Note: This message was originally sent on March 18, 2022
I am thinking of a delegation of Zags this morning... ten of our
doctoral, graduate and undergraduate students from Gonzaga’s School of Leadership Studies who are at the Brussels European Forum for a weeklong intensive global leadership experience. Along with 40 other international students, they are participating in simulations of the North Atlantic Council (NAC), Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) and G-20.
I’ve had the privilege of following one of my colleagues who is there with our student team and thought you all might appreciate seeing their story: Leadership Students Simulate G-20 at European Forum In particular, I was drawn to this reflection: “As an Eastern European immigrant from one of the countries neighboring Ukraine, I cannot begin nor end my expression of gratitude for the work they are doing in Brussels to be at the frontlines of diplomatic leadership during these historical times,”shared faculty sponsor and professor Adrian Popa. “Our team is leading our Zags during historical moments that have grave consequences.”
“Opportunities to be with and for others in times of crisis, and to learn and practice global leadership reflects our missional Jesuit values of serving on the frontlines of where the world needs us most” said Popa.
We also proudly cheer on our Women’s Basketball team today as they start their March Madness dance verses Nebraska at 12:30 pm PST (ESPNEWS). We are incredibly proud of this team - they have led on the court and in our minds and hearts with a message of hope, unity and reconciliation this season. I cannot miss this opportunity to share a great stat….the GU WBB home attendance percentage capacity is 85% - the second highest in the country!
And for anyone in Portland or headed that way... enjoy this timely story by former GU journalism professor and proud alum Tom Miller (’72), you can see some of the who’s-who of the Gonzaga community hailing from Jesuit High School. Our Portland Alumni and Friends Chapter is one of the strongest, boasting almost 7,200 former Zags, current parents, parents of alumni, and friends of the University living in the greater Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area. We will try to pack in as many as possible as our Men’s Basketball team takes on Memphis, Saturday March 19 at the Moda Center.
Incredibly proud of our students... they raise their hands to lead with grace, great intention and heart.