Spirit masthead

 

November 2024 | Vol. 26 #3

Spirit is Gonzaga's monthly newsletter designed to inform faculty, staff, trustees and regents about what’s new and important at the University.

In This Issue

 
 

What is Phi Beta Kappa? Gonzaga's Newest Honor

 
The oldest honor society in the country voted this summer to establish a chapter at Gonzaga. Spirit sat down with Kirk Besmer, philosophy professor and engine behind the University’s application, to find out what this means for the academic community.

READ MORE

 

Quiet in the Back

AI image of a professor leading a class in a discussion
 
An integral part of any class, the discussion can spark new ideas, conversation and connection. It can also impart unwitting harm. Janel Anderson, assistant professor of education leadership and administration, teaches best practices for facilitating safe, engaging participation.

READ MORE

 

Finding Home in Public Health

Robin Pickering headshot
 
Students across multiple disciplines are finding a place for their skills in Gonzaga’s newest undergraduate degree. Hear from the first cohort on why they chose public health.

READ MORE

 

Jim White Honored for Helping Students

man with basketball
 
Always ready to lend an ear or crack a joke – Jim White is beloved in the financial aid office. Turns out the National Association of Financial Aid Administrators agrees. White received one of the highest awards in the field recognizing decades of student support.

READ MORE

 

Keeping Costs Down

The start of fall brought some good news from Human Resources.

Just one year after Gonzaga employees trended above the predicted average for use of emergency services, Ray Kliewer, vice president of Human Resources, says those numbers are going down.

  • Overall visits to the emergency room have decreased 12.1%
  • Emergency room visits deemed “avoidable” by the treating physician are down 2.2%
  • Urgent care visits have decreased 20.9%

Work is also underway to streamline certain benefits. Keep an eye out for these changes:

  • TeleDoc virtual physician returns January 1, replacing Doctor on Demand
  • Weight management solutions will move from Omada to TeleDoc
  • This means most chronic care services will now be managed in one place
  • ZagFit will also move to a new platform through SupportLinc

Kliewer emphasizes each employee’s role in keeping costs low, saying, “I extend my gratitude to each of you for your thoughtful use of our array of benefits as well as your contributions to the Zag community.”

 

Respected Faculty & Prepared Students

AI generated image of woman looking forward with students having conversations in the background
 
Expanding research opportunities for faculty and students is top of mind this year. Without the resources of larger research institutions, Gonzaga is continuing to elevate its reputation as a hub for authentic work.

READ MORE

 

Gonzaga Honored for Inclusivity

AI generated image of woman looking forward with students having conversations in the background
 
Gonzaga received the 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award, in recognition of the considerable work done by the Office of Inclusive Excellence. Find out more about the recent efforts that led to this honor.

READ MORE

 

Using AI Well & Wisely

AI generated image of woman looking forward with students having conversations in the background
 
It sounds scary – a tool that can do our most basic skills in seconds. But leaders across campus see it as an opportunity. Read about the latest efforts to integrate AI University-wide and find out why it’s a chance to level-up.

READ MORE

 

Work Value Champs

A collage of work value champs
From left to right: Jess Loomer, Rebecca Donoway, Danielle Teague and Peggy Sue Loroz

As we close out the first two full months of the school year – the temperature is dropping, the leaves are changing colors, and your colleagues are continuing to do incredible work.

Three people were nominated as September Work Value Champions:

Jess Loomer, ticketing services supervisor at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center, is deeply caring and thoughtful in everything she does. Peers noted Loomer’s relationship with her work study students – she ensures they feel supported, recognized and heard. The Myrtle Woldson Center wouldn’t be what it is without her!

You may have seen Rebecca Donoway starring in videos about the upcoming election, but she does much more than star in the occasional YouTube video! The communications studies lecturer creates strong foundations for her students so they can hold each other accountable, as members of a larger civic society. Her nominator says, “Donaway represents the best of what Gonzaga should be.”

If there’s a job to be done in student affairs, Danielle Teague has probably done it. Work Value Champions promote excellence in academic endeavors and professional practice, and Teague’s peers know her as the consummate professional. She revolutionized assessment within student affairs by leading the process for program reviews. She currently chairs multiple committees and work groups. Her nominator says Teague is always willing to lend a helping hand and is truly excellence personified.

Marketing professor Peggy Sue Loroz was October’s work value champion! Her nominator pointed out the wise words Loroz shared at a recent faculty forum that spoke to the Jesuit values of the University. She expertly navigated a situation that had escalated, diffusing tension while maintaining dignity. She’s also a continuous source of support for her peers, recognizing when they need help and jumping into action!


