Join us for our department open houses! Over 30 departments and programs are eager to share information about student support, opportunities, and involvement at Gonzaga. You may come and go from one open house to the next, as you would in person. If there are already a lot of people in the meeting, please ask your questions in the Zoom chat.
Learn more about the departments, offices, and programs listed by viewing the drop-downs below.
Jon Billings
Director of Graduate Enrollment Management
Luke Cairney
Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions
Accelerated Graduate Programs
Did you know it's possible to start a number of graduate programs at Gonzaga while you are still considered an undergraduate student? John Billings, Director of Graduate Enrollment Management, and Luke Cairney, Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions, are looking forward to sharing information about accelerated graduate programs available to you, including Accounting, Communications, and Law. Stop by to ask your questions about how best to maximize your time at Gonzaga!
Contact: gradadmissions@gonzaga.edu
Brian Henning
Chair, Environmental Studies, and Director of the Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment
Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment
Join Dr. Brian Henning, the Chair of the Environmental Studies Department and the Director of the Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment, to learn more about Gonzaga's initiatives to serve the campus community and broader regional communities by promoting innovative, interdisciplinary scholarship, teaching, consulting and capacity building on the climate, water and the environment. Dr. Henning can answer questions about goals and programs for the new institute, as well as ways for you to get involved.
Contact: henning@gonzaga.edu
Anthony Medina
Assistant Director of Community Engaged Learning
Trevor Iwata
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Center for Community Engagement
Molly Ayers, the Director for the Center for Community Engagement, is excited to speak with you about community engagement and service learning. CCE provides Gonzaga students with mentorship and service opportunities ranging from GAME, a weekly group-mentoring program mentoring middle school students through team sports and games, to Mission Possible, an alternative spring break trip with a service learning focus. Some of Molly’s student leaders and colleagues will also join the meeting to give you more information and answer any questions you may have.
Contact: medinaa@gonzaga.edu or iwata@gonzaga.edu
Sean Joy
Interim Director
Center for Cura Personalis
The Center for Cura Personalis (CCP) makes sure that students are being cared for, and are caring for themselves, holistically. Sean Joy, a member of the CCP team, is excited to talk about all the ways Gonzaga supports you physically, mentally, and emotionally while you are on campus. He is ready to answer whatever questions you may have, including how they can connect you to mental health counseling on- and off-campus, our anonymous referral program, and what services the health center offers.
Contact: CCP Staff
Ray Angle
Assistant Vice President for Career and Professional Development
Career and Professional Development
Ray Angle, Assistant Vice President for Career and Professional Development, loves helping students on their professional journey. In the Center for Career and Professional Development, Ray and his team are here to assist you in everything from resume and cover letter writing, to connecting you with alumni mentors through our ZagsConnect portal and other networking events. CPD also tracks next destination student data, gives career direction advice, offers mock interviews, and so much more.
Contact: angle@gonzaga.edu
Jill Culley
Associate Director of Academic Advising and Assistance
Center for Student Academic Success
The Center for Student Academic Success is here to make sure you have the tools to succeed while you are at Gonzaga. Jill Culley, Associate Director of Academic Advising and Assistance, is here today to give you an initial look at all of the resources CSAS has for you, ranging from Academic Advising and Assistance with academic progression plans, to connecting students to Disability Resources for an alternative learning plan, and everything in between, including free academic tutors.
Contact: advise@gonzaga.edu or 509-313-4072
Joey Sammut
Associate Director of Student Involvement
Center for Student Involvement
The Student Involvement and Leadership office impacts almost every aspect of life outside of the classroom, and even engages in some parts of the academic experience. Joey Sammut, Associate Director for Student Involvement, is excited to talk to you about all the different ways you can get involved on campus. Whether it is learning new ways to lead through the Gonzaga Student Body Association, leading a club sport/program, or anything in between, Gonzaga has a spot for you.
