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Educational Background:

• PhD in Leadership Studies Gonzaga University, 2021 
• Master of Arts in English Literature, Northern Arizona University, 1993
• Bachelor of Science in English Literature, Northern Arizona University, 1991

Jesuit ideal I most identify with: Cura Personalis

Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University:  Gonzaga’s focus on its mission of helping students develop intellectually, spiritually, culturally, physically, and emotionally is real. I’ve never worked at an institution so focused on benefitting the mind, body, and spirit of its students to the degree that we do at Gonzaga. These are lofty goals, but I sense that everyone truly cares about the work, which is life-giving to me as a professional.

What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest: Nature surrounds us!  Spokane speaks to me.

Ways I have been able to get involved on-campus: There's no shortage of people who want to engage with Housing and Residence Life.  We're sought for our knowledge of students, for our connection with residents, and our abundant energy.  My opportunities come from being a student advocate.  People want that perspective at the table, which is refreshing to see. 

Hobbies and Interests: I am a scuba diver; I've gone sky diving and paragliding; I enjoy traveling, and I am enjoying the fact that I am no longer in a PhD program. Just saying…

Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University: I like that Gonzaga is a small campus, which allows us to connect more easily with each other and give students personal attention. I get to work with some fantastic campus partners who care deeply about their work and have a genuine desire to provide the best experience for our students. I'm grateful to work with such hardworking and kindhearted professionals. 

What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest: Born and raised in North Idaho, I really appreciate the ability to be close to family and old friends. Being in Spokane gives me the opportunity to re-explore spots I enjoyed as a child and also make new memories in a city that I'm learning to love. I also enjoy how many ski resorts the Northwest has to offer and how easy it is to drive to the mountain and be on the lift in minutes. 

Ways I have been able to get involved on-campus: There are so many awesome programs put on by DICE.  Diversity Monologues is a campus favorite and I enjoy showing up to support students' events.  The Out with Allies series is also something I enjoy attending.  I always learn something new, and I appreciate the opportunity for conversations that include students, faculty and staff.

Hobbies and Interests: If there is a mountain, I'll be there either hiking or skiing! I also enjoy watching documentaries and doing book clubs with friends. When we aren't in a global pandemic, I'm a big traveler and always have my passport ready. 

veron@gonzaga.edu

509.313.5302

Educational Background:

• Master of Science in Teaching Adolescence Social Studies, Fordham University, 2015
• Bachelor of Arts in History-American Studies and Political Science, Fordham University, 2014

 

Jesuit ideal I most identify with: The Jesuit ideal I most identify with is unity of head and mind.  We're often taught that our hearts and minds are divided and cannot possibly collaborate ("use your head, not your heart" and vice versa).  It is when our heart and mind work together that we reach our full potential.

Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University:I enjoy working at Gonzaga because it is a mission-driven institution, focused on the development of the whole person.  Not only do students gain expertise in their field of study, but they also develop a strong sense of character and community.

What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest: Originally from New York, I enjoy the ease of access to the great outdoors that I have not had before, and that I can go from walking along a river to a downtown center in under 30 minutes.

Hobbies and Interests: I really enjoy being outside, whether it is hiking, biking, or water sports.  I also enjoy rainy day activities like baking, reading, and board games.  Most importantly, I spend lots of time with my dog, Maggie.

Educational Background: I graduated from Marquette University in 2019 with a B.S. in Physics, and I graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 2021 with a M.S. in College Student Affairs!

Jesuit ideal I most identify with: I identify most with Cura Personalis and “people for and with others.” I approach my work and interactions with students with a holistic mindset, focusing on both emotional and physical well-being. As well as caring about Cura Personalis, I also enjoy giving back to the community (being people for and with others) by partaking in local service opportunities, currently volunteering at the local humane society!

Reasons why you enjoy working at Gonzaga:  Well, this is my first year working here at Gonzaga, so I’m still learning all there is the enjoy about it! So far, I enjoy building relationships and coordinating across departments, and everyone I’ve met is passionate about student support and success. There’s also a ton of school pride!

What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest: I love being outdoors and exploring all the natural beauty of the area! After moving from Milwaukee, I’m enjoying the smaller city, mountain views and hikes, and the lack of mosquitoes :)

Ways I have been able to get involved on-campus:  I just moved to the area, and I’m excited to learn about all the ways to get involved on campus and in the community! It’ll be fun to collaborate with departments across campus for the Coughlin Living Learning Communities.

Hobbies and Interests: My main one: my two dogs! I love spending time with them exploring local parks, trails, and dog-friendly stores as well as cuddling at home. I also enjoy kayaking, hiking at national and state parks, reading, watching TV/movies, and listening to music. I’ve been following the Women’s World Cup recently and rooting for the US!

Jesuit ideal I most identify with: Care for the Planet. In today’s day and age, it is becoming increasingly important to recognize the interconnectedness of human life, nonhuman life, and the Earth as a whole. I believe we have a responsibility to preserve and protect the natural world, whatever our role or career may be.

Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University: The sense of community on campus and the opportunities for connection that working on a smaller campus brings. Overall, what I enjoy most is getting to know the students in my buildings and making a positive impact on their time here at Gonzaga.

What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest: The great outdoors and the friendliness of the community. I love getting outside to hike, climb, and swim, and it’s always great living somewhere you feel welcome! Plus, being from western Montana, I’m not too far from old friends and family.

Hobbies and Interests: I have a whole plethora of hobbies both indoors and outdoors! Outdoors, I love to hike, climb, and go caving. Indoors, I’m a big fan of board games, Dungeons and Dragons, and curling up on the couch with a cup of tea and good book.

 

Educational Background:

Jesuit ideal I most identify with: "Commitment to the dignity of the human person."  Compassion for each individual I encounter is a cornerstone of my work ethic, and I am happy to be working for an organization that shares this value in its mission statement. 

Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University:  I love the focus on community service and involvement shared by both students and staff at Gonzaga. Gonzaga students tend to be very involved and invested in their University, which makes working with them very fun and inspiring.  

What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest:  We are surrounded by so much natural beauty here in the Northwest, which means there is always a new forest or mountain or lake to explore! I also love seeing live music, which I have found lots of here in Spokane.

Ways I have been able to get involved on-campus: I am excited to connect and collaborate with campus partners and learn about more opportunities to improve the student experience here at Gonzaga

Hobbies and Interests: I love reading, baking, spending time with friends and listening to music! On a nice day you can usually catch me trying my best to get outside. 

kemp@gonzaga.edu

Educational Background: BA Intercultural Studies

Jesuit ideal I most identify with: Advancing A Culture of Inclusiveness

Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University:  Although my time at GU is just beginning, I have enjoyed the relationships that are being built, not only within my team, but across campus. For someone who has moved from far away, it has been nice to find a community here that truly cares about the work we do. Being a mission and purpose-driven team has been refreshing to find within the team!

What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest:  I love all of the coffee shops that are in Spokane; the ones that have been here for a while and the new ones that add a freshness to the city. The area is full of nature, which is great to explore. An endless number of hikes have kept me busy during my time here!

Hobbies and Interests: One of my favorite ways to unwind is to have a perfectly made cup of tea, a British tv show on, and my cats curled up next me. Finding ways to find calm in the business of life through books or walks in nature are also go-to's for me!  

 

Educational Background:

Jesuit ideal I most identify with: I identify with the Jesuit mission ideal of being men and women for others. I believe it is only through a commitment to being lifelong learners who are stewards to our community on and off campus where an environment that embraces change and support is created.

Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University:  What attracted me as a student and staff member to the University is the size of it, which fosters close relationships in and outside of the classroom as well as an investment into exploration for students and faculty. Whether it is through electives, study abroad, or volunteering, the Gonzaga community is like nothing else. 

What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest:  Born and raised in Seattle, WA, my love of getting outdoors only grew growing up. Being part of Gonzaga Outdoors events, ski trips, walking along Spokane's Centennial Trail with new friends and colleagues, and going to events downtown have been huge highlights of my college and post-college experience.

Ways I have been able to get involved on-campus: 

I started by joining co-ed intramural sports with the others in my dorm as a student as well as going on retreats, joining choir, doing various fitness classes and electives, and volunteer programs. As a new staff member, I am looking forward to connecting more with the offices and working with more of the programs we offer on campus.

Hobbies and Interests: I love to be active and explore whether it is the outdoors or classes offered on campus (watch out ski season!) I also love to be creative and look for artistic outlets any chance I get, getting coffee with friends and watching movies.

 

Educational Background:

Jesuit ideal I most identify with: The Jesuit's commitment to social justice; during my time at Gonzaga, I was involved on-campus in areas where social justice was a large focus of the work that we did and conversations we had. To me, it's also very important as a person of color to advocate for and stand in solidarity with other marginalized groups.

 

Jesuit ideal I most identify with: The Jesuit ideal I most identify with is men and women for and with others.  It is the tenet that stands out the most to me as being the one that involves our relations with other people, which is important for us as a social species.  Solidarity and social justice are important to me.  Having concern for and working together with our fellow human beings in pursuit of justice makes the human experience special.

Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University: I was a Resident Assistant at Fordham University, another Jesuit university.  Because of my identity as a Christian and my experiences in Jesuit higher education, I knew that I wanted to be a Residence Direct at a Jesuit university.  Gonzaga's mission statement stands out to me.

What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest: I am originally from New York, so the natural beauty of Spokane and the Northwest is unlike the concrete jungle that I am used to.  I am looking forward to exploring the area more.

Ways I have been able to get involved on-campus: I am excited to work with the students and staff on-campus.  I would also like to interact with the Center for Community Engagement, so that I can be involved off campus in the greater Spokane community.  I want to cultivate many positive relationships here.

Hobbies and Interests:  I enjoy reading, watching TV shows and movies, getting good food with friends and going to museums.  Now that I am no longer in New York City/Long Island area maybe I will develop more outdoor hobbies and interests.

