The University District© Copyright 2025 by The University DistrictSimplimation.comhttp://spokaneudistrict.orgLatest news for The University DistrictUDPDA Public Records InformationWed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800http://spokaneudistrict.org/news/2516/udpda-public-records-information <div class="image"> <img src="http://spokaneudistrict.org/uploads/news/images/full/AF723E2AB0-udpda-public-records-information.jpg?m=1734548245" alt="UDPDA Public Records Information"/> </div> <p>To submit&nbsp;a public records request to the&nbsp;University District Public Development Authority (UDPDA) please utilize <a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=kDdZQ2ApiE-568qCL5pdz6l12vtJYLFGkuuSeoeN6lNUOFpWRVdFME9LNjhERjdCOEwzTEY4SU01Ui4u" target="_blank">this form</a>. Alternatively,&nbsp;requests can be emailed to Public Records Officer, info@spokaneudistrict.org, or sent via U.S. mail to UDPDA, 120 N Pine St, Ste 252, Spokane WA 99202.</p> <p>The UDPDA provides access to public records under the provisions of the Washington State Public Disclosure Act (<a href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/?cite=42.56" target="_blank">RCW 42.56</a>) and the <a href="/uploads/content/files/UDPDA_Public_Records_Policy_final.pdf" target="_blank">UDPDA Public Records Policy</a>. Per RCW 42.56.520 please allow five business days to respond to a records request.&nbsp;</p> <p>All records maintained by the UDPDA are available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. You are entitled to access public records, under reasonable conditions, and copies of those records can be provided upon paying copying costs. In most cases, you do not have to explain why you want the records. However, specific information may be necessary to process your request. The UDPDA&nbsp;may require further information to establish if disclosure would violate certain provisions of law.</p> <p>The more precisely you can identify the record(s) you seek, the more responsive the UDPDA can be. The UDPDA provides access to existing public records in its possession but is not required to collect information or organize data to create a record not existing at the time of the request. Keep in mind that a question or request for information only is not a request for a record.</p> 2025 University District Board and Committee Meeting DatesFri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800http://spokaneudistrict.org/news/2703/2025-university-district-board-and-committee-meeting-dates <div class="image"> <img src="http://spokaneudistrict.org/uploads/news/images/full/4A1BCB1212-2025-university-district-board-and-committee-meeting-dates.jpg?m=1759175200" alt="2025 University District Board and Committee Meeting Dates"/> </div> <p><em>Advance agendas will be posted approximately 3-4&nbsp;days before the meeting. Contact info@spokaneudistrict.org if you need a Zoom link for the UDPDA or EAC meetings.</em></p> <p>In 2025, the <strong>University District Development Association (UDDA)</strong> board of directors will meet on <a href="/uploads/content/files/02-05-25_UDDA_advance_portfolio.pdf" target="_blank">February 5</a>, <a href="/uploads/content/files/03-05-25_UDDA_advance_portfolio_final_3.pdf" target="_blank">March 5</a>, <a href="/uploads/content/files/04-09-25_UDDA_advance_portfolio_final.pdf" target="_blank">April 9</a>, <a href="https://spokaneudistrict.org/uploads/document/files/object/05-07-25_UDDA_final_portfolio.pdf" target="_blank">May&nbsp;7</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://spokaneudistrict.org/uploads/document/files/object/06-04-25_UDDA_retreat_agenda.pdf" target="_blank">June 4&nbsp;(retreat)</a>, <a href="/resources/vendor/kcfinder/upload/files/09-03-25%20UDDA%20Annual%20Meeting%20Portfolio.pdf">September 3</a>&nbsp;(annual meeting), and <a href="https://www.spokaneudistrict.org/uploads/document/files/object/10-01-25_UDDA_advance_portfolio_updated.pdf" target="_blank">October 1</a>. Meetings (unless otherwise indicated in the agenda) are at the Catalyst Building, 601 E Riverside Ave, Spokane, Room 309.</p> <p>In 2025, the <strong>University District Public Development Authority&nbsp;(UDPDA)</strong> board of directors will meet on <a href="/uploads/content/files/02-05-2025_UDPDA_advance_portfolio.pdf" target="_blank">February 5</a>, <a href="/uploads/content/files/03-05-25_UDPDA_advance_portfolio_final.pdf" target="_blank">March 5</a>, <a href="/uploads/content/files/04-09-25_UDPDA_advance_portfolio_final.pdf" target="_blank">April 9</a>, <a href="https://www.spokaneudistrict.org/uploads/document/files/object/05-07-25_UDPDA_advance_portfolio.pdf">May&nbsp;7</a>,&nbsp; <a href="https://spokaneudistrict.org/uploads/document/files/object/06-04-25_UDPDA_board_advance_portfolio.pdf" target="_blank">June 4</a>, <a href="/resources/vendor/kcfinder/upload/files/09-03-25%20UDPDA%20Annual%20Meeting%20Portfolio.pdf">September 3</a>&nbsp;(annual meeting), and <a href="https://www.spokaneudistrict.org/uploads/document/files/object/10-01-25_UDPDA_advance_portfolio_updated.pdf" target="_blank">October 1.