The Lindenwood - Fall 2020

22 23 FALL 2020 EDITION FALL 2020 EDITION THE LINDENWOOD THE LINDENWOOD A CHAMPION’S LEGACY Not even John Creer himself thought a brief conversation in 1991 with Lindenwood’s then-president, Dennis Spellman, would turn into a career and a heart-felt passion for the University that has spanned nearly 30 years. After a lengthy coaching career at several colleges across the country, he and his wife, Liz, looked to return to Florida where they began their journey together. However, other plans became reality. John’s career at Lindenwood University began as dean of students, but it was his transition and involvement in the University’s athletic programs that he is likely known for and where his passion and legacy reside. There are many accolades to acknowledge, including what John feels are some of the proudest moments of his career – the 1997 track & field program that won Lindenwood University’s first national championship, and the University’s impactful decision to transition to NCAA Division II sports – but what John focuses on today is something we, as the Lindenwood community, are so thankful for: his unwavering support to assist the University and its students in ensuring its continued advancement. “It is so important to give back,” said John. “Lindenwood is not only vital to the St. Charles area, and has impacted so many around the community, but cares so much to always have the needs of the students as its number one priority. It is important we all continue to help it be as best as it can be.” It’s almost ironic that John’s work with Lindenwood has picked up since his retirement as the athletic director in 2015. Lindenwood showed appreciation to John for all his dedication and tireless efforts throughout the years, including induction into the Lindenwood University Sports Hall of Fame and honoring his track & field legacy by creating the John Creer Track & Field Invitational event that occurs every year. John and Liz worked to show their appreciation to the University as well, through their selfless contributions. If you walk around campus, you may come across a John Creer brick paver and the John Creer Hall of Fame Walkway, which were made possible through donations to the University by John and Liz. You may also see John himself, who continues to work on a project within the Advancement and Alumni Relations Department to document and catalog the University’s proud student-athlete history. However, it’s the John Creer Endowed Scholarship that John and Liz are probably the proudest of. The John Creer Endowed Scholarship was created through donations by John and Liz, as well as friends and family, to assist student-athletes in their pursuit of the best education around. According to John, “it is so important for student- athletes to completely pursue the education that will carry THE GIVING COMMUNITY THE GIVING COMMUNITY them past their athletic career, and if we can help them by assisting with the costs of their educational journey, we should.” John’s career at Lindenwood is one to admire, even though John is one of the humblest individuals around. While the University is forever indebted to his work between 1991 – 2015, it is the students of today and tomorrow who can be indebted to him moving forward, thanks to his continued support of the University. “I left the athletic program with great relationships and I am so fortunate to maintain many of those, but I ultimately just want the University to be as best as it possible can be.” – John On behalf of the entire University community, we thank you John. If you are interested in contributing to the John Creer Endowed Scholarship, or would like to discuss other donation options, including endowing your own scholarship to make a lasting impact, please reach out to the Advancement Department at (636) 949-4937. JOHN CREER JOHN CREER It is so important to give back… Lindenwood is not only vital to the St. Charles area, and has impacted so many around the community, but cares so much to always have the needs of the students as its number one priority. It is important we all continue to help it be as best as it can be. It is so important for student-athletes to completely pursue the education that will carry them past their athletic career, and if we can help them by assisting with the costs of their educational journey, we should. FUN FACTS ? Creer coached Lindenwood to their first National Championship The Creer family endowed a scholarship to support student-athletes Lindenwood football team community service project in North St. Louis Did you know that Lindenwood has a long history of being involved in community service projects? Over the years this has included everything from volunteering for the Red Cross during WWI and WWII, to teaching inner city kids during the summer. Today’s LU students provide over 9,200 hours of community service each year.