Gonzaga University president to leave post in July 2009

Published: 2008-03-19

SPOKANE, Wash. (CNS) -- Jesuit Father Robert J. Spitzer, president of Gonzaga University, announced March 17 that he plans to leave his post in July 2009 and will work with the school's board of trustees to initiate a transition in leadership at the Jesuit-run university. Father Spitzer, a graduate of Gonzaga, has been its president for the past 10 years, overseeing growth in the university's facilities, enrollment, fundraising, technology and mission programs. "The university has made considerable progress during the past 10 years and now enjoys a momentum which will catalyze even further progress," Father Spitzer said. "I believe that transitions are best made during times of real advance rather than times of crisis or neutrality, and so I believe that this is an ideal time to begin the transition process." During his tenure, enrollment at the university has increased along with the annual budget. Several construction projects also took place totaling more than $200 million.

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