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!