Previous events

Spring 2026

International Students and Academic Engagement at GU

April 1, 2026, 12:15-1:15, HEMM 210 - Dr. John Eliason will moderate a student panel to provide faculty and staff with deeper insights into international student perspectives on academic engagement in classes, academic support centers, and academic advising sessions. Co-sponsored by the International Student Academic Advisory Board, the Center for Global Engagement, and the School of Education’s Office of the Pedagogy of Hope.

Study Abroad and Gonzaga in Florence Information sessions

Students must attend a 101 Session (2nd floor CGE - Hemmingson 102) before they can meet with a Study Abroad Advisor

  • Study Abroad 101s are Mondays at 4:00PM and alternating Wednesdays at noon.
  • Gonzaga in Florence 101s are Tuesdays at 4:00PM and alternating Wednesdays at noon.

Signup: https://scheduler.zoom.us/study-abroad-101

Want to hear about another student's experience? Questions about where you should study abroad? Drop by to get these questions addressed in a one-on-one conversation with a student peer. See the schedule here.

You can also watch a recorded webinar of various study abroad program providers here.

U.S. Fulbright Information Session

February 27, 2026, 12:15-1:15, Joann Jundt Lounge - Dr. Tim Olsen will share information about the program.

Sign up for pop-in virtual office hours https://lnkd.in/gkTVUJB3March 20, 2026 8-9amApril 16, 2026 4-5pmMay 14, 2026 9-10amJune 19,2026 9-10amJuly 17, 2026 9-10am

ISSS Events - Details here

  • January 6-9: New International Student Orientation (New International students only)
  • January 15, 6:00-8:00pm: CGE After Hours Kick-Off Party! (All are welcome)
  • January 31: Ski Trip - (All students and Scholars are welcome)
  • February 9: Lunar New Year (International Students only)
  • February 22: Echoes of Tet: When Spring Says I Do - VSA, Event (All are welcome)
  • February 27: – Fulbright Faculty Award Opportunities – Info Session with lunch, 12:15-1:15, Jundt Lounge
  • February 28: Tubing at Mt. Spokane (All are welcome)
  • March 21: CGE Spokane Chiefs Hockey game (All are welcome) Click for details
  • April 24: International Student Graduation Formal at Bozarth Mansion (International Students only)

Fall 2025

International Education Week - November 17 - 21, 2025

Monday, November 17 | IEW Kickoff!

12:00–12:10 p.m. | Rotunda
IEW Kickoff & World View Photo Contest Display
Celebrate the start of International Education Week and explore the winning photos capturing our community’s global experiences.

12:15–1:15 p.m. | CGE, 2nd Floor (Hemmingson 102) Includes Filipino food for lunch.
Cultural Spotlight: Light of the Filipino Spirit - Bayanihan, Resiliency, Faith, and Hope with Fulbright Scholar Robert Gipal (Modern Languages and Literature)
The presentation explores the core values that define the Filipino identity. It highlights bayanihan (communal unity), the Filipino’s remarkable resiliency in facing hardships, and the guiding forces of faith and hope that sustain the nation’s spirit. Through storytelling and the symbolism of the parol (Filipino lantern), the presentation celebrates how Filipinos find light, strength, and joy even in adversity. Participants will make a parol.

3:30–4:30 p.m. | Zoom
Work Visas Made Easy: Practical Answers to Work Visas in the U.S. Presenter: David Gluckman, Immigration Attorney, Immigration Practice Group, an experienced immigration attorney who represents companies all over the U.S., processing work visas and green cards for international employees will discuss topics like Optional Practical Training (OPT), STEM Extensions, H-1B visas, and other common work-visa options used by U.S. employers to hire international grads. He will also discuss issues regarding permanent-resident green cards for those who may qualify. There will be time for one-on-one questions and answers following the session.

Dinner in the COG: Filipino food served

Tuesday, November 18 | Culture in Motion

12:15–1:15 p.m. | Jundt Lounge (Hemmingson 201) Includes Uzbek plov for lunch.
Global Connections: Local Impact — Education, Culture, and Leadership in Uzbekistan

Join visiting Uzbekistan scholars (Zebo Kuldasheva - School of Business Administration, Kudrat Ibragimov - College of Arts and Sciences, and Sardor Surmanov - School of Education) as they share insights into education and leadership in their home country. education and cultural exchange. The session will emphasize the presenters’ ongoing academic collaboration with Gonzaga established under their current faculty program visit, highlighting how such partnerships strengthen research, innovation, and educational exchange between the two countries.

