las Vegas skyline with editing
Meet Katia Passerini, Ph.D. President, Gonzaga University

Las Vegas


Thank you to all who joined us in Las Vegas and extended a warm welcome for Gonzaga University President Katia Passerini, Ph.D. On this meaningful occasion, we reflected on the gifts of community, purpose and possibility — and how together we can open doors, empower potential and lead with hope.

Recap Story

Attendees of the ZagUp event at the WCC Basketball Tournament in Las Vegas pose with props in front of a Vegas-themed background.
Gonzaga president Katia Passerini, Ph.D. poses with attendee of the ZagUp event at the WCC Basketball Tournament in Las Vegas.
Lights in the shape of letters that spell out "GO ZAGS!"
Gonzaga student performers entertain attendees of the ZagUp event at the WCC Basketball Tournament in Las Vegas
 

 

Gonzaga University marked a historic moment in Las Vegas as the Forging Foreword series coincided with the Zags’ final West Coast Conference tournament appearance. Zag Nation filled Orleans Arena one last time, celebrating a championship sweep as Men’s Basketball claimed the WCC title against Santa Clara and Women’s Basketball defeated Oregon State — closing the WCC era at the top.

The weekend extended far beyond the court, bringing alumni and friends together for Sunday Mass, a service project, a golf outing, and a high‑energy rally. For President Katia Passerini, Ph.D., her first WCC tournament experience was a powerful introduction to Gonzaga spirit — both competitive and compassionate.

“It was electrifying to see the passion of Zag Nation,” Passerini said, noting not only the teams’ success and standout student‑athletes, but also the university’s commitment to service through a community project with Rebuilding Together Las Vegas. As Gonzaga looks ahead to March Madness and its future in the Pac‑12, the Las Vegas send‑off was both a proud goodbye and an inspiring step forward.

About Forging Forward

forging forward Las Vegas

Forging Forward is national event series for Gonzaga alumni, families and friends to connect personally with Katia Passerini, Ph.D., Gonzaga University's new president. This national tour offers an opportunity to hear directly from President Passerini as she shares her perspectives, priorities and hopes for Gonzaga's future.

Registration proceeds help expand scholarships and programs that advance Gonzaga's mission.