Students lack appreciation for Spokane

Spokane loves Gonzaga.  But Gonzaga students show little to no concern about the city that is practically built around our university. 

Our school prides itself on service learning and volunteer opportunities, but what are we really doing that gives thanks to Spokane, or shows that we have any desire to leave the Logan Neighborhood? 

There are things like "Alternative Spring Break," where students can opt out of their Vegas or Florida getaways to stay in Spokane and help rebuild homes and clean up streets.  Or "Adopt-a-Blocks" that are popular with clubs and organizations on campus. 

Service-learning courses are geared toward the needs of particular groups of people, such as the homeless, malnourished, or those without healthcare.  There is no question that if students are presented with a resume-building opportunity, they will get the job done.
But what about simple things such as respect for the Spokane community?  How many of our students know anything about the history of Spokane or how much it has come together in the last decade?  Probably few. 

In the last 10 years, developers have created the shopping and business area downtown that we see today, making it easy to understand why students from larger metropolitan areas see it as puny.  In reality, Spokane is one of the largest up and coming cities in the inland Northwest.   

All students are aware of the term "Spokie," but this derogatory name for people from Spokane is a misfit and not a good characterization of most people who call this place home. Personally, it took me until my junior year to recognize that Spokane wasn't all that bad of a place.   

There is such a variety of bars and restaurants, clubs, museums and coffee shops. Spokane prides itself on the uniqueness of its hotspots.  For example, Thomas Hammer is almost always busier than Starbucks. Rockwood Bakery has yet to introduce WiFi to the scene because it will take away from the true, old-fashioned bistro feel.

Spokane is an interesting city. It is second largest in Washington population wise but has a small-town feel.  The downtown area only spans about eight blocks, and Nordstrom is about as high class as it gets.  Aside from this, though, are numerous delicacies in the 50-something restaurants in downtown alone, and many of them give small discounts to Gonzaga students. 

It's time for students to start experiencing the things that Spokane has to offer.  Pig-Out-in-the-Park, magazine-release parties, clubs, bars, eateries and taco trucks galore.  Or, for those with little cashflow, Spokane's numerous parks make for easy spots of relaxation.  Manito Park, located on the South Hill, for example, has ponds, trails and a cactus garden.
Show the people of this city, who value a Gonzaga basketball game over winning the lottery, that we care about being part of the community - not only on campus, but off campus too.