Gonzaga University is a private, Roman Catholic university located in Spokane, Washington. Founded in 1887 by Jesuit priest Joseph Cataldo, the university is named after Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, an Italian Jesuit and patron saint of young students. Gonzaga University is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum, commitment to social justice, and vibrant campus life.
Academics:
Gonzaga offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its seven colleges and schools:
1. College of Arts and Sciences
2. School of Business Administration
3. School of Education
4. School of Engineering and Applied Science
5. School of Law
6. School of Nursing and Human Physiology
7. School of Leadership Studies
The university offers various majors and minors in fields such as business administration, biology, chemistry, engineering, history, English, psychology, and more. Gonzaga emphasizes small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty, fostering an environment that supports academic growth and collaboration.
Campus:
Gonzaga's campus, spread over 152 acres, is located along the Spokane River and features a mix of historic and modern architecture. The campus offers state-of-the-art facilities for academics, athletics, and student life. The university's library, the Foley Center, is a key resource for students, providing access to a wide range of materials and services.
Athletics:
The university's athletic teams, known as the Gonzaga Bulldogs or "Zags," compete in NCAA Division I and are members of the West Coast Conference. Gonzaga offers a variety of varsity sports, including basketball, soccer, baseball, and more. The men's basketball team, in particular, has gained national prominence in recent years, consistently performing well in the NCAA tournament. The school's colors are navy blue, white, and red.
Traditions:
Gonzaga University has several traditions that foster a sense of community and pride among students, faculty, and alumni. Some notable traditions include:
1. Orientation Weekend: A series of events designed to welcome new students to the campus and introduce them to the Gonzaga community.
2. Kraziness in the Kennel: An annual event marking the beginning of the basketball season, featuring scrimmages, entertainment, and fan involvement.
3. Zagapalooza: A weekend of activities for alumni, students, and families to reconnect and celebrate their connection to the university.
4. Senior Ball: A formal dance held annually for graduating seniors to celebrate their time at Gonzaga.
Admissions:
Gonzaga University has a holistic admissions process, considering factors such as academic performance, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), extracurricular involvement, recommendations, and personal essays. The university offers an Early Action program for students who wish to receive an earlier decision on their application, as well as a Regular Decision option. In recent years, Gonzaga has adopted a test-optional policy, meaning that standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are not required for admission.