Lunch in the GO: Uzbek plov served

1:30–3:00 p.m. | Foley Field
Join the Game of Sipa. Try your hand at sipa, the national sport of the Philippines, and test your skill in a fun ball-drawing game!

Wednesday, November 19 | Pathways Beyond Gonzaga

8:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Hemmingson Rotunda
Internationalization Storytelling. Co-sponsored by Instructional Design & Delivery.
This short video series will feature Gonzaga faculty (Drs. Yu-Kyung Kang, Sherri Lunch, Kem Gambrell, Charles Pepiton, and Brooks Holland) who are actively contributing to our internationalization efforts through teaching, research, mentorship, and/or partnerships. The goal is to showcase how Gonzaga faculty are shaping a globally engaged campus and transforming students’ learning experiences through international and intercultural engagement.

11:00–12:00 p.m. | Herak 100 (HACLab).
Trustworthy Tech for Humanity. Co-sponsored by Institute for Informatics and Applied Technology.Join Visiting Global Scholar, Meha James, who will lead this presentation. IoT devices are now everywhere, from smart home sensors to medical devices and industrial machines. They help us live more connected lives, but they also introduce new security risks. Come learn why Zero Trust is becoming essential in IoT environments, how ABAC enables fair, context-aware access decisions, how AI/ML models detect compromised or misbehaving devices, and how these frameworks ultimately protect the people who rely on technology.

12:15–1:15 p.m. | CGE, 2nd Floor (Hemmingson 102). Includes Indian food for lunch.
Global Pathways: Fellowships, Service, and Study After Graduation. Co-sponsored by the Career & Professional Development Center, Ray Angle
Curious about what comes after graduation? This engaging panel explores a variety of post-baccalaureate international fellowships and programs, including Fulbright, Boren, Peace Corps, and Rhodes. You will hear directly from advisors and alumni who have launched global careers through research, teaching, service, and graduate study abroad. Whether you are dreaming of Oxford or open to adventure, this session will help you match your passions with the right opportunity and take the first steps toward your international future.

Lunch in the COG: Indian food served

1:30–3:00 p.m. | Hemmingson Rotunda
Zag the World Map Challenge!
Who can put the map of Africa together the fastest and name the three countries which have been removed from the puzzle. That's a challenge! Prize to the fastest player. Tie breakers: Which countries are missing? Which country names have changed?

3:15–4:15pm | CGE, 2nd Floor (Hemmingson 102)
Making Sense of Immigration Terms: From H-1B Visas to Policy Updates
Join Jan Keiser, CGE's Sr. International Employment Partner, for a clear and timely conversation about immigration terms, policies, and what they mean for our community.

Thursday, November 20 | Art, Language & Film

12:15–1:15 p.m. | CGE, 2nd Floor (Hemmingson 102) Includes Asian food for lunch.
Mukogawa Women's University Japanese Visiting Scholars Cultural Presentation: Hanzi & Kanji - Characters that Connect China and Japan
This interactive session explores how hanzi (Chinese characters) and kanji + kana (Japanese writing) connect two cultures. Dr. Tingting Huang (School of Business Administration) and Dr. Hiroshi Matsumoto (School of Education) will compare how characters carry meaning and sound, trace a few fun evolutions from pictographs to modern forms, and look at shinjitai vs. traditional characters. They will also highlight wasei-kango - Sino-Japanese words coined in Japan that later enriched modern Chinese vocabulary. To balance both perspectives, they will show how kana works with kanji in Japanese sentences and demonstrate shodō styles (kaisho/gyōsho/sōsho). Attendees can create a take-home bookmark featuring their English name in katakana alongside a hanzi character.

Lunch in the COG: Asian food and Norwegian dessert served

4:00–6:00 p.m. | Hemmingson Auditorium
Film Screening: “Without Them I Am Lost”
This feature-length documentary about a Norwegian community clinging to a fragile coastline in a rapidly changing world, explores the relationship between landscape, home, and the human imagination through the story of American writer Damon Falke in northern Norway. This Square Top Theater film, directed by Charles M. Pepiton (Professor, Theatre and Dance), offers a look at an Arctic community and their lives shaped by nature. It had its world premiere in December 2023 and has screened at various festivals and institutions. Introduction before, and discussion following the film, led by Professor Pepiton. Norwegian Pepperkaker and tea served at the auditorium.for an academic response and discussion following the film.

