Gonzaga University - College of Arts & Sciences

05/13/2026

Biology and environmental studies students at Gonzaga University are investigating the future of freshwater at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge near Cheney, Washington.

Under the guidance of Professor Betsy Bancroft, students are testing whether greater species diversity makes freshwater ecosystems more resilient to changing conditions. Using observational, experimental and modeling approaches, they collect specimens, photograph tadpoles for morphological analysis, sort dipnet samples and track data that informs our understanding of water quality and availability.

"Human health and well-being are intimately tied to surface freshwater availability and quality," Bancroft says.

Students gain collaborative skills, technical experience and research credentials that open doors to graduate programs and careers in biology and environmental sciences.
Photos by Zack Berlat ('11).

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4u8d7RJ

“Human health and well-being are intimately tied to surface freshwater availability and quality,” says Professor Betsy Bancroft, whose biology and environmental studies students have been wading the waters at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge near Cheney, Washington.

05/12/2026

The Global Career Accelerator pilot course begins next week.

3 credits. Real companies. Any major. Enroll by 5/18: https://bit.ly/4toWU9w

05/12/2026

We are pleased to share that our students were recently recognized with a letter of appreciation from the AUSJAL VDI Network for their outstanding collaborative work on an interuniversity telecollaboration project.

This initiative was a collaboration between the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) and was led by Professor Rebecca Stephanis, whose leadership and dedication were instrumental in bringing this project to life.

We commend our students and faculty collaborators for exemplifying Jesuit values through interdisciplinary learning and global engagement in service to the common good.

05/10/2026

Now go forth and bring that someone with you.

Congratulations to all graduating Zags -- you did it!

05/09/2026

The College of Arts and Sciences was proud to collaborate with the Gonzaga School of Engineering and Applied Science today for the ribbon cutting of the Structural High Bay Mural.

The mural was designed by Julia Heywood, a Civil Engineering student in the Class of 2026, and painted by nine advanced Art students under the instruction of Prof. Jennifer Seo. The project is a fitting example of what becomes possible when disciplines work together across a university.

Gonzaga extends its gratitude to All Wall Contracting, Inc., Walker Construction, Inc. and Mallory Paint Store for making this project possible.

05/09/2026

This is the story of one staff member's vision to showcase Jesuit Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAPs) across campus and how that vision came to fruition through the reflective and gorgeous artwork of Art student Sophie Micciche ('28). Using watercolor and stained glass patterns from St. Al’s Church, College Hall, and the sculpture of St. Ignatius, Sophie brought to life the guiding principles of the Jesuit Order.

Read more about the heart of this collaboration: https://bit.ly/48QoB3B

05/08/2026

Gonzaga's Sammi Munson, Lecturer of Environmental Studies & Sciences, helped shape a new World Health Organization policy brief on how arts and culture can address the health impacts of climate change — and the findings are worth a look.

The brief makes the case that arts-based approaches aren't peripheral to climate action. They translate complex science into something people can feel and act on, support community resilience and help individuals process the grief and anxiety that come with environmental disruption.

It's a compelling argument that the arts belong at the policy table — and Munson helped make it.

Full brief at the link. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4wg2OfB

05/06/2026

We are proud to announce Dr. Annmarie Caño as a Senior Fellow to the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)!

05/06/2026

We are proud to announce Alec Schumacher, Ph.D. has been shortlisted for the 2026 Griffin Poetry Prize!

See link for more details: https://griffinpoetryprize.com/