The University District

UDPDA Public Records Information

Thu, 31 Dec 2026 00:00:00 -0800

To submit a public records request to the University District Public Development Authority (UDPDA) please utilize this form. Alternatively, requests can be emailed to Public Records Officer, info@spokaneudistrict.org, or sent via U.S. mail to UDPDA, 35 W Main Ave, Ste 322, Spokane WA 99201.

The UDPDA provides access to public records under the provisions of the Washington State Public Disclosure Act (RCW 42.56) and the UDPDA Public Records Policy. Per RCW 42.56.520 please allow five business days to respond to a records request.

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 may require further information to establish if disclosure would violate certain provisions of law.

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.

2026 University District Board and Committee Dates

Thu, 31 Dec 2026 00:00:00 -0800

Advance agendas will be posted approximately 3-4 days before the meeting. Contact info@spokaneudistrict.org if you need a Zoom link for the meetings.

In 2026, the University District Development Association (UDDA) board of directors will meet on January 7, February 4, March 4, May 6, June 3 (retreat), September 2 (annual meeting), and October 14. Meetings (unless otherwise indicated in the agenda) are at the Catalyst Building, 601 E Riverside Ave, Spokane, Room 309.

In 2026, the University District Public Development Authority (UDPDA) board of directors will meet on January 7, February 4, February 19 SAO audit exit conference, March 4, May 6, September 2 (annual meeting), and October 14. Meetings (unless otherwise indicated in the agenda) are at the Catalyst Building, 601 E Riverside Ave, Spokane, Room 309.

In 2026, the UDDA/UDPDA Executive Advisory Committee (EAC) will meet on the following dates at 11:30 AM via Zoom: January 20, February 17, April 21, May 19, August 18, September 22, and December 8. Please email info@spokaneudistrict.org for the virtual link.

University District U-Forward Monthly E-Newsletter Issues

Fri, 25 Dec 2026 00:00:00 -0800

Below are links to our most recent monthly U-Forward e-newsletters:

2026 - January, February, May

2025 - January, February, March, August, September

2024 - No issue November and December, October 2024, September 2024, August 2024, July 2024, no issue May or June, April 2024, March 2024, February 2024, January 2024

2023 - No issue December, November 2023, October 2023, September 2023, August 2023, no July issue, June 2023, May 2023, April 2023, March 2023, February 2023, January 2023

2022 - No December issue, November 2022, October 2022, September 2022, August 2022, July 2022, June 2022, May 2022 ,April 2022 (first issue)

2026 UD Impact Award Nominations - Deadline Aug 3

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700

BACKGROUND

The University District’s Impact Award recognizes individuals and/or organizations that have demonstrated excellence in leadership through deep local engagement and exceptional initiative. The award is designed to acknowledge those who provide thoughtful, community-driven, innovative, and sustainable solutions to critical issues facing the University District.

(Pictured at left, Juliet Sinisterra, CEO, University District, presenting Thayne McCulloh, Past President, Gonzaga University with 2025 Impact Award)

Past University District Impact Award Recipients Include:

2017 – Dave and Mari Clack received the inaugural award at a UD community celebration at Gonzaga University for their pioneering, seminal, and enduring contributions to the University District. See press release.
2018 – no award
2019 – Kim Pearman-Gillman was celebrated during the University District Gateway Bridge opening in May 2019 for her leadership in bringing that game-changing project to fruition and for her longstanding service on the UD Board.
2020 – Dean Allen, McKinstry CEO, received the 2020 award for his transformative role in developing the south landing of the Gateway Bridge and the “Health Peninsula,” the new home of the UW-GU Health Partnership Building.
2021 – Jim Sheehan was honored for his decades of service to Spokane as a public defender, community leader, philanthropist, and environmental activist. His investment in and transformation of East Main Ave into a vibrant commercial and community hub were catalytic for the UD. See press release.
2022 – Kim Zentz received the 2022 award for her years of community service on several Spokane boards and non-profits (including the University District) as well as her leadership roles during her distinguished career in the utility, economic development, higher education, and energy sectors. See press release.
2023 – Rich Hadley received the 2023 award posthumously as a major driver in the establishment of the University District. Rich worked tirelessly to build and sustain economic growth in our area and was instrumental in bringing the Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine into existence. See press release.
2025 – Scott Morris, a much-admired business and philanthropic leader in the Spokane community, received the 2024 award for his pivotal role in the era-defining transformation of the South Landing of the University District Gateway Bridge, home to the internationally renowned Catalyst Building and Scott Morris Center for Energy Innovation. See press release.
2026 – Thayne McCulloh and Ana Mari Cauce were celebrated for their unprecedented partnership and decades-long leadership in establishing the UW/GU Health Partnership. See press release.

