Be Inspired.
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We took our cameras to the streets on a rainy June morning to discover just how much students, staff and even some faculty know about Gonzaga University. While the weather wasn’t clear, what was, is the pride Zag fans take great pride in keeping the Gonzaga spirit alive! Let’s start with the beginning. When was Gonzaga established? As one student teaches us, Gonzaga was actually established in 1887, before Washington state received was granted statehood in 1889.
Once Gonzaga University was established, a mission was born. 
Gonzaga’s extensive mission statement includes powerful phrases including “mind, body and spirit” and “develop the whole student”.
Gonzaga’s extensive mission statement includes powerful phrases including “mind, body and spirit” and “develop the whole student”.How many students are actually living this mission statement every day? The current student population is more than 7,600 students!
When we asked about the average GPA of an incoming Gonzaga freshman...one woman guessed 3.25… However, we’re pleased to report that our newest Zags actually have an average GPA of 3.66! Good thing this wasn’t a real test.
Now getting to the good stuff…how did Spike the Bulldog get his name? In 1921, a Gonzaga reporter remarked that the once existent football fought like “bulldogs”. For many years, the mascot was a live bulldog . In 1982, Gonzaga stopped using a live bulldog as the mascot, and one student attempted to create a new mascot called, Captain Zag. The Zags cried to get the bulldog dog back so Captain Zag retired and Spike was born in 1985. No one we talked to seems to know why his name is Spike but our best guess is because of his spiky collar.
When we asked about the average GPA of an incoming Gonzaga freshman...one woman guessed 3.25… However, we’re pleased to report that our newest Zags actually have an average GPA of 3.66! Good thing this wasn’t a real test.
Now getting to the good stuff…how did Spike the Bulldog get his name? In 1921, a Gonzaga reporter remarked that the once existent football fought like “bulldogs”. For many years, the mascot was a live bulldog . In 1982, Gonzaga stopped using a live bulldog as the mascot, and one student attempted to create a new mascot called, Captain Zag. The Zags cried to get the bulldog dog back so Captain Zag retired and Spike was born in 1985. No one we talked to seems to know why his name is Spike but our best guess is because of his spiky collar.Speaking of well known Gonzaga figures, we wanted to find out if students could name some famous alumni. Most commonly named were Bing Crosby and “that famous basketball player”. No – not Adam Morrison; Gonzaga’s “famous basketball player” is John Stockton, renowned point guard for the Utah Jazz. Other famous alumi include: Tony Canadeo, Thomas Foley, Christine Gregoire, Carl Maxey, and Carl Pohlad.
Just how large is the Gonzaga campus? One Crosby Center student employee guessed that there are 16-35 buildings on campus, and she was surprised to discover that there are more than 105 buildings on campus!
Just how large is the Gonzaga campus? One Crosby Center student employee guessed that there are 16-35 buildings on campus, and she was surprised to discover that there are more than 105 buildings on campus!
We know the mission of Gonzaga is detailed and descriptive, but the motto is short and sweet: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam. Say what? Translated, this means “For the greater glory of God”.
Gonzaga is a Jesuit University, but Roman Catholicism is not the only faith represented. We made a quick stop by the University Ministry to find out just how many faiths are represented on campus.The answer? 24!
Finally, we set out to settle the debate between Gon-zag-a (zag pronounced like "bag") versus Gon-zog-a (zog pronounced like "dog"). How do you pronounce it? The correct pronunciation is Gon-zag-a. Say it wrong and any Zag will be quick to correct you!
As our tour of campus came to and end, one thing about the Gonzaga campus was clear. The students are inspired.
