Mobile City Council Proclaims Wednesday, December 3, Skip Viragh Day

Dec 2nd, 2003

Mobile, Ala. - The Mobile City Council on Tuesday proclaimed Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2003, Skip Viragh Day in honor of 1964 Spring Hill alumnus Albert P. "Skip" Viragh and his record-breaking generosity toward the College. The proclamation was made by City Council President Reggie Copeland, Sr. and presented to Spring Hill President Gregory F. Lucey, S.J. during the council's weekly meeting.

Viragh, a Spring Hill trustee and former basketball player, has given Spring Hill a total of $13.5 million over the last four years, including an $8 million gift announced Nov. 20. His contributions to his alma mater make Viragh the greatest benefactor in Spring Hill history and arguably one of Mobile's largest benefactors ever.

In accepting the proclamation, Lucey asked for prayers for Viragh, who has been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Lucey also recalled the historic relationship Spring Hill has shared with the City Council, dating back to 1830 when Bishop Michael Portier approached the city fathers to purchase land for the College.

"Bishop Portier indicated to the mayor and aldermen in 1830 that Spring Hill would be eminently Catholic, yet be open to all denominations," Lucey told the council. "Today you honor a man who embodies the spirit of Portier and, through his incredible generosity, has demonstrated his love for our students and his desire that they continue to become responsible leaders in service to others."

The College plans to use Viragh's latest gift to construct the Viragh Complex-a residential complex that will feature a second residence hall to mirror the existing Viragh Hall as well as new parking and an outdoor amphitheater. Construction of the complex, which will replace Murray Hall, will begin in May 2005 and should be completed by August 2006.

The following is the City Council's proclamation:

WHEREAS, Albert P. "Skip" Viragh, member of the Board of Trustees of Spring Hill College, is a graduate of Spring Hill College class of 1964 and is founder of the Rydex Fund Group, one of the fastest growing mutual fund families in the industry; and

WHEREAS, prior to creating Rydex, he worked for Rushmore Nova Fund, Illinois Tool Works, and Monsanto in a sales and marketing capacity; and

WHEREAS, Spring Hill College recently announced plans for the creation of the Viragh Complex on its campus made possible by a $8 million gift
WHEREAS, Mr. Viragh previously contributed $3 million toward a residence hall at Spring Hill College and $1.4 million for a major landscaping project, bringing his total contributions to Spring Hill College to an unbelievable $13.5 million; and

WHEREAS, this makes Skip Viragh by far the greatest benefactor in Spring Hill history and one of the largest single benefactors in Mobile history.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Reggie Copeland, Sr., Council Member of District 5, along with the Mayor and members of the Mobile City Council, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, December 3, 2003, as "Skip Viragh Day" in Mobile and express our appreciation for his generosity and love for our city which is so fittingly displayed in this lasting gift.