luminating large letters spell out "GONZAGA"
Sept. 26–28, 2025 

Homecoming Weekend: Zagapalooza Returns


Come home to ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ for a weekend full of events and connection, including milestone class socials, special anniversary celebrations, Zagtoberfest, Bulldog Bash, and the historic inauguration of ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s 27th president, Katia Passerini, Ph.D.

three attendees of Zagapalooza 2022 excitedly hold up their nametags

The weekend is filled with opportunities for connection, celebration and family fun!

Enjoy events highlighting:

  • ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ in Florence
  • DeSmet Hall’s 100th birthday
  • The 25th anniversary of the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program
  • Cluster class gatherings
  • A spirited Bulldog Bash featuring alumni band Delbert
Bright hotel lobby with modern lighting and seating.

Stay with Davenport Hotels and Save on Your Visit

Davenport Hotels is offering discounted room rates at participating locations for attendees of Zagapalooza. This special rate applies to stays taking place from Sept. 25 to Sept. 29. Use the booking link below and the code G70 to reserve your room.

  • Davenport Louie: 10% off Best Available Rate on Standard Room Types
  • The Davenport Hotel: 10% off Best Available Rate on Standard Room Types
  • Davenport Tower: 15% off Best Available Rate on Standard Room Types
  • Davenport Grand: 15% off Best Available Rate on Standard Room Types
  • Centennial Hotel by Davenport: 20% off Best Available Rate on Standard Room Types

Schedule of Events

The schedule is subject to change.


Friday, September 26

Sept. 26

Inauguration of Katia Passerini, Ph.D., ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´'s 27th President Learn More >
McCarthey Athletic Center

Hospitality Station & Check-in
Hemmingson Center Rotunda, John. J. Hemmingson Center, 1st Floor (West Side)

Sept. 26 | 6–9 p.m.

Milestone Class Socials
See below for individual location listings.

  • 5-Year | Classes of 2018, 2019 and 2020
    Flatstick Pub, 618 W. Main Ave., Spokane, WA 99201
  • 10-Year | Classes of 2013, 2014 and 2015
    Uprise Brewing, 617 N. Ash St., Spokane, WA 99201
  • 15-Year | Classes of 2008, 2009 and 2010
    Logan Tavern, 1305 N. Hamilton St., Spokane, WA 99202
  • 20-Year | Classes of 2003, 2004 and 2005
    David’s Pizza, 803 W. Mallon Ave., Spokane, WA 99201
  • 25-Year | Classes of 1998, 1999 and 2000
    Barrister Winery, 1213 W. Railroad Alley, Spokane, WA 99201
  • 30-Year | Classes of 1993, 1994 and 1995
    Dry Fly Distilling, 1021 W. Riverside Ave., Spokane, WA 99201
  • 40-Year | Classes of 1983, 1984 and 1985
    Jack & Dan’s, 1226 N. Hamilton St., Spokane, WA 99202

Milestone class socials will take place in a cluster format, bringing together three class years for informal events at various locations throughout downtown Spokane and around campus. Reconnect with friends, reminisce and toast to the ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ spirit. All alumni are welcome — you don’t need to be part of the featured classes, and there is no cost to attend this event. Light appetizers will be available; beverages are no-host.

 

Saturday, September 27

Hospitality Station & Check-in
Hemmingson Center Rotunda, John. J. Hemmingson Center, 1st Floor (West Side)

Sept. 27 | 9–11 a.m.

Military Service Community Coffee Social
Military, Veteran, Returning Adult Center (MVRAC)
730 E. Boone Ave., Spokane, WA, 99258

Connect with fellow student veterans, service members and military-affiliated Zags over coffee in a welcoming environment that honors service and fosters community within the Military, Veteran and Returning Adult Center.

Setons Muffins & Yellow Sweaters
Career & Professional Development (CPD)
Lobby, Crosby Center, Main Floor
502 E. Boone Ave., Spokane, WA 99258

Reconnect with fellow Seton alumni over muffins and memories. Celebrate tradition, community and the yellow sweater legacy while engaging with current initiatives and opportunities at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´.

Accounting Alumni Gathering: LIFO the Party
Jepson Lobby, Jepson Center
502 E. Boone Ave., Spokane, WA 99258

Accounting alumni are invited to connect over breakfast and champagne in a morning of conversation and community.


Sept. 27 | 10–11 a.m.

ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Dance Technique Class with Jessica Bertram Williams
Dance Annex
1110 N. Pearl St., Spokane, WA 99202

Join new Theatre & Dance faculty member Jessica Bertram Williams, assistant professor, for a lively techniques session designed to inspire movement and creativity.


Sept. 27 | 10 and 11 a.m.

Tours of the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center
Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center
211 E. DeSmet Ave., Spokane, WA 99258

Visit this dynamic multi-use venue located at the west end of campus, and learn more about its performance spaces, history and upcoming productions. Tours begin at the main entrance.


Sept. 27 | 10 a.m.–noon

ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ in Florence Event 
John. J. Hemmingson Center, Lower Level
702 E. Desmet Ave., Spokane, WA 99202

Explore current study abroad opportunities in Florence, preview Ben Joyce’s Florence Edition artwork and purchase commemorative tiles that will be displayed at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´’s Florence campus. Attendees will receive an exclusive GU souvenir at the event, while supplies last.

Campus Tours
Meet at the College Hall (Ad Building) Circle
502 E. Boone Ave., Spokane, WA 99258

Discover ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´’s iconic spaces during student-led tours of campus. Learn about academic life, University history and the vibrant community that shapes the ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ experience.


