Gonzaga Giving

As we head into graduation weekend, we reflect on the students that have been transformed during their time at Gonzaga and give thanks to all of those who played a part in getting them there. Shari Rasmussen is one who touches several lives every day. Working as Associate Registrar for GU, she has become a key-player in helping students at Gonzaga, aside from a typical registrar’s duties.

Shari received her Masters of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University in August of 2009. From her time at Gonzaga, Shari has seized a greater sense of the ethics, service to others and humanistic traditions that the institution fosters. “Gonzaga has long been known for its ‘family feel,’ and I’ve always sensed that atmosphere from the time I began working at GU over 30 plus years ago,” Shari explains. “Although the institution has grown since that time, the attention to and investment in our students has not changed.”

Shari’s hope is that students leave the University with knowledge, experiences and traditions that allow them to lead positive and productive lives so that they can effect change and make the world a better place in which to live.

That’s why Shari Rasmussen gives back to Gonzaga, and now Shari tags you.

Zag, you’re “it!”

Your support is vital to maintaining the quality educational experience at Gonzaga! As students are wrapping up their semester-end reports, papers and finals, Gonzaga is also closing out its fiscal year. We are reminded in the chaos of the year-end activities, how special this University is, thanks to the many generous gifts of our benefactors. One gift designation is especially important to the continuance of Gonzaga’s traditions in transforming students – the Fund for Gonzaga.

The Fund for Gonzaga, formerly called the Great Teachers Program, directly supports the highest priorities of the University and the complete academic experience by focusing on three core pillars: scholarships, faculty resources and student experience. This year, the University’s highest priority is to increase scholarship support so more students are able to attend Gonzaga and complete their education here. Gifts to the Fund for Gonzaga honor the intent of the Great Teachers Program and are vital to supporting the overall student experience.

Gifts to the Fund for Gonzaga are a source of strength and flexibility for Gonzaga, especially as the requests for additional financial aid remain at levels equal to appeals. Scholarships provided through the Fund for Gonzaga ensure that the ability to learn, not the ability to pay, determines who receives a GU education.

Examples of how the Fund for Gonzaga impacts the Gonzaga Experience:

-Added three and a one-half new faculty positions to help maintain the already small teacher-to-student ratio and to give students the attention they need. By attracting world-class faculty in each department Gonzaga can maintain the great education students come to expect

-Purchased 20 computers with flat screen monitors with the latest technology help to keep our classrooms and laboratories equipped with the necessary tools – to maximize our students’ learning experience

-Continued our commitment to need-based financial aid to meet as much of each student’s demonstrated need. Over 95% of Gonzaga Students Receive some form of financial aid

-Added 4,000 new volumes of books, cd’s and videos for the Foley Center and 25 research databases unique to each area of study as well as renewed subscriptions to scholarly journals to keep the Foley Center up-to-date with the information our students need to support their Gonzaga educational experience

Make a gift today through the Fund for Gonzaga and help ensure students of Gonzaga’s tomorrow receive the same Jesuit education and Zag experience as students today.

A Spokane native, Colleen Fox originally planned to attend the University of Portland for her undergraduate education. However, immediately after her parents insisted that she at least take a tour of Gonzaga, Colleen knew that it was the place for her. “The campus emanated a sense of community unlike anything else I had experienced, and everyone I spoke with communicated a genuine and enthusiastic passion for the University and its mission,” Colleen says.

During her four years at Gonzaga, Colleen majored in history and political science, and took part in a number of campus activities, including Campus Kids and Alpha Sigma Nu. Colleen stayed busy in both the academic life as well as the social growth of Gonzaga. “My brother – Sean Mallon, who is two years older than I am, played basketball here,” Colleen explains, “so to say I was a Zags fan is a huge understatement.” During her junior year, Colleen studied abroad in Florence, Italy, which was truly one of the most transformative experiences.

“I truly believe in the Jesuit model of education which is driven by the belief in ‘cura personalis’ (‘development of the whole person’). As a student, I was taught to think critically, challenged to tackle society’s tough questions and empowered to be a leader in my community. Now as an alumnus, I feel proud to be part of a community that supports one another, gives back to our greater communities and holds itself to a higher standard.”