ELIGIBILITY
Individuals or organizations may receive this award. Previous award winners and current University District board members or staff are not eligible. The nominee’s work must serve populations in the University District.

AWARD TO INDIVIDUAL
This award is given to someone who has significantly contributed to the University District and whose collaborative work and selfless leadership have inspired community action and measurable impact.

AWARD TO ORGANIZATION
This award is given to an organization that demonstrates an exemplary commitment to improving the University District, supporting its stakeholders, and creating greater community health, wealth, equity, and opportunity in the District. The nominated organization will have undertaken collaborative and pioneering efforts to benefit University District development, revitalization, economic prosperity, innovation, public health and safety, and community engagement.

EVALUATION AND SELECTION

The University District Executive Advisory Committee (EAC) can initiate a public or closed nomination process. It can receive nominations informally, provided sufficient information is available to evaluate the nominee by the published deadline. Before evaluation and deliberation, the EAC will decide on the timeline for submissions, selection, and recognition. Those making nominations may be asked to provide additional information, if necessary. The EAC will confirm the nominees' eligibility and present its recommendation(s) to the UDDA board of directors for award selection.

TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

Members of the public who wish to nominate a person or organization for the annual University District Impact Award are required to submit a Word document (maximum two pages) that includes responses to the following:

TELL US ABOUT WHO THE NOMINEE SERVES IN THE UNIVERSITY DISTRICT (UD)

Please describe the community, organizations, and/or individuals served in the University District by this candidate.

WHAT DOES THE NOMINEE DO FOR THE UD AND WHY IS THAT WORK IMPORTANT?

Please tell us about the nature of the nominee’s work and why it matters. Examples include:

Thoughtful Leader: Has a record of demonstrated leadership in their field and community; friends, colleagues, other thought leaders, and peers look to the nominee as a source of inspiration, knowledge, and empowerment.
Community Catalyst: Has a history of stepping up, spearheading catalytic projects, and employing solutions that demonstrate a deep local understanding of the University District community and its diverse stakeholders and that advance the overall health, well-being, and prosperity of the UD community.
Selfless Collaborator: Works with and is informed by other University District or Spokane community leaders, organizations, agencies, faith groups, and/or sectors to break down silos and build collaborative solutions.
Trail Blazer: Has vision and the ability to build momentum around novel, placemaking, or game-changing ideas; willing to take risks to achieve results for future generations.

WHAT SETS THE NOMINEE APART?

Describe how the nominee works to lead, collaborate, and transform outcomes in the University District in truly unique ways. Provide 2-3 concrete examples of the nominee’s singular impact in the UD and/or challenges the nominee(s) has addressed/overcome in the District.

DEADLINE AND EVALUATION

Please submit nominations to info@spokaneudistrict.org by 10 AM Pacific, Monday, August 3, 2026. Please provide your contact information for follow-up questions, if any. Final recommendation(s) will be presented to the University District board of directors in October, and the Impact Award presentation will occur at a holiday party on December 2, 2026.

NEED MORE INFO?

If you have any questions, please contact info@spokaneudistrict.org or 509 255 8038.

Announcing May Exhibitions at Saranac Art Projects

Sat, 30 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700

EXHIBITION DATES: Friday, May 1st – Saturday, May 30th

OPENING RECEPTION: 1st Friday Reception, May 1st, 2026 5:00 – 8:00, free and open to the public

GALLERY HOURS: Fridays 12:00 – 8:00 PM, except day of exhibit opening: Saturdays 12:00 – 8:00 PM

EAST GALLERY: Emergence: SAP Juried Exhibition

Saranac Art Projects is excited to announce our first national juried exhibition. Artists from the Northwest as well as Michigan and California will be exhibiting their work in our East Gallery. Artists included in this exhibition: Patrick Appleby, Sarah Barnett, Athaylia Begay, Veronica Burns, Connor Dinnison, Jen Erickson, Tricia Florence, Madeline Goolie, Nate Gilchrist, Melanie Hewitt, Michael Horswill, David Jacobs, Madison Jones, Laura Kaschmitter, Connor Kelly, Chris Kelsey, Evelyn Kennedy, Kate Lund, Genie Maples, Saima Mohammad, Margaret Mount, Andrew Parker, Finn Pond, David Jacobs, Allie Vogt, Jacquelyn Walker, Matthew Whitney, Allyce Wood, John Woodruff

WEST GALLERY: The Hive® Artist and Residence, curated by Eva Silverstone

SAP is excited to have Eva Silverstone from the Spokane Public Library curating our 2nd Hive Artist in Residence exhibition. The artists who will be exhibiting have all completed their residence at the Hive® recently.

