The University District

UDPDA Public Records Information

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 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, 120 N Pine St, Ste 252, Spokane WA 99202.

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.

2025 University District Board and Committee Meeting Dates

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 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 UDPDA or EAC meetings.

In 2025, the University District Development Association (UDDA) board of directors will meet on February 5, March 5, April 9, May 7, June 4 (retreat), September 3 (annual meeting), and October 1. Meetings (unless otherwise indicated in the agenda) are at the Catalyst Building, 601 E Riverside Ave, Spokane, Room 309.

In 2025, the University District Public Development Authority (UDPDA) board of directors will meet on February 5, March 5, April 9, May 7, June 4, September 3 (annual meeting), and October 1. Meetings (unless otherwise indicated in the agenda) are at the Catalyst Building, 601 E Riverside Ave, Spokane, Room 309.

In 2025 the UDDA/UDPDA Executive Action Committee (EAC) will meet on the following dates at 11:30 AM via Zoom. Please email info@spokaneudistrict.org for virtual link. January 21, February 18, March 18, April 15, May 20, August 19, September 16, and December 9.

University District U-Forward Monthly E-Newsletter Issues

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

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

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)

GU Truly Human Leadership lecture Featuring Barry-Wehmiller President Kyle Chapman Oct 13

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Monday, October 13
6:00 p.m. Keynote and Q&A
Gonzaga University, Cataldo Globe Room

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.

Register for Amplifying Women's Voices - Oct. 8th

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Join us for a conversation about practical strategies to level up in your career at Amplifying on October 8th! Use the code EARLY to reserve your seat at https://AmplifyingOct2025.eventbrite.com.

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!

We will gather at Steam Plant Rooftop. Doors open for networking at 4:30pm and our panel conversation begins at 5:30pm. Please reach out with any questions. I look forward to seeing you there!

Amplifying Women's Voices is generously supported by:

Premier Sponsor, Marsh McLennan Agency

Gold Sponsor, Idaho Central Credit Union

Location Sponsor, Gonzaga University's School of Leadership Studies

Terrain The Event Oct 3

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700

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.

Featuring new works by HUNDREDS of artists, and attracting thousands of attendees, it’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’s making the Inland Empire a more vibrant, cultural and beautiful place to live.

2 WAYS TO EXPERIENCE TERRAIN:
Preview Night (ticketed)
OCT 2ND • 6PM - 9PM

Want a more intimate Terrain experience?!
Preview Night allows you to:
Skip the lines
Meet the artists
Buy art first
Support our org!

TICKETS COMING SOON

THE Main event (FREE)
OCT 3RD • 5PM - MIDNIGHT
In addition to visual art you’ll experience:
Full-musical line-up
Literary, dance, and other performances
Food trucks
Photo booth
Thousands of your closest friends

Former NIH Director Francis Collins to Headline Whitworth’s President’s Leadership Forum on Oct. 2

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Whitworth University is honored to welcome distinguished scientist and former director of the National Institutes of Health Francis Collins, M.D., Ph.D., as the featured speaker for the fall President’s Leadership Forum. His address titled, “The Road to Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith and Trust,” 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.

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. He is known for his discoveries of disease genes, for leading the Human Genome Project, and for championing the harmony of science and faith.

“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,” Whitworth President Scott McQuilkin says. “Dr. Collins truly embodies the integration of scientific excellence and personal faith, something that aligns perfectly with Whitworth’s mission to educate both mind and heart.”

From 1993-2003, under Collins’ 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.

Collins was involved in a historic series of research partnerships over the course of his career addressing illnesses like diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief, which spent 20 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list.

In 2007, he founded BioLogos, based on the conclusions he reached about how life, or bios, came about through God’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.

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. 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.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

About the President’s Leadership Forum:

The Whitworth President’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.

About Whitworth University:

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.

Contacts:

Gonzaga Hosts 7th Annual Climate Change Forum with Local City Council Candidates

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700

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’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’s campus, located at 429 East Boone Avenue.

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's plan of action regarding global warming will be posed by Gonzaga student moderators.

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.

“As demonstrated by larger wildfires and deadly heat domes, our climate in the Inland Northwest is changing,” said Dr. Brian G. Henning, the Climate Institute’s director who will moderate the event. “Spokane voters are eager to learn about candidates’ views on global warming in a non-partisan context.”

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’s Voters.

WSU Undergrad research program expanding

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0700

By Devin Rokyta, College of Veterinary Medicine

A year after launching, Washington State University’s EschLEAD program is expanding with new faculty, industry partnerships, and an advisory board to help make undergraduate science degrees more relevant and connect students to real-world career opportunities.

