From the President's Desk |
From the President's Desk |
| |
|
Leading with Hope into a Bright New Year |
Leading with Hope into a Bright New Year |
| |
|
Dear Gonzaga Community, Merry Christmas! I recently had the honor of joining the annual tree-lighting ceremony in Hemmingson Center, and while there is always something a little magical about a Christmas tree bursting with lights and tinsel – not to mention snow falling indoors – this moment was particularly special to me. Looking around the rotunda at all those gathered for this long-held Gonzaga tradition, I saw so many aspects of what makes our University shine. Our students were there to enjoy the festivities and support their friends performing in the GU Jazz Band and the wonderful singers in Big Bing Theory. Father Bob Lyons, S.J., blessed our time together and reminded us of our treasured Jesuit community on campus. GSBA President Alyssa Johnston-Guzman delivered an inspiring welcome full of care for all as we head into the holidays. So many people worked so hard to put together this wonderful event, and it truly made me understand the Zag Christmas spirit. Decorating a tree is often a family tradition that brings loved ones together, and the students, faculty, staff and families who came together for this tree-lighting offered a vivid reminder of the incredible Gonzaga family I joined this year. I am so thankful. |
Dear Gonzaga Community, Merry Christmas! I recently had the honor of joining the annual tree-lighting ceremony in Hemmingson Center, and while there is always something a little magical about a Christmas tree bursting with lights and tinsel – not to mention snow falling indoors – this moment was particularly special to me. Looking around the rotunda at all those gathered for this long-held Gonzaga tradition, I saw so many aspects of what makes our University shine. Our students were there to enjoy the festivities and support their friends performing in the GU Jazz Band and the wonderful singers in Big Bing Theory. Father Bob Lyons, S.J., blessed our time together and reminded us of our treasured Jesuit community on campus. GSBA President Alyssa Johnston-Guzman delivered an inspiring welcome full of care for all as we head into the holidays. So many people worked so hard to put together this wonderful event, and it truly made me understand the Zag Christmas spirit. Decorating a tree is often a family tradition that brings loved ones together, and the students, faculty, staff and families who came together for this tree-lighting offered a vivid reminder of the incredible Gonzaga family I joined this year. I am so thankful. |
 |
|
|
The tree-lighting ceremony is a wonderful Gonzaga tradition. |
The tree-lighting ceremony is a wonderful Gonzaga tradition. |
|
|
Our Board Steps Up for Students |
Our Board Steps Up for Students |
The Board of Trustees met in Seattle last week to discuss the exciting opportunities and challenges facing Gonzaga. One that you’ll be hearing more about is Gonzaga’s leadership in encouraging Washington state to reinstate funds to its Washington College Grant program that were cut last year for students who attend independent, non-profit colleges and universities. At Gonzaga, 678 first-, second- and third-year students rely on these programs as part of their financial aid package, and I want to thank the Board for its recent decision to make sure those Zags are able to complete their education. It’s an amazing show of support for these students who are such a valued part of our community. Gonzaga is working to assure future Zags will have access to Washington State Grant funding. I’m working with leadership at peer institutions in the Independent Colleges of Washington, as well as with business executives and lawmakers, to reinstate funding in the coming Washington legislative session. I’ll be discussing this issue at the Seattle Chamber of Commerce next week. We’re also asking our students, faculty, staff and Gonzaga friends to make their voices heard and support this vital source of financial aid. You can learn more about this issue on this Washington College Grant information page, and any students and families concerned about whether their aid is affected can learn more through this helpful question-and-answer page from our Financial Aid team. There were two more exciting developments at the Board meetings. First, McKinstry CEO Dean Allen announced a partnership aligned with our School of Engineering and Applied Science, which will provide opportunities for students to earn paid internships, mentorship, and a pathway to a job upon graduation. Read more about it in the “Highlights” below. The Board and University leadership, including GSBA President Alyssa Johnston Guzman and Vice President Charlie MacDonald, also visited Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond. Some incredible GU alumni working at Microsoft hosted a discussion on how we can grow our partnership and provide more Zags internships and career opportunities at one of the leading tech companies in the world. We also heard a fascinating presentation on the state of artificial intelligence and talked about how we can best prepare our students for careers that will be influenced by the rapid adoption of AI. |
The Board of Trustees met in Seattle last week to discuss the exciting opportunities and challenges facing Gonzaga. One that you’ll be hearing more about is Gonzaga’s leadership in encouraging Washington state to reinstate funds to its Washington College Grant program that were cut last year for students who attend independent, non-profit colleges and universities. At Gonzaga, 678 first-, second- and third-year students rely on these programs as part of their financial aid package, and I want to thank the Board for its recent decision to make sure those Zags are able to complete their education. It’s an amazing show of support for these students who are such a valued part of our community. Gonzaga is working to assure future Zags will have access to Washington State Grant funding. I’m working with leadership at peer institutions in the Independent Colleges of Washington, as well as with business executives and lawmakers, to reinstate funding in the coming Washington legislative session. I’ll be discussing this issue at the Seattle Chamber of Commerce next week. We’re