How Buildings Can Transform the Way We Learn with Katia Passerini, Gonzaga University

How Buildings Can Transform the Way We Learn with Katia Passerini, President of Gonzaga University

From Rome to Spokane, Katia Passerini’s journey has taken her across countries and universities before becoming Gonzaga University’s first female president.

Today, she’s focused on strengthening Gonzaga’s connections with the community, expanding opportunities for students and creating a campus that supports the way people learn, work and collaborate.

Katia and Matt explore how physical spaces can shape the learning experience, including Gonzaga’s Regional Health Partnership Building, where future doctors, nurses and dentists learn alongside one another. They also discuss how expanded simulation facilities have allowed Gonzaga to enroll 30 additional nursing students.

They also look at the importance of partnerships between universities and industry, Gonzaga’s plans for a more connected and sustainable campus, and how AI is changing what students need to learn.

What you’ll learn:

• How Gonzaga’s Regional Health Partnership Building brings future healthcare professionals together to learn and collaborate

• The impact of expanded simulation facilities on nursing enrollment

• Katia’s perspective on how physical spaces shape behavior, collaboration and learning

• The Gateway Scholars program’s role in connecting students with careers through mentorship and paid internships

• Gonzaga’s plans to create a more connected and sustainable campus

• The ways AI is reshaping teaching, critical thinking and student assessments

“When you create the right space, you create opportunities to change behavior.”
– Katia Passerini on how thoughtfully designed spaces can shape the way people learn, interact and collaborate.

Watch the full conversation above or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Learn More

Gonzaga University: Website | LinkedIn | Katia Passerini on LinkedIn

Follow Building What Matters

Building What Matters is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the McKinstry YouTube channel. Follow or subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.

Return to the Building What Matters Podcast homepage.