Colleen has been able to take a lot with her from her alma mater. “Gonzaga has played a pivotal role in my life – I met by best friends here, traveled to Europe for the first time through the Florence program, started my career at the School of Business and most importantly, met my husband during senior year.” Colleen says. “Without a doubt,” she adds, “the most important aspect of my experience at Gonzaga has been the relationships that I’ve formed; it’s through relationships that the true mission of the University is experienced.”

Colleen married Richard Fox – also an alumnus of the Undergrad and MBA programs, as well as a former Zag basketball player – last year at Saint Aloysius. “We both feel very fortunate for the incredible experiences that we had at Gonzaga and enjoy being actively involved in the Gonzaga alumni community.”

As Colleen embarks on a new journey in her life with Richard, she continues to live out the mission of Gonzaga University. Colleen has taken on a new position as the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Ronald McDonald House, Spokane, while finishing up her MBA at GU. “Originally I had planned pursuing a law degree after graduation, but during my senior year I developed an interest in non-profit management.”

To Colleen, “Zag, You’re It!” is a challenge to do whatever you can to help make the Gonzaga experience accessible to the next generation of Zags. “I was able to attend Gonzaga largely because of the scholarships and grants that I received from private donors, and it was perhaps the most important opportunity of my life. I want others to be able to have the same incredible experience that I was blessed with.”

That’s why Colleen Fox gives to Gonzaga, and now Colleen tags you!
Zag, you’re it!

On Friday, the Senior Engineers were able to show off their year-long work of blood, sweat and tears for their Senior Design class. Every year for the class, the seniors are assigned to groups that work with local companies in Spokane to create a product that solves a problem.

Students like James Hoover, Elliot Weil and David Bell-Garrison have really taken to their projects. Working with Crystal Fontz, a Spokane Valley company that provides high quality displays and accessories, these three seniors built a software for demoing the company’s 3D printer prototype.

Justin Chin, Daniel MCDonagh, Brian Morrisset and Beth Thompson also relished in their completion of their project. “It’s been a lot of work and time, but it’s nice to have this to show for where we’ve been spending our time this whole last year,” says Justin. This team of four developed a process and machine for ACME Concrete Paving, Inc. that will help the company save time, money, material and resources in removing concrete in freeways. “It’s great to have been able to get to use everything we’ve been learning in our classes and put it to use in a professional setting,” explains Beth. “We’re almost like an engineering consulting group,” Brian adds.

Getting set to graduate this Mother’s Day, these senior engineers are feeling more confident in going to the workforce with the experience they have taken away this past year. From the hands-on training to problem solving to consulting and networking, these Zags are prepared for what’s to come next in their future.

Make a gift today to the Engineering Excellence Fund and ensure the continuance of educational excellence for future Gonzaga engineers.

On Sunday, April 22, over 200 Gonzaga seniors filled the COG to enjoy a late-night breakfast put on by the Senior Fund committee and the Alumni Association. The evening event kicked off a busy spirit week for seniors.

Alumni and Development staff served pancakes, tater tots and sausages to a line of seniors as a slide show of pictures flashed on a large screen. A message from Father Hightower set the theme of the evening for seniors to acknowledge the education and transformation they received at Gonzaga and that it is now their turn to pass on these traditions and transformations to the next generation of Zags through their time, talent and treasure. Additionally, the Alumni Association introduced the many ways a recent graduate can stay involved with the Gonzaga community through local chapter membership, mentoring and event attendance.

Over 50 of the seniors in attendance pledged to give back to Gonzaga University.

The Student Philanthropy Committee (SPC), of which the Senior Fund committee is part of, was created to instill a culture of philanthropy among students on campus as they become familiar with all it means to be a ZAG for life! As a culmination of the committee’s effort, a concerted Senior Fund effort is led by the SPC, chaired by seniors, and is the first step in the transition from student to dedicated alumni.

Start your tradition of giving back today! Support the Senior Fund.