</a> Meetings (unless otherwise indicated in the agenda) are&nbsp;at the Catalyst Building, 601 E Riverside Ave, Spokane, Room 309.</p> <p>In 2025 the <strong>UDDA/UDPDA Executive Action Committee (EAC)</strong> will meet on the following dates at 11:30 AM via Zoom. Please email info@spokaneudistrict.org for virtual link.&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/01-21-25_EAC_advance_portfolio.pdf" target="_blank">January 21</a>, <a href="/uploads/content/files/02-18-25_EAC_advance_portfolio.pdf" target="_blank">February 18</a>, <a href="/uploads/content/files/03-18-25_EAC_advance_portfolio.pdf" target="_blank">March 18</a>, <a href="https://spokaneudistrict.org/uploads/document/files/object/04-15-25_EAC_advance_portfolio.pdf" target="_blank">April 15</a>, <a href="https://spokaneudistrict.org/uploads/document/files/object/05-20-25_EAC_portfolio.pdf" target="_blank">May 20</a>, <a href="https://spokaneudistrict.org/uploads/document/files/object/08-19-25_EAC_portfolio.pdf" target="_blank">August 19</a>, <a href="/resources/vendor/kcfinder/upload/files/09-16-25%20EAC%20advance%20portfolio.pdf" target="_blank">September 16</a>, and December 9.&nbsp;</p> University District U-Forward Monthly E-Newsletter IssuesThu, 25 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800http://spokaneudistrict.org/news/2297/university-district-u-forward-monthly-e-newsletter-issues <div class="image"> <img src="http://spokaneudistrict.org/uploads/news/images/full/55526527BD-university-district-u-forward-monthly-e-newsletter-issues.jpg?m=1759164053" alt="University District U-Forward Monthly E-Newsletter Issues"/> </div> <p>Below are links to our most recent monthly U-Forward e-newsletters:</p> <p><strong>2025 -&nbsp;</strong><a href="/uploads/content/files/January%2C_2025_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">January</a>, <a href="/uploads/content/files/February%2C_2025_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">February</a>, <a href="/uploads/content/files/March_2025_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">March</a>, <a href="/resources/vendor/kcfinder/upload/files/August%2C%202025%20-%20External.pdf" target="_blank">August</a>, <a href="https://spokaneudistrict.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/ESYELAphcKNKsM3LzTvnBIEBzGmLdKN09Z4B9XQrxI6Dkw?e=WPAgF9" target="_blank">September</a></p> <p><strong>2024</strong>&nbsp;- No issue November and December,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/October%2C_2024_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">October 2024</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/Sept_2024_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">September 2024</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/August%2C_2024_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">August 2024</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/July%2C_2024_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">July 2024</a>, no issue May or June,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/April_2024_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">April 2024</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/March%2C_2024_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">March 2024</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/February%2C_2024_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">February 2024</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/January%2C_2024_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">January 2024</a></p> <p><strong>2023</strong>&nbsp;- No issue December,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/November%2C_2023_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">November 2023</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/October%2C_2023_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">October 2023</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/September%2C_2023_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">September 2023</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/August_2023_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">August 2023</a>, no July issue,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/June_2023_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">June 2023</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/May_2023_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">May 2023</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/April_2023_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">April 2023</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/March_21%2C_2023_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">March 2023</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/Feb_2023_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">February 