I am eager to share with you a brief story about a remarkable Gonzaga student named Josh (pictured below). Josh is one of eight siblings who grew up together in a small Washington town. His parents are small business owners who just opened their own barber/beauty shop this past summer. I got to meet Josh because of the several families responsible for helping to make his time at Gonzaga possible (via the scholarships they established and/or the annual support they provide to the University).
It is incredible to hear how Josh is seizing every opportunity that exists at GU. He is looking at a double major, will pursue a double minor, is active in several campus clubs and activities that help steward the powerful sense of community that exists at GU, is working as a photographer (a hobby of his) for Gonzaga’s marketing/communications department, worked for the Bulletin student newspaper...the list goes on and on, and this is just his second semester here!
Josh has an absolute thirst for learning in all aspects of his life. He already has a path dialed in for the career he wishes to pursue after graduating from Gonzaga — he is on his way to becoming a valued and contributing member of his future profession and the community where he plans to live.
How did our paths cross? Josh learned that the University Advancement team helps facilitate the connections between supporters like you and the University and he wanted to express his gratitude — to both the UA team and the many people who are supporting him that he will likely never know. He was very clear and direct in his gratitude – he would not be at GU if not for the support he is receiving via several scholarships.
Josh is an outstanding individual who reinforces the powerful work that you are part of at Gonzaga. The wonderful thing is, there are thousands of Joshes here at GU.
Your steadfast commitment to Gonzaga and its family of students is the cornerstone upon which the transformative educational journey of many, including Josh, is built. Banding together in spirit and action, your voice carries far beyond a mere message; it resonates as a testament to the collective will and passion of Zag Nation. The power of your advocacy is a beacon of hope and a direct influence on the lives of young people who are determined to make a difference in the world, much like Josh.
Your impact is profound, your role is invaluable, and together, we are forging a legacy of excellence and service that will echo through the halls of Gonzaga for generations to come. Thank you for being a vital part of this journey, for believing in our shared mission, and for helping to sustain the remarkable environment that allows Zags like Josh to thrive.