Contact: sammut@gonzaga.edu
Amy Barton
Administrative Assistant for the College of Arts & Sciences
Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
Gonzaga's College of Arts & Sciences launched the Center for Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry (CURCI) in 2016 in order to promote and celebrate the transformative educational experiences that occur through student-faculty collaborations. CURCI helps students get connected with research opportunities in a variety of fields, as well as providing funding for projects to allow students time to explore. Come learn about how you can get involved in undergraduate research opportunities from Amy Barton, an Administrative Assistant for the College of Arts & Sciences.
Contact: bartona@gonzaga.edu
Join us for our virtual club fair from 12:50-2:15 p.m.! This sessions runs during the same time as our Open Houses, so be sure to hop over to the club fair and connect with clubs that interest you!
Josh Armstrong
Director of the Comprehensive Leadership Program
Kristin Telin
Comprehensive Leadership Program Coordinator
Comprehensive Leadership Program
Josh Armstrong, Director of the Comprehensive Leadership Program, and Kristen Telin, CLP Coordinator, are looking forward to sharing the CLP story with you. CLP is a minor in Leadership Studies that challenges you to look at leadership differently. With a focus on experiential learning, the CLP teaches leadership through storytelling, service learning, and professional development.
Contact: armstrongj@gonzaga.edu or telin@gonzaga.edu
Suzanne Ostersmith
Associate Professor of Theatre & Dance; Dance Director
Halle Goodwin
Alumna, '15 and '17
Dance Department
Dance professor Pamela Erickson will share some information about Gonzaga's Dance Department, where you can develop your art as a dancer while learning the skills to turn your passion into a profession. Students explore a variety of dance styles and can pursue either a major or minor.
Contact: ostersmith@gonzaga.edu
Joan Iva Fawcett
Assistant Dean of Diversity, Inclusion, Community and Equity
Diversity, Inclusion, Community & Equity
Joan Iva Fawcett, Assistant Dean of Diversity, Inclusion, Community & Equity, and staff are available to discuss the vision and mission of DICE, as well as ways they support students on campus. Learn about the two offices housed within DICE: UMEC, the Unity Multicultural Education Center, and the Lincoln LQBTQ+ Center. UMEC’s mission involves advocating for underrepresented students and providing experiential learning opportunities for all students, to create an inclusive and intentional campus community. UMEC also runs BRIDGE, one of Gonzaga’s pre-orientation programs focusing on connecting historically underrepresented and/or first-generation college students to the Gonzaga community. The Lincoln LGBTQ+ Center strives to provide a safe and inclusive space for students of all identities, while educating and celebrating everyone on our campus.
Contact: fawcettj@gonzaga.edu
Jim White
Dean of Student Financial Services
Financial Aid
Dean Jim White is available to answer questions about financial aid and student employment at Gonzaga. Jim can explain the differences between federal, state, and institutional work study, as well as describe types of jobs on campus and how to find them. Please visit our Student Employment web page if you’re interested in learning more about work study and other employment opportunities. During the week, financial aid counselors are available for one-on-one appointments over the phone or via Zoom! If you'd like to meet with a counselor to discuss your financial aid award, please schedule a one-on-one appointment. Financial Aid counselors are committed to providing excellent service for our students and families, whether that’s assisting with the FAFSA, creating payment plans, or walking through aid packages.
Contact: finaid@gonzaga.edu or 509-313-6582
Paul Bracke
Dean, Foley Library
Come learn about the wonderful academic support available to you through Foley Library! Dean Paul Bracke will be sharing information about research help, access to databases, amenities, study rooms, and more. The library is located right in the middle of campus and is an excellent resource to students throughout their time at Gonzaga.
Contact: refdesk@gonzaga.edu
Dave Gilbert
Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs
Gonzaga Outdoors
If you’re a new Zag looking for outside adventures, check out Gonzaga Outdoors! Dave Gilbert, Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs, along with some student trip leaders, are excited to tell you about the different opportunities GU Outdoors provides to explore the Inland Northwest, including weekend trips, educational clinics, gear rentals and resources, and GOOB – a Pre-Orientation Program that takes students on a multi-day adventure in Western Montana. If you’ve never tried an outdoor activity, GU Outdoors provides instruction and leadership in a variety of activities such as backpacking, snowshoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, and much more. Gonzaga Outdoors strives to make the outdoors as accessible as possible to students, foster relationships and leadership opportunities, and promote stewardship and care for the environment.
