Note: This message was originally sent on November 14, 2022
When Zags like you choose to make Gonzaga University and its students a philanthropic priority, the online giving form asks, what inspired you to give? The stories shared are truly heartwarming and a phenomenal reminder of why what we do matters to students, families, friends, faculty, staff, alumni, and the communities they serve. Here are a few of my recent favorites:
In 1979 I had lost my job and needed further education to move myself forward. I enrolled in Gonzaga's MBA program, and the then-head of accounting Dan Brajcich, Ph.D., talked me into doing a dual MBA/accounting degree. That incredible education set the foundation for the next 40 years of my career, which culminated in my serving as CEO of Inland Imaging for over 30 years.
Many a night at the old switchboard, Fr. Coughlin would stop and check on me before leaving the building for the night (usually at 2 a.m.). We would share our day, and then he'd say Goodnight, keep working for the Greater Good! Fr. Dussault would check on me also, and he would tell me as I was working Graveyard, never forget you are the eyes and ears of Gonzaga. You take care of all of us, and that's an important job. Those words have stuck to my heart for over 30 years. This is my heart & family!
On April 21st, I attended the Ignatian Gala celebrating the centennial of the School of Business Administration. As I was walking into the Hemmingson Center (COG), I realized that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the first time I was on campus as a freshman. I never could have imagined how the next four years would change my life personally and professionally. The people, experiences, events, and interactions during those four years shaped the next 46 years of my life. I would not have met my wife, my daughter would not have been born, I would not have had my career. It all started 50 years ago this year when I stepped onto the Gonzaga campus. Gonzaga brings disparate people from across the country for all sorts of reasons: to live and learn, make lifelong friends, and impact our lives in ways we continually experience. It's called the Gonzaga Community. Certainly, for the larger group of people who identify in some way with GU, that's correct. But then there are the smaller groups of friends that are closer and more connected; they are extended family. The question is. What inspires Mary and I to continue to give back to Gonzaga? It's because Gonzaga continually gives to us.
My college years were not easy—I was broke most of the time. But thanks to the Jesuits who gave me work and encouragement, I was able to survive and graduate in four years. I spent the most formative years at Gonzaga. I went to school with some of the wisest people I have ever known. I got a really good classroom education, but more importantly, I got a really good education about life! Thank you, go Zags!
I was fortunate to be able to attend Gonzaga Prep and Gonzaga University, and then was also a Distinguished Military Graduate. Gonzaga and ROTC gave me the training and foundation to serve my country, the Boeing Company, and lead a successful business as the CEO—overall, six decades of service to my country, business, and making dramatic improvements in healthcare.
You are impressive people with exceptional hearts for others. Please know that Gonzaga is blessed to count you among the Zag family, and appreciates your contributions to the work of the University and your community as a whole. Thank you!
PS – The above photo is of a button that came from the very bottom of one of my desk drawers (someone needs to organize a bit). You read it correctly, the button is from 2002 – when we spent time that year asking the GU and broader communities with which we intersect this question, Why Gonzaga? We received thousands of responses and continue this tradition today. As I mentioned in an earlier ZaGratitude message, we are spending time this academic year in a Grand Challenge Process, in which our faculty and staff have been 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. It's an exciting process of which we are truly excited to share not just why Gonzaga, but what’s next at Gonzaga!
I'm already thinking through what the buttons might say.