Drone photo showing College Hall building and St. Aloysius chruch at sunset.
Thayne M. McCulloh

President Emeritus

Dr. Thayne M. McCulloh served as Gonzaga's president from 2009-2025, presiding over a host of institutional milestones. On the eve of his retirement, the Board of Trustees bestowed him with the title of President Emeritus. Learn more about this honor and join us in reflecting on Dr. McCulloh's remarkable legacy.

President Thayne McCulloh congratulates a female graduate at the 2023 Commencement ceremony.

An Unprecedented Honor

The Gonzaga Board of Trustees gave Dr. McCulloh the title of President Emeritus in recognition of his 34 years at Gonzaga – 16 of which he served as the University's president. Among many achievements, the Board of Trustees resolution noted that he fostered deep connections with the Society of Jesus and Catholic Church, elevated Gonzaga’s national academic reputation and spearheaded far-reaching campus building projects. “President McCulloh has absolutely transformed this University in extraordinary ways,” said Board President Mike Reilly. “Thousands of students, faculty, and staff over the years have been the beneficiaries of his vision, his compassion, and his unwavering love for our Gonzaga community.”

Bestowing the Title of President Emeritus
Dr. McCulloh's Presidential Messages

Highlights of Dr. McCulloh's Tenure

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26th

President of Gonzaga University – and its first lay president

Established a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa (ΦBK), nation's most prestigious honor society

$355

Million raised during "Gonzaga Will" capital campaign

First #1 national ranking and two national title game appearances for men's basketball

See more accomplishments