Note: This message was originally sent on December 9, 2021
“All saints can do miracles, but few of them can keep a hotel.”
MARK TWAIN, The quotable Mark Twain: his essential aphorisms, witticisms & concise opinions (ed. 1997)
So many of you who receive this email thread do not live in the immediate Spokane area, so you may not have heard the news, but I do know each and every one of you has enjoyed the hospitality of the Davenport Collection…some bitter sweet news to share.
When Karen and Walt Worthy renovated and revitalized The Historic Davenport Hotel in downtown Spokane more than twenty years ago, they did more than save an important piece of our region’s story from the wrecking ball—they started this city on a path toward a beautiful future. Look how far Spokane has come since 2002 and join me in congratulating the Worthys on their forthcoming retirement. Their hard work and vision has and continues to bless the Gonzaga community in myriad ways for which we are truly grateful.
Gonzaga families have come together in the Worthys’ hotels and restaurants to celebrate graduations, say goodbye after moving their students in to their homes-away-from-home at Gonzaga, and reunite for events like Fall Family Weekend. Gonzaga Alumni gather in the Worthys’ spaces to rekindle the flames of inspiration and friendship first sparked when they were students at GU. Visitors enjoying NCAA tournament games in Spokane rested their heads and filled their bellies in the Worthys’ hotels. Gonzaga has even thrown a party or two at Walt and Karen’s properties—from the President’s Christmas soiree to campaign launch events and so much more—the Worthys have been an important part of the Gonzaga family. (The photo below was taken at Gonzaga University’s 1962 Diamond Jubilee Champagne Ball held at the Davenport Hotel).
The beauty Walt and Karen helped bring to the Spokane skyline has surely helped to influence prospective students’ families to send their students here. Their economic impact has helped to convince partners that this region is one worth investment, including its institutions of higher education.
Together, the Worthys and their properties have added so much to our shared goals to see Spokane thrive, and as they prepare for the next chapter of their story, I’d like to raise a glass of gratitude in their honor. Thank you for being such caring members of this community. Thank you for all you’ve done to make this a beautiful place to live, work, play, and entertain. Your impact will continue for generations to come, and Gonzaga is truly blessed to call you friends.
PS – 53 Hotels with Completely Over-the-Top Holiday Decorations, yep…..The Davenport is in there #11