May 2026 | Volume 27 No. 8
Spirit is Gonzaga's monthly newsletter designed to inform faculty, staff, trustees and regents about what’s new and important at the University.
In This Issue
Summer Construction Updates
Campus upgrades and renovations begin this month, impacting several academic, residential and community spaces. We've got everything you need to know!
Bringing the Hammer to Hemm
Gonzaga is replacing Starbucks in Hemmingson Center with locally owned Thomas Hammer Coffee, bringing a Zag-founded business back to campus.
Spring Leadership Updates
There’s a fresh wave of leadership energy rolling through Gonzaga this month, and we’re excited to share what’s new.
Erin E. Kastberg (above middle) will join Gonzaga on May 1 as our new vice president and general counsel. Erin comes to us with more than 20 years of higher‑ed legal experience, most recently at Bradley University, where she led legal affairs and several major administrative areas. She impressed the search committee with her collaborative style and strong alignment with Gonzaga’s Mission.
Jennifer Shepherd (above right) has been selected as the next dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS). After a national search and a year of steady leadership as interim dean, Jennifer will continue guiding SEAS through major initiatives – from ABET accreditation prep to expanding research and industry partnerships. A longtime Gonzaga faculty member, she’s known for her student‑centered, Mission‑driven approach.
Katey Roden (above left) has been appointed the inaugural director of the new Woodley Institute for Civil Engagement and Humanistic Dialogue. She’ll lead the Institute’s work in civic dialogue, public humanities, oral history and human‑centered technology.
These appointments reflect Gonzaga’s continued investment in leaders who strengthen our community and help advance our shared Mission.
With Gratitude and Love
Spirit wants to extend heartfelt gratitude to our retiring colleagues this year. Your dedication, wisdom and steady commitment have shaped this community in ways that will be felt for years to come. You have mentored students, supported peers and strengthened the Mission through countless acts of professionalism and care.
As you step into this next chapter, know that your contributions endure in the classrooms you enriched, the programs you strengthened, and the people you inspired. Thank you for helping this University flourish.
We wish you joy, rest and fulfillment in the adventures ahead!
Rebranding Gonzaga Values
There have been several important updates to the Institutional Work Values project.
The first is to rename the project from “Institutional Work Values” to “Gonzaga Values.” This shift reminds us that these are not simply how we work, but how we are with one another. The second shift is to tighten up the names and descriptions of the values to make them easier to remember. Finally, you may notice that the list is in a different order than it was before. This is to allow for a new mnemonic: M+IDEAS.
Gonzaga Values
Mission – reflective and collaborative
Inclusiveness – aware and supportive
Dignity – respectful and affirming
Excellence – intellectual and innovative
Accountability – discerning and responsible
Stewardship – mindful and resourceful
Promoting Excellence in Academic Endeavors and Professional Practice
Mirjeta Beqiri
Kaylen Carlson
Kathie Chi
James Ward
Jadyn Ashcroft
Jennifer Gill
Vincent Velonza
Veronica Puente
Stephanie Van Dellen
Sharing Responsibility for Mission Identity and Leadership
Trena Redman
Affirming a Commitment to Human Dignity
Vikas Gumbhir
Rachel Maddox
Advancing a Culture of Inclusiveness
Ashley Martin
Kris Morehouse
Heather Schmitt
Magda Kondaridz
Caring for the earth while stewarding university resources
Karli Honebein
Kate Barnett (student)
Commencement Weekend 2026
Commencement weekend is just around the corner! Here is everything you need to know about the three ceremonies.
Human Resources Recognized
Gonzaga University has earned national recognition for its commitment to employee financial well‑being and for its innovative approach to improving retirement readiness, engagement, and long‑term financial security for employees.
Led by Lisa Schwartzenburg, assistant vice president for human resources operations, the year‑long effort introduced the new Gonzaga Target Date Retirement Fund — a custom series featuring a built‑in income annuity option that offers greater flexibility and personalization than traditional plans. More than 90% of participants opted into the new series, reflecting strong confidence in the updated design.
A robust education campaign, including webinars, in‑person sessions, digital office hours, and step‑by‑step guides, ensured employees felt supported throughout the transition.
At the end of March, the team celebrated the accomplishment with partners at Captrust and TIAA, as well as President Katia Passerini and the Retirement Committee.
