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August 2, 2026
Dear Gonzaga Community,
Like so many of you, I have been watching the heartbreaking images of the wildfires that continue to affect our Spokane community. We have seen neighborhoods forever changed, families forced to leave their homes, and many who have lost not only their belongings, but the places where memories were made and lives were built. Our hearts are with every person whose life has been touched by these devastating fires.
We know that members of our Gonzaga family have been directly affected. Please know you are not alone.
Since the fires began, Gonzaga's Emergency Operations Center has been actively coordinating our response. Our campus has welcomed employees and their families who need temporary housing, and is preparing other kinds of assistance, including a safe place to gather, someone to talk with, pastoral care, or simply a quiet space for prayer and reflection in our Chapel.
We are also working to expand the support available to those affected, including emergency financial support, essential supplies, meals and refreshments, and other resources to help meet immediate needs. Many individuals and organizations are eager to help. We are coordinating these generous efforts thoughtfully so that assistance reaches those who need it most, beginning with members of our Gonzaga community, while also supporting our broader Spokane neighbors.
Regular updates will be made to this wildfire resources page. Please also watch your Gonzaga email, Morning Mail, and the Gonzaga University Facebook page.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. Employees who need immediate assistance should email Megan Hawley (hawleym@gonzaga.edu) to inquire about limited, short-term space available in campus dorms.
For employees wishing to help those in need, please see this list of requested donations.
Our Human Resources team (509-313-5996), Student Affairs (509-313-4127), Mission Integration (509-313-6136), Counseling Services for students (509-313-4052), and other campus offices stand ready to help connect you with available support. Additional resources can be found on this care and support resources page
In moments like these, we are also reminded of the extraordinary strength and compassion of our community. We are deeply grateful for the firefighters, emergency responders, healthcare professionals, utility crews, and countless volunteers who continue to work tirelessly under incredibly difficult conditions to protect lives, care for those in need, and begin the long process of recovery. Their courage and dedication inspire us all.
St. Ignatius reminds us that love is shown more in deeds than in words. In this difficult time, may we continue to care for one another with generosity, compassion, and hope. Let us keep all those affected by these fires in our prayers, and let us be a community that not only stands together in times of crisis but also helps one another rebuild in the days ahead.
Please continue to stay safe, care for yourselves and those around you, and know that Gonzaga is here for you.
With prayers and gratitude,
Katia Passerini, Ph.D.
President