Friday, November 21 | Global Connections & Campus Safety

12:15–1:15 p.m. | Jundt Lounge (Hemmingson 201). Includes pizza (Italian food) for lunch.
Safety Consciousness Across Cultures
This highly interactive session, led by Gonzaga Campus Security Officer Bennie Jordan, invites students to explore how safety is understood and practiced across different cultural contexts. Participants will engage in open discussion and activities to reflect on how cultural values, norms, and individual experiences shape perceptions of safety, risk, and trust. Officer Jordan will share practical strategies for staying safe on and off campus, including situational awareness, community resources, and proactive safety planning. The session aims to foster cross-cultural understanding, empower students to take ownership of their safety, and strengthen a shared sense of community care and responsibility at Gonzaga.

3:00–4:00 pm | CGE, 2nd Floor (Hemmingson 102)
Global Conversations
Have you wondered how you can better understand and support international students here at GU?

November 9 - International Student Union Signature Event: Night of Nations

5:30–9:00 p.m. program includes a buffet line, optional photo booth and much more - 3rd floor Hemmingson Ballroom.
This signature event features an evening of international performances, a cultural fashion show, and a global dinner menu highlighting cuisines from around the world. Join students, faculty, and community members as we come together to honor diversity, share traditions, and build meaningful connections across cultures. All are welcome. Email ISU for questions. Purchase your tickets before November 9 here. Connect with us on Instagram!

Nov. 5 - Global Perspectives in Education: New Core AI Student Learning Outcomes & International Students

Join Gonzaga community members to participate in a workshop series to provide faculty with practical strategies for supporting international students while also providing a platform for students to share their perspectives and learning experiences. Event co-sponsored by the Center for Global Engagement and the University Core. Lunch provided.
Hemm 312 - Firenze, 12:15-1:15

Sept. 24 - Global Engagement Faculty Development Award Showcase

The Global Engagement Showcase is a collaborative event with the Center for Global Engagement and brings together faculty from across the disciplines. Together, they share insights on how their research and activities impact Gonzaga's strategic commitment to offering student experiences to deepen their understanding of cultures and global issues. At the same time, these faculty also bring back to students new ideas at the forefront of their disciplines - ideas that can positively impact the world and our community. 6:30-7:30pm, with light refreshments, Jundt Lounge - Hemmingson.

Welcome - Christina "Tina" Isabelli, Associate Provost for Global Engagement and Call to Action Opening Remarks - Katia Passerini, President; Mia Bertagnolli, Interim Provost & Irv Zakheim, Gonzaga TrusteeSpotlight on Visiting Global Scholars - TingTing Huang (Mukogawa Women’s University – Japan) & Robert Gipal (Fulbright - Philippines)Global Impact Reflection - Upendra Acharya, School of LawLightning round presentations

Melody Alsaker - An International Minisymposium to Celebrate Diversity in STEM
Carissa Basile - Beyond the Basics of Behavior: Culturally Responsive Behavior-Analytic Practice
Scott Bozman - A Research Proposal for Gonzaga in Florence Alumni
I-Ling “Gloria” Chien - Buddhist Film Presentation and Course Design at IABS Leipzig
Shann Ferch - Japan Nuclear Disarmament Pilgrimage
Kem Gambrell - Exploring Decolonization Efforts in Aotearoa
Torunn Haaland - Rome in Contemporary Italian Cinema
Brooks Holland - The Legal Italy Program: Wellness, Professionals, and Vulnerability
Sarah Porter - Excavating at Lechaion Harbor
Brian Siebeking - Terra Laudato Sì: A Pilgrimage for Ecological Conversion
Danielle Xu - Teaching and Research Collaboration with Mukogawa University, Japan
Zijian "Jacob" Zeng - Algorithmic Nudging for Energy Savings and Environment

Sept. 29 - Open House - Supporting Our International Community

The Center for Global Engagement invites you to our Open House to connect with teams supporting Gonzaga’s global initiatives. This event will feature Q&A on Gonzaga’s efforts to support international students, faculty, and staff impacted by recent White House Executive Orders and Proclamations and a Call to Action. 5:15pm, Center for Global Engagement, Hemmingson 102

Sept. 17 - Annual Gonzaga Study Abroad Fair

Opportunity to learn about the different types of study abroad programs available to students, including our faculty led programs. Faculty leading programs in 2026 will be on hand to answer questions.
11-2pm - Hemmingson Rotunda "Main Street"

Sept. 18 & 19 - Study Abroad Scholarship Information Meetings

Looking for ways to finance your study abroad? Come listen to these presentations to learn more! Recording will be sent to those who register, even if you can't make it.

