May 15, 2025
Dear Gonzaga Community Members:
On behalf of the Presidential Transition Steering Committee, we wish to extend our most sincere congratulations to our newest Alumni, those who received their degrees at one of the three beautiful ceremonies this past weekend. Many thanks to all who organized not only the Commencement ceremonies but the many events leading up to and surrounding them.
As we prepare for the transition from President Thayne McCulloh, D.Phil., to Katia Passerini, Ph.D. this July, we want to take a moment to reflect with gratitude and share what is ahead.
Guided by Purpose, Informed by Partnership
From the very beginning, the presidential transition planning has been grounded in three clear objectives: to honor and celebrate the legacy of President McCulloh’s remarkable leadership, to warmly welcome and support the orientation of President-elect Passerini, and to ensure stability and continuity throughout the process.
We offer sincere thanks to the many faculty, staff, students, our community of Jesuits, trustees, regents, alumni leaders and friends who have provided valuable insight, energy and counsel as part of this work—especially those serving on the three presidential transition subcommittees for Communications and Celebrations, Onboarding and Orientation, and Stakeholder Engagement.
What’s Happened So Far
Over the past few months, we have had the privilege of celebrating President Thayne McCulloh, Vice Provost Julie McCulloh and their three-plus decades of impact on the University – through events and storytelling that beautifully reflect Gonzaga’s heart. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to explore the growing library of tributes on the Presidential Celebration webpage, which includes – among many new additions – the “Four Decades at Gonzaga” podcast and the “McCullohs’ Legacy” video series, which features voices from across the greater Gonzaga community sharing what Thayne and Julie McCulloh have meant to the University.
In April, we also welcomed Dr. Katia Passerini and her family for an extended visit to campus. From Palm Sunday Mass at St. Aloysius to academic lectures, student events, receptions and heartfelt conversations with students, faculty and staff, the Passerini-Pagán family experienced what makes this community so special. Take a moment to read more about President-elect Passerini’s time on campus and additional updates.
Looking Ahead
As we turn to summer, President McCulloh and President-elect Passerini will continue to work closely as they have from the start. Their leadership handoff will occur on July 15; the day President-elect Passerini begins her tenure as Gonzaga’s 27th president. In the early weeks of her presidency, she will continue engaging with campus leaders and refining key priorities for her first year. As faculty and students return in late August, that energy will expand — she has shared how enthusiastic she is for the community-wide connections that will follow.
Mark Your Calendars for Inauguration & Zagapalooza
We encourage you to save the date for homecoming weekend September 25–28, which will include:
- The inauguration of President Katia Passerini, Ph.D. (Friday, Sept. 26)
- Zagapalooza and cluster reunions across 21 classes
- Celebrations of Gonzaga-In-Florence alumni, the Hogan Program (25-year celebration), and the 100th anniversary of DeSmet Hall
- Academic symposia, community service projects, live music, the Bulldog Bash, and gatherings to reconnect and celebrate Gonzaga’s spirit
More information will be available soon at gonzaga.edu/Zagapalooza and gonzaga.edu/27th-president.
Thank you for your ongoing support of Gonzaga University. Your continued presence and participation will make all the difference in this important moment of transition for our university and our new president.
With gratitude,
D. Michael Reilly (’81) |
Joe Poss (’97) |