News Article

Washington Democratic Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray along with Republican Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers are confirmed to take part in a first-anniversary celebration of Gonzaga University’s Transmission and Distribution Program at noon today at Gonzaga. Gonzaga President Rev. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J. and Avista Corp. President/CEO Scott Morris will lead the ceremonies to be held at the west side of the PACCAR Center, which is located directly south of the Herak Center for Engineering and Applied Science. The event is free and open to the public. Rev. Spitzer will offer special thanks to the lawmakers for their considerable help in obtaining federal funds to help defray costs for the facility. A reception and tours will follow the special presentation. Rev. Spitzer also will thank Avista and the other major benefactors responsible for their partnership in creating the program and funding the new T&D Lab. The online T&D Certificate Program offered by Gonzaga’s School of Engineering and Applied Science consists of five 3-credit courses developed through partnership with practicing utility engineers. All of the eight-week courses are offered online and are taught by industry leaders and GU engineering faculty. In an industry that is projecting substantial increases in transmission investments while facing a dramatic decline in trained transmission and distribution professionals, the program fits an identified need.

For more information about the event, contact Liz Fleming with Gonzaga at (509) 434-9107. For more information regarding the T&D Program, contact Jilliene McKinstry at (509) 313-5701 or via e-mail at mckinstry@gonzaga.edu.