Contact: outdoors@zagmail.gonzaga.edu
Nicole Cooney
Assistant Director of the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program
Cole Kelly
Program Coordinator for the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program
Hogan Entrepreneurial Program
Nicole Cooney, Assistant Director of the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, and Cole Kelly, Program Coordinator for Hogan, are excited to share all things Hogan with you today. The Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program is a three-year undergraduate minor that immerses students in the fundamental concepts and practices of creating non-profit and for-profit businesses. Students complete the Entrepreneurial Leadership minor in conjunction with their chosen major in any academic field offered at GU. Nicole and Cole are here to answer any questions about the application process, curriculum, pairing Hogan with your major, or any other questions you may have.
Contact: cooneyn@gonzaga.edu & kellyc2@gonzaga.edu
Linda Tredennick
Director of the Gonzaga Honors Program
Honors Program
Honors Program Director Linda Tredennick is available to discuss what makes Honors at Gonzaga distinctive and unique. With a focus on the holistic development of students, Honors has an updated curriculum (starting Fall 2020), beginning with a three-day immersion experience before the school year begins. The directors and a few of the current Honors students are excited to answer any questions you may have about the Honors program, including questions related to the Honors Living Learning Community, how Honors connects to your program of study, what the Honors capstone looks like, and anything else that piques your interest.
Contact: tredennick@gonzaga.edu
Ashley Davis
Director, International Student and Scholar Services
Katie Nollenberger
International Student Advisor
Stashia Kaiel
International Student Advisor
International Student & Scholar Services
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services supports our international population on campus. Our support begins right after you choose Gonzaga as we start your visa process, continues with International Student Orientation to help you acclimate to campus, and stays with you the entire time you are on campus. Ashley Davis, Director of International Student and Scholar Services, is here today with Katie Nollenberger and Stashia Kaiel, two of the international student advisors, to talk with you about what your experience on campus may look like and how we are here to help you acclimate to, and engage in, the Gonzaga community.
Contact: isss@gonzaga.edu
Luke Lavin
Director of Mission and Ministry
Mission & Ministry
The Gonzaga Mission & Ministry team is here to support students in their faith journey. Luke Lavin, Director of Mission & Ministry, will provide an overview of the services provided, including individual spiritual support, liturgical celebrations, faith-sharing small groups, faith and justice work, women's and men's ministry, and service and pastoral needs for the Gonzaga community. The Mission & Ministry Office also facilitates a variety of retreats during the school year, all of which are open to students from every faith background. Staff in the office can also assist students in finding a place of worship on campus or in Spokane that works for them. Mission & Ministry also run Embark, a faith-based pre-orientation program focused on helping students start the Gonzaga experience with an intentional community around them.
Contact: missionandministry@gonzaga.edu
Stacy Taninchev
Faculty Advisor for Gonzaga's chapter of Model United Nations
Model United Nations
If you are interested in joining the Gonzaga University Chapter of Model United Nations (GUMUN), come chat with Faculty Advisor Stacy Taninchev! She will share information about how to apply to the program, learning opportunities provided to members, and more.
Contact: taninchev@gonzaga.edu
Timothy Westerhaus
Associate Professor of Music; Director of Choirs and Vocal Studies
Music at Gonzaga
Come learn about Gonzaga's music department from Department Chair Tim Westerhaus! All students are welcome to get involved with music at Gonzaga, whether you are a major, minor, or just looking to participate. Students and faculty integrate musical excellence and innovation through a liberal arts education that includes performances, festivals, tours, interdisciplinary collaborations, and research. Tim will share information about the different ensembles offered on campus, private lessons, music scholarships, and more.
