From the President's Desk |
From the President's Desk |
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Dear Gonzaga Community, I hope the arrival of spring brings you joy and renewed energy. It is my first spring in Spokane, and it is wonderful to see campus transition into a colorful, vibrant home for our community. The end of the year can be stressful for our Zags preparing for finals and planning for Commencement and beyond. Please take the opportunity to engage and support each other through the weeks ahead. In the meantime, I wanted to share some updates. |
Dear Gonzaga Community, I hope the arrival of spring brings you joy and renewed energy. It is my first spring in Spokane, and it is wonderful to see campus transition into a colorful, vibrant home for our community. The end of the year can be stressful for our Zags preparing for finals and planning for Commencement and beyond. Please take the opportunity to engage and support each other through the weeks ahead. In the meantime, I wanted to share some updates. |
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Our Ongoing Work Addressing Reports of Racist Incidents |
Our Ongoing Work Addressing Reports of Racist Incidents |
The President’s Task Force on Accompaniment, Safety and Belonging, which I launched in early March, continues its work to address reports of racist language and harmful behavior. We are committed to the dignity of every person and to fostering a learning environment rooted in respect, care, and accountability. While the appropriate campus offices investigate specific incidents according to University policy, the Task Force is examining the campus climate more broadly — assessing institutional practices, engaging Gonzaga community members and outside organizations, and recommending actions to strengthen accountability, safety and inclusion across the University. A web page launching in early May will share progress and recommendations that will drive continued work during the summer and into the next academic year. I appreciate your ongoing commitment to progress. As we have undertaken this work, our students have shared that many of these issues have been longstanding, and lasting change takes time. I ask for compassion for all involved — students, faculty, staff, alumni and Spokane community leaders. And I am grateful for the respectful engagement and good faith you bring as we work toward common goals. |
The President’s Task Force on Accompaniment, Safety and Belonging, which I launched in early March, continues its work to address reports of racist language and harmful behavior. We are committed to the dignity of every person and to fostering a learning environment rooted in respect, care, and accountability. While the appropriate campus offices investigate specific incidents according to University policy, the Task Force is examining the campus climate more broadly — assessing institutional practices, engaging Gonzaga community members and outside organizations, and recommending actions to strengthen accountability, safety and inclusion across the University. A web page launching in early May will share progress and recommendations that will drive continued work during the summer and into the next academic year. I appreciate your ongoing commitment to progress. As we have undertaken this work, our students have shared that many of these issues have been longstanding, and lasting change takes time. I ask for compassion for all involved — students, faculty, staff, alumni and Spokane community leaders. And I am grateful for the respectful engagement and good faith you bring as we work toward common goals. |
Conversations on Our Common Home |
Conversations on Our Common Home |
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Earlier this month, Gonzaga welcomed an inspiring group of global leaders and scholars whose work is shaping the future of sustainability, climate action, and environmental justice. Author and environmentalist Terry Tempest Williams delivered a powerful and deeply moving talk at an event co-hosted by the Climate Institute and the English Department’s Visiting Writer Series. Shortly thereafter, internationally recognized sustainability leaders Wayne Visser and Isabel Braga da Cruz joined our community for a series of conversations with students, faculty, and staff, including a timely and thought-provoking Presidential Speaker Series panel. Alongside Climate Institute Director Brian G. Henning and Sustainability Director Jim Simon, they led an exceptional discussion on how Catholic universities can respond to this moment with moral clarity, imagination and hope. I am deeply grateful to everyone who participated. Gonzaga was the first university in the United States to commit to the Vatican’s Laudato Si’ Action Platform, answering Pope Francis’ call to care for the Earth — “our common home.” This leadership reflects both our Jesuit mission and our collective commitment to justice, sustainability and the common good. It is something all Zags can take pride in, and it will continue to guide our work in the years ahead. |