Congratulations to the Human Resources team for the following honors:
- Plan Sponsor of the Year Award
- Eddy Award
- Excellence and Innovation Award
Dessert of the Month: Strawberry Shortcake
Recipe and photo from Feasting At Home at feastingathome.com
Shortcake Biscuits
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
2 Tbsp sugar (and more for sprinkling)
¾ tsp sea salt
Zest of a lemon
8 Tbsp (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into ½ inch chunks
½ cup Greek yogurt (I prefer full fat)
½ cup heavy cream
1 egg yolk (optional, for egg wash)
Strawberry Sauce
Fresh strawberries, quartered or sliced
1/8 cup sugar
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp cornstarch
Homemade Whip Cream
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla
1-2 Tbsp sugar
Instructions
Step 1 Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Step 2 Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar and salt. Stir in lemon zest.
Step 3 Add cold butter chunks mixing in with your hands, forks or pastry cutter until they are coarsely mashed up.
Step 4 Mix together yogurt and cream. Add to the flour mixture, carefully mixing until just incorporated.
Step 5 Turn contents out onto the counter. It is ok if there are still dry parts. Press the dough roughly out in a square, about a ½ inch thick. Fold over on itself and press out into a square again. Repeat this process 4 times.
Step 6 Shape into a square with your hands, about 6 x 6 and about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 6 pieces. Place biscuits on parchment lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar. Freeze 10 minutes and then bake for 20-25 minutes.
Step 7 Make the strawberry sauce by placing sliced strawberries in a saucepan with sugar. Cook for about 7-10 minutes until they just begin to break down.
Step 8 Mix lemon juice and cornstarch until completely smooth. Add to the cooking berries and bring to a light boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Step 9 Make the homemade whipped cream by whipping cold heavy cream with a hand or stand mixer with vanilla and sugar until stiff peaks form. Store bought whipped cream works great, too!
If you try the Strawberry Shortcake or another Dessert of the Month, send a picture!
Around Campus
May 3, 2-3:30 p.m. Celebrate the end of the season with the Spring Choral Celebration, featuring Musea Treble Chorus, Concert Choir, Glee Club and Big Bing Theory | Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center
April 27–May 8, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Explore original works by graduating artists at “Beneath the Surface: Senior Art Exhibition,” showcasing diverse media, research and creative perspectives | Spokane Art School, 503 E 2nd Ave, Suite B
May 9, 7:30 p.m. Experience fiery tango fused with big band jazz at the Spokane Jazz Orchestra: Dance with SJO and Tango Volcado, an evening of rhythmic intensity and musical elegance | Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center
May 12, 7 p.m. Join author Shelby Van Pelt for a conversation on her bestseller “Remarkably Bright Creatures” and its upcoming Netflix adaptation | Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center
May 30, 5:40 p.m. Reconnect with fellow alumni at Zags Night at the Seattle Mariners, featuring a co-branded jersey and a pregame social while the Mariners take on the Diamondbacks | T-Mobile Park
Noteworthy
New Hires
Diana Davila, admission counselor, Admissions; Jeffrey Dennison, senior director of strategic communications, Marketing & Communications; Mary Clark, admission counselor, Admissions; Sergio Bobadilla, custodian, Plant; Zebulun Klement, program coordinator, Office of Sustainability
Promotion
Austin Sauer, AV engineer, ITS; Jonathan DeLorenze, warehouse supervisor, Plant; Kori Baker, campus minister for liturgical life, Alumni Relations
Goodbyes
Becky Wilkey, director, CSPS; Frank Hruban, general counsel; Larry Osborn, custodian, Plant; Lindsey Spencer, sr. Transfer admissions counselor, Admissions; Mikala Presho, residence director, Housing and Residence Life; Robert Turner, program manager, Center for Engineering Design & Entrepreneurship; Scott Carpenter, IT technician I, ITS; Victoria Bjordahl, program assistant, University Advancement
Anniversaries
30 Gordon Carolan, infrastructure administrator II, Infrastructure Operations
20 Andrew Logsdon, custodial lead, Plant
10 Matthew Barcus, program manager, Lincoln LGBTQ+ Resource Center; Phillip Tyler, associate director, CSPS
5 Sarah Marr, asst director of community engaged learning, CCE; Stephen Gentry, asst men’s basketball coach, Athletics; Tara Pittmann, registered nurse, Health & Counseling Services