The Wheatley family is tied to Gonzaga in more ways than one. Both graduating from the University for their undegrad degrees in 2007, Chris and Michelle got married in 2008 and have been living in Spokane ever since. Chris went on to get his masters at GU in 2010 and Michelle will be graduating with her masters from Gonzaga this spring. Both Chris and Michelle work for the University; Chris is the assistant manager of student publications and Michelle is the assistant director of University Ministry. So to say the least, the Wheatleys are Zags.

“We love the way this place transforms students: intellectually, spiritually, morally and emotionally,” Chris explains. “Every facet of campus, including classes, co-curricular activities, retreats, liturgies, mentoring relationships and the community, seems dedicated to this transformation.”

The couple has taken away a strong sense from their experiences with Gonzaga that their lives are about service to others. “Both of us have been given many gifts, experiences, resources and perspectives that we can share with the world,” says Michelle.

“Both of us were able to experience the transformative power of Gonzaga thanks to the generosity of others and now we feel it is our duty to pass this generosity forward as best we can. As staff, we are both excited to see how this place continues to transform students and we want to be a part of allowing any student to experience this process regardless of income level or access to resources. All of us who have been transformed by the Gonzaga experience have an obligation to share this gift with others. And we believe that in whatever way you can, we should all be giving back to a place that has given so much to us.”

That’s why Chris and Michelle give back, and now they tag you!

Zag, you’re “it!”

The easiest, most common way for you to support Gonzaga University is with cash gifts – typically gifts by check. Your gift is immediately available to support Gonzaga’s programs, and every dollar you give is deductible in the year you make your gift.

A person in a 33% combined state and federal income tax bracket can give $1,000 to Gonzaga at an after-tax cost of $670; a person in a 41% combined bracket can give $1,000 at an after-tax cost of only $590.

Main Benefits

When you make a cash gift by currency, credit card or check to GU today, we both benefit. Your generosity enables us to meet our most urgent needs and carry out our mission on a daily basis. Your benefits include:

• The ability to choose how your gift is used.
• The opportunity to see the results of your generosity.
• An immediate charitable deduction on your federal income taxes, when you itemize.

Make a Cash Gift Today in 3 Easy Ways

1. Online: www.gonzaga.edu/makeagift
2. Mail: Gonzaga University, Office of University Relations, 502 E. Boone Avenue, Spokane, WA 99258-0098
3. Call: Office of University Relations (509) 313-6141 or (800) 388-0881

Dr. Ellen Maccarone is an associate professor of Philosophy, specializing in applied ethics at Gonzaga University. “I love the rich history and traditions that Jesuit education brings; I love the close connections I am able to have with the students; I love how very much the students love GU, too,” Dr. Maccarone explains. “This isn’t something I have seen at all the other places I have taught or been a student.”

Having just been awarded tenure, Maccarone says what she takes from teaching at the University is a better way to educate, a better development of her own thinking within her discipline and interdisiplinarily and a deeper understanding of her own faith. “Professors can go through formation and transformation, too!” Ellen exclaims.

“I give to the University because I think what we do here matters and giving helps us do that work, especially for students who could not otherwise afford to be here. Giving means we are living the mission by opening it up to more people and having the resources to do it responsibly. We’re all part of the same community and if we desire that community to be strong, we have to give to those who come next.”

That’s why Dr. Maccarone gives back to Gonzaga and now she tags you!

“Zag, you’re it!”

Last night, Gonzaga’s development team came away winners from Spokane MarCom’s 2012 Spark Awards! Taking home two awards for the Advent calendar website, the team received not only the Award of Excellence given to the top-scoring entry of Electronic and Interactive Internet Sites, but the Brightest Spark Award, which is an overall award selected from the winners of each category.

Gonzaga’s online, interactive Advent calendar (gonzaga.edu/Christmas) served as the main messaging vehicle for our 2011 Christmas fundraising campaign. Our goal was to build on the success of the 2010 online Advent calendar by repeating this fun-for-all-ages site. The site was developed to engage the Gonzaga community during the Christmas season, share points of pride about the University, and help Gonzaga achieve it’s year-end fundraising goals. The calendar included interactive games and competitions (e.g. the Snowball Spike game on December 5th); video messages from students, staff, future Zags; downloadable family activities (e.g. Gonzaga-themed coloring pages on December 9th); Sunday Advent prayers; Christmas music peformed by Gonzaga’s student a cappella group the Big Bing Theory; and much more.

