September 2026 | Volume 28 No. 1
Spirit is Gonzaga's monthly newsletter designed to inform faculty, staff, trustees and regents about what’s new and important at the University.
In This Issue
Zags Give Back
The Gonzaga community ralled during the Spokane fire, providing housing, supplies and support as Zags turned compassion into action.
Snapshots of a Zag Summer
From epic hikes and troll‑spotting adventures to stand‑up comedy tours, faculty and staff shared the moments that made this summer unforgettable.
"Zags from the School of Leadership Studies – current students, faculty and alumni mentors – visited Mt. Adams for an unforgettable experience of connection, reflection, and fortitude." − Sarah Marr (above), assistant director of community engaged learning, CCE
"This summer we got to visit the Thomas Dambo trolls in Iowa! This is our family (Dave Oosterhuis (Classics), Phoebe Oosterhuis, and our two kids) visiting Fjord Ferryman in Elk Horn, IA." − Phoebe Oosterhuis (above), assistant director for operations, CCE
"I FINALLY was able to visit Glacier National Park for the first time with one of my best friends, Abby. We camped in the park over the weekend and did three epic hikes, cliff jumped, lounged by lakes, and saw so much wildlife (thankfully no bears up close!)."
− Marli Kranz (above left), social media specialist, Marketing & Communications
"One of the best things about summer in Spokane is the Spokane Farmer’s Markets."
− Marilee Kinsella (above right), program assistant III, College of Arts and Sciences
"I was lucky enough to meet up with two Zag alums in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, this past July for dinner and conversation. It was fantastic to see the Zag support network in action across the globe. Left to right: Fr. Bryan Pham, S.J. (’99, ’24 M.A.), Emma Nguyen (’26 MBA), and Sean Boyd (’88)." − Fr. Bryan Pham, J.D., senior lecturer and clinic supervising attorney, School of Law
"My favorite summer memory was performing stand-up comedy in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho (Only 47 more states to go!). Bringing laughter to audiences throughout the Pacific Northwest has been an incredibly rewarding creative outlet." − Vito DiMaio (above right), adjunct faculty, Communications Studies
"We went to Disneyland! Magical first time experience!" − Lealoni Davidson, custodian, Plant
Library Camp was Lit!
Camp Foley brought middle schoolers from across Spokane and Idaho to campus for a four‑day, curiosity‑driven adventure hosted by the Foley Library and the Climate Institute.
Celebrating Us: Awards, Achievements & Zag Spirit
Lisa Owens, associate director of housing operations, and Cathy Santangelo, assignments coordinator, were nationally honored with the inaugural StarRez Spirit Award, recognizing their energy, collaboration, and positive impact on student housing. “This award is especially meaningful because it celebrates the qualities that make the housing community so special: bringing energy and passion to our work, collaborating with others and making a positive impact on the student experience,” Owens said.
Phil Tyler, interim director of Campus Security and Public Safety (CSPS), received the President’s Award at the 2026 International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators annual conference, a reflection of the excellence within Gonzaga’s security team. In addition, the department partnered with Out to Protect, a nationally recognized nonprofit, to provide Hate Crimes Investigation Training for the entire security team. “We remain dedicated to evolving our practices,” Tyler said, “building and ensuring every member of the Gonzaga community feels safe, respected and supported.”
Brian Henning (above left), founder and director of the Institute for Climate, Water and the Environment, and Joseph Petek (above right), director of research and publication for the Whitehead Research Project, received the Creative Advance Award at a conference in Zhuhai, China. This award recognizes their work on the “Edinburgh Critical Edition of the Complete Works of Alfred North Whitehead,” which brings together Whitehead’s complete works, previously unpublished lectures, papers and correspondence.
Left to right: Nicole Moore, Jen Hurst, Kate Moog and Sarah Groat (Not pictured: Vicky Daniels)
Jen Hurst, Vicky Daniels, Katie Moog, Nicole Moore and Sara Groat – the members of “ZAGony of De-Feet" – finished first in the Bloomsday Corporate Cup women’s division, and 37th overall.
Jane Button, director of budget and financial analysis, and Cindy Perry, assistant to the vice president for Mission Integration, were awarded the Harry H. Sladich Loyalty and Service award.
