Gonzaga Center for Lifelong Learning Makes Education Accessible for All

Adult Learners, Professionals, Community Servants, and Leaders All Benefit From Nationally-Ranked Gonzaga University Programming

A presenter points to sticky notes on large sheets of paper as part of class in Gonzaga's Design Thinking certificate program.
September 14, 2022
Gonzaga University News Service

SPOKANE, WASH. – Gonzaga University is launching the Center for Lifelong Learning to offer continuing education, professional development, and personal enrichment programs to the public.

“This week, US News and World Report again ranked Gonzaga University in the Top 100 of National Universities, and we want to bring the expertise and opportunities of this world-class university to our community,” said Rachelle Strawther, director of the GU Center for Lifelong Learning.

Programs and certificates available through the new Center are designed to meet the needs of those who are currently working and seeking to advance into leadership roles, those who want to start a career, and those who desire to grow and learn, no matter what stage in life.

“We want to make it possible for everyone to benefit from what Gonzaga University offers, regardless of whether they have or want a degree,” said Strawther. “Our mission is to create pathways for people from all backgrounds and educational levels to learn and grow at Gonzaga.”

The Center for Lifelong Learning partners with departments across campus to offer a wide-range of non-degree programs, including but not limited to:

  • Webinars
  • Workshops
  • Professional certificates
  • Consulting services

Current programs include:

  • Design Thinking, a 14-week virtual program, which teaches a human-centered, problem-solving process leading to better solutions. Students apply design thinking principles to actual, real-time personal and professional challenges.
  • Servant Leadership, a 14-week program guiding leaders in creating organizational cultures where people thrive. Students develop a practical toolkit to excel in the workplace and beyond.
  • Women’s Leadership, a 14-week course designed for professionals who wish to advance women in the workplace and build gender equity. The program covers leadership, emotional intelligence, gender and communication, overcoming confidence gaps, work/life integration, and compensation and negotiation.

Gonzaga also offers a Certificate in Foundational Leadership and a Certificate in the Business and Legal Aspects of Wine; additionally, the university will be launching a Certificate in Healthcare Leadership in January 2023. The Center plans to add more programs in the near future, including in the areas of engineering, business, education and climate studies.

See what the Center for Lifelong Learning has to offer.
Visit the Site
  • Academics
  • News Center

Related Stories

Matt and Keva Sonderen, co-owners of Sonderen Packaging, are longtime supporters of ongoing Gonzaga Certificate education for their employees.

Companies Find Value in Their Employees’ Growth at Center for Lifelong Learning

September 06, 2022

When employees improve their leadership skills, the organizations they work for benefit as well. See why Jubilant HollisterStier, Department of Transportation, Spokane International Airport and more are sending their workforce to Gonzaga's leadership programs year after year.

Kim Hanna, a graduate of the Certificate in Women's Leadership program.

Cotton Industry CEO Sings Praises of Leadership Certificate Program

September 06, 2022

The Women's Leadership program help Kim Hanna step into a new role as the first female president of the International Cotton Association. "What I learned throughout the program," she says, "helped give me tools and the confidence needed to navigate the journey."
Anngie Zepeda, a graduate of the Certificate in Design Thinking program.

Leadership Certificate Program Opened Eyes, Doors for Graduate

September 01, 2022

While working for a nonprofit serving the Latino community, Anngie Zepeda enrolled in the Design Thinking program. “It changed my life’s vision,” she said of the experience. “I realized that everything can be solved if you go right to the main problem."

Tienaya Sigmund-Godes, a graduate of the Women's Leadership program

Women’s Leadership Certificate Program a ‘Life-changing’ Experience

August 30, 2022

For Tienaya Sigmund-Godes – a mother of six and a dedicated child care advocate – enrolling in the Women's Leadership program was "...one of the best decisions (she) ever made.” Today she's teaming up with child care leaders across the country and working for Alphy, a new social and learning network for women.