2023</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/Jan_2023_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">January 2023</a></p> <p><strong>2022</strong>&nbsp;- No December issue,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/November%2C_2022_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">November 2022</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/October%2C_2022_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">October 2022</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/September%2C_2022_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">September 2022</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/August_23%2C_2022_-_External_(1).pdf" target="_blank">August 2022</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/July_19%2C_2022_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">July 2022</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/June_22%2C_2022_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">June 2022</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/uploads/content/files/May_17%2C_2022_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">May 2022</a>&nbsp;,<a href="/uploads/content/files/April_11%2C_2022_-_External.pdf" target="_blank">April 2022</a>&nbsp;(first issue)</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Spokane Community College Fall Career Expo Oct 14Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700http://spokaneudistrict.org/news/2845/spokane-community-college-fall-career-expo-oct-14 <div class="image"> <img src="http://spokaneudistrict.org/uploads/news/images/full/9443906474-spokane-community-college-fall-career-expo-oct-14.jpg?m=1759525691" alt="Spokane Community College Fall Career Expo Oct 14"/> </div> <p>The Spokane Community College Fall Career Expo is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Building 6 on the SCC campus. Employers from multiple industries, including health care, will be present at the free event.</p> <h2>Date and time</h2> <p>Tuesday, October 14 &middot; 10am - 1pm PDT</p> <h2>Location</h2> <p>Spokane Community College, Building 6</p> <p>1810 North Greene Street Spokane, WA 99217</p> <p>Get directions</p> GU Truly Human Leadership lecture Featuring Barry-Wehmiller President Kyle Chapman Oct 13Mon, 13 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700http://spokaneudistrict.org/news/2842/gu-truly-human-leadership-lecture-featuring-barry-wehmiller-president-kyle-chapman-oct-13 <div class="image"> <img src="http://spokaneudistrict.org/uploads/news/images/full/6901F26FC4-gu-truly-human-leadership-lecture-featuring-barry-wehmiller-president-kyle-chapman-oct-13.jpg?m=1759256249" alt="GU Truly Human Leadership lecture Featuring Barry-Wehmiller President Kyle Chapman Oct 13"/> </div> <p><strong>Monday, October 13</strong><br /> 6:00 p.m. Keynote and Q&amp;A<br /> Gonzaga University, Cataldo Globe Room</p> <p>Gonzaga University School of Business Administration is honored to invite you to the inaugural Chapman Lecture on Truly Human Leadership, named in honor of Mr. Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller and founder of the Truly Human Leadership movement. Kyle Chapman, President of Barry-Wehmiller, will be our featured speaker. This is an exciting opportunity to learn about people-centered leadership grounded in the commitment to care for the people who make your business possible from one of the leaders of a $3.6 billion global manufacturing firm with over two decades of experience in successfully implementing the principles of Truly Human Leadership.</p> Register for Amplifying Women's Voices - Oct. 8thWed, 08 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700http://spokaneudistrict.org/news/2828/register-for-amplifying-womens-voices-oct-8th <div class="image"> <img src="http://spokaneudistrict.org/uploads/news/images/full/B1F1ABB8DE-register-for-amplifying-womens-voices-oct-8th.jpg?m=1756914415" alt="Register for Amplifying Women's Voices - Oct. 8th"/> </div> <p>Join us for a conversation about practical strategies to level up in your career at Amplifying on October 8th!&nbsp;<strong>Use the code EARLY to reserve your seat at&nbsp;<a href="https://amplifyingoct2025.eventbrite.com/">https://AmplifyingOct2025.eventbrite.com</a>.&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>We will talk about the habits that hold you back and move you in your professional path including how to create authentic professional connections, craft an elevator pitch, and claim your achievements. Our incredible panel of female leaders includes Becky Bull Schaefer, Julie Kelsey, Kaylie Lewis, Renee Smock, and Sandra Walker! &nbsp;</p> <p>We will gather at Steam Plant Rooftop. Doors open for networking at 4:30pm and our panel conversation begins at 5:30pm. &nbsp;Please reach out with any questions. &nbsp;I look forward to seeing you there!