When Kurt Heimbigner was weighing his college options, the thought of attending Gonzaga, even though it was right in his backyard, never seriously crossed his mind. He just assumed it was not feasible.
“Growing up in Spokane, I always thought a Gonzaga education was beyond my reach, so I never even considered applying,” Kurt said. “It’s been incredible to see how committed the University is to trying to make a Gonzaga education available to all those who want it.
Now Kurt is determined to make sure no one else, regardless of their financial circumstances, misses out on Gonzaga’s transformative qualities.
“Knowing how needed that support is,” he said, “it feels good to know that my gift is helping students achieve their dreams.”
It may have come a little later in life, but Kurt is still getting — and loving — his Gonzaga experience. He has spent the last two years as an employee of the University. He is currently the director of marketing services in GU’s Marketing and Communications Department, which is in charge of building Gonzaga’s overall brand. Kurt’s primary duties involve planning and assisting in the production of numerous publications, events, campaigns and activities on campus.
“It’s inspiring to be in this kind of environment,” Kurt said. “I never cease to be amazed at the quality of our students and the passion everyone here shares for the Gonzaga community.”
Even though Kurt has only been at GU a short time, he has firmly embraced the University’s Jesuit traditions and commitment to developing men and women for others.
“Gonzaga has helped me see the world through a different lens and to look for ways to use my talents to serve others,” he said. “It’s easy to come to work every day at a place where you truly feel you are having a positive impact on the world.”
Kurt views “Zag, You’re It!” as an opportunity to ensure that everyone who so desires can be part of the Gonzaga family.
“It would be easy to say: ‘I didn’t go to school here, so I don’t need to give back.’ But from day one at this job I have been welcomed into the Gonzaga family and that has compelled me to do what I can to ensure others can be a part of that. I’m ‘it’ every day when I come to work and do my best to serve our students and the University. And I’m ‘it’ when it comes time to give back.”
That is why Kurt Heimbigner gives back to Gonzaga, and now Kurt tags you.