The Rev. William Corby, C.S.C., Award - 2022: Rear Adm. Kathleen M. Creighton '88, USN

Rear Adm. Kathleen M. Creighton '88, USN

In recognition of her distinguished military service, retired Rear Adm. Kathleen (Traynor) Creighton ’88 is honored with this award.

After graduating in 1988, Creighton was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy through the Notre Dame ROTC program. As she rose through the ranks to rear admiral, she was at the forefront of the Navy’s Information Technology and cyber transformation. A ground-breaking officer at every point in her career, Creighton was one of the first women to serve as a flag communication officer on a carrier strike group. She also served as the commanding officer or officer-in-charge at communication commands in Norfolk, Naples, London, Sicily, and Bahrain. Afloat and ashore, she provided communications to combat operations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

During the last decade of her career, Creighton played a significant role in transforming Navy communications and in the creation of cyberspace operating forces to defend and defeat cyberspace attacks aimed at the United States. At Indo-Pacific Command, she led joint cyber operations and as deputy commander at Joint Force Headquarters DoD Information Network, she was charged with defending all Department of Defense networks.

“What does the Corby award mean to me? The values, relationships, and dedication to service that we lived at Notre Dame serves as the foundation of my adult life and guided me through my Navy career. My 1988 NROTC and Pasquerilla East classmates were an important part of my journey to become a compassionate and committed leader. I am honored and humbled to receive this incredibly prestigious award.”