CURATORIAL STATEMENT

Through a variety of materials and mediums, each of the artists in this show infuse bits of joy into their subject matter. They are all current or past Artists-in-Residence at The Hive® where they were given time and space to work on their art without interruption from outside sources. This focus allowed them to dial in and find the sparks that inspire them to make their work. I was drawn to the luminance in each of their works and how they treat spaces and objects with detail, color and softness as well as a bit of whimsy. Their work makes me happy. ~Eva Silverstone

· Genie Maples - https://www.instagram.com/geniemaples/

· Rachael Chambers - https://www.instagram.com/rachaelchambersart/

· Addison Adele Hansen - https://www.instagram.com/fairyconscience/

· Megan Finch - https://www.instagram.com/rhetorix/

Saranac Art Projects
- a contemporary, co-op art gallery -
25 W. Main St. • Spokane, Washington

Spokane Regional Transportation Council asks for input by May 20

Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Community members are being asked to provide input on a June 2026 Amendment to the 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program. The TIP is a comprehensive four-year program containing regionally significant transportation projects and funding allocations. The amendment comment period closes on May 20. See this link for the program info.

WSU Health Sciences launches bell ringing tradition for students

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700

The heart of Washington State University’s Spokane campus has a new landmark, honoring the transition from student to health professional while acknowledging the community support behind that milestone and WSU’s longstanding partnership with STCU. See this link for video.

The sculpture, Pages of Care, was made possible with help and support from STCU, which had a goal of not simply the placing of campus art but of creating something meaningful and a testament to shared values and long-term commitment.

“The partnership between STCU and WSU, and this project are really important, because they wrap around the values STCU holds and that our thousand employees carry forward in this community,” said Marty Dickinson, chief marketing officer of STCU and a member of WSU’s Board of Regents. “It’s about serving with purpose and helping others and showing up in meaningful ways.”

STCU worked closely with campus leadership, students, and staff to ensure the project reflected shared values of education, access to care, and sustained investment in Washington’s future. Through a collaboration with the School of Design and Construction’s Landscape Architecture program, students envisioned a reflective space designed to represent one’s personal healthcare path and the community of support surrounding it. Rather than a straight line, the vision emphasized pause and reflection, a deliberate counterpoint to the intensity of academic training. That student-driven concept became the foundation for the final commissioned work.

In the years ahead, the bell will ring twice — once to welcome students into their chosen field, and again to honor graduates as they start the next step in their lives (photos by Cori Kogan, WSU Spokane).

Following a competitive selection process, artist James Dinh was chosen to bring the vision to life. Known for creating site-specific public art that honors healing, memory, and community, Dinh designed a sculpture organized around two enduring symbols: a heart and a bell. Set within stone panels, a glass heart represents commitment, humanity, and the resilience required in medicine. The stone structure speaks to permanence and endurance, the twin foundations of a high-quality medical education, while the heart’s fragility reflects the vulnerability inherent in caring for others.

The bell is fully functional by design. Bells have long marked moments of transition in both education and health care. For WSU Health Sciences, it becomes a shared instrument that transforms the sculpture into a new campus tradition. In the years ahead, it will ring twice — once to welcome students into their chosen field, and again to honor graduates as they start the next step in their lives. Together, the sculpture and dedication ceremony were designed to remind students that while their journeys are personal, their impact is public.

A journey that extends beyond campus

As Washington’s land-grant university, WSU honors its responsibility to educate and prepare graduates who are ready to meet real needs across the state, especially addressing the significant shortage of physicians and healthcare providers, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

For these communities, each ringing of the Pages of Care bell announces progress. It signals students moving closer to practice, supported by educators, donors, and community partners, like STCU, who recognize the urgency of preparing the next generation of health care providers.

WSU Provost and Executive Vice President Chris Riley-Tillman addresses the crowd during a dedication ceremony on the Spokane campus (photo by Cori Kogan, WSU Spokane).

“WSU’s partnership with STCU is not defined by a single gift or program, but by years of steady, meaningful investment in our students, our faculty, and the future of healthcare in our region,” said Chris Riley-Tillman, provost and executive vice president of Washington State University.

In choosing to support this project, STCU recognized that preparing health professionals for Washington’s communities is not the work of a university alone, but a shared commitment between people and institutions who believe in the same future.

The bell will carry that commitment forward into classrooms, clinics, and communities throughout Washington every time it rings.

Whitworth University appoints new School of Business dean

Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Whitworth University is pleased to announce the appointment of Laura Galloway, Ph.D., as dean of the Whitworth School of Business, effective July 1, 2026.

Galloway brings to Whitworth a distinguished record of leadership, teaching and scholarship. Her work embodies Whitworth’s commitment to academic excellence, institutional stewardship and student formation.

Galloway joins Whitworth from University of Massachusetts Global, where she most recently served as associate vice chancellor for institutional curriculum, assessment and academic policy. In that role, she led university wide initiatives in curriculum strategy, accreditation and program quality. She previously served as associate dean in the School of Business and Professional Studies and has more than a decade of teaching experience. Her scholarly work explores the intersection of transformation, innovative pedagogy and learning, aligning closely with Whitworth’s mission to educate both the mind and the heart.

