A legacy of great teachers lives on
Names That Live

By Kathi Plager

Isn't it amazing how Father Tony Lehmann, S.J. was a part of so many Gonzaga families, baptizing and marrying hundreds of alumni? Remember how John Firkins insisted that overcoming your math phobia would be a piece of cake? Or how Dan Brajcich is one of Gonzaga's most beloved professors who still stays in touch with countless former students? Perhaps you remember the quiet, dedicated leadership of James McGivern and, later, of Bill Ilgen. They both had such presence among GU's engineering students. These professors made a home out of the classroom, a tradition out of education and, thankfully, their legacies will be remembered forever in the form of endowed scholarships. Quite a few funds have been established to honor and remember Gonzaga's best professors and leaders, and more will be created in the years to come, for sure. Five of these funds are highlighted below.

The John and Mary Ann Firkins Memorial Endowed Scholarship

"The students I want to see get the scholarship are those who have a love of learning. I want them to love the subject of math and carry that love into the classroom," says John Firkins, retired mathematics professor. This scholarship is awarded to junior or senior students who wish to teach mathematics. Says Firkins: "I hope these students will spread knowledge and the love of knowledge when they leave Gonzaga." Firkins still sees evidence of his influence on former students who now teach. Last fall, he attended a math conference in Portland, Ore., and was surprised to run into eight former GU students. "It was a great treasure for me, I ran into all those wonderful individuals who were teaching math. There is nothing more rewarding than the success of your students," Firkins said. With the support or GU alumni, the Firkins Scholarship will ensure that many more students achieve this success.

Father Tony Lehmann, S.J. Scholarship

In honor of Fr. Tony's great dedication to the Gonzaga-in-Florence program, this scholarship was established for students pursuing studies in Florence. Fr. Tony, who served in Florence before coming to Spokane, always helped students get the most from their experiences abroad. His dedication to the program stemmed from his belief in the importance of learning in a new environment, which could influence students' beliefs and thoughts. The Fr. Tony Lehmann, S.J. Scholarship ensures that students who work hard in school – students who receive this scholarship must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher – will have the opportunity to partake in the life-changing journey of Gonzaga-in-Florence.

Dr. James McGivern Scholarship in Engineering

Dr. James McGivern founded the School of Engineering in 1934, and the school has thrived and experienced incredible growth in the almost 70 years since. He was the School's first dean, serving in this capacity for more than 35 years. The McGivern Scholarship is awarded to freshmen engineering students, and follows them throughout their engineering studies at Gonzaga. Alumni who knew and respected McGivern continue to give to the fund regularly. The McGivern Scholarship honors a man dedicated to excellence in engineering education. His vision has been realized: the School offers bachelor degrees in five areas of engineering, and Gonzaga is the only Catholic university between Spokane and the Mississippi River with accredited engineering programs. McGivern would be proud.

W.P. Ilgen Scholarship in Engineering

Another engineering scholarship fund honors William "Bill" P. Ilgen, retired dean of the School of Engineering. Many engineering alumni attribute their success to Ilgen's leadership and the quality engineering program at GU. This year, the School of Engineering enrolled more than 400 students, a record-breaking number. For the last four years, the School has been ranked nationally by U.S. & World News Report in the top 30 of engineering schools without Ph.D. programs. Striving for the best is an honorable goal that exemplifies what Dean Ilgen espoused to his students and the Gonzaga community. Ilgen and wife Mary live in Spokane and continue to stay in contact with engineering faculty and alumni.

Daniel G. Brajcich Scholarship

Gonzaga started this scholarship for business students in 1977 to honor Professor Daniel Brajcich, the accounting "guru" of GU who is now Professor Emeritus. He has been an inspiration to the Gonzaga community with his dedication to students and the pursuit of education.

Brajcich himself has led a lifelong quest for learning and knowledge. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1943, and continued with his education to earn a law degree in 1945 and an MBA in 1970. He received Gonzaga's Distinguished Alumni Merit Award in 1980, and an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University in 1985. It takes a special teacher to inspire students in a field such as accounting, a field with a reputation for being dry and difficult. Brajcich inspired students while he was a professor, and continues to inspire alumni, family and friends who contribute to this scholarship. What an incredible legacy scholarships establish. Scholarships are instrumental in Educating People the World Needs Most. So much so, we intend to raise $26.3 million as a critical part of The campaign for GONZAGA UNIVERSITY.