</p> <p>Amplifying Women&#39;s Voices is generously supported by:</p> <p>Premier Sponsor, Marsh McLennan Agency</p> <p>Gold Sponsor, Idaho Central Credit Union</p> <p>Location Sponsor, Gonzaga University&#39;s School of Leadership Studies</p> Terrain The Event Oct 3Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700http://spokaneudistrict.org/news/2829/terrain-the-event-oct-3 <div class="image"> <img src="http://spokaneudistrict.org/uploads/news/images/full/4909F524A1-terrain-the-event-oct-3.jpg?m=1756920392" alt="Terrain The Event Oct 3"/> </div> <p>Always on the first Friday in October, Terrain is an annual, one-night-only, juried multimedia art and music event celebrating artists in the Spokane area.<br /> <br /> Featuring new works by HUNDREDS of artists, and attracting thousands of attendees, it&rsquo;s a celebration of new energy and fresh ideas from all over the artistic spectrum. From painting to poetry to interactive art and film, we try to showcase a little of everything that&rsquo;s making the Inland Empire a more vibrant, cultural and beautiful place to live.<br /> <br /> 2 WAYS TO EXPERIENCE TERRAIN:<br /> Preview Night (ticketed)<br /> OCT 2ND &bull; 6PM - 9PM<br /> <br /> Want a more intimate Terrain experience?!<br /> Preview Night allows you to:<br /> Skip the lines<br /> Meet the artists<br /> Buy art first<br /> Support our org!<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.terrainspokane.com/terrain">TICKETS COMING SOON</a><br /> <br /> THE Main event (FREE)<br /> OCT 3RD &bull; 5PM - MIDNIGHT<br /> In addition to visual art you&rsquo;ll experience:<br /> Full-musical line-up<br /> Literary, dance, and other performances<br /> Food trucks<br /> Photo booth<br /> Thousands of your closest friends</p> Celebrate the Arts on First Friday in Downtown SpokaneFri, 03 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700http://spokaneudistrict.org/news/2843/celebrate-the-arts-on-first-friday-in-downtown-spokane <div class="image"> <img src="http://spokaneudistrict.org/uploads/news/images/full/E8AFC26481-celebrate-the-arts-on-first-friday-in-downtown-spokane.jpg?m=1759342366" alt="Celebrate the Arts on First Friday in Downtown Spokane"/> </div> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:100.0%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><strong>[SPOKANE, WA] &ndash; [</strong>SPOKANE, WA] Celebrate autumn with <strong>First Friday Spokane</strong>, October 3, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00pm (with select venues extending later). Downtown Spokane will be alive with art, live music, and community as galleries, studios, and businesses showcase local creativity.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>One of October&rsquo;s biggest highlights is the return of Terrain at 314 W. Riverside Ave. Always held on the first Friday in October, Terrain is Spokane&rsquo;s annual one-night-only juried multimedia art and music festival. Now in its 16th year, the event features hundreds of new works spanning painting, poetry, interactive installations, film, and more&mdash;attracting thousands of attendees each year. Terrain has become a cultural cornerstone in Spokane, shaping the lives and careers of countless artists and pushing audiences to experience art in bold new ways. In addition to the exhibits, guests can enjoy live music, a themed photo booth, food trucks, and a wide variety of beverages including local brews, wine, and mocktails.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Beyond Terrain, downtown venues will be buzzing with unique shows and experiences. Marmot Art Space will host the world debut of Ric Gendron&rsquo;s<em> Boarding School Triptych, </em>while Uptic Studios presents large-scale abstract works by Boise artist Jon Morse, accompanied by live music and refreshments. At the Washington Cracker Building, Alan Nelson unveils <em>Sights Unseen</em>, a collection of 60 photographs exploring political, psychological, and aesthetic themes. Meanwhile, Liberty Gallery will showcase Dave Gonzo&rsquo;s <em>Gaia&rsquo;s Beauty</em>&mdash;intricate metalwork sculptures inspired by nature&mdash;and additional exhibitions will be on view at Avenue West Gallery, ben Gallery, Big City Art Studio, Bistango Martini Lounge, D2 Gallery, Humble Abode Brewing, Indaba Coffee Roasters, Making Space, New Moon Art Gallery, Pottery Place Plus, and The Spokane Club</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>With offerings that range from painting and photography to sculpture, live demonstrations, and music, there is something for every taste and interest. Most events are free and family-friendly, making First Friday the perfect way to welcome in the fall season.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Most venues open from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. For a full list of activities and artists visit <a href="http://www.firstfridayspokane.org">www.firstfridayspokane.org</a>.