Left to right: Stephen Cummins, Vicki Weaver, Beth Moore, Alex Giffin, Erick Stubbins and Kalen Niblock
Spark of Spirit
Kalen Niblock, event manager, GUEST
Alex Giffin, BSN academic advisor, School of Health Sciences
Innovation Award
Beth Moore, marketing manager, Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center
Stephen Cummins, director, Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center
Mission Award
Erick Stubbins, working maintenance supervisor, Plant
Vicki Weaver, education management professional, Center for Student Academic Success
Dessert of the Month: Strawberry Shortcake
Recipe and photo from Feasting At Home at feastingathome.com
Shortcake Biscuits
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
2 Tbsp sugar (and more for sprinkling)
¾ tsp sea salt
Zest of a lemon
8 Tbsp (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into ½ inch chunks
½ cup Greek yogurt (I prefer full fat)
½ cup heavy cream
1 egg yolk (optional, for egg wash)
Strawberry Sauce
Fresh strawberries, quartered or sliced
1/8 cup sugar
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp cornstarch
Homemade Whip Cream
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla
1-2 Tbsp sugar
Instructions
Step 1 Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Step 2 Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar and salt. Stir in lemon zest.
Step 3 Add cold butter chunks mixing in with your hands, forks or pastry cutter until they are coarsely mashed up.
Step 4 Mix together yogurt and cream. Add to the flour mixture, carefully mixing until just incorporated.
Step 5 Turn contents out onto the counter. It is ok if there are still dry parts. Press the dough roughly out in a square, about a ½ inch thick. Fold over on itself and press out into a square again. Repeat this process 4 times.
Step 6 Shape into a square with your hands, about 6 x 6 and about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 6 pieces. Place biscuits on parchment lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar. Freeze 10 minutes and then bake for 20-25 minutes.
Step 7 Make the strawberry sauce by placing sliced strawberries in a saucepan with sugar. Cook for about 7-10 minutes until they just begin to break down.
Step 8 Mix lemon juice and cornstarch until completely smooth. Add to the cooking berries and bring to a light boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Step 9 Make the homemade whipped cream by whipping cold heavy cream with a hand or stand mixer with vanilla and sugar until stiff peaks form. Store bought whipped cream works great, too!
If you try the Strawberry Shortcake or another Dessert of the Month, send a picture!
Welcoming New Zags
Linda Jellum, interim dean, School of Law
The Law School welcomed Linda D. Jellum, J.D., as interim dean in July, following a thoughtful search process. A nationally recognized legal scholar, educator and academic leader, Jellum brings more than three decades of experience in legal education, scholarship, public service and academic administration. Her extensive experience, deep familiarity with the Pacific Northwest and longstanding connection to Gonzaga position her to provide steady leadership during this period of transition and throughout the national search for the next permanent dean. Appreciation is extended to Agnieszka McPeak, associate dean for academic affairs and program innovation, for serving as acting dean throughout the summer.
Aline Vivirito-Valais, director of Study Abroad, Center for Global Engagement
Following a competitive national search, Aline Vivirito-Valais was appointed director of Study Abroad in the Center for Global Engagement. Originally from France, Vivirito-Valais brings extensive experience in international education, global program management and partnership development, along with a strong commitment to student-centered learning and intercultural engagement. She has spent the past several years at Northwestern University’s Global Learning Office, where she currently serves as Senior Study Abroad Program Coordinator. She brings her deep operational knowledge of Italy and Florence-based programs to Gonzaga, having played a key role at Northwestern in developing and supporting faculty-led summer programs in Florence.
Vivirito-Valais loves traveling and has visited more than 20 countries. In her free time, she enjoys taking walks with her husband and daughter and cooking dishes from around the world.
