Drone photo showing College Hall building and St. Aloysius chruch at sunset.
Thayne M. McCulloh

President Emeritus


Dr. Thayne M. McCulloh served as Gonzaga's president from 2009-2025, presiding over a host of institutional milestones. On the eve of his retirement, the Board of Trustees bestowed him with the title of President Emeritus. Learn more about this honor and join us in reflecting on Dr. McCulloh's remarkable legacy.

President Thayne McCulloh congratulates a female graduate at the 2023 Commencement ceremony.

An Unprecedented Honor

The Gonzaga Board of Trustees gave Dr. McCulloh the title of President Emeritus in recognition of his 34 years at Gonzaga – 16 of which he served as the University's president. Among many achievements, the Board of Trustees resolution noted that he fostered deep connections with the Society of Jesus and Catholic Church, elevated Gonzaga’s national academic reputation and spearheaded far-reaching campus building projects. “President McCulloh has absolutely transformed this University in extraordinary ways,” said Board President Mike Reilly. “Thousands of 51³Ô¹Ïs, faculty, and staff over the years have been the beneficiaries of his vision, his compassion, and his unwavering love for our Gonzaga community.”

Bestowing the Title of President Emeritus
Thayne and Julie McCulloh

A Letter from the President

In President McCulloh's final Gonzaga Magazine address, he reflects on the power of choice – and the many opportunities it brings.

President McCulloh and other leaders at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new STA Cityline Electric bus service.

Markers of the McCulloh Presidency

See some of Gonzaga's many accomplishment's under President McCulloh's leadership

President Thayne on the "Four Decades at Gonzaga" podcast.

Four Decades at Gonzaga Podcast

Hear memories, stories and perspectives that shaped President McCulloh – and Gonzaga’s – journey.

Terry Payne and Gonzaga President Thayne McCulloh

The Paynes Make Extraordinary Scholarship Gift

As an expression of gratitude for President McCulloh’s leadership, Terry and Patt Payne made a $5 million gift for scholarships.

GSBA President Maddie Ediger reflects on President McCulloh's legacy.

The McCullohs' Legacy Video Series

Voices from across the greater Gonzaga community share what Thayne and Julie McCulloh have meant to the University.

Thayne and Julie McCulloh at the 2025 Ignatian Gala

Leadership, Legacy and Love

The 2025 Ignatian Gala was unlike any other as the Gonzaga community gathered to celebrate Julie and Thayne McCulloh, whose collective service to the University spans six decades.

Dr. McCulloh's Presidential Messages

Highlights of Dr. McCulloh's Tenure

26th

President of Gonzaga University – and its first lay president

Established a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa (ΦBK), nation's most prestigious honor society

$355

Million raised during "Gonzaga Will" capital campaign

First #1 national ranking and two national title game appearances for men's basketball

See more accomplishments