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!