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Dateline: 5/13/2009

GONZAGA UNIVERSITY NEWS RELEASE
Dale Goodwin, Director
Peter Tormey, Associate Director

Coughlin Hall Named for Chancellor, ex-President

Father Bernard J. Coughlin, S.J.
Father Bernard J. Coughlin, S.J.
Gonzaga University Chancellor Rev. Bernard J. Coughlin, S.J., 86, will long be remembered for his 22 years as Gonzaga’s president and now his name will live forever at Gonzaga, affixed to the newest residence hall set to open this fall on Cincinnati Street, east of the McCarthey Athletic Center.

The decision to name the residence hall for Coughlin was made in April by Gonzaga’s Board of Trustees, and was announced today. Students will begin moving into the five-story, 129,000-foot structure on Aug. 28. Coughlin Hall will house 324 students, primarily sophomores. It will include a classroom, a large community lounge with fireplace, another large lounge with big-screen TV, a bistro, recreation and library facilities, and a parking garage. Construction costs are $14.5 million. The total price tag, including architecture and furnishings, is $18 million.

As president from 1974-1996, Rev. Coughlin oversaw construction of a half-dozen buildings, raised Gonzaga’s academic profile and grew its endowment from $1.6 million to $50 million.

Gonzaga’s enrollment increased 50.4 percent under his leadership. Rev. Coughlin also will be remembered for his passionate efforts to fight hate and promote diversity on campus and in the Inland Northwest. In addition, Rev. Coughlin led a $72 million capital campaign that set aside $15 million for new scholarships, $8 million for professorships and paid for construction of the following buildings:

  • Jundt Art Center and Museum (1995);
  • Rosauer Center for Education (’94);
  • Foley Center Library (’92);
  • Jepson Center for Business Administration (’87);
  • Martin Centre for recreation and athletics (’87);
  • Herak Center for Engineering (’84).


Coughlin Hall
Coughlin Hall nears completion of construction.
Gonzaga’s 23rd president, Rev. Coughlin set a standard of academic excellence, ethics and commitment in helping Gonzaga shape young minds into productive, ethical and decent people. He came to Gonzaga after serving in several positions, including dean and professor in the School of Social Service at Saint Louis University from 1961-1974.

He was a Fulbright Lecturer and social service consultant for several entities in Central and South America from 1960-71.

“Father Coughlin led the University to national acclaim, and he is a man of great vision and passion, and has been a great servant of the University for 35 years,” said Don Nelles, chair of the Board of Trustees. “Great leaders surround themselves with great people, and over the years Father was able to attract a number of outstanding men and women to serve on the boards of Trustees and Regents who were excellent companions to Father in their work for Gonzaga.”

Upon his arrival, Coughlin found Gonzaga in financial trouble and recognized it had done little to reach out to the surrounding community. He worked hard to develop a strong relationship with Spokane’s leaders, served as chair of the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce (1988-89), and developed a groundswell of support for Gonzaga and its students. Since the late 1980s Gonzaga has consistently been ranked among the top comprehensive universities in the West.

Rev. Coughlin is not only a determined academic and business leader, he was and remains a friend to many students, alumni, parents and community members.

“Every major decision he has had to make at Gonzaga has been with students first and foremost in mind,” said Trustee Emeritus Jerry Greenan upon Coughlin’s move from president to chancellor.

Since his retirement as president, Coughlin has served Gonzaga as its first chancellor, building relationships and raising funds. Although a member of the Jesuits’ Missouri Province, he has made Spokane and Gonzaga his home for the past 35 years.

 



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