Name: Sandra Vance - Assistant Director of Admission & Visit Coordinator
(she / her / hers)
Email: vance@gonzaga.edu
Phone: 800-322-2584 ext. 6589 -or- 509.313.6589
Hometown: Newberg, OR
Degree: M.A. Organizational Leadership - Gonzaga University
B.A. Psychology - Gonzaga University
Why do you work in the Office of Admission at Gonzaga?
Visiting schools was an integral part of the college decision process for me, and being able to provide an authentic and meaningful visit experience inspires the work I do on a daily basis. I love that I have the opportunity to connect with prospective students and families and provide a glimpse into life at Gonzaga for each and every person that comes to campus. I also have the privilege of working with passionate student ambassadors that are driven by the Gonzaga mission and take pride in sharing their stories and experiences with our visitors.
Where is your favorite place on campus?
The picnic tables behind College Hall are one of my favorite places to spend time on campus. They have a perfect view of Bulldog Alley (the main thoroughfare through campus) and I love watching students run into friends and chat as they travel across campus. During the fall and spring, a lot of students will gather on the lawn across from the tables, and it’s a great place to feel the Gonzaga community in full swing.
What is one piece of advice you have for prospective students?
When you visit colleges, spend some time on your own around campus. Once you’ve finished your scheduled events (such as a campus tour, class visit or faculty meeting, overnight visit, etc.), take some time to explore campus on your own. Whether it’s having coffee in the student center, exploring an academic building, or just people-watching outside, give yourself the opportunity to just observe the community around you and think about where you see yourself participating in it!