Exploring the Historical Landscape of Spokane’s Colleges
Spokane is not just known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant community events; it's also home to a rich educational landscape. The city's colleges and universities offer a diverse range of programs and opportunities for students. Let's take a journey through the history of higher education in Spokane and explore the unique characteristics of each institution.
Gonzaga University: A Legacy of Jesuit Education
Founded in 1887 by Father Joseph Cataldo, Gonzaga University is one of Spokane's most prestigious institutions. This private, Roman Catholic university was named after Saint Aloysius Gonzaga and is known for its commitment to Jesuit education principles, which emphasize intellectual rigor, ethical development, and service to others.
Gonzaga's campus, situated along the Spokane River, offers a picturesque setting for its students. The university is renowned for its strong programs in law, business, engineering, and education. Gonzaga's men's basketball team has also garnered national attention, enhancing the university's profile and fostering a spirited community.
Whitworth University: A Commitment to Christian Values
Founded in 1890, Whitworth University is a private Christian liberal arts college that prides itself on integrating faith and learning. Located in the north Spokane suburb of Mead, Whitworth's beautiful campus is characterized by its towering pines and welcoming atmosphere.
Whitworth is dedicated to providing a holistic education that prepares students for both professional success and meaningful lives of service. The university offers a wide array of programs, including strong liberal arts majors, pre-professional tracks, and graduate degrees in education and business.
Eastern Washington University: Empowering Students in Cheney and Beyond
Eastern Washington University (EWU), established in 1882 as the Benjamin P. Cheney Academy, is a public university located in Cheney, just 17 miles southwest of Spokane. EWU's mission is to expand opportunities for personal transformation through excellence in learning.
The university offers a broad spectrum of
undergraduate and graduate programs, with particularly strong offerings in health sciences, business, and education. EWU's proximity to Spokane allows students to benefit from the cultural and professional opportunities available in the city while enjoying the close-knit community feel of Cheney.
Community Colleges of Spokane: Accessible and Affordable Education
Established in 1963, Community Colleges of Spokane encompasses two main campuses: Spokane Community College in east Spokane is known for its strong emphasis on workforce development, and Spokane Falls Community College with its vibrant arts programs and beautiful performing arts facilities.
A Growing Legacy of Learning
From the historic halls of Gonzaga and Whitworth to the practical programs at the Community Colleges of Spokane, each institution contributes to the rich educational tapestry of Spokane. Whether students seek a traditional campus experience, the flexibility of online learning, or specialized vocational training, Spokane's colleges and universities offer pathways to success and lifelong learning.
Low-Cost Ways to Boost Fall Curb Appeal
MICHEL SMITH
Ahthe power of an inviting outdoor facade! If you’re selling your home, it’s important to set the right tone outside so shoppers know to expect a fantastic interior. But it’s also just fun to enjoy the warm fall fuzzies when pulling in your own driveway. Here are some fall curb appeal ideas that are easy to pull off – and best yet, won’t break the bank.
Visit the Pumpkin Patch
Head to the nearest pumpkin patch and choose your favorites! You can flank your doorway with a few or get creative arranging clusters of pumpkins and gourds in various shapes, sizes and colors. You can dress up the display and add height by mixing in hay bales, crates or decorative baskets. For more bursts of fall color, you can also add gourds to other landscape areas such as gateways and gardens.
Plant Autumn Flowers
Mums, pansies and asters are excellent choices for fall. They can be planted in the front areas of plant beds for instant fall interest. You can also display them in pots or window boxes to add vibrant touches. While technically not flowers, other striking options include ornamental kale and cabbage.
Add Hardy Grasses
Along with annual plants, fall is a great time to incorporate switchgrass, fountain grass or blue fescue into your landscaping. These additions introduce texture and movement to your garden and can withstand cooler temperatures.
Highlight the Front Door
With cooler temperatures, fall is an ideal time to give your front door a fresh coat of paint. Choose a bold color to make a statement. Create a warm
welcome by hanging a seasonal wreath made of natural materials like berries and twigs, along with touches of autumn foliage. You can also swap out your summer doormat for one with a fall theme or greeting.
