Gonzaga Blog
Why choose Gonzaga University?
Jesuit Values
As stated in the Gonzaga University Mission Statement, Gonzaga is committed to “intentionally develop the whole person -- intellectually, spiritually, culturally, physically, and emotionally”.
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This holistic approach of not simply focusing on academics and treating students as more than ‘just students’ is the main reason why I feel an education from Gonzaga is special. As someone who has spent nearly 30 years in a career in the corporate world, I know how important it is to have more than just “book learning”. A well-rounded, critical thinking, ethical employee is invaluable to a company.
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However, even though Gonzaga is rooted in their Jesuit values which permeates everything at the university, it is not an aggressive stance. Those values exist, they flow through the university, and are the foundation for everything at the university, and yet it still does not feel forced or brash. The values simply exist. And I feel this is much more impactful and students can pull on those values to the extent that is comfortable for them. That is just another way Gonzaga takes into account the whole person.
Gonzaga Student Life
Another way to see this holistic approach is to look at the area of student life. This quote is on the Student Life website – We endeavor to help students develop through the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis, which translates from Latin as "care and concern for the dignity of the whole person." Once again the GU student is more than simply a student and that is crystal clear by looking at the sheer amount of information available on the Student Life section of the GU website. The number of programs, groups, clubs, and organizations on campus is amazing. Gonzaga has more than 150 student initiated clubs and organizations; everything from the expected – such as intramural sports – to the unexpected – cultural-related clubs representing a large variety of cultures are active at Gonzaga. If a student has an interest, I’m sure there is a club or organization at Gonzaga for them!
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That approach of focusing not just on academics but on the whole person is a significant reason why an education from Gonzaga University is special.
Athletics
Let us not forgot about Athletics! Athletics is a huge part of Gonzaga University affecting both the ideal of valuing the whole person and as a part of student life. And though basketball - both men's and women's - receives most of the attention and news, there are many other competitive and successful sports at Gonzaga. Sports such as soccer, tennis, rowing, and cross country to name a few...
