Jesuit Presence at Gonzaga University

 

Walking around campus on a warm Saturday afternoon, a group of students played volleyball on the lush green lawn, golfers practiced chipping while smoking cigars, and a puppy stopped for some attention from passing students.  The serenity of campus life is embodied in the spiritual setting from waterfalls and fountains, to the chapel and Gonzaga Grotto. 

                    

From the Jesuit house to the chapel and even the crucifix in each classroom, the Jesuit Education embodies the Gonzaga population.  The term “human excellence” is best to describe the Jesuit Education, to the fullest possible development of all human qualities. Giving learners the opportunity of the ongoing development of their imagination, feelings, conscience and intellect, and to encourage and help them recognize new experiences as opportunities to further growth is apart of the Jesuit education. Learners see service to others as more self-fulfilling than personal success or prosperity.

The Jesuit tradition is the core of the campus.  As the population continues to grow on campus, the Jesuit Community at Gonzaga University continues the devotion of Gonzaga's founding Jesuits, members of the Society of Jesus, who from the start in 1887 offered higher education within the faith tradition of the Catholic Church and the ideals of St. Ignatius of Loyola to all those enrolled at Gonzaga. 


 


That dedication to education traces its beginning back to the first Jesuit college which St. Ignatius himself established in Messina, Sicily, in 1548.The Jesuit Community works with the University and the Catholic Church to bring the reign of Christ in justice, love, and peace to our world.



"Rooted in a centuries-old Jesuit educational tradition, we seek to prepare generations of faith-filled and ethical leaders whose actions reflect a commitment to service, justice, and promotion of the common good." - Thayne M. McCulloh, Ph.D., President