Barnes Academic Excellence Awards
Yemisi is deeply committed to guiding students through their academic journeys and fostering holistic development. She creates inclusive, engaging learning environments that emphasize critical thinking and personal growth. Rather than relying solely on lectures, Yemisi transforms her undergraduate courses into hands-on experiences, incorporating various teaching methods to reinforce key concepts.
In her Strategic Management class, Yemisi uses case studies and simulations to provide real-world business experience. In Spring 2024, she launched a semester-long Capstone project to supplement these activities. The project tasked students with developing a strategic plan for Gonzaga University in response to the enrollment challenges facing higher education. Each group worked on strategic leadership, analysis, and implementation, culminating in a detailed report shared with Dean Ken Anderson. Yemisi also brought in a guest speaker from LinkedIn to discuss automation's role in career decisions and business strategy.
In her International Management class, Yemisi created country selection and culture projects, giving students the opportunity to research and evaluate international opportunities for Spokane-based businesses. Her Strategic Management course has recently received the honors designation, and her International Management course received the Global Studies designation. This Fall, Yemisi looks forward to offering new consulting opportunities through a partnership with a local athletic center, further enhancing her students' hands-on learning experiences.
Jillian LaBelle
During the 2023-2024 academic year, Jillian made significant strides in both teaching and advising, impacting many students in meaningful ways. She officially advised 35 students and offered guidance to many other unofficial advisees, many of whom sought her out for help with accounting or academic decisions. Jillian also wrote 16 letters of recommendation, underscoring her dedication to her students' futures.
In her Introduction to Accounting classes, Jillian continued to innovate her teaching methods, using an iPad instead of a whiteboard and recording lectures for students to access remotely. This approach kept students engaged, even when absent, and helped them review challenging topics. She also implemented a group project where students analyzed the impact of COVID-19 on publicly traded companies, providing practical application of course concepts.
Jillian enhanced the student experience by inviting guest speakers, including a CFO and financial advisors, offering real-world perspectives on accounting careers. She further engaged students through two projects: a financial statement analysis and an Excel budgeting exercise to help them plan for post-graduation life.
Outside the classroom, Jillian presented at the Women LEAD conference and served as treasurer for a local non-profit, using her accounting expertise to give back to the community. Her dedication to real-world exposure and student engagement truly stands out.
During her sabbatical in Fall 2023, Masha focused on mastering new econometric techniques to stay current in the evolving field of applied econometrics. She spent time studying the latest estimators and attended a four-day workshop. These advanced techniques allow researchers to better establish causality in their analyses. Masha applied her new knowledge by writing a paper, which she presented at two conferences and is now preparing for journal submission.
Masha also integrated these updated methods into her econometrics course curriculum, ensuring her students are prepared for graduate school or the job market. While no undergraduate textbook currently covers these new techniques, Masha believes exposing students to cutting-edge methods is essential. One of her students, for example, used the event-study methodology learned in class to examine the effects of marijuana legalization on violent crime rates.
In addition, Masha revised the Macroeconomics Principles course, replacing outdated assignments with a data analysis project. Beginning in Spring 2024, students collected and analyzed their own data, applying macroeconomic principles. This hands-on approach equips students with valuable data analysis skills that will set them apart in an increasingly AI-driven job market.
Barnes Engagement Awards
Ryan Herzog
Ryan is dedicated to engaging both the university and the broader Spokane community, integrating academic learning with real-world experiences. His volunteer work includes active participation in university events like Freshman Orientation, GEL Weekend, and Fall Family Weekend, where he delivers sample lectures and engages with students and families. He also serves as Chair of the Audit Committee for the Board of Directors at a local credit union and has started guest teaching at a local high school, bringing his expertise to benefit local organizations.
Incorporating service-learning into his curriculum, Ryan encourages students to apply economic principles to address community issues, using local labor market data and income equality measures to analyze regional economies. He also developed educational programs such as the Economics Summer Research Fellowship, Economics Tutoring Center, and the Economics Symposium, providing students with experiential learning opportunities.
Ryan has established strong partnerships with community stakeholders, organizing events like the Economics Symposium and engaging with local media outlets, including appearances on KHQ and Spokane Public Radio. His innovative teaching methods, such as analyzing the economic impact of Taylor Swift's concerts, make economic theory relatable and have garnered national media attention. Ryan's commitment to service, outreach, and practical application has enriched both the academic and business communities.
