Testimonials

Communication and Leadership Alumni Stories

Our COML alumni are working in well-known organizations across the United States and the world.

From customization to concentrations and everything in between, our students and alumni tell us they've learned valuable skills that have had a huge impact on them both professionally and personally.

 

Alumni Stories

Brian Heckard wearing glasses, a button up with a leaf pattern, and in front of a blue background with an American flag in the corner.

Brian Heckard

Alumnus

“To get the kind of education I was seeking, I really needed to be able to do it online. Gonzaga of course is highly regarded and known as a rigorous program and that intrigued me to start out with."

Jordy Jones poses with her laptop and her son on her lap.

Jordy Jones

Multimedia Journalist & Marketing Specialist

“Growing up here, being in the community and seeing how big of a deal it is on a national scale – I just know the connections I’m making here are going to be great for my future.” Read Jordy's full story.

Red headed female with black top and trees and grass in the background

Diane Rice

Director of Communications

"Since starting the program I was able to grow pretty significantly into a large role with a government agency out of state as the director for the communications department." Watch her full video.

Man in button up orange shirt with greenery of campus behind him

Justin Piehowski, M.A.

Lead Salesforce Advisor

"I think that with a degree like Communication and Leadership, it's hard not to do better in your career."

Carrie Braun in front of a grey background and American flag

Carrie Braun

Director of Public Affairs and Community Engagement

“This is not a checkbox. I'm not trying to just put something on my resume. I've grown as a person. I've learned so much. And I would very, very highly recommend this program.” Read her full story.

Mike McNab, COML Graduate

Mike McNab

Law Enforcement Officer

“In every course there was some element of diversity, equity, and inclusion. I found that in the heat of what I was going through at work, it was a little bit challenging, but I grew into it over time, and it was truly eye opening for me,”

Helen Goodteacher, COML Alumna standing in front of trees

Helen Goodteacher

Communications Manager

"The flexibility of the program allowed me to focus on what I needed to have done as a professional and as a mother but also fit my needs as a student. I learned the confidence that I needed and I also felt more passionate having a more clear direction of where I wanted to go. COML is such a broad spectrum of curriculum that you can immerse yourself into finding what works best for you as a student."

Juan Daniel Garcia wearing a Gonzaga zip up crewneck with interior building behind him.

Juan Daniel Garcia

Community Engagement Professional

"When I think about what I am taking away from the program, I have gotten more in return than I could ever repay."

COML Alumnu, Rebekah Willhite with a stack of her textbooks

Rebekah Willhite

Adjunct Faculty

“I think one thing I hit on a lot about my experience at Gonzaga is that I never had a professor saying no. I always felt that they said some version of ‘that’s a really unique idea, build upon that.’ And that is something I’m very mindful of when I work with students. It’s really empowering to not be told no.” Read her full story.