Around Campus
Sept. 5, 7 p.m. Watch what 24 hours of writing, casting, staging and rehearsing can do at the 24-Hour Theatre Festival, kicking off the 2026-2027 Gonzaga Theatre season | Magnuson Theatre
Sept. 11, 4 p.m. Meet your neighbors at the annual Logan Block Party, with face painting, lawn games, prize drawings and live music for the whole neighborhood | Mission Park
Sept. 11, 7:30 p.m. Hear visiting artists Matt Sargent and Ben Luca Robertson perform an evening of original electro-acoustic music featuring microtonal guitar and experimental instrument design | Woldson Center Recital Hall
Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m. Grammy-winning guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli celebrates Tony Bennett's centennial with songs from his new album "Dear Mr. Bennett" | Woldson Center, Coughlin Theater
Sept. 15, 6 p.m. Learn how communities can prepare for and welcome climate-driven newcomers as climate resilience expert Anna Marandi kicks off the "For Our Common Home" lecture series for the Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment | Hemmingson Auditorium
Sept. 17-20, all day Welcome home the Classes of 1963-67 for a weekend of tours, presentations and Mass marking 60-plus years since graduation
Sept. 22, 4:45 p.m. Explore how "Groundhog Day" embodies Buddhist ideas of repetition and awakening at the 2026 Arnold Humanities Lecture, "Buddhist Cinema: The Medium and the Message" | Cataldo Globe Room
Sept. 22, 6 p.m. Join UW psychiatrist Nathan Sackett and Gonzaga's Jeffery Ramirez for a panel on psychedelics as a tool for treating psychiatric disorders | Wolff Auditorium
Sept. 23, 7 p.m. Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde talks creativity and his new book "Floating Mountains" | Woldson Center, Coughlin Theater
Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m. Celebrate 50 years of the Spokane Jazz Orchestra as they open their milestone season with founding members Tom Molter and Dan Keberle | Woldson Center, Coughlin Theater
Noteworthy
New Hires
Jeremiah Willden, custodian, Plant; Logan Bolster, custodian, Plant; Tamecia Louisville‑Cousey, custodian, Plant; Tammy Gablehouse, custodian, Plant; Erin Kastberg, vice president, General Counsel; John Bender III, director of financial aid, Student Financial Services; Reza Fayyazi, AI research engineer, Institute for Informatics & Applied Technology; Robert Emenger, grants and contracts officer II, Sponsored Research; Siobahn Tolar, law clinic paralegal, School of Law; Carrie Morrison, recruitment and business development specialist, Center for Lifelong Learning; Deanah Watson, program assistant III, Institute for Climate, Water & the Environment; EvaAngelina Porcayo, program coordinator, Auxiliary Enterprises; Jon Hill, security officer, CSPS; Joshua Loiseau, university physician/athletics lead team physician, Health & Counseling Services; Katherine Schlosser, custodian, Plant; Sharon Grewe, program assistant III, College of Arts and Sciences; Ryan Culver, security officer, CSPS
Promotion
Javier Garcia‑Morales, senior admissions counselor, Admissions; Robert Donnelly, associate dean, College of Arts and Sciences; Mary Kuester, academic advisor, School of Business Administration
Goodbyes
Alysha Terrell, administrative assistant & office manager, Human Resources; Beth Moore, marketing manager, College of Arts and Sciences; Bradley Rickel, head women’s golf coach, Athletics; Brooke Thompson, assistant women’s rowing coach, Athletics; Carolyn Hood, library technician III, School of Law; Deborah Harmon, interim director of enrollment management operations, Admissions; Debra Wiseman, program assistant III, College of Arts and Sciences; Erin Carlson, administrative assistant, University Advancement; Gina Thomas, assistant director, Academic Budget & Personnel; Gordon Carolan, infrastructure administrator II, ITS; James Sutterman, locksmith, Plant; Jessica Maiers, assistant director of marketing, Marketing & Communications; John King, HVAC technician, Plant; Ka Yu Hui, lecturer‑AT, Philosophy; Karli Honebein, climate literacy coordinator, Institute for Climate, Water and the Environment; Katelyn Carroll, program assistant III, Institute for Climate, Water and the Environment; Laurence Perkins, infrastructure architect, ITS; Lori Jennings, administrative assistant, College of Arts and Sciences; Matthew Lamsma, dean, Student Development; Maureen Duclos, budget & personnel officer, School of Business Administration; Natalie Borek, senior curriculum specialist, Institutional Research & Registrar; Ramadan Alkhatib, lecturer‑AT, Civil Engineering; Robin Dare, art