Sept. 27 | 11 a.m.–noon

DeSmet 100th Anniversary Photo & Open House
DeSmet Hall
602 E. Boone Ave., Spokane, WA 99258

Celebrate a century of DeSmet Hall with an anniversary photo and open house. Reconnect with this historic residence hall and the generations of Zags who’ve called it home. Attendees will receive an exclusive GU souvenir at the event, while supplies last.

Bing Crosby 100th Anniversary Event
Crosby House Museum
508 E. Sharp Ave., Spokane, WA 99258

Honor the legacy of Bing Crosby at a special anniversary event. Explore the Crosby House Museum and celebrate ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´’s connection to one of America’s most iconic entertainers.

Choir Alumni Gathering
Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center
211 E. DeSmet Ave., Spokane, WA 99258

Reconnect with GU Choir alumni at the beautiful Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center to reminisce about your choir experience at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´. Meet current Choir students and hear updates on choral music from the director of Choirs and Vocal Studies, Meg Stohlmann, D.M.A.


Sept. 27 | 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Dance for Parkinson’s Class
Dance Annex
1110 N. Pearl St., Spokane, WA 99202

Open to all, the Dance for Parkinson’s program strives to builds coordination, balance, flexibility and strength through music and movement inspired by a wide range of dance styles.


Sept. 27 | noon–2 p.m.

ZagtoberFest
Foley Lawn and Bulldog Alley
502 E. Boone Ave., Spokane, WA 99258

Enjoy a spirited, family-friendly lunchtime event on Foley Lawn with no-host food and dessert trucks, a small petting zoo, lawn games, the Bulldog Beer Garden (21+ with ID), lemonade and water, a craft station and face painting. Attendees will receive an exclusive GU souvenir cup with a purchase at the beverage station, while supplies last.


Sept. 27 | 1–3 p.m.

“Carla the Rescuer” Screening and Q&A with Carla
Auditorium, John. J. Hemmingson Center, Lower Level
702 E. Desmet Ave., Spokane, WA 99202

Holocaust survivor Carla Peperzak’s inspiring story of courage, resistance and hope highlights the power of empathy and justice. Includes post-screening Q&A with Carla and her granddaughter.


Sept. 27 | 2–3 p.m.

ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Goes Global
Hemmingson 314, John. J. Hemmingson Center, 3rd Floor
702 E. Desmet Ave., Spokane, WA 99202

Join us for an introductory session on new travel opportunities for ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ alumni through a partnership with Collette Travel. For 2026 there will be offerings to explore key biblical and cultural sites in Greece, visit American historical sites for the 250th anniversary of the United States, and a trip to Tuscany combining Italian culture, cuisine, and ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ in Florence campus.


Sept. 27 | 2–4 p.m.

Hogan 25th Anniversary Alumni Panel & Social
Wolff Auditorium and Jepson Lobby, Jepson Center
502 E. Boone Ave., Spokane, WA 99258

Celebrate 25 years of the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program through an engaging alumni panel and community gathering honoring the program’s impact on innovation, leadership and service in the world. Attendees will receive an exclusive GU souvenir at the event, while supplies last.


Sept. 27 | 4:30 p.m.

Alumni Remembrance & Candle Lighting
The Grotto
Located between College Hall (Ad Building) and St. Aloysius Church
502 E. Boone Ave., Spokane, WA 99258

Pause for quiet reflection and honor the memory of alumni and community members no longer with us. Light a candle at the Grotto as a symbol of enduring connection, gratitude and remembrance at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´.


Sept. 27 | 6 p.m.

Bulldog Bash
Hemmingson Ballroom, John. J. Hemmingson Center, 3rd Floor
702 E. Desmet Ave., Spokane, WA 99202 

Celebrate Zagapalooza with alumni band Delbert, ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Spirit Squad, giveaways, photo ops and leadership remarks — an evening of energy and connection with Zags past and present. Attendees will receive an exclusive GU souvenir at the event, while supplies last.


Sept. 27 | 7:30 p.m.

Spokane Jazz Orchestra: The Swing of Oscar Peterson with Spokane Legend Brent Edstrom
Coughlin Theater, Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center
211 E. DeSmet Ave., Spokane, WA 99258


Sunday, September 28

Sept. 28 | 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.

Catholic Mass at St. Al’s
St. Aloysius Church
330 E Boone Ave., Spokane, WA 99202

Join one of the regularly scheduled morning masses at St. Aloysius. All are welcome to gather in faith, reflection and community during regularly scheduled liturgies.


Sept. 28 | 9–11 a.m.

Unity Brunch: Lavender and Alumni of Color Communities
Off-campus location

Learn more about our affinity communities, connect with fellow alums and meet with representatives from the Lincoln LGBTQ+ Resource Center and the Unity Multicultural Educational Center. Sponsored by the ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Lavender Alumni Community and the ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Alumni of Color Community.


Additional Campus & Athletic Events

Saturday, September 27

Sept. 27 | noon

ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Volleyball vs. San Francisco
Charlotte Y. Martin Centre
710 Lower Kennedy Dr., Spokane, WA 99258

Ticket purchase link coming soon.


Sept. 27 | 6 p.m.

ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Women’s Soccer vs. San Diego 
Luger Field
ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Soccer Field, Spokane, WA 99258


Ongoing Campus Event

10 a.m.–6 p.m.

From Angelou to Zeppelin: The A-Zs of Notable ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Guest Performers and Speakers, 1960 to 2010
Cowles Rare Book Library, Foley Library, 3rd Floor  
502 E. Boone Ave., Spokane, WA 99258

The 28 performers and speakers in this exhibit show the great diversity of actors, comedians, singers, authors, politicians, civil rights activists, and beyond.  Some of these performers were early in their careers, such as Led Zeppelin. The exhibit does not include commencement speakers.


Questions and Volunteer Interest

Reunion questions or interested in volunteering for the planning of Zagapalooza 2025?

 

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