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February 20, 2025
Dear Members of the Gonzaga University Community,
We wish to provide some good news and progress updates regarding the University’s Presidential transition planning. With the announcement of Katia Passerini, Ph.D., as Gonzaga University’s 27th president, the University now enters an important transition period—one that honors the significant impact of President Thayne McCulloh’s leadership and service while also preparing for Dr. Passerini’s arrival this July.
Here are some key updates on our progress so far, and some planned events coming up:
First, a Presidential Transition Steering Committee has been established. This committee, involving many colleagues throughout the University, has been organized to celebrate the community, relationships, trust and support that President McCulloh has stewarded, and carry that forward into Dr. Passerini’s administration. This work is being organized via three subcommittees:
- Communications and Celebrations – This committee, co-chaired by Kurt Heimbigner, interim associate vice president of Marketing and Communications and Sarah Schwering, presidential communications specialist, is charged with:
- Organizing a series of events and engagement opportunities that highlight the achievements and contributions of President McCulloh;
- Creating a communications plan to position Dr. Passerini for success as the University’s next leader; and
- Providing periodic updates to the internal/external community on appropriate details/updates of the transition efforts.
- Stakeholder Engagement – This committee, chaired by Dori Sonntag, associate vice president and chief operating officer of University Advancement, is charged with:
- Supporting the events and engagement opportunities of the transition effort;
- Guiding engagement for Dr. Passerini with key University stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, Jesuits, parents, donors, alumni, community leaders, and other members of the community; and
- Capturing and sharing Gonzaga’s important traditions as part of the transition process.
- Onboarding and Orientation – This committee, co-chaired by Ray Kliewer, vice president for human resources and Joe Poss, vice president and chief advancement officers is charged with:
- Creating a smooth transition for Dr. Passerini as she assumes her role;
- Facilitating a process for her to listen and learn about Gonzaga’s history, traditions, and culture; and
- Supporting her understanding of key priorities and major issues facing higher education in the context of Gonzaga’s community, unique institutional characteristics, communication norms/channels and academic calendar.
In the coming weeks and months, we will provide periodic updates on the work of the Transition Steering Committee and its subcommittees.
Second, we invite the community to view the recently launched Celebrating President McCulloh website that honors and celebrates President McCulloh for the remarkable achievements of his tenure.
Third, please know there will be many opportunities in the coming months for everyone to express gratitude and appreciation, including Gonzaga Day on February 22 and Zags Give Day on March 6.
Finally, Dr. Passerini is coming to campus April 14-16. A series of receptions will be hosted for students, faculty and staff to meet and visit with Dr. Passerini. More details will be forthcoming and will be shared in Morning Mail.
Thank you for being part of this historic moment for Gonzaga. Your voices, reflections and participation in upcoming events this spring and summer will make this transition a truly meaningful one for the entire Gonzaga community.
With gratitude,
D. Michael Reilly (’81) |
Joe Poss (’97) |