Judges rated the Advent Calendar entry a 98 out of a possible 100 points and had the following comments:

• “Very creative!”
• “The interactive nature of the site would draw users back again and again.”
• “Very clever and well executed while still fitting in the brand.”
• Good result statistics!”

Additionally, Gonzaga took the Excellence Spark Awards for the following:

• Print Publications – Magazines: Gonzaga Magazine
• Design – Invitation or Greeting Card: Gonzaga University Gala 2011 Invitation
• Electronic & Interactive Communications – E-zines, E-newsletters, etc.: @Gonzaga, which also won a Brightest Spark Award!

So three cheers to Gonzaga for the great Marketing and Communication pieces produced last year!

The Spark Awards are presented by the Spokane Regional Marketing and Communications Association (Spokane MarCom) to recognize the best work by local marketing, communications and public relations professionals. Local professionals submitted nearly 70 entries ranging from publications and feature stories to website design and media relations campaigns. The award entries were judged by the Puget Sound Chapter of the American Marketing Association and Keokee, a Marketing Communications firm in Sandpoint, Idaho. The top entries out of all submissions received Brightest Spark Awards.

This Christmas, Gonzaga received a special gift that illustrates one family’s dedication to philanthropy and one student’s love for the University. Sarah Babcock – class of 2015 – is one of six grandchildren to Mike and Mary Jo Tucci. For Christmas 2010, Mary Jo and Mike gave each of their six grandchildren a $1,000 grant to give to the charity of their choice. The conditions of these grants were as follows:
1.    It had to be disbursed by Christmas 2011.
2.    It had to be a minimum of two charities.
3.    They had to submit a request form stating the reason why they had chosen the particular charity.

The following is Sarah’s written grant request for the Gonzaga Scholars program:
“I would like to give $500 to the Gonzaga Scholars Program. My first semester at Gonzaga has been an incredible experience. I feel truly fortunate to be able to attend such an amazing school, but at times I have found myself taking all of my opportunities for granted. In just one semester, Gonzaga has proven to be more than just a school. It is a home, a place to meet lifelong friends and a time to grow not only educationally, but emotionally and spiritually as well. My classes have forced me to think critically and to look at life with an open mind. With the financial problems that America is currently facing, it seems to me that providing more students with a well-rounded education is a key systematic fix. Gonzaga can be this fix. I sometimes forget what different path I was living before my mom and Mike got married. My mom, a single parent, might never have been able to afford an education like Gonzaga for me. There are so many students that are in the same situation that I would have been in. And now that I am fortunate enough to donate money, I would like to donate it to them.”

Following her family’s charitable practices as a freshman, Sarah is already living the mission of GU and participating in GU’s fun game of ZagTag. Her request is heartfelt and her gift demonstrates the value Sarah sees in Gonzaga with the belief that every student should have the opportunity to be a Zag.

That’s why Sarah gives back to Gonzaga, and now Sarah tags you.

Make a gift online today at gonzaga.edu/zagtaggive

“Zag, you’re it!”

Wednesday, April 11th, was a perfect day for this year’s Tomorrow Made Possible – a day to recognize and give thanks to the 12,981 donors that gave to Gonzaga to help provide an exemplary education to our students. With the sun shining and the music playing in the Quad, students, faculty and staff visited the steps of Crosby to sign “The Wall,” add personal messages to “Thank You” postcards, learn more about scholarships and enjoy some David’s pizza and treats.

Check out the full slide show online.

Each year, Tomorrow Made Possible gives us a chance to pause and thank the generous donors who make Gonzaga so special. Now, that’s what you call a SWEET success!

Did you know…

• Gonzaga ranked third in the West Coast Conference for Alumni Participation, just behind Santa Clara and Loyola Marymount?
• 3,911 GU parents supported students with a gift this past year?
• The new Resource and Simulation Center for the Department of Nursing was made possible by a $247,500 grant awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services?

Find out more fun facts, hear from our students and read up on donors at gonzaga.edu/tmp.

