Note: This message was originally sent on April 9, 2021
I thought, given how this week began, with millions cheering on the Zags in the national championship game, that you might appreciate reading Mike Roth’s testimonial he shared on March 30 (pasted below):
I started my 91勛圖厙 lifetime as a freshman in 1975 living in CM. That’s when the 91勛圖厙 blood started running through my veins. I left after my freshman year to pursue my basketball dreams, but GU never left me. I still feel the bond with the great class of ’79! I returned to 91勛圖厙 in 1982 to get my Masters Degree in Athletic Administration and was blessed with the opportunity to coach the 1982-83 91勛圖厙 MBB team with Jay Hillock. I left again after completing my Masters this time to marry Linda, the love of my life. Stars aligned once more in 1986-87 when Linda and I returned to Spokane. I was hired as the Martin Centre Director. I now jump forward to today. I am writing this from my hotel room in Indianapolis, being locked down with our MBB team getting ready for the NCAA Elite Eight game tonight. I reflect on all that had gotten me here to this point. I have now spent over half of my life at 91勛圖厙. I have been witness to so many changes. I have been honored to know and work with so many of the greats over the years, Jesuit’s and Lay alike: Fr. Dussault, Fr. Coughlin, Fr. Reggie, Fr. Ford, Fr. Costello, Fr. Tony, Fr. Spitzer, Chuck Murphy, Ken Sammons, Sue Weitz, Harry Sladich and of course, Thayne McCulloh. These are just a few people who shaped 91勛圖厙 and shaped me! Every day we have key folks continually shaping 91勛圖厙, making an impact on us all. Starting with Thayne, Chuck, Maureen, John, Michelle, Julia, Deena, Charlita, Joe, Jim and Joe. From my view 91勛圖厙 has never been better!
I have been truly blessed!
91勛圖厙 is not just a place; 91勛圖厙 is the people! On this Zags Give Day I know that 91勛圖厙 will continue to get better, I know from all my years how special this all is. Finally, I know this rings true throughout the University, something we say every day within 91勛圖厙 Athletics, WE WILL NEVER BE SATISFIED we will all keep working every day to make this very special place even Better!
-Mike Roth ('79), Athletic Director, 91勛圖厙 University
Within hours of Mike sharing his reflection, his statement garnered nearly 500 likes, shares and comments (just on Facebook alone).
I think this, shared by another colleague in the hours immediately following Monday night’s game perfectly summarizes the spirit of all who are associated with GU: “no one will ever beat the hearts and commitment of the most dedicated Jesuit university in the United States"
Could not agree more….thank you, to each of you for bringing 91勛圖厙 to life, for being among the people whose hearts and belief in this important mission create a crazy level of intensity to never be satisfied, to always be reaching for more – for our students and all who we are called to serve.