Your Thoughts

Thanks for the video

I found the video when doing a search for Fr. Spitzer's book Healing the Culture. It was wonderful to "see" him again. I heard Father speak and met him about 3 years ago at the Legatus conference in Napa. He made me smile then and the video did the same. He is one in a million.
- Marilyn Sharp

Father Spitzer is an inspiration to all

Out of all of my memories of being at GU the one that continues to inspire me to be a better person, to fully understand agape, to become a true leader are the lessons that I learned from Father Spitzer. If I had a problem with school, home, etc all I would have to do is attend a Mass that Father Spitzer was presiding over. He would say exactly the right thing to make everything seem a bit clearer and the more perspective that I had, the easier the solution was to the problem. He is what made Gonzaga University a place that will always have a large part of my heart and my being. I learned who I was from this wonderful place. If anyone can inspire others to be what the world needs most, it was that man. Thank you for everything that you have done Father Spitzer. You will be missed on campus...especially when there are three points that need to be made. GO ZAGS!
- Victoria LeGarde

Love and Fr. Spitzer

"Always Move Towards Love" was a solid piece of advice I received while at Gonzaga. Since then I've found an increasing passion to help others move towards love. The thing about Fr. Spitzer is, he has a way to move people there faster. His passion and energy, like the love of God, are overwhelming. Thank you Fr. Spitzer for sticking to the solid moral principles and ideals of the Catholic Church. When the secular progressive movement tries to win over Gonzaga and its students under the guise of "freedom" and "equality" you've shown them what real Freedom and Equality mean. The inherent dignity of a person is given to them by God and not something to be achieved by validation of mainstream ideas. Thanks for keeping Gonzaga Catholic.
- Steve Schmitt

Am Inspired

As the dad of an incoming freshmen, I can say that the peace that my wife and I have about our son attending Gonzaga in the fall is indescribable. A parent's dream is the feel that their child will be attending the best school in the world for that child. This is how we feel about GU. God Bless Fr. Spitzer, the GU faculty and staff, the student body, and may Fr. Spitzer's legacy live and grow at GU may his strength, faithfulness the the Church, and inspiration transcend the culture in his new endeavors.
- Ken Richard

Working relationship

It was my pleasure to work with Fr. Spitzer in his office for two years. I will miss his encouragement, his wisdom, his compassion, his zest and mostly his sense of humor and laughter. I don't think people realize just how much he truly cares about Gonzaga University. He's an incredible man whose passions have allowed him to visualize and see to completion many amazing accomplishments. I have been truly blessed to know him.
- Eva Walker

Thank you President Spitzer

I want to thank President Spitzer for his profound scholarship and his dedication to education. Presidents like Father Spitizer should be the role models for university presidents throughout the world.
- John Zakharia

Thank you

Dr. Spitzer, My husband and I attended "New Proofs for the Existence of God" last night. We thought your talk was excellent and appreciated the opportunity to share in your vast knowledge. Your passion is evident and contagious! We walked away from Gonzaga truly in awe of you, Dr. Spitzer. Gonzaga University is truly blessed to have such an amazing man as President. Thank you Dr. Spitzer for all your long list of contributions ~ you make a huge difference!
- Sandy & Randy Bayley

My Daughter is a ZAG

Father Spitzer, My Daughter loves being a ZAG.  She has always been a good student, maybe alittle quiet, or not as adventurous as other freshmen.  She has a solid and good heart, which has been given a place to grow, and an environment where she feels like reaching out more, making some good friends and having an oportunity to not only get a great education but consider what the potentials are for the rest of her life. Thank you for the scholarship that got her to Gonzaga. Thank you for the culture and climate that you have created on campus.  I am content to know that she is happy there and in an environment that both challenges and nurtures her.  I know we are not the only family that is facing some pretty difficult economic times.  My dreams for my children dont change in dificult times, I just have to work alittle harder to find creative solutions to keep supporting them on their journey. Thanks again for all you do!
- Sondra Beam

Thank you

As a mother of two Gonzaga students, one a senior and the other a freshman, I would like to thank you for providing for them a college experience I believe they couldn't have found any where else.  It has been a joy to watch our son grow spiritually, academically, and socially.  We are hopeful of the same experience for our daughter.  Each time we visit the campus, my husband and I feel a true sense of belonging.  Thank you for an amazing experience for all of us! 
- Maureen Fohn

I am inspired

Hello Father Spitzer.  Your enthusiasm and love of Gonzaga University is wonderful.  Thank you for all you have done to make GU such an outstanding and special place.  Have a good day. 
- Mary Heitkemper

GU Experience

Father Spitzer, I am a 1978 graduate from the very first graduating class in Broadcast/Journalism!  I can honestly say that had I not gone to Gonzaga I would not be who I am today. I know that the experience made me a better person.  I realize a little more as the years pass just how influential my years on the GU campus were in shaping me and I thank God that my parent's had the means to help me.
- Kellie Gough

