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September 30, 2026
Dear Colleagues,
The start of a new academic year brings unmatched excitement to campus: Welcome Weekend, Academic Convocation, Mass of the Holy Spirit, and the first weeks of classes. We are incredibly blessed to be able to help build the future of our students and university together. As such, I would like to recognize the important role you play in the shared work of educating, serving, and transforming lives through our mission.
Last week, our Boards of Trustees, Regents and Members met for their annual September meeting, joined by members of our ten Academic Unit Advisory Councils. A major focus of the meetings was to discuss the planning and readiness efforts needed for the University’s next comprehensive fundraising campaign. We also welcomed students and faculty representatives who met with the Boards, celebrated the dedication of the new Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice and simulation learning spaces, shared priorities and efforts related to student success and engaged with the Board of Members in discussions about Mission.
As we shared with the Boards, over the past nine months, Gonzaga has conducted a campaign readiness assessment to identify philanthropic opportunities, align our strategic priorities, and identify the organizational investments needed to position Gonzaga University for a transformational fundraising campaign. One action that emerged from the Board of Trustee meeting is the establishment of a strategic funding mechanism to support comprehensive campaign readiness and execution. To support this campaign, initial investments will be made through existing Board-designated resources, modified philanthropic overhead assessments, and other mechanisms designed not to impact the University’s overall operating budget. This investment will help us build the funding and assets that we need for our present and future.
Additionally, the Board of Trustees reviewed and ratified the following administrative leadership changes (effective October 1) that will strengthen execution and delivery as we prepare for this ambitious campaign.
- Joe Poss, who has served as Interim Chief of Staff over the past year, in addition to Vice President of Advancement, will assume direct leadership and oversight of the Office of Marketing & Communications as Vice President of University Relations.
- While the search for a Chief Marketing and Communications Officer identified several strong candidates, it did not result in a permanent appointment. After careful consideration, we have decided not to fill the role at this time and instead focus on assessing and strengthening the current marketing and communications infrastructure under Joe’s leadership.
- Kurt Heimbigner, who has served as Interim Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for the last year, and Interim Associate Vice President for two years prior, will transition to Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications, continuing to provide day-to-day leadership of the department.
- Dr. Jeff Geldien will move into the role of Vice President for Advancement and provide strategic leadership for the campaign, fundraising, alumni engagement, corporate engagement and advancement operations.
- Dori Sonntag will transition to the role of Chief of Staff, further advancing Presidential strategic priorities and special projects, ensuring alignment among senior leaders, and helping translate institutional priorities into coordinated action. Additionally, she will assume the coordination of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT).
- At the end of September, John Sklut will be leaving Gonzaga University to return to Southern California with his wife Amy and their family. Upon John’s departure, Government Relations and Community Relations work will transition into University Relations, under the leadership of Joe Poss. The Provost’s Office will assume temporary leadership of the UW-GU Health Partnership. Existing university partnerships and advocacy efforts will continue uninterrupted. Please read this message of gratitude for John and his service to Gonzaga.
Today, we find ourselves at a crossroads in higher ed, and yet I, and our Boards, have full faith that we will build on our strengths and will become more resilient than ever.
Thank you for the work you continue to do in service of our mission. The future is full of opportunities for our institution. Through the advancement of our shared goals and a leadership structure aligned with our strategic plan, we will continue to position ourselves to be bold, to be brave, and to be the best Gonzaga we can be.
With gratitude,
Katia Passerini
President