Earlier this month, Gonzaga welcomed an inspiring group of global leaders and scholars whose work is shaping the future of sustainability, climate action, and environmental justice. Author and environmentalist Terry Tempest Williams delivered a powerful and deeply moving talk at an event co-hosted by the Climate Institute and the English Department’s Visiting Writer Series. Shortly thereafter, internationally recognized sustainability leaders Wayne Visser and Isabel Braga da Cruz joined our community for a series of conversations with students, faculty, and staff, including a timely and thought-provoking Presidential Speaker Series panel. Alongside Climate Institute Director Brian G. Henning and Sustainability Director Jim Simon, they led an exceptional discussion on how Catholic universities can respond to this moment with moral clarity, imagination and hope. I am deeply grateful to everyone who participated. Gonzaga was the first university in the United States to commit to the Vatican’s Laudato Si’ Action Platform, answering Pope Francis’ call to care for the Earth — “our common home.” This leadership reflects both our Jesuit mission and our collective commitment to justice, sustainability and the common good. It is something all Zags can take pride in, and it will continue to guide our work in the years ahead. |
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The Presidential Speaker Series panel on April 8. |
The Presidential Speaker Series panel on April 8. |
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Bob Chapman passed away in March. Though not an alumnus or Gonzaga parent, he became a valued member of our community after visiting campus in 2022 to speak at a School of Business Administration lecture. As chairman of Barry-Wehmiller, Bob shared his philosophy of ethical leadership — what he called “Truly Human Leadership” — which deeply resonates with our mission to educate servant leaders. His visit marked the beginning of a meaningful relationship that grew into an ongoing partnership with Barry-Wehmiller. I am grateful to have met Bob during his final visit to Gonzaga and invite you to join me in praying for him and for his family and loved ones. |
Bob Chapman passed away in March. Though not an alumnus or Gonzaga parent, he became a valued member of our community after visiting campus in 2022 to speak at a School of Business Administration lecture. As chairman of Barry-Wehmiller, Bob shared his philosophy of ethical leadership — what he called “Truly Human Leadership” — which deeply resonates with our mission to educate servant leaders. His visit marked the beginning of a meaningful relationship that grew into an ongoing partnership with Barry-Wehmiller. I am grateful to have met Bob during his final visit to Gonzaga and invite you to join me in praying for him and for his family and loved ones. |
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Recently I have enjoyed speaking with some media outlets about Gonzaga’s role in higher education, our challenges and opportunities, and my aspirations for the University. I am always proud to represent Gonzaga and I wanted to share two of these conversations. I joined the Christian Scholar’s Review podcast, “Saturdays at Seven,” and talked about our commitment to global engagement, service learning and Jesuit charism, among many topics. I also joined KREM for a Women’s History Month interview with reporter Nicole Hernandez. We discussed Gonzaga’s history, trends for women in higher education and much more. You can watch that conversation here. |
Recently I have enjoyed speaking with some media outlets about Gonzaga’s role in higher education, our challenges and opportunities, and my aspirations for the University. I am always proud to represent Gonzaga and I wanted to share two of these conversations. I joined the Christian Scholar’s Review podcast, “Saturdays at Seven,” and talked about our commitment to global engagement, service learning and Jesuit charism, among many topics. I also joined KREM for a Women’s History Month interview with reporter Nicole Hernandez. We discussed Gonzaga’s history, trends for women in higher education and much more. You can watch that conversation here. |
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President Passerini joined KREM for a discussion on higher education. |
President Passerini joined KREM for a discussion on higher education. |
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An exciting slate of campus events is coming up in the weeks ahead, offering meaningful opportunities for dialogue, learning and community connection. Today, the Informatics Institute is hosting a day-long Value and Responsibility in AI conference. Academic, business and technology leaders will discuss artificial intelligence’s growing role across all aspects of life. It is free for all Gonzaga faculty, staff and students. AI is moving quickly and I appreciate Gonzaga’s leadership in making sure this technological innovation serves human flourishing. April 24 features several events. The Gonzaga Environmental Organization is hosting “Rock The Planet,” highlighting sustainability and care for the Earth. The Diversity and Social Justice in Education Conference will feature more than 40 student presentations on topics ranging from disability advocacy to women’s rights, with a keynote by Wendy Thompson, director of Gonzaga’s Office of Tribal Relations. And the history department will present Laurie Arnold, director of Native American Studies and professor of history, for a lecture titled “We Share Our Futures with You: Native Nations and Neighbors, the First 250 Years.” |
