Awatif Elias
  • Philosophy
  • Class of 2012
  • Omaha, NE

Awatif Elias Graduates From Creighton University

2012 May 17

Awatif Elias of Omaha was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree during Creighton University's spring commencement ceremony on May 12, 2012, at the CenturyLink Center Omaha. University President Timothy R. Lannon, S.J., presided - his first May commencement as Creighton president. Lannon, a 1973 graduate of the University, is the first alum to serve as president at Creighton. About 1,500 degrees were conferred during Creighton University's spring commencement.

CNN news anchor and former White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux was the commencement speaker, and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

Special awards of recognition were given to people and organizations making a positive difference in the Omaha community. The University Presidential Medallion was awarded to The Boys & Girls Club of the Midlands in honor of their 50th anniversary and Union Pacific in recognition of its 150th anniversary. John P. Curtin M.D., was awarded the Creighton's Alumni Achievement Citation. Ryan Anthony Spangler, Ph.D., was honored with the Creighton Students Union Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Award for Teaching Achievement. School of Pharmacy and Health Professions graduate Edward Saito and School of Nursing graduate Melissa List received the Spirit of Creighton Award.

About Creighton University: Creighton University, a Catholic, Jesuit institution located in Omaha, Neb., enrolls more than 4,100 undergraduate and 3,200 professional school and graduate students. Nationally recognized for providing a balanced educational experience, the University offers a rigorous academic agenda with a broad range of disciplines, providing undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs that emphasize educating the whole person: academically, socially and spiritually. Creighton has been a top-ranked Midwestern university in the college edition of U.S. News & World Report magazine for more than 20 years. For more information, visit our website at: www.creighton.edu