Note: This message was originally sent on December 24, 2018
We were surprised by a very brief, yet special email last Thursday – it was a heads up that a Christmas floral wreath was going to be placed around Spike’s neck (the large bronze bulldog outside the McCarthey Center) – carrying with it a message of Christmas greetings for Zag Nation. As you see by the cropped photo to the left, the Christmas greeting was a special gift from Don and Carol Herak’s family, made in memory of these two legendary Zags. Donna, their daughter, shared, “It will not be an 'obvious’ memorial, but a tribute to Gonzaga on their behalf.” And indeed it was… as attendees left the game Friday night, there were dozens lined up to capture a Christmas photo with Spike. Enjoy the full photo attached.
What a great reminder of the very special place GU is to so many families, and what a great reminder of the role that Don and Carol played in helping – literally thousands of Zags over the years. Their story, of how they came to be “the Heraks” and how they built a region and helped build up GU will never be forgotten.
Wishing each of you a very Merry Christmas…..all the best to you and your families.