For keeping busy...

Note: This message was originally sent on November 3, 2022

It's been more than a minute since I've sent out one of these emails, and I must say, I've missed hearing from so many of you who so kindly respond with reflections of your own, comments, questions, or just the occasional hello, and go Zags!  

As you can imagine (and should hope!), this Fall has been busy—more so than others in recent memory. In addition to the beginning of a new academic year, the University launched what we are calling The Grand Challenge Process, in which the entire community of faculty and staff were invited to submit proposals to guide the strategic plan and priorities of the University. Well over 100 proposals have been submitted, which are now being reviewed and considered for mission and purpose alignment. Its an exciting process of which I am truly excited to share more about in the coming weeks and months.    

In addition, at the invitation of Father General Arturo Sosa, Superior of the Society of Jesus, our Board of Trustees undertook a pilgrimage to Rome for its Fall meeting, during which time there was careful discernment and consideration of who we are as a university and our role moving forward. We saw, heard, and experienced impactful things—including Board Chair Christy Larsen's personal moment with His Holiness Pope Francis, in which she asked for him to pray for us as we do our work for the benefit of Gonzaga students (he asked that we pray for him, too). Relationships were strengthened, as was our collective resolve and commitment as a Jesuit institution to the Universal Apostolic Preferences, on which Fr. Gen. Sosa encouraged us to focus our work. Journeying with Youth, Standing with the Excluded, Showing the Way to God, and Care for our Common Home are the pillars at the foundation of this work, and your dedication to Gonzaga will help to propel it forward.  

Some of us returned from Italy with a little respiratory souvenir, which came with its own set of challenges during such a busy time.  I am happy to report that everyone has made a full recovery—just in time for the tip-off in the Kennel last night.  

While you might think after all that's been going on for Gonzaga, at home and abroad, that wed be ready for a break; however, in true Zag fashion, families intent on having an impact for GU students continue to inspire and keep Advancement on its toes. Right now, considering the landscape of higher education as a whole and questions everywhere about the value of it, this support is absolutely vital. Seeing generations of Zags coming together for Fall Family Weekend and for the Zagapalooza all-class reunion last month was a great reminder of why it is so important—with graduation years decades apart, this family of Zags is full of world-changers, leaders, and people for others, the output of which must never stop.   

Thank you for all you do to help keep things busy! 

Oh, and just wait for next weekeager to share with you more reflections on a very special day – Veterans Day 2022!