An exciting slate of campus events is coming up in the weeks ahead, offering meaningful opportunities for dialogue, learning and community connection. Today, the Informatics Institute is hosting a day-long Value and Responsibility in AI conference. Academic, business and technology leaders will discuss artificial intelligence’s growing role across all aspects of life. It is free for all Gonzaga faculty, staff and students. AI is moving quickly and I appreciate Gonzaga’s leadership in making sure this technological innovation serves human flourishing. April 24 features several events. The Gonzaga Environmental Organization is hosting “Rock The Planet,” highlighting sustainability and care for the Earth. The Diversity and Social Justice in Education Conference will feature more than 40 student presentations on topics ranging from disability advocacy to women’s rights, with a keynote by Wendy Thompson, director of Gonzaga’s Office of Tribal Relations. And the history department will present Laurie Arnold, director of Native American Studies and professor of history, for a lecture titled “We Share Our Futures with You: Native Nations and Neighbors, the First 250 Years.” |
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We are honored to welcome several distinguished guest speakers to next month’s Commencement ceremonies. Women’s basketball coach Lisa Fortier will receive an honorary Doctor of Human Letters degree and speak at the Undergraduate Commencement. Surgical oncologist Monica Bertagnolli, former director of the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute, will speak at Graduate Commencement. Gonzaga Law Commencement will feature Meagan A. Flynn (J.D. ’92), recipient of the Law Medal, and Washington State Supreme Court Justice Salvador A. Mungia as the featured speaker. We are grateful to these leaders for sharing their insight and inspiration with our graduates. I want to wish all of our Zags good luck as we approach the end of the academic year. Whether you are preparing for finals, a summer internship, a service opportunity or the first step in your post-graduate career, my prayers and best wishes are with you. |
We are honored to welcome several distinguished guest speakers to next month’s Commencement ceremonies. Women’s basketball coach Lisa Fortier will receive an honorary Doctor of Human Letters degree and speak at the Undergraduate Commencement. Surgical oncologist Monica Bertagnolli, former director of the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute, will speak at Graduate Commencement. Gonzaga Law Commencement will feature Meagan A. Flynn (J.D. ’92), recipient of the Law Medal, and Washington State Supreme Court Justice Salvador A. Mungia as the featured speaker. We are grateful to these leaders for sharing their insight and inspiration with our graduates. I want to wish all of our Zags good luck as we approach the end of the academic year. Whether you are preparing for finals, a summer internship, a service opportunity or the first step in your post-graduate career, my prayers and best wishes are with you. |
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Katia Passerini, Ph.D.
President, Gonzaga University |
Katia Passerini, Ph.D.
President, Gonzaga University |
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I want to highlight some excellent Gonzaga stories. |
I want to highlight some excellent Gonzaga stories. |
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| A group of Zags was recently awarded an Outstanding Paper Prize at an international conference thanks to their work that will help caregivers track a dementia patient’s emotional state.
Read more » |
A group of Zags was recently awarded an Outstanding Paper Prize at an international conference thanks to their work that will help caregivers track a dementia patient’s emotional state.
Read more » |
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| We are excited to announce Jennifer Shepherd as the new dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Read more » |
We are excited to announce Jennifer Shepherd as the new dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Read more » |
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| Heather Rosenstrater (’99) reflected on her career and leadership as the first female CEO in Avista’s 136-year history in a talk with Gonzaga students.
Read more » |
Heather Rosenstrater (’99) reflected on her career and leadership as the first female CEO in Avista’s 136-year history in a talk with Gonzaga students.
Read more » |
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Keep up with President Passerini on her social media accounts. |
Keep up with President Passerini on her social media accounts. |
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