&nbsp;Navigate to our online <a href="https://ch4c6pcab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-LvIT-bp9fjYkkPYRef0IptdQwU9xdOUAIrjoTBzKSvvWAZHL5wZs8Wq26Y3f9Izuo9179rchM15WNHtoHpqQERP-QnX16pAviprJEHw0-v-tweaEHmYIkZce0G4y8Pe09X-FcgLk_Q4YBKTmgn65DN9sJLs_Gav6arybweoz9y2B0eFn-ntLqPnKXzboOINpiKWGav2UsEwIyYoEg_68Aj7w0hfjoCd&amp;c=6i-KNrSCi-gVOYgy1PNrj1N9bb6n5eWJnQFd3XqHBcr5Kw9-jyr-pA==&amp;ch=bX_sgS_ut0p9ANtEUQvCFt_uEupOwoBrXhfQEFUYezIeZo-qGf3xCQ==" target="_blank">media </a>kit for details and images.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>###</p> <h3>&nbsp;</h3> <p>About First Friday</p> <p>First Friday Spokane launched in November 2003 in partnership between the Downtown Spokane Partnership and Spokane Arts Commission. Today, venues across downtown participate each month to bring visitors to our city center and promote arts patronage in our region for the opportunity to see it first, hear it first, and find it first. First Friday always occurs on the first Friday of the month with official hours from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. For more details, visit <a href="https://ch4c6pcab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-LvIT-bp9fjYkkPYRef0IptdQwU9xdOUAIrjoTBzKSvvWAZHL5wZs01lsT2ldyOjAehYxYX9fk4KoiBi2YmLdBK7qLY0ngF42D3WE3A7MpSSPh1bwRxtGZV9BCTWCwbc_msLWDZowBO0dydtcNFQNsBau8OeUW3-TFOl2-2PTS6sJ3MVAlUv4J5Kys1MKUzLVBV9UzAGGcA=&amp;c=6i-KNrSCi-gVOYgy1PNrj1N9bb6n5eWJnQFd3XqHBcr5Kw9-jyr-pA==&amp;ch=bX_sgS_ut0p9ANtEUQvCFt_uEupOwoBrXhfQEFUYezIeZo-qGf3xCQ==" target="_blank">www.firstfridayspokane.org</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>About Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP)</p> <p>The DSP is a private, non-profit membership organization that serves as Spokane&#39;s central city advocate and service provider, dedicated to enhancing the quality and vitality of downtown Spokane as the basis for a healthy region. The DSP accomplishes its mission through advocating for public policies, business and project development, quality planning, physical improvement projects, public safety, beautification, and marketing programs that ensure downtown&#39;s continued success. To learn more, visit</p> <p><a href="https://ch4c6pcab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-LvIT-bp9fjYkkPYRef0IptdQwU9xdOUAIrjoTBzKSvvWAZHL5wZs01fdk7kowZcCjKqPRNdrsx7SWOWFnfIzHoe9BAml3xvSCCtETBr5IJRN0PhTSioKF8GqZI0IZ74UYS0IViCt2bhWXQyudBrqHCFAYU4HjH4j90n1RO26BRKhpVw2LNjpVLTQUFxE0_ti__RyWtC-fI=&amp;c=6i-KNrSCi-gVOYgy1PNrj1N9bb6n5eWJnQFd3XqHBcr5Kw9-jyr-pA==&amp;ch=bX_sgS_ut0p9ANtEUQvCFt_uEupOwoBrXhfQEFUYezIeZo-qGf3xCQ==" target="_blank">www.downtownspokane.org</a>.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Former NIH Director Francis Collins to Headline Whitworth’s President’s Leadership Forum on Oct. 2Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700http://spokaneudistrict.org/news/2795/former-nih-director-francis-collins-to-headline-whitworths-presidents-leadership-forum-on-oct-2 <div class="image"> <img src="http://spokaneudistrict.org/uploads/news/images/full/69C0953338-former-nih-director-francis-collins-to-headline-whitworths-presidents-leadership-forum-on-oct-2.jpg?m=1749148726" alt="Former NIH Director Francis Collins to Headline Whitworth&rsquo;s President&rsquo;s Leadership Forum on Oct. 2"/> </div> <p>Whitworth University is honored to welcome distinguished scientist and former director of the National Institutes of Health&nbsp;<a href="https://www.genome.gov/staff/Francis-S-Collins-MD-PhD">Francis Collins, M.D., Ph.D</a>., as the featured speaker for the fall President&rsquo;s Leadership Forum. His address titled, &ldquo;The Road to Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith and Trust,&rdquo; the same title as his latest book, will take place at 7 p.m. on Oct. 2 at the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, followed by a question-and-answer session with Whitworth President Scott McQuilkin.</p> <p>Collins is one of the best-known scientists of the current era. He served as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for 12 years under three Presidents.&nbsp; He is known for his discoveries of disease genes, for leading the Human Genome Project, and for championing the harmony of science and faith.&nbsp;</p> <p>&ldquo;His visit represents a tremendous opportunity for the Whitworth community and the broader public to engage with one of the most prominent and respected scientific leaders of our time,&rdquo; Whitworth President Scott McQuilkin says. &ldquo;Dr. Collins truly embodies the integration of scientific excellence and personal faith, something that aligns perfectly with Whitworth&rsquo;s mission to educate both mind and heart.&rdquo;</p> <p>From 1993-2003, under Collins&rsquo; leadership, the Human Genome Project produced a finished sequence of human DNA. Collins then convened other teams to create powerful tools and strategies to advance biological knowledge about humans and improve their health.