Forging Forward with President Passerini

Gonzaga University President Katia Passerini, Ph.D. speaks in front of attendees of the Forging Forward: Washington, D.C. event.
President Passerini speaks with alumni and friends.
June 18, 2025
University Advancement

Uniting the Zag Community Coast to Coast

Across Seattle, Bellevue, San Jose, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas and communities visited in between, Gonzaga University President Katia Passerini, Ph.D.’s Forging Forward tour has brought Zags of all stripes—alumni, families, students and friends—together for moments that felt equal parts reunion and glimpse ahead into the University’s future.

Hosted by President Katia Passerini amidst Puget Sound skylines, Los Angeles sunsets, South Bay energy, Washington, D.C.’s historic backdrop and the twinkling neon of Las Vegas, the series created space for the Zag community to reconnect with both the institution and one another.

Meaningful conversations about higher education, innovation, leadership and the student experience filled rooms, along with moments that never make the official program:

  • An alum spotting a former roommate across the room.
  • Parents talking proudly about their students.
  • Staff making introductions before people even finish reading name tags.
  • Tables erupting into laughter over stories that have continued to improve with time and retelling.

That’s been the heartbeat of Forging Forward.

Attendees of the Forging Forward Washington, D.C. presidential event hold up a banner that with the Zag Alumni & Friends logo and text

At each stop, President Passerini shared her hopes for Gonzaga’s future while listening closely to the experiences and perspectives of the people who continue to shape the University’s community on campus and beyond. She articulated a vision for Gonzaga that is both deeply mission-centered and boldly forward-looking—aspirations that strengthen the University’s national presence, expand its global impact and prepare students to lead thoughtfully in an increasingly connected world. Her conversations with alumni and friends have consistently returned to the idea that Gonzaga’s future growth will not come at the expense of its identity, but because of it.

The tour also highlighted the many ways Gonzaga's mission continues to travel far beyond campus. In conversations alumni and friends reflected on mentorship, service, friendship, and the lasting impact of a Gonzaga education in their lives and communities.

President Katia Passerini at the lectern

President Passerini connected with Zag alumni, friends, and students participating in career treks at organizations such as Mattel, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Warner Bros. Studios. She also met with leaders in the technology sector, touring NVIDIA alongside a Zag parent working there, along with a dedicated alumnus and donor.

Along the way, President Passerini cheered with fellow Zag basketball fans at Santa Clara, met with Gonzaga athletics supporters in the California desert, attended Mass with members of the Zag community, and celebrated the inaugural Alaska Airlines direct flight from Seattle to Rome. Together, these experiences emphasized the strength of the Gonzaga network and the enduring ways its mission is lived out around the world.

President Katia Passerini with faculty and students visiting the Walt Disney Company during the Los Angeles Career TrekPresident Passerini visiting the Walt Disney Company alongside faculty and students.

As Forging Forward winds to a close with an event in Bozeman, Montana, President Passerini remains focused on what Gonzaga does best: bringing people together around shared values, thoughtful conversation and the kind of connection that makes a place feel like home long after people leave it.

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