Outstanding Graduate Kirk Jorgensen ’21 Creates Islander Impact with Business Degree
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – With consideration of family and academics on both heart and mind, Kirk Jorgensen ’21 is proving there is no task too big for an Islander with the drive to succeed. Jorgensen’s impact in the workplace, classroom, community, and spirited campus involvement, has led to him to his selection as the summer 2021 College of Business Outstanding Graduate. The accolade is sponsored by the Office of the Provost.
“I am excited to walk the stage at commencement with this honor,” said Jorgensen, a first-generation college student who will earn a Bachelor of Business Administration.
Jorgensen made his Islander impact from the very start, joining the TAMU-CC University Center team as a student worker eager to make connections and get involved with the Islander community. Jorgensen was employed at the UC for four years and held various roles including working at the Information Desk, Scheduling and Reservations Desk, Izzy’s Food Pantry, and as Senior Student Manager for Scheduling.
Jorgensen also held numerous leadership roles in multiple organizations across campus, including president of the First Year Council in the Student Government Association, and Student Senator for the College of Business. Jorgensen also participated in Aloha Days, the TAMU-CC Homecoming Committee and Court, and Project GRAD – a graduation and retention program.
“Many students can achieve success in the academic or student life side of campus, but rarely in both,” said Dr. Don Albrecht, recently retired TAMU-CC Vice President for Student Engagement and Success. “Kirk is one of those rare students who can balance those two aspects and find outstanding achievements in each of them. He is a campus and community leader, servant, and scholar.”
Jorgensen also represented the university at “Day at the Capitol” in Austin, where he advocated for funding for TAMU-CC’s state legislative agenda. He also represented the College of Business during a study abroad at the university’s partner school in Worms, Germany.
While juggling leadership responsibilities on campus, Jorgensen also served as the primary caretaker for his mother, a breast cancer survivor, and younger brother, who has learning challenges due to autism. Jorgensen says the adversity of his family dynamic pushed him even further to aim for academic success and independence.
“From a financial perspective, I would not have been able to remain a student here without receiving academic scholarships over the years, for which I am grateful,” Jorgensen said. “My degree will allow me to better my situation and therefore better my family’s future.”
From a young age, Jorgensen says he found the business world to be an intriguing one – one that could bolster his passion for animal and environmental welfare.
“It takes money to help charities dealing with animal and environmental causes,” Jorgensen, a Corpus Christi native, said. “Being in a business management position will allow me to decide matters that impact our ecosystem for any corporation I work with – creating change from the inside out.”
During his time on campus, Jorgensen coordinated multiple donation drives through his “Give Love to Shelter Pets” program, collecting toys, treats, and supplies for the animals at the Gulf Coast Humane Society where he serves as a volunteer.
Reflecting on his time at A&M-Corpus Christi, Jorgensen credits both his family and the Islander community for his growth as a scholar and philanthropist, leading him to earn the U.S. Congressional Recognition for Academic Achievement in 2018 and the Presidential Volunteer Service Award in 2019.
“Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is my hometown university and I am proud to have been a student here,” Jorgensen said. “I thank both my mother and brother for their support through all my academic endeavors. As a scholar, being surrounded by intelligent and motivated people is what shaped me and provided me with a conscientious and pragmatic approach to business leadership.”
Jorgensen plans to pursue a master’s degree in International Business. His aspiration is to work for a company with innovative ideas that values diplomacy and corporate philanthropy.
