Never on the sidelines: Ex-student-athlete champions student success at Abington

ABINGTON, Pa. — Alumnus Jim Creighton never planned to become one of Penn State Abington’s most visible champions. When he chose to attend what was then called Penn State Ogontz in 1977, it wasn’t part of a master plan — it was a practical decision rooted in affordability, family and opportunity, he said.

“Penn State Ogontz was the most affordable option among the schools that accepted me,” Creighton said. “Coming from a blue-collar family in Northeast Philadelphia, with four siblings, it was truly the only feasible choice.”

Like many students of his generation, Creighton followed what was then a well-worn path: two years at Ogontz, then on to University Park to complete his degree in business logistics. At the time, he didn’t realize he fit today’s definition of a first-generation student. What he did know was that Abington/Ogontz gave him a chance — and it changed his life in ways he could not have imagined. 

Within weeks of arriving on campus, his connection to Abington/Ogontz was cemented. After soccer practice one early September day, he met Barbara, his future wife, on the athletic field. Both would graduate in 1981, beginning a partnership rooted in shared experience, teamwork and Penn State pride. Decades later, Creighton keeps in close touch with his college roommate and many friends he made on the soccer team and through campus athletics — relationships that have endured long after graduation. 

Looking back, Creighton said he credits Penn State with helping him find his voice and his confidence.

“Starting at Ogontz and then going to University Park got me out of my shell,” he said. “It made me a better communicator and gave me confidence.” 

Courses in sociology, psychology and speech communications were especially impactful, teaching him how to understand and interact with people. Core business courses — economics, statistics and accounting—prepared him for the professional world.

“I learned enough to be dangerous,” he joked. “Penn State forces you to get a well-rounded education, and that made all the difference.” 

That foundation launched a 38-year career as an executive at Holman, a global automotive services company, beginning with an entry-level job in logistics. Over time, his work took him around the world.  

“Those experiences shaped my professional growth,” he said. 

Opportunity meets commitment

Today, in retirement, Creighton’s focus has shifted from career to service — and Abington sits squarely at the center of that commitment. As a first-generation college graduate, he said he feels a deep responsibility to give back to the place that gave him so much. 

“I’ve always believed in giving back — sharing time, talent and treasure,” Creighton said. “Now that I’m retired, I find great joy in volunteering and working directly with students.” 

His involvement touches nearly every corner of campus life. Thanks to his genuine enthusiasm, commitment to Abington students, and engaging personality, Creighton is woven into the daily rhythms of campus life. 

One focus is career and professional development. He provides students with feedback on their resumes and practices with them for job interviews. You’ll find him at 6:30 a.m. in a campus parking lot teaching students to knot their ties before they depart for off-campus career fairs or on a Saturday night at a public event students staged along Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia.

Creighton also mentors student-athletes on the campus's NCAA Division III teams, serving as a sounding board and connection point for them and their families. 

His presence is perhaps felt most personally on the sidelines of Abington soccer games. There, he cheers, talks with parents, connects students to alumni mentors, and reminds student-athletes that they belong to something bigger. Creighton often helps student-athletes translate their experiences into résumés and career opportunities. 

“Being on a Division III team is a part-time job,” he said. “They don’t always realize how transferable those skills are.” 

Campuswide, he serves as vice chair of the Penn State Abington Advisory Board, and he’s a vocal and visible champion of the Penn State Abington Ogontz Athletics Hall of Fame, celebrating the legacy and lifelong community of the people behind campus sports. 

Creighton’s philanthropy is equally expansive. He and his family currently fund eight scholarships with plans to expand. These include scholarships for students from Philadelphia and Bucks County high schools, a STEM scholarship for his alma mater, and pathway scholarships for community college transfer students. He also supports excellence funds for academic programs including art, athletics, undergraduate research and Abington’s Recreation, Park and Tourism Management major program.

“I want to support students who, like me, chose Abington as their affordable path but may be juggling part-time jobs or student loans,” he said. “If I can ease that burden for even one student or family, it’s an incredible privilege.” 

One program especially close to his heart is ACURA, the robust undergraduate research program. A pair of students captured his interest with their award-winning cancer treatment research, and Creighton was hooked.  

“When I first heard about ACURA, I couldn’t write a check fast enough,” he said. “I had no idea our students were doing research on campus.” 

For Creighton, undergraduate research represents more than academic enrichment, he said — it’s preparation for life.  

“It cultivates critical thinking, innovation and problem-solving skills,” he said. “Those are essential beyond the classroom.” 

Creighton offered students simple but powerful advice: “Every one of you is capable of achieving success if you focus on what’s important, pursue an education and put in the work. Create opportunities for yourself. Believe in others when they believe in you. Be confident, be respectful, and be kind.” 

Nearly five decades after he first stepped onto campus as a student, Creighton remains deeply rooted at Abington — as a mentor, advocate, donor and believer in what’s possible when opportunity meets commitment. 

Donors like Jim Creighton advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.

About Penn State Abington

Penn State Abington, home to nearly 3,000 students and just minutes from Philadelphia, offers 26 four-year majors and 14 NCAA Division III athletics teams. The Abington Experience launches students from campus to career through internships, leadership development, short-term academic travel, and faculty-led research. Penn State Abington — where the city’s energy meets the best of the suburbs.