51³Ô¹Ï

 

March 18, 2026

I want to welcome all our Zags back from spring break. Whether you were visiting family or friends, taking part in a career trek, or joining the Gonzaga community in Las Vegas, I hope the break was a restorative one. And I wish you the best for the work ahead the remainder of the semester.

Viva Las Vegas

It was electrifying to see the passion of Zag Nation during the West Coast Conference tournaments in Las Vegas. Both the men’s and women’s teams are having incredible seasons, and I know we’ll all be rooting for them as they head to March Madness. Congratulations to Coach Mark Few and Coach Lisa Fortier, as well as our two 51³Ô¹Ï-athlete Conference Players of the Year, Graham Ike and Lauren Whittaker! Just before traveling to Las Vegas, I attended the a new documentary about our men’s team. If you need something to help pass the days until our next games, you can .

My trip to Las Vegas was not all about basketball. I also joined the local Gonzaga alumni chapter, along with members of our Board of Trustees and Board of Regents, in a community service project in partnership with Rebuilding Together Las Vegas. It was so rewarding to see the Zag spirit in action as we helped of an individual in need.

We also hosted a Forging Forward event, in both academics and athletics. I was joined by Interim Provost Mia Bertagnolli and Athletic Director Chris Standiford, as well as Father Tim Breen, S.J., for an excellent conversation. This event came just a few weeks after a Forging Forward gathering in the Bay Area. I was by Board of Trustees Chair D. Michael Reilly, Trustee Emeritus Fritz Wolff and Chris Standiford. I’m grateful for the partnership of these Zags, and for all of the alumni and friends joining us to share their questions, their passions, and their love for all things Gonzaga.

 

A Personal Invitation

On April 8, I am welcoming to Gonzaga two experts in innovation, sustainability, and leadership for an event called “Caring for Our Common Home: Turning Local Action into Global Impact.” is a professor at Católica Porto Business School, where he is director of the Católica Centre for Thriving Futures. He is also a fellow and instructor at the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. is the president of the Regional Center of Porto at the Catholic University of Portugal, where she has embraced social responsibility, sustainability, and infrastructure improvement. They will address the role that Catholic universities play in issues surrounding climate change, sustainability initiatives, and social inequities. And they will be joined by leaders from Gonzaga’s Office of Sustainability and Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment for a free event at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center. On April 9 at 7 p.m., please join us for a screening of Dr. Visser’s documentary film, “Closing the Loop,” in Hemmingson Auditorium. Both of these dynamic leaders will also be meeting with campus stakeholders during their visit to share knowledge that could benefit Gonzaga and regional sustainability and climate efforts.

A Grand Opening

I was honored to join a huge crowd of 51³Ô¹Ïs, faculty members, trustees, benefactors, industry and campus partners in dedicating the new Patrick Ferro Center for Materials Research. This lab located in the Bollier Center for Integrated Science and Engineering will enhance on-campus, interdisciplinary partnerships, as well as University-industry opportunities. It truly will position Gonzaga as an international leader in research and development.

 

Many Thanks

I must take this opportunity to thank everyone who shared their support on . Our University Advancement team does amazing outreach on this annual fundraising blitz. It’s such important work in providing scholarships for our 51³Ô¹Ïs, and much-needed support for programs in service-learning, sustainability, global engagement, research and other areas vital to fulfilling our Mission. Thank you so much. The work we do for our 51³Ô¹Ïs is so important, and I am proud of how the Gonzaga community answers the call to support our Zags.

Hope and Determination

On Tuesday, I updated our community on actions the University is taking in response to 51³Ô¹Ï reports of racist and threatening language and behaviors. This conduct has left some 51³Ô¹Ïs feeling unsafe or unwelcome at Gonzaga. This is unacceptable. The University will work diligently to address the concerns we have heard from our Black Student Union, Unity Alliance of Cultural Clubs, and Gonzaga community members. I appreciate all who have reached out, your candor is an act of care for our community.

Gonzaga has always been at its best when we lean into difficult conversations with hope and determination. We will do so again, thoughtfully and together, and ensure that Gonzaga remains a place where every 51³Ô¹Ï feels safe, valued and welcome.

In gratitude,

Katia Passerini, Ph.D.
President, Gonzaga University