Contact: music@gonzaga.edu
Justin Gambone
Program Coordinator for First Year Experience Programs
First Year Experience Programs
Gonzaga's First Year Experience Program team helps new students transition smoothly into life at Gonzaga. Justin Gambone, Program Coordinator in the First Year Experience Programs, is looking forward to sharing the different resources offered to students, which includes everything from finding a tutor to a service opportunity in the community. The FYEP also facilitates New Student Orientation, which provides new Zags with a holistic (and fun!) overview of Gonzaga. For interested students, FYEP also offers three optional Pre-Orientation Programs, which allow students to explore different aspects of the Gonzaga community and begin building relationships before Orientation even begins.
Contact: firstyearexperience@gonzaga.edu
Ellie Dindinger
Student Intern, Office of Health Promotion
Jenna Parisi
Director of the Office of Health Promotion
Office of Health Promotion
The Office of Health Promotion's goal is to foster a campus culture of health and well-being for students. Program Director Jenna Parisi is here to discuss how we support our Zags, through initiatives, creative programs, and services and spaces that promote positive, holistic well-being and reduce high-risk behaviors. Jenna will also share how we connect students with resources and campus partners to ensure they are taking care of themselves in the best ways possible.
Contact: ohp@gonzaga.edu
Jim Simon
Director of Sustainability
Come hear from Gonzaga's first Director of Sustainability, Jim Simon! The Gonzaga Mission Statement describes "care for the planet" as an important aspect of our goals as a university, and we are striving to meet that goal in a variety of ways. Jim is excited to discuss the many opportunities for you to get involved in sustainability initiatives on campus, through student advocacy and clubs, the Sustainability House, coursework, and partnerships across the community.
Contact: simonj@gonzaga.edu
Sydney Cheifetz
Alcohol and Other Drugs Health Educator
OUR House
OUR House is the space provided for Gonzaga's Collegiate Recovery Community. The program seeks to ensure students do not have to choose between their recovery and their education and provides a safe, recovery-positive environment where students can connect with other students who have similar lived experiences. Sydney Cheitetz, the Alcohol and Other Drugs Health Educator, will share information about OUR House programming, resources, and support for students in recovery.
Contact: cheifetz@gonzaga.edu
Jim Fawcett
Program Coordinator
Parent & Family Relations
Nicola Mannetter, Program Director, and the entire Parent and Family Relations team, are thrilled to welcome families to the Gonzaga community! We are excited to share and witness student growth with families over the next four years. Our goal is to help ease the transition for families and make Gonzaga a “home away from home” by offering a variety of resources and support to both the student on campus and the family back home. This open house will cover the variety of helpful tools and programs available and give an opportunity to ask questions about this important phase in the lives of students, parents, and families.
Contact: parents&family@gonzaga.edu
Pam Alvarado
Director, Payne Center for Leadership Development
Kirsten Bohlen
Program Coordinator, Payne Center for Leadership Development
Payne Center for Leadership Development (PCLD) & Experiential Leadership Institute (ELI)
Gonzaga's Payne Center for Leadership Development (PCLD) engages and supports students as they seek to develop their leadership potential and inspire change, both on campus and in the greater community. Over 800 students student leaders facilitate, manage, and impact positive change for over 150 student clubs and organizations, using the context of Jesuit teaching. The PCLD is also home to the Experiential Leadership Institute (ELI), a year-long leadership program for sophomores and juniors interested in experiences, reflection, and hands-on projects designed to further develop their leadership potential. Program Director Pam Alvarado and Program Coordinator Kristen Bohlen are excited to share the many opportunities afforded to Gonzaga students through these unique programs.
