Gonzaga University Celebrates 125 Years

Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., is celebrating its 125^th anniversary this academic year.

The school’s first classes were held on September 17, 1887, and seven students attended. The Gonzaga Jesuit community of 17 outnumbered the students at first, but by the end of the year there were 20 students.

To commemorate the anniversary, Gonzaga will hold a celebration week in September, which will include the university’s annual pilgrimage. The pilgrimage retreat is 11 miles through Northern Idaho, ending at the historic Mission of the Sacred Heart in Cataldo, Idaho, where participants will join members of the Coeur d’ Alene Tribe, Gonzaga Jesuits and others for a celebration of the Eucharist.

The university’s art museum is celebrating with a fall exhibition that highlights the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola with 80 engravings based on work by Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640). These engravings, made in 1609 (the year Ignatius was beatified), were a gift from the Jesuit Community to Gonzaga University in 1985.

“These pictures can help form Ignatian-minded people in all their variety. Their audience is by no means confined to the breed of Jesuits as such, but includes millions of Ignatian-minded and hearted people, inspired by his story to live his dynamic in all kinds and variety of life,” said Jesuit Father Billy Hewett.

Learn more about the anniversary celebration and the art exhibit.