Spirit October 2016

spirit GONZAGA FACULTY AND STAFF NEWSLETTER

›› Lee reflects on mission ›› A woman for others ›› Day in the Life of . . . OCT. 2016 | VOL 18 | #2

President affirms student-centered significance of our mission If last year seemed like an uncharacteristically busy year at Gonzaga … it was. We launched the Capital Campaign, kicked off the regional health partnership with the University of Washington School of Medicine, worked with architects to plan multiple new facilities, implemented the revised Core curriculum, hired 42 new faculty members, worked on compensation and leadership development for staff, and underwent four administrative searches. At staff and faculty assemblies earlier this fall, President Thayne McCulloh shared that, while the work continues on all those projects from last year, we’re going to put a great deal of time and effort into some priorities that he believes are the foundation for all we do. “Of great importance is developing a work culture across campus that is rooted deeply in our Mission and demonstrated in mutual respect for all of our colleagues,” said McCulloh. “We also need to engage faculty in dialogue around the future of higher education.” Other priorities he discussed: • Look at our investments in light of our environmental sustainability mission; • Offer competitive financial aid packages, which necessitates finding sources of revenue besides tuition; and • Move forward in our discussions and work around racial, ethnic, cultural diversity, equity and inclusion as issues of injustice continue to make headlines across the nation. Alongside these monumentally important

President McCulloh reminds us that some of our most precious moments are simple interactions with students and each other.

issues, another area of focus on the president’s mind is putting the well-being of our students first. Many students are overwhelmed during this period of change in their lives. Some come to us quite vulnerable and challenged in their ability to cope with anxiety and stress. “How will we respond to them?” McCulloh asked. “Every one of us on this campus may have an opportunity to be the difference, to be the one who notices a struggling student and makes a connection. Our highest priority is making sure we are paying close attention to and understanding who our students are and the issues they face, being thoughtful and careful about the stereotypes we perpetuate about the college experience.” To accentuate that, McCulloh shared a story about a phone call he received from the father of a student – John McKenna – who passed soon after his graduation due to cancer. The family had a special request: Would Gonzaga consent to

having the University seal carved on their son’s gravestone? McCulloh said it was an incredibly humbling and profound realization, “that we have such precious opportunities to interact with our students, and to make an impact that will never be forgotten.” This year is off to a busy start with groundbreakings and blessings, historical moments and great opportunities. But the greatest moments will be the times we connect with students and help them find their way. – By Kate Vanskike

RESPOND TODAY Strategic planning survey

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OCT 2016