Thayne McCulloh and Ana Mari Cauce receive University District's 2025 Impact Award

See this Gonzaga University article as well.

 

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Contact: Juliet Sinisterra, CEO, University District Development Association; (509) 255-8093, info@spokaneudistrict.org

Photo: Thayne McCulloh and Ana Mari Cauce at the UW-GU Health Partnership Building grand opening in 2022, photo courtesy Gonzaga University

THAYNE MCCULLOH AND ANA MARI CAUCE RECEIVE UNIVERSITY DISTRICT’S 2025 IMPACT AWARD

SPOKANE, Wash., December 4, 2025—Thayne McCulloh and Ana Mari Cauce—the recently retired presidents of Gonzaga University (GU) and the University of Washington (UW), respectively—were awarded the Spokane University District’s 2025 Impact Award for their leadership in establishing the UW-GU Health Partnership.

In 2016, the presidents formed an unprecedented partnership between the two institutions and took a crucial leap forward to enhance medical education and attract, grow, and retain the next generation of healthcare professionals in the Inland Northwest. By working together to leverage synergies and a shared legacy of delivering top-ranked, world-class education, the partners committed to broadening the array of medical and health-related education and to co-locating to a state-of-the-art facility that expands Spokane’s teaching and research capabilities and augments the region’s life sciences industry cluster.

“Thayne and Ana Mari launched and executed a plan that is transforming the medical education landscape and the health of Washingtonians. Their alliance—along with vital partners McKinstry and Emerald Initiative—created a dynamic hub and new home for students, faculty, researchers, and professionals,” says Scott Morris, retired CEO of Avista Corp and GU emeritus board member. “Their vision has become a multiplier for good as the UW-GU program deputizes future generations of doctors and other healthcare providers to serve patients, advance health solutions, and provide access to affordable, quality care, especially in rural communities across eastern Washington.”

McKinstry CEO Dean Allen notes, “Very early on, Thayne and Ana Mari articulated a clear and inspiring plan for expanding medical education in Spokane. Their roadmap to create a joint UW-GU endeavor provided the pathway for amplified investment in Spokane’s health sciences ecosystem, which ultimately benefits the patients and communities in Washington who need it most.”

Since launching the partnership, Spokane has emerged as a top choice for medical, physician assistant, dental, human physiology, and public health students. Approximately 600 medical and 300 MEDEX Northwest physician assistant students have completed their studies. Students report enjoying being part of Gonzaga’s campus community, and the UW School of Medicine continues to attract more applicants than ever before.

University District board chair Katy Sheehan reflects, “Given the ongoing health disparities in our communities and the predicted shortage of medical providers, we all benefit from the UW-GU Health Partnership. Our board of directors is honored to recognize Ana Mari and Thayne for their decades-long efforts to build a program to reverse those trends and give students more opportunities to pursue a variety of medical education offerings locally.”

Launched in 2017, the University District Impact Award honors those who serve by example, lead and collaborate selflessly, spark transformation and social change, and are genuinely invested in the well-being of the UD community. Previous Impact Award recipients include Dave and Mari Clack (2017), Kim Pearman-Gillman (2019), Dean Allen (2020), Jim Sheehan (2021), Kim Zentz (2022), Rich Hadley posthumously (2023), and Scott Morris (2024).

###

ABOUT THE UW-GU HEALTH PARTNERSHIP: The University of Washington School of Medicine and Gonzaga University formed a Health Partnership in 2016 with a vision to improve health and prosperity throughout eastern Washington by transforming medical education, research, and innovation. The combined strengths of each institution—deep community roots and world-class health and medical education—and the vast network of students, faculty, and health care professionals are creating an impact by preparing the next generation of health care professionals to advance discovery and develop new ways to care for patients.  

 

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY DISTRICT: The University District is where business and education grow together to create a collaborative, healthy, and prosperous region. The University District uses its unique connectivity to create shared community wellness, equity, environmental health, and vibrancy by developing the infrastructure and programming that enable a globally recognized hub of education, innovation, research, and health care.