Gonzaga University officially inaugurated Dr. Katia Passerini as its 27th president on Friday, September 26, 2025, marking a significant moment in the institution's history. Dr. Passerini is the first woman to lead the university in its 137 years of operation.
The formal ceremony, held at the McCarthey Athletic Center, was attended by students, faculty, and distinguished guests. Dr. Passerini, who previously served as provost of Seton Hall University, succeeds Thayne McCulloh, who held the presidency for 16 years.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Katia Passerini is the 27th president of Gonzaga University and the first woman to hold the role.
- The inauguration ceremony took place at the McCarthey Athletic Center.
- Passerini succeeds Thayne McCulloh, who served as president for 16 years.
- Sister Raffaella Petrini, the highest-ranking woman in Vatican City's civil government, was a notable guest.
- The new president addressed student aspirations in her speech while a small protest on university investments occurred outside.
A Historic Installation Ceremony
The inauguration was steeped in tradition, reflecting the university's Jesuit heritage. During the ceremony, Michael Reilly, Chairman of Gonzaga's Board of Trustees, presented Dr. Passerini with the presidential medallion, a symbol of her new authority and responsibility.
"It is the symbol of the authority entrusted to the president of Gonzaga University," Reilly stated. "It represents both the responsibility of leadership and the enduring mission of this institution." The university's choir and band performed traditional hymns, adding to the formal atmosphere of the event.
In her oath of office, Dr. Passerini pledged to uphold the core values of Jesuit education. She emphasized the tradition's focus on intellectual and spiritual growth, a cornerstone of Gonzaga's identity since its founding.
A New Era of Leadership
Dr. Katia Passerini's appointment breaks a 137-year tradition of male leadership at Gonzaga University. A native of Italy, she brings extensive experience in Catholic higher education in the United States to her new role.
Passerini's Vision and Address
In her first official address as president, Dr. Passerini shared a personal reflection on her professional journey. She told the audience that she had long envisioned this moment in her career.
"I have played this moment in my head for so long," Dr. Passerini said, speaking to the crowd at the athletic center.
She used her own experience to offer a lesson to the students in attendance, encouraging them to visualize their own goals and work toward achieving them. Her speech focused on the principles of Jesuit education, which she described as fostering resilience and purpose.
"Those who put down weapons and military missions to be a soldier of God and establish educational practices and the pedagogy that transcends time and place have a way of leading and seeing God in all things," she explained. "Grit, determination and tenacity. That’s what makes us Jesuit."
The Jesuit Educational Tradition
Jesuit education, rooted in the principles of the Society of Jesus founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola, emphasizes academic excellence, critical thinking, and service to others. It aims to educate the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and encourages students to become "men and women for others."
Distinguished Guests and Student Perspectives
The inauguration drew high-profile attendees, including Sister Raffaella Petrini, the President of the Governorate of Vatican City State. Appointed by Pope Francis, Sister Petrini is the highest-serving woman in the civil government of Vatican City.
Sister Petrini highlighted the parallel between her and Dr. Passerini's leadership roles. "Katia and I are the first women presidents in the history of our institutions, which we love and serve with gratitude and dedication," she remarked. "We both firmly believe that collaboration, teamwork, loyalty and transparency are the foundational pillars of human-centered organizations."
Students also shared their thoughts on the historic event. Gonzaga sophomore Aiden Rodriquez described the experience as unique and inspiring. "It made me really excited," he said of the inauguration. "She seems really invested in our education and helping young people like me cultivate a better future for ourselves."
Navigating Challenges and Future Commitments
While the ceremony was a moment of celebration, it also highlighted current campus issues. A group of student activists held a demonstration outside the McCarthey Athletic Center during the event. The protesters called on the new administration to divest the university's endowment from companies involved in selling munitions to Israel.
The protest underscored some of the immediate challenges Dr. Passerini will face in her new role. She acknowledged the complexities of the future and expressed her commitment to collaborative leadership and open dialogue with the student body.
Looking forward, Dr. Passerini affirmed her dedication to guiding the university through its next chapter. "I do not know precisely what the future will look like," she concluded in her address. "But I’m here, committed to building it together with discernment and hope." Her presidency begins as Gonzaga continues to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education while remaining true to its long-standing mission.