Around Campus

Upcoming Events

Nov. 4, 12-1 p.m. The Office of Sustainability will host a town hall to gather ideas and insights to shape the Climate Action Plan for carbon neutrality | Hemmingson Ballroom

Nov. 6, 11:30-1:30 p.m. The Women Lead Fall Luncheon returns to campus, featuring three Gonzaga alums who are all leaders in their organizations | Hemmingson Center

Nov. 13-14
Attend this year’s Columbia River Transboundary Water Governance and Ethics Symposium, hosted by the Climate Institute | Cataldo Hall Globe Room

Nov. 14, 6-7:45 p.m. Watch “No Place to Grow Old,” a documentary produced by Gonzaga alumni Michael Larson, an intimate portrait of homeless seniors in Portland | Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center

Nov. 19, 5:30-7 p.m. UW School of Medicine - Gonzaga University Health Partnership Student Research Symposium | The Historic SIERR Building

Nov. 23, 2-3:30 p.m. Listen to the Gonzaga Wind Ensemble conducted by Peter J. Hamlin in “The Storyteller” | Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center 

Nov. 23, 6-8 p.m. “Salmon Tales,” a fundraiser dinner for Salish School of Spokane featuring a salmon dinner, student performances and parent testimonial | Hemmingson Ballroom

Nov. 25, 7:30-9 p.m. Gonzaga symphony orchestra plays alongside violin virtuoso, Itamar Zorman | Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center


Noteworthy 

New Hires

Abigail Barsness, assistant director events and strategic initiative, University Advancement; Alana Inlow, asst professor of sociology, College of Arts and Science; Alex Miller, human physiology lecturerAT, School of Health Sciences; Alexander Sutton, groundskeeper, Plant; Anbara Lutfullaeva, asst professor of mechanical engineering, School of Engineering and App Science; Austin Few, director of basketball analytics, Athletics; Brooke Colburn, engineering management lecturer-AT, School of Engineering and App Science; Christiane Schwarz, asst professor of sociology, College of Arts and Sciences; Christina Brumley, nursing lecturer-AT, School of Health Sciences; Colton Fetzer, program coordinator, Sustainability; Cynthia Gutierrez, asst professor of theatre and dance, College of Arts and Sciences; Daniel Hodge, CRES lecturer-AT, College of Arts and Sciences; Daphne Gershon, communications studies lecturer-AT, College of Arts and Sciences; Debbi Haskins, elder law paralegal, School of Law; Ellen Teerink, program coordinator, Center for Student Involvement; Jacqueline Linder, program assistant II, Center for Cura Personalis; John Gallo, asst professor of school psychology, School of Education; Laurie Dubois, instructor of modern languages and literature, College of Arts and Sciences; Lindsey Anagnostopoulos, nursing lecturerIR, School of Health Sciences; Lydia Pazienza, asst professor of chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences; Madhura Nadarajah, English lecturer-AT, College of Arts and Sciences; Magdana Kondaridze, asst professor of economics, School of Business; Margaret Cox, asst professor of school psychology, School of Education; Maria Source, production manager, College of Arts and Sciences; Mary Heavey, program assistant II, College of Arts and Sciences; Mary Koch, asst professor of psychology, College of Arts and Sciences; Maurizio Scontrino, modern languages and literature lecturer-AT, College of Arts and Sciences; Mirisa Torres, asst director of externship program, School of Law; Molly Parker, nursing lecturer-AT, School of Health Sciences; Pamela Minty, asst professor of integrated media, College of Arts and Sciences; Rebecca Ediger, program assistant I, Center for Student Involvement; Renee Geck, asst professor of biology, College of Arts and Sciences; Ruby Holschen, communications officer, Campus Public Safety and Security; Sarah Battis, program coordinator, Center for Lifelong Learning; Stephanie Van Dellen, asst professor of management, School of Business; Tianzhi Zhang, asst professor of teacher education, School of Education; Timothy Guasco, asst professor of chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences; Zijian Zeng, asst professor of operations management, School of Business Position

