“Our world is profoundly global, multicultural and international,” said Patricia O’Connell Killen, Gonzaga’s academic vice president. Technology has brought nations and people closer than ever before, and created valuable opportunities for education and understanding. With so many opportunities to connect to the rest of the world, the door has never been opened wider for us to embrace the Jesuit tradition of seeking God in all people, which is precisely why Gonzaga is so committed to a vision for global engagement involving the development of programming that helps students to become ethical and reflective leaders within this increasingly interconnected world.
We strive to one day see students, alumni, faculty and staff engaged with students and scholars from around the world in intellectually stimulating educational experiences that build intercultural skills and foster dialogue, mutual understanding and peace. Directed by Joseph Kinsella, Ph.D., the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) on Gonzaga’s campus is working toward building a robust community of international and returned study abroad students who, with students and faculty on campus, can engage in the shared exploration of global ideas and identities. The CGE also promotes opportunities for faculty to develop curricula that engages knowledge and cultural practices from around the world.
Through Global Engagement Endowed Scholarships, Gonzaga plans to send students abroad and to bring students to Spokane to study in a cross-cultural environment. There are also funds needed to provide resources to faculty who seek to confront global challenges, and therefore enhance students’ abilities to approach these challenges in the classroom. Finally, there is a need for funding of savings accounts that help students establish a practical strategy for saving for travel and study abroad expenses. Your contribution to Gonzaga can help make these expansions a reality for students and faculty, both here and abroad. Visit gonzaga.edu/giveonline to get started.