Contact: alvaradop@gonzaga.edu or bohlen@gonzaga.edu
Lisa Owens
Housing Assignments Coordinator
Jared Payton
Assistant Director, Housing & Residence Life
Housing and Residence Life
Living on campus at Gonzaga is a part of what makes our campus culture so unique. With options from Living and Learning Communities, to corridor, apartment and suite-style living, students will find that whichever residence hall they end up in will have a distinct culture. Lisa Owens, Housing Assignments Coordinator, is here today to talk with you about the different housing options, how to apply for housing if you have not done so already, how roommate pairing works, and anything else having to do with Housing and Residence Life. You may want to ask Lisa what it’s like to be an RA or how to get involved in the Residence Hall Association (RHA).
Contact: housing@gonzaga.edu
Lieutenant Colonel Alan Westfield
Recruiting and Enrollment Officer
Gonzaga ROTC
Gonzaga University ROTC has a long history of excellence in and outside of the classroom. Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Alan Westfield, Ph.D., is excited to introduce you to our program. GU ROTC is a four-year program, with some exceptions, and is designed to meet the country’s requirements for officer-leaders in the Army (Active Duty, National Guard and Reserves). Dr. Westfield, and current ROTC cadets are here today to answer any questions you may have regarding the ROTC program.
Contact: westfield@gonzaga.edu
Jose Hernandez
Director, Rudolf Fitness Center
Welcome to the Rudolf Fitness Center (RFC)! Director Jose Hernandez is excited to share our student fitness center with you, including information about amenities, intramurals, fitness classes, and student employment opportunities. All students can access the RFC using their student ID card, so no membership purchase is required. With a variety of cardio and weight options, three full-size basketball/volleyball courts, a pool, and an indoor track, we hope there is something for everyone!
Contact: rfc@gonzaga.edu
Kate Hudson
Public Relations Manager
Visit Spokane
We love Spokane! Visit with Kate, a representative from our local Spokane Visitor Information Center, and learn more about why Spokane is such a great place to live and go to school.
Contact: khudson@visitspokane.com
Kelly Wentz
Financial Aid Counselor
Join Financial Aid Counselor Kelly Wentz to learn more about what student employment looks like at GU. She will be sharing information about federal vs. institutional work study, where students work, how to find a job on campus, and the overall benefits of working while being a student. Stop by to ask her any questions you have about on-campus employment.
Contact: studentemployment@gonzaga.edu
Alisha Lombardi
Director, Center for Global Engagement
Kotuska Kohut
Associate Director, Study Abroad Office
Study Abroad
The Center for Global Engagement serves both international students on our campus, as well as domestic students interested in studying abroad. Alisha Lombardi, Director of the Center for Global Engagement, and Kotuska Kohut, Associate Director of the Study Abroad Office, are excited to show you how CGE helps Zags develop intercultural skills and provides international experiences for today’s students, who will be tomorrow’s leaders. They are looking forward to talking with you about all of the different opportunities you have to study abroad all over the world. Over 50% of our students study abroad, and our staff are well-equipped to support students at every junction in their journey. Students looking to study abroad can learn about different programs all over the world, as well as information about applying to and affording your time abroad.
Contact: lombardi@gonzaga.edu or kohut@gonzaga.edu
Shelby Krug
TVRAS Program Coordinator
Brenda Vogel
VETCorps Representative
Transfer, Veteran, and Returning Adult Services
Colleen Vandenboom, Assistant Dean of Student Involvement and Leadership, is here today to talk through how the Transfer, Veteran, and Returning Adult Services (TVRAS) office can enhance your educational experience. TVRAS focuses on empowering all students in order to make the Gonzaga campus a more vibrant community. Join in conversation with staff and current students to ask questions about programming and life on campus as a TVRAS student.
Contact: krugs@gonzaga.edu or vetcorps@gonzaga.edu
Pat Clelland
Resident District Manager
Lisa Ridgeway
Marketing Director
Many incoming students have questions about dining on campus, and Pat Clelland, Resident District Manager, and Lisa Ridgeway, Marketing Director, are here to help! Stop by with any questions about food on campus, including dining locations, meal plans, dietary restrictions, and more.
Contact: Pat.Clelland@sodexo.com or Lisa.Ridgeway@sodexo.com