antisemitism.

The episode offers a rare look at how immersive learning shapes future advocates and how Creighton continues its long tradition of contributing to international criminal justice.

Groundbreakings, record enrollment, impactful gifts and so much more. This special edition episode of From the Mall recaps the recent updates and happenings from Creighton University’s campus. The news you need to know.

Anthony Tolliver reflects on how being a team player extends far beyond his days playing basketball at Creighton and in the NBA. He shares how service, faith, and responsibility have shaped his decisions during and after his career. From mentorship and community investment to creating opportunities for others, Anthony discusses what leadership looks like when the goal is impact over recognition. His perspective offers a grounded look at purpose, legacy, and staying committed to something bigger than yourself.