Initially funded by a donation from Robert (BS ’75, MS ’78) and Katherine Esch, the College of Veterinary Medicine established EschLEAD (Learn, Experience, Apply, Deliver) in the fall of 2024 to open the doors of research labs to undergraduates from any major. The program emphasizes skill development, mentorship, and meaningful research experiences that prepare students for careers in science and beyond.

“We’re building EschLEAD to show students what’s possible when you develop skills in science and related fields,” said EschLEAD professor Ryan Driskell, who established and leads the Skin Regeneration Lab in the School of Molecular Biosciences. “It’s not just about learning in the classroom. It’s about understanding how those skills translate into real-world careers, from research and data analysis to project management, sales, marketing, and more. We want students to see the full range of opportunities available to them in and around the biomedical industry.”

In its first year, EschLEAD supported 82 students across five laboratories. Students logged more than 4,000 hours of work, with the majors of participants ranging from communications and management information systems to biochemistry. Mentored by EschLEAD faculty, scholars in the program gain exposure to a range of tasks, from budgeting, web design, and conducting assays to molecular cloning and colony maintenance. Eight EschLEAD scholars graduated this past spring, and nearly all have landed roles or continued their education in graduate or professional programs that connect directly to their field of study, turning their education into a meaningful next step.

‘Real-world jobs’

Entering year two, program leaders are focusing on strengthening ties to industry to better equip students with in-demand skills and professional connections that can lead to meaningful and in-demand careers in science. Program leaders have already begun networking with biotech leaders in Seattle and Spokane that are actively hiring.

“EschLEAD is the academic bridge to relevant industries, ensuring students, and the communities that invest in them, get the greatest value from their degrees,” Driskell said. “We want education to be more than just academic — they should translate into real-world jobs.”

To help with the effort, the program has formed an advisory board of biotech and business leaders. Members include Robert Esch; Lisa Shaffer, co-founder of multiple genomics companies; Mimi Healy, CEO of Stimulus Bio; and Doug Davies, biophysics lead at University of California, Berkley. Paige Ford, a technical recruiter with Jubilant Hollister Stier, also joined to help connect students directly to job openings.

The advisory board visited Pullman in June for a multi-day retreat featuring fireside chats, presentations, and student-industry networking.

Program leaders are focusing on strengthening ties to industry to better equip students with in-demand skills and professional connections that can lead to meaningful and in-demand careers in science (photos by College of Veterinary Medicine/Ted S. Warren).

“We’re using the advisory board to shape our training around what biotech leaders say they actually need,” said EschLEAD professor Heather Koehler, whose lab in the School of Molecular Biosciences investigates viral host interactions. “It’s about giving students the skills that get them through the HR filter — and the confidence to succeed once they’re in the room.”

The program has also formed a governing committee and developed bylaws, including those that outline the process of adding and supporting new EschLEAD professors. Three additional College of Veterinary Medicine professors — Stephanie Seifert in the Paul G. Allen School for Global Health; Alan Goodman in the School of Molecular Biosciences, and Emily Qualls-Creekmore in Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience — have joined the program and opened their labs to undergraduate researchers.

Koehler said the program also plans to launch an alumni seminar series featuring professionals from industry who want to share their experiences or help shape the future of undergraduate science education. Alumni interested in participating in or supporting the program are encouraged to reach out.

“Our goal is to be the bridge between a degree and a real-world job,” Koehler said. “We want students to graduate knowing they’ve done more than earn a diploma — they’ve developed skills, built connections, and gained experience that translates into something far greater than a piece of paper.”

Registration Open for Boulevard Race 2025 – Join the Fight Against Cancer Sept 21

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0700

We call the opening of our registration Boulevard Rush and we are thrilled to announce that registration is now open for The Boulevard Race 2025! Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 21, 2025, and join us in downtown Spokane's University District for a memorable 4-mile run or walk dedicated to supporting Community Cancer Fund. This year’s race will have all the COW bells and whistles you can imagine: DJs, Scream Tunnels, Cheer Zones, Post-Race Beer Garden, Race Bead Bling, Donuts, Bag Pipes, Frozen Zone, Bubbles, The Hill, Blazing Fast Elites, The Great PNW shirt and yes . . . more DJs! Time to bring the show!

Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025

Start Time: 10:00 AM

Location: Spokane Falls Blvd Bridge by Gonzaga University

Distance: 4 miles

To REGISTER.