Retirement Tribute · Gonzaga SBA · Spring 2026
The Rock · The Gardener · The Artist · The Guide
Who They Are
Her office was a jungle. Her care grew things — plants and people alike.
Steady, reliable, essential. The SBA ran because Maureen made it run.
In London, at a museum, she revealed an artist within — still blooming.
Patient with late receipts. Generous with her time. Kind in every interaction.
Stories & Memories
Maureen had big shoes to fill when Terry retired. Instead of trying to be like her, I really appreciated that Maureen made the job hers by bringing her unique gifts and experiences to the work.
Maureen was a candidate for the position in the SBA for Assistant to the Dean. After 4 - 5 interviews Terry Coombes and I did a post review of the candidates. Terry was adamant and so right when she told me that if you hire Maureen she will bring positive leadership to her employment. Terry, you were right.
Maureen was so understanding about my late receipts... If I were Maureen, I would have tazed me!
Maureen and AJ were the dream team - I always picture the two of you going out for walks together at lunch time or the early afternoon.
Maureen, during our trip to London, we visited an art museum together, and I came to see the artist within you. I hope that part of you continues to grow and one day fully blossoms in your retirement.
My daughter Beth went through a phase where she really loved plants, especially succulents. Maureen always has a jungle going in her office (and in the lounge!) so I mentioned that to her, and she brought in a bunch of sweet little green things for Beth to nurture. Beth is off to college now, but I'm still taking care of the survivors! I think of Maureen every time I do.
Maureen taught me so much when I took over Beta Alpha Psi and how to handle concur and expense reports. She's always so gracious and kind. I appreciate her patience.
Maureen helped me propagate a piece of her Christmas cactus. It is now thriving and big, and flowers every winter :) I will always have a gift from her growing in my house.
Voices
The Gardener
Wishing you a great life ahead Maureen. Keep in touch. Thank you for everything. Ashish
The Rock
Maureen,
Wishing you a wonderful retirement filled with more created memories to last a lifetime. May you bring that warm smile and joyous heart shared with everyone. Although we've not known each other long, I admire your still, warm presence that fills others with positivity and love.
Blessings to you.
The Artist
Maureen, I will miss your cheerful presence in the SBA! I wish you much happiness in this next chapter of your life. :)
The Grace
Wishing you all the best in this next chapter of your life!
The Guide
Maureen, among all the success and failure, agree and disagree, work and play, jubilation and disappointment, joy and sadness you were always there with that sharp wit, and funny one liners that won the day.
The Partner
I wish you a retirement filled with happiness and good health!
The Foundation
It has been an absolute blast being under your wing for this past year (+). You are a wealth of knowledge and have been so good at passing it along to me. I will miss your funny stories and the laughter we share on a daily basis. Not to mention our coffee talk! Enjoy your retirement - you deserve the best!
The Warmth
I am so grateful for your coordination of the multi-disciplinary projects and managing relationships with our SBA partners. It made a difference to be invited, to get to know our broader SBA community, and contribute to the SBA in a really interesting way. We will miss you!
The Nurturer
Can't believe you are leaving....this place just won't be the same without you. You are leaving big shoes to fill.
-Sara
The Steady
Maureen, thank you for being an incredible partner in community services and a truly dear friend. I will miss you so much and hope we can stay in touch. I would love to keep hearing your wonderful stories.
The Welcome
Thank you for all your efforts over the years!! You have been so amazing and helpful to me throughout my entire career at Gonzaga. You will be missed!
The Joy
Dear Maureen,
I am SO happy for you! How wonderful to have the well-earned opportunity to start the next set of adventures! I'm sure you'll manage to find some interesting ones or the universe will deliver them to you (or both)! Life is like that, it seems!
We will all miss your sweet smile, your spunky spirit, your sense of style, and most of all, your fierce commitment to this place and to its people. I have felt your love and care always, even when we were trying to tackle a complicated or annoying issue. Being able to hold another person in tension and tenderness simultaneously is not easy, and I've been learning that from you. What a gift!
Thank you for everything!!! I wish you joy, peace, and only good surprises in all the days ahead!
Love,
Peggy Sue
The Conversation
Congratulations on your retirement! May your calendar be empty, your coffee be slow, and your adventures be many.
The Bloom
Thank you very much, Maureen. Best wishes for your retirement. Yelin
The Presence
Thank you Maureen for your support and caring "how are you doing" check-ins. I'll miss our spontaneous chats in the faculty lounge on all subjects both personal and professional. Enjoy your retirement! I'm sure you will fill your days with fun projects and opportunities to be with friends and family. We will miss you!
The Key
Maureen, you are full of life. :)
The Care
Maureen- you've been so kind and patient with me over the years as I've learned concur and became the BAP advisor. Thank you for all you've done for me personally. You will be missed!
The Sunshine
Thanks for helping me navigate the whole process. Even when we couldn't figure out what exactly HR wanted from us. Enjoy your next adventures!
The Gem
Thank you for always having my back. I appreciate all the support. May your retirement be everything you've dreamed of and more! We will miss you <3
The Heart
Maureen, You've been such a steady, welcoming presence in the SBA, which means more than I can easily put into words. Getting to work alongside you over the years and seeing you show up with such openness and genuine heart during our Truly Human Leadership cohort has been a gift. It's hard to imagine the SBA without you. Best wishes for your next adventure!
The Kindness
Congratulations on your retirement!
The Anchor
Maureen thank you for all you've done for me and being the most encouraging and supportive boss I've ever had. We will miss your presence in the office so much. I hope you enjoy retirement and are able to make time for all your creative endeavors.
The Change
Congratulations on your retirement! Thank you so much for your support when I was starting out. Wishing you a wonderful and fulfilling next chapter.
The Legacy
You have been such a wonderful and helpful colleague. You always have a great smile on your face. I’ll miss seeing you around!
The Spirit
Congratulations on your retirement, Maureen! 🎊 Thank you for being such a helpful and supportive colleague. I’m grateful for all the guidance you gave me to navigate different processes. I’m not sure what we’ll do without you! 😅 But I hope you have a great time in your new chapter. Happy retirement! 🥳 -Mariella
The Constant
Thank you so much for being our rock in the SBA and keeping things organized and moving forward. You will be greatly missed but also, we are very happy for you and the next chapter of your journey. Do not be a stranger.
From All of Us
Every Christmas cactus cutting she shared will flower again this winter. Every process she guided someone through made them a little more capable. The garden she tended — of plants and people — keeps growing.
Gonzaga University · School of Business Administration · Spring 2026