Illuminate Your Landscape
Fall brings shorter daylight hours, so why not brighten up your landscape and highlight your home’s best features. Guests will appreciate the glowing welcome! Use spotlights to accentuate specific areas, such as driveways or large trees. Solar stakes are a good way to illuminate a walkway and come in a variety of styles and price ranges. As a bonus: Landscape lighting enhances security.
Welcome fall with open arms and enjoy the year’s most colorful season. Try one or all of these affordable ways to make the most of autumn and showcase your home.
NOTES
Pan-seared shrimp with garden-fresh herbs, lemon, black pepper, and plenty of butter...tossed with linguine pasta and zucchini. Best for when you're in need of a quick 30-minute dinner, but also need to impress your guests with something delicious.
Garden Herb Shrimp Scampi Linguine
INGREDIENTS
• 1 pound dried linguini pasta
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 2 small zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
INSTRUCTIONS
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ cup dry white wine,
• zest and juice of 1 lemon
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, remove 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain.
2. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. When the oil shimmers, add the shrimp and sear on both sides until pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet.
3. To the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, the zucchini, and the shallots. Season with salt and pepper and cook 5 minutes. Add the butter, garlic, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Pour in the wine, lemon zest, and juice, and bring to a simmer. Add the shrimp and pasta, tossing to combine. If needed, thin the sauce with a little of the pasta cooking water. Remove the pasta from the heat and stir in the parsley and chives. Divide the pasta between plates. Top with fresh herbs. Enjoy!
HOME TRENDS: COZY UP YOUR HOME WITH THESE INTERIOR
DESIGN TRENDS FOR FALL
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to transform your home into a warm and inviting retreat. Fall is all about creating cozy spaces that encourage relaxation and comfort. Here are some of the top interior design trends for fall to help you cozy up your home.
Embrace Warm, Earthy Tones
This fall, the color palette is all about warmth.
Think deep oranges, rich browns, and muted greens that mimic the changing leaves. These earthy tones can be incorporated through accent walls, throw pillows, blankets, or even statement furniture pieces. These colors not only evoke the season but also create a comforting atmosphere.
Layer Textures for Added Warmth
Texture plays a key role in making a space feel
cozy. This season, layering different materials—such as chunky knit blankets, velvet cushions, and faux fur throws—can add depth and warmth to any room. Consider adding a soft area rug to hard floors or draping a plush blanket over the back of your sofa for an extra touch of comfort.
Create Cozy Nooks
Fall is the perfect time to carve out small, intimate spaces for relaxation. Whether it’s a reading nook by the window or a corner filled with cushions and blankets, these cozy spots invite you to unwind with a book or a warm cup of tea. Adding personal touches like family photos or cherished books makes these spaces even more special.
By incorporating these interior design trends, you can transform your home into a cozy sanctuary that’s perfect for enjoying the fall season. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply relaxing with loved ones, a warm and inviting space will make this autumn one to remember.
$676,818 1,305 1,432 17 83 $424,995
$521,000 500 296 3,797 2,159
Market Insights
Spokane Countyexperienced a slight increase in the average sale price, which rose to $461,555, marking a 1.3% increase compared to August 2023. The median sales price also saw a small increase of 0.9%, settling at $424,995. The current inventory rose to 1,305 listings, an increase of 19.4% from the previous year. This represents a 2.6-month supply, an increase from August 2024, still indicating a seller's market. Residential closed sales fell by 14.4%, totaling 500 transactions. Additionally, the median days on the market increased slightly to 17 days. Annual residential sales also saw a slight decline, down 1.3%, totaling 3,797 sales.
In contrast, Kootenai Countyshowed weaker price performance, with the average sale price decreasing to $676,818, reflecting a 6.4% decrease from the previous year. The median sales price experienced a modest decrease of 5.3%, reaching $521,000. Inventory in the area increased by 10.4% to 1,432 listings. Residential closed sales also saw an increase of 1.0%, with 296 transactions recorded. The median days on the market extended to 83 days. On a positive note, annual residential sales in Kootenai County rose by 5.9%, totaling 2,159 transactions. As interest rates continue to fluctuate and the market anticipates a busy end of summer, it's crucial to