Dowling, Michael P. (1851-1915),

Father Dowling was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on June 14, 1851. He was ordained a priest in 1882, his studies having been interrupted for several years due to an illness.

On July 8, 1885, Father Dowling was appointed Vice-Rector of Creighton College, where he also fulfilled the additional duties of Prefect of Studies and Procurator. Creighton was opened in the autumn of 1878, and when Father Dowling took charge in 1885, the enrollment was around 150 students. Amoung his accomplishments were obtaining the housing for an increased faculty and the building of the Saint John's Church.

In this same period, Father Dowling began a friendship with John A. Creighton. The relationship grew and Creighton College prospered as a result of the unusual ability, prudence and public sprit held by these two men who together accomplished a work that neither could have done alone.

Father Dowling was transferred to Detroit College in 1889, however he returned to Omaha in 1898. Probably because of his previous efforts, as well as those of John Creighton, the college had become a university in the interim. Upon his return, Father Dowling added the Colleges of Law, Pharmacy and Dentistry, to the already existing College of Medicine.

Father Dowling had the reputation of being a gifted and skillful organizer, a tireless worker, with a clear and logical mind, giving personal attention to details, at the samne time the ability to delegate authority.

This fine priest. dedicated his life to education and his entire energy was devoted to this cause. He was a gifted public speaker, graceful and witty, and was instantly recognized wherever he went.

When John A. Creighton died, he was revealed that the principal part, since he had no heirs, was left to Creighton University.

On March 8, 1909, Father Dowling departed, by his own request, from Creighton. The strain of administrating Creighton University and the John A. Creighton estate had left him a very tired and aging priest. He died at Saint Aloysius Church in Kansas City on February 13, 1915. He was interred in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Omaha, near his faithful friend , John A. Creighton.

TheTrue Voice said of Father Dowling, "Few men have been so richly endowed with those gifts that go to make what the world calls a "big man". It is scarcely too much to say that he deserves to be ranked with Edward and John A. Creighton as a founder of Creighton University.