3 years ago

Dear Father Spitzer, Three years ago I had just been accepted to the new Comprehensive Leadership program as a freshmen. I was so excited to be apart of this prestigious program, and to meet the professors and students.  I remember feeling so inspired, and yet intimidated too.  For our final group presentation, in an effort to show ourselves as worthy students, we decided to make a video of interviews about student's perceptions of leadership on campus.  After interviewing the class president, and anyone else we could stop in Crosby, we dared ourselves to walk into your office and schedule a time to video tape you. I specifically remember that you were willing to rearrange your personal schedule to meet with four wide-eyed freshmen to talk about leadership.  Your perspectives were so insightful that I still consider it the basis of my leadership education today.  You were even patient enough to repeat everything you had just said when I realized fifteen minutes in, that the camera hadn't been turned on. As I prepare to graduate in May, I have been doing a lot of reflection (go figure...Jesuit education anyone?) and can pin-point that time in your office as one of the pivotal moments.  Thank you for YOUR inspiration in my life.  I hope I can make you proud!
- Megan Croley

Transformed life 

I obtained my master's in Organizational Leadership last year and my life was really transformed in a great way.   Having ADHD and depression made it difficult for me to finish college and never thought of the possibility of obtaining an advanced degree.  Gonzaga made it possible for me in achieving the dream of an advanced degree.  Thanks for the great education!
- Sonny 

SEARCH

My Gonzaga experience was dramatically enhanced by the SEARCH retreat.  It sent my faith life and social life in an incredible direction and it will always be a part of me because now I know that The Best Is Yet To Come! 
- Meaghan McAuley

Video Message

Father, your recent email message is a very powerful and quite unusual approach. My congratulations and best wishes for this courageous effort!  Gonzaga is truly a different institution in part because of the qualties of the students who come to campus, but also in large part because of what happens in the lives of these students. Forward!
- Jim Daniel

Your Inspiration

I really liked everything about your Share Inspiration video message.  You captured everything that has been dear to me about my own GU education. Best of luck and I will give some money out of my retirement income maybe not as much as I would have liked.
- Bev Austin

Merits of a Jesuit Education

My daughter and I attended a preview event where she stayed in the dorms and attended class while I attended the various parent seminars. Fr. Spitzer gave the first parent presentation that described the merits of a Jesuit education. For the next hour and twenty minutes Fr. Spitzer gave the most inspirational speech I had ever heard. Bottomline, he made a promise to deliver what is noted in the 'our promise' message on the website. On the last day on campus, after selling some books back, I suggested to my daughter that we stop by Fr. Spitzer's office for me to thank him. Although Fr. Spitzer was in a meeting, he stepped away, met with us and 'he' was most appreciative that we would take the time to come by. I told him that I took him up on his promise of what GU would do, I told him that! he delivered on his promise and for that I was ever so grateful. And, I just wanted to say thanks. This is a classic example of why I think GU is truly an inspirational institution. My daughter attended GU from 2004-7 and double-majored with a minor, while competing four years on the crew team. She graduated magna cum laude, studied abroad and to say the least, had the ideal college education.
- Allen Lund

Thank You

Father, I have spent the last four years of my life at this wonderful university that has provided me with so many opportunities. From working with Residence Life as an RA and Assistant RD to rowing for our school at competitions all over the U.S, I will always remember the times and people I shared these experience with. As my time and yours begin to come to a close at Gonzaga, I would like to thank you for building this school to what it is today. You and the Trustees have done an amazing job at extending the breath of this campus, its facilities, scholarships, and experiences. You time and service to the Gonzaga community will always be remembered.
- Brendan McCarthy '09

GU changed my life

I feel as though I have lived two lives: one before my education and one after.  Yet, I was married with children in both, and so my family can also attest to that fact.  I have grown more as a person, leading me to become a better husband, father, and member of my community, and to Gonzaga, I owe my gratitude for providing the environment in which to take this journey.  Today, I am continuing to learn in the doctoral program (making this my 3rd degree sought from GU), and I serve my community by teaching others how to find their voices and be heard.  Someday, I hope to be counted among the professors at GU who make that same difference in people's lives. 
- Josh Misner

Gratitude

Dear Fr. Spitzer, Thank you for your leadership, inspiration, and dedication to Gonzaga. Young alums with Ignatian values are needed more than ever in our world. I'm so grateful for the opportunity my son had to become a "Zag" and be further grounded in goodness and faith. As a parent, it gives me great joy to see him making a positive difference in society. I join him in proclaiming, "YOU ROCK!"
- Margie Carroll

Fr. Spitzer is an Inspiration

I am not connected with Gonzaga University in any way--I'm an alum of Notre Dame--but I have found Father Spitzer's energetic zeal for his faith, for Gonzaga, and for the high ideals of university education generally, to be uplifting and inspiring. He does great credit to his order and to Gonzaga, and I want to thank him for his speaking, writing, and leadership, and for his fidelity to his mission. May God grant that your next president shares some of Father Spitzer's fine qualities.
- Martin Lutz

Who is this Fr. Spitzer?

