“Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total, all of those acts will be written the history of this generation.” Richard Virgin used these words of Robert F. Kennedy when he was introduced to the University Relations staff to describe his desire to impact Creighton

University, even if he does so in a small way. Virgin was welcomed to the Creighton community as the new vice president for University Relations. He started his new position on Aug. 14. The vice president for University Relations is responsible for the overall philanthropic strategies, alumni relations and advancement services.

“My role as vice president is to ensure that Creighton University raises more money each year for University priorities, engages our alumni and builds healthy relationships with all of our constituencies,” Virgin said. “If we do all of these things well, Creighton University will be an even stronger institution than it is now.”

Virgin comes to Creighton with experience in development and fundraising.

Virgin served at the Close Up Foundation as the vice president for Development where he created a development framework and a fundraising plan. He has also worked at George Washington University as the chief Development officer. Most recently, he worked at George Mason University as the senior associate vice president for Development and Alumni Affairs. There he restructured the fundraising operation and helped with their comprehensive campaign.

“Rick’s professional accomplishments of being a campaign strategist and relationship builder will help Creighton secure support for our visionary goals. We are fortunate to have him join the University to provide leadership to our philanthropic priorities and efforts to deepen ties to our alumni,” Fr. Lannon, the president of Creighton University, said in an earlier newsletter.

Virgin has embraced the spirit of Creighton and has every intention of discussing its philanthropic goals with its alumni and other donors.

“Creighton has been blessed with a proud tradition of support by its alumni and donors. I am confident that the more we engage with these supporters, along with new supporters, the University will have the philanthropic dollars it needs. There is no reason Creighton shouldn’t aspire to be the best Jesuit university in the country. The mixture of strong academics, extracurricular offerings, faith and values make for a powerful combination and is very attractive to donors,” Virgin said.

Virgin has no fears when it comes to the workplace, but he is excited to meet the faculty and students. He is also looking forward to hearing how much impact a college education

has on those who have the opportunity to attend Creighton.

When Virgin is not reaching out to alumni and planning how to tackle philanthropic needs, he likes to play golf, run, read and spend time with his wife Kathleen and his 3 1⁄2 year-old daughter Kennedy.

Virgin is ready to use his talents and passions to make Creighton University the best it can be.

“If I can play a small part in providing a strong future for the University, then it will feel like a great accomplishment,” Virgin said. “I’ve only been here a very short period of time, but I already know what many of you do: Creighton is a very special place filled with people who are happy to share their extraordinary gifts inside and outside of the classroom.”