Mark Beattie radiates Zag pride. He earned his Masters in Business Administration (’03) and Doctorate in Leadership Studies (’09) from GU after getting an undergraduate degree in Hospitality Business Management. Prior to academics, Mark worked in the hospitality industry for 30 years, spanning both the commercial and non-commercial segments. He has lectured at various institutions including Washington State University’s College of Business, as well as Gonzaga University’s Jepson School of Business Administration and the School of Professional Studies.

Mark Beattie is now the Director of Distributive Learning in the School of Professional Studies at Gonzaga University. Mark loves everything about the University, from the approach of the professors and openness of the Jesuit education to the alumni connections and events that take place after graduation.

Locally residing in Liberty Lake with his wife, Chan, and son, John, Mark is very involved in the community. Mark has done development work for a Spokane, Wash. non-profit group and conducts workshops for the Small Business Development Center. He has recently spent a semester as a visiting lecturer at University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Now, Mark gets to see the Gonzaga connection come full circle as he takes pride in watching his son go through the student transformation as a current junior at Gonzaga. Mark explains, “Alumni, student, parent, community member… that’s enough for me to want to give back!”

That’s why Mark Beattie gives to Gonzaga, and now Mark tags you!
Zag, you’re it!

Give online to student scholarships today and be it for the next generation of Zags!

When applying to colleges, Gonzaga didn’t even make the top of Dana Mannino’s list. Dana grew up just a few blocks from campus, so Gonzaga’s location was not nearly the ‘exotic’ location she wanted for her college experience. However, when the financial aid packet arrived in her mailbox, Gonzaga offered her more than any other school. So she went. And, she found she absolutely loved it. “I had really exceptional professors who took an interest not just in my academic growth, but my growth as a person,” Dana explains. In fact, four years later, Dana is still dropping in on her former professors.

As a student, Dana can remember scrambling every year to make sure she had enough funding from Gonzaga, the government, outside scholarships and her work study jobs. “It was a headache,” Dana recalls, “but in my senior year, I was awarded an alumni scholarship, funded entirely by alumni donors.” The Alumni Association Scholarship allowed Dana to pay off all her education loans and graduate as Magna Cum Laude from Gonzaga, debt-free.

During her time at Gonzaga, Dana took opportunities to grow holistically and in step with Gonzaga’s mission by volunteering to work with incarcerated youth, homeless children and recent immigrants. “I am Catholic so it was important to me that my faith-life grew in college. Religion isn’t something you do just for emotional health. I believe that it is supposed to engage your mind as well. I left Gonzaga a more intellectually satisfied Catholic knowing that nothing is more reasonable than faith.”

As a recent alum, Dana is saving to attend graduate school, yet continues to give to the Gonzaga Scholars Program each year. “I want to give some other student the chance to start their adult life without an onerous burden of debt.”

That’s why Dana Mannino gives to Gonzaga, and now Dana tags YOU!
Zag, you’re it!

The Gonzaga Women’s Basketball Team is playing their way to a championship! But, they are not the only ones participating in a game…ZagTag is sweeping the Zag nation!

Zags everywhere are being tagged to pass on their generosity and pay forward a Gonzaga education. This year alone, there was a necessary eight percent increase in overall financial aid disbursed. With only a couple of months to go in the fiscal year, Gonzaga is asking for your support to student scholarships by May 31st to ensure students are able to access and complete a Gonzaga education.

Dr. Peggy Sue Loroz, an alumnae and Associate Professor of Marketing in Gonzaga’s School of Business, graduated from Gonzaga in 1995, where she received her Bachelor of Business Administration. Peggy Sue represents what a true Zag is all about. Having been involved with athletics, study-abroad and campus ministries, just to name a few, Dr. Loroz took advantage of developing her whole-self during her years at Gonzaga.

Watch the video below to hear from Dr. Loroz, on how she is taking on the ZagTag challenge. Dr. Loroz is not the only Zag supporting the ZagTag challenge, visit gonzaga.edu/zagtag to learn how others in the Gonzaga community are taking on the challenge!

That’s why Peggy Sue Loroz gives back to Gonzaga, and now she tags YOU!
“Zag, you’re it!”

So, while you cheer loudly for our basketball team, also take a moment to support students off the court with scholarships. Give online today at www.gonzaga.edu/zagtag.