News Article

photo credit: Allen Hubbard

Don Nelles, chair of the Gonzaga University Board of Trustees, said the Board passed a unanimous resolution at its Dec. 12 meeting in Seattle to honor Executive Vice President Harry Sladich who has devoted himself – mind, body and spirit – to Gonzaga for 46 years. Sladich is the only non-Jesuit to assume Gonzaga’s presidency, not only once but twice, in 1991 and from 1997-98 – some of the most difficult years in Gonzaga’s history. The secretary for the Board for 28 years, Sladich also has served in the following roles at Gonzaga:

•  Director of placement 1962-71; 
•  Adjunct professor, School of Business Administration, 1963 to present; 
•  Director of personnel, 1964-71; 
•  Director of financial aid, 1966-74; 
•  Director of administrative services, 1967-71; 
•  Assistant to the president 1971-83; 
•  Assistant corporate secretary, 1980-90; 
•  Acting president 1991; 
•  Secretary of the Corporation of Gonzaga University, 1991 to present; 
•  Acting president, 1997-98;
•  Vice president, administration and planning 1983-2001; and 
•  Executive vice president 2001 to present.

Sladich has been of invaluable service to Gonzaga Presidents Fathers Bernard J. Coughlin, S.J., and Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., and a catalyst for good will and benefaction to Gonzaga, especially with the Montana community and the Butte Rats in particular.

The resolution also states Sladich has been an outstanding friend and confidant to three Gonzaga presidents, 12 Board chairs, and hundreds of Trustees, Regents, benefactors, colleagues and friends.

He received the DeSmet Medal – Gonzaga highest honor – in May 2007 and received the Top Dog award, the highest award given by the Board of Trustees, last month.

In closing, the resolution declared that Harry Sladich be declared most loyal alumnus of Gonzaga University and Trustee Emeritus, and that his photograph and name be included among Gonzaga’s presidents, on the second floor of College Hall, and that a new award for loyalty to Gonzaga be established in his name, Nelles said.

An article about Sladich and his amazing work at Gonzaga can be found in the Summer 2007 issue of Gonzaga Quarterly online.