Gilman - Thursday, September 18, 2025, 10am (presentation was recorded - reach out to stapletonc@gonzaga.edu for a copy)
Boren - Friday, September 19, 2025, 10am (presentation will be recorded - reach out to stapletonc@gonzaga.edu for a copy)

Study Abroad 101 Info Sessions

Gonzaga in Florence Come to an Info Session to learn about our flagship program Gonzaga in Florence!
Tuesdays at 4:00pm - October 14, 21, 28; November 4, 11, 18, 25.
Wednesdays at 12:15pm - October 22.
Sign up here!

All other Study Abroad programs
Mondays at 4:00pm - October 13, 27; November 3, 10, 17
Wednesdays at 12:15pm - October 15, 27; November 19
Sign up here!

Enter and sign in at Hemmingson's Center for Global Engagement first floor office (HEMM 102)
More information here: https://studyabroad.gonzaga.edu/_portal/announcements

Spring 2025

January 23 (5-7pm) - Community Conversations on Immigration

In response to the changing political landscape, the Unity Alliance of Cultural Clubs (UACC) invites students, staff, faculty and administrators to learn more about and discuss current immigration issues within the US and GU context. Refreshments for the first 100 attendees - first come, first served. (HEMM Ballroom)

Cultural Club Celebrations - thank you for inviting CGE to your events!

January 25 (6-9pm) - International Student Union (ISU) presents Around the World in a Day - Wanderlust. (HEMM Ballroom)

January 26 (6-8pm) - Chinese Students Union (CSU) presents Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration. Featuring Tanghulu, Touhu, Window Decorations, Dumpling, Fans, Spring Festival Couplets. Participate in all the events to get stamps that can be exchanged for mystery prizes! (HEMM Ballroom) Free Admission.

February 1 (5:30-8pm) - Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) presents Echos of Tết - The Road Home. Featuring traditional food (phở, Bánh Mì, Bánh Tét, Chè Khúc Bạch) performances, cultural displays and more! (HEMM Ballroom)

March 30, (6-9pm) - Muslim Student Association (MSA) presents their signature event Eid Dinner Event.

Study Abroad 101 Info Sessions

Every Wednesday at 12pm, Hemmingson 102 (Center for Global Engagement) and Zoom.

January 27 - Story Slam X CGE: Belonging (8pm)

Join us for a night full of international voices and stories. (Jepson - Wolff Auditorium)

Global Perspectives in Education: Bridging Classroom Strategies and International Student Voices

Join Gonzaga community members to participate in the first of a two-part workshop series (attend one or both!). The dual focus of the series is to provide faculty with practical strategies for supporting international students while also providing a platform for students to share their perspectives and learning experiences.

February 3, 12-1pm Enhancing Global Learning: Practical Strategies for Supporting International Students in the Core Curriculum Classroom

Panel Participants: Dr. Yuki Kang, Dr. Nick David, Dr. James Hunter, moderated by Dr. John Eliason.

Goal/Topic: Provide the primarily Core faculty audience with tangible, practical tips for their teaching and learning engagements with international students. Sponsored by the CGE and the Core. HEMM 312 - Firenze.

March 18, 4-5pm Voices from the Global Classroom: Insights from International Students on Learning Across Cultures

Panel Participants: International student panel moderated by Ashley Davis ISSS Director and Tim Smetana Gonzaga Global Managing Director

Goal/Topic: Share insights into how international students are accustomed to learning and approaching education from their home country perspective. Sponsored by CGE and Gonzaga Global. HEMM 312 - Firenze.

Global Conversations

Join us for our weekly meetings where you can connect with the world and the Gonzaga community! Small groups of English language learners meet with Gonzaga students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds. Everyone benefits from the valuable multicultural exchange. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, share, and grow together! This weeks topic, Traveling through out the World! Location: Welch Hall Basement Lounge, Monday’s 4pm-5pm. More information here.

February 10, February 24, March 17, March 31, April 14, 2025

International Graduation Formal!

Did you love last year's International Graduation Formal at Bozarth Mansion? We're bringing it back on April 25, 2025 - mark you calendars! To make this year's event even better, join our Feast and Festivity Feedback Fun: Share your thoughts on last year's event - what worked, what could improve? Fun: Brainstorm themes activities, food and decorations for this year's celebration! More details to follow!

