Note: This message was originally sent on June 17, 2023
That’s GU student Andrea Galvin (second from left) with her mom Lorna (far left). On the right side of Andrea is GU Trustee and GU school of law alumna Angela Jones and Dr. McCulloh. This was taken on Wednesday at the public launch of the Washington State Initiative for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Angela Jones is the director of the initiative, she and her team hosted 300+ leaders from across the state at the foundation’s headquarters in Seattle to learn about the foundation’s goal of encouraging more students to enroll in a postsecondary program after high school by supporting solutions for college and career pathways, elevating student perspectives and voices, and supporting community-led regional collaboration. More to come on the important work being undertaken here. Beyond being incredibly proud to see one of our trustees lead this effort, it was not lost on anyone at the meeting that Angela and her team fully delivered on their objective of elevating student voices. As such, Andrea opened the day’s meetings by singing “Breathe” by Mandy Gonzalez from the Broadway musical “In the Heights”. The lyrics are worth experiencing (you can find them in the link provided). My hope is the day will come when you get to meet and hear Andrea, in person. We will be sharing more about her story and what she and so many of our students undertake to secure their dreams of post-secondary education.
That’s Bailley Wootton (GU’s center for community engagement), Peg Haun McEwen (head of the Gonzaga Family Haven for Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington and GU alum), Molly Ayers (GU’s center for community engagement), Mary Joan Hahn (GU community and public relations), Jonathan Mallahan (head of housing for Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington and GU alum) at the International Town and Gown Conference which was held in Colorado the week before last. This dream team was invited to present to universities from around the world regarding the innovative, nationally distinct partnership model created to address intergenerational poverty and sustainable long-term housing. The session highlighted the Gonzaga Family Haven – fueled by a partnership between Catholic Charities Eastern Washington, Gonzaga University and Gonzaga Prep.
Coordinated by GU’s Center for Community Engagement, six of our schools and the college and departments ranging from athletics to plant services have programming with the Haven where 72 families, 278 total persons (134 are kids) are living in one, two and three bedroom apartments at this housing community. Our efforts are focused on accompanying residents on their journey to stability and creating an environment where our faculty and students can learn how to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and creating sustainable long-term housing. Truly one of the most powerful ways in which we can bring Jesuit applied learning to life.
This team pictured here is an inspiration to so many throughout all of the partnering organizations. Thank you, Peg, Jonathan, Molly, Mary Joan and Bailley (and the teams you lead) for making it possible for others to dream.