GU Included in Selective ‘Fiske Guide to Colleges’ for first time

Gonzaga students with foam finger and zag gear outside of Hemmingson building.
July 24, 2013

Gonzaga News Service 

SPOKANE, Wash. — For the first time, Gonzaga University is among 336 U.S., Canadian and British colleges featured in the “Fiske Guide to Colleges” (revised and updated for 2014). Compiled by Edward B. Fiske, former education editor for The New York Times, the publication has become known for capturing the highlights and character of schools for 30 years.

“Fiske Guide to Colleges” for 2014 (ISBN: 9781402260643; JULY 2013; $23.99 U.S.; College Guide/Reference; Trade Paper) bills itself as a selective, subjective, and systematic look at the “best and most interesting” schools.

The publication highlights Gonzaga’s commitment to:

  • Community Service: “The culture of Gonzaga places strong emphasis on issues of social justice and service”;
  • Academics: “Students graduate from Gonzaga knowing about so much more than just their majors because of the core”;
  • Study Abroad Programs: “The centerpiece program for study abroad is Gonzaga-in-Florence, which offers students of any major, including engineering, the opportunity to study on Gonzaga’s campus in Florence, Italy”;
  • University Ministry: “The Freshman Retreat offers incoming students the chance to escape for a weekend and bond with classmates”; and
  • Athletic Programs: “School spirit is a big deal at Gonzaga — mainly when it comes to sports.”

The publication also gives Gonzaga high marks for its strong sense of community:

“Basketball may inspire the most vocal outpourings of school spirit at Gonzaga, but students say that the religious and humanistic values to which the university has long been committed run deep,” notes the Guide. “‘Community is a word tossed around quite frequently at all colleges campuses,’ says a psych major, ‘but at GU community is almost a belief…. We accept our differences, embrace the things that make us different, and learn from each other. I think this sense of community is what sets GU apart.’ ”