I have seen Fr. Spitzer's series about Proving the Existence of God on EWTN and it was unbelievable. I'm now watching his series on Suffering and the God of Love also on EWTN but went ahead and purchased the DVD because I can't even wait for the shows to air! I am fascinated on how smart Fr. Spitzer is. Who were his initial influences? Who formed this man's mind and soul? The bio info is too dry, fact-based and boring! I want to know how he became who he is. There needs to be a book about his personal, academic and most especially his spiritual journey.
- Regina Edmonds

You will be missed...

Dear Fr. Spitzer, Thank you so much for all the service you have given Gonzaga all these years. I have a freshman son on campus now and he is thrilled about his Gonzaga experience. I knew after that first mass for the Welcome Freshman exercises, that my son was in a good environment committed to Jesus and His church. Thank you for your faith-filled talks and your positive outlook on life. You will be greatly missed!! God Bless,
- Elizabeth Bastasch

Spitzer's Former Student

I was Father Spitzer's student at Georgetown University over 20 years ago and I consider having known him as a teacher and a priest one of the great blessings I have had in my life. Father Spitzer is the kind of educator that inspires one for a lifetime. I am confident that wherever he will be sent, he will find ways to live out his call to do all things for the Greater Glory of God. God bless you Spitzer!!!!
- Jose Oyanguren

Series Done for EWTN

Fr. Spitzer: You did a series for EWTN. I caught one of the shows and although I am not gifted intellectually I was in awe of the way you proved the existence of God mathematically. I do not know the name of the series and I would appreciate it if you would e-mail me with it. My 45 yr. old son just joined the Mormon cult and they believe that God was once a man and progressed to being a god. Any other help you can give me would be much appreciated. A very sorrowful mother.
- Gloria Calabro

Thank you

Dear Fr. Bob, Thank you for your inspired leadership!
- Deacon Dick Bowles

Well Wishes

When my husband came home from taking our son, Robert, Class of 2011, to school for his freshman year, the first thing he talked about was the mass for parents and their student. He said it was incredible. He knew, after participating in the mass celebrated by Father Spitzer, that our son was absolutely in the best possible environment. He was inspired and energized for the community our son would come to know at Gonzaga. Whenever the chance arises for him to speak about Gonzaga, he is always ready and never talks about Gonzaga without mentioning Father Spitzer. We wish Father Spitzer well in his journey. We pray for our Lord's guidance in finding a replacement for Father Spitzer with the energy, vision, humor, and spiritual guidance with which he has blessed us.
- Karen and Michael Carr

Aloha, Father!

Bob Spitzer was my GU classmate and a fellow Hawaiian. He continues to be a good friend. My son, currently a junior at GU, has reaped the benefits of a tremendous experience at Gonzaga, an experience heightened and reinforced by Father's leadership and vision. Aloha and mahalo nui loa, Bob!
- Michael Weaver

President Spitzer's Announcement

We received President Spitzer's announcement yesterday in the mail and were very sad to hear he will be transitioning out of his position. Our daughter, Laura Cox, graduated in May, 2007, and we believe President Spitzer's leadership has greatly influenced Gonzaga's present status as a university with national recognition. The changes and improvements to the university over the past few years has been amazing. We are zealous "Zags" fans and our daughter and her alumni peers will no doubt feel enormous loyalty to their alma mater for years to come. We will continue to support Gonzaga as parents of an alumnus and we wish President Spitzer all the best as he moves on to the next chapter of his career and excellent leadership.- John and Diana Cox

You will be missed...

Fr. Spitzer, you will be sorely missed. Thank you for serving the University with honesty, integrity and passion. Thank you for the genuine love that you extended to all Gonzaga students. I will always remember my time at Gonzaga as some of the best years of my life because of the unique environment that you helped to guide and shape on campus. May God truly bless you in the months and years ahead as you embark on new endeavors, and may you in turn share those blessings and further bless all people you encounter.
- David Tobias, '07

Fr. Spitzer's Legacy

What a decade!! I have mixed emotions about the transition, but we must embrace the same attitude the good people of Poland did 30 years ago when their beloved Karol Wojtyla was called to a greater good for all of God's people. As much as we love him and want to keep him for ourselves, the world needs to hear what he has to say.
- J. Corrigan Fray, '03

Father Spitzer

I am a freshman here at Gonzaga and I sincerely believe that there are few schools that offer the kind of education one receives here. No doubt Father Spitzer had a major part in the prestigious reputation that Gonzaga has come to be associated with, however I know little about this part of Father Spitzer's legacy. What I do know is that Father Spitzer has inspired me personally through his strong liturgies and through his obvious unquestioning faith in the Lord. I visited Gonzaga only once and at the time I really had not considered Gonzaga as my first choice, but after hearing Father Spitzer speak at one of the Masses on Campus I was immediately sold. He talked of the message of the campus and what a truly beautiful community Gonzaga was. Further, he sighted his own experiences at Gonzaga as a student and how it enriched his faith. This truly was inspiring. I thank Father Spitzer for this message for without it I fear I would never have come to Gonzaga and come to experience the superb education, not just in the classroom but everywhere I go on campus, which this school offers. There is no doubt that Father Spitzer will be remembered for many years to come at Gonzaga, and I know that I will never forget what he did for me. Thank you Father Spitzer.
- Ryan A. Mace