Fr. Spitzer has been President of Gonzaga University since 1998, but he began his career there in 1970 as an undergraduate student. He has based his vision for the university on his experience of its spirit, its academic and mission-oriented strengths, the Jesuit philosophy of education, and the particular visions of its many stakeholders. For him, the shared vision which animates Gonzaga's close and extended community includes:

1) delivering one of the very best educational experiences in the country to our students. This entails small class sizes with personal attention from nationally recognized educators and scholars, a deep foundation in great ideas, critical thinking, and written and rhetorical arts and outstanding professional opportunities in the arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, law, and professional studies.

2) Affording the greatest number of opportunities in the country within our five mission areas; faith, justice, service, ethics, and leadership for the common good. This entails academic programs, mentoring programs, various retreat and liturgical experiences, and leadership opportunities all integrated into a highly spirited campus and community environment.

3) Immersing students within a community of friendship, care, principle, dialogue, and energy which will help them to discover and develop themselves as whole persons, and, as a consequence, to flourish within professional, family, and community environments.

Fr. Spitzer spends much of his time communicating this vision to the various stakeholder groups of Gonzaga, sharing its spirit with the wider community, finding the resources necessary for implementing the above vision, and focusing the creativity, energy, and efforts of the incredible Gonzaga team toward not only the present reality but also toward a future of even greater depth in mind, heart, and spirit.

Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University President's Message