Changes/ Promotions

Amy Pistone, asst professor of classical civilizations, College of Arts and Sciences; Angela Bruns, asst professor of sociology, College of Arts and Sciences; Angela Hinz, program manager, Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry, Institute for Research and Interdis; Anny Case, professor of teacher education, School of Education; Chelsea Collins, strategic learning specialist, Center for Student Academic Success; Christine Sloan, associate professor of nursing, School of Health Sciences; Cynthia Stavrianos, professor of political science, College of Arts and Sciences; David Gilbert, outdoor programs manager, Student Affairs; David Tagnani, English seniorlecturer-AC, College of Arts and Sciences; Dylan Mustach, infrastructure administrator II, Information Technology Services; Elizabeth Addis, professor of biology, College of Arts and Science; Emily Clark, professor of religious studies, College of Arts and Sciences; Hays Whitlatch, associate professor of mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences; Heather Crandall, professor of communications studies, College of Arts and Sciences; James Weston, mechanical engineering senior lecturer-IB, School of Engineering and App Science; Jason Gilman, infrastructure administrator II, Information Technology Services; Jillian Hall, director of life skills development, Athletics; Julius Ciaffa, professor of philosophy, College of Arts and Sciences; Katey Roden, associate professor of English, College of Arts and Sciences; Kyle Shimabuku, associate professor of civil engineering, School of Engineering and App Science; Laura Diaz Martinez, associate professor of biology, College of Arts and Sciences; Margaret Stohlmann, associate professor of music, College of Arts and Sciences; Margarette Aalgaard, music program assistant III, College of Arts and Sciences; Martin Schiavenato, associate professor of nursing, School of Health Sciences; Megan McCabe, associate professor of religious studies, College of Arts and Sciences; Michelle Smasne, accounts payable lead, Controller’s Office; Noralis Rodriguez-Coss, associate professor of women, gender and sexuality studies, College of Arts and Sciences; Rebecca Marquis, professor of modern languages and literature, College of Arts and Sciences; Rebecca Bull Schaefer, professor of management, School of Business; Robert Donnelly, professor of history, College of Arts and Sciences; Tomas Guardia, mathematics senior lecturer-AC, College of Arts and Sciences; William Tuinenga, infrastructure engineer, Information Technology Services; Yelin Zhang, associate professor of finance, School of Business; Yemisi Awotoye, associate professor of management, School of Business; Amy Goldman, testing coordinator, School of Law; Aubree Argyle, nursing lecturer-AT, School of Health Sciences; Christopher Parkin, pep band director, Athletics; Julie Thompson, nursing lecturer-AT, School of Health Sciences; Krista Crotty, psychology lecturer-AT, College of Arts and Sciences; Kristy Gonder, asst professor of nursing, School of Health Sciences; Lars Stoltzfus, communications studies lecturer-AT, College of Arts and Sciences; Matthew DeGarmo, sociology lecturer-AT College of Arts and Sciences; Megan Baird, admission counselor, Admissions; Mikale Nowak, nursing lecturer-AT, School of Health Sciences; Sarah Kersey, English lecturer-AT, College of Arts and Sciences; Sharon McGregor-Veerayah, mathematics lecturer-AT, College of Arts and Sciences; Theadora Skokan, communications specialist, Marketing and Communications

Goodbyes

Alison Vanlandingham, honors program academic advisor I, Center for Student Academic Success; Dale Goodwin, senior writer and communications manager, Marketing and Communications; Ellen DameGriff, instructional technologist, Instructional Design and Delivery; Greg Stapleton, electrician, Plant; Jared Wiltshire, IT technician II, Information Technology Services; Kristin Finch, diversity officer, Inclusive Excellence; Michelle Singeo, business manager, Center for Student Involvement; Pheadra Richardson, student services specialist, Graduate Enrollment Management; Paul Alvarez, enterprise application developer II, Information Technology Services; Tracy Garcia, director of annual giving, Athletics

Anniversaries

30 Joanne Shiosaki, asst director of student media, Publications Board

25 Rob Joyce, IT technician III, Service Management; Natalie Borek, senior curriculum specialist, Registrars Office

20 Rob Tomlinson, web development lead, Integrations Operations; Roger Cummings, director, integrations operations

15 Stashia Kaiel, asst director, Study Abroad

10 Kate Vanskike, senior director of content strategy, Marketing and Communications; Lisa Tuinenga, acquisition specialist for continuations, Library Services

Evan Schanzenbach, curriculum and technology specialist, Registrars Office; Preeti Gosavi, integration architect, Infrastructure Architects; Abby Cruz, enterprise web developer II, Integrations Operations; Josie Hollenbaugh, associate director of admission, Law Student Recruitment; Erik Foley, mail services lead, Mail Service and Delivery