Erskine was constant for three decades of CU students

By Polivas Zukauskas
Reporter

Three decades at the same job is a feat. But three decades of working to change the lives of hundreds of college students is something few can lay claim to.

On Aug. 19 Charlene Erskine, retiring staff member of the Student Counseling Center, waved farewell to Creighton University.

After 31 years with Creighton, Erskine explained her reasons for retirement best when she said, “I’m 61-years-old and have been working full time since I was 15. I’m tired!”

The former director of the Counseling Center first arrived at Creighton in 1974 when there was no student center or fitness center. During her time here she saw four different university presidents walk through Creighton’s halls. Respected and adored by her colleagues, Erskine was seen as a fountain of information and the cornerstone of her department.

“ The best part of working at Creighton was mentoring students and having an impact. Being able to witness them turn their lives around was something that I will take with me forever,” Erskine said.

Before the beginning of her extended stay with Creighton, Erskine was involved with the Peace Corps. Stationed on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines, she taught English to teachers for one semester and taught educational psychology for the remaining three.

“ It was a great experience and afterward I had a chance to extensively tour Asia and Europe,” Erskine said.

Upon her return to the United States, Erskine studied at the University of Iowa and earned her master’s.

Now that she is retiring, Erskine plans to take a traditional retiree route and move to Florida with her husband.

“ I guess I’ll collect seashells, ride my bike with my dog and write a book. I have chapters upon chapters of books in my head ready to come out. Above all else I am going to rest for a year because I really am tired,” Erskine explained.

Erskine is leaving Creighton with no regrets.

“ I am thankful to work in a place with the Jesuit philosophy and education. Their passion of vocation to work with the entire student really fit well with my values.”