“From the moment I stepped on campus, Whitworth felt like home,” Galloway says. “In every conversation with faculty, staff, alumni and board members, I encountered a community of Christian scholars devoted to teaching excellence and the integration of faith and learning. The Whitworth School of Business stands out for its powerful combination of academic rigor, a deeply relational culture, and strong community and alumni partnerships grounded in a God-centered focus. I am honored and excited to serve Whitworth’s students and to support the school’s distinctive mission and future.”

“As a committed Christian educator, Dr. Galloway is deeply invested in students’ intellectual, professional and spiritual development,” says John Pell, provost & executive vice president. “Her leadership extends beyond the academy through nonprofit service, including co founding an organization that supports veterans as they transition from military service to civilian life.”

Galloway is the co-founder and producer of the podcast Home Bound Veteran, documenting the transition stories of veterans from military service to civilian life.

Galloway holds both a master’s degree in human development and a Ph.D. in organizational systems and development from Fielding Graduate University, as well as a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Chapman University. Galloway also holds a graduate certificate in theological leadership from Westmont College and a certificate in executive coaching.

In her free time, Galloway enjoys being outdoors hiking and biking, hosting game nights with friends and family, and catching (or joining in) just about any athletic event. A longtime volleyball coach at both the high school and college levels, she’s also a proud sports mom: Her two daughters competed in NCAA Division I and II indoor and beach volleyball. When she’s not in the office, you can expect to find her on the sidelines cheering on the Whitworth Pirates.

Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown Sees How SFCC Prepares Grads for the Film Industry

Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) played host to Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown, who visited SFCC’s filmmaking programs located in the state-of-the-art sÆ›Ì“xÌ£etkÊ· Fine and Applied Arts building. Mayor Brown had the opportunity to speak with faculty about how these programs and facilities support Spokane’s vibrant and growing film industry.

The visit was coordinated by Photography and Filmmaking instructor Ira Gardner and City of Spokane Director of Community and Economic Development Steve MacDonald. In addition to his instructional role at SFCC, Gardner is a member of the board of the Spokane Film Project, which works to advance both the artistic community and creative economy around digital filmmaking. In its publications, the Spokane Film Project has identified the Spokane area’s strong production history, with 45 feature films, three television series, several national advertising campaigns, an award-wining music video, dozens of unscripted and reality TV shows, and numerous regional and local commercials produced in the region.

College arts programs are not always associated with driving workforce and economic development, but SFCC’s digital filmmaking programs offer a clear counterpoint to that conception. Digital Filmmaking integrates fully with SFCC’s drama program, providing exposure to the rigors of work in the multidisciplinary film industry. Study of and exposure to cinematography, acting, directing, and writing also prepare students to pursue careers in a variety of related fields such as commercial advertising, corporate video production, social media marketing, broadcast television, and filmmaking.

Saranac Art Projects April Exhibits

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

April 2026 Exhibitions

East Gallery - On Other Correspondences: a Collaboration with Get Lit!

West Gallery – Madeline McGinn

EXHIBITION DATES: April 3rd - April 25 th, 2026

GALLERY HOURS: Fridays 12:00 – 8:00 PM, except day of exhibit opening: Saturdays 12:00 – 8:00 PM

1ST FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTION: April 3rd, 2024, 5:00 – 8:00, free and open to the public

SPECIAL RECEPTION: Friday, April 17th, 3:00 – 5:00 PM, Get Lit Writers and Artist Reception at Saranac Art Projects, at the Gallery

EAST GALLERY – Eastern Washington University, GET LIT!

EXHIBITION DESCRIPTION: Saranac Art Project Artists are pleased to be part of Eastern Washington University’s Get Lit! Artists, have chosen a writer from the 2026 Get Lit! authors list with whom they have “corresponded” through the ancient practice of ekphrasis.

Mariah Boyle - Jess Walters
Olivia Evans - Margaret Albaugh
Tobe Harvey - Joe Wilkins
Hannah Koeske-Rollins – Laura Read
Lena Lopez Schindler – Maya Jewell Zeller & Mita Mahato
Rebekah Wilkins-Pepiton - Lindsey Drager

WEST GALLERY – Madeline McGinn

Artist Statement

Madeline McGinn is a Spokane based multidisciplinary artist working on a large scale focused around the human body. Through her work, she continues to push identity through public vs. private, layering memory and understanding fraught relationships with the body. There is a distinct push for comfort and repetition through this body of work during a time of high productivity for the artist. It is a field guide to getting lost and finding the way back through the organized chaos.

Get Lit Writers and Artist Reception at Saranac Art Projects, Friday, April 17th, 3:00 – 5:00 PM, at the Gallery