Anniversary Activities & Events (All events open to the public unless otherwise noted)
125th Mass of Holy Spirit September 12, 2012 Held at St. Aloysius, this annual mass marks the beginning of the academic year. GU Campus, 1890
Pilgrimage September 15, 2012 Outdoor spiritual journey along an 11-mile route in North Idaho. Open to students, faculty, staff and alumni.
Transition and Transformation: 125 years in 125 Items Opens September 17, 2012 An exhibition showcasing items from Gonzaga’s history. This year marks the 44th Pilgrimage, a retreat to reflect on Gonzaga’s heritage of faith and justice.
Constitution Day Lecture September 17, 2012 Dr. Blaine Garvin speaks in recognition of the 225th anniversary of the constitution.
College Hall, 2012
Law Centennial Speaker Scott Turow September 20, 2012
Celebrate 125 years with us The 2012-13 academic year marks the 125th anniversary of Gonzaga University and the School of Law Centennial. The celebration, themed ”Traditon and Transformation,” kicked off with Commencement in May 2012 and continues through May 2013.
Generations of civic leaders, educators, business owners, engineers, scientists, attorneys and community members have earned degrees at Gonzaga. And the people of Spokane have been among Gonzaga’s greatest and longest-standing supporters.
Gonzaga and Spokane have grown up together and it is a privilege to welcome the community to celebrate this milestone with us.
Transformation
Tradition 1881 was a pivotal year for both Gonzaga and Spokane. With $936 in silver dollars, Father Joseph Cataldo, S.J., purchased a 320 acre tract of land that would become the home of Gonzaga University. Although small in stature and in chronic poor health, Fr. Cataldo possessed that fighting Bulldog spirit Gonzaga is known for; dedicating his life to missionary work and growing the University. That same year, Spokan Falls (what we now know just as “Spokane”) was incorporated as a city – of about 1,000 residents. Six years later, Gonzaga College officially opened its doors. On the first day in 1887 there were seven students and by the end of the year enrollment grew to 19. The student body continued to grow over the next few years, prompting growth in campus buildings as well.
Acclaimed author Scott Turow kicks off the School of Law’s Centennial celebrations.
Who knew?
Today, Gonzaga University is a nationally known, private, four-year university encompassing more than 130 picturesque acres in the heart of Spokane. Gonzaga students annually provide up to 100,000 hours of community service and the University is Spokane’s fifth largest non-governmental employer. Gonzaga and Spokane continue to grow in positive ways. Our commitment began – and continues – right here, in the community we have always been a part of. We look forward to what the next 125 years holds for the entire region. We invite you to join us at special events on campus and around the country through the year. And be sure to look for this special feature each month in the Inlander.
Zagapalooza All-Class Reunion October 19-21, 2012 All alumni are invited to attend this all-out, all-class reunion weekend. Register at gonzaga.edu/zagapalooza.
Join the celebration at When Gonzaga opened its doors, the first class was made up of male students aged 10 to 17. Now most students are between the ages 17 and 22.
From 1948 to 1968, freshman students were required to wear beanies during the first few months of the school year.
gonzaga.edu/125
40 percent of Gonzaga’s students participate in some type of study abroad program such as Zags in Zambia.
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2012
Fr. Cataldo founds Gonzaga College
Gonzaga becomes a university and adds the School of Law
Bing Crosby receives an Honorary Degree
GU’s boxing team named co-National Collegiate Boxing Champion
GU builds five dorms in one year
Gonzaga’s Mascot, Spike makes his first appearance
Gonzaga celebrates its 125th anniversary