Creighton University stands out for its strong ties to success. Many graduates go on to make big marks in their fields. This article dives into creighton university notable alumni. You will find stories of athletes, leaders, and innovators. These people show how Creighton helps build great careers.
The school, based in Omaha, Nebraska, follows Jesuit values. It focuses on service, learning, and growth. Alumni often credit their time at Creighton for key skills. They learn to think deeply and act with purpose. This sets them up for real-world wins.
In sports, politics, business, and more, these grads excel. We will look at their backgrounds, careers, and big moments. Each story highlights hard work and drive. Let’s start with some top names.
The Impact of Creighton Education on Alumni Success

Creighton offers a mix of strong academics and values. Students get hands-on experience. This prepares them for tough challenges. Many creighton university notable alumni say their professors pushed them to aim high.
For example, the school’s focus on ethics helps in business and law. In sports, team spirit builds leaders. Alumni often stay connected through events and networks. This keeps the community strong.
Statistics show Creighton’s reach. Over 68,000 alumni live in 93 countries. Many stay in Nebraska, but others spread far. This global network boosts careers.
Creighton University Notable Alumni in Sports
Sports alumni dominate this list. Creighton Bluejays compete in the Big East. Many grads go pro. They bring skills from college to the big leagues.
Basketball Stars from Creighton
Basketball draws top talent. Kyle Korver stands out. Born in 1981, he played for the Bluejays. He became one of the best three-point shooters in NBA history. Korver joined the Atlanta Hawks as a player and now works as an executive. His college days built his sharp shooting. He credits Creighton coaches for his growth.
Doug McDermott, born in 1992, led the nation in scoring in 2013-14. He earned three All-American honors. In the NBA, he plays for the Sacramento Kings. McDermott holds the fifth-most points in NCAA history. His dad coached him at Creighton, adding a family touch.
Paul Silas, born in 1943, passed away in 2022. He won three NBA titles. As a player, he made two All-Star teams. Later, he coached in the league. Silas led in rebounds for the Suns. His tough style started at Creighton.
- Kyle Korver: NBA sharpshooter, now Hawks executive.
- Doug McDermott: Scoring leader, current Kings player.
- Paul Silas: Champion player and coach.
Other basketball names include Anthony Tolliver. Born in 1985, he played 13 NBA seasons. He bounced around teams but always contributed. Tolliver now gives back through charity.
Khyri Thomas, born in 1996, played for the Pistons. He now competes overseas. His defense shone at Creighton.
Baylor Scheierman, born in 2000, joins the Boston Celtics. He transferred but started at Creighton. His shooting impresses.
Marcus Zegarowski, born in 1998, plays in Europe. He helped Creighton reach tournaments.
Ty-Shon Alexander, born in 1998, reached NBA Finals as a rookie. Now in Iceland.
Ryan Kalkbrenner, born in 2002, still plays for Creighton. He blocks shots like a pro.
Gregory Echenique, born in 1990, plays in Japan. His post play started strong at school.
Justin Carter, born in 1987, competes in Romania.
Kevin McKenna, born in 1959, played NBA then coached.
Trey Alexander, born in 2003, on two-way with Nuggets.
Sam Froling, born in 2000, in Australia league.
These players show Creighton’s basketball strength. The program builds pros.
Baseball Legends from Creighton
Baseball alumni shine too. Bob Gibson, born in 1935, died in 2020. He pitched for Cardinals. With 251 wins and 3,117 strikeouts, he won two Cy Youngs. Gibson earned MVP in 1968. He also played basketball at Creighton.
Pat Venditte, born in 1985, pitched ambidextrously in MLB. He played for six teams.
Scott Servais, born in 1967, managed Mariners. Now coaches Padres. He caught in MLB.
Darin Ruf, born in 1986, played MLB and Korea.
Nicky Lopez, born in 1995, shortstop for Cubs.
Ty Blach, born in 1990, pitched for multiple teams.
Brian O’Connor, born in 1971, coaches Virginia. Led to World Series wins.
Dave McKay, born in 1950, coaches Diamondbacks.
Chad McConnell, outfielder in pros.
Scott Stahoviak, infielder for Twins.
Alan Benes, pitcher for Cardinals.
These athletes honor Creighton’s hall of fame. For more on sports honors, check the Creighton Athletics Hall of Fame.
Soccer Standouts
Soccer grads make MLS impacts. Fabian Herbers, born in 1993, plays for Montréal.
Ethan Finlay, born in 1990, winger for Austin FC.
Duncan McGuire, born in 2001, forward for Orlando City. On US team.
Eric Miller, born in 1993, defender for Portland.
Seth Sinovic, born in 1987, left back for Revolution.
Brian Mullan, born in 1978, won five MLS Cups.
Brent Kallman, born in 1990, played for Minnesota.
