Note: This message was originally sent on May 7, 2024
For the past two years, University Advancement (UA) has been blessed by the talents of Jack Talbott (’24), a public relations major who revels in writing and storytelling. He’s a shining example of the leadership, drive, and potential in all Gonzaga students. While working as a student writer in UA, Jack has also been a peer tutor in the writing center, the host and audio engineer of Gonzaga’s podcast network, a resident advisor in Twohy Hall, a contributor to the Bulletin student newspaper, and a featured performer in some of the @GonzagaU social media videos.
Not long ago, Jack sat down with two Gonzaga legends: Mike (’63) and Sunny Strong (’65). I was there for only the introduction, but I could tell by the way Sunny called Jack “Honey,” that a lifelong impact would come from their chat.
On April 28, Sunny’s impact in a different area was featured on the front page of the Spokesman Review—her advocacy on behalf of victims of sexual assault. I want to share gratitude for Sunny and all the heroes like her in the world, as well as for Jack and the next generation of leaders who will make the world a better place by building on the foundations laid by people like the Strongs. Below is the story—in Jack’s own words—describing his encounter with Mike and Sunny.
Meeting Mike (’63) and Sunny Strong (’65) is an experience many find unforgettable. But before I met the Strongs I had heard them. I was sent a recording from the mid-1960s with Sunny and Mike talking between continents – Sunny, in Florence, part of the first-ever Gonzaga in Florence class, and Mike, in Spokane. It was a tape recorder turned into a time capsule. A special listen as they both exchanged memories and adventures from their respective sides of the world.
Sixty years after making the recording, I was able to sit down with them and look back at their Gonzaga experience, from students in Spokane to exemplary stewards of the University.
Both graduated from GU in the 1960s with Sunny graduating in 1965, two years after Mike. The experiences they had at Gonzaga laid the foundation, not only for two bright young scholars but for some of their most famous stories. I won’t spoil them all here, but some involved fast getaway cars, one had a famous pig, and of course, a marriage proposal in the COG. You simply must hear them yourself.
After the building blocks were laid at GU, Mike launched into a long career in immunology, while Sunny worked as a librarian. Throughout their careers, both have been world travelers and advocates for a variety of causes. At every stop on the way, the Strongs, in true Ignatian style, have set the world on fire.
Their connections and network around the world are incomprehensible. The positive work they help accomplish, the people they meet, the growth they help support, it all has trickled down to help millions of people. Even just speaking with them, it is apparent the level of care and goodwill they wish upon the world. Doing good and supporting others is just what they do.
Gonzaga was lucky to have them both in the 60s, now, words cannot describe how important their impact has been on the Gonzaga community and beyond. They are mapmakers in driving Gonzaga’s future and turning ideas into possibilities – especially for students.
“I spent my summers on the cattle ranch,” said Mike. “That helped me earn my tuition, which at the time, room and board were about 600 bucks. I could earn my way, and that doesn’t happen anymore.”
One of the several ways the Strongs help Gonzaga students is through scholarships, and one of them is quite memorable by name: The Brotherly Order of YoYos Scholarship. It’s a scholarship dedicated to the lifelong friend group Mike made in his years at Gonzaga. The YoYos have an extensive backstory, which you can read up on in the Foley library, and the University played a large role in growing the bond those gentlemen still share today. Those connections laid the groundwork for brotherhood, friendship and community, all things Gonzaga continues to cultivate among its students (as a member of the class of 2024, I can confirm this impact is still very much alive).
It was a treat to spend time with Mike and Sunny Strong. A conversation scheduled at 3 p.m. on a Friday for about 45 minutes ended up nearly two hours long. Even for a Friday, there was nothing I would have rather been doing.
As our conversation came to a close, they wanted to know more about me. We talked about friends, family, relationships, service, work, the highs and lows, and of course, balancing it all as a Gonzaga student. Through all our conversations, Sunny knew the perfect way to end and left me with a piece of advice. She said, it’s important to always share with the people you care about, be proud to share your successes, but be prouder to share with them your failures.
It’s true: the Zag network connects phenomenal people with amazing opportunities, and I can wholeheartedly say, I have added myself to their vast network of people the Strongs have positively impacted.
- Jack Talbott (’24)