DoIT Builds Team Connections at the Creighton University Retreat Center
For its 30th anniversary, Creighton University Retreat Center is highlighting ways staff, faculty and students utilize the retreat center. The Retreat Center is an extension of our main campus, for your use, and a place set apart for a very special purpose.
Division of Information Technology Retreat
This month, the Retreat Center is highlighting the Creighton Division of Information Technology (IT). This team has been retreating at the Retreat Center since 2018. Their retreat spans nearly one and a half workdays and is overnight, which offers them the opportunity for various encounters and sessions.
The group looks forward to their retreats year-round and says it’s important for their team to attend this retreat every year. Debby Halstrom, an executive assistant, said, “It’s essential to get away from campus so we can focus on the reason why we’re on the retreat.”
According to Russ Pearlman, vice president of IT, the team strives to create “a social environment where we can build relationships in a distraction-free zone.” Building better relationships helps them operate as a team more effectively.
They choose themes every year such as “Looking Back and Looking Forward.” Each theme is designed to help staff personally reflect as they learn and bond with co-workers.
The IT team enjoys a laid-back agenda of presentations and work discussions, team-building exercises, and fun-filled social time. They also enjoy home-cooked meals (some made from vegetables grown onsite!) prepared by Retreat Center kitchen staff
The Retreat Center offers spaces to conduct business and share presentations and have room for lighthearted team-building activities and personal reflection time.
“The experiences are outside of what we normally do together,” says Pearlman. "They’re completely unique.”
Not only has it done something great for their department, but these retreats have enriched staff’s lives spiritually and given them a better work/life balance.
When asked what keeps the IT team returning, they said the quiet countryside makes their retreat exceptional. The sound of cheerful birdsong, the lack of traffic noise, the nature walks and the fresh, clean air create an atmosphere of serenity.
About
No matter what department you’re from at Creighton, the Retreat Center would love to welcome you. Engage with your team to build better relationships and come to a common focus. Members of the Retreat Center can also help design a retreat to maximize time and create an enjoyable experience for any team.
Learn more and contact the Retreat Center to inquire about availability.