Gabriela Guillén, born in 1992, defender for Dallas and Costa Rica.
These players show global reach.
Politics and Government Leaders from Creighton
Politics draws many grads. They serve in Congress, states, and more.
Leo Ryan, born in 1925, died in 1978. Congressman from California. Assassinated before Jonestown. Served in assembly.
Paul Gosar, born in 1958, represents Arizona in House.
Mike Johanns, born in 1950, Senator, Governor, Ag Secretary.
Ernie Chambers, born in 1937, long Nebraska legislator.
Roman Hruska, born in 1904, died in 1999. Senator known for conservative views.
Barbara Cubin, born in 1946, first woman from Wyoming in Congress.
Edward Zorinsky, born in 1928, died in 1987. Senator, Omaha mayor.
Catherine Hanaway, born in 1963, US Attorney, Missouri speaker.
Symone D. Sanders-Townsend, born in 1989, press secretary for Sanders campaign. Now MSNBC host.
Charles Thone, former Nebraska Governor.
David Heineman, Nebraska Governor.
Hal Daub, Congressman, Omaha mayor.
Frank A. Barrett, Wyoming Senator.
These leaders shape policy. Their law degrees from Creighton help.
For law alumni, many excel. Shannon Bacon, judge.
Joseph Bataillon, federal judge.
Susan M. Bazis, magistrate.
Business and Entrepreneurship Pioneers
Business grads build empires.
Joe Ricketts, born in 1941, founded TD Ameritrade. Billionaire, Cubs owner.
Sheila Nix, born in 1961, chief of staff to Jill Biden.
Mike Fahey, born in 1943, Omaha mayor, business leader.
Anthony A. Houston, EdD, education exec.
Paul W. Markwardt, business and law grad.
James Keogh, Time editor, Nixon speechwriter.
Cathy Hughes, radio entrepreneur.
These folks innovate. Ricketts’ net worth hits $4.1 billion. He gives back through philanthropy.
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Science, Medicine, and Military Heroes
Science alumni advance fields.
Michael P. Anderson, born in 1959, died in 2003. Astronaut on Columbia. Posthumous medal.
Madeleine Leininger, born in 1925, died in 2012. Nursing theorist.
Marcia Anderson, born in 1958, first Black woman major general in Army Reserve.
Leo J. Dulacki, born in 1918, died in 2019. Marine general.
Virginia Thomas, activist, lawyer. Married to Justice Thomas.
Francis George, born in 1937, died in 2015. Chicago Archbishop.
Francis P. Matthews, born in 1887, died in 1952. Navy Secretary, ambassador.
These serve with honor.
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Icons
Arts grads entertain.
William Dozier, producer, actor.
Ron Hansen, novelist.
Paul Henderson, Pulitzer reporter.
James Earl Jones, actor (visited, connected).
Mercedes McCambridge, Oscar winner (connected).
Loretta Young, actress (connected).
Sandy Dennis, Oscar winner (connected).
Ruby Dee, actress (connected).
Todd Fink, singer for The Faint.
Frank Waln, rapper, activist.
Tom Fadden, actor.
Uwem Akpan, writer.
Ernie Chambers, in documentary.
Nancy Nye, Oscar nominee.
These create and inspire.
Other Notable Figures
More standouts include:
Kobe Paras, basketball from Philippines.
Porter Moser, coach for Oklahoma.
John McKay, US Attorney.
Randy Eccker, sports exec.
Mary Higgins, athlete.
Many women pioneers like Anna Marie Griffith, first female MD in 1898.
FAQs About Creighton University Notable Alumni
What makes creighton university notable alumni so successful? They gain strong ethics and skills from Jesuit education.
Who are top creighton university notable alumni in NBA? Kyle Korver, Doug McDermott, Paul Silas.
Are there creighton university notable alumni in politics? Yes, like Paul Gosar and Mike Johanns.
How many creighton university notable alumni are in hall of fame? Many, especially in athletics.
What fields do creighton university notable alumni cover? Sports, politics, business, arts, science.
Conclusion
Creighton university notable alumni prove the school’s power. From NBA stars like Kyle Korver to leaders like Joe Ricketts, they inspire. These grads use their education to achieve and serve. Creighton’s Jesuit roots foster this success. The alumni network stays strong, helping new generations.
In summary, creighton university notable alumni excel worldwide. They show hard work pays off. What Creighton alum inspires you most? Share in the comments.
References
- EduRank: Comprehensive list of 100 notable alumni, sorted by popularity. Great for SEO due to detailed rankings and fields. EduRank Creighton Alumni
- Creighton Alumni Site: History and traditions, highlighting founders and sports figures. Ranks well with engaging stories and keyword-rich headings. Creighton History and Tradition
- Creighton Athletics: Hall of Fame list, alphabetical members. Strong for sports searches with structured lists. Creighton Hall of Fame

