Loyal Alumnus Stu Long '60 Passes Away

Dear Friends of Gonzaga,

I'm deeply saddened to share the news of the death of Stuart Long '60, after a long and hard-fought illness.

Stu's death marks the end of an era for Gonzaga.  He was an iconic part of the fabric of Eye Street in ways that few other individuals have been. He wore countless hats over the decades—among them Member of the Board of Trustees, Alumni Association President, St. Aloysius Medal Recipient, Alumni Association Man of the Year, and many others. But truthfully, none of them fully capture the essence of the man or how much of himself he gave to Gonzaga.

Stu was a trusted confidant to me as President, just as he was to Fr. Lingan, Fr. Novotny, and Fr. Dooley before me. He was a driving force behind the Eye Street renewal project, just as he was on numerous campus improvements both big and small over the past 50 years. He was the organizer of the Alumni Smoker for decades, helping countless alumni stay connected to Gonzaga and each other. 

He rallied support for everything from the construction of the Carmody Center to the restoration of St. Aloysius Church.  And perhaps most importantly, he was an influential advocate for keeping Gonzaga here on Eye Street when times were tough and the easier decision would have been to leave our location in the heart of D.C.

He was, in short, someone you turned to when you needed to get something done.  When we dedicated the newly renovated Buchanan Field, Eye Street, and parking garage at Gonzaga less than two years ago, I only half-jokingly referenced the fact that it was Stu's friends "in high and low places" that helped make sure the project was approved and completed on time and within budget.

That line captured something that made Stu unique. He was the consummate everyman—as close and comfortable with politicians and decision-makers as he was with the busboy or bartender at the Hawk & Dove or one of his other establishments around town. He was genuine with everyone he met, and he collected friends from every walk of life.  And time and time again, he relied on those friendships and relationships for the betterment of Gonzaga. 

On this page, we've pulled together some remembrances and tributes to Stu: a story that ran in the Good News when the Alumni Association roasted Stu, the roast program, his St. Aloysius medal citationthe remarks that were read during the dedication ceremony for the Stu Long '60 gate, several photos, and a short video, below. Taken together, they serve to remind us of how much Stu loved Gonzaga, and how much of his heart and soul were poured into this place. He will be missed.

Sincerely,
 
Fr. Stephen W. Planning, SJ
President

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