also asking our students, faculty, staff and Gonzaga friends to make their voices heard and support this vital source of financial aid. You can learn more about this issue on this Washington College Grant information page, and any students and families concerned about whether their aid is affected can learn more through this helpful question-and-answer page from our Financial Aid team. There were two more exciting developments at the Board meetings. First, McKinstry CEO Dean Allen announced a partnership aligned with our School of Engineering and Applied Science, which will provide opportunities for students to earn paid internships, mentorship, and a pathway to a job upon graduation. Read more about it in the “Highlights” below. The Board and University leadership, including GSBA President Alyssa Johnston Guzman and Vice President Charlie MacDonald, also visited Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond. Some incredible GU alumni working at Microsoft hosted a discussion on how we can grow our partnership and provide more Zags internships and career opportunities at one of the leading tech companies in the world. We also heard a fascinating presentation on the state of artificial intelligence and talked about how we can best prepare our students for careers that will be influenced by the rapid adoption of AI. |
|
|
Alumni working at Microsoft welcomed us with open arms. |
Alumni working at Microsoft welcomed us with open arms. |
|
|
On the Road: Desert Days in Las Vegas |
On the Road: Desert Days in Las Vegas |
I had the opportunity to visit Las Vegas during Thanksgiving week. In addition to taking in some of the exciting action of our men’s basketball team, I got to meet so many alumni and students who’d made the trip to cheer on the Zags. I look forward to seeing them all again in March for the West Coast Conference tournament! I was also able to join Gonzaga admission officer Alexa Gaske on a visit to Cristo Rey St. Viator, an outstanding high school that shares Gonzaga’s Mission of educating students for lives of faith, purpose and service. It’s so inspiring meeting young people, hearing about their hopes for the future, and sharing Gonzaga’s story with potential future Zags! |
I had the opportunity to visit Las Vegas during Thanksgiving week. In addition to taking in some of the exciting action of our men’s basketball team, I got to meet so many alumni and students who’d made the trip to cheer on the Zags. I look forward to seeing them all again in March for the West Coast Conference tournament! I was also able to join Gonzaga admission officer Alexa Gaske on a visit to Cristo Rey St. Viator, an outstanding high school that shares Gonzaga’s Mission of educating students for lives of faith, purpose and service. It’s so inspiring meeting young people, hearing about their hopes for the future, and sharing Gonzaga’s story with potential future Zags! |
|
|
It was an honor to visit Cristo Rey St. Viator high school in Las Vegas. |
It was an honor to visit Cristo Rey St. Viator high school in Las Vegas. |
|
|
As we wrap up the fall semester, I want to express my gratitude for the Gonzaga family that’s welcomed me and my family with open arms and open hearts. It’s been wonderful meeting so many students and alumni both on campus and as I’ve traveled and experienced the global Gonzaga network firsthand. I look forward to the work we will do together for many years to come, sharing Gonzaga’s vision and Mission with the world. Finally, I want to share with you all a traditional Italian Christmas blessing: “Buon Natale! Che Dio vi benedica in questo giorno santa.” In English, that translates to “Merry Christmas! May God bless you on this holy day.” May God bless all of the Gonzaga community this Christmas, and have a happy and safe New Year! |
As we wrap up the fall semester, I want to express my gratitude for the Gonzaga family that’s welcomed me and my family with open arms and open hearts. It’s been wonderful meeting so many students and alumni both on campus and as I’ve traveled and experienced the global Gonzaga network firsthand. I look forward to the work we will do together for many years to come, sharing Gonzaga’s vision and Mission with the world. Finally, I want to share with you all a traditional Italian Christmas blessing: “Buon Natale! Che Dio vi benedica in questo giorno santa.” In English, that translates to “Merry Christmas! May God bless you on this holy day.” May God bless all of the Gonzaga community this Christmas, and have a happy and safe New Year! |
|
|
Katia Passerini, Ph.D.
President, Gonzaga University |
Katia Passerini, Ph.D.
President, Gonzaga University |
|
|
I want to highlight some of the excellent work being done by the Gonzaga community that shows what a special place this is, and exemplifies our work and our Mission: |
I want to highlight some of the excellent work being done by the Gonzaga community that shows what a special place this is, and exemplifies our work and our Mission: |
|
|
| Gonzaga-McKinstry Partnership |
Gonzaga-McKinstry Partnership |
This new partnership will accelerate innovation in the Inland Northwest, expand research and employment opportunities for our faculty and students, and create a new model of collaboration between higher education and industry.
Read more » |
This new partnership will accelerate innovation in the Inland Northwest, expand research and employment opportunities for our faculty and students, and create a new model of collaboration between higher education and industry.
Read more » |
|
|
| Kendall Featherstone (’26) illustrates how important it is to explore opportunities on campus, embodying the “Zags help Zags” spirit. Read more » |
Kendall Featherstone (’26) illustrates how important it is to explore opportunities on campus, embodying the “Zags help Zags” spirit. Read more » |
|
|
| Njal Lundberg (’06, ’08 MBA) connected with students from the School of Engineering and Applied Science to help make her entrepreneurial dreams come true.
Read more » |
Njal Lundberg (’06, ’08 MBA) connected with students from the School of Engineering and Applied Science to help make her entrepreneurial dreams come true.
Read more » |
|
|
Keep up with President Passerini on her social media accounts. |
Keep up with President Passerini on her social media accounts. |
|
|
| |
