Gonzaga University (GU)

Gonzaga University, founded in 1887, is an independent, comprehensive university with a distinguished background in the Catholic, Jesuit, and humanistic tradition. Gonzaga emphasizes the moral and ethical implications of learning, living, and working in today's global society. Through the University Core Curriculum, each student develops a strong liberal arts foundation, which many alumni cite as a most valuable asset. In addition, students specialize in any of more than 75 academic programs and majors. Gonzaga enrolls approximately 5,300 undergraduates and 2,500 graduate and law students.

Gonzaga's 152-acre campus combines the old and new: College Hall, the original administration building, and DeSmet Residence Hall with the modern architectural structures of the John J. Hemmingson Center, Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center, Hughes Life Sciences Building, Jundt Art Center and Museum, and Integrated Science & Engineering facility (opening in the fall of 2021). The campus is characterized by sprawling green lawns and majestic evergreen trees. Towering above the campus are the stately spires of St. Aloysius Church, the well-recognized landmark featured in the University logo.

Gonzaga encompasses five undergraduate schools: Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Education, Engineering and Applied Science, and Nursing and Human Physiology. The University offers the BA, BBA, BEd, BS, BSCE, BSCpE, BSCS, BSEE, BSEM, BSME, and BSN degrees.

Gonzaga offers several unique options for students. The Honors Program provides a rigorous liberal arts curriculum for intellectually curious students who thrive in a competitive academic environment. Business leaders mentor the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program students, and internships are an integral part of the program. The award-winning Career & Professional Development Center connects current students and recent graduates with alumni in their professional areas of interest via the ZagConnect platform and Career Trek excursions to various cities. Students in the Comprehensive Leadership Program earn a leadership studies minor that may be combined with any major, and they participate in valuable, interactive leadership experiences. The Army ROTC unit prepares select women and men as leaders in service of their communities and their country. Gonzaga's nationally ranked debate team includes all skill levels. The Mock Trial Team competes nationally and involves students majoring in many different areas of study. Internships, research with faculty, and community service learning enhance class time while providing students first-hand experience.

GU students enjoy a wide variety of activities on and off campus. The Gonzaga Student Body Association (GSBA) oversees over one hundred academic, social, and cultural clubs and provides the structure of student government. Some of the most popular clubs include the Outdoors Club, THIRST (a non-denominational worship group), the Kennel Club (student cheering section for basketball games), GUTS (an improvisational comedy team), and the Hawaii Pacific Islanders Club. GSBA organizes service and conservation projects, dances, and countless other activities to channel and challenge the talents and passions of motivated men and women who seek to make a difference.

As the leading provider of service hours in the entire city of Spokane, Gonzaga University encourages students to engage with the community at any of the area nonprofit organizations. Mission & Ministry, the Gonzaga Student Body Association, Unity Multicultural Education Center, Lincoln LGBTQ+ Center, and the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) provide organized projects through which students become involved in the greater Spokane community and other cities.

Division I, West Coast Conference sports include baseball (men), basketball, crew, cross-country/track, golf, soccer, tennis, and volleyball (women). Approximately 60% of students participate in intramural and club sports such as ultimate frisbee and rugby. The Harry & Colleen Magnuson Theatre and the Myrtle Woldson Center for Performing Arts host main-stage plays (including musicals), dance recitals, GUTS, sketch comedy, numerous one-acts and student directed scenes as well as professional musical, theatrical, and dance performances and clinics. Gonzaga's musical groups include a nationally recognized University Choir, a Chorale, the GU Symphony, the Jazz Ensemble, the Gonzaga Bulldog Band, The Big Bing Theory-an a cappella group, and numerous other ensembles. GU's students also host programs on Gonzaga's TV and radio stations. Additionally, many students participate in Mission & Ministry events such as retreats, the annual Pilgrimage hike, THIRST, Masses, Christian Life Communities, and interdenominational and/or interfaith services.

The student body at Gonzaga prides itself on its friendliness. "I have felt welcomed and like I can be myself without judgment," says one student. "I never feel like I have to work to 'fit in' because everyone is accepting of one another." On campus, there's a saying, "Zags help Zags," which "every student here takes...to heart in their everyday actions and behaviors." As one undergrad notes, "You really get the feeling everyone around you is looking out for you." Students "apply themselves wholeheartedly to everything that they do" and "are generally respectful and curious." They are also "open to discussion and sharing their honest beliefs and questions." Although GU "could stand to improve upon its diversity initiatives," it "still contains a large number of different viewpoints and ideologies." These ideologies often align with the school's Jesuit background, with an emphasis on "caring for not only their community, but the larger world." Although historically associated with Catholicism, "the Jesuit mission is not super religious itself," and students of other religions "do not feel unwelcome or uncomfortable." Ultimately, undergrads are united by their desire "to do something to help the world." Truly, "It's an engaging community to be a part of."

At GU, students have no shortage of clubs, activities, and events to fill their time. "During the week students are dedicated to their school work, and on weekends they carve out time to party and gather with friends." A "basketball-obsessed school," games "united the student body," and many students attend one "every chance they get." However, being a basketball fan is not necessarily a prerequisite. "I know a strong minority of students who have never been to a basketball game," one student explains.

"A lot of time outside of class is spent with friends in campus buildings like the Hemmingson student center." Other campus groups also do a good job planning events to keep students occupied. For example, "GU Outdoors plans and hosts many outdoor excursions every week," leading students in "activities like skiing and hiking that are available [in] nearby Spokane." Intramural sports are a favorite among students, with frisbee team and "spike ball [being] super popular." Many feel these are "not very serious" ways "to socialize and have fun with other students." There is no Greek system, so "there is no way to have hierarchical groups and cliques." Instead, most people turn to local community service groups. "There are numerous ways to volunteer," one student notes. "Gonzaga has a lot of volunteer-oriented clubs like Moment of Magic, Setons, and Campus Kids, and a ton of students sign up." A "very service-oriented school," Gonzaga instills "the value of service and caring for others in its students."