handler/preparator, College of Arts and Sciences; Robinette Kelley, chief diversity officer, Inclusion & Belonging; Sara Spaner, coordinator, Center for Global Engagement; Sean Sato, dispatch officer, CSPS; Sheron Ruffner, office coordinator, CSPS; Vicki Weaver, access & accommodation specialist, Center for Student Academic Success; Christopher Macabenta, custodial shift supervisor, Plant; Cindy Perry, executive assistant to VP, Mission Integration; David Gomez, equity & compliance investigator, Office of Inclusive Excellence; Dorian Beckner, custodian, Plant; Gabriel McDaniel, residence director, Housing & Residence Life; James Garces, assistant men’s soccer coach, Athletics; Jane Hession, academic advisor & assessment evaluator, School of Business Administration; Jessica Ocampo, program assistant, New Student Programs; Larissa Robinson, director of digital strategy & solutions, ITS; Meredith McKay, director, University Ministry; Nam Khanh Nguyen, IT service management specialist, ITS; Nicholas Brown, electrician, Plant; Rebekah Hare, senior biology lab coordinator, College of Arts and Sciences; Victoria Hucke, assistant director of employer engagement, Career Center; Albert Osborne, professor, Communication Studies; Alexander Sutton, groundskeeper, Plant; Alissa Underhill, lecturer‑AT, Human Physiology; Ann Murphy, professor, School of Law; Annika Rose‑Person, post‑doctoral researcher, College of Arts and Sciences; Annmarie Cano Wurm, professor, Psychology; Aubree Argyle, lecturer‑AT, Nursing; Carolynn Torve‑Williams, program coordinator, New Student Programs; Christine Sloan, associate professor, Nursing; Claudio Talarico, professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering; Conrad Sturm, visiting assistant professor, School of Law; Daniel Morrissey, professor, School of Law; Daphne Gershon, lecturer‑AT, Communication Studies; David Boose, professor, Biology; Deborah Nieding, associate professor, Teacher Education; Denise Ogorek, lecturer‑AT, Nursing; Diane Birginal, senior lecturer‑IB, Modern Languages & Literature; Donald Miller, lecturer‑IR, Educational Leadership & Administration; Gary Weber, professor, School of Business Administration; James Weston, senior lecturer‑IB, Mechanical Engineering; James Hunter, professor, Teacher Education; Jenaro Abraham, assistant professor, Political Science; Jennifer Garrity, senior lecturer‑IB, Nursing; Jonas Cox, associate professor, Teacher Education; Karlene Hoo, professor, Biomedical Engineering; Kazi Sabrina Haq, lecturer‑AT, Sociology; Kelly O’Brien‑Jenks, associate professor, Foley Library; Michael Carey, associate professor, Organizational Leadership; Nora Donoghue, lecturer‑AT, History; Paul De Palma, professor, Computer Science; Samantha Munson, lecturer‑AT, Environmental Studies & Sciences; Sarah Kersey, lecturer‑AT, English; Sharon Veerayah‑McGregor, lecturer‑AT, Mechanical Engineering; Steven McCrorey, physician, Health & Counseling Services; Ta‑Tao Chuang, professor, Management Information Systems; Trena Redman, lecturer‑IR, Nursing
Anniversaries
June
5 Claire Le Poullouin, instructional technology specialist, Instructional Design and Delivery; Kris Rose, registrar operations specialist II, Registrar’s Office; Lyss Gorman, director, New Student and Family Programs; Kurtis Bambauer, men's basketball video coordinator, Athletics; Lacey Smith, specialist II, Enrollment Operations
10 Christine Dennler-Lusco, senior accountant, Controller's Office
15 Tracy Martin, senior graphic designer, Marketing & Communications; Beau Grillo, manufacturing support manager, Engineering Dean's Office
25 Rob Kavon, associate director of athletic facilities, Athletics
35 Molly Spilker, office assistant, Career & Professional Development; Mark Few, head basketball coach, Athletics
July
5 Bri Ingram, integrated work management system administrator, Plant; Sara Groat, associate director, Financial Aid; Joe Petek, director of research and publication, Philosophy; Morgan Scheerer, assistant director, Student Media; Iain Chambers, custodian, Plant; Gillian Edgar, assistant women's rowing coach, Athletics; Aaron Danowski, training & development specialist, Mission Engagement
10 Natalie Chapin, groundskeeper, Plant; Jon Wheeler, director of residence life, Housing & Residence Life; Scott Garrison, assistant athletic director/compliance and life skills development, Athletics; William Drake, associate athletic director/student-athlete health & wellness, Athletics; Jonathan DeLorenze, warehouse supervisor, Plant
20 Brenda Senger, professor, Nursing; Daniel Marx, associate CIO, Strategy and Engagement
August