Fall 2024

Global Engagement Faculty Development Award Showcase

The Global Engagement Showcase is a collaborative event with the Center for Global Engagement and brings together faculty from across the disciplines to share their insights on how their research and activities impact Gonzaga's strategic commitment to offering student experiences to deepen their understanding of cultures and global issues while also bringing back to students new ideas at the forefront of their disciplines that positively impact the world and our community. Join us for an engaging 'lightning round' of faculty presenters as they give you a high level overview of faculty development focused on global engagement.

December 3, 2024, 4-5:30pm, with light refreshments

See the line up of faculty presenters here.

International Education Week - 12-1 PM CGE Hemmingson 2nd floor

November 18th A Glimpse of the Culinary Capital of the Philippines
November 19th Learn about the Chinese education system with the Yanxueshe Team
November 20th Salsa lessons with Santiago
November 21st Hue Royal Court Music of Vietnam
November 22nd Explore Spain with Fernando


News Event spotlight here International Student and Scholar Welcome Reception

All international students, scholars, champions of global education, and allies in the greater Spokane area are invited to join us for this very special event to connect, share and celebrate the wonderful contributions these individuals make on our larger Inland PNW communities. Small bites and beverages will be provided.

Event co-sponsored by CGE International Student and Scholar Services Office, Spokane Sister Cities Association, EWU, WSU, CCS, Whitworth University.

November 20, 2024, 5pm, limited space RSVP required.

Workshop - Inclusive Support for International Students: Modifications vs Accommodations

Faculty are invited to join staff colleagues from across campus to discuss inclusive practices and principles for supporting international students who are developing their English language skills and for insights about student experiences in the context of our Jesuit mission and Gonzaga's Inclusive Excellence Strategic Plan. This is an opportunity to build a network of colleagues with a justice-minded approach to supporting GU students from around the world.

Event co-sponsored by the Office of Inclusive Excellence, Center for Global Engagement, Center for Teaching and Advising, and the University Core.

October 29, 2024, 4pm-5pm (Hemmingson 312)

Dr. Silviu Rogobete Guest Lecture "(Geo)politics and Post-truth"

The current (geo)political reconfiguration tendencies are highly influenced by various facets of the post-truth era. What does this mean? What are the implications for individuals as well as state political actors? Moreover, what are the implications for current security policies and action at the national as well as international levels? Please join us in reflecting a searching together for possible answers! Dr. Rogobete is the Director of the Doctoral School of Philosophy, Sociology and Political Science - West University of Timisoara, Romania. He is the former Consul General of Romania in South Africa and is Gonzaga's current Erasmus+ Visiting Global Scholars.

Event co-sponsored by the School of Leadership Studies and the Center for Global Engagement

September 19, 2024, 5:15-6:15pm (Hemmingson 314B)

Study Abroad 101 Info Sessions

Every Wednesday at 12pm, Hemmingson 102 (Center for Global Engagement) and Zoom.

Spring 2024

Study Abroad Office

Study Abroad in the news! Read more here.

International Student and Scholar Services

  • A taste of Vietnamese Lunar New Year - February 9, 4:30-7:30pm, Hemmingson COG.
  • Work Visas Made Easy: Practical Answers to Work Visas in the US - February 9, 8:30-9:30am - Zoom
    The ISSS team will host a virtual seminar on work visas for GU international students who wish to stay and work in the US after graduation. Special guest, David Gluckman
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT) Workshop - February 23, 8:30-9:30am - Zoom
    OPT allows international students to gain hands-on experiences in the US. Students can take advantage of this opportunity to obtain work experience, connect with potential employers, and build their professional network.
  • Sprintax Nonresident Tax Webinar - multiple dates/times
    In these tax webinars, international students, scholars and professionals will be run through everything they need to know about nonresident tax for the 2023 tax season.

Fall 2023

International Education Week

  • 12-1 PM CGE Hemmingson 2nd floor
  • November 13 - International Student Experience Panel
  • November 14 - Echoes of Grief: A Cultural Analysis of the Ilokano Tradition of Dung-aw for the Departed
  • November 16 - Dances from Around the World
  • November 27 - Chinese Traditional Game - Mahjong

Thanksgiving Event with International Students

  • 2:30-4:30 PM in the Hemmingson Ballroom, November 22, 2023

Global Engagement Faculty Development award Showcase

Do you have an event that promotes internationalism on campus and would like us to publicize it? Write to iec@gonzaga.edu: please include the title, a one-two sentence description, date/time/place, presenter, and sponsoring department/office (if applicable). Also indicate if you would like to present in the Center for Global Engagement space (Hemmingson, 205).