Renovating the Jesuit structure

Gonzaga University is named in honor of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, a famous Jesuit who died as a result of his work with plague victims in Italy at age 23. The emphasis Gonzaga places on its Jesuit tradition isn't hard to find — a brief look at Gonzaga University's homepage quickly reveals the importance the university places on its Jesuit and Catholic identity. The webpage prominently displays the two spires of St. Aloysius Church and the words "Our Jesuit, Catholic, Humanistic Tradition." But what is it that we truly value here at Gonzaga University?          

What we really value is evident through our actions. As far as we can tell, the amount of time that is put into preparing for men's basketball games by students, Kennel Club and GSBA provides significant evidence that we, as a student body, value basketball more than anything else at this university. Nothing on campus comes close to the structure implemented to support students' desire for a high performing student section for basketball games. Waiting in line for tickets, tenting out for good seats and carefully planned out cheers constitute what is arguably the most effectively planned and executed extracurricular activity at this school.

There is nothing wrong with the fact that what students value the most is the performance of our men's basketball team. There is no reason that students should be required to value anything in particular, but it is important to look at what we as a community claim as the central values of this university. Administration, promotional materials and a significant portion of the student body is quick to point to Gonzaga's Jesuit identity as a core value of the university.

But what exactly does this Jesuit identity consist of and how is it implemented on a daily basis?

We weren't really sure, so in an attempt to gain some insight into the matter, we conducted a brief survey asking the question "In what ways do you see Gonzaga's Jesuit tradition implemented around campus?" Judging from the responses, Gonzaga implements its Jesuit tradition by forming men and women for others, emphasizing cura personalis, committing to excellence in education and promoting acceptance.

Emphasizing a commitment to addressing social justice issues, excelling in academics, promoting acceptance and educating the whole person are undoubtedly Jesuit and Catholic ideals. But are there any private or public schools in the nation that do not embrace these ideals? Can you imagine the University of Washington's president coming out and saying that they don't care whether their students address social justice issues, excel in academics or become wholly educated individuals or not? While there is no university president in his or her right mind who would deny the need for development of mind, body and spirit, there is no doubt that Gonzaga stresses cura personalis to a higher degree than other schools. Compared to most schools, the emphasis on growing into "men and women for others" is an undoubtedly stronger concern here.

This comes from a long history of a focused need and implementation of Catholic and Jesuit values. It was only 30 to 40 years ago that most of the major administrative positions were held by Jesuits. Following the departure of Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., and the modification of university bylaws to make it possible for a lay person to be president for the first time in Gonzaga's 124-year history, a look through the list of current administrators reveals that the title of the highest position occupied by a Jesuit is strikingly similar to the title held by Dwight K. Schrute in season one of "The Office." Fr. Del Skillingstad, S.J., currently occupies the position of ‘Executive Assistant to the Academic Vice President.'

It is excellent that Gonzaga continues to foster intellectual and moral growth in young adults today, but it is important to remember where that growth started. Since 1887, the Jesuit presence has been a requirement for the functioning of the school. Today, it is not difficult to imagine Gonzaga completely devoid of Jesuits. What would change at Gonzaga if there were no Jesuits here? We would have to hire a few more professors to pick up the slack in the classroom and maybe a few more RD-type figures in the dorms as well. Other than that, it is pretty easy to see Gonzaga without Jesuits.

What is the role of the Jesuits at this university? What does our "Jesuit identity" really entail and how do we actively promote it at Gonzaga in ways that differentiate us from other private and public universities by truly distinguishing us as a Jesuit institution? These are questions that aren't easily answered, but are worthwhile talking points and are vital in the direction that our beloved university takes in the future.

So, Zags, keep doing what you are doing. Keep volunteering, keep pursuing academic excellence, keep pushing for social justice. But do not forget where those values came from. Without a real commitment from students and faculty toward maintaining Jesuit and Catholic ideals, and a solid structure in place to ensure these ideals aren't compromised, we will lose what makes this university unique. Next time you think about the importance of a truly Jesuit education, don't just think about what makes Jesuit institutions better, but what makes them different.