County Recognizes GU with Employer Champion Award

square photo three people holding rewards blue background
Joe Smith, Aundrea Davit and Jim Simon
February 26, 2026
Marketing & Communications

Spokane County’s Commute SmartNW program presented Gonzaga University with the Platinum Achievement in Commute Smart Efforts, Champion Business Leader Award and the prestigious Pinnacle Award at the 2026 Commute Smart Champions event this month. These reflect a commitment to supporting commute trip reduction efforts, helping to improve the health of the community.

Spokane County’s Commute SmartNW program monitors reports from participants who log days they choose a smart alternative to driving alone, whether that’s using STA busses, carpooling, biking or working from home.  The agency says these efforts result in removal of nearly 850,000 miles from local roadways and prevents over 785,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Annually, this translates to a remarkable reduction of 44 million miles and 40 million tons of emissions.

Jim Simon, director of Gonzaga’s Office of Sustainability, and AmeriCorps Volunteer Aundrea Davit lead the efforts for GU employees to participate, accompanied by Chief Financial Officer Joe Smith who was named a Champion Business Leader.

Commute trip reduction is just one of many ways the Office of Sustainability promotes a commitment to the University’s climate action plan.
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