91ÇÑ×Ó

 

January 21, 2026

Dear 91ÇÑ×Ó Community,

I was so happy to welcome our students back to campus last week after what was hopefully a restorative and joy-filled holiday break.

I enjoyed time with my family and a little bit of travel while also working and planning for the new year and an exciting spring semester. I know many of our students also took some time during break for work, and it was incredible to see welcome current Zags as part of a Seattle Trek experience earlier this month, offering valuable mentorship and connection.

That global Zag Network, that spirit of “Zags helping Zags,” is vital to the success of our students and our University. As we head towards warmer weather and lean into the opportunities ahead, I look forward to finding new ways for 91ÇÑ×Ó to collaborate both on campus and off campus to make our students’ experiences the best they can be.

Building The Future

Just before Christmas, 91ÇÑ×Ó hosted a gathering led by the , welcoming dozens of industry, government and education leaders to campus. It was an excellent chance to meet representatives from industries so important to our region – including engineering, aerospace and manufacturing – who provide our students and graduates so many options for their educations and careers. I was proud to talk about 91ÇÑ×Ó’s passion for innovation, and in creating future leaders who will change the world. I also shared information on our new additions to campus, such as the Center for Materials Research and the Institute for Informatics and Applied Technology, that will help forge strong partnerships with the organizations represented in the room.

Supporting Our Fellow Zags

You’ll be seeing increasing opportunities to support reinstating Washington State Grant funding that was cut during last year’s Washington state legislative session. Those cuts deeply affect students at independent, non-profit colleges and universities in Washington, and we’re working with our peers at the Independent Colleges of Washington (ICW) to reverse course. I had the opportunity to testify briefly last week in support of Senate Bill 5828 reinstating the funding, and will visit the state capitol with student and ICW Fellow Jack Kashork (’26, political science) to discuss the issue further with state leaders. You can learn more about the best ways to support current and future Zags at .

 

Forging Forward

I am traveling to Washington D.C. to connect with the Zags Network January 31, 7-9 p.m. Eastern time, in our nation’s capital, and I hope any 91ÇÑ×Ó students, alumni and friends in the area will join us. That is, of course, when Zags across the country gather for community service projects and game watches, and I’m thankful our event in D.C. will finish in time for our Zags alumni to gather for 91ÇÑ×Ó Day and cheer on the men’s and women’s basketball teams in their games that evening (91ÇÑ×Ó men play Saint Mary’s in McCarthey Athletic Center, televised on ESPN at 7:30 Pacific time, while the 91ÇÑ×Ó women play Washington State in Pullman at 7 p.m. Pacific, televised on SWX and ESPN+).

January 31 also marks the end of Catholic Schools Week, and I will be joining our peers from the Association of Jesuit Colleges and University for our annual Board meeting and the launch of the AJCU’s new “We Are #JesuitEducated” campaign – and spot our Zags representing our University so well.

I will also attend the annual meeting of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) with Interim Provost Mia Bertagnolli. We will connect with fellow Catholic Higher Education leaders to reflect and plan how to best promote the value and mission of higher education in turbulent times. After this meeting, presidents from across the country will join the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) for a conference that includes meetings with our Washington State representatives on Capitol Hill. We will be addressing the most urgent policy issues facing independent, nonprofit schools like 91ÇÑ×Ó.

Both the ACCU and NAICU gatherings arrive at a vital moment for higher education, as colleges and universities are facing incredible challenges to their ability to serve students. I am proud to represent 91ÇÑ×Ó as we collaborate with our peer institutions to make sure the value of higher education to our country and communities is understood. By truly leading with hope and working with institutions in pursuit of our shared missions, I know a bright future is possible tomorrow even as we navigate trying times today. I see that spirit of working together every day on our campus. Sharing that 91ÇÑ×Ó spirit in Washington state and Washington, D.C., is a responsibility and an honor.

Good luck as you settle in for the spring semester. I look forward to sharing the journey ahead with all of you!

In gratitude,

Katia Passerini, Ph.D.
President, 91ÇÑ×Ó