Gerald L. Quirk, distinguished faculty award recipient

Gerald L. Quirk earned a Master of Commerce degree through Richmond’s University College—the first of three names (thus far) for what we now call the School of Professional and Continuing Studies—in 1974. Being a graduate of the University of Richmond is a matter of great pride to Quirk, one that continues to open doors for him.

It came as a considerable surprise to Quirk when, during the awards ceremony at SPCS Night on May 8, 2013, Quirk was named the Itzkowitz Family Distinguished Faculty Award recipient. As a result of earning this recognition, Quirk was asked to prepare remarks to the graduating students at SPCS Commencement a mere three days later.

At Commencement, Quirk reminded the graduates of something that Richmond grads may take for granted—that the value of their degree is directly proportional to the quality and contribution of current and future graduates of the University.

Quirk shared that his University of Richmond diploma continues to open doors, including ones that have enabled him to teach at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and SPCS.

“My degree continues to open doors,” noted Quirk, “and increases in value every year as a direct result of UR graduates like you that continue to flow into government, community and business activities each and every year.”

Quirk’s remarks balanced the great pride of accomplishment in graduating with the challenges and obstacles adult students encounter while earning their degrees. He shared his personal philosophy—one that he adopted while a University College student—that helps him enjoy opportunities and avoid obstacles.

“Life is a hurdle race, full of opportunities and equally filled with challenges and obstacles, both represented by our hurdles,” he observed. “Some days we clear the hurdles easily and enjoy unparalleled opportunities. Some days the hurdles clear us and hold up our progress.”

He assured the graduates that they now have the tools, as a result of earning a Richmond degree, to succeed in today’s world.

“As a result of your time here,” he argued, “you are much better qualified to run the race and win the race because you are much better equipped to recognize and enjoy the opportunities and avoid the obstacles. Your success is almost predetermined.”

Quirk’s professional experience bears witness to the results of this philosophy. Following his undergraduate experience at Virginia Military Institute, Quirk served in the United States Army, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He then entered a long career as an executive in print manufacturing, one that honed his emphasis on expanding sales and carefully managing resources. His leadership earned national-level awards for customer service and is credited with successfully turning around seven companies.

It is this professional experience, coupled with his graduate experiences at Richmond and Webster College, that Quirk brings to the classroom—and that results in recognition like the Itzkowitz Family Distinguished Service Award, one that is selected by direct student voting.

His charge to the graduating students is one based on his own experience of seeing doors opened as a result of earning a degree from the University of Richmond.

“Take charge of your brilliant future and made a difference in the world,” he challenged. “You are so well qualified to do both.”