Five years ago today... so many layers to this story

Note: This message was originally sent on April 1, 2022

When you think about the threads of connection woven together holding the tapestry that is the Gonzaga community together, it’s can be truly beautiful to consider all the tiny little moments that make up those threads—friendships forged during some of our most formative years, moments of triumph, celebration, strife, heartbreak, and honor shared with family, friends, fans, and even heroes. Every moment is special, and there’s nothing quite like basketball season to bring these moments to light.  It is not lost on us that on this day, five years ago, Zag nation was mobilizing to cheer on our students in our first Final Four game. 

With immense gratitude for every member of the Gonzaga men’s and women’s basketball teams and operations, I want to share with you some very bright lights from this year’s journey. 

Wes Johnson (’05) has a life filled with ups and downs—as a commercial pilot, he’d have it no other way. He dreamt of being a pilot since (in his own words) “he could lift his head up,” and as a Gonzaga communications student was encouraged by Professor Emeritus John Caputo to follow his dreams. Caputo was more than a mentor—when Wes fell ill and had to be hospitalized in Florence, Caputo looked after him as though he was his own son. “Such a sweet man,” Wes said. “He was truly a great role model and teacher. His class has made me a better communicator and more confident in myself.” So, while at the 2022 NCAA Tournament, when Wes checked his social media feed and saw a post from Caputo sharing nearly the exact same view of the court Wes could see, he quickly sent a message and discovered his favorite professor from nearly two decades prior sitting only nine rows away.  

“Epic stuff!” Wes posted with photos of the two enjoying their wonderful reunion.  

And speaking of ups and downs, this year’s tournament games were rollercoaster rides for Zag fans everywhere. Everyone checked and double-checked their superstitions to give our teams the best possible chances of success—and when it worked, it WORKED.  When the Zags were down 31 to 41 against Memphis at the half, Charlie O’Connor (’49) knew exactly what to do.  With his rally hat ready to go, his family – full of Zags - snapped this photo. 

Now, I’m not saying it wasn’t determination, hard-work, perseverance, and grit that led the Zags to an 82-78 win that night.  I’m just saying we can’t entirely count out the power of that hat.   Thank you, Charlie and Doris for this “captured” moment of support AND for your generosity - helping hundreds of students become Zags over the past several decades! 

And then there was the moving text we received from the Prince family, commemorating game day with a solemn tribute placed at Marilyn’s (’61) gravesite – beautiful flowers wrapped in a ‘Go Zags’ sign.   You are missed by many, Marilyn – most especially your wonderful family and many Gonzaga friends. The Prince family will gather again – very soon – to celebrate yet another Zag walking across the stage during the University’s 129^th commencement ceremony!  Congrats, Delaney! 

Charlie’s photo, the tribute for Marilyn and the chorus of social media posts along with Wes’ throughout Gonzaga’s basketball season are a wonderful reminder of what ties us all together—this beautiful place and its honorable mission. 

Our wonderful stories, woven together with our shared faith in humanity and commitment to the common good wrap all of us in the confidence that all will be okay, that we are blessed to be part of this very special mission and community.  Thanks again to you and every member of the Gonzaga family who makes it so delightfully fun to be a Zag.