July 14, 2025
Dear Members of the Gonzaga University Community,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I write to you at a moment of profound significance for Gonzaga University and our community. Today, we mark the conclusion of President Thayne McCulloh’s tenure, and tomorrow we welcome Dr. Katia Passerini as Gonzaga’s 27th president.
For 16 years Dr. McCulloh has served Gonzaga as president with unwavering dedication, and for nearly 34 years he has given his heart and his talents to the university. Under his stewardship, Gonzaga has celebrated many achievements. He has strengthened our ties to the Society of Jesus and the Catholic Church, strengthened the University’s financial position, and elevated Gonzaga’s national academic reputation. He also spearheaded far-reaching campus building projects and public-private partnerships which will continue to benefit Gonzaga for years to come. He has overseen a period of unprecedented financial growth and stability while leading the institution’s largest capital campaign to date -- which also doubled our annual fundraising. His steadfast focus on student success, well-being and opportunity established a culture of inclusivity, scholarly excellence and student-athlete success.
As a recognized regional and national leader in higher education, Dr. McCulloh successfully promoted Gonzaga’s image, reputation, and mission with constituents and communities nationally and internationally. He elevated Gonzaga’s reach far beyond the boundaries of Spokane to the world at large. And through challenges great and small, and perhaps none greater than the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. McCulloh’s steady hand and reassuring force of leadership always put the good of Gonzaga above all else.
Accordingly, it is my privilege to announce, on the eve of his retirement and in recognition of his faithful service to the University, that the Gonzaga University Board of Trustees has bestowed upon Dr. McCulloh the distinction of President Emeritus. While this distinction comes with no formal responsibilities, it is an honor intended to acknowledge the remarkable impact of his legacy, conferred with deep gratitude and affection. I know you will join me in celebrating Dr. McCulloh as a leader who leaves an indelible impact upon Gonzaga and us all.
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Tomorrow, July 15, marks the first day of Dr. Passerini’s tenure as Gonzaga’s president. We all warmly welcome Dr. Passerini as she takes up her responsibilities and begins this new chapter in the remarkable story of Gonzaga University. Dr. Passerini brings to Gonzaga an exceptional academic background and demonstrated experience as a leader and innovator in higher education administration. She is dedicated to advancing Gonzaga’s Catholic, Jesuit, and humanistic mission, and the Board of Trustees is confident her tenure will exemplify excellence, collaboration, innovation and a positive educational environment that nurtures student success and develops leaders for the common good.
Dr. Passerini is eager to join the Gonzaga community and looks forward to working closely with you and our students, faculty, staff, administrative colleagues, members of our Jesuit community and our alumni and friends to carry forward the university’s mission and achievements. She eagerly anticipates meeting as many members of the Gonzaga community as possible in the coming months, as well as partners, friends, alumni and supporters in Spokane, the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Notwithstanding the challenges that face higher education, Dr. Passerini and the Board of Trustees believe this is a time of incredible opportunities for innovation and advancement in higher education, and we are confident that with Dr. Passerini’s leadership, Gonzaga will continue to thrive, playing an increasingly important role in our nation’s higher education community.
Please join me in welcoming and congratulating President Passerini as she takes office tomorrow – and in thanking Dr. McCulloh for his 34 years of service as he enters retirement.
With deepest gratitude,
D. Michael Reilly, J.D., B.B.A. '81
Chair, Board of Trustees