5 Shan Xiao, associate professor, Management Information Systems; Jadrian Tarver, assistant professor, Music; Nathan Axel, HVAC control technician, Plant; Bryan Olson, HVAC technician, Plant; Roselyn Rodrigues, lecturer-AT, Chemistry; Nader Shoaibi, lecturer-AT, Philosophy; Alireza Toghraee, lecturer-AT, Mechanical Engineering; Jenny Connolly, associate director, Institutional Research; Gary Weber, associate professor, Engineering Management; Matt Eastman, director of project management, ITS; Grace Whiteley, sports information director, Athletics; Rebekah Hare, senior biology lab coordinator, Biology; Brian Connolly, lecturer-AT, Biology; Christopher Mercado, professor and supervising attorney, Law School; Melissa Kilmer, lecturer-AT, Law School; Joseph Flores, assistant professor, Communication Studies; Rebecca Donaway, assistant professor, Communication Studies; Dennis Sisco-Taylor, assistant professor, School Psychology
10 Jonathon Kemper, senior physics lab specialist, College of Arts and Sciences; Melissa Jones, front-end web designer, Marketing & Communications; Sam MacDonald, director of trademark & licensing, Athletics; Joshua Therrien, assistant athletic director of health & performance, Athletics; Borre Ulrichsen, chief information officer, ITS; Julie Krallman, associate director of marketing, Graduate Enrollment Management
15 Jennifer Neyman, senior lecturer-IB, Special Education; Joseph Gardner, associate professor, Political Science; Nathan Mannetter, assistant vice president, Enrollment Management; Greg Gordon, professor, Environmental Studies; Sue Niezgoda, professor, Civil Engineering; Kathleen Nitta, associate professor, Teacher Education; Elaine Radmer, associate professor, Teacher Education; Ute Perz, senior lecturer-IB, Modern Languages and Literature
20 Casey McNellis, professor, Accounting; Andrea Bertotti Metoyer, professor, Sociology and Criminology; Kevin Henrickson, professor, Economics; Donald Hackney, professor, General Business; Ashish Thatte, associate professor, Operations; Luis Garcia-Torvisco, professor, Modern Languages and Literature; Jeffrey Watson, professor, Chemistry; Eric Ross, professor, Chemistry; Jeffrey Miller, professor, English; Brian Cooney, professor, English; Monica Bartlett, professor, Psychology; John Sheveland, professor, Religious Studies; Claire Silva, associate director, Admissions; Brook Swanson, professor, Biology; Karen Rickel, associate professor, Kinesiology and Sport Management; Gerhard Barone, professor, Accounting
30 Shann Ferch, professor, Leadership Studies-Doctorate
September
5 Martal Prewitt, mental health counselor III, Health & Counseling Services; Joan Braune, senior lecturer-AC, Philosophy; Kathie Chi, associate director of student services, Graduate Enrollment Management
10 Maria Tackett, associate professor, Economics; Patrick Crosswhite, associate professor, Human Physiology; Mike Mewhinney, painter, Plant; Yuki Kang, associate professor, English; Matthew Bolton, professor, English; Melody Alsaker, professor, Mathematics; Tomas Guardia, senior lecturer-AC, Mathematics; Maria Kulp, associate professor, Philosophy; Adam Stivers, associate professor, Psychology; Brian Siebeking, associate professor, Religious Studies; Kevin Vander Schel, associate professor, Religious Studies; John Tadrous, professor, Electrical Engineering; RJ Riley, information security lead, ITS; Paula Dixon, custodian, Plant; Dillon Knapton, custodial lead, Plant; Joseph Clark, emergency manager, Risk Management; Joslyn Carley, assistant director, Student Accounts; Christy Andrade, professor, Biology; Joshua Schultz, professor, Civil Engineering; Jonathan Rossing, professor, Communication Studies; Melissa Click, professor, Communication Studies; Noralis Rodriguez-Coss, associate professor, Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies; Melanie Person, associate professor, Counseling; Nichole Barta, associate provost for faculty affairs, Provost; LaRena Rondeau, program assistant II, Center for Student Involvement; Sharon Young, director, Health & Counseling Services
15 Anny Case, professor, Teacher Education
20 Lisa Owens, associate director, Housing & Residence Life
25 Heath Herrick, senior lecturer-AC, English; Anjali Barretto, professor, Special Education; Vladimir Labay, professor, Electrical Engineering
30 Jeff Bierman, professor, Physics; Allan Greer, professor, Physics; Mark Derby, professor, School Psychology; Max Capobianchi, professor, Mechanical Engineering
35 Michael Tkacz, professor, Philosophy; Julie Ullrich, construction project specialist, Plant
40 Ken Anderson, dean, School of Business Administration; Tom Jeannot, professor, Philosophy