The Gonzaga University broadcasting department recently received a leadership gift that is breathing new life into the program from Kevin (’83) and Debbie McQuilkin, parents of Gonzaga senior, Colin McQuilkin. Kevin, a member of Gonzaga’s Board of Trustees, and his wife, Debbie, recognized their son’s growth and transformation as a broadcast and electronic media student and were compelled to give back to the program and impact other students’ experience. Their leadership gift will be used to update and replace critical production equipment and increase live-streaming capabilities.
The donation came at a time when help was needed to revive the department with equipment necessary to make the program premier among its peers in higher education. Broadcast and electronic media is the fastest-growing major on Gonzaga’s campus with a 67 percent growth over the last decade. Improvements to the production spaces and technologies are in direct support of Gonzaga’s commitment to exemplar Jesuit education. With help from the McQuilkin’s gift, broadcast majors will now be able to generate an online news, sports and entertainment network for the University and move toward creating a “virtual campus” of live programming to reach alumni, parents and friends who are geographically distant from campus.
The McQuilkins saw their son come alive when he talked about his classes and how his enthusiasm for broadcasting radiated to others. Dan Garrity, director of broadcast studies, has been instrumental in Colin’s education and practical application in the program. “During his time at Gonzaga, Colin has transformed into a true leader in the broadcasting department; showing his passion in telling stories and being challenged with new projects,” says Garrity.
Garrity’s philosophy of teaching is grounded in the Jesuit mission. “Broadcast projects are meant to stimulate the audience toward a certain behavior,” Garrity explains. “‘Did we successfully motivate the viewers with our message?’ If this is the goal of broadcasting, why not provide messaging that motivates viewers to serve the common good?” Transformational gifts, like the one received from the McQuilkins, make it possible for programs at Gonzaga to thrive under the Jesuit mission, and for faculty members like Garrity to educate and develop students to their potential.
The McQuilkin’s generosity also extends to other areas of need on campus, including a scholarship fund called the Completion Fund. The family makes annual gifts to the Completion Fund to help students struggling to pay for the last few semesters at Gonzaga due to unexpected financial challenges. Because of a special matching opportunity, gifts to scholarships are now being matched up to $1,500, which the McQuilkin’s were able to utilize. They hope that their gifts will inspire others to invest in the broadcasting department or other academic programs and scholarships that benefit students.
If you would like to join the McQuilkins in supporting the broadcast and electronic media program or Completion Fund, please visit www.gonzaga.edu/makeagift.