</p> <p>Collins was involved in a historic series of research partnerships over the course of his career addressing illnesses like diabetes, Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease, cancer and the COVID-19 pandemic.</p> <p>Formerly an atheist, Collins became a Christian in his 20s after realizing that perspective did not provide answers to profound questions about the meaning of life and was also inconsistent with observations about the nature of the universe and humankind. He wrote about finding harmony between the scientific and spiritual worldviews in&nbsp;<em>The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief,</em>&nbsp;which spent 20 weeks on&nbsp;<em>The New York Times</em>&nbsp;bestseller list.&nbsp;</p> <p>In 2007, he founded BioLogos, based on the conclusions he reached about how life, or bios, came about through God&rsquo;s word, or logos. He served as its president until he was required to resign following his appointment as NIH director. Now retired from NIH, he currently serves that foundation as a senior fellow.</p> <p>Collins received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Virginia, a doctorate in physical chemistry from Yale University, and a medical degree from The University of North Carolina. He is an elected member of both the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences.&nbsp; He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in November 2007 and received the National Medal of Science in 2009. In 2020, he was elected as a Foreign Member of the Royal Society (UK) and was also named the 50th winner of the Templeton Prize, which celebrates scientific and spiritual curiosity.</p> <p>For more information and to purchase tickets, click&nbsp;<a href="https://foxtheaterspokane.org/event/whitworth-presidents-leadership-forum/">here</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><strong>About the President&rsquo;s Leadership Forum</strong></strong>:&nbsp;</p> <p>The Whitworth President&rsquo;s Leadership Forum draws key national leaders to the Inland Northwest to provide wisdom and insight on a variety of contemporary issues. Speakers have included Liz Cheney, Condoleezza Rice, Gen. Colin Powell, journalist Bob Woodward and author Michael Lewis.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><strong>About Whitworth University</strong></strong>:</p> <p>Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private, Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of about 2,500 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.</p> <p><strong><strong>Contacts:</strong></strong></p> Gonzaga Hosts 7th Annual Climate Change Forum with Local City Council CandidatesWed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700http://spokaneudistrict.org/news/2840/gonzaga-hosts-7th-annual-climate-change-forum-with-local-city-council-candidates <div class="image"> <img src="http://spokaneudistrict.org/uploads/news/images/full/4871018821-gonzaga-hosts-7th-annual-climate-change-forum-with-local-city-council-candidates.jpg?m=1759164742" alt="Gonzaga Hosts 7th Annual Climate Change Forum with Local City Council Candidates"/> </div> <p>Candidates for City Council in both Spokane and Spokane Valley will share with voters what climate policies they would or would not support if elected to office. To aid citizens in their democratic deliberations, Gonzaga&rsquo;s Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment is proud to host the seventh annual Spokane Candidates Climate Change Forum on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 6 p.m. in the Globe Room of Cataldo Hall on Gonzaga&rsquo;s campus, located at 429 East Boone Avenue.</p> <p>Candidates for Spokane City Council Districts 1, 2, and 3 as well as Spokane Valley City Council positions 1, 4, 5, and 7 have been invited to this non-partisan event where questions regarding a candidate&#39;s plan of action regarding global warming will be posed by Gonzaga student moderators.</p> <p>Candidates who have confirmed their attendance thus far include City of Spokane District 1 candidate Sarah Dixit, City of Spokane District 2 candidate Kate Telis, City of Spokane District 3 candidates Christopher M. Savage and Zack Zappone, and City of Spokane Valley District 3 candidates Mike Kelley and Kristopher Pockell.</p> <p>&ldquo;As demonstrated by larger wildfires and deadly heat domes, our climate in the Inland Northwest is changing,&rdquo; said Dr. Brian G. Henning, the Climate Institute&rsquo;s director who will moderate the event. &ldquo;Spokane voters are eager to learn about candidates&rsquo; views on global warming in a non-partisan context.&rdquo;</p> <p>This event is sponsored by the Gonzaga Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment in partnership with 350 Spokane; The Lands Council; Futurewise Spokane; Spokane Riverkeeper; Community Building Foundation; Inland Northwest Land Conservancy and the League of Women&rsquo;s Voters.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>