Peggy Sue Loroz
This year, Peggy Sue focused on the SBA value of Engagement by connecting students with business professionals and fostering meaningful experiences. One of her key accomplishments was planning the inaugural Marketing and Advertising track of the New York Trek, offering marketing students exposure to various industries. This program featured eight site visits to organizations like Google, NBA, LinkedIn, and Paramount, hosted by Gonzaga alumni and other employees. Peggy Sue also organized a mentoring dinner with 10 young alumni, providing valuable insights into the logistics of relocating and working in NYC.
In her Personal Branding for Athletes course, Peggy Sue brought in six outside experts and hosted a panel of mentors from GU Athletics and Learfield to provide feedback on student-athlete presentations. The course culminated with eight local businesspeople attending student-athlete pitches for potential NIL partnerships, adding real-world relevance.
Peggy Sue’s Consumer Behavior course featured guest speakers and a collaboration with Gonzaga Admissions, while International Marketing at the Gonzaga in Florence campus included seven immersion experiences focused on marketing to international tourists. Each initiative bridges the gap between academia and the business community, enriching students' educational experiences and preparing them for successful careers.
Danielle Xu
Danielle has demonstrated a deep commitment to community engagement through her volunteerism, partnerships, and educational programming. She actively serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations, including the Spokane Public Schools Foundation, Vanessa Behan, and the Spokane Sister Cities Association, where she promotes cultural exchange and supports local causes. Additionally, Danielle volunteers for programs like Bite2Go and the Spokane City Point-in-Time Count, contributing to efforts to improve living conditions for children, low-income families, and the homeless.
In her role as Mozilo Chair, Danielle worked with student interns to help build the first coffee shop in Northeast Spokane, creating job opportunities for local families. She also developed an internship program with the Northeast Public Development Authority (NEPDA) focused on financial modeling and marketing, giving students real-world experience in community development.
Danielle’s efforts extend to educational programming and outreach, where she advises the Gonzaga University Investment Club and DECA Club. She organized networking events and workshops with alumni and industry professionals, and she is working on a potential partnership with Vanessa Behan for students to manage non-profit financial assets.
Additionally, Danielle co-developed a study abroad program in Japan, providing students with international business exposure through visits to companies like Microsoft, Nike, and Mitsubishi Bank. These activities exemplify her dedication to bridging academic learning with real-world experiences.
Barnes Inspiration Awards
Mirjeta embodies the mission of Gonzaga and the School of Business through her teaching, leadership, and global engagement. As a passionate educator, she teaches both undergraduate and graduate students, guiding them through real-world experiences. In her Quantitative and Statistical Analysis course, students work with non-profit organizations such as Second Harvest, Vanessa Behan, Meals on Wheels, and Spokane Valley Summer Theater, serving as data analysts. These collaborations have a profound impact on both students and the community, inspiring students to continue contributing beyond the classroom.
Mirjeta’s global impact extends through the Doing Business in Europe program, where she exposes students to diverse industries and sustainability practices. This year’s program featured visits to small businesses, large companies, and sustainable enterprises across Italy. She also incorporates discussions on ethical issues and sustainability in her courses, fostering a deeper understanding of global business challenges.
Mirjeta’s contributions have been widely recognized. She was named MBA Faculty of the Year and featured by Women in Business Education. Her work in Albania’s higher education system earned her the “Gratitude of the Faculty of Economy” award, and she was invited to speak at the University of Shkoder commencement. Above all, her commitment to mentoring students and alumni continues to inspire and empower future business leaders.
Molly exemplifies a holistic commitment to the Jesuit mission in her professional life, focusing on leadership, scholarship, and community service. As president of the Colleagues in Jesuit Business Education (CJBE) for the past four years, she has promoted Jesuit values in business education through collaboration, scholarship, and innovative teaching. By fostering ethical decision-making and social justice, CJBE prepares students to become responsible leaders grounded in Jesuit principles.
As a member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Jesuit Business Education, Molly helps shape the journal's content, ensuring it aligns with the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm and the Inspirational Paradigm. Her work supports educators who strive to integrate Jesuit values into their teaching and research.
Molly's commitment to service extends beyond academia through her involvement with local community groups. At Spokane Rotary 21 she serves on the Board of Directors. She leads and co-chairs several committees, including vaccination efforts and invocations. Rotary’s mission aligns with the Jesuit value of being men and women for others. Additionally, as an Honorary Commander at Fairchild Air Force Base, Molly bridges military and civilian communities, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding through engagement in community and university activities.