 

Educational Background:

Jesuit ideal I most identify with: Cura Personalis - 'care for the whole self'

Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University:  Gonzaga exhibits a great sense of community that you can feel throughout the whole campus.

What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest:  There is always something to do or see in Spokane.  Even on the Gonzaga campus, there are multiple opportunities to connect with the outdoors just minutes away from your doorstep.

Ways I have been able to get involved on-campus:  I am looking forward to connecting with students and student staff members on campus.  I also hope to partner with some other offices in the future to complete additional training and professional development. 

Hobbies and Interests: I am into anything involving the arts!  Singing, dancing, listening to music, watching Broadway shows, painting, etc.  I have also recently gotten back into reading and I am a huge movie buff.

Jesuit ideal I most identify with:  I most identify with cura personalis because we need to take care of ourselves before we can develop ourselves or do good work and be there for others.  We must care for the whole person.  It also allows us to reflect on our choices and explore new pathways.

Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University: I love working with different student groups and introducing them to the PNW.  As an alum, I understand the process of attending an institution in a new space and being away from home for the first time, so I want to help others with this transition.

What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest: I love being outdoors and getting all four seasons since I normally don't see it in the Bay Area.

Ways I have been able to get involved on-campus:  I worked with CCE and UMEC as a student staff member during undergrad and have maintained relationships with my peers in those departments.  I am also part of the law school community. 

Hobbies and Interests:  Crafts, watching sports, and exploring new restaurants within the greater Spokane area.

 

presho@gonzaga.edu

509.313.4173

Educational Background:

• Master of Communication and Leadership, Concentration in Digital Media Strategies, Gonzaga University, 2023
• Bachelor of Business Management, Eastern Washington University, 2017

Jesuit ideal I most identify with: Cura Personalis - "Care for the whole person".  This is something I see every day at Gonzaga.  Whether it is in the classroom, walking across campus or in a professional setting, community members show their care for the whole person in many different ways and you always know that you will be taken care of.

Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University: One piece of caring for the whole person is encouraging student and staff members to grow both personally and professionally.  I am thankful for the personal and professional development opportunities that I have had while working at Gonzaga.  I love the Gonzaga community, team spirit, and that our values are a part of everything we do here.

What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest: I love the outdoors and the PNW is filled with opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and more.  There are activities nearby for every season and beauty around every corner.

Hobbies and Interests: I am a proud plant mom!  I love hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, kayaking, etc.  I enjoy baking and all things related to food or coffee.

Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University: I love working with our students, and campus partners. I’ve met some of my favorite people while working at Gonzaga.

What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest: I love that Spokane has all four seasons.  Weekends can easily be spent hiking, snowboarding, or at a lake.  I am partial to the warmer weather activities, but I appreciate summer even more after a snowy winter.

Ways I have been able to get involved on-campus: I’m one of a handful of IDI (Intercultural Development Inventory) Qualified Administrators on Gonzaga’s campus which has allowed me to work with a variety of students, staff and faculty, educating others on cultural competency and having eye opening conversations with the Gonzaga community. My office is a Safe Space and I am an Ally. In my role in Housing and Residence Life I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with areas all over campus from Admissions, Athletics, Center for Global Engagement DICE, Disability Access, and GUEST.

Hobbies and Interests: I love spending time with my friends and family. I enjoy going to the gym, I’m not great at CrossFit but I love the family it creates. I get embarrassingly excited talking about workouts, and certain aspects of nutrition.

Jesuit ideal I most identify with: We are called to be men and women for others.

Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University: I love seeing how the campus at Gonzaga has changed, but the community bond remains strong.

What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest: My family and I enjoy living in Spokane and exploring the Pacific Northwest.  The summer and fall are our favorite seasons for camping and visiting the many lakes nearby.  We also love spending time together outdoors and interacting with the dynamic Spokane community through events like Hoopfest.  We are always looking and ready to try the new restaurants, coffee shops and experiences that Spokane has to offer.

Ways I have been able to get involved on-campus: My husband and I are alumni, so we bring our children to many of the awesome alumni events that are organized for families and we also enjoy Gonzaga athletic events.

Hobbies and Interests: Spending time with family and friends, cooking, reading, camping, yoga.

Tylerr@gonzaga.edu

509.313.4130

Educational Background:

• BA in Human Services, Minor in Psychology, Whitworth University 

Reasons I enjoy working at Gonzaga University: The students, I really like engaging with them, for one student understood and cared for makes a difference

What I enjoy about Spokane and the Northwest:  I love Spokane/Northwest because there are four seasons and I love to be able to enjoy each one of them! There is always something to do Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter all you have to do is look.

Ways I have been able to get involved on-campus: I think once I get settled into my role I will find a way to be involved and continue with BIPOC.  I love what they stand for!

Hobbies and Interests: Gardening!  I love that I can reconnect with Mother Earth and produce not only knowledge, but the fruit that sustains.